Panther in the Hive

The Tasha Trilogy #1

by Olivia A. Cole

Panther in the Hive is at once an unforgettable coming-of-age story and a captivating vision of an unsettling future. Tasha Lockett, orphan, oddball, and former fashion addict, is alone in a Chicago overrun with citizens-turned-weapons, the result of the cybertronic disaster that brought the country to its knees four days ago. When Tasha receives a letter from her estranged sister warning her of the catastrophe and urging her to travel to the South Side where there is rumored to be a safe zone, Tasha must face what the world has become. With only her precious Prada backpack and a sturdy kitchen knife, she embarks on an epic journey through the wasteland Chicago has become, forming alliances and discovering that although the world may be in pieces, she might still become whole.

Readers who enjoy the likes of Margaret Atwood and Octavia Butler will enjoy this coming of age adventure in a not-quite unrealistic setting. Readers have called Panther in the Hive "the intersection of I Am Legend and The Devil Wears Prada."

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Zombies

382 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2014

About the author

Olivia Cole is an author and blogger from Louisville, Kentucky. She spent eight years in Chicago and two in South Florida before finding her way back home. She is the author of PANTHER IN THE HIVE and its sequel, THE ROOSTER’S GARDEN, as well as her latest young adult series, A CONSPIRACY OF STARS and its sequel AN ANATOMY OF BEASTS. She is on the Creative Writing faculty at the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts and is the founder of the sci-fi art show for young Kentucky women, KINDRED: MAKING SPACE IN SPACE.

Reviews

[Faith Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

You HAVE to read this book! I’m so glad I stumbled across it while reading a Huffington Post article. I typically don’t read Sci-Fi. Like ever. But I’ve heard from a few of my fellow writer friends that they don’t read books in the genre they write in because they don’t want their work to be influenced. So I thought, why not take a leap of faith and read a Sci-Fi book?

Best. Decision. Ever.

This story gripped me from the first page and held my attention until the very last word. That’s saying a lot because the book is 472 pages long. Don’t let that intimidate you, because there’s so much action the pages turn themselves. You’d think that with a bunch of zombie like shenanigans, there wouldn’t be much room for depth. You’d be wrong. Cole manages to delve into the topics of socialism, racial stereotypes, elitism, and propaganda. All while showing the evolution of her protagonist, Tasha, from a superficial label whore to a confident woman finally comfortable in the skin she was born in.

You’ll root for Tasha. You’ll question your own superficiality. You’ll think about investing in a really good kitchen knife set. Chick Lit meets Sci-Fi and they have a genius baby: Panther in the Hive. Read it. You won’t regret it.
http://faithsimone.com/2014/08/19/boo...

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so this is one of those books that makes you feel like you seriously can’t put it down. And when you finally do, you’re still thinking about it. Then, eager to know what’s next, you pick it up again and before you know it it’s over.

So it’s safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed Panther in the Hive. There seems to be a plethora of dystopian novels on bookshelves these days (some good, some not so much), and I’m always a sucker for some end-of-the-world, fallen civilization type of drama — and I must say this story is top notch.

The world Cole paints feels like the future, but not so far off that you can’t touch it. It’s futuristic and imaginative and extraordinary— and yet it’s so realistic that it feels like it could easily happen tomorrow (I won’t spoil it by saying what “it” is!). And instead of making the focus of the story some romance or love triangle (like many stories like this cave to), this novel focuses on larger themes: materialism, income inequality, capitalism, race. And to top it all of, we get to see this world through the eyes of a young, African-American heroine. That truly puts Panther in the Hive in a league of its own.

There’s so much more I could say about this book, but I will just say that it’s *definitely* worth a read. I really, really enjoyed it. I was definitely a bit bummed when it came to an end — but then I saw that a sequel was on its way! So I will be waiting patiently!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really hoping that in the end, I would like this novel better. And in truth, there's a lot to like. Cole's imagining of Chicago in 2080 is detailed and thought-provoking. She's done a great job at identifying trends and following them out to their logical conclusion, and then building a world that follows those rules. I also like the twist on the zombie theme; the way she weaves in race/class into the mix is interesting and very promising. And I liked the main character a lot, at least for the first half of the novel or so.

Where the story starts to fall down is in the last third. Unfortunately, the author relies on some really creaky and improbable coincidences to tie all the threads together--which are particularly jarring since up to that point, the novel seems fairly "realistic." So that's disappointing.

In addition,in the last third, the main character seems to get ... stupider? She seems more and more slow-on-the-uptake, and does more and more things that make the readers scream "no!" I also found the conclusion really unsatisfying. It wasn't at all clear what the "bad guys" gained in their nefarious actions, and I had anticipated more of an explication that would tie it all back into the themes of racial and social inequality. Maybe the author is saving that for a sequel, but it leaves this outing feeling unfinished.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was an Indiegogo sponsor for this novel and was very excited to read it but ended up thinking it was just fine. It didn't sink its teeth into me (pun!) but there were a lot of things I did really like about it!

I really appreciated that most (all?) of the characters were people of color, and as someone who reads a LOT of post-apocalyptic fiction, I liked having a young capable female protagonist, which I think the genre is often missing. I thought Tasha was a great lead but the plot often just didn't connect with me. I'm not a huge fan of zombie apocalypse in general and while this isn't strictly zombie fiction it does have some similarities, so it may be my own bias in effect. Different parts of the book read as almost disconnected from each other, some sections felt repetitive and the final antagonist was a little too cartoonishly-evil for me. That said, I thought the climactic scene was incredibly well-written (I could see it playing out like a movie in my head. Hollywood contract?).

In the end, I always like to support new authors, so if you're a fan of the sci-fi, post-apocalyptic genre I would recommend giving this one a go. I'll probably read the sequel myself when it comes out.

[Tangi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was actually fantastic. When I finished it last night, I was a little bit disappointed in the ending. However, after thinking about it today, I realized a few things that I think are worth noting.

This is not a love story.

This is nota book that has a typical happy ending where everything turns out peachy and all is well in the world.

This is the story of a woman's struggle to escape the hell that has erupted around her.

Though this book is set in the future, I found a lot of parallels to the now that really make this an interesting read. The idea of Cybranu and the MINK chip, the fact that the wealthy or those who have certain jobs are able to get the medical care they need while the rest have to suffer, thus widening the gap between the financial classes.

I have a tendency to read late at night and, as a result, lost a lot of sleep this week. Great job, Olivia. I can't wait to read more from you!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Panther in the Hive. Thought it was really engaging, liked the way themes of class, race, and female friendships were woven through the story.

I particularly appreciated that it doesn't fall into the magical-gifted-child trap -- Tasha is a young adult, and she is so believable as a character. I feel that too often, authors create protagonists that are twelve years old and magically know how to do everything right -- Tasha is imperfect, but capable. She and the others in the story are very real. It's so refreshing.

Definitely some beautiful ideas in this book, as well as some chillingly ugly ones -- very thought provoking, makes you consider humanity's condition in a new light at certain points, just like any good piece of science fiction. Fantastic social comment.

Unfortunately, some of the editing was not on-point...seems like no one went over the text with a fine-tooth comb...or a fine-enough-toothed comb...caught a couple grammar errors and even a misspelled name (Malakai becomes Malachi for a hot minute) during my quick, casual readthrough...BUT I won't dock any stars for that. That's small potatoes.

Overall, loved the book. It had a lot of important stuff to say and it really, really grabs you. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a three star book, but I'm giving it four since it has so much originality, and is so unapologetically diverse - another form of originality. Also I raced through it so, always fun when a book just grabs you. And edited to add: no one gets raped in it. No one is even threatened with sexual violence as a result of the apocalypse. Everyone is just worried about the goddamn zombies, not devolving into lawlessness and depravity. Do you know how special this is for apocalyptic fiction? When I realized it, I almost cried.

Cole's futurism is generally quite good; the class-based zombies awesome; the actually vaguely believable zombies super awesome. Lots of diverse female characters. Plenty of action. Really a very unique story. I just didn't actually like Tasha that much - can't relate to her materialism, and she kept making dumb mistakes that felt repetitive and lacked growth. There's also some pretty weak writing, and at least one continuity error that made me groan audibly.

I'll probably read the sequel, but I'm hoping Cole built on her originality with a little more actual care and skill in the writing. This doesn't have to be literary fiction but it could be a lot less pulpy while still being really fun, with a sharper pen and sharper editor's eye.

[Curlita · Rating 3 out of 5]

"We were raised in a world that convinced us to trick ourselves into believing that the more things we owned, the safer we would be, the happier we would be. We have come to believe we have more than there is to be gained by abandoning what we have. This is a lie. We have nothing.”

The setting is Chicago in the late 2070s. Health insurance has become dominated by one company, and is available only to the very wealthy, most of whom have had a protective chip placed in the side of their neck. One day the chips malfunction in a hideous way, creating mindless cannibals out of them.

The book's protagonist is named Tasha. In the midst of the apocalypse, Tasha retrieves a letter from her sister, who lives in the Nation of California, telling her to seek out Dr Rio. The book traces her journey and eventual meeting with the man. Along the way, she meets new people, collects helpful resources, and kills some feral people who are trying to eat her.

I had some issues with the book. The characters weren't as strongly defined as they could have been. Tasha was a strong protagonist, but I was distracted by her concerns about her make-up and hair. Maybe that reflects more on who I am than who Tasha is, since I rarely prioritize my make-up in daily life; I can promise you that I won't be packing a bag of make up during the apocalypse. There were some contemporary references that were a little distracting, since they were all roughly from the same time period. It strained my credulity a bit to think of Tasha remembering and commenting on pop culture references from one specific 10 year period when her grandmother would have been a girl.

As far as matters dystopian... I liked the break from plague themes, and I like the details presented about the late 2070s culture. I can see where the author borrowed trends from the present day and then presented a vision of the future that included evolutions of these things. (Responsive advertising, and use of all electric vehicles are two things I noticed).

I wish Tasha well on her adventures, but I probably won't be following along on the rest of them.

[Andrea Walker-louissaint]

Good for a different take on the Post Apocalyptic/Sci-Fi novel

Overall I enjoyed this book. It had its problems but I always felt compelled to keep reading. It was nice to read a Post Apocalyptic/Sci-Fi novel that is told from a different perspective. It started off well, but took a turn for the worse in the latter part of the book. I enjoyed watching our young heroine grow, but she makes dumb mistake that seem totally uncharacteristic of her. I also felt some of the "technology" seemed far too antiquated for the future. Like, key cards: would a company so advanced, with something so important to hide really still be using key cards in 2090? I mean, I got into my iPhone with just my fingerprint in 2014. There was a lot of silly things like that, which can be distracting. But, the story was really about Tasha who had not been strong enough to stand up for herself in the beginning and having her priorities all screwed up finally coming into her own and seeing what is truly important. Although her world had to come to an end first. The end left me wanting more answers, it felt rushed. The ending definitely leaves room for a sequel, so perhaps that was Olivia Cole's plan all along. I'd read it, I think the author has great potential. However, it seemed as if she was trying to write an Octavia Butler novel, anyone trying to do that will fall short. I feel like once Cole figures out what she has that is unique to add to the genre, she'll be a much better novelist. Now that she knows she can write a book, I'd like to see her write a great one.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world where a single corporation owns all healthcare, only those who can pay the equivalent of a trip to the moon or who work for the government are able to access even basic care. The health cards read 'The Few' and serve as status symbols that are also able to get you access to a chip implant that keeps your body healthy while 'the many' are left to die. That is, until everyone with a chip becomes a cannibal eating those who weren't "lucky" enough to receive the chip. The story follows Tasha, a 21 year old fashionista struggling to find her place after the death of her parents, through a realistic future Chicago as she struggles to survive.

A bit slow to start, the story picks up about a third of the way in and doesn't slow down. The world building is amazing and realistic - pulling pieces of today's society out to logical and terrifying conclusions. It weaves together technological changes, government/corporate alliances, climate change, and the systemic oppression of communities. I blew through this book in less than 24 hours, and the world building is what grabbed me. The characters were predictable, with attempts to make them multi-faceted and complex falling flat. The concept of becoming a fashionista to find your place in the world after trauma, then discovering that's what you've been doing all along is an interesting and honest storyline... but it's half done and too obvious that's what she's going for.

[Jennifer Klaric · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who has become sick and tired of the cliche stories on apocalypses, I was genuinely surprised at how much I loved this book.
Written in such an eloquent, witty way, you won't be able to put it down. It is funny, not centered around the white male gaze at all, and you will be thinking about it long after finishing it.
Olivia Cole is a fantastic writer, and I am ready to read more from her.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many mixed feelings about this book... on one hand it's a pretty formulaic zombie book, but on the other hand in this book the entitled and privileged are the zombies while the disadvantaged are the 'living' heroes.

Then again, the author is a little fast and loose with details and it's distracting to try to make them fit the time frame or the character's prior actions and knowledge.

And I can't decide if the main character is unbelievably shallow or if the author was trying to give her room to grow.

Easy read- if you need another zombie apocaplypse, this isn't a bad one, but I'll be skipping the sequel(s).

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a hot mess. I didn't like the narrator; she felt like a feeble attempt at making some sort of statement about vanity in the context of the end of the world. That statement was never made. Throughout the entire book, the attempt at character development failed despite the fact that Cole seemed to focus so strongly on it. Plot-wise, I kept expecting this fear-of-technology to resolve in some way. It didn't. This book read like a soap opera.

Overall, I felt like this book perpetually convinced me that if I just kept reading, it would redeem itself.

Don't waste your time.

[S.R. Toliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasha is a 21-year old Black woman living in Chicago. She works at the mall, loves Prada, and kills zombie-like creatures bent on ending her existence. In this story set in in a futuristic, but not so distant, society, California has seceded from the US, walking sidewalks replace the concrete ones, and people pretty much live in mega malls.  A for-profit healthcare system creates a two-tiered hierarchy of citizens - those who can afford it and those who cannot. But, a glitch (I'm still not sure about whether or not this error was intentional) may prove that those who were unable to qualify for the healthcare fared better in the end.

What I liked most about Cole's novel is that the character spoke to me. I've always wondered if I would still worry about certain things if I lived in a dystopian world - Would I care if my armpits stunk? Would I wonder what my appearance was like? Would I risk death to get a hold of some deodorant and toothpaste? I'm not saying that every person would or should think about those things if the world was ending as we knew it, but I also think it's important to show that thinking about them is a possibility. Too often, I think that in trying to show that girls don't have to be princesses, writers create characters that are extremely anti-stereotypically feminine. Why can't a girl like lipstick and kick butt? Why can't she miss her flat iron as she sweats from running away from killers? Seeing female characters living unapologetically, whatever that may be for them in the context of the novel, is refreshing. I feel like if there were ever a zombie apocalypsse, I would be like Tasha, with my Wusthof in hand.

Diversity Elements:

The main character is an African-American woman;
Secondary characters are mostly people of color - women and men;
Nuanced identities for diverse characters
This book is full of women of color literally fighting a system that has marginalized them. Even when a character is present only for a short time, their story is still told. They have names, they have stories, they have dynamic identities.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pulled in really quickly by a compelling first half of the book, but somewhere around the middle, Tasha's inner monologue began to annoy me, especially her constant dropping of pop-culture references that were "classics". She also did things that made me scratch my head and wonder how she managed to stay alive. Needing to pee so bad that she left her knife and wandered over to another part of a zoo filled with Minkers made me want to stop reading.

But I kept going and by the time she ended up at the Web with Z, the story picked up again and eventually found a direction other than Tasha wandering the city and falling down a rabbit hole of her own inane thoughts. The ending felt a bit ham-handed with Tasha again doing one of those things that make me think, girl, how are you still alive? Really, you needed your mom's ring so bad you were willing to take a chance on not only your life but your friend's lives as well.

Was it worth the read? Yes, I suppose. I like the world building and would like to see where the story takes the four main characters, but unless Tasha grows up a little, I don't think I'll be able to continue with the series.

[Tamara Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I finally forced myself to sit down and read this book which I wanted to read for ages now. and I was not disappointed! an actually diverse book that wasn't filled with stereotypes and cliché. Just fast paced well written action and plot. Not to mention interesting characters and storyline details that just made it so much more better.

Tasha angered me sometimes because she was so vapid but I couldn't stay mad at her because she was so effective and she also lamented her own shortcomings on her own.

I wanted more from the ending because I just flat out wanted MORE. I wanted to be there when Tasha and her friends are on the road travelling, and when they reach their destination. I hope there is a sequel because I really think that Dinah was right when she said it was just too convienient. and I feel like Dr Rio didn't truly explain the full extent of why the powers that be chose to make the changes that effectively had the haves slaughtering the have nots. I need more, Olivia!! please make it happen!! #SEQUEL #TRILOGY

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

What an odd book. I couldn't finish it, but I read enough to become puzzled by the number of glaring errors that would've been caught by basic proofreading. I tried looking up the publisher, only to find that as far as google is concerned, at least, they've never published any other books besides Cole's, and have no website or address associated with them. Cole credits Indiegogo donors in the acknowledgments in the back of the book, so maybe this was entirely self-published? If so, I think it speaks to how critical it is to find someone to proofread and make editorial suggestions on a manuscript if you're planning on self-publishing. It's clear that Cole had a strong vision of the world she wanted her characters to inhabit, but the actual story moves in fits and starts. It needs some serious editing to make it flow.

[Elisabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

The world has ended and the main character sneaks away every chance she has to apply more mascara. Not only does it make the character totally unlikable but it's like the author has used this obsession over makeup to fill out the book with pointless words because the story is also very thin and slow.

[Teresa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book I would have found/chosen on my own. The synopsis did not interest me and I tend to shy away from science fiction books. I bought and read Panther in the Hive because I happen to follow Olivia Cole on Twitter. I was happy to find out she is an author, and I offered support by purchasing one of her books.

I am so glad I read it.

It took me some time to warm up to the main character Tasha -- only because I'll never understand devotion to overpriced name brands or feel the horror of leaving the house without mascara. There's symbolism entrenched in Tasha's obsessions and I love how it is almost subliminal.

The plot is engaging, as well as a bit frightening and foreboding. While I still stand firm that this is not my genre of choice, I plan to finish reading the series. I'm hooked and I have multiple questions that need answering that go beyond the why of the Change.

I want to take a moment to drool over some of Ms. Cole's language and metaphors:

"... his identity under a shelf someplace collecting dust."

"You don’t scold a rabid Rottweiler with no leash."

"... the silence here has its own clamor."

and, my personal favorite: "Time stretches like taffy across a hot tongue; long, stringy, melting."

The pages and pages of lines like these. Art. Enviable art.

Ms. Cole is fabulous to follow on Twitter for her insights, humor, and all around good nature--- and she pulls no punches when calling out BS. I'm grateful for her Twitter feed, but I'm inspired by her prose.

And it goes to show me.... don't judge a book by its genre.

[TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what it says about me that my favorite genre is the post-apocalyptic tale, but there it is. However, I very much dislike the all-too common tales where our hero is military and therefore apparently preternaturally prepared for when the SHTF, or where most of the plot is about men forming militaristic groups of "goodies" and "baddies" (the badness of the baddies inevitably immediately indicated by collecting and raping women), ESPECIALLY when the flavor of disaster is militaristic in the first place. These are legion and a particular sort of masculine wish-fulfillment I have had entirely enough of to last me until the literal end of time.
So for me, the more literary apocalypses of your Dogstars and Station Elevens, please. At the same time, I don't shrink from graphic depictions or utter dispair--The Stand and The Road are both books I admire and re-read.

Panther In The Hive is a new favorite of mine in the PA genre. I enjoyed having a young woman as a hero, with the added bonus that she's a POC. The world-building of the near-future setting is strong, the details of which seem less ridiculous today than they might have even a mere year ago. There is a little too much coincidence driving the plot, but otherwise, this is not a lazy book. It tackles some big issues--race, class, consumerism--and still has snappy action scenes and relatable characters. Panther In The Hive sits comfortably on my virtual post-apocalyptic shelf with the better-known classics of the genre.

[MN]

Tasha is a fabulous main character, setting off in a horrific post apocalyptic world with her prada backpack and her makeup pack safe inside it together with her very good kitchen knife. I think what is great about this novel is how Tasha is at once pragmatic ready to tackle the worst (with her excellent kitchen knife) and at the same time still tied to her old values (OMG she forgot to bring underwear!) and this seems to bring the whole dichotomy of before and after to life.
The Chicago setting is brought to life, both in the pre-minker and post apocalypse times with wonderful vividness and immediacy. The constant danger of being eaten by Minkers is brilliantly contrasted both with flashbacks to Tasha's earlier life and odd moments of something like peace - the sequence where she and Z are safe in a shopping mall because they can see what's going on on the different floors is so clever and such a brilliant contrast with the smell and barking and blood outside.
Tasha develops as the book goes on and so does our understanding of how this came about (as does hers - its great how she learns and grows as the story moves on).
I haven't read any zombie books so I have no idea how this compares but for me, it's really really good and well written and has nothing in common with my idea of zombie apocalypse stuff :)
I will definitely be reading the next in the series and recommend it if you like apocalypse stories - it's one of the best.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

So. This book has pros and cons. I would recommend for:
- Apocalypse story with social commentary (rich vs poor, access to health care, shady government and corporation dealings)
- Good overall story/world, nice action and the book kept moving. Mostly realistic.
- I love watching an apocalypse unfold in real time and wondering “what would I do?” (The answer is: probably die. But I love imagining survival techniques.)
- Female POC main character!

Would not recommend for:
I think the author was trying to make a relatable character, like an anti-hero, but it came off as over the top stupid choices and annoying personality traits. No one who is packing a survival back pack is going to put their Jimmy Choo heels in and try to make them fit. No. One. There are other examples that annoyed me but I won’t put any spoilers.
Also, the end was a bit overly crazy, but fun, I guess. Would make a good movie!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm irritated that I waited so long to read this.
This book is timely and well written. It's a mix of genres (horror, sci fi, coming of age). Tasha is an interesting character.
In the beginning she's scavenging for food. Something has happened. The population in futuristic Chicago has been either changed into murderous monsters or killed by the murderous monsters. As the book unfolds we learn that some people got a chip implanted in their necks. The chip promised to make you a better you.
Tasha's parents died a few years before all this. She does have a sister named Leona that she is determine to find. But first she has to find someone Leona told her to seek out in her last letter.
It was fast paced when it should be and poignant at other times. The characters are fleshed out.
Looking forward to reading more of Olivia Coles work.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My sister recommended it as a "feminist horror" novel, that she had to read in grad school. I saw some of that, but mostly just enjoyed the story. Its somewhat similar to "Walking Dead" but with a female heroine. My favorite part was when she found herself in the zoo and was forced to make a decision as to if she would set the animals free...

Once it got going (for me after the zoo part) it was an amazing page turner with an awesome conclusion. I've already started reading book 2 in the Tasha trilogies.

[Robert Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a good quick paced “zombie” apocalypse story. This one is better because the protagonist is a young black woman so stepping into her experience is really exciting as most protagonist is popular science fiction is dominated by white people. Olivia Cole is walking in Octavia Butler’s shoes and doing it stunningly! Her character Tasha is compelling and unlike most protagonists because of her honesty. I also love the overall critique of our materialistic and conforming culture. A good, exciting, quick read with enough of a different voice to make it less expected...

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read in-between some heavy fantasy tomes.
No part of this book is very developed. Which doesn't have to be a bad thing, if you're looking for a read, that won't engage your mind heavily.

The plot is very simple, the characters rough around the edges. What really grated on me was the writing, never read anything that slipped into such bottomless weirdness so fast. It may start with a normal sentence, continuing with the author trying her hand at poesy.

Initially I planned to read the sequel, but by the end of the book I started skipping all this weird poetic musing, so I'll pass.

[Abbey · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was pretty good. Way too verbose though. Had to skip read a lot. But a good story idea. Weird character development. The guy who saved all these people was deemed creepy? The theme of the book was rich people bad, poor people good. And yet this girl had a closet full of designer shoes? I would have believed it more if she only had one pair. I realized towards the end we weren’t going to see “California”. Would have liked to see the results of the bomb on the Minkers, though. Might read the second book.

[Pj Woodside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read, just what I was looking for: female-driven, fast-moving, and fun on the page. High literature - no. But enough that's unpredictable and exciting that I couldn't put it down and have already started the sequel. Will there be a third? I hope so!

In response to another comment, I like the details about her makeup and Jimmy Choos and Prada, because it made her spectacularly real.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. I had a bit of trouble sinking into it at first, some of the flashback/setup stuff seemed a little on the nose, but once I settled in I flew through it. There are things you could pick apart in this book, particularly the anachronistic dropping of current-era pop culture references, but the underlying vein of snark meant I was having too much fun to really worry about them.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nah. I really wanted to like this, it has all the elements of things I like. But I’m really sad to say it’s just... not that well written. So after 150 pages of gory and overly-descriptive exposition and not a whole lot of plot-motion, I decided that life was too short to finish this. Onto something more satisfying.