In a desolate future where humanity has nearly vanished, only three people remain on Earth, struggling to survive in a world that has been irrevocably altered. The story is narrated by Liam Gilespie, one of the last survivors, who chronicles his lonely existence and the downfall of civilization that led to this apocalyptic reality.
Striving to discover the truth behind their new world, Liam's adventures take him to new parts of the United States, where new struggles await.
Set in the aftermath of societal collapse, which began in the late 22nd century. After the Second Great Depression in 2136, humanity's reliance on artificial intelligence and automation led to widespread unemployment, discontent, and ultimately, violence. The fragile economy crumbled, and people turned against the very machines that once served them, smashing robots and AI systems in a desperate bid for control. This destruction marked the beginning of the end for human civilization, as the loss of AI-driven infrastructure caused a regression in technological and societal capabilities, allowing the true enemy to sweep in, in an attempt to take their hate-driven revenge.
The three survivors roam the remnants of the United States, each person keeping to their own territory, driven by mutual distrust. Despite the abundance of resources left behind by a population that disappeared almost overnight, Liam's life is marked by isolation and the constant threat of becoming the last person alive.
This honestly could've been a 4 star novel with some editing to iron out the mistypes, passive voice, and junk words. It isn't perfect and retreads some pretty well-worn tropes of the genre. AI uprising, WWIII, etc. I admit I was also skeptical at times of the level of technology described 100 years in the future, let alone closer to the novel's timeline. We're already working on life-like human robots, you'd think they'd have mastered them before the Second Great Depression.
But ignoring the tropes and a somewhat rough manuscript that could've benefited from some beta-readers, I was immediately engrossed. Our author is a skilled writer capable of weaving together personal insight and exposition in the first person narration that keeps it interesting. The idea of the last survivors having a frayed relationship with one another is fascinating and feels realistic in a world of rugged survival. Of course the people that pulled through would have an uneasy relationship with others when they're used to being so independent.
I think that's where this novel shines. Weaving the past and present together, showing the way the state of the world impacts the relationships. The very skills that helped Liam survive inherently armor him against the idea of interdependence.
We, the Three by M. J Brierley tells the story of three survivors after the third great war. It is a dark, but compelling story that readers will find themselves being drawn into.
The three survivors, Liam, Yas and Martinez are faced with trying to live after a terrible disaster after the destruction of our world from the Second Great Depression in the year 2136. They are catapulted into each other’s company and strive to make sense of what has happened to their world and how to cope. They also have to come to terms with each other and attempt to build lasting and trusting alliances, if not friendships.
Written in the first person, the narrative of this book reveals an insightful look into the character’s mental and physical wellbeing. We see right to the heart of every matter, and are taken on a touching, personal journey alone with them. Fiercely independent, Liam reveals his flaws and weaknesses, and in those he finds his strength and, most importantly, his courage. As an older reader, I think he is a great role model for young readers and would recommend this book to parents of teenagers.
No doubt, readers will enjoy the sci-fi elements of this book. They are true to type and reveal the author’s deep understanding of this genre. If you are a sci-fi fan, you will enjoy this book. It is well-crafted and written with ease.