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Step by Step #1
Drop by Drop
From Morgan Llywelyn, the bestselling author of Lion of Ireland and the Irish Century series, comes Drop by Drop , her first near-future science fiction thriller where technology fails and a small town struggles to survive global catastrophe. In this first book in the Step by Step trilogy, global catastrophe occurs as all plastic mysteriously liquefies. All the small components making many technologies possible-navigation systems, communications, medical equipment-fail. In Sycamore River, citizens find their lives disrupted as everything they've depended on melts around them, with sometimes fatal results. All they can rely upon is themselves. And this is only the beginning ...
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First published June 26, 2018
About the author
Morgan Llywelyn
73 books1,038 followersMorgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 16, 2019
A wonderful read that really surprised me. It's set-up with a science fiction premise, all plastics in the world are melting or breaking down (at random); but in actual fact the book is about the characters in a small town and how they cope with daily life as things around them stop working.
Characters
Easily the best part of this book is the characters. I loved or loved to hate them all. All the classic archetypes are here: the rich snob, the smart entrepreneur, the poor family with too many children, the cranky hermit, etc. And each of them is set-up and developed in such a way that you aren't bored or bogged down by too many details. Morgan Llwelyn does a wonderful job of introducing a lot of people without loosing the main plot/push of the story. I will say that near the beginning it's a bit overwhelming to meet so many characters but if you hang in there you will find that it's not so bad as the story progresses and each character starts to be defined further.
Technology
Near the beginning of Drop by Drop Llywelyn comments on how we (as a society) have allowed ourselves to become so reliant on technology and computers. Interestingly this is the second book in three months that I've read where the author specifically pointed this out. The concern of course being that if technology, the internet, satellites, or any sort of product that supports them breaks down (for whatever reason) then everything starts failing. From cars to information sharing to medical devices to refrigerators; we've put technology of some sort into everyday items that we cannot (reasonably) live without. This leaves us very vulnerable.
It's enough to make you really think about daily life as the plastics in Llywelyn's book start to break down. For example; did you know that most tires are no longer made of solely rubber? They have a synthetic (plastic) additive to make them cheaper these days. Did you know that most toilets aren't entirely ceramic? Or that your appliances have plastic/synthetic components in them? Once you really start to think it becomes apparent that almost everything would breakdown into nothing.
Conspiracy Theories & Communication Breakdowns
During Drop by Drop we learn that there is no explanation to the breakdown of synthetic items made of certain man-made components. We also start to see the ability to travel and pass information along become a barrier. Our small town setting quickly becomes isolated and reverts back to the 'old days' modes of communication. Including an eclectic, odd combination of town folks that get together every Wednesday night group. It's like an 1800's salon setting and is easily one of the moments in the book where you realize how important it is to have a variety of opinions and perspectives in your life.
Overall
I absolutely adore this book and cannot wait for the next one. There is a mini-cliffhanger to draw out into the second book; but certainly if you weren't intrigued by the breakdown of society near the end you could read this on it's own and still really enjoy it. I cannot wait to see more of the science, conspiracies and (most importantly) our characters coping with all the changes in the next book. Llywelyn may be known of her Celtic Irish novels but there is no doubt that she can write science fiction with the best of them. I hope Drop by Drop doesn't get put aside by sci-fi fans because she isn't a 'sci-fi writer' usually. It would be a shame for Drop by Drop to be missed out by those who will likely love it. I also believe that Drop by Drop is a great introduction into dystopian science fiction for those that prefer a character driven story. The science is really interesting but it's not the core of the story. Like I said before this is a story about people coping with extraordinary circumstances.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Characters
Easily the best part of this book is the characters. I loved or loved to hate them all. All the classic archetypes are here: the rich snob, the smart entrepreneur, the poor family with too many children, the cranky hermit, etc. And each of them is set-up and developed in such a way that you aren't bored or bogged down by too many details. Morgan Llwelyn does a wonderful job of introducing a lot of people without loosing the main plot/push of the story. I will say that near the beginning it's a bit overwhelming to meet so many characters but if you hang in there you will find that it's not so bad as the story progresses and each character starts to be defined further.
Technology
Near the beginning of Drop by Drop Llywelyn comments on how we (as a society) have allowed ourselves to become so reliant on technology and computers. Interestingly this is the second book in three months that I've read where the author specifically pointed this out. The concern of course being that if technology, the internet, satellites, or any sort of product that supports them breaks down (for whatever reason) then everything starts failing. From cars to information sharing to medical devices to refrigerators; we've put technology of some sort into everyday items that we cannot (reasonably) live without. This leaves us very vulnerable.
It's enough to make you really think about daily life as the plastics in Llywelyn's book start to break down. For example; did you know that most tires are no longer made of solely rubber? They have a synthetic (plastic) additive to make them cheaper these days. Did you know that most toilets aren't entirely ceramic? Or that your appliances have plastic/synthetic components in them? Once you really start to think it becomes apparent that almost everything would breakdown into nothing.
Conspiracy Theories & Communication Breakdowns
During Drop by Drop we learn that there is no explanation to the breakdown of synthetic items made of certain man-made components. We also start to see the ability to travel and pass information along become a barrier. Our small town setting quickly becomes isolated and reverts back to the 'old days' modes of communication. Including an eclectic, odd combination of town folks that get together every Wednesday night group. It's like an 1800's salon setting and is easily one of the moments in the book where you realize how important it is to have a variety of opinions and perspectives in your life.
Overall
I absolutely adore this book and cannot wait for the next one. There is a mini-cliffhanger to draw out into the second book; but certainly if you weren't intrigued by the breakdown of society near the end you could read this on it's own and still really enjoy it. I cannot wait to see more of the science, conspiracies and (most importantly) our characters coping with all the changes in the next book. Llywelyn may be known of her Celtic Irish novels but there is no doubt that she can write science fiction with the best of them. I hope Drop by Drop doesn't get put aside by sci-fi fans because she isn't a 'sci-fi writer' usually. It would be a shame for Drop by Drop to be missed out by those who will likely love it. I also believe that Drop by Drop is a great introduction into dystopian science fiction for those that prefer a character driven story. The science is really interesting but it's not the core of the story. Like I said before this is a story about people coping with extraordinary circumstances.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
December 27, 2018
Small town folks are appalled when plastic begins to disintegrate and their routines are disturbed.
So every now and then I'm at the library and I decide to take a chance on a book. Apocalypse - love it! That cover is gorgeous! And Morgan Llywelyn - she's been writing a long time so yep, I'll give this a try. I go to GoodReads to list it and - 2.64! Ugh! How can a book be that bad?! But by golly, I've got it so onward.
This is how a book can be that bad. This is the author's first attempt at science fiction. Sometimes, a writer who works in other genre, or in literary fiction, decides to come play in the SF/fantasy dogpile. And frequently, they're so obviously unware of the tropes/phrases/frequent happenings in the field that they light up like a five-year-old. Oooh - look! Scientific paragraphs for a page to describe my idea of plastics breaking down. Yeah - let's throw some quantum physics gobbledygook on top of the chemistry to make it sound even better!
This particular book (by an author who typically writes historical fiction) also draws in these tropes and mannerisms (or at least I hope it's that the author is used to writing like this rather than that she's still comfortable with this type of mentality). The characters and relationships are jarringly 1950's (or maybe 70's or 80's in a small town). Men call their wives 'Cookie' and 'Muffin' while explaining oh so carefully some fact. There's the alpha male, jack of all trades, master of none, who can get any woman he wants. There's the grumpy bar-goer, the hermit who can make anything, the prim older woman, the bad girl returning to town. Every small town trope character is present. I couldn't keep them apart because they were all so bland. There were several times that I started a paragraph, went "Tricia? Do I care about her?" and then decided to just keep reading rather than flip back and figure out who they were.
Almost all of the action occurred off screen. We'd have our characters talking in the bar, then a sidebar about planes that had crashed. Murders by crazy townfolk - we'll mention it and then cut away. Seriously, if you're writing an apocalyptic book, there should be a sense of fear, and desperation. The author should have thought out how the destruction of plastic would have affected the world in much more detail. She throws in a few instances - ATM cards would melt (horrors!) - but doesn't come close to how screwed up everything would be.
Even the dialogue was stilted and forced. Have you ever, in your life, been chatting in a group and said something like "I'm reading a thought-provoking book on archaeology." Gag. You're reading a great book, or a cool book, or a book that makes you think about things, not a thought-provoking book. (Later that night, I was reading "Reader, Come Home" by Maryanne Wolf, and struggling a bit. It's not an easy book and it was giving me lots of things to stop and think about. And I turned to my cat and said "I am reading a thought-provoking book on archaeology." So at least I now have a brand new, built-in, laugh-inducing thought).
Seriously, this book is pretty bad. I give it two stars because it's easily readable. I kept reading because I kept thinking that all this was building to something. Nope. I'll definitely not be reading the sequel. If you're interested in the apocalyptic 'petroleum products are destroyed' scenario, read "Ill Wind" by Anderson and Beason. Still not great, but way better than this.
So every now and then I'm at the library and I decide to take a chance on a book. Apocalypse - love it! That cover is gorgeous! And Morgan Llywelyn - she's been writing a long time so yep, I'll give this a try. I go to GoodReads to list it and - 2.64! Ugh! How can a book be that bad?! But by golly, I've got it so onward.
This is how a book can be that bad. This is the author's first attempt at science fiction. Sometimes, a writer who works in other genre, or in literary fiction, decides to come play in the SF/fantasy dogpile. And frequently, they're so obviously unware of the tropes/phrases/frequent happenings in the field that they light up like a five-year-old. Oooh - look! Scientific paragraphs for a page to describe my idea of plastics breaking down. Yeah - let's throw some quantum physics gobbledygook on top of the chemistry to make it sound even better!
This particular book (by an author who typically writes historical fiction) also draws in these tropes and mannerisms (or at least I hope it's that the author is used to writing like this rather than that she's still comfortable with this type of mentality). The characters and relationships are jarringly 1950's (or maybe 70's or 80's in a small town). Men call their wives 'Cookie' and 'Muffin' while explaining oh so carefully some fact. There's the alpha male, jack of all trades, master of none, who can get any woman he wants. There's the grumpy bar-goer, the hermit who can make anything, the prim older woman, the bad girl returning to town. Every small town trope character is present. I couldn't keep them apart because they were all so bland. There were several times that I started a paragraph, went "Tricia? Do I care about her?" and then decided to just keep reading rather than flip back and figure out who they were.
Almost all of the action occurred off screen. We'd have our characters talking in the bar, then a sidebar about planes that had crashed. Murders by crazy townfolk - we'll mention it and then cut away. Seriously, if you're writing an apocalyptic book, there should be a sense of fear, and desperation. The author should have thought out how the destruction of plastic would have affected the world in much more detail. She throws in a few instances - ATM cards would melt (horrors!) - but doesn't come close to how screwed up everything would be.
Even the dialogue was stilted and forced. Have you ever, in your life, been chatting in a group and said something like "I'm reading a thought-provoking book on archaeology." Gag. You're reading a great book, or a cool book, or a book that makes you think about things, not a thought-provoking book. (Later that night, I was reading "Reader, Come Home" by Maryanne Wolf, and struggling a bit. It's not an easy book and it was giving me lots of things to stop and think about. And I turned to my cat and said "I am reading a thought-provoking book on archaeology." So at least I now have a brand new, built-in, laugh-inducing thought).
Seriously, this book is pretty bad. I give it two stars because it's easily readable. I kept reading because I kept thinking that all this was building to something. Nope. I'll definitely not be reading the sequel. If you're interested in the apocalyptic 'petroleum products are destroyed' scenario, read "Ill Wind" by Anderson and Beason. Still not great, but way better than this.
June 24, 2018
“In this first book in the Step By Step trilogy, global catastrophe occurs as all plastic mysteriously liquefies. All the small components making many technologies possible—navigation systems, communications, medical equipment—fail.“
A great premise with potential for lots of catastrophic scenes and society as we know it breaking down spectacularly. Alas, the apocalypse unfolds very slowly, over a longer period of time and slowly dissolving bits and pieces. Not necessarily a bad thing, albeit lacking suspense.
It is told from the changing view of a group of people all living in the same town. Unfortunately, it is done by showing instead of telling and making the reader live through what happens. By the middle of the book that apocalypse is picking up speed and things get considerably worse—sadly lots of it in the off. That continues to the end of the story—any climactic event, any high point of the story happens in the background and the reader is treated to a bland recap of events. Very unsatisfying.
There is not a lot of world building in general and some things simply aren‘t explained enough, do not really make sense or the author actually contradicts herself.
On top of that it is a book full of some very unlikeable people. The characters are all very stereotypical and although this is set in the near future, they are all white, middle class, old-fashioned people with dated attitudes. We have a token black couple and a another couple with an alternative lifestyle, showing up maybe twice. The women all have about two brain cells between them. Well, Nell actually develops into an almost likeable and not too stupid person by the end.
Worst of all, this book filled with the patriarchal world of the last century was written by a woman. Albeit an over 80 years old one. And that certainly shows in the dated writing with its old-fashioned attitudes.
I did not actively dislike the story, despite my misgivings it was pretty readable. However, it is very unlikely that I will read the rest of this trilogy or pick up something else by the author.
I received this free e-copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
May 3, 2018
In the small town of Sycamore Falls, strange things are happening. ATM cards, pens, and various other plastic items have begun to dissolve. Before long, the word is out that "the Change" is affecting plastics worldwide. Initially regarded as a curiosity that would sort itself out, alarm spreads as vital items—phones, computers, tires, engine parts, and even asphalt roads—becomes puddles of ooze. Technology has become useless, and crime is on the rise as unemployment soars. As people speculate on the cause of the Change and governments scramble to find ways to fix the problem, the threat of war is on the horizon.
What I Liked
I loved the concept of this story! Think about it for a moment: how many things do you depend on for normal, everyday life? Did you know plastics are petroleum products? It's a little shocking, how many things are made from petroleum that you may not know about. That's what makes the premise of this book so intriguing—it would have a major impact on everything you can think of, and a whole lot more.
I liked seeing how different characters responded to the catastrophe. Some people responded well, looking to the past for ideas on how to survive this new normal—for example, horse-drawn carts and carriages. Others didn't adjust very well to the Change, and it brought out the worst in them. A group of friends gathered regularly to consider things that might have caused it, as well as ways they could adjust now-obsolete technologies with new, non-plastic materials.
The story ended on one heck of a cliffhanger, and the cause of the Change was never disclosed, but I was fine with that. This is the first book of the series, after all, so I knew better than to expect the mystery of the dissolving plastics to be wrapped up in a neat, little bow, with all questions answered.
About that cliffhanger: I already knew I wanted to read book two in this series whenever it comes out. But with such a fantastic cliffhanger, it's going to feel like an eternal wait for the next book!
What I (Sort of) Didn't Like
I don't have any strong dislikes, but there is one thing I wished for, that I'll share in this space.
There were times I wished there were fewer characters involved, so that I could see more from the perspectives of the select few I was most interested in. This story is loaded with characters who each have alternating chapters dedicated to their perceptions. While I liked each character and was interested in their point-of-view, the down side is that there was far less time, overall, to be spent in each of their heads.
Final Thoughts
I found Drop by Drop to be a fascinating story, with a unique concept that was very enjoyable to read. It perfectly illustrates how heavily dependent we are on plastics and technologies in every area of our lives, and how lost society would be without all those creature comforts we're so accustomed to having. Llywelyn has created a cast of character that are easy to relate and believable in their reactions to the world being turned upside down—or melting away, as it were.
Fans of speculative fiction will not only be intrigued by the premise of this novel, but will likely find it hard to stop reading once they start.
As for me, I can't wait to read the next book in this series... may it be released soon!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Tor Books via Netgalley.
What I Liked
I loved the concept of this story! Think about it for a moment: how many things do you depend on for normal, everyday life? Did you know plastics are petroleum products? It's a little shocking, how many things are made from petroleum that you may not know about. That's what makes the premise of this book so intriguing—it would have a major impact on everything you can think of, and a whole lot more.
I liked seeing how different characters responded to the catastrophe. Some people responded well, looking to the past for ideas on how to survive this new normal—for example, horse-drawn carts and carriages. Others didn't adjust very well to the Change, and it brought out the worst in them. A group of friends gathered regularly to consider things that might have caused it, as well as ways they could adjust now-obsolete technologies with new, non-plastic materials.
The story ended on one heck of a cliffhanger, and the cause of the Change was never disclosed, but I was fine with that. This is the first book of the series, after all, so I knew better than to expect the mystery of the dissolving plastics to be wrapped up in a neat, little bow, with all questions answered.
About that cliffhanger: I already knew I wanted to read book two in this series whenever it comes out. But with such a fantastic cliffhanger, it's going to feel like an eternal wait for the next book!
What I (Sort of) Didn't Like
I don't have any strong dislikes, but there is one thing I wished for, that I'll share in this space.
There were times I wished there were fewer characters involved, so that I could see more from the perspectives of the select few I was most interested in. This story is loaded with characters who each have alternating chapters dedicated to their perceptions. While I liked each character and was interested in their point-of-view, the down side is that there was far less time, overall, to be spent in each of their heads.
Final Thoughts
I found Drop by Drop to be a fascinating story, with a unique concept that was very enjoyable to read. It perfectly illustrates how heavily dependent we are on plastics and technologies in every area of our lives, and how lost society would be without all those creature comforts we're so accustomed to having. Llywelyn has created a cast of character that are easy to relate and believable in their reactions to the world being turned upside down—or melting away, as it were.
Fans of speculative fiction will not only be intrigued by the premise of this novel, but will likely find it hard to stop reading once they start.
As for me, I can't wait to read the next book in this series... may it be released soon!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Tor Books via Netgalley.
November 4, 2018
DNF.
Interesting concept. Poor execution.
Interesting concept. Poor execution.
June 28, 2018
This just goes to show how I can be influenced by a short snazzy blurb and a beautiful cover design. This had all the hallmarks of being a book I would love - dystopian, slightly sci-fi, focussing on the impact on a small town.
And this is a great idea. We rely on man made substances in nearly everything we do, so if something like this truly happened we would be up the proverbial creek without a paddle (especially if it were made of plastic...)
But...and there's no fancy way to say this... this book is not written very well. It's clunky, confusing and full of half baked characters. You would expect in a plot where all the world's plastic is disintegrating, that there would be much more of an 'apocalypse' feel to it. You anticipate that there would be some momentous events as we watch the break down of civilisation before our eyes.
Errrr...nope. Two things sort of happen, and a few people die as a result, but these events are pretty much nothing to do with the dissolution of plastics. And the main characters that we follow in this story just bumble on without any real demonstration of emotion or any hint of having distinct personalities.
Unfortunately all this book will do is encourage your brain to melt out of your ears in the same way the plastics in the story do. Suffice to say I won't be reading the rest in the trilogy.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for this preview copy in return for an honest review.
And this is a great idea. We rely on man made substances in nearly everything we do, so if something like this truly happened we would be up the proverbial creek without a paddle (especially if it were made of plastic...)
But...and there's no fancy way to say this... this book is not written very well. It's clunky, confusing and full of half baked characters. You would expect in a plot where all the world's plastic is disintegrating, that there would be much more of an 'apocalypse' feel to it. You anticipate that there would be some momentous events as we watch the break down of civilisation before our eyes.
Errrr...nope. Two things sort of happen, and a few people die as a result, but these events are pretty much nothing to do with the dissolution of plastics. And the main characters that we follow in this story just bumble on without any real demonstration of emotion or any hint of having distinct personalities.
Unfortunately all this book will do is encourage your brain to melt out of your ears in the same way the plastics in the story do. Suffice to say I won't be reading the rest in the trilogy.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for this preview copy in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2018
I received this eARC from Macmillan-Tor/Forge on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book in any way.
I dnf'd this book very early on, unfortunately. It was very promising, but ultimately read like a high concept sci-fi soap opera. When I expected science fiction mystery, I got small town drama. I really couldn't care less about any character or their stupid first world problems. Ultimately, this book was boring, but if you're more into contemporary and want to try something new, this might be your thing.
I dnf'd this book very early on, unfortunately. It was very promising, but ultimately read like a high concept sci-fi soap opera. When I expected science fiction mystery, I got small town drama. I really couldn't care less about any character or their stupid first world problems. Ultimately, this book was boring, but if you're more into contemporary and want to try something new, this might be your thing.
June 30, 2018
Loved this! Hugely original and not at all what I was expecting. There is a resilience and hope here that is so refreshing. Above all else, this is character driven, and with characters that I was deeply interested in. A favourite book of the year for me. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
June 26, 2018
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
Well mateys. I have to admit that this was just an okay read. This book takes place in a small town in the U.S. with a varied cast of quirky if somewhat two-dimensional characters. Their problem is that plastics all over the world begin to melt and humanity has to deal with the consequences. No one knows what started "The Change" but the townsfolk love to speculate.
The small town seems to have relatively little problems overall with losing all the plastic. Part of the problem with this book is that the stakes seem so low and the town adapts in surprisingly good fashion. This just seemed unrealistic. In addition, the core group that ye follow is always poorly debating what caused the Change. It got old after a bit.
I did enjoy the character interactions and it was a quick read but in general I felt that the execution of the premise was lackluster. Too many old folk around who can do things like make horse-drawn carriages. Too much focus on townsfolk interpersonal relationships. Not really enough description of the plastic problem and the true impact losing it would have on the world.
A pleasant, if forgettable read but I will certainly not be reading any more of the series. Unfortunate because I liked the concept.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
Well mateys. I have to admit that this was just an okay read. This book takes place in a small town in the U.S. with a varied cast of quirky if somewhat two-dimensional characters. Their problem is that plastics all over the world begin to melt and humanity has to deal with the consequences. No one knows what started "The Change" but the townsfolk love to speculate.
The small town seems to have relatively little problems overall with losing all the plastic. Part of the problem with this book is that the stakes seem so low and the town adapts in surprisingly good fashion. This just seemed unrealistic. In addition, the core group that ye follow is always poorly debating what caused the Change. It got old after a bit.
I did enjoy the character interactions and it was a quick read but in general I felt that the execution of the premise was lackluster. Too many old folk around who can do things like make horse-drawn carriages. Too much focus on townsfolk interpersonal relationships. Not really enough description of the plastic problem and the true impact losing it would have on the world.
A pleasant, if forgettable read but I will certainly not be reading any more of the series. Unfortunate because I liked the concept.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
May 19, 2018
Awful. Potentially interesting premise: all the world's plastics start to melt back into a crude oily scunge. But the book itself is the same old end-of-the-world cliche fest, whereby a bunch of thinly drawn cardboard characters you don't give a damn about plague you with their tedious backstories and bickering, as well as their plot-convenient obliviousness to the obvious, in a small town as everything falls apart. Plus it has clunky neologisms galore, like AllComs which everyone in the real world would just call phones. But they let you control your home's security system from miles away! Oh, you mean like a phone? Boring, badly written, and only the first in a trilogy.
April 19, 2018
Drop by Drop is an interesting concept: plastics all over the world start to liquefy, and anything depending on plastics stop working. The idea is very much like the TV show, Jericho, and a non-zombie post apocalyptic story is a fresh read, the problem with Drop by Drop is that there is no plot. The story just meanders through a few years without a solid understanding of the flow of time. I think that the entire story spans a few years, maybe as many as four? The time shifts are abrupt, sometimes happening in the middle of a chapter. The vignettes are interesting by themselves, but linked together with no apparent ending to the story, the whole thing is an exercise in futility, but excessive head hopping soils even the interesting vignettes. Often I had to re-read a page or paragraph to figure out whom the section was about. Any time this happens in a book, I’m knocked out of the narrative, and any time the reader is knocked out of the narrative, it’s a chance that they’ll stop reading. I think that this story would’ve been better as a series of short stories, or even following a particular character through out the ordeal, perhaps in some sort of repeated chronology to show how different people and couples handle the plastic apocalypse. Very few of the characters are relatable, and although some backstory is filled in, the origins of most of the characters are nebulous at best. One of the biggest sins I feel a writer can commit is a bad ending, and Drop by Drop does just that: nothing is resolved, and a new impending doom is introduced to entice you to purchase book two. It took me five days to grind through a book that’s 336 pages, so you can imagine how frustrating it was to end in a cliffhanger. I kept hoping for a payout, but that wasn’t the case. Overall, I’d give Drop by Drop three stars.
September 30, 2021
Good god above but how many characters do you NEED in a book ???
This book is a conveyor belt of characters and ALL of them absolutely have to be painted for you in glorious technicolor and OOOOOPSEY, theres a global catasrophe hidden in there somewhere . . . .nope, way way wayyyyy to many people and not enough actual plot. Did not finish because the book felt like someone trying to write a sci fi from the perspective of a guy who knew a guy who said he heard something and did i tell you the FASCINATING backstory of this minor character who was briefly mentioned a moment ago. Sorry dude but theres way to little sci fi here.
This book is a conveyor belt of characters and ALL of them absolutely have to be painted for you in glorious technicolor and OOOOOPSEY, theres a global catasrophe hidden in there somewhere . . . .nope, way way wayyyyy to many people and not enough actual plot. Did not finish because the book felt like someone trying to write a sci fi from the perspective of a guy who knew a guy who said he heard something and did i tell you the FASCINATING backstory of this minor character who was briefly mentioned a moment ago. Sorry dude but theres way to little sci fi here.
January 10, 2023
You know when a story has an amazing idea but poor execution? That’s this book
Read
March 27, 2023If you should happen to come across this review, forgive me for two important digressions.
First, it's important you understand just how bad of a reading slump I have been in. Every novel I have picked since around Christmas has been DNF for me. I have read 2 graphic novels, and they weren't bad. The only fiction I finished in that time. But as for standard novels, I am getting quite desperate for an enjoyable read.
I've tried authors I have heard of, and ones I have not. I have jumped to other genres. Gone with recently released and stuff from years ago. I attempted an epic, and have the last few times attempted smaller novels, shorter fiction. I have done everything but walk into a library with a dead carp and choosing to read whatever volume it lands on once I heave it into the stacks.
Nothing. And at this point I'm ready to find that carp.
It's bad.
Enter this smallish volume. Nice cover, interesting premise, hopefully a quick read. And because of my aforementioned lousy luck in finding fulfilling fiction, I told myself I would push beyond my normal metric of determining if a book is worth reading. (50 pages.) The first 50 pages were okay, not great, so I might have kept up with it even under those usual rules.
But then this book got worse. Less interesting, more confusing. And still I said I was going to finish it, because I have been so unable to finish books these last few months.
Less than an hour ago, I told myself, "okay, if you can literally make it through half of this book, you can find a way to finish it. Here we go."
I failed to make it to half.
I WANT to enjoy books. I myself write them, so it is no thrill to mention that someone has written something poor. Then again, when I realize some things that take off, when none of my novels have gotten anywhere near the press or the sales and interest of books that are just...sad...I feel less guilty for leaving bad reviews.
This is the first part of a TRIOLOGY of books. I didn't know that until reading other reviews on this site for this book. Thank the book divinities I did decide to go against my plan and DNF this when I did...otherwise I might have forced myself through this turgid mess, only to find I needed to read two more books just like it to gain any closure. Huge bullet dodged. I will never doubt my 50 pages grace ever again.
The other digression is that this book may have ended my further attempts to read scifi. Every TIME I wander into scifi it's a damn problem. I tell myself it is time to give it another chance and I run into this thing. This lousy book wouldn't have done it alone, but as the straw that broke the CyberCamel's back, I may have just permanently abandoned an entire genre because of it.
The premise of all the plastic in the world melting for an unknown reason is a promising one. It's too bad the book only obliquely mentions is very own premise. But instead we get what basically amounts to Gilmore Girls, or a town in a Hallmark Movie, if plastic melted.
Love triangles and every man treating every woman like shit. Handsome rogues that sleep with everyone and aunts that don't approve. Everybody who peaked in high school still in the same town talking about the same people they gossiped about 30 years ago, and stabbing people in the back with the same knives.
And didya hear? The world's ending. Better postpone the potluck for a while.
This is a poorly written, glacially paced soap opera of boring personalities. Hundreds...of...personalities.
It's bad enough the POV is a head-hopping wet dream. But it head hops into and out of, when I lost count, about 20 named characters that have dialogue. 20, and probably counting after I stopped. But it was when the erstwhile protagonist rolled up to visit someone, and stopped to have dinner with New Character 19, and his perky wife New Character 20, (on page 125!) that I knew I wouldn't be making it to the halfway point.
And this was after I forced myself through a page and half long, "as you know Bob" monologue about online banking from a character that had only appeared once up to that point, but is suddenly integral to the very existence of one the the other supporting characters and his past.
And didya hear? Maude's undies melted because they contained plastic, and they dripped down her nice round ass and onto the 7-11 floor, while Eddy Peddy, vice-captain of the Football team when Maude had been the third string cheerleader was manager on duty at the time.....and Eddy's long dormant dreams of her without her panties awakened within him, just four feet from the beef jerky display.
And on and on and on and on. Who the hell cares? You don't sympathize with any of them, because the whole town is populated with the most sickening abusive narcissistic clods this side of Wall Street.
Authors struggle everywhere to be seen by just a few people, and this pabulum sells like hotcakes?
Where's the worldwide pseudoscientific maguffin that explains that tragedy?
First, it's important you understand just how bad of a reading slump I have been in. Every novel I have picked since around Christmas has been DNF for me. I have read 2 graphic novels, and they weren't bad. The only fiction I finished in that time. But as for standard novels, I am getting quite desperate for an enjoyable read.
I've tried authors I have heard of, and ones I have not. I have jumped to other genres. Gone with recently released and stuff from years ago. I attempted an epic, and have the last few times attempted smaller novels, shorter fiction. I have done everything but walk into a library with a dead carp and choosing to read whatever volume it lands on once I heave it into the stacks.
Nothing. And at this point I'm ready to find that carp.
It's bad.
Enter this smallish volume. Nice cover, interesting premise, hopefully a quick read. And because of my aforementioned lousy luck in finding fulfilling fiction, I told myself I would push beyond my normal metric of determining if a book is worth reading. (50 pages.) The first 50 pages were okay, not great, so I might have kept up with it even under those usual rules.
But then this book got worse. Less interesting, more confusing. And still I said I was going to finish it, because I have been so unable to finish books these last few months.
Less than an hour ago, I told myself, "okay, if you can literally make it through half of this book, you can find a way to finish it. Here we go."
I failed to make it to half.
I WANT to enjoy books. I myself write them, so it is no thrill to mention that someone has written something poor. Then again, when I realize some things that take off, when none of my novels have gotten anywhere near the press or the sales and interest of books that are just...sad...I feel less guilty for leaving bad reviews.
This is the first part of a TRIOLOGY of books. I didn't know that until reading other reviews on this site for this book. Thank the book divinities I did decide to go against my plan and DNF this when I did...otherwise I might have forced myself through this turgid mess, only to find I needed to read two more books just like it to gain any closure. Huge bullet dodged. I will never doubt my 50 pages grace ever again.
The other digression is that this book may have ended my further attempts to read scifi. Every TIME I wander into scifi it's a damn problem. I tell myself it is time to give it another chance and I run into this thing. This lousy book wouldn't have done it alone, but as the straw that broke the CyberCamel's back, I may have just permanently abandoned an entire genre because of it.
The premise of all the plastic in the world melting for an unknown reason is a promising one. It's too bad the book only obliquely mentions is very own premise. But instead we get what basically amounts to Gilmore Girls, or a town in a Hallmark Movie, if plastic melted.
Love triangles and every man treating every woman like shit. Handsome rogues that sleep with everyone and aunts that don't approve. Everybody who peaked in high school still in the same town talking about the same people they gossiped about 30 years ago, and stabbing people in the back with the same knives.
And didya hear? The world's ending. Better postpone the potluck for a while.
This is a poorly written, glacially paced soap opera of boring personalities. Hundreds...of...personalities.
It's bad enough the POV is a head-hopping wet dream. But it head hops into and out of, when I lost count, about 20 named characters that have dialogue. 20, and probably counting after I stopped. But it was when the erstwhile protagonist rolled up to visit someone, and stopped to have dinner with New Character 19, and his perky wife New Character 20, (on page 125!) that I knew I wouldn't be making it to the halfway point.
And this was after I forced myself through a page and half long, "as you know Bob" monologue about online banking from a character that had only appeared once up to that point, but is suddenly integral to the very existence of one the the other supporting characters and his past.
And didya hear? Maude's undies melted because they contained plastic, and they dripped down her nice round ass and onto the 7-11 floor, while Eddy Peddy, vice-captain of the Football team when Maude had been the third string cheerleader was manager on duty at the time.....and Eddy's long dormant dreams of her without her panties awakened within him, just four feet from the beef jerky display.
And on and on and on and on. Who the hell cares? You don't sympathize with any of them, because the whole town is populated with the most sickening abusive narcissistic clods this side of Wall Street.
Authors struggle everywhere to be seen by just a few people, and this pabulum sells like hotcakes?
Where's the worldwide pseudoscientific maguffin that explains that tragedy?
July 16, 2018
Drop by Drop shows the effects on a small town of a global event in which complex hydrocarbons break down into their component molecules, a phenomenon known to the book's characters as "the Change" (capital C, of course, in the tradition of recent dystopian fiction). This is an excellent story concept, variations on which have been executed by SM Stirling, Pat Frank, and others. You could even put certain sections of Stephen King's "The Stand" in the same category.
My main problem with this book is that there seems to be no internal logic to the mechanics of the global catastrophe. At any given time, for reasons unknown, the Change accelerates or decelerates, and affects different plastics or other petroleum-based products. The characters spend a great deal of time sitting in bars and restaurants ruminating as to what might be causing these near-random variations; from the distance afforded to a reader, the answer appears to be "the convenience of the plot." The suggestion that bacteria are involved merely raises the question of what's turning them on and off, or altering their dietary habits. The revelation which concludes the book doubles down on this problem in a major way; rather than wanting to read a sequel, it makes me feel like I'm being jerked around, and like my time would be better spent on other books.
This phenomenon extends to other aspects of the plot as well. Why is a global war imminent? Why does character x fall in love with character y? By and large I can't find persuasive answers to these questions other than "the book needs them to."
The characters are a mixed bag; Tilbury pops, I think, and Bea to a lesser extent, but in general I think I would have preferred fewer characters and deeper revelations of their nature through dialog and events, as opposed to authorial monologuing.
It's well-researched, with an interesting core concept, but ultimately not immersive. If I wanted to explore a world with no rules, in which random things happen to people for no explicable reason, I'd just visit Detroit.
My main problem with this book is that there seems to be no internal logic to the mechanics of the global catastrophe. At any given time, for reasons unknown, the Change accelerates or decelerates, and affects different plastics or other petroleum-based products. The characters spend a great deal of time sitting in bars and restaurants ruminating as to what might be causing these near-random variations; from the distance afforded to a reader, the answer appears to be "the convenience of the plot." The suggestion that bacteria are involved merely raises the question of what's turning them on and off, or altering their dietary habits. The revelation which concludes the book doubles down on this problem in a major way; rather than wanting to read a sequel, it makes me feel like I'm being jerked around, and like my time would be better spent on other books.
This phenomenon extends to other aspects of the plot as well. Why is a global war imminent? Why does character x fall in love with character y? By and large I can't find persuasive answers to these questions other than "the book needs them to."
The characters are a mixed bag; Tilbury pops, I think, and Bea to a lesser extent, but in general I think I would have preferred fewer characters and deeper revelations of their nature through dialog and events, as opposed to authorial monologuing.
It's well-researched, with an interesting core concept, but ultimately not immersive. If I wanted to explore a world with no rules, in which random things happen to people for no explicable reason, I'd just visit Detroit.
October 12, 2024
Loved the concept, but felt there were too many characters. It made me not really care about most of them.
June 28, 2018
I enjoyed the fact that we followed the same small band of folks as this disaster unfolds – and the fact that they lived in a small community. I have a fondness for books depicting small-town America… Initially, we quickly jump across a number of folks as plastic starts to dribble, which had me groaning somewhat. I get awfully tired of the apocalyptic convention of jumping into someone’s head, only for them to die in unpleasant circumstances due to whatever badness is coming to swallow the world. Thankfully, that wasn’t what drove this book, which settles down into something else and I think is a problem, especially for fans of apocalyptic sci fi, as this is small-town USA dealing with disaster – except it often wasn’t. It was more about the protagonists getting on with their lives, with the plastic issue sporadically causing a problem.
There is also an issue with narrative time – phones are now called Allcoms, so presumably this is set in a nearish future, which looks very much like right now. And the book was vague about the passing of time, so I couldn’t get a real sense of how long the townsfolk were dealing with the problem and there are no dates accompanying chapter headings to help out the reader.
However, I don’t want you to go away with the idea this was a trudge – I was able to settle down and enjoy most of the story, thanks to Llewelyn’s smooth prose and economical style. I got caught up in the characters’ lives and found the pages turning themselves – until it came to that ending… I don’t like being bounced at the end of a book, which appears to be winding everything up satisfactorily – only to turn it into a sudden cliff-hanger in the final paragraph. While I understand why it was done, it didn’t work. I shouldn’t finish a book feeling so irritated, which is a shame because those issues notwithstanding, overall this was an enjoyable read. Recommended for readers who enjoy their disasters on a very human scale. While I obtained an arc of Drop by Drop from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
7/10
There is also an issue with narrative time – phones are now called Allcoms, so presumably this is set in a nearish future, which looks very much like right now. And the book was vague about the passing of time, so I couldn’t get a real sense of how long the townsfolk were dealing with the problem and there are no dates accompanying chapter headings to help out the reader.
However, I don’t want you to go away with the idea this was a trudge – I was able to settle down and enjoy most of the story, thanks to Llewelyn’s smooth prose and economical style. I got caught up in the characters’ lives and found the pages turning themselves – until it came to that ending… I don’t like being bounced at the end of a book, which appears to be winding everything up satisfactorily – only to turn it into a sudden cliff-hanger in the final paragraph. While I understand why it was done, it didn’t work. I shouldn’t finish a book feeling so irritated, which is a shame because those issues notwithstanding, overall this was an enjoyable read. Recommended for readers who enjoy their disasters on a very human scale. While I obtained an arc of Drop by Drop from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
7/10
July 7, 2018
Drop by Drop is set in the near future in the small town of Sycamore River. One day, plastic begins to liquefy. The news media covers the early stages of this plague as an amusing oddity. Plastic pens are melting. Potato chips are flying all over the park after their bags dissolve. But whatever is causing this disruption is spreading to include all types of plastic. And the world is beginning to realize just how dependent it has become on this artificial product. TVs no longer operate. Neither do modern cars. Cell phones are done. The Internet is gone. Even ink dissolves off of newspapers, books and money. Life has undergone a fundamental change - that is actually called The Change. No one knows what started it or how it can be stopped. Countries blame their enemies and war clouds begin to gather. But this story is mostly told through the eyes of the citizens of Sycamore River as they struggle to adapt to their new reality. Morgan Llywelyn tells a scary story but does it in a gentle way. Drop by Drop is a lovely title for her book. It reminded me of a line from an old poem "this is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper". The last line of the book is a total game changer. In case you couldn't tell from the title, this story is not over. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next chapter.
November 3, 2019
I am an avid consumer of apocalyptic and postapocalyptic fiction, and this was not a particularly compelling version of "what happens in a small town if X happens"? A great deal of this book seemed borrowed from other authors, notably S.M. Stirling's Emberverse series, and there were a number of unanswered questions that I don't think will be taken up in the second book (which I'm reading now) or the promised third in the sequence.
Simple example: nylon stockings disintegrate in the first book. OK. Most of us could survive just fine without pantyhose. We'd be a lot more upset about other synthetic fabrics or clothing components disintegrating, like bras or the elastic in our underpants. How about nylon bristles for toothbrushes? Or nylon parachutes? Never mentioned.
Edgar's constructing a refuge for himself and what will probably be a few select people, with foodstuffs in glass jars and cotton sacks. Looking at the lids on my canning jars, I think the seals are almost certainly plastic of some kind. What happens when his foods spoil because the seals are compromised? And is anyone going to be surprised when the Wednesday Night bar denizens file into his refuge and pull the door shut behind them?
Doesn't anyone PARENT in this book? Nell's given up on her kids. The banker's grandsons are wild little beasts. Lila's mother was a perfect example of How To Be the Worst Parent Around. The vet's son has already become a de facto adult. Gerry and Gloria, hope you can do better.
Simple example: nylon stockings disintegrate in the first book. OK. Most of us could survive just fine without pantyhose. We'd be a lot more upset about other synthetic fabrics or clothing components disintegrating, like bras or the elastic in our underpants. How about nylon bristles for toothbrushes? Or nylon parachutes? Never mentioned.
Edgar's constructing a refuge for himself and what will probably be a few select people, with foodstuffs in glass jars and cotton sacks. Looking at the lids on my canning jars, I think the seals are almost certainly plastic of some kind. What happens when his foods spoil because the seals are compromised? And is anyone going to be surprised when the Wednesday Night bar denizens file into his refuge and pull the door shut behind them?
Doesn't anyone PARENT in this book? Nell's given up on her kids. The banker's grandsons are wild little beasts. Lila's mother was a perfect example of How To Be the Worst Parent Around. The vet's son has already become a de facto adult. Gerry and Gloria, hope you can do better.
September 8, 2021
Woah this was like whiplash. Awesome cover, amazing idea, then hold on to your hats for 300 pages of meh.
Everyone in this book is a caricature of a real person and the weirdness of thoughts and actions was too distracting.
From random people pontificating over science they clearly have no real concept of but talking as if their words aren't nonsense to plotlines that make no sense this story just fell apart for me like the plastics in their world.
The story was listed as science fiction but there isn't any relevant science. Plastics are melting and no one seems to know why it just happens.
Then it stops happening and no one knows why it just happens. At one point they kind of hint that some Swedish scientists figure it out but then the issue stops so their "proof" turns out to be bunk and the book ends with no actual sci-fi having took place.
Remember that M. Night Shyamalan movie where everyone starts dying and at the end they realize it's the plants? Imagine you're watching that movie and right before you discover the plants are at fault the movie just ends. That's this book.
I picked all three books up from the library and the reading is easy so I'm going to continue just to see if it's as bad as the first. Maybe the magic bacteria from the first book will be to blame for the metal dissolving in part two or maybe it will turn out to be the aliens from Signs. Fingers are crossed it's something amazingly nonsensical.
Everyone in this book is a caricature of a real person and the weirdness of thoughts and actions was too distracting.
From random people pontificating over science they clearly have no real concept of but talking as if their words aren't nonsense to plotlines that make no sense this story just fell apart for me like the plastics in their world.
The story was listed as science fiction but there isn't any relevant science. Plastics are melting and no one seems to know why it just happens.
Then it stops happening and no one knows why it just happens. At one point they kind of hint that some Swedish scientists figure it out but then the issue stops so their "proof" turns out to be bunk and the book ends with no actual sci-fi having took place.
Remember that M. Night Shyamalan movie where everyone starts dying and at the end they realize it's the plants? Imagine you're watching that movie and right before you discover the plants are at fault the movie just ends. That's this book.
I picked all three books up from the library and the reading is easy so I'm going to continue just to see if it's as bad as the first. Maybe the magic bacteria from the first book will be to blame for the metal dissolving in part two or maybe it will turn out to be the aliens from Signs. Fingers are crossed it's something amazingly nonsensical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
On the positive side, Drop by Drop's not a difficult read. It is, perhaps, a four hour, one session read with no major or jarring typographical errors. But that's about all I can honestly say is on the plus side of this novel.
Drop by Drop is a forgettable novel filled with cardboard thin, trope-ridden characters that neither engage with or draw the reader in. What could be character or plot line development is shattered by the sheer number, and shallow treatment, of the events and people Llewelyn is trying to portray. As an attempt to describe the unraveling of society and it's attempt to struggle through disaster (if that is what this is) it fails, and fails miserably, as does the pseudo-scientific ramblings of the inhabitants of Sycamore River in their struggle to understand what has overtaken them.
To say the ending left me a little bereft, and that I felt somewhat cheated given the time spent reading Llewelyn's book, would be a severe understatement. The imprint of Drop By Drop I have makes no mention this is part 1 of a trilogy; if it did, it would only partially assuage my disappointment.
Torn between one or two star ratings., Drop by Drop gets two stars only because there are worse novels in print.
I can't argue with Llewelyn's credentials as a writer of historical fiction; Drop by Drop is, to my mind, proof positive Llewelyn's foray into science fiction is an aberration.
To be avoided.
Drop by Drop is a forgettable novel filled with cardboard thin, trope-ridden characters that neither engage with or draw the reader in. What could be character or plot line development is shattered by the sheer number, and shallow treatment, of the events and people Llewelyn is trying to portray. As an attempt to describe the unraveling of society and it's attempt to struggle through disaster (if that is what this is) it fails, and fails miserably, as does the pseudo-scientific ramblings of the inhabitants of Sycamore River in their struggle to understand what has overtaken them.
To say the ending left me a little bereft, and that I felt somewhat cheated given the time spent reading Llewelyn's book, would be a severe understatement. The imprint of Drop By Drop I have makes no mention this is part 1 of a trilogy; if it did, it would only partially assuage my disappointment.
Torn between one or two star ratings., Drop by Drop gets two stars only because there are worse novels in print.
I can't argue with Llewelyn's credentials as a writer of historical fiction; Drop by Drop is, to my mind, proof positive Llewelyn's foray into science fiction is an aberration.
To be avoided.
April 10, 2018
"Drop by drop, the change came to Sycamore River. Slowly and quietly in the beginning, not enough to cause a ripple on the placid surface of the town. Few people noticed at first. Change can be like that."
This Speculative Fiction novel is a completely unique idea of how change can begin without most people noticing.
This is the first book in the "Step By Step" series which promises to be not only one of a kind, but also one that will challenge the idea that we need technology to survive.
The small town of Sycamore River and its inhabitants will get under your skin and readers will find themselves actually caring about what happens to them.
Set in the not too distant future, Drop By Drop is a unique look at one possible future ... And a scary one at that.
Morgan Llywelyn has an amazing ability to create people who are so realistic they could be your next door neighbors. She also describes the many different ways people react in a crisis. Some step up and others fall apart. Her writing will grab your attention and you will be unable to stop reading... literally. I read the entire book in less than twenty four hours and I was wishing the next book in the series was already available. I predict that DROP BY DROP will be on many Bestseller Lists and I rate it as 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Thank you to NETGALLEY for providing me with a free copy of this book.
This Speculative Fiction novel is a completely unique idea of how change can begin without most people noticing.
This is the first book in the "Step By Step" series which promises to be not only one of a kind, but also one that will challenge the idea that we need technology to survive.
The small town of Sycamore River and its inhabitants will get under your skin and readers will find themselves actually caring about what happens to them.
Set in the not too distant future, Drop By Drop is a unique look at one possible future ... And a scary one at that.
Morgan Llywelyn has an amazing ability to create people who are so realistic they could be your next door neighbors. She also describes the many different ways people react in a crisis. Some step up and others fall apart. Her writing will grab your attention and you will be unable to stop reading... literally. I read the entire book in less than twenty four hours and I was wishing the next book in the series was already available. I predict that DROP BY DROP will be on many Bestseller Lists and I rate it as 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Thank you to NETGALLEY for providing me with a free copy of this book.
August 13, 2018
I Just Couldn’t Get Into It
I just could not get into this book. I ended up reading 75% of the book and I just couldn’t get into it. I gave it the best try I could. The premise sounds amazing. All of a sudden, things that were made out of plastic started melting and not working anymore. It didn’t hit everything at once like I thought it was going to.
It seemed like it was going to be more about the event with people around it – but it was about the people. And the issue that I have with that was that I wasn’t given a reason to like anyone in the book. I just couldn’t find a reason to like a single person that was written about.
I think that some people would and will enjoy this book, especially people who are into the books that talk about the human experience. I think that if I went into Drop by Drop knowing that it was much less about the plastics and much more about the people I would have entered it with a different point of view and maybe enjoyed it more.
The premise, while awesome – wasn’t executed to the ability I thought it would or could be and I just couldn’t figure out the “why” that I think was trying to be told. Hillary Huber does a great job narrating it. I only made it as far as I did because I enjoyed her narration so much.
I just could not get into this book. I ended up reading 75% of the book and I just couldn’t get into it. I gave it the best try I could. The premise sounds amazing. All of a sudden, things that were made out of plastic started melting and not working anymore. It didn’t hit everything at once like I thought it was going to.
It seemed like it was going to be more about the event with people around it – but it was about the people. And the issue that I have with that was that I wasn’t given a reason to like anyone in the book. I just couldn’t find a reason to like a single person that was written about.
I think that some people would and will enjoy this book, especially people who are into the books that talk about the human experience. I think that if I went into Drop by Drop knowing that it was much less about the plastics and much more about the people I would have entered it with a different point of view and maybe enjoyed it more.
The premise, while awesome – wasn’t executed to the ability I thought it would or could be and I just couldn’t figure out the “why” that I think was trying to be told. Hillary Huber does a great job narrating it. I only made it as far as I did because I enjoyed her narration so much.
December 25, 2018
An unusual read.
The Change (yes capitalized - Change) has come to the town of Sycamore River. No, not THAT change - the woman one, but the Change which results in plastic reverting to liquid. Imagine everything plastic dissolving before your very eyes. Think of all the electronics with plastic components, from phones to computers, suddenly refusing to work. The Change takes months, items slowly melting away, and for those who live in Sycamore River, life will never be the same.
Drop by Drop is a case study of the people in and around Sycamore River as their world is turned upside down. Marriages fall apart, businesses fail, people make connections with others they would have once turned a blind eye to. I found myself caring about some of the characters, but the tale itself just never caught my interest. Several times I felt as if I were reading an information dump rather than a story, a dump that could have been interesting if explained by the story's characters and shown rather than told.
3 stars is a generous rating, in part because I did come to care for some of the characters. Not sure if I will attempt the sequel when it comes out next summer or not.
The Change (yes capitalized - Change) has come to the town of Sycamore River. No, not THAT change - the woman one, but the Change which results in plastic reverting to liquid. Imagine everything plastic dissolving before your very eyes. Think of all the electronics with plastic components, from phones to computers, suddenly refusing to work. The Change takes months, items slowly melting away, and for those who live in Sycamore River, life will never be the same.
Drop by Drop is a case study of the people in and around Sycamore River as their world is turned upside down. Marriages fall apart, businesses fail, people make connections with others they would have once turned a blind eye to. I found myself caring about some of the characters, but the tale itself just never caught my interest. Several times I felt as if I were reading an information dump rather than a story, a dump that could have been interesting if explained by the story's characters and shown rather than told.
3 stars is a generous rating, in part because I did come to care for some of the characters. Not sure if I will attempt the sequel when it comes out next summer or not.
July 25, 2026
Not as good as expected considering the author. It’s about the effect of a slow apocalypse on a small town (where??). It begins when certain plastic items begin to “dissolve” into goo. Then more stuff based on plastic and petrochemicals start to degrade eventually impacting cars, computers and cell phones. Mostly people adjusted and coped, falling back on older technology like horse powered transportation. By book’s end there is talk of impending war out in the wider world which brings turmoil to the town. Overall an uncomfortable read.
p 182: “Change is throwing priceless information out the window, tons of data that was routinely digitized can’t be accessed any more. In many cases the paper originals have been destroyed; they were thought to be obsolete. Everything was done through the computer but online is going offline.”
I’ll keep my paper book journals, thank you. GR has “lost” too many of my reviews for me to trust it.
There are two more books in the series- in the next metals begin to deteriorate and the third (don’t own that one) looks to involve the air quality.
p 182: “Change is throwing priceless information out the window, tons of data that was routinely digitized can’t be accessed any more. In many cases the paper originals have been destroyed; they were thought to be obsolete. Everything was done through the computer but online is going offline.”
I’ll keep my paper book journals, thank you. GR has “lost” too many of my reviews for me to trust it.
There are two more books in the series- in the next metals begin to deteriorate and the third (don’t own that one) looks to involve the air quality.
August 17, 2018
Somewhere around page 200 I realized that I didn't know if this was going to:
1. Turn into a 20 book series
2. Get magically all better in the next 100 pages, and everyone lives happily ever after
3. Get magically worse, and everyone dies in pain and misery.
I think the author chickened out in the end - both in who gets killed and in the *surprise twist* (which wasn't) ending. I thought you were supposed to kill your darlings?
Also, why are all the children portrayed as little shits? Once you're no longer a toddler, you don't need to be a sociopath. Even dumb kids know better than what some of the kids pull in this book - and I'm not just talking about the five brothers.
And if the styrofoam cup melted , why would they think it was a marshmallow and should be drank? Just how young and dumb are these kids that they're slurping stuff off of the floor / table?
Hmm. I said 3 stars originally. Writing this, I may need to lower that.
1. Turn into a 20 book series
2. Get magically all better in the next 100 pages, and everyone lives happily ever after
3. Get magically worse, and everyone dies in pain and misery.
I think the author chickened out in the end - both in who gets killed and in the *surprise twist* (which wasn't) ending. I thought you were supposed to kill your darlings?
Also, why are all the children portrayed as little shits? Once you're no longer a toddler, you don't need to be a sociopath. Even dumb kids know better than what some of the kids pull in this book - and I'm not just talking about the five brothers.
And if the styrofoam cup melted , why would they think it was a marshmallow and should be drank? Just how young and dumb are these kids that they're slurping stuff off of the floor / table?
Hmm. I said 3 stars originally. Writing this, I may need to lower that.
February 10, 2019
SPOILER ALERT
So I read this book not realizing that it is the first book in a series. Premise seemed interesting, what if one day all plastic melted. How would that effect society? Luckily, there is a man in the rural area of our story that has a hobby making horse-drawn carriages, so taxi service is still available. For a dystopian novel, the fabric of society is hardly effected. People are generally kind, chaos doesn't break out (locally, although there are rumors that the situation is different elsewhere). While people are searching, there is no real explanation why all the plastic melted globally. After a time, the plastic doesn't seem to be melting anymore but, on the last page, another substance starts to act wonky (think it was metal but its been awhile since I read the book so I'm not 100% sure). That makes no sense! I'm willing to suspend disbelief but you gotta be internally consistent. Don't bother with this book.
So I read this book not realizing that it is the first book in a series. Premise seemed interesting, what if one day all plastic melted. How would that effect society? Luckily, there is a man in the rural area of our story that has a hobby making horse-drawn carriages, so taxi service is still available. For a dystopian novel, the fabric of society is hardly effected. People are generally kind, chaos doesn't break out (locally, although there are rumors that the situation is different elsewhere). While people are searching, there is no real explanation why all the plastic melted globally. After a time, the plastic doesn't seem to be melting anymore but, on the last page, another substance starts to act wonky (think it was metal but its been awhile since I read the book so I'm not 100% sure). That makes no sense! I'm willing to suspend disbelief but you gotta be internally consistent. Don't bother with this book.
April 5, 2019
This story begins at the start of an apocalypse, not after, which is interesting. So while plastic is liquifying, all sorts of other changes occur within the small town setting, as well as globally. Necessity is the mother of invention, so people have to reach back into the past AND try new methods to replace plastic. With technology pretty much gone, people have to relate to each other in more personal ways, which creates another profound change. And bad things happen, too, so it's not a novel about "it was better in the old days."
I liked the characters, I liked the way Llywelyn moves them through this with humor and grace. The small town setting works well - and I'm sure if the setting had been a big city, it would have been an entirely different matter.
Best of all, my 5 year old grandson chose this for me based only on the cover, and it worked out! Looking forward to #2, as Jack has to deal with a new change...
I liked the characters, I liked the way Llywelyn moves them through this with humor and grace. The small town setting works well - and I'm sure if the setting had been a big city, it would have been an entirely different matter.
Best of all, my 5 year old grandson chose this for me based only on the cover, and it worked out! Looking forward to #2, as Jack has to deal with a new change...
June 15, 2021
The core concept of this novel was really interesting, but, unfortunately, the execution was a bit lackluster. This may be based on a personal preference, but the writing and narration styles of this novel just felt... off.
Beautiful cover, amazing concept, just not nearly as exciting of a read as I had expected. I would love to see this concept in more novels, though. The idea of our dependence on technology being the undoing of society is quite an interesting premise (and one that could come true).
The inside flap did mention that this was Llwelyn's first science fiction novel. Lots of reviews of this book are rather harsh, but it is essential to recognize that shifting genres is quite a challenge for authors. As an author myself, I am speaking from experience when I say that writing in a different genre is no easy task.
Beautiful cover, amazing concept, just not nearly as exciting of a read as I had expected. I would love to see this concept in more novels, though. The idea of our dependence on technology being the undoing of society is quite an interesting premise (and one that could come true).
The inside flap did mention that this was Llwelyn's first science fiction novel. Lots of reviews of this book are rather harsh, but it is essential to recognize that shifting genres is quite a challenge for authors. As an author myself, I am speaking from experience when I say that writing in a different genre is no easy task.
August 21, 2018
Small town America, current day. Several townfolk are introduced and you get a sense of the relationships.
The first oddity discussed happens at the bank. A patron tries to use the ATM and it doesn't work, nor will it eject her card, just a sludgy mess comes out the slot. When she goes in to the bank to get her card returned another patron tried to pull the pen out of the holder at the window and it's stuck. The teller opens her drawer to give the patron a pen, and they melt in her hand in a goopy mess.
All sorts of plastic is dissolving - in cars, composite decking, toilet seats, heart stents, communication devices, factory parts....
They call it "the change". How do they deal, and how does it impact small town life?
The first oddity discussed happens at the bank. A patron tries to use the ATM and it doesn't work, nor will it eject her card, just a sludgy mess comes out the slot. When she goes in to the bank to get her card returned another patron tried to pull the pen out of the holder at the window and it's stuck. The teller opens her drawer to give the patron a pen, and they melt in her hand in a goopy mess.
All sorts of plastic is dissolving - in cars, composite decking, toilet seats, heart stents, communication devices, factory parts....
They call it "the change". How do they deal, and how does it impact small town life?
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