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The Distance
THEIR JOURNEY BEGINS... The human race has turned to dust. August Morrison faces it after rising from the depths of a dark matter research facility in Arizona. His co-workers. His daughter. All of dust. Friends and colleagues around the world don’t answer their phones. The city of Phoenix burns. He is alone. As a world without mankind starts to crumble, August fights not just for survival, but for his very sanity. On the other side of the country, Poe McDowell watches her parents crumble into dust just moments after being shoved inside a coffin-like device that spares her from the same fate. She emerges to find not just her mother and father, but also her neighbors—her entire town’s human population—reduced to grit. Unlike August, she’s not entirely alone, but the life growing in her belly isn’t much company. Then, hope. A drunken and desperate August broadcasts over the ham radio network and connects with his fellow survivor, Poe, alone and pregnant in a snow blanketed New Hampshire. Determined to reach her, August sets out on a cross country trek. But the world is not as empty as it seems. Lights in the sky reveal that they are not alone. The human race’s demise was not natural—and the architects are searching for survivors. ...AT THE END. Jeremy Robinson, whose stories have been compared to Michael Crichton, James Rollins and Stephen King, is the international bestselling master of stories featuring mind-bending imagination, terrifying monsters and high-octane action. With The Distance, he is joined by his wife, Hilaree Robinson, whose passionate writing and characters make this novel a truly unique and exciting experience that will leave readers both enthralled and moved.
418 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
602 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Robinson
163 books2,596 followersJeremy Robinson is the New York Times bestselling author of seventy novels and novellas, including Apocalypse Machine, Island 731, and SecondWorld, as well as the Jack Sigler thriller series and Project Nemesis, the highest selling, original (non-licensed) kaiju novel of all time. He’s known for mixing elements of science, history and mythology, which has earned him the #1 spot in Science Fiction and Action-Adventure, and secured him as the top creature feature author. Many of his novels have been adapted into comic books, optioned for film and TV, and translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children. Visit him at www.bewareofmonsters.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
March 11, 2025
This is my third outing with Jeremy Robinson, with Alter and Apocalypse Machine coming before The Distance. While I still agree that Robinson is an incredible writer, who creates characters that resonate, captivating plots, and paints these vivid pictures of this world he’s developed, I didn’t overly enjoy this story. It is four hundred pages and extremely slow until the last quarter of the book. I read several other reviews that reported giving up before that point and I was very tempted, but I always try to finish a story, even if I don’t like it much. It’s only fair and respectful to the author, before I rate their works based on my personal experience with it. But there is so much down time where we are kept with a set of characters that are not overly interesting, where are seemingly the line survivors. And after then incredible experience with Apocalypse Machine, I was hoping for some really cool explanation for the extinction level event here. But it ends up being something very standard and bland (Not spoiling), and not much else beyond that. Very standard fare on that particular subject. So the writing is great and Robinson’s talents are on full display here, but the story itself was just not something that was worth spending four hours reading. I would recommend Apocalypse Machine ahead of this any day, especially to a new reader of Jeremy Robinson.
September 30, 2020
I think I’m somewhere closer to 3,5/5.0 stars than 4 here, but I will say I enjoyed this. It’s an interesting Sci-Fi take on first alien contact, and presents some interesting ideas. I liked our two main characters who took different perspectives of what was happening. I was surprised by the ending, but in a good way. I’ve become a Jeremy Robinson fan having read a few of his books in the past year and enjoying them all. I listened to the audiobook for this, and it was a good performance.
January 12, 2017
What an interesting new take on an alien invasion, but is it truly an invasion? The Distance follows a group of people on their ultimate quest with an ending I didn't expect. A must read.
June 19, 2017
Hilarie (Robinson) for President!
So. I read another of his books (which I also reviewed and gave 4.5 stars) and I really enjoyed it. He mentioned in the afterword that The Distance was his favorite novel, so I thought I would give it a go.
It's on another level. The Distance is literature way beyond most self published work. I truly think the feminine touch of his English major wife had a huge impact. The prose is absolutely captivating, like in The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones where you can absolutely picture everything that is occurring.
There is a hero, and a heroine who is sometimes also a damsel in distress. These characters are very well developed and very believable. The side characters are allowed to remain that way, and I really and truly admire that, it take a lot of restraint on the part of an author not to digress into the nuances of characters who they may love something about, but whose job is just to move the story forward.
The plot itself is pretty much standard alien invasion post apocyliptic fare, the aliens the authors imagined are different from any of the standard conventions and have non-traditional motivations, but there is certainly nothing brand new in the plot...it's the writing and editing, along with the character development, that make it a worthy and captivating read. Enjoy it!
So. I read another of his books (which I also reviewed and gave 4.5 stars) and I really enjoyed it. He mentioned in the afterword that The Distance was his favorite novel, so I thought I would give it a go.
It's on another level. The Distance is literature way beyond most self published work. I truly think the feminine touch of his English major wife had a huge impact. The prose is absolutely captivating, like in The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones where you can absolutely picture everything that is occurring.
There is a hero, and a heroine who is sometimes also a damsel in distress. These characters are very well developed and very believable. The side characters are allowed to remain that way, and I really and truly admire that, it take a lot of restraint on the part of an author not to digress into the nuances of characters who they may love something about, but whose job is just to move the story forward.
The plot itself is pretty much standard alien invasion post apocyliptic fare, the aliens the authors imagined are different from any of the standard conventions and have non-traditional motivations, but there is certainly nothing brand new in the plot...it's the writing and editing, along with the character development, that make it a worthy and captivating read. Enjoy it!
January 13, 2019
I really wanted to like this a lot more than I did. While the narration was excellent, the story tended to drag along. I wish there had been more tension and the ending was sad rather than hopeful.
March 29, 2019
Više nego samo zanimljiva suradnja supružnika Robinson,knjiga je pisana iz perspektive dvaju glavnih likova (August i Poe),koji se nakon što se većina čovječanstva pretvorila u prah,već na početku knjige povežu putem CB radija i tu počinje Augustovo putovanje prema farmi u New Hampshireu gdje živi Poe.Da ne otkrivam puno,knjiga je napeta,radnja ide glatko a likovi nisu plošni,čak bih prema stilu pisanja rekao da su se Robinsonovi dogovorili da on piše Augustova poglavlja,dok je supruga preuzela brigu nad Poe čiji mi se lik čini puno više razrađen.Uglavnom zanimljiva razbibriga,progutana na brzinu, sa zanimljivim zapletom i pomalo tužnim krajem.Petica iz šuba zato što sam baš uživao u knjizi
November 23, 2016
Holy Mackerelly!! The Robinson's debut novel is going to take America by storm! If you enjoy dystopian novels.. then, The Distance is a must-read! I had to read this book.. based on a very intriguing synopsis/review:
"Just when you think that 21st-century authors have come up with every possible way of destroying the world, along comes Jeremy Robinson." -- by the New Hampshire Magazine.
I just cannot think of any better review than that! Prepare your mind to be blown.. Jeremy and Hillaree Robinson are a superb writing team! I foresee that this is just the beginning of this dynamic duo's collaborative writing.. and cannot wait to see what they hatch next!
"Just when you think that 21st-century authors have come up with every possible way of destroying the world, along comes Jeremy Robinson." -- by the New Hampshire Magazine.
I just cannot think of any better review than that! Prepare your mind to be blown.. Jeremy and Hillaree Robinson are a superb writing team! I foresee that this is just the beginning of this dynamic duo's collaborative writing.. and cannot wait to see what they hatch next!
February 14, 2018
Breathtaking
What a surprise! This story is an amazing relational fruit of a couple who has as much imagination as life can offer. The Distance is a story about our human frailty and the dire consequences of not becoming who we are meant to be. Beautifully written. Excellent narrative pace and character development. A painter’s touch now and then to bring life to a wholehearted story. Don’t miss the chance of reading it.
What a surprise! This story is an amazing relational fruit of a couple who has as much imagination as life can offer. The Distance is a story about our human frailty and the dire consequences of not becoming who we are meant to be. Beautifully written. Excellent narrative pace and character development. A painter’s touch now and then to bring life to a wholehearted story. Don’t miss the chance of reading it.
September 26, 2018
This book was just too verbose for me. Describing an item in five sentences when five words would suffice. I like the premise and the story was good, but too much fluff.
June 3, 2021
The story is a bit simplistic but different and an easy read.
August 11, 2023
"The Distance" offers an engaging narrative that falls somewhere between exceptional and ordinary. While it doesn't attain the stature of fine literature or top-tier science fiction, it effectively serves as a suitable choice for those seeking an end-of-the-world story.
The novel features two primary narrators: Poe, a young pregnant woman, and August, a nerdy scientist turned commando.
Interestingly, the August chapters prove to be more captivating compared to the Poe sections. The Poe narration often veers into cringeworthy territory. An instance is her continuous reference to her unborn child as "Squirt." While perhaps intended to be endearing, this motif becomes tiresome after repeated occurrences.
Poe's thoughts, dialogue, and actions tend to resonate more with a 14-year-old girl than a young woman navigating a post-apocalyptic world. This discrepancy in characterization appears to stem from the writing style of Robinson's wife, who authored the Poe chapters. This choice may not have been consciously made but, rather, could be attributed to suboptimal writing.
Perhaps Robinson's wife would be better suited to focus on different aspects of the writing process, allowing Jeremy to fully exhibit his expertise in the craft.
The novel features two primary narrators: Poe, a young pregnant woman, and August, a nerdy scientist turned commando.
Interestingly, the August chapters prove to be more captivating compared to the Poe sections. The Poe narration often veers into cringeworthy territory. An instance is her continuous reference to her unborn child as "Squirt." While perhaps intended to be endearing, this motif becomes tiresome after repeated occurrences.
Poe's thoughts, dialogue, and actions tend to resonate more with a 14-year-old girl than a young woman navigating a post-apocalyptic world. This discrepancy in characterization appears to stem from the writing style of Robinson's wife, who authored the Poe chapters. This choice may not have been consciously made but, rather, could be attributed to suboptimal writing.
Perhaps Robinson's wife would be better suited to focus on different aspects of the writing process, allowing Jeremy to fully exhibit his expertise in the craft.
November 2, 2019
Sci-fi isn’t really one of my preferred genres, but I like the author, so I thought I’d give it a try. Good story, and it kept me very interested to the end.
November 23, 2016
5.0 out of 5 starsThe end of the world?
By Miss Lyn on November 22, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I loved this novel by the Robinson's! The inhabitants of the earth have been decimated. Poe,in New Hampshire and August in Arizona locate each other by chance on ham radio and August begins a very dangerous cross country journey to find her and to get some answers to the cause of the carnage. Filled with danger,thrills and amazing characters,I just couldn't stop reading this wonderful book. I received this book for an honest review
By Miss Lyn on November 22, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I loved this novel by the Robinson's! The inhabitants of the earth have been decimated. Poe,in New Hampshire and August in Arizona locate each other by chance on ham radio and August begins a very dangerous cross country journey to find her and to get some answers to the cause of the carnage. Filled with danger,thrills and amazing characters,I just couldn't stop reading this wonderful book. I received this book for an honest review
January 8, 2017
The BEST!
Trying to touch type a book review when you LOVE a book as much as I do this one is an exercise guaranteed to be filled with bloopers! So, that said, I want to condense: THIS IS THE BOOK I'VE WANTED TO WRITE FOR THIRTY YEARS!
Thank you, Jeremy and Hilaree!! Stunning, completely convincing, and more than a little frightening since it could all happen! This story is good science, good literature and undeniably, great writing! Twenty star rating! KUDOS to a fantastic team! More! More!!
Trying to touch type a book review when you LOVE a book as much as I do this one is an exercise guaranteed to be filled with bloopers! So, that said, I want to condense: THIS IS THE BOOK I'VE WANTED TO WRITE FOR THIRTY YEARS!
Thank you, Jeremy and Hilaree!! Stunning, completely convincing, and more than a little frightening since it could all happen! This story is good science, good literature and undeniably, great writing! Twenty star rating! KUDOS to a fantastic team! More! More!!
June 18, 2017
The most exciting end of the world novel I have ever read
Most the human race are suddenly turned to dust.
August has lost his daughter he is lost in turmoil and a broken heart. Until he hears Poe on his neighbor CB radio. He promises he will do anything it take's to get her. It is very hard bike ride. The aliens will kill any one using a vehicle or has a bright lite or fire. Poe has found a sat phone so he can call her twice a day. I won't say any more so it won't ruin the story for you. I enjoyed this authors sci-fi apocalyptic story and will be reading more of his work.
Most the human race are suddenly turned to dust.
August has lost his daughter he is lost in turmoil and a broken heart. Until he hears Poe on his neighbor CB radio. He promises he will do anything it take's to get her. It is very hard bike ride. The aliens will kill any one using a vehicle or has a bright lite or fire. Poe has found a sat phone so he can call her twice a day. I won't say any more so it won't ruin the story for you. I enjoyed this authors sci-fi apocalyptic story and will be reading more of his work.
November 27, 2016
I loved this book, Jeremy and Hilaree's writing really blends well together. I liked the alternate POVs. This is probably my favourite Robinson book. It has suspense, intrigue and the ability to make you cry. I don't remember the last time a book had me sat on the edge of my seat through most of it and had me questioning what was happening and what was going to happen. If I could give more than 5 stars I definitely would.
Read
July 1, 2018A wonderful Odyssey!
I rarely write reviews, mainly because I find so many novels disappointing in one (or10) ways. I can honestly say this novel is worthy of a great review! Finely written with such humanity, as well as humorous detail, it was difficult to pull myself away from it's too short storyline. Poe and August were such true Characters, flawed but understandably so. The alien factor totally different from many I've read about. Read it!! It's well worth your time!!
I rarely write reviews, mainly because I find so many novels disappointing in one (or10) ways. I can honestly say this novel is worthy of a great review! Finely written with such humanity, as well as humorous detail, it was difficult to pull myself away from it's too short storyline. Poe and August were such true Characters, flawed but understandably so. The alien factor totally different from many I've read about. Read it!! It's well worth your time!!
October 30, 2017
Jeremy Robinson seemingly can do no wrong as he pours out a slate of action oriented novels every year. I frankly gobble them all up. This is one in which he teamed up with his wife. This hooked me from the first word and I enjoyed the ride tremendously. Loved the main two characters and their independent journey’s to get together as they. Dry well may be the last survivors on Earth. This is one of his best and I strongly recommend it.
July 16, 2018
An interesting take on your typical post apocalyptic alien story. I found myself skipping over a lot of the unnecessary narrative and detail that only seemed to slow the story down. The main characters, who seemed ill equipped at first to deal with their situation, grew smarter and stronger as the story progressed.
June 8, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. This is not your run of the mill apocalyptic alien story. It is beautifly written and at times poetic while being action packed and exciting. A strange and wonderful combination. Fan-freaking-tastic!
April 3, 2017
A sad and scary story. With 2 authors writing, it was seamless and fast paced. Have to say I'm wishing the future people of this world good luck. And when you read this book, you'll know why!
August 1, 2021
Another winner by Robinson
I just finished THE DARK by author Robinson and thoroughly enjoyed it but I liked this offering by he and his wife even more. Okay, it was out there but you know what? It's science fiction, not science truth and I read to be entertained and I definitely was in this case.
August Morrison is a scientist who comes up from an underground research facility in Arizona to find that people all over the world have been turned dust.
Poe McDowell lives on a farm in New Hampshire with her parents, is pregnant, and is saved in an unbelievable manner that starts to guide the story.
When August and Poe are able to make contact, the pieces of the story start to fall together as August makes his way to New Hampshire.
I loved this fun, unbelievable story. Escape fiction at its best. I highly recommend.
I just finished THE DARK by author Robinson and thoroughly enjoyed it but I liked this offering by he and his wife even more. Okay, it was out there but you know what? It's science fiction, not science truth and I read to be entertained and I definitely was in this case.
August Morrison is a scientist who comes up from an underground research facility in Arizona to find that people all over the world have been turned dust.
Poe McDowell lives on a farm in New Hampshire with her parents, is pregnant, and is saved in an unbelievable manner that starts to guide the story.
When August and Poe are able to make contact, the pieces of the story start to fall together as August makes his way to New Hampshire.
I loved this fun, unbelievable story. Escape fiction at its best. I highly recommend.
July 15, 2021
The boyfriend and I listened to this on audiobook together. Really enjoyed the book! Interesting descriptions, prose in a fun pop culture type way.
December 10, 2016
It seems like just last week I was finishing Project Legion, trying to figure out how the hell Jeremy Robinson could top himself, could come up with yet another entirely original, insanely entertaining novel, and then, not even a month later, out comes The Distance which ended up kicking so much literary ass that it's hard to write a truly honest review without sounding like an insane fan-boy.
Seriously though, The Distance is easily one of the best books I have ever read. And I know that's saying a lot since it'll now reside among some of my favorite novels of all time like The Stand, It, the masterful classic, Crime & Punishment, and the epic sweeping The Passage trilogy. Honestly, it's that freaking good.
While the book does borrow from a lot of Robinson's previous ideas and a general theme that seems to be in each of his last 4 or 5 books, The Distance still manages to feel totally original and totally new, something that Robinson can do with almost every new novel. Post apocalyptic setting? Been done before. Alien invasion? Also been done before. But when you combine all that with his unique storytelling and brand of fiction, along with a new voice, Robinson's own wife, it's almost an entirely new genre.
I suppose I could go on and on, highlighting just how perfect and awesome The Distance turned out to be (especially after its constant back and forth publication schedule) but in order for you to believe me, it'd probably be better if you just picked up the book and read it yourself.
50+ novels under his belt and still pumping out amazing fiction. Hats off Mr. Robinson, I applaud you!
Seriously though, The Distance is easily one of the best books I have ever read. And I know that's saying a lot since it'll now reside among some of my favorite novels of all time like The Stand, It, the masterful classic, Crime & Punishment, and the epic sweeping The Passage trilogy. Honestly, it's that freaking good.
While the book does borrow from a lot of Robinson's previous ideas and a general theme that seems to be in each of his last 4 or 5 books, The Distance still manages to feel totally original and totally new, something that Robinson can do with almost every new novel. Post apocalyptic setting? Been done before. Alien invasion? Also been done before. But when you combine all that with his unique storytelling and brand of fiction, along with a new voice, Robinson's own wife, it's almost an entirely new genre.
I suppose I could go on and on, highlighting just how perfect and awesome The Distance turned out to be (especially after its constant back and forth publication schedule) but in order for you to believe me, it'd probably be better if you just picked up the book and read it yourself.
50+ novels under his belt and still pumping out amazing fiction. Hats off Mr. Robinson, I applaud you!
December 22, 2019
I would’ve almost rated this 5 stars but I was annoyed...
—-and I don’t think this is a spoiler, but you’ve been warned——
anyway, I was annoyed that one of the main characters couldn’t brain storm some other solution rather than riding a bike across the country. I mean come on!! An electric motorized scooter? A moped? An electric car for crying out loud!! None of those is much more conspicuous than a bike and it’d cut your travel time 10-fold!!!
—-and I don’t think this is a spoiler, but you’ve been warned——
anyway, I was annoyed that one of the main characters couldn’t brain storm some other solution rather than riding a bike across the country. I mean come on!! An electric motorized scooter? A moped? An electric car for crying out loud!! None of those is much more conspicuous than a bike and it’d cut your travel time 10-fold!!!
December 24, 2016
70 years of alien abduction stories are finally explained for the few survivors left after the world's population literally turns to dust. This is another outstanding and original tale from Jeremy Robinson, this time in collaboration with his wife, Hilaree. The story shines as a thrilling and unique blend of apocalypse/abduction sci-fi.
May 19, 2017
Don't bother
Was okay until the author started in with aliens. Too much gore with violence against animals (dogs). Unnecessary and sickening. Wouldn't recommend to anyone.
Was okay until the author started in with aliens. Too much gore with violence against animals (dogs). Unnecessary and sickening. Wouldn't recommend to anyone.
August 28, 2017
Fantastic!!
This is one of those books I didn't want to end...I read the entire book in one day! I really enjoyed the characters and relationships.... And the aliens :)
This is one of those books I didn't want to end...I read the entire book in one day! I really enjoyed the characters and relationships.... And the aliens :)
July 21, 2019
Август. Так зовут мужика. Какая у вас возникает мысль, когда вы понимаете, что мужика зовут Август? «Блеат, это что за имя такое для мужика, Август? Все имена, связанные с месяцами, что я знаю, являются женскими- Майа, Марта, Эйприл в черепашках нинзя. А тут Август, етить его мать. Автор- тайный фанат Валеры Леонтьева?» Но потом , с появлением в сюжете квеста для выживших «Найди Августа» всё становится понятно. Если бы автор назвал героя Джоном Смитом, то хер бы его кто нашёл, т. к. джонов смитов в США шо грязи. А если бы нашёл, то спутали бы с десятком других Джонов смитов. Поэтому, в истории нужен был оригинальный ход. Нуу, Август, так Август, хер с ним.
Резюме. Не люблю как книги по играм, так и игры по книгам. Что они могут добавить в уже рассказанные истории? Притянуть за уши какие-нибудь личные истории второстепенных героев на сюжетную основу, которая уже рассказана ранее? Это кому-то интересно? И, хотя образ инопланетян blur'ов явно срисован с игры Starcraft, саму книгу The Distance нельзя назвать целиком по игре. Однако, в книге кроме старкрафта явно угадываются и другие влияния из современного фантастического синематографа и игровой индустрии. Например, начальная сцена линии Августа напоминает побег Гордона Фримена из корпорации Umbrella. Причём, аналогия с Resident Evil 1 настолько откровенна, что начинаешь сомневаться стоит ли тратить время на прослушивание этой истории. Кстати, Resident Evil 1 можно назвать исключением из моего правила не любить игры по книгам и книги по играм, местами это кино достаточно неплохое.
Сам сюжет книги не выдаёт каких-то откровений. Стандартный post-apocalyptic survival sci-fi, где хьюманы собираются после катаклизма, куда-то толпой идут и пытаются отстроить свою цивилизацию- вот такой сюжет у большинства подобных книг.
Однако, не смотря на не особую оригинальность и некоторые вопросы к сюжетным деталям, книга получилась, в принципе, интересной. Возможно потому, что автор описывает «событие» с самого начала- человеческие эмоции, новый опыт исследования изменившегося мира, новые открытия и пр. Скажу даже больше- наконец-то за долгое время я нашёл фантастику, которая не затянута, не тянет в сон, и интересна.
P.S. Книга написана 2 авторами. Я так понимаю, они описали свой TvP матчап? И если в следующих частях (если они будут) книги автор захочет описать зергов, будет ли у нас другой соавтор? Минутка юмора на тему старкрафта, если что))
Резюме. Не люблю как книги по играм, так и игры по книгам. Что они могут добавить в уже рассказанные истории? Притянуть за уши какие-нибудь личные истории второстепенных героев на сюжетную основу, которая уже рассказана ранее? Это кому-то интересно? И, хотя образ инопланетян blur'ов явно срисован с игры Starcraft, саму книгу The Distance нельзя назвать целиком по игре. Однако, в книге кроме старкрафта явно угадываются и другие влияния из современного фантастического синематографа и игровой индустрии. Например, начальная сцена линии Августа напоминает побег Гордона Фримена из корпорации Umbrella. Причём, аналогия с Resident Evil 1 настолько откровенна, что начинаешь сомневаться стоит ли тратить время на прослушивание этой истории. Кстати, Resident Evil 1 можно назвать исключением из моего правила не любить игры по книгам и книги по играм, местами это кино достаточно неплохое.
Сам сюжет книги не выдаёт каких-то откровений. Стандартный post-apocalyptic survival sci-fi, где хьюманы собираются после катаклизма, куда-то толпой идут и пытаются отстроить свою цивилизацию- вот такой сюжет у большинства подобных книг.
Однако, не смотря на не особую оригинальность и некоторые вопросы к сюжетным деталям, книга получилась, в принципе, интересной. Возможно потому, что автор описывает «событие» с самого начала- человеческие эмоции, новый опыт исследования изменившегося мира, новые открытия и пр. Скажу даже больше- наконец-то за долгое время я нашёл фантастику, которая не затянута, не тянет в сон, и интересна.
P.S. Книга написана 2 авторами. Я так понимаю, они описали свой TvP матчап? И если в следующих частях (если они будут) книги автор захочет описать зергов, будет ли у нас другой соавтор? Минутка юмора на тему старкрафта, если что))
February 26, 2021
I’m quite ambivalent about this book. On the one hand, the premise is original and fascinating. I’m predisposed to love books of the “last man on earth” variety. This may have made me more critical than other readers, because I have a lot of criticism. I did, however, tear through the book, eager for the story to unfold.
I’ve read a few of Robinsons Chess series and enjoyed them. I don’t remember this mind-numbing grinding on minutiae and detail, though. Poe’s sections, in particular, were relentless in the descriptions of the smallest actions. Whole paragraphs devoted to simple sentences detailing her trip to the barn to get a gun. August had TWO pages describing using a bat to break the glass door into Walmart. I found myself glancing at paragraphs and determining the action and skipping on. From a technical standpoint, this was not good writing. Also, descriptions of scenes and actions were not well done. I found myself frequently confused at what I was supposed to be envisioning.
As for the characters actions in the scenario of finding themselves utterly alone, I had numerous issues but can forgive most of them, since these are traumatized idiot civilians. They did not make use of the resources around them nor, in the case of Poe, plan well at all. I have a big issue with Poe’s behavior since it was downright stupid most of the time. 1. She never thought to find a back-up sat phone?? Surely there was more than one in town.
2. How about a trip to the library or bookstore for a book on pregnancy and childbirth?
3. How could she be so cavalier about scavenging and stocking food supplies? What does she think her kid is gonna eat? She could have gotten several freezers, hooked them up to the generator...not even necessary in winter!
4. Gas for generator is not even mentioned.
These are basic “end of the world” chores that she didn’t address at all. And god knows, my list goes on. The authors kept telling me what a tough girl character she was but all her actions were that of a hysterical dimwit.
Also, I think the authors would have done better at character building by showing some of the conversations between August and Poe. As it was, neither character was very developed at all.
So, to sum up: not a very good book but the premise made it worth it!
I’ve read a few of Robinsons Chess series and enjoyed them. I don’t remember this mind-numbing grinding on minutiae and detail, though. Poe’s sections, in particular, were relentless in the descriptions of the smallest actions. Whole paragraphs devoted to simple sentences detailing her trip to the barn to get a gun. August had TWO pages describing using a bat to break the glass door into Walmart. I found myself glancing at paragraphs and determining the action and skipping on. From a technical standpoint, this was not good writing. Also, descriptions of scenes and actions were not well done. I found myself frequently confused at what I was supposed to be envisioning.
As for the characters actions in the scenario of finding themselves utterly alone, I had numerous issues but can forgive most of them, since these are traumatized idiot civilians. They did not make use of the resources around them nor, in the case of Poe, plan well at all. I have a big issue with Poe’s behavior since it was downright stupid most of the time. 1. She never thought to find a back-up sat phone?? Surely there was more than one in town.
2. How about a trip to the library or bookstore for a book on pregnancy and childbirth?
3. How could she be so cavalier about scavenging and stocking food supplies? What does she think her kid is gonna eat? She could have gotten several freezers, hooked them up to the generator...not even necessary in winter!
4. Gas for generator is not even mentioned.
These are basic “end of the world” chores that she didn’t address at all. And god knows, my list goes on. The authors kept telling me what a tough girl character she was but all her actions were that of a hysterical dimwit.
Also, I think the authors would have done better at character building by showing some of the conversations between August and Poe. As it was, neither character was very developed at all.
So, to sum up: not a very good book but the premise made it worth it!
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