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The Rain
Perfect for fans of Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake or Cormac McCarthy's The Road, this riveting novel set in a postapocalyptic America brings us a chilling look at survival in the face of a catastrophic climate disaster and the collapse of civilization as we know it.
The rain began nineteen years ago, and it never more than a foot of rain per day until almost the whole of North America was underwater. Those who survived the first year were forced to take drastic measures, and those who held to the veneer of civilization were few and very far between.
Seventeen-year-old Tanner grew up after the rain began. She and her adoptive caretaker, Russell, have long sought a fabled Colorado refuge, a dream that has kept them going through years of brutal trials as they try to stay one step ahead of the "face eaters"--people addicted to a mysterious drug that drives them to murder and cannibalism.
When the rain began, Rook Wallace was a meteorologist who joined a company called Yasper that, years after its emergency funding dried up, continues its stated mission to help survivors by maintaining a trade network among isolated island communities. But when Rook learns the insidious truth of what keeps the Yasper mission going, he is forced to risk everything that remains of his former life to try to stop it.
As Tanner and Rook's stories converge in time and geography, readers will be thrilled by this literary postapocalyptic tale for fans of Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven and Josh Malerman's Bird Box.
The rain began nineteen years ago, and it never more than a foot of rain per day until almost the whole of North America was underwater. Those who survived the first year were forced to take drastic measures, and those who held to the veneer of civilization were few and very far between.
Seventeen-year-old Tanner grew up after the rain began. She and her adoptive caretaker, Russell, have long sought a fabled Colorado refuge, a dream that has kept them going through years of brutal trials as they try to stay one step ahead of the "face eaters"--people addicted to a mysterious drug that drives them to murder and cannibalism.
When the rain began, Rook Wallace was a meteorologist who joined a company called Yasper that, years after its emergency funding dried up, continues its stated mission to help survivors by maintaining a trade network among isolated island communities. But when Rook learns the insidious truth of what keeps the Yasper mission going, he is forced to risk everything that remains of his former life to try to stop it.
As Tanner and Rook's stories converge in time and geography, readers will be thrilled by this literary postapocalyptic tale for fans of Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven and Josh Malerman's Bird Box.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 18, 2023
51 people are currently reading
3697 people want to read
About the author
Joseph A. Turkot
49 books110 followersJoseph Turkot is the author of eight novels and many short stories. He began writing as an independent author, and The Rain is his first release with Blackstone Publishing. He lives in South Jersey, and when not writing, he dreams of the day when he’ll be able to open an animal sanctuary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 4, 2024
TW: Language, death of parent(s), death of child, drinking, drug addiction, toxic family relationships, anxiety
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
There are a lot of stories about how the rain started.
The thing that always comes to mind first isn’t the how though, it’s the how much. Russell still does the math too: 15, 5,400, and 8,550. 15 inches a day, 5,400 a year, and 8,550 feet since the start.
We have no idea if it’s accurate. But it’s important to think about it, he says, because it reminds us to keep moving. I’m Tanner. Russell plucked me from the rain when I was two.
Fourteen years ago we left Philadelphia. As the water rose, we moved west, hoping the elevation would keep us warm and dry. Pittsburg, Indianapolis, Sioux Falls, Rapid City. Now we’re stranded on the islands in Wyoming. Russell thinks they used to be the Bighorn mountains. But we can’t go back now. There’s no warm and there’s no dry anymore. Just a rumor about a place where it isn't raining. So we’re going to try to make it—520 miles south to Leadville. But we can’t drift east, the Great Plains have become waterspout alley, a raging tomb of moving water.
Together we push on, surviving, heading to Leadville. But something is wrong with him now. He says it’s nothing. But his breathing doesn’t sound that way.
Exposure, pruned hands, and infection. But since, Rapid City, it’s the face eaters too. And the crack in the canoe that’s growing. And the ice I think I see on the water. Russell thinks it’s my imagination.
We cling to the last strips of the veneer. And each other.
Release Date: December 29th, 2013
Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: 352
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. I enjoyed the writing style from the author
2. Liked the plot of the book
3. Dual storyline told by different characters
What I Didn't Like:
1. Repetitive
2. Book gets boring half way through
3. Characters feel one dimensional
4. Feels like a YA book
5. I don't need a romance in every thriller I read - we don't need it!
Overall Thoughts:
I am absolutely so annoyed hearing about the drug addicted brother. That seems to be the only character development of Brock and Andrew. That is the only conversation Brock seems to even have with his parents - which it feels like way to easy he managed to find his parents.
Of course a sex scene with a 16 year old.
This book worries too much about the small stuff that doesn't matter to the plot, while leaving us - the readers out of the action and struggling to care about if a 16 year will find love. I don't care about a romance. I signed up for the horrors of a world that is drowning. I need some sense if urgency but this book just drags it's feet at things happening.
Final Thoughts:
Ahhh I feel so weird about this book. On one hand I love apocalyptic stories, but this book made me feel bored.
I don't like books that push a romance onto me when it isn't needed, but feels so instant love. As soon as you are introduced to Dusty you know where this is going to go. I also never really knew what Russell and Tanners relationships were. There were points where it felt as though Russell was her boyfriend despite the age difference.
This story reminded me too much of The Last of Us; character that picks up an abandoned girl and they travel around.
This book never made me feel like anything was in danger. It's so slow and everyone seems so calm. You hear about had things that have happened to the characters, but it's all off the page for us.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
There are a lot of stories about how the rain started.
The thing that always comes to mind first isn’t the how though, it’s the how much. Russell still does the math too: 15, 5,400, and 8,550. 15 inches a day, 5,400 a year, and 8,550 feet since the start.
We have no idea if it’s accurate. But it’s important to think about it, he says, because it reminds us to keep moving. I’m Tanner. Russell plucked me from the rain when I was two.
Fourteen years ago we left Philadelphia. As the water rose, we moved west, hoping the elevation would keep us warm and dry. Pittsburg, Indianapolis, Sioux Falls, Rapid City. Now we’re stranded on the islands in Wyoming. Russell thinks they used to be the Bighorn mountains. But we can’t go back now. There’s no warm and there’s no dry anymore. Just a rumor about a place where it isn't raining. So we’re going to try to make it—520 miles south to Leadville. But we can’t drift east, the Great Plains have become waterspout alley, a raging tomb of moving water.
Together we push on, surviving, heading to Leadville. But something is wrong with him now. He says it’s nothing. But his breathing doesn’t sound that way.
Exposure, pruned hands, and infection. But since, Rapid City, it’s the face eaters too. And the crack in the canoe that’s growing. And the ice I think I see on the water. Russell thinks it’s my imagination.
We cling to the last strips of the veneer. And each other.
Release Date: December 29th, 2013
Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: 352
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. I enjoyed the writing style from the author
2. Liked the plot of the book
3. Dual storyline told by different characters
What I Didn't Like:
1. Repetitive
2. Book gets boring half way through
3. Characters feel one dimensional
4. Feels like a YA book
5. I don't need a romance in every thriller I read - we don't need it!
Overall Thoughts:
I am absolutely so annoyed hearing about the drug addicted brother. That seems to be the only character development of Brock and Andrew. That is the only conversation Brock seems to even have with his parents - which it feels like way to easy he managed to find his parents.
Of course a sex scene with a 16 year old.
This book worries too much about the small stuff that doesn't matter to the plot, while leaving us - the readers out of the action and struggling to care about if a 16 year will find love. I don't care about a romance. I signed up for the horrors of a world that is drowning. I need some sense if urgency but this book just drags it's feet at things happening.
Final Thoughts:
Ahhh I feel so weird about this book. On one hand I love apocalyptic stories, but this book made me feel bored.
I don't like books that push a romance onto me when it isn't needed, but feels so instant love. As soon as you are introduced to Dusty you know where this is going to go. I also never really knew what Russell and Tanners relationships were. There were points where it felt as though Russell was her boyfriend despite the age difference.
This story reminded me too much of The Last of Us; character that picks up an abandoned girl and they travel around.
This book never made me feel like anything was in danger. It's so slow and everyone seems so calm. You hear about had things that have happened to the characters, but it's all off the page for us.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 2, 2023
There was so I much I liked about this novel but equally as much I didn’t like.
The alternative storylines which I thought were going to intersect but they didn’t quite get there. I hope that means there could be a sequel in the works.
I felt the time jump of Rook’s story of ten years was too much time for him to be easily brought back into the fold of original settlement. I would have liked more of those ten years with his parents time. That all felt very rushed.
Tanner’s side was us being dropped in and honestly I knew who Russell was right from the start.
The idea of the novel is a good one. I have read other end of world stories that involved flooding. The red drug and cannibalism was an interesting twist for sure.
There were areas that I would have liked to seem more developed by the author and if a sequel was written, I was invested enough that I would read it to see if the answers I had would be answered.
The alternative storylines which I thought were going to intersect but they didn’t quite get there. I hope that means there could be a sequel in the works.
I felt the time jump of Rook’s story of ten years was too much time for him to be easily brought back into the fold of original settlement. I would have liked more of those ten years with his parents time. That all felt very rushed.
Tanner’s side was us being dropped in and honestly I knew who Russell was right from the start.
The idea of the novel is a good one. I have read other end of world stories that involved flooding. The red drug and cannibalism was an interesting twist for sure.
There were areas that I would have liked to seem more developed by the author and if a sequel was written, I was invested enough that I would read it to see if the answers I had would be answered.
July 15, 2023
This book was amazing. It's going to be a top 5 for the year, for sure. Not only does Turkot give us a super engaging story, but he also gives a twist to how our environmental choices can impact future living.
I love the alternating perspectives for two reasons: first, we get to see Rook who gives us a more cumulative glimpse of what things were like in the beginning, and then we see Tanner who is still young, and we see her voyage to reach a better world where she and her father figure are safe.
Not only do we get two perspectives, but Turkot gives us both 1st and 3rd person POV. This was great because it showed how, though their stories cross near the end, there is still a disconnect between Rook and Tanner.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book and devouring it. It's such a phenomenal read.
I love the alternating perspectives for two reasons: first, we get to see Rook who gives us a more cumulative glimpse of what things were like in the beginning, and then we see Tanner who is still young, and we see her voyage to reach a better world where she and her father figure are safe.
Not only do we get two perspectives, but Turkot gives us both 1st and 3rd person POV. This was great because it showed how, though their stories cross near the end, there is still a disconnect between Rook and Tanner.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book and devouring it. It's such a phenomenal read.
April 15, 2023
This book is kind of hard to summarize beyond the goodreads summary, so instead I’ll share the many things it featured that I love in my sci fi:
-Some kind of sci fi nature element, I loved that this book used constant rain (like for 20 years straight) and the possible effects of global warming and pollution as the main “villain” in this story. The descriptive imagery of what long-term water exposure does to humans will stick with me for a while…
-Alternating POVs and timelines that showed two completely separate views of the progression of the rain and how the earth declined because of it. I found both POVs equally riveting and highly enjoyed both of our main characters and their character development
-The focus on said characters and their relationships with their families, found families, and people working against them. I cried once or twice throughout because I had such a connection to some of these characters and was devastated by what was happening to them
-Creepy creature feature horror in the “face eaters” that would roam around searching for their next cannibalistic meal. I’ll never think of fully dialated eyes the same way👀
Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for my ARC! Definitely recommend picking this one up when it is republished traditionally on July 18th if you previously enjoyed Bird Box by Josh Malerman!
-Some kind of sci fi nature element, I loved that this book used constant rain (like for 20 years straight) and the possible effects of global warming and pollution as the main “villain” in this story. The descriptive imagery of what long-term water exposure does to humans will stick with me for a while…
-Alternating POVs and timelines that showed two completely separate views of the progression of the rain and how the earth declined because of it. I found both POVs equally riveting and highly enjoyed both of our main characters and their character development
-The focus on said characters and their relationships with their families, found families, and people working against them. I cried once or twice throughout because I had such a connection to some of these characters and was devastated by what was happening to them
-Creepy creature feature horror in the “face eaters” that would roam around searching for their next cannibalistic meal. I’ll never think of fully dialated eyes the same way👀
Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for my ARC! Definitely recommend picking this one up when it is republished traditionally on July 18th if you previously enjoyed Bird Box by Josh Malerman!
April 5, 2023
This one reminds me a lot of the writing of T. W. Piperbrook. All in all a good story. I did have trouble believing when, 30% of the way through it, Rook says he’d never been in a fight. This apocalypse has been going on for 8 1/2 years ant this point and he’s never had to fight anyone for supplies even before going to Yasper? In any case, that was the only thing that really irked me about the story, and it wasn’t enough to dissuade me from reading the next one!
Huge thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
August 6, 2023
Quite the page swiper...Excellent apocalyptic story, moved along at a fast pace.
March 17, 2024
I won a hardback copy of THE RAIN by Joseph A. Turkot from Goodreads giveaways, and found a digital copy on Libby. All views are mine.
There are a lot of stories about how the rain started.... It’s not how that matters anymore, though—it’s how much. After all these years, Russell still does the math, keeping track with that old formula—15 inches a day, 5,400 a year, and 19 years since it began. That’s over 8,500 total feet of rain. We have no idea if it’s accurate, but the numbers remind us to keep moving. Loc.40
I love the concept of this book. The opening lines, which I quoted above, snagged me. But honestly, this whole book just washed over me. It's a basic survival story, really-- only it's raining all the time. I wish the characters had spent less time messing about with each other and more time dealing with their setting, which was the real attraction here.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I love this concept and the opening scenes are spectacular, bordering at times on cinematic.
2. Some great themes in this one: ecological disaster, illness and disability, family for better or worse.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. Authors usually favor either dialogue or description. Usually, as a reader, I prefer description over dialog. This book relies on dialog to impart a great deal of plot information, a technique I often struggle to connect with, and did so here.
Rating: 💧💧rain drops
Recommend? Meh.
Finished: Mar 17 '24
Format: Digital, Kindle, Libby
Read this book if you like:
⛈️ climate stories
☄️ natural disaster stories
👨👨👧👧 group dynamics and conflict
There are a lot of stories about how the rain started.... It’s not how that matters anymore, though—it’s how much. After all these years, Russell still does the math, keeping track with that old formula—15 inches a day, 5,400 a year, and 19 years since it began. That’s over 8,500 total feet of rain. We have no idea if it’s accurate, but the numbers remind us to keep moving. Loc.40
I love the concept of this book. The opening lines, which I quoted above, snagged me. But honestly, this whole book just washed over me. It's a basic survival story, really-- only it's raining all the time. I wish the characters had spent less time messing about with each other and more time dealing with their setting, which was the real attraction here.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I love this concept and the opening scenes are spectacular, bordering at times on cinematic.
2. Some great themes in this one: ecological disaster, illness and disability, family for better or worse.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. Authors usually favor either dialogue or description. Usually, as a reader, I prefer description over dialog. This book relies on dialog to impart a great deal of plot information, a technique I often struggle to connect with, and did so here.
Rating: 💧💧rain drops
Recommend? Meh.
Finished: Mar 17 '24
Format: Digital, Kindle, Libby
Read this book if you like:
⛈️ climate stories
☄️ natural disaster stories
👨👨👧👧 group dynamics and conflict
July 21, 2023
As a fan of The Last of Us and all sorts of other dystopian tales, I must say I really enjoyed this book. To sum it up in a nutshell, there has been nonstop rain in the US for over 20 years...all of which has been caused by man's destruction of the environment. For the few who survive, it's a constant battle against the elements and each other. In the beginning of the crisis, a pill meant to ease survivors' suffering - called "The Red" - ends up turning normal folks into blood-thirsty cannibals...so as time progresses things go from bad to worse.
Following the storyline of both main characters, Tanner and Rook, we see this world from two concretely different vantage points over the course of two separate timelines. I really appreciated the way their stories intersected (even if I wasn't sure they would until much later on). I also liked the way the book ended...not entirely what would be expected though absolutely plausible.
Overall, it was a very tight and concise story about the ways in which mankind can be both horrible and humane. Definitely worth a read!
Following the storyline of both main characters, Tanner and Rook, we see this world from two concretely different vantage points over the course of two separate timelines. I really appreciated the way their stories intersected (even if I wasn't sure they would until much later on). I also liked the way the book ended...not entirely what would be expected though absolutely plausible.
Overall, it was a very tight and concise story about the ways in which mankind can be both horrible and humane. Definitely worth a read!
April 16, 2023
I thoroughly enjoy this book. It's a different concept within the recent sci-fi genre. Climate change has been a hot topic since the late 90s. Here's a story of what happens when we ignore what the Earth is trying to tell us. Instead of solving the problem because it's now too late or rather moving humans to another planet comes a story about survival and humanity. The characters are not much different from one another for those whose minds are alike, even though they are developed. However, the science behind what's happening to the Earth can use more research and write in a more precise manner. The ending is not just one when I look at it from different angles. There are several open-ended endings. Not for those looking for something with a little more finale.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for letting me read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for letting me read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
4 stars, includes spoilers
My initial thought was that this was a cross between Waterworld and The Last of Us (TLOU), and after finishing it I stand by that. There may be no mermaid fish boy, but I can look past that I suppose.
This book reminds me of why I enjoy dystopian so much and reinforces its place as my favorite genre. I believe it takes after the best parts of TLOU, one of them in my opinion being that while zombies are a lingering issue, it also focuses heavily on past and present human error. The face eaters are not only well placed in my opinion, but explained generously.
It was interesting seeing different perspectives of the face eaters, especially since as a whole they are still human. They've lost themselves to addiction, but that does not remove any of their humanity at the core; they are a victim of the drugs that they were told would help. Even if they hadn't taken too much, we see in Rook's perspective that the drug makes you lose yourself anyway. Taking higher doses only speeds that process up.
To sum it up, while I wasn't sure of Rook's storyline purpose at the beginning, I was definitely sold by the end. The beauty of The Rain is that it didn't have me sitting through the bore of one perspective anticipating the one I liked, I was equally enthralled by both. On one hand, you have the Joel and Ellie duo as they traverse the flooded country in search of their hope for a better future, while on the other you have someone set on fixing the world so that it could become a better future.
Now, I can't lie and say I was surprised when Russell revealed that Rook is his brother, using that as his motivation to venture into potentially radioactive areas. It was pretty obvious from the first few chapters, especially since the anonymity of Rook's brother through his perspective is laid on pretty thick. I have no way of knowing if this was intentional or not, maybe it was to keep us on the edge of our seats waiting for the two to finally meet up. But of course, that satisfaction never came to pass. By the end of the book all that we know is Russell is aware of his brother being potentially alive, but Rook still has no idea.
One critique from me is how Russell decides to go into an area at the risk of radiation poisoning without Tanner with him. I know part of their story includes the realization on Tanner's behalf that someday she won't have him, but it felt out of character for Russell to go so easily knowing he might not be back. Sure, he tells her some parting words that could have been their last exchange, but it still never sat right with me. I think it fits with his stubbornness at the most. My only reasoning for it is that it's the author's way of saying that going forward, Tanner will be more independent from him. It isn't uncommon for soon-to-be young adults, so I could see that happening.
The only other problem I had was that Tanner's assault seemed to be brushed aside so quickly. I can't tell if it is the sort of thing that will come up in the next book or not. For that reason, it just felt like it came and went too quickly. It was a moment for Russell to take the more fatherly "hurt my daughter I kill you" kind of thing, but if all its purpose was to show how protective Russell could be, I'm not a fan. I think it could potentially be a way to show that while Red makes you into a monster, maybe some people are already like that, and Red just eggs it on more. I knew from the moment Clint was eyeing Tanner that something like that was going to happen. I sincerely hope this is not brushed under the rug, as that would rub me the wrong way.
I really enjoyed the difference between Dusty and Tanner, as well. Both were born after the rain started, meaning it's all they know. And yet, you can tell there are vast differences between them. While Dusty had the experience of a stable home, Tanner was constantly moving around. Yet both of them still retain a sort of hope, albeit a different kind for a while. I enjoy this difference between them because their budding romance will definitely have some bumps along the way because of it. In my eyes, Dusty had the experience of some form of childhood, even if plagued by some awful things. Tanner never had that opportunity, after being rescued by Russell all she knew was the strive to stay alive, cold nights on the water, and from what it sounds like, days without food sometimes.
Regardless, I don't mind the romance between these two characters. At first, I wasn't all that interested in Rook and Luce's, but I think I warmed up to theirs by the end. Of course, tragedy ensued. At the very least, and while it is the bare minimum, I didn't feel like the romances were written weirdly at all. Sometimes I fear that with male authors, but Turkot did not disappoint in my opinion.
I could probably keep writing more and more in this review, simply because I feel like there's a lot I could talk about. It's the kind of book that I want to return to and maybe annotate or analyze further. I can't stop thinking about the whale that Tanner believes she sees, because it gets brought up a few more times. Right now I think it represents Tanner's inner child mixed with hope. It's the first sign of good in her life after a long period of bleakness. I hope to see it come back.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from chapter one, and definitely don't regret picking up the copy. Can't wait to see more from the series!
My initial thought was that this was a cross between Waterworld and The Last of Us (TLOU), and after finishing it I stand by that. There may be no mermaid fish boy, but I can look past that I suppose.
This book reminds me of why I enjoy dystopian so much and reinforces its place as my favorite genre. I believe it takes after the best parts of TLOU, one of them in my opinion being that while zombies are a lingering issue, it also focuses heavily on past and present human error. The face eaters are not only well placed in my opinion, but explained generously.
It was interesting seeing different perspectives of the face eaters, especially since as a whole they are still human. They've lost themselves to addiction, but that does not remove any of their humanity at the core; they are a victim of the drugs that they were told would help. Even if they hadn't taken too much, we see in Rook's perspective that the drug makes you lose yourself anyway. Taking higher doses only speeds that process up.
To sum it up, while I wasn't sure of Rook's storyline purpose at the beginning, I was definitely sold by the end. The beauty of The Rain is that it didn't have me sitting through the bore of one perspective anticipating the one I liked, I was equally enthralled by both. On one hand, you have the Joel and Ellie duo as they traverse the flooded country in search of their hope for a better future, while on the other you have someone set on fixing the world so that it could become a better future.
Now, I can't lie and say I was surprised when Russell revealed that Rook is his brother, using that as his motivation to venture into potentially radioactive areas. It was pretty obvious from the first few chapters, especially since the anonymity of Rook's brother through his perspective is laid on pretty thick. I have no way of knowing if this was intentional or not, maybe it was to keep us on the edge of our seats waiting for the two to finally meet up. But of course, that satisfaction never came to pass. By the end of the book all that we know is Russell is aware of his brother being potentially alive, but Rook still has no idea.
One critique from me is how Russell decides to go into an area at the risk of radiation poisoning without Tanner with him. I know part of their story includes the realization on Tanner's behalf that someday she won't have him, but it felt out of character for Russell to go so easily knowing he might not be back. Sure, he tells her some parting words that could have been their last exchange, but it still never sat right with me. I think it fits with his stubbornness at the most. My only reasoning for it is that it's the author's way of saying that going forward, Tanner will be more independent from him. It isn't uncommon for soon-to-be young adults, so I could see that happening.
The only other problem I had was that Tanner's assault seemed to be brushed aside so quickly. I can't tell if it is the sort of thing that will come up in the next book or not. For that reason, it just felt like it came and went too quickly. It was a moment for Russell to take the more fatherly "hurt my daughter I kill you" kind of thing, but if all its purpose was to show how protective Russell could be, I'm not a fan. I think it could potentially be a way to show that while Red makes you into a monster, maybe some people are already like that, and Red just eggs it on more. I knew from the moment Clint was eyeing Tanner that something like that was going to happen. I sincerely hope this is not brushed under the rug, as that would rub me the wrong way.
I really enjoyed the difference between Dusty and Tanner, as well. Both were born after the rain started, meaning it's all they know. And yet, you can tell there are vast differences between them. While Dusty had the experience of a stable home, Tanner was constantly moving around. Yet both of them still retain a sort of hope, albeit a different kind for a while. I enjoy this difference between them because their budding romance will definitely have some bumps along the way because of it. In my eyes, Dusty had the experience of some form of childhood, even if plagued by some awful things. Tanner never had that opportunity, after being rescued by Russell all she knew was the strive to stay alive, cold nights on the water, and from what it sounds like, days without food sometimes.
Regardless, I don't mind the romance between these two characters. At first, I wasn't all that interested in Rook and Luce's, but I think I warmed up to theirs by the end. Of course, tragedy ensued. At the very least, and while it is the bare minimum, I didn't feel like the romances were written weirdly at all. Sometimes I fear that with male authors, but Turkot did not disappoint in my opinion.
I could probably keep writing more and more in this review, simply because I feel like there's a lot I could talk about. It's the kind of book that I want to return to and maybe annotate or analyze further. I can't stop thinking about the whale that Tanner believes she sees, because it gets brought up a few more times. Right now I think it represents Tanner's inner child mixed with hope. It's the first sign of good in her life after a long period of bleakness. I hope to see it come back.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from chapter one, and definitely don't regret picking up the copy. Can't wait to see more from the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2023
I´m a fan of the post apocalyptic genre and I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!
#TheRain #NetGalley #blackstonepublishing
#TheRain #NetGalley #blackstonepublishing
July 25, 2023
Very good story
I really enjoyed this book and I am hoping that there will be a book #2 to complete the story. Great job Joe!
I really enjoyed this book and I am hoping that there will be a book #2 to complete the story. Great job Joe!
August 4, 2023
Good Book
Dystopian future! End of times, greed, danger, Love and loss. Many mysteries! A look at the possible future. I liked this book.
Dystopian future! End of times, greed, danger, Love and loss. Many mysteries! A look at the possible future. I liked this book.
July 17, 2023
The Rain by Joseph A. Turkot is a highly recommended survival novel set in a postapocalyptic America.
Civilization has collapsed. After almost twenty years of rain, almost all of North America is underwater. Any survivors have boats and/or made it to land on higher elevations while avoiding the face eaters, people addicted to "Red" a drug that makes them murderous and cannibalistic.
There are two story lines that are told through alternating chapters. In the first, Tanner, seventeen, and her adoptive caretaker, Russell, have long been searching by boat for Leadville, Colorado, which is rumored to be "the highest-elevation city in America, the last place where it’s not raining." In the alternate chapters, the plot follows Rook Wallace. Rook is a meteorologist who joined a a pharmaceutical company called Yasper. His job there is to help the company maintain a trade route between groups of survivors. He kept up contact with his parents until he stopped receiving their letters.
This is a bleak end-of-the-world climate science fiction novel with Yasper, a pharmaceutical company, an equal antagonist in the overall plot. The two different narratives remain separate until the very end when a connection is made that most readers will have deduced much earlier, but the journey of these characters is the point.
Character development is most certainly present, but, as with any mythological tale, the more important element is the struggle and encounters on the journeys of the heroes. It is obvious at the open ended conclusion of The Rain, that there has to be second novel.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
Civilization has collapsed. After almost twenty years of rain, almost all of North America is underwater. Any survivors have boats and/or made it to land on higher elevations while avoiding the face eaters, people addicted to "Red" a drug that makes them murderous and cannibalistic.
There are two story lines that are told through alternating chapters. In the first, Tanner, seventeen, and her adoptive caretaker, Russell, have long been searching by boat for Leadville, Colorado, which is rumored to be "the highest-elevation city in America, the last place where it’s not raining." In the alternate chapters, the plot follows Rook Wallace. Rook is a meteorologist who joined a a pharmaceutical company called Yasper. His job there is to help the company maintain a trade route between groups of survivors. He kept up contact with his parents until he stopped receiving their letters.
This is a bleak end-of-the-world climate science fiction novel with Yasper, a pharmaceutical company, an equal antagonist in the overall plot. The two different narratives remain separate until the very end when a connection is made that most readers will have deduced much earlier, but the journey of these characters is the point.
Character development is most certainly present, but, as with any mythological tale, the more important element is the struggle and encounters on the journeys of the heroes. It is obvious at the open ended conclusion of The Rain, that there has to be second novel.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
November 3, 2023
This is not the only book dealing with this topic, but it's clearly superior. The descriptions carry you along, even though you are convinced you won't like what you see. There's no real winners or heroes here and there's no mercy for the villains, who are either that intentionally or the product of what they had to become.
Pushing aside the scientific impossibility of this 19-year (and counting) event occurring, it's another indictment of the society that let the climate go to hell, even though it's always "their" fault, not our own. Capitalist greed is low-hanging fruit.
But the story that resides inside this premise, and the characters who inhabit the world -- well-crafted. There is a constant intensity revolving around the most human needs.
The problem gets back to the premise -- a flooded world would by necessity eradicate virtually all forms of life, and since we're all connected ecologically, it doesn't make sense that the humans would survive this. Yet, they do.
It's not hard to tell who's who and why. The clues aren't in large letters, but they are on the top step.
Take a look at this one. Turkot is a great writer, and that's a plus. The story flows and goes where you think it should go -- and ends up in exactly the right place.
Pushing aside the scientific impossibility of this 19-year (and counting) event occurring, it's another indictment of the society that let the climate go to hell, even though it's always "their" fault, not our own. Capitalist greed is low-hanging fruit.
But the story that resides inside this premise, and the characters who inhabit the world -- well-crafted. There is a constant intensity revolving around the most human needs.
The problem gets back to the premise -- a flooded world would by necessity eradicate virtually all forms of life, and since we're all connected ecologically, it doesn't make sense that the humans would survive this. Yet, they do.
It's not hard to tell who's who and why. The clues aren't in large letters, but they are on the top step.
Take a look at this one. Turkot is a great writer, and that's a plus. The story flows and goes where you think it should go -- and ends up in exactly the right place.
January 14, 2024
I’m a huge fan of apocalyptic stories! I especially love the ones that involve climate changes as they scare the bejeebus out of me if they seem even a little plausible. The science is there in this story but not being a scientist, I’m not sure if it’s something that could happen even in a small way (maybe more rain?).
In The Rain, it starts raining one day and then never stops. The story is told from two POVs, one from when the rain starts and continues forward from there, and the second from about 20 years later where the rain is still going and it’s a full on post-apocalyptic story where most of civilization has perished.
The two storylines end up converging, sort of, but then the book ends pretty abruptly. I’m hoping there’s a book 2 but there are so many unresolved parts. I was a little thrown off by the ending.
There are face-eaters (not zombies) but they may as well have been as the face-eaters make it so much more difficult for the survivors. The entire story is gruesome and some elements were definitely not realistic.
I would like to know how the MCs prevail so I hope there’s a sequel.
In The Rain, it starts raining one day and then never stops. The story is told from two POVs, one from when the rain starts and continues forward from there, and the second from about 20 years later where the rain is still going and it’s a full on post-apocalyptic story where most of civilization has perished.
The two storylines end up converging, sort of, but then the book ends pretty abruptly. I’m hoping there’s a book 2 but there are so many unresolved parts. I was a little thrown off by the ending.
There are face-eaters (not zombies) but they may as well have been as the face-eaters make it so much more difficult for the survivors. The entire story is gruesome and some elements were definitely not realistic.
I would like to know how the MCs prevail so I hope there’s a sequel.
July 27, 2023
3 1/2 stars -I listened to the audiobook for The Rain. I actually think that this is one that you might do better actually reading or at least read along while listening. I wish that I had done that - I did have to start over a time or two and re-listen to a few chapters here and there - Most likely just my mind wandering - I did prefer the male narrator over the female narrator's parts. She was a bit monotone. The storyline for this book is quite interesting. There are two storylines going and I think there was a hint they were coming together in the end but I don't think it actually got there so I don't know if that was intentional (another book) or if I missed some details. I definitely think this would be an interesting movie or tv show - just imagine a world where it has rained everyday for years and years - add face eaters into the equation and people trying to survive. I would definitely read another book by this author.
August 13, 2023
I loved the premise of The Rain. A new take on a post apocalyptic world that felt very believable throughout the story. The beginning of the book had me racing from page to page, desperate to find out more.
My main issues with this book came from later in the book. There’s a few things I would have liked. I would have loved to see more time spent in the early days of the rain/fall of society. I would have enjoyed seeing the two narrators storylines converge. I also would have enjoyed a bit more of a conclusion, I felt like these characters have more of a story to tell.
Overall, a very enjoyable, fast paced read. Many moments had my heart racing as I stressed about the main characters, and the concept of the never ending rain will definitely stick with me as a new climate change nightmare to worry about
My main issues with this book came from later in the book. There’s a few things I would have liked. I would have loved to see more time spent in the early days of the rain/fall of society. I would have enjoyed seeing the two narrators storylines converge. I also would have enjoyed a bit more of a conclusion, I felt like these characters have more of a story to tell.
Overall, a very enjoyable, fast paced read. Many moments had my heart racing as I stressed about the main characters, and the concept of the never ending rain will definitely stick with me as a new climate change nightmare to worry about
August 15, 2023
The Rain is definitely a chilling look at the potential effects of climate change and our failure to do anything about it. The Rain is told from two different points of view. One from Rook, a meteorologist who is hired by a company who claims it is going to be helping people stranded by the rising waters. The other person is Tanner, who is probably about 20 years old and does not remember the world before the rain started.
Overall this was a fantastic story, gripping and frightening with very well developed characters. It does end rather abruptly (and on a pretty significant cliffhanger) and I did not realize when I requested the book that it is part of a series which I am thrilled about.
I definitely would recommend this to anyone who loves a good post-apocalyptic story.
Overall this was a fantastic story, gripping and frightening with very well developed characters. It does end rather abruptly (and on a pretty significant cliffhanger) and I did not realize when I requested the book that it is part of a series which I am thrilled about.
I definitely would recommend this to anyone who loves a good post-apocalyptic story.
August 28, 2023
I seem to keep stumbling onto books that are marketed like serious speculative or science/climate fiction, but are actually very young adult in semi-serious wrappers.
Like The Deep Sky, The Rain sounded like a serious adult sci-fi/cli-fi novel, so I eagerly grabbed it as soon as it was released. Even though it wasn't what I had hoped for, it was decent and a fast read. Admittedly I'm over the YA aspect of a lot of these novels, and wish there was a way to weed them out beforehand.
Like The Deep Sky, The Rain sounded like a serious adult sci-fi/cli-fi novel, so I eagerly grabbed it as soon as it was released. Even though it wasn't what I had hoped for, it was decent and a fast read. Admittedly I'm over the YA aspect of a lot of these novels, and wish there was a way to weed them out beforehand.
March 14, 2024
I liked this one. It reminds me of a book I read years ago in which the rain never stops and somehow tigers were involved, but that's about all I can remember, except that there was no place to get dry and it was horribly depressing.
Having read a lot of dystopian fiction at this point (and writing it), and also volunteering for a climate change nonprofit, I felt as if the world capturing Turbot does is good. It is true that our electric grid is not prepared for something like this. The isolation of the characters is scary and yet hopeful: maybe there's a place out there that sees the sun.
I was disappointed in the book's closure, but as another reviewer said, perhaps that opening was left for a sequel. If so, I'll read it!
Having read a lot of dystopian fiction at this point (and writing it), and also volunteering for a climate change nonprofit, I felt as if the world capturing Turbot does is good. It is true that our electric grid is not prepared for something like this. The isolation of the characters is scary and yet hopeful: maybe there's a place out there that sees the sun.
I was disappointed in the book's closure, but as another reviewer said, perhaps that opening was left for a sequel. If so, I'll read it!
July 27, 2023
I really liked this book. Revolved around Tanner and Rook two different stories, albeit different time frames. This is a post apocalyptic novel about a world that is flooded by non stop rain that goes on for years. Tanner and her guardian Russell are looking for a fabled place in Colorado where it’s rumored to have no rain and a real society. Rook is working for a corporation as a meteorologist who’s initial goal was to help survivors. When that goal changes Rook is left trying to figure out how to stop them. It would be interesting to read the sequels of which are 2 but they are seemingly out of print.
August 17, 2023
(Audiobook) (3.5 stars) This work is another addition to the post-apocalyptic genre, but it has its moments. The dual timelines in the work add some intrigue, but they don’t quite come together in the way you might expect. There is a zombie-esque element, but also a sense that the “Face-eaters” aren’t quite the worst villains in the work. Certainly there is enough here to call for more sequels and development, and perhaps that will come to pass. While some parts are a bit formulaic, the story development and some of the world building did much to keep me interested. If there is a sequel in the future, I will certainly give it a read.
July 26, 2023
This is a postapocalyptic read where the rain starts and never stops told in two different POVs with one starting around the time the rain started 19 years ago and the other is told in the present until both timelines eventually converge. Not only is there constant rain but a pharmaceutical company developed a pill to help people cope with the terrible times which was addictive and came with a gruesome side effect resulting in cannibalism. This was a fun read and definitely the constant rain was nightmarish. The thought of being soaked 24/7 sounds downright horrible. I loved the idea behind this dystopian read but that ending left me feeling a bit let down only because it was so ambiguous and I would have really liked some closure but then again sometimes our imaginations are better than a true ending right? I really do hope there is a sequel. This would definitely make an amazing series on the screen!
September 19, 2023
A believable premise for the apacalypse based on climate change and its effect on our earth. I was engaged with the characters and could not put the book down for very long before I felt the need to get back and find out what the newest against-the-odds challenge would be. The "face eaters" were the "zombies" in this tale. But these zombies were actually man-made based on a company's greed. I was so caught up with this tale that I was actually grateful to be able to look outside to assure that it was not rainy or overcast!
January 24, 2024
I came across this book on the almost bottom shelf of new releases, a single copy at half price. It is a respectable dystopian story cleverly told in two timelines. I enjoyed it quite a bit as it felt like a fresh entry into the genre. There is one scene near the end that is entirely unnecessary, though, which disappointed me so I had to take away one star. Definitely feels ripe for a sequel and I would read it to spend more time with these castaways.
March 12, 2024
I would give this 3.5 stars, but I rounded up to 4! Overall, this book was enjoyable. It did take about a third of the book for me to really get into it, but when I did, it was a fun read. It was easy to stay captivated by the story, and I really did like the characters in the story. I do feel like the book ended maybe 30 pages too quickly, as it seems like there was more story that was meant to be told at the end to really wrap up the characters’ story arcs. But overall, I enjoyed it!
November 29, 2023
Hope for the future
This was a good read. The hypothesis that it could rain steadily for 20 years is fresh, and the characters are mostly believable. Corporate greed fueling the end of civilization is haunting and the use of drugs to remove moral compass is also z strong theme in this book. Reccomend for readers of post apocalyptic fiction.
This was a good read. The hypothesis that it could rain steadily for 20 years is fresh, and the characters are mostly believable. Corporate greed fueling the end of civilization is haunting and the use of drugs to remove moral compass is also z strong theme in this book. Reccomend for readers of post apocalyptic fiction.
January 7, 2024
Good story. Held my attention and had a realistic, hopeful but rosy, ending. Could climate change affect the angle of the earth’s axis? I wouldn’t put it past it. Might the earth heal itself after something cataclysmic? Maybe. Will there be cannibalism in the end times? Possible. Would an abused drug make things worse in the long run? Certainly.
March 8, 2024
Great storyline, I quite enjoyed this story and worldbuilding.Crime, drugs (capitalism is also a drug), deveststing climate change, global powers unable to see the problems right in front if them. The characters were interesting as were their stories. I would have liked to here a bit more about Russell and how he arrived in the novel. I look forward to checking out The Snow.
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