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Todd
Without warning on a sunny June afternoon, all life on Earth vanishes. Reeling and alone in the aftermath, Alan and his son Todd scrounge through the ruins of civilization to survive.
Finding food and water is easy. Electric power is harder. But Alan has his own search, one he tries to hide from his son: after a lifelong struggle with depression, his scarcest resource now is a reason to keep living.
Through wildfires and tornadoes, as the deadly cold of a Minnesota winter draws closer, the two ask questions that may never be answered. Why did this happen? Why were they spared? They don't realize that behind the empty sky, the entity that did this still watches.
Or that its plans have only begun.
Finding food and water is easy. Electric power is harder. But Alan has his own search, one he tries to hide from his son: after a lifelong struggle with depression, his scarcest resource now is a reason to keep living.
Through wildfires and tornadoes, as the deadly cold of a Minnesota winter draws closer, the two ask questions that may never be answered. Why did this happen? Why were they spared? They don't realize that behind the empty sky, the entity that did this still watches.
Or that its plans have only begun.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2015
151 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Adam J. Nicolai
7 books100 followersAdam J Nicolai lives near Minneapolis, MN with his wife, Joy, and their two children, Isaac and Rydia. He is a life-long nerd, game lover, author, Star Wars fan, Dungeon Master, and amateur game designer, as well as a former project manager and policy debate coach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 22, 2015
I bought this book on a bit of an impulse. It was listed as a new release in the Sci Fi section, and I've been reading a lot of dystopian, post apocalyptic work lately. Rather than the overdone zombie end-of-the-world scenario, this had a very interesting premise to me. Alan and his son Todd are the only two people left on Earth that they know of. They don't know why - everyone mysteriously disappeared. I love a good mystery and this premise dragged me in. Before long, they realize they are not alone - that's an intriguing and exciting thought. I don't want to go into masses of details here as that'll spoil it for you.
But despite being very interested and intrigued by the first few chapters, most of the story is unfortunately, fairly mundane - gathering groceries and surviving in a city which was well supplied. The interesting part and the struggle comes from Alan dealing with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and many daddy issues that are affecting his relationship with his son. In that respect, it felt more like a family drama, as well as a piece about coming to terms with mortality and loss on a massive scale. That part is well done, but it's not what I expected from the blurb or from a Sci Fi book.
There were Sci-Fi elements, but unfortunately, they were left completely unexplained. The premise asks questions, but we're never told any answers. I turned the pages and read the book quickly because I was looking forward to finding out what happens, solving the mystery - and then it ends without any hints, answers or resolution of any kind. I'm not even sure if the author had the answers, whether this is a half-finished book, or if it was left deliberately vague to focus on it being able them dealing with mortality rather than any actual storyline, in which case, the entire book was one tremendous tease. I was reeled in by the premise; and then left very sadly wanting.
It was creepy and atmospheric with good writing, but with no real story progression, no action, and no resolution other than questions, I was left rather disappointed by this purchase.
But despite being very interested and intrigued by the first few chapters, most of the story is unfortunately, fairly mundane - gathering groceries and surviving in a city which was well supplied. The interesting part and the struggle comes from Alan dealing with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and many daddy issues that are affecting his relationship with his son. In that respect, it felt more like a family drama, as well as a piece about coming to terms with mortality and loss on a massive scale. That part is well done, but it's not what I expected from the blurb or from a Sci Fi book.
There were Sci-Fi elements, but unfortunately, they were left completely unexplained. The premise asks questions, but we're never told any answers. I turned the pages and read the book quickly because I was looking forward to finding out what happens, solving the mystery - and then it ends without any hints, answers or resolution of any kind. I'm not even sure if the author had the answers, whether this is a half-finished book, or if it was left deliberately vague to focus on it being able them dealing with mortality rather than any actual storyline, in which case, the entire book was one tremendous tease. I was reeled in by the premise; and then left very sadly wanting.
It was creepy and atmospheric with good writing, but with no real story progression, no action, and no resolution other than questions, I was left rather disappointed by this purchase.
December 17, 2015
This book totally sucked me in and I am still reellng. I fully intended to read this book slowly, but unfortunately that didn't happen. And who knows when he'll finish his next book.
Oh well. It's probably time for me to re-read Children of a Broken Sky anyway.
Oh well. It's probably time for me to re-read Children of a Broken Sky anyway.
December 16, 2015
Post-apocalyptic dystopian stories have been all the rage lately (The Hunger Games, Mad Mad: Fury Road, etc.), but readers familiar with Adam J. Nicolai's other books will know to expect something beyond normal in any genre he works with whether it's ghost stories, demonic possession, or high fantasy.
The mystery begins when almost all humans and animals abruptly disappear, all that is, except for Alan and his son Todd. Things are creepy right away, and the creepiness increases exponentially as the novel goes on.
Alan’s inner monologue is great. I feel like I really know him after reading this. Too often characters in these types of stories turn into steely-eyed Rambo survivalists over night. It’s nice to see someone with plenty of self-doubt, regret, and real fear. It’s far more realistic, but then readers familiar with Nicolai's thorough characterization will not be surprised. Fans of Stephen King will note King's pervasive influence on that count and many others.
Spoilery bits:
If I had to name the philosophical theme of this book it would be: Death and value. That is, how do we navigate questions of value and meaning given the inevitability of death? Heavy stuff! The whole thing is basically a metaphor for death. Alan is thrust randomly into a seemingly hopeless and bleak situation with no real help. The only thing that keeps him going is his relationship with Todd, and his depression and anger issues threaten to ruin even that. Using the somewhat complicated father-son relationship to demonstrate the vital importance of relationships in human life works really well. It reminds me of a quote from Carl Sagan’s Contact: “For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.”
Nicolai fans will note that this is different than his other books. It’s nice to see a fresh take on the whole dystopian thing. Still, the depth of character development and parent-child relationships form a nice Nicolai Brand along with Alex and Rebecca. Children of a Broken Sky is probably the odd book out, but it’s still part of the Nicolai Brand with the characterization and all around coolness.
See my blog review: http://examinedworlds.blogspot.com/20...
The mystery begins when almost all humans and animals abruptly disappear, all that is, except for Alan and his son Todd. Things are creepy right away, and the creepiness increases exponentially as the novel goes on.
Alan’s inner monologue is great. I feel like I really know him after reading this. Too often characters in these types of stories turn into steely-eyed Rambo survivalists over night. It’s nice to see someone with plenty of self-doubt, regret, and real fear. It’s far more realistic, but then readers familiar with Nicolai's thorough characterization will not be surprised. Fans of Stephen King will note King's pervasive influence on that count and many others.
Spoilery bits:
If I had to name the philosophical theme of this book it would be: Death and value. That is, how do we navigate questions of value and meaning given the inevitability of death? Heavy stuff! The whole thing is basically a metaphor for death. Alan is thrust randomly into a seemingly hopeless and bleak situation with no real help. The only thing that keeps him going is his relationship with Todd, and his depression and anger issues threaten to ruin even that. Using the somewhat complicated father-son relationship to demonstrate the vital importance of relationships in human life works really well. It reminds me of a quote from Carl Sagan’s Contact: “For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.”
Nicolai fans will note that this is different than his other books. It’s nice to see a fresh take on the whole dystopian thing. Still, the depth of character development and parent-child relationships form a nice Nicolai Brand along with Alex and Rebecca. Children of a Broken Sky is probably the odd book out, but it’s still part of the Nicolai Brand with the characterization and all around coolness.
See my blog review: http://examinedworlds.blogspot.com/20...
December 29, 2015
Just awesome! That is all!
February 4, 2018
Mixed bag
Ok as a book the storyline was ok. Not ever going to set the world on fire but acceptable. Probably a 2 star. However it gains 2 stars because of the way the taboo subject of depression within a family environment was perfectly captured. I have suffered from depression all my life and constantly feel that I am not good enough for my kids. They would be better off without me. The relationship between Todd and Alan really hit home for me. These characters couldn't have been better portrayed or captured. Well done sir.
Ok as a book the storyline was ok. Not ever going to set the world on fire but acceptable. Probably a 2 star. However it gains 2 stars because of the way the taboo subject of depression within a family environment was perfectly captured. I have suffered from depression all my life and constantly feel that I am not good enough for my kids. They would be better off without me. The relationship between Todd and Alan really hit home for me. These characters couldn't have been better portrayed or captured. Well done sir.
August 12, 2016
In my opinion Todd was well constructed and absorbing. As I read this story, I encountered no glaring errors in grammar, punctuation or spelling. That in itself provided a positive reading experience, particularly due to its smooth flow. In addition, the novel was very engaging and, accordingly, difficult to stop reading. This, of course, doesn't mean that I agreed with all the protagonist's decisions, particularly as it related to his eight year old son. The novel was, consequently in some cases, very frustrating, which may cause the reader some annoyance. However, I must admit, wholeheartedly, that this is a novel that will provoke readers to consider their own actions in a similar situation. In other words, this is not a typical unrealistic dystopian novel where youthful athletic megastars save the day against formidable odds (yawn). Rather, it is a story of how an ordinary man and his little boy cope with total devastation including its loneliness, hopelessness and despair. For meditative readers, this will be a story that will propound questions about our own existence, responsibilities, and undying love.
January 26, 2016
A Gripping Look at Overcoming Depression in the worst of Times
Once again Nicolai paints a story of a parent's love for their child. This time he places a father and son at the end of the world, and the father's fight against his own inner darkness. While he could have done what most other apocalyptic author's do and shown the bleakness of the world at play, Nicolai instead gives us the father's constant fight to be what his son needs him to be even while his demons created from his own childhood try to convince him just to give up. It was a wonderful look at overcoming depression even when there seems to be no other reason to do so.
Once again Nicolai paints a story of a parent's love for their child. This time he places a father and son at the end of the world, and the father's fight against his own inner darkness. While he could have done what most other apocalyptic author's do and shown the bleakness of the world at play, Nicolai instead gives us the father's constant fight to be what his son needs him to be even while his demons created from his own childhood try to convince him just to give up. It was a wonderful look at overcoming depression even when there seems to be no other reason to do so.
August 8, 2016
This book will stay with me.
I rarely find a book any more that holds my complete attention. I usually read about 3 books at a time. This one though, I couldn't put it down. I love the way this guy writes. It actually makes me have emotions. Happy, sad, scared, etc.. I will be getting more of his books. Please keep writing them, Mr. Nicolai.
I rarely find a book any more that holds my complete attention. I usually read about 3 books at a time. This one though, I couldn't put it down. I love the way this guy writes. It actually makes me have emotions. Happy, sad, scared, etc.. I will be getting more of his books. Please keep writing them, Mr. Nicolai.
July 28, 2016
Wonderful story
I really enjoyed this book because it's believable! This could happen. I also could relate to the inside turmoil of Alan. Todd was an absolute joy of a young boy. The book is definitely worth the read
I really enjoyed this book because it's believable! This could happen. I also could relate to the inside turmoil of Alan. Todd was an absolute joy of a young boy. The book is definitely worth the read
August 6, 2016
I will never forget Todd and his daddy Alan.
It will be a day or two before I can start reading another book.
It will be a day or two before I can start reading another book.
September 3, 2016
How can I not read a book named Todd, about the end of the world, and ends in Iowa, my home state? I did I enjoy the book.
December 28, 2017
Picked this book up from KU, and it drew me in immediately and never let go. The story kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat to the very end. But what really spoke to me and made this book special was the MC. Alan was just an average guy... he made bad decisions as often as good ones, he was very far from the typical uber-perfect hero we often see. He was an average, everyday flawed guy and that made him feel very real.
Also, for me, this was an excellent depiction of how someone's past, especially how they were treated as children, can affect not only how they act but how they perceive themselves for the rest of their lives. I saw bits of myself in Alan...
Also, for me, this was an excellent depiction of how someone's past, especially how they were treated as children, can affect not only how they act but how they perceive themselves for the rest of their lives. I saw bits of myself in Alan...
June 29, 2020
Therapeutic book that includes Apocalypse
The story about the apocalypse was really good and held my interest. That, I felt, was about 35% of the book. The rest talked about the things his father said to Alan as a kid that he carried over to his parenting of his son Todd. LOTS of Alan's method of what he would have said before apocalypse and after Apocalypse in talking to his son. Then correcting himself and going on about his thought process as well as including his depression. When Alan was going through depression, this was obviously part of the author's therapy. Also Alan's correction of his interaction with his son Todd versus his own interaction with his father shows some of the writing the author did as a diary. AND the father Alan was into the creation of this game he created that was in too much detail in the book. I skimmed a lot of the story. Not a story written to interest a female. I felt like it was a story only the author and his therapist would like. Now I need therapy because I bought the book.
The story about the apocalypse was really good and held my interest. That, I felt, was about 35% of the book. The rest talked about the things his father said to Alan as a kid that he carried over to his parenting of his son Todd. LOTS of Alan's method of what he would have said before apocalypse and after Apocalypse in talking to his son. Then correcting himself and going on about his thought process as well as including his depression. When Alan was going through depression, this was obviously part of the author's therapy. Also Alan's correction of his interaction with his son Todd versus his own interaction with his father shows some of the writing the author did as a diary. AND the father Alan was into the creation of this game he created that was in too much detail in the book. I skimmed a lot of the story. Not a story written to interest a female. I felt like it was a story only the author and his therapist would like. Now I need therapy because I bought the book.
December 30, 2017
I will say upfront I did not enjoy the ending, but this is worth people's time. A father and his eight-year-old son find themselves on the earth after everyone else disappears. What's fun and I think unique about this story is that a lot of it is about a father trying to protect his boy from a world no one could understand. Even more generally it's about a parent who isn't particularly gifted in parenting trying to become better along with keeping them both alive in a world that is clearly dying. The author creates some believable characters along with a realistic depiction of mental illness. Not perfect, but a wonderful attempt.
October 13, 2018
Wow..... that was quite a journey
The journey is where the story lives. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the destination that we can't truly experience the life that happens on the way. Fear of the end stops us from living in the moment. Sometimes now is what we have and all that really matters. This was a really great story and a glimpse into the self sabotage we let steal our moments and blind us to what is right there in front of our eyes.
I really enjoyed the story and the characters were very well developed. I was drawn in from the start and there with them right to the end. Look forward to reading more from this author. Good job!
The journey is where the story lives. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the destination that we can't truly experience the life that happens on the way. Fear of the end stops us from living in the moment. Sometimes now is what we have and all that really matters. This was a really great story and a glimpse into the self sabotage we let steal our moments and blind us to what is right there in front of our eyes.
I really enjoyed the story and the characters were very well developed. I was drawn in from the start and there with them right to the end. Look forward to reading more from this author. Good job!
January 3, 2020
Sucks you in
The story really sucks you in. You follow Alan and Todd in there survival together as the last people on earth. Alan is a man and father who suffer from depression. Todd is his eight year old son. It's a dark but interesting story. It had a lot of scary parts to the story but I enjoyed reading it.
I had to add a little more to my review. I've thought about this story for a little bit more. It's kind of sad. I even felt bad for Alan for how he was robbed from his time with his son because of his depression. This story was a little more deep than I thought it was.
The story really sucks you in. You follow Alan and Todd in there survival together as the last people on earth. Alan is a man and father who suffer from depression. Todd is his eight year old son. It's a dark but interesting story. It had a lot of scary parts to the story but I enjoyed reading it.
I had to add a little more to my review. I've thought about this story for a little bit more. It's kind of sad. I even felt bad for Alan for how he was robbed from his time with his son because of his depression. This story was a little more deep than I thought it was.
February 3, 2017
It was a good beginning with a solid premise. It was interesting enough to not only draw me in but for me to read it until the end. The ending was bad. Not bad in the way that something happened to your characters that you didn't like. Bad in the way that all that good writing prior to the ending just rolled right out the ending with no purpose, no closure, no tying up of things. The loose ends were too loose, the burning questions unanswered and the excruciating journey against depression and lethargy was made irrelevant.
Not a book I would recommend.
Not a book I would recommend.
June 15, 2021
Couldn’t stop reading!
I read A LOT of books. Many, unfortunately, get tossed aside half way through because why read a book who’s characters or adventures don’t capture your imagination? There are far too many good books you may otherwise miss! Todd captured me within the first chapter. I grew to care so much for him and his father that I had to keep reading to see what is going on and how they were going to get through it. I am definitely going to find another book by Andrew Nicolai!
I read A LOT of books. Many, unfortunately, get tossed aside half way through because why read a book who’s characters or adventures don’t capture your imagination? There are far too many good books you may otherwise miss! Todd captured me within the first chapter. I grew to care so much for him and his father that I had to keep reading to see what is going on and how they were going to get through it. I am definitely going to find another book by Andrew Nicolai!
January 15, 2018
This book is too damn good
I think this book Todd is really brilliant took me basically 24.5 hours to read I could not put the book down when I did I had to read more the tension the nerves sinking in to my pillow I loved this book but I thought the ending was abit emotional but at the same time surreal I had to look out my window to see of there was a blue star heading for.
Thank you Adam j Nicolai
Great words great literature keep em coming...
I think this book Todd is really brilliant took me basically 24.5 hours to read I could not put the book down when I did I had to read more the tension the nerves sinking in to my pillow I loved this book but I thought the ending was abit emotional but at the same time surreal I had to look out my window to see of there was a blue star heading for.
Thank you Adam j Nicolai
Great words great literature keep em coming...
May 17, 2018
An unusual read.
This is not my usual kind off read but I was caught by the simple title and decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did. This book is really good. It’s about loss of hope and family at the end of the Earth. It’s a little bit sci-fy but it’s more about generations of a family that can’t communicate and it takes the end of everything to achieve balance. Would recommend.
This is not my usual kind off read but I was caught by the simple title and decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did. This book is really good. It’s about loss of hope and family at the end of the Earth. It’s a little bit sci-fy but it’s more about generations of a family that can’t communicate and it takes the end of everything to achieve balance. Would recommend.
September 5, 2018
A tale of survival and bonding.
This is the 2nd book in less than a week that I've read by Adam J. Nicolai. I can't wait to read another one.
In Todd, Nicolai doesn't actually tell us what happened in the end so I'm hoping for a Todd Book 2 where they realize it's all a dream and together they develop a new game with the blue blurrs.
This is the 2nd book in less than a week that I've read by Adam J. Nicolai. I can't wait to read another one.
In Todd, Nicolai doesn't actually tell us what happened in the end so I'm hoping for a Todd Book 2 where they realize it's all a dream and together they develop a new game with the blue blurrs.
June 11, 2021
Interesting
This was a very interesting book to read. It really had a different take on the end of the world. I can see that the author was really exploring mental health and depression but sometimes it just went on a little too much to where the story got off track. I would recommend reading this book and to follow this author
This was a very interesting book to read. It really had a different take on the end of the world. I can see that the author was really exploring mental health and depression but sometimes it just went on a little too much to where the story got off track. I would recommend reading this book and to follow this author
January 2, 2022
This novel turns into quite a dark tale. With only a father and son left in the world, the father is forced to develop a relationship with a son he has never been close to. No real explanation is offered to why the world is ending, which is unimportant, as the book is really about the two characters and their growth through adversity.
Very nicely done.
Very nicely done.
January 5, 2018
Worth the read
A whole different spin on dystopian fiction from my usual.
Keeps you drawn in and the author has a very deep dark understanding of depression and it’s demons.
The story went in a direction that was completely unexpected. Great read !!
A whole different spin on dystopian fiction from my usual.
Keeps you drawn in and the author has a very deep dark understanding of depression and it’s demons.
The story went in a direction that was completely unexpected. Great read !!
January 26, 2018
I'm not sure why I finished this book, it was just interesting enough to keep my interest. I'm not sure what to think about the end, though - just standing there waiting. Maybe I didn't like it because of the kid.
October 13, 2022
Koontz-like!
Thoroughly enjoyed "Todd". Felt like reading a Koontz novel. I also read "Alex", and devoured it, as well. Mr. Nicolai is definitely my favorite, newly discovered author, and I am on to another of his books.
Thoroughly enjoyed "Todd". Felt like reading a Koontz novel. I also read "Alex", and devoured it, as well. Mr. Nicolai is definitely my favorite, newly discovered author, and I am on to another of his books.
December 11, 2017
Good read... The Father’s depression, God distortions, and issues with his own father were all so realistic. I would read more books by the author.
June 25, 2021
Mind blowing
I am a apocalyptic junkie, but Todd takes everything I have read to a whole different level! My mind is blown!
I am a apocalyptic junkie, but Todd takes everything I have read to a whole different level! My mind is blown!
October 25, 2016
interesting. And different. kept me thinking and guessing. The author is speaking to our book club.
March 19, 2017
This isn't my kind of book, it's too repetitive and it's depressing. I normally would've shelved the book early, but I liked the characters and wanted to find out what happened to them in the end. I'm disappointed we didn't find out what happened to his wife and daughter. I'm a hard science guy and this isn't a hard science book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews