I love post-apocalyptic novels, and this one offers a truly fresh take. Instead of the usual grim world inhabited by zombies or ravaged by a natural disaster that leaves survivors fighting over Earth’s dwindling resources, this story is simply…nice. Yes, “nice” pretty much sums it up. Pleasant things happen. Not too much action, but enough to keep the pages turning. A few twists are thrown in intermittently, almost like clockwork, but none of them felt critical to the plot.
The story starts well, but then the familiar cliches appear – the religious cult, the potentially untrustworthy companion – and the plot becomes somewhat predictable and transactional, reminiscent of a YA novel. This reliance on well-worn tropes detracted from the story’s originality and made the characters’ motivations feel a bit superficial at times.
Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed most of the book. It offers a refreshing change of pace from the doom and gloom of typical post-apocalyptic fiction. The “nice” atmosphere and gentle pace create a unique reading experience. Therefore, I give it a solid 4 stars.