The initial notes on the book claimed that though the main character was a young adult, it wasn't a YA book, necessarily because it dealt with disturbing and difficult material. That was a good and truthful assessment. Full of surprises, dark in it's description of a land under siege by it's citizens who are forced to react to a world gone wild when some type of event occurs to bring about an electromagnetic pulse which destroys the electronics that are the staple of our society. Without food, without potable water, without direction or help, without rule of law, people rapidly devolve into a ragged shadow of themselves.
Our protagonist, Luke, a sixteen year old who is traveling from Chicago, where he was attending a school science competition, encounters a young woman, Amy, in the opening chapters of the book. Like most women in this new world with the potential for abuse is exponentially increased, Luke rescues Amy from a particularly ugly situation. Taking her with him until he can find safer accommodations for her seems the most prudent path, but they quickly encounter more dangerous men along the way. But those dangers, once overcome, brings new friendships, and traveling companions.
As Luke and Amy travel, their personal journey unfurls. Luke's story is slowly laid out as he moves from a two dimensional character, to a more real, and tormented young man due to the experiences he's endured. Hardened by the attacks, the difficulties, the hunger he's experienced, he's stayed alive because of his intelligence, and the things he was taught by his father and grandfather.
Amy, though having lived through many years of abuse, has a strength and a sweetness inside of her that hasn't been destroyed by her circumstances, and she brings humanity to Luke's world, while he brings his knowledge of how to fight and how to survive in the new world. Together, they find their lives becoming more intertwined.
In the end, we're introduced to a new family, a new situation, and new characters that we know will take us to not only a continuing story (in book 2), but a new story that will unfold as we continue towards Texas.
Great book. Dark; Steady at times, and fast paced at others. It never stops, never slows down, always surprises. The characters start out developed, but become more complex as we read. Well worth the read!
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Reviews with images
Keep 'em comin' boys!
I've read all five books in the series written by authors Will Allen and his brother M.C. Allen. They are fantastic! The Walking in the Rain series is an excellent illustration of the fact that TEOTWAWKI, the end of the world as we know it, doesn't have to mean its the end of the world. The well developed characters face challenges, but they face them as ordinary people would - with courage.No spoilers here. You'll need to read this hugely successful series for yourself. But coming from someone who news this genre and preparedness concepts, you will not be disappointed by all of the books written by these gentlemen. Keep 'em comin' boys!
Top reviews from other countries
Jim_in_Calgary
An excellent book. The only thing that's a little incongruous ...
Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2015