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A review by bookaroundandfindout
Shift by Hugh Howey
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
WOW. I am literally stunned speechless.
In "Wool," we witnessed the Silo world unravel as secrets were revealed about what the silo is and what the outside world looks like. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity lives in a giant underground silo, and stepping outside is a death sentence. The narrative centers around Juliette, a mechanic who rises to leadership and starts uncovering the harsh truths about their existence. We saw a lot of internal conflict, politics, and deceit within the hierarchy of the silo, especially looking at the lower levels and how the ruling class maintained control over the population.
Juliette is back in the silo, but "Shift," the second book, really gives us what we want - the origins of the silos and where they came from. "Shift" takes us back to the beginning, to the creation of the silos and the events that led to humanity's downfall. We follow the story of Donald, a congressman in our current world, who is manipulated into creating the silos as a safeguard against an impending disaster. The book alternates between different timelines, showing us the construction of the silos and the early days of their inhabitants.
This book really had me feeling crazy with all the hardships of this world that one crazy dude made happen. That’s what it essentially boils down to - one senator thinking he could outsmart everyone and control the future. The complexity of the characters, especially Donald, who grapples with the morality of his actions, adds depth to the story. Howey masterfully intertwines political intrigue, psychological tension, and survival instincts, making "Shift" a compelling read that expands the universe introduced in "Wool."
What struck me the most is the complexity of what it means to be a savior. The mission of Silo 1, where they work in shifts to maintain control over the other silos and ensure the long-term survival of humanity, is both fascinating and disturbing. The idea that they decided, 500 years later, they would choose one part of the silo to survive is something I didn't fully grasp. It raises profound questions about the ethics of their mission and the psychological toll on those deemed "saviors." The fact that these people are working tirelessly with the knowledge that they are the gatekeepers of humanity’s future adds a layer of complexity to their roles and the overall narrative.
Moreover, the individuals in Silo 1 don’t fully know why they’re doing what they’re doing because they “forget” their past and general identities. This element adds to the eerie and tragic nature of their existence. By the end of the book, it seems moot because those in Silo 1 will ultimately never have a normal life, including the frozen people who are in suspended animation. Donald is a fascinating character as he navigates this morally ambiguous role, torn between his sense of duty and the realization of the consequences of their mission.
Another highlight of "Shift" is that we finally understand Jimmy’s mind and psyche before we meet him through Juliette’s perspective in "Wool." His story provides a deeper understanding of his character and the experiences that shaped him, making his later actions and interactions with Juliette more profound and poignant.
"Shift" not only delves into the origins of the silos but also raises questions about human nature, power, and the lengths to which people will go to ensure their survival. It’s a gripping continuation of the saga that leaves you craving for more
In "Wool," we witnessed the Silo world unravel as secrets were revealed about what the silo is and what the outside world looks like. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity lives in a giant underground silo, and stepping outside is a death sentence. The narrative centers around Juliette, a mechanic who rises to leadership and starts uncovering the harsh truths about their existence. We saw a lot of internal conflict, politics, and deceit within the hierarchy of the silo, especially looking at the lower levels and how the ruling class maintained control over the population.
Juliette is back in the silo, but "Shift," the second book, really gives us what we want - the origins of the silos and where they came from. "Shift" takes us back to the beginning, to the creation of the silos and the events that led to humanity's downfall. We follow the story of Donald, a congressman in our current world, who is manipulated into creating the silos as a safeguard against an impending disaster. The book alternates between different timelines, showing us the construction of the silos and the early days of their inhabitants.
This book really had me feeling crazy with all the hardships of this world that one crazy dude made happen. That’s what it essentially boils down to - one senator thinking he could outsmart everyone and control the future. The complexity of the characters, especially Donald, who grapples with the morality of his actions, adds depth to the story. Howey masterfully intertwines political intrigue, psychological tension, and survival instincts, making "Shift" a compelling read that expands the universe introduced in "Wool."
What struck me the most is the complexity of what it means to be a savior. The mission of Silo 1, where they work in shifts to maintain control over the other silos and ensure the long-term survival of humanity, is both fascinating and disturbing. The idea that they decided, 500 years later, they would choose one part of the silo to survive is something I didn't fully grasp. It raises profound questions about the ethics of their mission and the psychological toll on those deemed "saviors." The fact that these people are working tirelessly with the knowledge that they are the gatekeepers of humanity’s future adds a layer of complexity to their roles and the overall narrative.
Moreover, the individuals in Silo 1 don’t fully know why they’re doing what they’re doing because they “forget” their past and general identities. This element adds to the eerie and tragic nature of their existence. By the end of the book, it seems moot because those in Silo 1 will ultimately never have a normal life, including the frozen people who are in suspended animation. Donald is a fascinating character as he navigates this morally ambiguous role, torn between his sense of duty and the realization of the consequences of their mission.
Another highlight of "Shift" is that we finally understand Jimmy’s mind and psyche before we meet him through Juliette’s perspective in "Wool." His story provides a deeper understanding of his character and the experiences that shaped him, making his later actions and interactions with Juliette more profound and poignant.
"Shift" not only delves into the origins of the silos but also raises questions about human nature, power, and the lengths to which people will go to ensure their survival. It’s a gripping continuation of the saga that leaves you craving for more