Wow, kudos to the authors for throwing in a few curve balls, and changing the dynamics of a few characters! It’s very rare that I’m unable to predict events in a book, probably since I read/listen to about 350 books a year, but the authors did a fantastic job of throwing me off. I don’t necessarily like the changes, but I can understand them and why they’re necessary. Furthermore, regardless of my religious beliefs, I find it refreshing to see a book with strong religious ties after SHTF. It’s rare for authors to include religion in a post apocalyptic book, except of course, if the people wind up being fanatics. I think it is realistic to have normal people with strong beliefs, but understand that authors are probably concerned about getting bad reviews by people who are offended. Anyway, I definitely suggest the White Wasteland; however, I highly suggest you read all four books of the Black Autumn series first (another fantabulous series). It is unnecessary to do so, but you will be able to understand a lot more about the characters, such as who each person is, how they relate to other characters and have a better idea of what kinds of people they really are.