The year is 2026, and the United States is trying to create a secure America where everyone can live the American dream. Collapse focuses on three characters:
• Tess, a 40-year-old widowed mother who works as a nursing home administrator
• Doug, who drives a fuel truck
• Brenna, a 10-year-old trying to get to her father
The president is making widespread changes under REEP (Redistribution for Economic Equivalency Program). The plan is to provide greater equality for each family, but for Tess, it means that her house, job, and the lives of the nursing home residents are at risk.
Vouchers for fuel are now standard, and rebels abound. This makes Doug and his fuel truck a prime target. Citizens are fighting back everywhere, and armed guards and fences are a common site.
Brenna is headed east to visit her father. Her mother Kim is not allowed to accompany her, as it would be “inefficient.” Attacks and chaos ensue at the airport, and all of Brenna’s plans go awry.
Tess, Doug, and Brenna find themselves in a battle unlike any other they have faced. Will they be able to survive when the country is losing control all around them?
This is the first book I have read by Carter, but it certainly will not be the last! The remaining two books in this series are high on my TBR (to-be-read) list. The fast pace, smooth flow, and palpable tension make this a page turner which is difficult to put down. The events are easy to visualize, which may leave the reader wondering just what could happen if the government had more power.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.