A Scarred Drifter

by Sotto Voce

Cole and his family are struggling.
Life is hard.
Humans are being replaced by automation, leaving fewer and fewer opportunities to earn a living.
Still, everything is about to get worse.

The world is coming to an end.
The sea swallows and regurgitates everything in its path, leaving behind devastated lands and cursed survivors among broken ruins.

What now? Is life worth surviving?
What will become of those left behind?

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2025

About the author

Hi, I am Sotto.

It is my shadow in my profile picture, taken fourteen years ago. I was around 3000 meters high (approx. 10000 feet) on a mountain called Rinjani. It was near dawn, and I was about to miss the sunrise on the peak as it was still a distance (vertical!) away. The terrain was difficult; I wasn't in tip-top condition since I hadn't been climbing for a long time. Nearing the peak, I slid down two steps for every three steps I took. It was exhausting; I considered quitting and kept questioning my existence and objective.

I didn't quit and reached there in an embarrassing amount of time. I missed the sunrise but, thankfully, also the sunrise crowd and had the peak all to myself. It was awesome. The mountain has a beautiful turquoise-colored lake in the crater with an active volcano at that time. I've climbed many peaks before, but this one was special, as this was the only peak I had reached alone for the journey and the finale. My climbing buddy had given up. Sitting on the mountain ridge in the darkness, I had my prolonged favorite moment, looking at the stars, embracing the peace and silence.

I love nature; going up the mountains, scaling the cliffs, exploring the deep, and chasing the currents. I haven't had chances for those now for many reasons, but I find an equal, if not more, amount of happiness strolling the beach with my loved ones and my dog, baking, and writing.

Writing is therapeutic, personal, and intimate. Climbing Rinjani is the reflection of my writing journey. It's challenging, and I am not in sync with the current, continuously questioning my existence and objective. I change the 'standard' professional author profile to a ramble. It's not easy for me to be out there, but I aspire to make my writing known and take small baby steps each time to come out of my shell. I can't really change. I don't have a bubbly personality to engage with everyone facetiously and prefer to establish genuine bonds instead. Even though it will take forever and is not ideal, I like to be myself.

English is not my first language, but it's the one that I can comfortably use to express myself the most. Sotto Voce is my pen name, and I love the meaning. It suits me the most.

If you are reading this or reading my works, thank you.

Reviews

[Colin Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my first Sotto Voce novel and I can confidently say she has progressed as a writer.
Again, dystopia is not my preferred genre, but what sets this apart is its character-driven flavour and vivid event-telling. There is not a zombie in sight. There is no need for zombies when humanity is described in varying degrees of ugliness and cruelty. The central character, the narrator Cole, is no angel himself, which gives him some depth.
The author’s investment in her storyline, sometimes gruesomely portrayed, and her characters is evident. Her imagination knows little bounds in this one.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a post apocalyptic story like you've never read. There's not a zombie in sight - just humanity. Some good, some bad, all just trying to survive the end of their world. The characters are so rich and realistic, even the bad guys stand out. And the word building is phenomenal. The author lets the reader 'see' this world instead of telling us. It really felt like I was there.

I read this book in about two days because I couldn't bear to put it down. I just had to know how it was going to end. And while the ending is very satisfying, I'm also hopeful for a sequel because I want to know what happens with everyone!

I highly recommend this if you love post apocalypse stories but are sick of zombies!

[Jim Arrowood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some scars are on the surface; some are on the inside. A Scarred Drifter is about a young man who has scars both inside and out trying to make his way in a world where circumstances have gone even beyond a simple subsistence existence to a real fight to stay alive. What makes this story unique is that the author spins the story in a way that reflects his pen name of Sotto Voce. Those of us who are musicians know the Italian term, sotto voce, to mean "in a subtle or quiet voice." While the writing style for this tale’s narrative is in a subtle voice, the events in this tale are anything but understated. This is one of those not to be missed stories written in a deep, sensitive way. The world-building is incredible, the characters feel real, and there are twists and turns galore that explore the human condition under dire circumstances. There isn't anything about this book I didn't like.

This tale follows the life of Cole Patterson from the age of 8 to 27. As a youngster, he spends his days playing around and near the sea where he learns to swim well and learns to navigate a boat. He is a good fisherman and helps to feed his family from the bounty of the sea, and he learns how to build at the elbow of his dad. For the most part, life is pretty good as he plays along the beach with his friends. That is, until one day when the realities of adult life force his family to relocate. Between climate change and artificial intelligence, the economy crashes, and people are thrown out of work. Nearly everyone is trying to carve a living out of nothing.

Then, disaster strikes, and the social structure disintegrates, giving way to chaos, and the only way to survive is at the expense of others.

Cole is forced to strike out on his own to find a new place to make a life. There are overwhelming challenges at every turn, and it's going to take an abundance of fortitude and wit just to live.

As the tale unfolds, we follow Cole during his adventures as a boy and into the difficult teen years, and finally into adulthood. He is a good kid, but he is also a tough kid. Cole has a lot of compassion, but when threatened, he can be a vicious opponent. He is well liked by most people that know him, but some fear him with good reason. Cole doesn't set out to hurt anyone who hasn't hurt him. He is not a coward, but prefers to avoid conflict if he can, but unfortunately, there are those who back him into a corner and that is when his anger issues emerge, and there is no half-way when he retaliates against those that attack him, or those he cares about.

Cole's character is well developed and will draw the reader in from the first page and keep one hanging all the way to the end. There are triumphs to make the reader applaud, defeats to get down about, and sadness to make one shed tears.

My favorite point of plot is how the story unfolds in four parts. It opens with a peek into the recent past, then goes into the more distant past and brings the story up to the present. This arrangement allows the reader to become familiar with the character, then reveals what events and people shape him as he encounters others on his journeys. The way it is presented was the hook that drove me forward for the rest of the book.

The principal theme that stood out for me was the main character searching for a place he could belong. There are a number of different social arrangements shown in the book, so Cole had to find what worked for him. The reader goes on this journey with the character as though we are looking over his shoulder and able to hear what goes on in his mind. His search also led him to make several choices, and like any good solid story, the hero is flawed and doesn't always make good choices. As a result, this story is believable, and maybe even a little prophetic.

My takeaway from A Scarred Drifter is a reminder that life is full of choices, and choices have consequences.

A Scarred Drifter is a post-apocalyptic story set beginning in the very near future. The world-building is amazing, the characters feel like real people, and the story is told so well, anyone who is a fan of this type of storytelling will enjoy it. If you are not careful, and pay attention, you also might learn from this tale. It is full of surprises, not all of which are pleasant. There are some descriptions of violence that may be disconcerting to some, but I think it helps advance the story and is not gratuitous.

Highest Recommendations!

[Pauline Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this book and loved it. The opening chapters set the scene for a lot of the book where you delve into Cole’s past to discover why he is the person he has become. They are the perfect hook to draw you into Cole’s life making you really want to know more.
It’s story of growing up against harsh adversity, of terrible choices that have to be made and the consequences of those choices during a time of apoplectic world upheaval. It’s a story of survival against all the odds and ultimately, perhaps redemption.
I would definitely recommend this book and give it a solid 5 stars.

[Gill D. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers who can pull off dystopian themes never fail to amaze me, particularly when the focus is on the sustainability of planet earth. A strong yet emotive narrative with well rounded characters and an original story line.

[Mae Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the description of this book, it reminded me of the old film “Waterworld.” Although this is a completely different storyline, it presents a dystopian view of the fragility of our planet. Additionally, with the rise of artificial intelligence, the nature of computers encroaching on human interaction was a subject matter fit for these times.

Sotto has a unique writing style. The world-building is excellent, and the emotional twists and depth took me by surprise. Cole will tug at your heartstrings. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. It felt real. I love books that show, rather than tell, and Sotto excels at that in this story. It’s a page-turner.

I’d enjoy seeing Sotto write in the horror genre. Some of his passages about the evil survivors were chilling. One description of a target home with secret ladders, brownish splatters, and insulation was my stand-out descriptive scene. The writing made me feel I was there, and it gave me chills.

The planet is nearing the end of its ability to sustain humans. The struggle in the story between good and evil, as people desperately try to survive, is intense. You will root for the good, and though horrified by the bad, the author still makes you empathize. It was a five-star read for me. Well done.

[Sebastian Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Scarred Drifter" tell the story of a young man named Cole and how him and his family deal with a societal breakdown. It's told in four parts, and not all of the story is in chronological order. It starts in the year 2043 with Cole living as an outsider on Willow Island (in an unspecified part of the globe). The world is already in chaos, but we don't know why.

Gradually, Cole earns the trust of the community and the eye of a young woman with a cake shop named Kai. Scarred on the face from an unexplained violent encounter, Cole is restless and despite a mutual attraction between him and Kai, Cole feels there is some unfinished business in his life related to parents and siblings who he left behind on a larger land mass. So, he gets in his boat and leaves Willow Island, which sets the rest of the story in motion.

In Part 2 the story goes back in time to when Cole was a boy living with his parents and older sister Josephine (and two younger brothers) and we see the beginnings of how civil society began to degrade (food scarcity, riots, and the culling of citizens), though we still don't know why it's happening. As Cole grows into his teen years, fear, violence, and the loss of control begin to shape his life. The story works as a parable for how when societies collapse, family bonds can strain to the breaking point, and the story explores the length a parent (Cole's father) will go to protect his family, even if it causes pain.

Part 3 is easily the most harrowing, though the prose's third person perspective softens what could have been a ghoulish take on mankind's sadism when moral constraints no longer exist. In other words, it doesn't quite delve into 'The Road' territory, skimping on some of the more visceral details, and perhaps that was for the best.

The novel's strongest element is the way it's structured, presenting Cole as a mystery with a hidden and unresolved past, and the four parts work to unravel how Cole became the man he is. I did have to suspend disbelief on occasion; a gas motor still working after several years of non-use, old anti-biotics, and a knife wound that should have been fatal. Despite those little nitpicks, it's a well told dystopian tale for readers who want some hope and resolution along with the doom and gloom.

[Eric Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a young age, Cole deals with injustice in a definitive way. Spoiling for a fight, his anger often gets the better of him, and he turns to violence with no regard for consequences. When a tsunami strikes, wiping away his family's corner of civilization, no one knows if the entire world has gone mad. At first, no help comes, and when it does, it brings tyrannical oversight. Driven away from his home and family, he sails the ocean, traversing a string of islands and the castaways inhabiting them. New societies have formed, usually with the strong dominating the weak, or the charismatic manipulating the gullible. Even where groups of good people band together, violent criminals prey on them. Cole carries his personal morality into a very dark and lawless future.
The story is told entirely from a single viewpoint, forcing us to uncover the history, tragedies, and betrayals as the protagonist does. And this protagonist is hanging on by a thread. Mentally and physically. He survives through hardship and betrayal, never straying far from doing what he feels is right, even when he remains conflicted. Cole is confident in his skills and his physical ability, and almost nothing else. Forced to grow up too quickly, he matures physically as the story progresses, but his emotional growth has to overcome impossible obstacles.
This book asks questions about what is acceptable in the name of survival and to what depths people might sink when society falls. It intelligently explores vigilantism, the abuses humans inflict on each other, despotism, family, and the responsibilities government has to us.
Sotto Voce's first language is not English, and it does show with the occasional odd word choice or unusual turn of phrase. This narrative in particular works well with Voce's prose, his unique voice lending a certain authenticity to something that is already horrifyingly real.

[Ela Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, Realistic, and Utterly Unforgettable!!

First of all, this book exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I’m usually a romance and fantasy reader, but I found myself occupied, wanting to read more and more. This story captures the raw truth of human nature when faced with what you’d call a life completely out of the ordinary. In moments of desperation, the masks fall away, and you see what truly lies beneath: the fragility of reason, the collapse of ‘common sense,’ and the terrifying instinct that strips away humanity. It was heartbreaking, but also incredibly real. This story reinforced the unsettling feeling that if the world is not guided by love and wisdom, it can spiral out of control in countless ways. After all, isn’t that what makes dystopian stories so haunting: the reflection of what could so easily become reality?
And what can I say about the characters? Each one is written with such depth and realism and leaves a strong impression. Cole, the main character, is easily one of the most compelling leads I’ve read in a dystopian novel. His humanity, his emotions, his judgments, his actions mesmerized me. His character growth is remarkable. The weight of a protector, the burden of family responsibility, and the heartbreaking choices one has to make to keep their loved ones safe, all of it was portrayed with unforgettable intensity. Hat’s off to the author for crafting such a powerful story!

This novel is a brutally realistic representation of what could happen when humanity goes astray. To anyone considering it, I wholeheartedly recommend this story. It’s a journey packed with emotion, grounded in the horrors of reality, yet filled with a persistent hope that pushes toward the light, toward tomorrow, toward better days.

[E.K. Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent (but horrible) read

I loved this book – it’s one of my favourites of all time. A true dystopian, with all the horror and cruelty that comes with that. I did find the references to sexual assault hard to read, but they felt sadly realistic – exactly what you’d expect if society completely collapsed.

The character building is what draws you in - Cole is immediately relatable, as is Kai, and all the supporting characters are well drawn. It’s a very dark read, showing the worst sides of human nature – getting under your skin in a disturbing way – but also the strength, hope, and love that survive alongside them.

The story begins some time after the disaster, with Cole on Willow Island. He wants to leave to find his family, although we don’t know much more at first. It then flips back to young Cole growing up, pre-disaster, and I found myself liking him even more. The timeline moves through the disaster and onto his horrific trip to other islands (Snake Island – brr!) until he’s back on Willow Island, before finally moving to ‘present day’ and tying up all the loose ends. I loved the structure – at first you’re trying to work out why he left, and then you find yourself wanting the same closure he does (although I never really forgave Jonathan, even though Cole could.)

When the real reasons behind everything are revealed, it’s both shocking and believable - like all the best dystopians, it feels disturbingly possible.

I highly recommend this book, even though it gave me nightmares.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole is a fascinating, flawed, relatable character who lives a dystopian world where criminals are everywhere and good people are struggling to survive. Cole’s scars are both literal and emotional. His relationship with Kai (my favorite part), his restlessness, and his need to confront the past all feel grounded in real human emotion. His journey is both physically and emotionally daunting and handled with care. The book’s structure, split into four parts that jump around in time, adds a sense of mystery, though I prefer linear storytelling. The setting is bleak but not hopeless. Automation has gutted society, climate change has wrecked the landscape, and people are left scrambling to survive. What is truly humbling is that our real world could easily become what Mr. Voce described if we as the human race do not make changes to how we treat each other and our planet.
Several months ago, I beta read part of the book before it was published (I didn’t read the whole story), so I was interested to see the changes Mr. Voce made. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of passive voice and telling instead of showing. Some readers don’t mind this, but in my opinion, I feel that this style of writing is distancing for the reader.
Despite that, A Scarred Drifter is still a great story. Cole’s journey is heartbreaking and well-plotted. Readers of dystopian fiction should enjoy it.
3.5 Stars

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scarred Drifter begins in 2043, on Willow Island. It’s strange that Cole is scouring for food. Very little is revealed in the beginning as Cole struggles to adjust to the community. As the story unfolds, he shares his past, his happy childhood when waves were his lullaby and jumping into the ocean - a natural way to get calm, but disastrous circumstances place him in the midst of hunger, death and violence.

The story is well-paced, though the revelations are slow. People are facing the consequences of an automated world. The heart-wrenching details of the jobless people, dying of hunger, at the mercy of the strong and the powerful, sound realistic. Despite the chaos, human instincts of love, of attachment, of helping each other stand out.

Cole faces all the challenges with matchless courage, tries to protect his family, but gets physically as well as emotionally scarred. It is ironic that the deepest wounds are caused by his own people. From an impulsive teenager to a responsible adult, his journey is horrendous. Many questions haunt him, and he cannot rest until he gets the answers. Other characters are also carefully crafted, especially Josephine and Mike, who know how to adapt to the given circumstances. What I like about this story is that Voce never lets the hope die.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This post-apocalyptic book follows Cole as he tries to survive after the world basically falls apart. You don’t know what has happened at first. The story jumps around between different points in his life, which can be a little disorienting at first, but I came to appreciate how it slowly fills in the blanks about who Cole is and what made him that way. The book mixes quieter moments with some pretty harsh ones—there’s violence, betrayal, and survival choices that aren’t easy to see, but it never feels over the top. I liked that Cole stays human through it all, even when the world around him is losing its humanity.

The settings shift as he travels from place to place trying to rebuild after disaster. Each group has its own way of surviving, and not all of them are good. It’s about Cole figuring out what kind of person he wants to be when rules and systems have all broken down. I wouldn’t call it a fast-paced dystopian thriller—it’s slower and more thoughtful than that—but it does raise interesting questions about morality and what’s worth holding onto when everything’s gone. For me, the writing could’ve used a tighter edit in spots, but the author’s voice feels honest and a bit raw, which kind of works for this kind of story. Overall, it’s a rough-edged but meaningful read that sticks with you after you put it down.

[Florian Armas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is falling, though we don’t really know why – until the end of the story. A Scarred Drifter is a gripping – and harrowing – emotionally rich post-apocalyptic novel that stands out for its realistic portrayal of survival in a collapsing world.

We experience this world through the eyes of Cole. The narrative shifts between past and present, from adulthood to childhood and back again, revealing first what is happening, and only later, why. The novel explores themes of decadence, brutality, resilience, morality, and hope in the face of collapse – so much so that the human condition itself, with all its good and (mostly) evil, becomes the true protagonist. To borrow from Tolstoy: each despicable character is despicable in their own way.

The writing style is intense, with strong emotional depth, particularly in the dynamics between characters. Overall, the novel is highly recommended for fans of character-driven dystopian fiction that delivers both emotional resonance and a hauntingly believable world without a future.

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sotto Voce brings us a harrowing tale of survival and meaning with A Scarred Drifter! Set in a post apocalyptic future where survivors vie for dwindling resources on a dying Earth, we follow a young man named Cole. Cole lives in a secluded island community, but sets out for the mainland in a journey to find his family. The world that Voce builds is incredible, filled with decrepit ruins, desperate survivors, and meaningful interactions. I truly loved Voce’s descriptions (so brutal, honest, and real) and loved how the story jumped between the past and present, really fleshing out Cole and making him such a meaningful character. The world itself is really interesting and is very much connected to Cole as a character. This is definitely a dark and brutal novel, kind of invoking feelings of The Road at times, but it does have a core message of hope and love that I appreciated. If you love post apocalyptic fiction that is gritty, real, and character focused, definitely strap on your boots and come journey with A Scarred Drifter!

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about Cole and his family really hit me in the feels. It’s one of those books that pulls you in with its raw emotion and doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff — survival, loss, and questioning what’s even left to fight for when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

The author did such a good job showing the reality of how families struggle, even before the disaster strikes. Then, when everything goes from bad to worse, you can’t help but root for them, even when the situation feels hopeless. Honestly, there were parts that were tough to read, not because the writing was bad, but because the emotions were so real.

It’s heartbreaking, but also hopeful in its own way. If you like dystopian survival stories that focus on family, resilience, and the human side of disaster, definitely give this one a read.

[Laura Koerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional work of apocalyptic science fiction. Cole, the outsider, drifts into a small community of survivors who have recreated, at a bare functional level, the civil society they lost to a tsunami. People who had never gone for so much as a hike are learning to hunt, and former office workers are doing manual labor while they keep each other fed, housed, and as safe as possible under the circumstances.
That's the beginning. The story progresses both toward the future and with flashbacks to the past. There's a twist that I'm not going to mention except to say that the reader's initial assumptions about this story get turned upside down. I found the ending a bit talky and the dialog is sometimes a bit stiff, but overall, the story is touching and involving with a lot more character development than is usual for books of this genre.

[Tim Molnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It pulled me in from the start. It’s one of those post-apocalyptic stories that feels less like fiction and more like a glimpse into what could actually happen. The story follows Cole, a wanderer carrying both physical and emotional scars, as he tries to make sense of a world that’s fallen apart.

The story jumps between timelines. And slowly Voce reveals how everything unraveled and how Cole became who he is. What really made this book shine for me, wis the balance between grit and heart. The world-building feels real. And I appreciate the emotional depth.

In terms of writing, I found Sotto Voce’s voice to be quiet but powerful. I didn’t find it overdone. It is a bit dark at times, but I generally found a hopeful undercurrent that kept me turning the pages. Thoughtful, beautifully written. Well done, Sotto.

[Oralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Drifter is a post apocalyptic tale done with class. This story is about a young man Cole and how he navigates a world where humans are being replaced by automation at a surprising pace and the world he knows is replaced by a hostile environment. The tale starts with the present and then goes back in time to explain how Cole ended up where he is. It's well woven and interesting without being overly graphic . The characters are well written and well developed and evoke an emotional response from the reader. I really enjoyed this tale although not what I would call fast paced it draws you in to keep reading more and elicits a real emotional reaction as it could be our world not so far in the future.

[J.R. Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dystopian themed novel set during an apocalypse, but it doesn't need zombies or vampires to make it a thrilling read. The characterization was very well done and the main character Cole, who has experienced violence and loss was a very relatable hero, While the story focuses on the darkest aspects of humanity, it also focuses on the positive aspects as well. A Scarred Drifter reveals that when a major disaster happens, the worst side of humanity very quickly emerges as people resort either to desperation or greed, but at the end of the day, there is still hope for humanity to move forward.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mix of dystopian and apocalyptic. Closer to what our future reality could be than one might think, it drew me in right from the beginning and kept me engaged right through until the end. There is action throughout and also an undercurrent of tension that you can feel. The surprises just keep coming as do the twists and turns. The clever use of the timeline gives it a more realistic feel as a large portion of the novel is reflective. There is plenty of potential for a sequel to further examine the conflicting post-apocalyptic lifestyles and morals.

[Chelsea O'Hara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scarred Drifter is more than a dystopian story. Through Cole’s eyes, survival is shown as both physical and emotional, shaped by family ties, hope, and the scars left by loss. The book doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of humanity, yet it balances them with tenderness and connection. The characters feel authentic, their choices complex and believable, which makes the story stay with you long after finishing. The prose is atmospheric and gives the world weight without losing its human core. A memorable and emotional read.

[Nathanael Bazzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scarred Drifter follows a wanderer named Cole. He is scarred by past violence and loss. The story is set in the near future and is told in four parts and it is not all in chronological order. It was an interesting choice by the author and a fascinating way to learn about the protagonist.

The story moves between the drifter’s present wanderings and fragmented memories of the life he left behind, gradually revealing the trauma that shaped him. All in all an enjoyable dystopian future read that raises questions about one’s past and redemption.

[P.J. Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real page turner that really made me think. The story follows Cole from childhood to adulthood as the world as the characters know it ends due to a tsunami. The characters are forced to make choices they wouldn't normally due to the situations that are thrust upon them and we see Cole forced to grow up and mature.

I really enjoyed the book, the characters are fantastic, in particular Cole and Kai. It was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written, with a poetic yet raw style that captures the pain and resilience of the main character. I loved how it explored themes of survival, solitude, and healing in such a powerful way. The imagery made me feel like I was walking beside the drifter through every hardship and moment of reflection. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy deep, emotional stories with a touch of grit and hope.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story delivers a gripping blend of human struggle and apocalyptic dread, following a family pushed to the edge as society crumbles around them. With livelihoods disappearing and the world itself turning hostile, the tale captures the raw fear, uncertainty, and stubborn resilience of those left behind. It’s a stark, emotional journey that raises powerful questions about survival, purpose, and what it means to keep going when the world stops making sense.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel about Cole navigating a world devastated by tsunamis. The story follows him from childhood through the apocalypse and beyond, showing how he survives in a landscape that's not quite what it seems. Cole and Kai are well-drawn, relatable characters facing impossible choices. The book balances the darkness of societal collapse with genuine moments of hope and humanity. A thoroughly enjoyable read that stayed with me afterward.

[Eliza Thorncroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scarred Drifter is a quietly powerful survival story about resilience, belonging, and the human spirit in a fractured world. Sotto Voce writes with haunting restraint—every line feels deliberate and lived-in. Cole’s journey is both brutal and beautiful, reminding us that even in ruin, empathy endures.

[Patricia Kassis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journeys of Cole touched me so deeply. Some parts I tried to hold back my tears but couldn't.
The final part when he came back home was unexpected, and the end was so satisfying to me.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

[Petros · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gritty and heartfelt story with a strong emotional pull. The characters feel real, and the journey keeps you invested from start to finish.