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Island and Main: Sudden Quiet: Book I
Society has collapsed, the modern age has expired, and global mortality is curving toward 99 percent. In northern Michigan, the electrical grid has been down for over a year. Three scouts journey from Beaver Island to the darkened mainland. They're on a search for allies and information, led by Keith Two-Crow, a Vietnam veteran and Ojibwe elder. Keith's two charges, Mukwa and Miin, are foster siblings unrelated by blood but connected to the green-pulse of the planet by their adoptive grandmother, Samantha, a traditional healer and mystic. After reaching the mainland, the scouts are targeted by traffickers, abducted by eco-elves, and are astonished--as readers will be--at Mother Nature's resurgence. Island and Main is a dark exploration of humanity and the hope and healing offered by community and our connection to nature.
477 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2024
32 people are currently reading
2897 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Veith
3 books25 followersJoshua Veith is an educator, adventurer, and outdoor enthusiast. He graduated from the University of Michigan, later earning an MA in Literature from Eastern Michigan University. Today Joshua lives with his wife and two sons in northern Michigan, fishes and hikes in the same spots that Hemingway enjoyed, and teaches a literature class on JRR Tolkien. As a public school teacher and writer, Josh strives to be an Indigenous ally, recognizing that traditional relationships with the environment offer the most sustainable pathways for humankind’s interaction with the planet.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 4, 2025
A must-read! A captivating story that will leave you reflecting on community, and the role we play in stewarding the earth. You’ll be drawn to the characters and their multitudes. Veith’s writing beautifully illustrates the land, and the indigenous folk who care for it in a way that left me rejuvenated. Patiently waiting for book 2
October 14, 2025
Amazing book!! And as a Michigan resident it’s a bonus that I am familiar with the towns and areas where the book takes place. Eeery to imagine it this way but such a great story, I was hooked to the end!
June 10, 2024
A fantastic post apocalyptic book that somehow manages to seamlessly incorporate some strong Tolkienesque vibes.
Likeable, relatable characters and incredible attention to detail made this a truly enjoyable read.
Can’t wait for book two!
Likeable, relatable characters and incredible attention to detail made this a truly enjoyable read.
Can’t wait for book two!
November 19, 2024
These are my personal key notes while reading this magnificent novel Island and Main
Humanity in Crisis:
Veith’s exploration of humanity’s response to catastrophe feels raw and authentic. The contrast between cooperation and exploitation captures the moral fragility of survival, making readers question their own values in such a world.
Connection to Nature:
The resurgence of nature is stunningly depicted—both a quiet rebuke to humanity’s destruction and a hopeful reminder of the Earth’s resilience. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with the natural world.
Cultural Insights:
Keith Two-Crow’s Ojibwe perspective is the heart of the story. His worldview offers a grounding moral compass, setting a rich, contemplative tone that beautifully contrasts the chaos of the mainland.
Keith Two-Crow’s Leadership:
Keith’s quiet wisdom is captivating. His mix of pragmatism from his Vietnam past and spiritual depth from his Ojibwe heritage makes him a leader readers trust implicitly, even when the stakes are high.
Mukwa and Miin:
Mukwa and Miin are dynamic and relatable. They embody hope and growth, making their successes and failures equally compelling. Their bond feels like the emotional core of the story’s future.
Trust and Survival:
Veith nailed the delicate balance between trust and self-preservation. Each encounter feels like a gamble, adding tension and a sense of realism to the characters’ choices.
Human Traffickers and Eco-Elves:
These factions are fascinating extremes. They reveal humanity’s dual potential for cruelty and idealism, offering a sharp commentary on how crises amplify both.
Realistic Apocalypse:
The pandemic’s aftermath feels chillingly plausible. I appreciated how Veith shifted focus from the collapse to the quieter, more introspective struggle of rebuilding, which makes the story deeply human.
Beaver Island as a Haven:
The island is a brilliant choice—it’s not just a setting but a symbol of fragile sanctuary. Its isolation raises tension every time the characters step away, making the mainland feel truly dangerous.
Personal Influences:
Veith’s love for nature and deep understanding of survival shines through. It feels like he is guiding readers on a journey through a world that’s equally wondrous and treacherous, shaped by his own experiences.
Takeaways:
The story leaves a powerful impression—survival isn’t just about living, but about holding onto humanity and hope. It’s a poignant, timely message about the need to value connection and balance before it’s too late.
Sequel Expectations:
The groundwork Veith laid is rich with possibilities. I’m excited to see how Mukwa and Miin grow into leaders, how the sanctuary of Beaver Island holds up, and how the lingering mysteries of the pandemic and the factions on the mainland unfold.
Veith’s book is both gripping and thought-provoking, offering readers an unflinching look at survival, morality, and the beauty of a healing world. It’s a journey I can’t wait to continue!
Humanity in Crisis:
Veith’s exploration of humanity’s response to catastrophe feels raw and authentic. The contrast between cooperation and exploitation captures the moral fragility of survival, making readers question their own values in such a world.
Connection to Nature:
The resurgence of nature is stunningly depicted—both a quiet rebuke to humanity’s destruction and a hopeful reminder of the Earth’s resilience. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with the natural world.
Cultural Insights:
Keith Two-Crow’s Ojibwe perspective is the heart of the story. His worldview offers a grounding moral compass, setting a rich, contemplative tone that beautifully contrasts the chaos of the mainland.
Keith Two-Crow’s Leadership:
Keith’s quiet wisdom is captivating. His mix of pragmatism from his Vietnam past and spiritual depth from his Ojibwe heritage makes him a leader readers trust implicitly, even when the stakes are high.
Mukwa and Miin:
Mukwa and Miin are dynamic and relatable. They embody hope and growth, making their successes and failures equally compelling. Their bond feels like the emotional core of the story’s future.
Trust and Survival:
Veith nailed the delicate balance between trust and self-preservation. Each encounter feels like a gamble, adding tension and a sense of realism to the characters’ choices.
Human Traffickers and Eco-Elves:
These factions are fascinating extremes. They reveal humanity’s dual potential for cruelty and idealism, offering a sharp commentary on how crises amplify both.
Realistic Apocalypse:
The pandemic’s aftermath feels chillingly plausible. I appreciated how Veith shifted focus from the collapse to the quieter, more introspective struggle of rebuilding, which makes the story deeply human.
Beaver Island as a Haven:
The island is a brilliant choice—it’s not just a setting but a symbol of fragile sanctuary. Its isolation raises tension every time the characters step away, making the mainland feel truly dangerous.
Personal Influences:
Veith’s love for nature and deep understanding of survival shines through. It feels like he is guiding readers on a journey through a world that’s equally wondrous and treacherous, shaped by his own experiences.
Takeaways:
The story leaves a powerful impression—survival isn’t just about living, but about holding onto humanity and hope. It’s a poignant, timely message about the need to value connection and balance before it’s too late.
Sequel Expectations:
The groundwork Veith laid is rich with possibilities. I’m excited to see how Mukwa and Miin grow into leaders, how the sanctuary of Beaver Island holds up, and how the lingering mysteries of the pandemic and the factions on the mainland unfold.
Veith’s book is both gripping and thought-provoking, offering readers an unflinching look at survival, morality, and the beauty of a healing world. It’s a journey I can’t wait to continue!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
This is definitely not my usual genre but after meeting the author selling his books in Paradise, Michigan I got the first book ordered from my library. I couldn’t put it down - well written and a scary read! Now to find/order the next three books! Don’t discount this book if it’s not your normal thing, it will keep you reading past your bedtime AND make you think about how it could happen in reality! Great job, Joshua!
December 10, 2025
Highly recommend! Living in northern Michigan, it was great to see familiar locations as not just backdrop, but central to the story in a post-apocalyptic world. The integration of Anishinaabe culture and traditions adds to even stronger connection to the region and its peoples. As the story unfolds, I was drawn to several characters and enjoyed watching them develop. When the action starts the book is a page turner. Looking forward to book 2!
January 5, 2026
Absolutely loved the Michigan setting. The character jumps kept it fresh and invigorating. My cousin in law Josh wrote this three part series and I’ve been proudly telling people about how good this first book is! I’m excited to read on.
October 31, 2025
Excellent read. Being from Michigan very familiar with locale. UP NORTH feeling captured. So many elements are skillfully tied together. Bring to mind life during COVID.
October 14, 2025
I’m not sure why, but I didn’t like this book at first. It slowly grew on me. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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August 4, 2025I'm not a huge fan of omniscient point of view, literary fiction, or non-traditional story structure, but I'll read them if the book grips me right away. This started with all those, however, so it never really grabbed my attention.
July 6, 2025
Great writing and character development. The use of small chapters allows a more personal relationship with each of the main characters.
The scientific descriptions of the epidemic diseases in the saga provide a good knowledge of what was built and what they are fighting.
The use of realistic end of the world philosophy in the book was good. References to the Bible’s Exodus was good as well as the ever thought provoking if, and what, higher being exists.
A good read that ends with a yearning to continue on.
The scientific descriptions of the epidemic diseases in the saga provide a good knowledge of what was built and what they are fighting.
The use of realistic end of the world philosophy in the book was good. References to the Bible’s Exodus was good as well as the ever thought provoking if, and what, higher being exists.
A good read that ends with a yearning to continue on.
June 3, 2025
I was gifted Island and Main, the reason she chose it being “well, you like to support independent authors.” Which I do! But, generally apocalyptic science fiction is not my genre.
Luckily, this book was a serious hit for me. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I truly enjoyed Joshua Veith’s writing. The style is incredible. The story is heartbreaking and hopeful, so horribly sad and yet somehow optimistic. The characters are beautifully written. Absolutely a 5/5.
Luckily, this book was a serious hit for me. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I truly enjoyed Joshua Veith’s writing. The style is incredible. The story is heartbreaking and hopeful, so horribly sad and yet somehow optimistic. The characters are beautifully written. Absolutely a 5/5.
July 16, 2024
intriguing!
Well written, story and characters are well developed. Hard to put down! One of the best books I have read in a while! Can’t wait until Book 2 comes out!
Well written, story and characters are well developed. Hard to put down! One of the best books I have read in a while! Can’t wait until Book 2 comes out!
April 28, 2025
Ready for book two 📕
October 4, 2025
I've read dozens of books in all the genres this ONE blends together so seamlessly. One could enjoy this book simply as fantasy. One could claim this book is science fiction. There's an argument to be made this this book is emblematic of horror…..but it defies all of those genres and creates something unique. That is rare.
The character development and interpersonal relationships of our Pro and Antagonists is really at the heart of why I care about this story. Set all of that against a rich backdrop of an environment richly detailed and you have a recipe for a book that asks you to care for others while caring more about the environment and who you are as a person.
Flowery praise aside, this
is a post-viral-apocalyptic tale set in Northern Michigan. Our heroes represent peaceful coexistence with nature. Our villains represent chaos, malicious intent and a desire to profit from the suppression of others. Sound familiar? I bet. I also bet you haven't seen the puzzle pieces out together like this before.
In short, this is a book worthy of your time.
The character development and interpersonal relationships of our Pro and Antagonists is really at the heart of why I care about this story. Set all of that against a rich backdrop of an environment richly detailed and you have a recipe for a book that asks you to care for others while caring more about the environment and who you are as a person.
Flowery praise aside, this
is a post-viral-apocalyptic tale set in Northern Michigan. Our heroes represent peaceful coexistence with nature. Our villains represent chaos, malicious intent and a desire to profit from the suppression of others. Sound familiar? I bet. I also bet you haven't seen the puzzle pieces out together like this before.
In short, this is a book worthy of your time.
September 3, 2025
This fantastic page turner perfectly blends insight into the culture, history, and environment of its setting with the dark and mystical fiction that unfolds.
Veith conjures the voices of his literary influences as he develops his own uniquely narrated story told from multiple perspectives.
Island and Main not only questions the direction we as a society point our steps, but challenges the reader to look at their own internal reflection.
The author does not fail to engage the reader, but also paints a picture that feels a little too close to our own reality.
Once I began this journey, the pages passed between my fingers with a speed I’d missed in my reading as of late. As I turned the last page, a feeling of dissatisfaction arose, only because I had reached the back cover. It didn’t last long, as I immediately opened the cover of the second book in the series and continued .
Veith conjures the voices of his literary influences as he develops his own uniquely narrated story told from multiple perspectives.
Island and Main not only questions the direction we as a society point our steps, but challenges the reader to look at their own internal reflection.
The author does not fail to engage the reader, but also paints a picture that feels a little too close to our own reality.
Once I began this journey, the pages passed between my fingers with a speed I’d missed in my reading as of late. As I turned the last page, a feeling of dissatisfaction arose, only because I had reached the back cover. It didn’t last long, as I immediately opened the cover of the second book in the series and continued .
January 16, 2025
Having lived through the 2020 pandemic, I found this book absolutely chilling. God help us if another pandemic strikes with the deadly “sting” described by author Josh Veith. However, this book isn’t just about fear and death. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the indigenous people of Northern Michigan—their history, language, and culture.
The resolve and strength of the Islanders, along with the ELF’s working together, blending unique skills (some even magical), to combat an all-too-real deadly threat was absolutely captivating. The emotions of the characters and their struggles felt deeply personal, brought to life by the author’s poetic descriptions, wit, and creative storytelling.
What a joy to read! You won’t want to leave this book on the coffee table for long—you’ll be eager to keep it close and find out what happens next!
The resolve and strength of the Islanders, along with the ELF’s working together, blending unique skills (some even magical), to combat an all-too-real deadly threat was absolutely captivating. The emotions of the characters and their struggles felt deeply personal, brought to life by the author’s poetic descriptions, wit, and creative storytelling.
What a joy to read! You won’t want to leave this book on the coffee table for long—you’ll be eager to keep it close and find out what happens next!
October 3, 2025
If you are looking for a new adventure that takes you to a familiar place out of a surreal, yet incredible future, this is your next binge. Once I started Island and Main, I couldn't put it down. I found myself hoping for lines at the pharmacy or an empty break room just so I could pull the book out and dive back in. A bleak reality mixed with the unyielding message of hope, a wonderful wealth of indigenous language and culture, and profoundly interesting characters make this book impossible to pass on. It's the kind of storytelling that leaves you thinking long after you finish the book. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second one!!
January 3, 2025
Reading a novel about a post-pandemic collapse required courage given what happened with COVID in 2020. Nevertheless, I dove in and immersed myself in Veith’s dystopian thriller.
The book offers history and science insights (viruses are not new but as old as life itself) while adding fantasy elements (talking trees and elves), making a compelling tale. Using a narrator with a PhD in virology, introducing people isolated on an island, sharing native American wisdom, and highlighting the evil that lurks in some hearts offers food for thought. I highly recommend this well-written story.
The book offers history and science insights (viruses are not new but as old as life itself) while adding fantasy elements (talking trees and elves), making a compelling tale. Using a narrator with a PhD in virology, introducing people isolated on an island, sharing native American wisdom, and highlighting the evil that lurks in some hearts offers food for thought. I highly recommend this well-written story.
April 18, 2025
Island and Main was a fantastic read. While very different, this scratches the same itch that Station Eleven did…post-apocalyptic story that also highlights the strength and importance of community. The added bonus of this book was learning about the indigenous people of northern Michigan.
The characters and world building are deep without becoming tedious or heavy handed. I don’t want to delve much into plot to avoid spoilers but it’s about a journey and finding hope.
Can’t wait for Book 2!
The characters and world building are deep without becoming tedious or heavy handed. I don’t want to delve much into plot to avoid spoilers but it’s about a journey and finding hope.
Can’t wait for Book 2!
March 26, 2025
Island & Main is a timely post-apocalyptic tale of a world where COVID ran its course. With vivid prose, well-developed characters, and a northern Michigan setting, Veith's compelling tale of humanity raises thoughtful questions. What if COVID went unchecked? Have we lost touch with nature? Does community still play a role in the modern experience? Can’t wait to hear how Veith answers these and other big questions in the second and third books!
September 3, 2025
The Island and Main is a must read. It takes you down the terrifying path on what could have happen if the pandemic mutated to its most deadly form. With ninety-nine precent of the human population gone, the remaining few must decide if the best or worst side of humanity will survive. I couldn’t put this fast-paced novel down. I immediately when out and purchased the sequel… book two - Dark Straits.
June 1, 2025
This book is a fascinating mix of being grounded in the culture and history specific to northern Michigan and an imagined dystopian future. I loved that juxtaposition and getting to know the curious cast of characters living within this world. I am looking forward to reading Joshua Veith’s second book in this trilogy!
April 22, 2025
Veith's Island & Main is a phenomenal read that I just couldn't put down once I started. A bit of post-pandemic dystopian apocalypse combined with rich character development and a little bit of fantasy mixed in for good measure. This book left me wanting more and good news: book II is out soon!
August 22, 2025
1st book of the Sudden Quiet trilogy, it is populated by strong, fleahed out characters in a riveting post-apocalyptic narrative.
December 16, 2024
This was one of my favorite reads in 2024. Kudos to Joshua Veith for crafting a unique, thought-provoking mix of eco-adventure, horror, and Indigenous wisdom. If you've ever wondered what a talented literary cocktail maker might do with bottles of Stephen King (The Stand), Richard Powers (The Overstory) and Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass), pick up a copy of Island and Main and, like me, hope that 2025 will bring us Book Two.
May 25, 2025
I read Island and Main when it first came out. Even though this genre is not my usual read, I was quickly immersed in this gripping and thought-provoking novel. The original plot and well-developed characters (the islanders, naturals , and even the terrifying bad guys) make this a must read. My favorites, Keith Two-Crow, Miin and Mukwa lead the mission from Beaver Island to the darkened mainland. I’m anxiously awaiting Book 2 of the Sudden Quiet series, which I hope will be available soon.
December 15, 2024
Island and Main mesmerizes with its Tolkien references, Anishinaabe culture, local lore, pandemic fallout, hope, resilience. It brings readers to eerily familiar places scarred by what might have been.
June 18, 2024
Great read! This book captured my imagination right away. The detail to the area I know and live in was great! I can't wait for the rest!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews