Meh.

I’m a huge fan of this genre and I like to give lots of leeway to authors with their characters. I get that some of the characters aren’t always likable or knowledgeable, but Clara (main character) just frustrated me. Not only did I not like her, but she began to annoy me. She was indecisive, but yet made quick decisions that were usually what would be considered out of her character. She had several woe is me moments that also incorporated hefty pats on the back to herself. She starts out as a meek, over stressed high school teacher who cannot control a classroom of teenagers to a woman who threatens somebody with a gun, tries to negotiate with a political bully, and volunteers for night patrol in her town. I guess I felt she was unrealistic because she didn’t stick to her original persona and didn’t go through anything to warrant the drastic changes to her personality.

There isn’t much action in this book and completely revolves around 6 people. Additional side characters would have been beneficial. It’s rather slow moving in regards to apocalyptic aftermath too. It seemed to focus more on this woman’s small circle which may be a lead up to future books, but was a disappointing start to a series. To the point I’m not sure I’ll get any future books in it. It was however, very well read. I’ve listened to many books by this narrator (although in another genre) and she always does an excellent job.