Just to keep everyone on the same page: I requested a free reviewer’s copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. There were no strings attached because they don’t even require you to write a review, but that is what they are really hoping for. It isn’t about getting good reviews, but honest ones that will help potential listeners/readers to decide if a title feels right for themselves. Reviews have helped me to find some of my favorite books, so I am excited to help others along that path while also enjoying some great listens.
I genuinely enjoyed this title and I especially thought the narrator was pleasant to listen to. I work long hours and I love audiobooks because I can still consume new stories while also getting work done, so it is important to me to have a pleasant listen. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It boils down to a survival novel that takes place during a time of great strife and turmoil. It is what may be called post-apocalyptic in some circles, but it is not cookie-cutter. I felt that the majority of them were fairly well developed and natural. The dialog could be choppy at times, but overall it worked for those characters in the situation.
I did have a little bit of trouble in the very beginning because because the main characters seemed to cotton on to what was happening way fasted than might be possible, even given their backgrounds and history. They essentially jump straight to a far-fetched conclusion that they never question and turns out to be totally correct. The characters also are way over prepared for this exact situation, which makes some sense when you learn of their history, but gets flimsy when you find that at least one of them thought those things were a total waste of time. It all just seems a little too perfect.
In general it was fun to listen to and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I did wish it was a little longer and that the author had taken more time to ease into the story. I am looking forward to the next in the series.