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Rainwalkers
Finalist Winner of the Next Generation Indie Book Award
IAN Book of the Year Award
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award
RAINWALKERS is a story set in the not-so-distant future in a crumbling version of John Steinbeck's Salinas Valley, after the breakup of the United States. A once rich and prosperous agricultural land is now a war-torn nation-state known only as The Valley. To combat chronic droughts, scientists seeded clouds with genetically engineered bacteria that created regular rains but unintentionally made the rains lethal to humans. Anyone caught in the rain dies within seconds, yet there are rumors of people who survive... known as rainwalkers.
In a land of forced labor camps and waning oil fields, poverty-stricken agricultural communities support the metropolis of Salinas City and the authoritarian Valley Administration in their unending war against neighboring nations. In desperation, the Valley Administration intensifies their search for rainwalkers, who are believed to be powerful weapons in the border wars, by forcing children housed at Valley schools into the rain to be screened for resistance.
War hero Willie Taft lives a quiet agrarian life until the Administration abducts him and his wife, separating them from their daughter. Although his wife is killed during their escape, Willie continues his journey to rescue their daughter. He faces mortal challenges from the Administration military force, the sociopath bounty hunter on his trail, and the ever-present toxic rain. Time is running out as he fights his way through the Valley back to his daughter's school before she is forcefully screened with other children in the deadly rain.
IAN Book of the Year Award
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award
RAINWALKERS is a story set in the not-so-distant future in a crumbling version of John Steinbeck's Salinas Valley, after the breakup of the United States. A once rich and prosperous agricultural land is now a war-torn nation-state known only as The Valley. To combat chronic droughts, scientists seeded clouds with genetically engineered bacteria that created regular rains but unintentionally made the rains lethal to humans. Anyone caught in the rain dies within seconds, yet there are rumors of people who survive... known as rainwalkers.
In a land of forced labor camps and waning oil fields, poverty-stricken agricultural communities support the metropolis of Salinas City and the authoritarian Valley Administration in their unending war against neighboring nations. In desperation, the Valley Administration intensifies their search for rainwalkers, who are believed to be powerful weapons in the border wars, by forcing children housed at Valley schools into the rain to be screened for resistance.
War hero Willie Taft lives a quiet agrarian life until the Administration abducts him and his wife, separating them from their daughter. Although his wife is killed during their escape, Willie continues his journey to rescue their daughter. He faces mortal challenges from the Administration military force, the sociopath bounty hunter on his trail, and the ever-present toxic rain. Time is running out as he fights his way through the Valley back to his daughter's school before she is forcefully screened with other children in the deadly rain.
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2020
5 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Matt Ritter
13 books12 followersDr. Matt Ritter is a botany professor in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California, where he studies California’s native plants and trees in the urban forest. He’s the author of several books, including the funniest and best-selling guide to California’s urban forest, A Californian’s Guide to the Trees among Us. He won the Cal Poly Excellence in Teaching Award and the International Society of Arboriculture Award for Excellence in Education. He’s an avid woodworker, mason, and gardener.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 13, 2021
I really liked the premise and storyline of this novel. It’s a cautionary tale for today’s world. It warns that if we do not change our treatment of the earth we will find ourselves in a dystopian future the likes of which will rival our worst nightmares.
The story opens onto a future world where rain, the life giving force necessary to maintain life on earth, has turned deadly to all living creatures. This is a man made disaster. In the distant past there was the hundred years drought. Scientists seeded the clouds with a bacteria and the rains came causing the land in the valley to become fertile and productive again. But soon the bacteria mutates causing any creature caught out in it to die. To complicate matters a war broke out against their neighbors years ago and continues to the present with no end in sight. Additionally the Administration of “The Valley” is becoming increasingly hawkish and paranoid about their neighbors and scared because the rains seem to becoming more frequent and deadlier. There are rumors that people are now dying while dry. Is just inhaling the foul odors that come with the rains enough to kill someone?
Our protagonist is Willie Taft a decorated war veteran who along with his wife has escaped from a government forced labor camp where they were raising crops for the war effort. They had committed no crime and were not rebels. Willie’s wife dies in the attempt to flee. Despite his grief, Willie is frantic to reunite with his daughter Helen who was left behind at her school with all the children whose parents had also been “collected”. Willie has become aware that the government has begun leaving children out in the rain to find rainwalkers, people who are rumored to be able to survive the rains.
So you see, it’s a great story. Unfortunately it’s also one that has plot holes big enough to drive a truck through. I cannot go into the holes further without adding spoilers that can ruin the story. Despite this flaw I was able to suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy the book.
I “read” this book as an audiobook. I don’t think this was the best choice for me. The audiobook is narrated by the author. I think this was a mistake on the publisher’s part. Mr. Ritter though an inventive writer is not an actor. The result was a narrative delivered in a flat monotone With very little voice differentiation between characters. With little excitement reflected in the narrator’s voice much of the tension that builds as we head to the climax is lost.
Despite the flaws I did enjoy the story. I would recommend this novel to those who like Dystopian Fiction or anyone who just enjoys a good story. I do recommend you get a print version though!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Netgalley. This fact in no way influenced my review.
The story opens onto a future world where rain, the life giving force necessary to maintain life on earth, has turned deadly to all living creatures. This is a man made disaster. In the distant past there was the hundred years drought. Scientists seeded the clouds with a bacteria and the rains came causing the land in the valley to become fertile and productive again. But soon the bacteria mutates causing any creature caught out in it to die. To complicate matters a war broke out against their neighbors years ago and continues to the present with no end in sight. Additionally the Administration of “The Valley” is becoming increasingly hawkish and paranoid about their neighbors and scared because the rains seem to becoming more frequent and deadlier. There are rumors that people are now dying while dry. Is just inhaling the foul odors that come with the rains enough to kill someone?
Our protagonist is Willie Taft a decorated war veteran who along with his wife has escaped from a government forced labor camp where they were raising crops for the war effort. They had committed no crime and were not rebels. Willie’s wife dies in the attempt to flee. Despite his grief, Willie is frantic to reunite with his daughter Helen who was left behind at her school with all the children whose parents had also been “collected”. Willie has become aware that the government has begun leaving children out in the rain to find rainwalkers, people who are rumored to be able to survive the rains.
So you see, it’s a great story. Unfortunately it’s also one that has plot holes big enough to drive a truck through. I cannot go into the holes further without adding spoilers that can ruin the story. Despite this flaw I was able to suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy the book.
I “read” this book as an audiobook. I don’t think this was the best choice for me. The audiobook is narrated by the author. I think this was a mistake on the publisher’s part. Mr. Ritter though an inventive writer is not an actor. The result was a narrative delivered in a flat monotone With very little voice differentiation between characters. With little excitement reflected in the narrator’s voice much of the tension that builds as we head to the climax is lost.
Despite the flaws I did enjoy the story. I would recommend this novel to those who like Dystopian Fiction or anyone who just enjoys a good story. I do recommend you get a print version though!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Netgalley. This fact in no way influenced my review.
November 25, 2021
3.5 stars. This was a suspenseful, apocalypse-ish tale with a lot of timely sci-fi tricks to keep its pace moving forward. I downloaded the book solely based on its interesting title and the fact that it was "available now" via NetGalley. I'm new to this gig, so I thought I'd try it. I'm glad I did. The story itself is interesting, suspenseful, and engaging. I might also put it into the horror or thriller category, as some of the scenes are downright disturbing (laced with the basest behavior of human nature at its meanest level). The narrative relies on some terrifying end-scenarios for man's interference with environmental problems out in the Western U.S. (you know: wildfires, droughts, and landslides--oh my!). I'm saving this recommendation for the print version of the book, however, because I have a few critiques to disclaim before recommending the audiobook version of this text to anyone.
First: the author reads the novel (uh-oh!). Sometimes this can add a lot (Christopher Buehlman does a great job of reading his own books!), but I fear no one told Dr. Matt Ritter that he may not be the best man for the job. The delivery is too banal, and the recording itself was oddly low-rent (most of the words beginning with "p" and "b" popped and hissed as he said them, which was terribly distracting). The recording also included a redundant "rain-shower" sound effect between every chapter. Now, perhaps this could have added ambiance or atmosphere if it were varied (throw in some thunder! a light drizzle? footsteps in puddles? hail?!); instead, the short chapters were punctuated with the exact same Homedics' generic "rain" sound effect you probably threw away in the early 2000s. To be frank--I hate added music and/or sound effects of any kind with any of my audiobooks--just a personal preference. The story is enough!
My hope is that NetGalley will give this info to the publishers who will right the wrongs and publish a better audiobook in the future. Until then, you might be better off with the printed word.
File Under: No One is Singing in the Rain Here
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
First: the author reads the novel (uh-oh!). Sometimes this can add a lot (Christopher Buehlman does a great job of reading his own books!), but I fear no one told Dr. Matt Ritter that he may not be the best man for the job. The delivery is too banal, and the recording itself was oddly low-rent (most of the words beginning with "p" and "b" popped and hissed as he said them, which was terribly distracting). The recording also included a redundant "rain-shower" sound effect between every chapter. Now, perhaps this could have added ambiance or atmosphere if it were varied (throw in some thunder! a light drizzle? footsteps in puddles? hail?!); instead, the short chapters were punctuated with the exact same Homedics' generic "rain" sound effect you probably threw away in the early 2000s. To be frank--I hate added music and/or sound effects of any kind with any of my audiobooks--just a personal preference. The story is enough!
My hope is that NetGalley will give this info to the publishers who will right the wrongs and publish a better audiobook in the future. Until then, you might be better off with the printed word.
File Under: No One is Singing in the Rain Here
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2021
A picture is worth a thousand words, so I made this meme instead of articulating my thoughts into an actual review.
Bottom line, the premise was really intriguing but the story turned out to be predictable and unimaginative, the writing was dry, the characters flat, the ending cliché. Overall, sadly, nothing special.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bottom line, the premise was really intriguing but the story turned out to be predictable and unimaginative, the writing was dry, the characters flat, the ending cliché. Overall, sadly, nothing special.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2019
Rainwalkers is an intriguing work of speculative dystopian fiction. Imagine trying to survive lethal rain. It seems impossible. There are some who are not bothered by the rain. The story is one of survival and hardship and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds against you. It's sad and hopeful. The characters are complex and dynamic. The story moves at a good pace. Overall a good read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2021
There's a kind of sci-fi scenario which is a tricky balancing act to pull off. Basically when you move a number of generations on, the populus are trapped in an area of some form, some disaster or technological shift has happened and the powers that be both use this as a reason to keep control over the people, to the extent of not solving, or even exacerbating the disaster. I always find these stories a hard pull, because I find it hard to believe that the lure of power within a disaster is greater than the desire to be freed from the situation. And I also find it difficult to believe that a couple of generations is all it will that for the people to become so pliant to allow it. This is the core issue I had with Rainwalkers, where we are thrown into an intriguing situation that never quite convinced.
Its the future and to combat climate crisis, scientists have seeded the clouds with some form of bacteria that makes it rain more often (I will let the science go here....) However the bacteria mutates making the rain deadly to be out in. Its a solid - if silly - situation, and one made a little bit more difficult because this all takes place in the Salinas Valley in California. The way the Valley is surrounded by lowish mountains makes it vaguely plausible that it could be cut off, but nothing really explains the lack of flying vehicles, or indeed radio signals that leave the valley. Instead it is cut off and a local government is fighting and endless war against the "outsiders" and of course any dissidents. They have discovered that some children are immune to the rain (hence Rainwalkers) and are desperately trying to find more to help them fight the war - rather than discover why and solve the problem .This involves leaving kids in the rain to die - at one point at a success rate of ten percent. Its a great and shocking visual, but I cannot imagine the valley having a large enough population that thirty kids at a time can be just murdered. Around this scenario we have a father looking for his daughter and people trying to escape conscription. Its nominally and action-adventure piece, though in reality it ends up being the character running around slowly filling in bits of world-building and uncovering the secret plot. It also has one of my least favourite solutions to the scientific part of the crisis - I am not a fan of magic blood...
I am probably more down on this than I expected as individually few of these niggles would get to me, but together they just ended up bugging me. As action it didn't work, I never felt the peril for the daughter plot and the baddies plot was just too ludicrous. There are some good ideas here, but it just didn't work for me.
Its the future and to combat climate crisis, scientists have seeded the clouds with some form of bacteria that makes it rain more often (I will let the science go here....) However the bacteria mutates making the rain deadly to be out in. Its a solid - if silly - situation, and one made a little bit more difficult because this all takes place in the Salinas Valley in California. The way the Valley is surrounded by lowish mountains makes it vaguely plausible that it could be cut off, but nothing really explains the lack of flying vehicles, or indeed radio signals that leave the valley. Instead it is cut off and a local government is fighting and endless war against the "outsiders" and of course any dissidents. They have discovered that some children are immune to the rain (hence Rainwalkers) and are desperately trying to find more to help them fight the war - rather than discover why and solve the problem .This involves leaving kids in the rain to die - at one point at a success rate of ten percent. Its a great and shocking visual, but I cannot imagine the valley having a large enough population that thirty kids at a time can be just murdered. Around this scenario we have a father looking for his daughter and people trying to escape conscription. Its nominally and action-adventure piece, though in reality it ends up being the character running around slowly filling in bits of world-building and uncovering the secret plot. It also has one of my least favourite solutions to the scientific part of the crisis - I am not a fan of magic blood...
I am probably more down on this than I expected as individually few of these niggles would get to me, but together they just ended up bugging me. As action it didn't work, I never felt the peril for the daughter plot and the baddies plot was just too ludicrous. There are some good ideas here, but it just didn't work for me.
November 9, 2021
The Killing Rain
A story set in a sad future where science while trying to create an end to the drought have created a killing rain. Only a few are not affected by the rain, those few are called rainwalkers.
Willie, his wife, and his daughter Helen have a good life until the collection. The administration forces of the valley have been collecting people and putting them in labor camps. While escaping the labor camp Willie's wife is killed but he travels on to find his daughter.
Willie must find his daughter before the administration forces her and her classmates to stand in the killing rain so they can find rainwalkers to use for their sinister reasons to fight their warring enemies. He must evade a bounty hunter hot on his trail to take him back to the labor camp.
Who can he trust to help and who is part of the Administration. Can he find Helen in time or will he be captured or worse perish in the killing rain.
This book was fast paced and the sound effects of the rain were awesome. The narrator did a great job. I think the audio books are so much better when read by the author. It was a good book and I enjoyed listening to it.
Thanks to Matt Ritter for both writing it and narrating it (what a great job), for Pacific Street Publishing for publishing it and for NetGalley for making it available for me to read and review.
A story set in a sad future where science while trying to create an end to the drought have created a killing rain. Only a few are not affected by the rain, those few are called rainwalkers.
Willie, his wife, and his daughter Helen have a good life until the collection. The administration forces of the valley have been collecting people and putting them in labor camps. While escaping the labor camp Willie's wife is killed but he travels on to find his daughter.
Willie must find his daughter before the administration forces her and her classmates to stand in the killing rain so they can find rainwalkers to use for their sinister reasons to fight their warring enemies. He must evade a bounty hunter hot on his trail to take him back to the labor camp.
Who can he trust to help and who is part of the Administration. Can he find Helen in time or will he be captured or worse perish in the killing rain.
This book was fast paced and the sound effects of the rain were awesome. The narrator did a great job. I think the audio books are so much better when read by the author. It was a good book and I enjoyed listening to it.
Thanks to Matt Ritter for both writing it and narrating it (what a great job), for Pacific Street Publishing for publishing it and for NetGalley for making it available for me to read and review.
January 13, 2022
The book gives a glimpse of not so distant future.......................
Rainwalkers by Matt Ritter is indeed a book giving us some insights into our future. Nice plot with a good research done by the author. Also, the book is full of action and adventure. Although, there was nothing new in the plot. But, it turned out to be interesting and worth a one time read.
I would give the book 4 stars for its climax, which I happened exactly as I thought. Thanks to Netgalley and Pacific Street Publishing for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
Rainwalkers by Matt Ritter is indeed a book giving us some insights into our future. Nice plot with a good research done by the author. Also, the book is full of action and adventure. Although, there was nothing new in the plot. But, it turned out to be interesting and worth a one time read.
I would give the book 4 stars for its climax, which I happened exactly as I thought. Thanks to Netgalley and Pacific Street Publishing for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
December 10, 2021
I listened to this audiobook courtesy of NetGalley and Pacific Street Publishing.
It was narrated by the author Matt Ritter who did a great job, very journalistic style narrating and no dramatics!
The story is set in the near future and is a stark reminder of how our climate could go.
We meet Willie Taft who has to surmount all types of difficulties and nasty people to rejoin his young daughter Helen.
I loved this audiobook, I loved the heavy rainfall clips between each chapter.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian books.
It was narrated by the author Matt Ritter who did a great job, very journalistic style narrating and no dramatics!
The story is set in the near future and is a stark reminder of how our climate could go.
We meet Willie Taft who has to surmount all types of difficulties and nasty people to rejoin his young daughter Helen.
I loved this audiobook, I loved the heavy rainfall clips between each chapter.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian books.
January 23, 2022
With Thanks to Matt Ritter for an Advanced Readers copy of this book.
3 1/2*
An enjoyable cautionary tale about the way we treat the world. We follow a society trying to survive in lethal rain, at it's heart this story is a warning, and a story of hardship and the power of human endurance.
3 1/2*
An enjoyable cautionary tale about the way we treat the world. We follow a society trying to survive in lethal rain, at it's heart this story is a warning, and a story of hardship and the power of human endurance.
December 1, 2021
I listened to this audiobook courtesy of NetGalley and Pacific Street Publishing.
It was narrated by the author Matt Ritter who did a great job, very journalistic style narrating and no dramatics!
The story is set in the near future and is a stark reminder of how our climate could go.
We meet Willie Taft who has to surmount all types of difficulties and nasty people to rejoin his young daughter Helen.
I loved this audiobook, I loved the heavy rainfall clips between each chapter.
It was narrated by the author Matt Ritter who did a great job, very journalistic style narrating and no dramatics!
The story is set in the near future and is a stark reminder of how our climate could go.
We meet Willie Taft who has to surmount all types of difficulties and nasty people to rejoin his young daughter Helen.
I loved this audiobook, I loved the heavy rainfall clips between each chapter.
May 9, 2022
The rain become toxic after scientists meddling with the weather, and people are dying from contact. War is raging with neighboring sections, corrupt leaders, resistance blooms, ... And in the middle of all of that is a father fighting to find and to save his daughter.
An interesting dystopian science fiction. Which I loved.
What I found more intriguing is that the author is a biology professor. But I was disappointed with the end. How from the rain becoming toxic without a direct contact and people dying just from volatile toxicity, to just finding the cure and the toxic rain just gone! Seemed too quick too fast of a solution.
I received the audiobook thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
An interesting dystopian science fiction. Which I loved.
What I found more intriguing is that the author is a biology professor. But I was disappointed with the end. How from the rain becoming toxic without a direct contact and people dying just from volatile toxicity, to just finding the cure and the toxic rain just gone! Seemed too quick too fast of a solution.
I received the audiobook thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
November 22, 2019
This book took awhile to get into, it wasn't until about halfway through that it finally started working for me. The concept was really interesting, and frightening because I could see it happening. I wasn't thrilled with the ending either, it seemed to end rather abruptly, but overall it was a good read
June 14, 2019
Rainwalkers is a dystopian novel by Matt Ritter, set in a not so distant future where pollution has made the rain toxic. In a world of forced labour camps, war, and waning resources, we follow Will Taft on his journey back to his hometown, to save the daughter he was taken from. Blurb alone, this is an exciting, unusual take on the dangers of being comfortable while the environment suffers at our hands. We also know from the first line of the blurb that this is set in John Steinbeck’s Salinas Valley. If you’re not sure what this means, Salinas Valley was John Steinbeck’s (author of The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, and East of Eden) childhood home, and is used as a storytelling device to backdrop the central conflicts within the plot. Steinbeck saw the Valley as a place of sharp contrast, both unfriendly but inviting, as well as safe, yet dangerous, and used this to portray the complexity of good and evil. By using this background, Ritter is inviting us to further explore the spectrum of human nature with him. If you’re interested, I highly recommend Steinbeck’s work as a whole, but specifically East of Eden.
Written in 3rd person with Taft as the main narrator, Rainwalkers begins hours after Will has escaped from one of the labour camps, hours after his wife has been murdered, and hours after he’s been left completely alone bar a gun and a goal. This is, as much as anything, a story of survival. Everything which can go wrong, does, and only his perseverance and military training will keep Taft alive. If you’re a fan of classic dystopian, such as The Giver, The Time Machine, or Fahrenheit 451, then Rainwalkers will be a great addition to your shelf. Ritter has taken everything which makes dystopian not only uncomfortable, but great -- that juxtaposition Steinbeck saw so clearly in the Salinas Valley -- and has written a story of existence.
A point I particularly found humbling was how Taft ultimately doesn’t care if he makes it to the end, as long as his daughter does. This comes up more than once, where he begs Zach to continue their journey without him, if it comes to it. Taft’s daughter been his reason for living since the day his wife told him she was pregnant, and she’s kept him grounded, whole, and awake, despite the chaos. Ritter has captured what it is to put yourself away for five minutes and see that sometimes other universes are much smaller than our own, and we’re all they have. This isn’t the main theme of the novel, but something I felt drawn to. It humanised Taft. Alongside that, I felt connected to the characters’ comradery toward one another. I wouldn’t call it love, nor affection, but I would call it a devotion. There’s a truthfulness in how they interact. I’m reminded of a scene where Taft and Zach are stuck in the rain, and Zach keeps Taft alive. He didn’t have to, but he did, and that’s the moment we, as well as Taft, realise they’re in this together. I’m also reminded of the last few chapters of the novel, where we’re treated to an internal monologue of reflection. This, for me, was my utmost favourite part of the entire book. I won’t spoil anything, but Ritter can write an awe-inspiring ending, in a way I rarely see. I talk a lot about satisfying endings, but this is more than that… this was nourishing.
I should mention somewhere that as wonderful as the ending was, the beginning took its time finding its stride. It took me a couple tries to get into this book, and I struggled with Taft’s standoffish personality. Again, this ties into the spectrum of what’s palatable within human behaviour, and now that I’ve read the book, I appreciate the slow start, as his motives and behaviour make sense, but it will take a little perseverance. I also feel Ritter could have done with a prologue, or something, somewhere, to explain the government hierarchy and the world, to make the novel feel more whole. He uses Omission as a technique to bring us in – where the character knows these things, and therefore wouldn’t remind themselves – but this choice wasn’t on par with the other methods, for me. I wouldn’t say this lack of information harms the story in any way, but I struggled to be immersed in the world as much as I was within Taft’s story.
I could happily discuss the theme of good and evil portrayed in this novel all day, but I think I’ll leave any examples for you to discover. I will say however; Ritter’s characters are diverse and unnervingly real. Every choice made could have been by someone pure or evil, and this highlights effortlessly how fluid morals really are. If that intrigues you, I recommend this novel for that above anything else I’ve mentioned. Circumstance makes humans do confoundingly uncharacteristic things, and this shows that impeccably. Of course, there are many interwoven messages and themes within this novel I could talk about, exactly as Steinbeck originated with East of Eden, but I do feel this is one to read for yourself.
To round up, Rainwalkers is a great example of classic Dystopian, and anyone who enjoys flawed characters, exciting settings, and uncertainty within their reads, will, in my opinion, like this.
Written in 3rd person with Taft as the main narrator, Rainwalkers begins hours after Will has escaped from one of the labour camps, hours after his wife has been murdered, and hours after he’s been left completely alone bar a gun and a goal. This is, as much as anything, a story of survival. Everything which can go wrong, does, and only his perseverance and military training will keep Taft alive. If you’re a fan of classic dystopian, such as The Giver, The Time Machine, or Fahrenheit 451, then Rainwalkers will be a great addition to your shelf. Ritter has taken everything which makes dystopian not only uncomfortable, but great -- that juxtaposition Steinbeck saw so clearly in the Salinas Valley -- and has written a story of existence.
A point I particularly found humbling was how Taft ultimately doesn’t care if he makes it to the end, as long as his daughter does. This comes up more than once, where he begs Zach to continue their journey without him, if it comes to it. Taft’s daughter been his reason for living since the day his wife told him she was pregnant, and she’s kept him grounded, whole, and awake, despite the chaos. Ritter has captured what it is to put yourself away for five minutes and see that sometimes other universes are much smaller than our own, and we’re all they have. This isn’t the main theme of the novel, but something I felt drawn to. It humanised Taft. Alongside that, I felt connected to the characters’ comradery toward one another. I wouldn’t call it love, nor affection, but I would call it a devotion. There’s a truthfulness in how they interact. I’m reminded of a scene where Taft and Zach are stuck in the rain, and Zach keeps Taft alive. He didn’t have to, but he did, and that’s the moment we, as well as Taft, realise they’re in this together. I’m also reminded of the last few chapters of the novel, where we’re treated to an internal monologue of reflection. This, for me, was my utmost favourite part of the entire book. I won’t spoil anything, but Ritter can write an awe-inspiring ending, in a way I rarely see. I talk a lot about satisfying endings, but this is more than that… this was nourishing.
I should mention somewhere that as wonderful as the ending was, the beginning took its time finding its stride. It took me a couple tries to get into this book, and I struggled with Taft’s standoffish personality. Again, this ties into the spectrum of what’s palatable within human behaviour, and now that I’ve read the book, I appreciate the slow start, as his motives and behaviour make sense, but it will take a little perseverance. I also feel Ritter could have done with a prologue, or something, somewhere, to explain the government hierarchy and the world, to make the novel feel more whole. He uses Omission as a technique to bring us in – where the character knows these things, and therefore wouldn’t remind themselves – but this choice wasn’t on par with the other methods, for me. I wouldn’t say this lack of information harms the story in any way, but I struggled to be immersed in the world as much as I was within Taft’s story.
I could happily discuss the theme of good and evil portrayed in this novel all day, but I think I’ll leave any examples for you to discover. I will say however; Ritter’s characters are diverse and unnervingly real. Every choice made could have been by someone pure or evil, and this highlights effortlessly how fluid morals really are. If that intrigues you, I recommend this novel for that above anything else I’ve mentioned. Circumstance makes humans do confoundingly uncharacteristic things, and this shows that impeccably. Of course, there are many interwoven messages and themes within this novel I could talk about, exactly as Steinbeck originated with East of Eden, but I do feel this is one to read for yourself.
To round up, Rainwalkers is a great example of classic Dystopian, and anyone who enjoys flawed characters, exciting settings, and uncertainty within their reads, will, in my opinion, like this.
February 11, 2020
Rainwalkers is an intriguing dystopian story set in a future world where a single drop of rain can induce a nauseous feeling of sickness, and just being caught in a drizzle is enough to kill. While this is a very cool premise, there are numerous issues. The book certainly deserves much more attention than it has, but it's still a long ways from my "amazing" shelf.
Rainwalkers by Matt Ritter
Base Score: 25
Writing: +0 The writing in this book is simply okay. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's' just not particularly good, either.
Plot: +2 In Rainwalkers, Will Taft, an escapee from a large detention camp and recent widow journeys on an epic adventure to find his lost daughter. It's a very interesting plot overall, but there a few bugs. Also, I feel like the plot could have been spiced up a bit more as Millard is the only real cause for action.
Creativity: +3 Without a doubt, Rainwalkers is an extremely under-appreciated novel when it comes to creativity. The dystopian future universe it is set in is uniquely different from most others, and while I find it rather unlikely, it's 100% possible.
Pacing: +2 This book is a little on the slow side when it comes to pacing, but that's more of a fault on the plot as it's very straightforward. If Ritter hadn't slown it down, the book would have been super short, so it's fine.
Characters: -3 This category is the obvious downside. First and foremost, the lack of female characters is devastating. There are only two: Mary and Helen (Will's daughter). The reader hardly ever meets Helen at all, and Mary is just your typical schoolteacher that can't seem to do anything without a male guardian. None of the main characters or even random soldiers are women, their only appearances are in the kitchen. Unsurprisingly, there wasn't any hint of LBGTQ presence either. It's very disappointing. Additionally, Will is the only character of any gender that contains some depth.
Total Score: 29/30 = 3 stars
In summary, if you're looking for a simple, straightforward action book in a unique dystopian world, this book is for you. However, if diverse characters are a must, maybe it's not worth your time.
Rainwalkers by Matt Ritter
Base Score: 25
Writing: +0 The writing in this book is simply okay. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's' just not particularly good, either.
Plot: +2 In Rainwalkers, Will Taft, an escapee from a large detention camp and recent widow journeys on an epic adventure to find his lost daughter. It's a very interesting plot overall, but there a few bugs. Also, I feel like the plot could have been spiced up a bit more as Millard is the only real cause for action.
Creativity: +3 Without a doubt, Rainwalkers is an extremely under-appreciated novel when it comes to creativity. The dystopian future universe it is set in is uniquely different from most others, and while I find it rather unlikely, it's 100% possible.
Pacing: +2 This book is a little on the slow side when it comes to pacing, but that's more of a fault on the plot as it's very straightforward. If Ritter hadn't slown it down, the book would have been super short, so it's fine.
Characters: -3 This category is the obvious downside. First and foremost, the lack of female characters is devastating. There are only two: Mary and Helen (Will's daughter). The reader hardly ever meets Helen at all, and Mary is just your typical schoolteacher that can't seem to do anything without a male guardian. None of the main characters or even random soldiers are women, their only appearances are in the kitchen. Unsurprisingly, there wasn't any hint of LBGTQ presence either. It's very disappointing. Additionally, Will is the only character of any gender that contains some depth.
Total Score: 29/30 = 3 stars
In summary, if you're looking for a simple, straightforward action book in a unique dystopian world, this book is for you. However, if diverse characters are a must, maybe it's not worth your time.
November 25, 2021
3.5 stars. This was a suspenseful, apocalypse-ish tale with a lot of timely sci-fi tricks to keep its pace moving forward. I downloaded the book solely based on its interesting title and the fact that it was "available now" via NetGalley. I'm new to this gig, so I thought I'd try it. I'm glad I did. The story itself is interesting, suspenseful, and engaging. I might also put it into the horror or thriller category, as some of the scenes are downright disturbing (laced with the basest behavior of human nature at its meanest level). The narrative relies on some terrifying end-scenarios for man's interference with environmental problems out in the Western U.S. (you know: wildfires, droughts, and landslides--oh my!). I'm saving this recommendation for the print version of the book, however, because I have a few critiques to disclaim before recommending the audiobook version of this text to anyone.
First: the author reads the novel (uh-oh!). Sometimes this can add a lot (Christopher Buehlman does a great job of reading his own books!), but I fear no one told Dr. Matt Ritter that he may not be the best man for the job. The delivery is too banal, and the recording itself was oddly low-rent (most of the words beginning with "p" and "b" popped and hissed as he said them, which was terribly distracting). The recording also included a redundant "rain-shower" sound effect between every chapter. Now, perhaps this could have added ambiance or atmosphere if it were varied (throw in some thunder! a light drizzle? footsteps in puddles? hail?!); instead, the short chapters were punctuated with the exact same Homedics' generic "rain" sound effect you probably threw away in the early 2000s. To be frank--I hate added music and/or sound effects of any kind with any of my audiobooks--just a personal preference. The story is enough!
My hope is that NetGalley will give this info to the publishers who will right the wrongs and publish a better audiobook in the future. Until then, you might be better off with the printed word.
File Under: No One is Singing in the Rain Here
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
First: the author reads the novel (uh-oh!). Sometimes this can add a lot (Christopher Buehlman does a great job of reading his own books!), but I fear no one told Dr. Matt Ritter that he may not be the best man for the job. The delivery is too banal, and the recording itself was oddly low-rent (most of the words beginning with "p" and "b" popped and hissed as he said them, which was terribly distracting). The recording also included a redundant "rain-shower" sound effect between every chapter. Now, perhaps this could have added ambiance or atmosphere if it were varied (throw in some thunder! a light drizzle? footsteps in puddles? hail?!); instead, the short chapters were punctuated with the exact same Homedics' generic "rain" sound effect you probably threw away in the early 2000s. To be frank--I hate added music and/or sound effects of any kind with any of my audiobooks--just a personal preference. The story is enough!
My hope is that NetGalley will give this info to the publishers who will right the wrongs and publish a better audiobook in the future. Until then, you might be better off with the printed word.
File Under: No One is Singing in the Rain Here
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2021
Like Post Apocalyptic Adventure? Sinister Dystopias? This is for you.
💛 If your ears prick up at the words “killer rain” then add this to you audio shelf. The premise is well-executed, with thoughtful development of the origin of the rain as well as its dystopian aftermath.
💚 If, like me, you enjoy the general thought exercise of spending time in a broken world, you won’t mind that it takes a few chapters for the plot to get going, And once it does, it’s a genuinely exciting race against time with sky high stakes.
❤️️ In a nutshell, we have likable characters fighting to survive in a grim reality. There’s a hint of romance, a scientific bent and a heap of camaraderie to keep things exciting. My only critique plot-wise is that I a shame that this is interspersed with a bit too much descriptive prose.
Soundbite
🎧 Author Matt Ritter does a decent job reading his own work, but it is just that: A reading, I feel a professional narrator is needed to do this justice and would be a worthwhile addition. In particular, they would differentiate scenes and characters more clearly. They would also inject more energy into the performance.
🎧 The rain sound effect interludes were too frequent and just a touch too long. I could see them as good between acts, but not between every chapter.
Shall I Compare Thee To...
This is very similar in nature to the work of A G Riddle, particularly his The Origin Mystery series. Like Ritter, Riddle puts the science in the centre of his fiction and has children as a focal point of his plot.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Pacific Street Publishing for providing me with an ALC in return for an honest review./i>
Find more bird’s eye audiobooks reviews at Audiobooks Nest.
June 3, 2019
Set in a dystopian future, Will Taft is travelling through the valley to find his daughter. The valley is now an enclosed community in a fragmented USA, attacked on all sides. Inside the valley the rain keeps the crops growing but is toxic to humans and animals. You must not go out in the rain.
As future dystopian novels go this is a good read – not exceptional but enjoyable and slightly different. To end a terrible drought the scientists discovered how to make it rain. However that rain is toxic and becoming more so. More and more adults are being sent to fight on the boundaries and less spend time farming to provide food. Something must change in the valley and a solution to the rain must be found. The concept of the rain is certainly different to other dystopian novels, however the reaction to it is not. The quest for Will Taft to find his daughter isn’t that original but it is well written.
As Will travels we meet various people, some of whom help & others who must be avoided. There is a bounty hunter on his tail. The characters are well written – not very deep but certainly far from cardboard.
I read a lot of this type of novel & would certainly rate this as above average. The characters are interesting and the concept of the rain unusual. The ending was pretty inevitable but the story to get there was sound.
A well written unusual dystopian novel. Not a wow book but a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
As future dystopian novels go this is a good read – not exceptional but enjoyable and slightly different. To end a terrible drought the scientists discovered how to make it rain. However that rain is toxic and becoming more so. More and more adults are being sent to fight on the boundaries and less spend time farming to provide food. Something must change in the valley and a solution to the rain must be found. The concept of the rain is certainly different to other dystopian novels, however the reaction to it is not. The quest for Will Taft to find his daughter isn’t that original but it is well written.
As Will travels we meet various people, some of whom help & others who must be avoided. There is a bounty hunter on his tail. The characters are well written – not very deep but certainly far from cardboard.
I read a lot of this type of novel & would certainly rate this as above average. The characters are interesting and the concept of the rain unusual. The ending was pretty inevitable but the story to get there was sound.
A well written unusual dystopian novel. Not a wow book but a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
December 6, 2021
3.5 stars audiobook 4 for book. The storyline for this book is brilliant and so realistic. I loved the fact science means this book could actually happen. So its more a realistic dystopia read as the author is a scientist. I listened to the audiobook and the authors voice was very nice but because the author was the narrator and used to writing non fiction this showed on the audiobook. He read very clearly although a little fast for my liking. There seemed to be a lack of rise and fall in his voice and pauses that creates the atmosphere and tension that is within the book. So im more inclined to recommend the actual book and not the audiobook. The range of characters were very good, it was easy to either love or hate them. You could tell from the storyline that the book was exciting and gripping and would be a real page turner and reading the book I would of felt the tension. As the author didn't portray his brilliant work of fiction in the best of lights. However please don't be put off reading this book, just maybe avoid listening to the audiobook if its the atmosphere and tension you love in a book. If you like a fast paced audiobook and concentrate only on the storyline this audiobook is for you. Always try the sample first to see if the audiobook is for you. If not get the book im sure you won't be disappointed.
Many thanks to the author and publishing team a wonderful actual science based believable science fiction dystopia for us all to enjoy.
Many thanks to the author and publishing team a wonderful actual science based believable science fiction dystopia for us all to enjoy.
November 16, 2021
One reason I enjoyed this story is how conceivable it is. Rainwalkers is an all too possible and slightly futuristic novel. Scientists sought to solve the devastating drought in a once robust land with genetically engineered rain clouds. Despite their best intentions, this man-made rain turned out to be lethal to humans. Rumor is, there are some people who are not affected by the toxic rain... these select people are known as rainwalkers. The book focuses on Willie Taft, who is ex-military and will stop at nothing to be reunited with his daughter after being separated by the authoritarian Administration.
The good intentions gone wrong, parents stopping at nothing to save their child, and the powerful governing body having no qualms of sacrificing few for "the greater good", it is easy to see why this story feels conceivable -especially now in 2021. The book did take a while to make me feel invested but it is made up for it as the story continued. This is the kind of story that stays with you and I am very glad that I had the privilege to read it.
I physically read as well as listed to the audio version of this book. Matt Ritter himself narrated the audio and was the perfect voice for Taft. I look forward to reading another novel by Ritter.
The good intentions gone wrong, parents stopping at nothing to save their child, and the powerful governing body having no qualms of sacrificing few for "the greater good", it is easy to see why this story feels conceivable -especially now in 2021. The book did take a while to make me feel invested but it is made up for it as the story continued. This is the kind of story that stays with you and I am very glad that I had the privilege to read it.
I physically read as well as listed to the audio version of this book. Matt Ritter himself narrated the audio and was the perfect voice for Taft. I look forward to reading another novel by Ritter.
November 20, 2021
I thought I would love this book! The dystopian setting, a father desperately searching for his daughter, and rain that kills everyone except the Rainwalkers!?? Sign me up!!! Unfortunately, this did not live up to it's huge potential. The characters were all so bland and the Rainwalkers felt like they were barely even part of the story. Also, why can the rain kill people but the people can hug wet Rainwalkers and not die?!? 🤔
The author narrates which, in this case, was a mistake. Some authors give so much life to their characters and stories, but Matt Ritter does the exact opposite. I felt ZERO emotion from him. Every character sounded exactly the same and there was no life in his voice. I could also hear pages turning during the reading, which isn't a huge deal, but it was a bit distracting. The other thing I didn't care for was the rain sounds interlude between EVERY chapter! It was terrible! And by the 5th time someone "whispered loudly" I actually yelled, out loud, THAT'S JUST TALKING!!!
I know these are all minor beefs, but they all added up to a very irritating read/listen. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The author narrates which, in this case, was a mistake. Some authors give so much life to their characters and stories, but Matt Ritter does the exact opposite. I felt ZERO emotion from him. Every character sounded exactly the same and there was no life in his voice. I could also hear pages turning during the reading, which isn't a huge deal, but it was a bit distracting. The other thing I didn't care for was the rain sounds interlude between EVERY chapter! It was terrible! And by the 5th time someone "whispered loudly" I actually yelled, out loud, THAT'S JUST TALKING!!!
I know these are all minor beefs, but they all added up to a very irritating read/listen. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 29, 2020
This is a novel set in the near future in a place that I love in real life, the Salinas Valley. Unfortunately, the place, and the United States (we aren't informed of the state of the rest of the world, but it can be inferred that it is not good) has fallen into a state of dystopia due to the destruction of the environment and then science gone wrong.
I liked Ritter's style of writing, which felt very "California" to me in the way John Steinbeck's writing evoked a strong sense of place. Ritter's deep knowledge of local botany and geography is evidenced in his colorful descriptions. Whether or not readers are already familiar with the Salinas Valley, after reading Rainwalkers a portrait of the place will have been painted in their minds by Ritter's writing. I especially enjoyed listening to this story as an audiobook while on a long drive from Northern California, through the Salinas Valley, and back home to San Luis Obispo County.
I liked Ritter's style of writing, which felt very "California" to me in the way John Steinbeck's writing evoked a strong sense of place. Ritter's deep knowledge of local botany and geography is evidenced in his colorful descriptions. Whether or not readers are already familiar with the Salinas Valley, after reading Rainwalkers a portrait of the place will have been painted in their minds by Ritter's writing. I especially enjoyed listening to this story as an audiobook while on a long drive from Northern California, through the Salinas Valley, and back home to San Luis Obispo County.
July 22, 2021
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award 2021
Set in the near future in the Salinas Valley in California, this is a dystopian picture of a world broken by climate change and war. Science has created an apparent solution to years of drought by seeding clouds with bacteria which produce rain every night. But something has gone horribly wrong and while the rain restores the valley and harvest to its former productivity, it proves to be deadly to humans. Starving invaders want a share of the food, so all young men are conscripted by the authoritarian government and sent to the borders to fight. The protagonist, Will, an ex-soldier, has escaped from a detention camp and lost his wife in the attempt. The novel follows his trek across the country to save his abandoned daughter. It is well-written, atmospheric and driven by a compelling, action-filled plot. The rainwalkers of the title refer to those people who are mysteriously unaffected by exposure to the rain.
Set in the near future in the Salinas Valley in California, this is a dystopian picture of a world broken by climate change and war. Science has created an apparent solution to years of drought by seeding clouds with bacteria which produce rain every night. But something has gone horribly wrong and while the rain restores the valley and harvest to its former productivity, it proves to be deadly to humans. Starving invaders want a share of the food, so all young men are conscripted by the authoritarian government and sent to the borders to fight. The protagonist, Will, an ex-soldier, has escaped from a detention camp and lost his wife in the attempt. The novel follows his trek across the country to save his abandoned daughter. It is well-written, atmospheric and driven by a compelling, action-filled plot. The rainwalkers of the title refer to those people who are mysteriously unaffected by exposure to the rain.
November 12, 2021
Received as a review copy from NetGalley, this is an honest review. Set an absolutely realistic futuristic version of the United States, that are now numerous warring states; this harrowing journey of Willie Taft is centered around the state simply known as The Valley. Will was once a hero among the UP, the conscripted military forces protecting the Valley from their enemies; now he is on the run in desperate hope of finding his daughter with the hopes of protecting his daughter from the Valley Administration once it's discovered that she is among the few that can survive the poisonous, constant rains that have become a delay plague upon the Valley. This is a remarkable, poignant, deeply crafted novel that allows the haunting consequences of humanity's manipulation of nature to shine through with eloquent devastation while showcasing the fiery hope you can place in people in a crisis that there will always be a light in the darkness. Highly recommended.
December 17, 2021
I absolutely loved the concept of this plot but the actual execution fell flat for me. I feel like the book started in the middle of a story instead of at the beginning. I wanted to see how the rain becoming toxic all played out in the beginning. In fact, I think that is my favorite part of dystopian novels--seeing how normal society falls into a dystopian world and watching it all unfold.
I also think there was something about the writing style that I just didn't jive with. Maybe it seemed a bit rushed and so it felt like something was lacking. Beyond that, I do think I would try something by the author in the future. The plot held promise, but I want to see more explanation on what caused some to be able to walk in the rain. I want more of the science and interactions between characters and less of the violence and action.
I also think there was something about the writing style that I just didn't jive with. Maybe it seemed a bit rushed and so it felt like something was lacking. Beyond that, I do think I would try something by the author in the future. The plot held promise, but I want to see more explanation on what caused some to be able to walk in the rain. I want more of the science and interactions between characters and less of the violence and action.
December 21, 2023
This was a great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end! This book walks us into the dystopian world, where we follow along with Willie Taft, who is a celebrated war veteran. Taft and his wife escape from a government forced labor camp where they have been forced to work to assist growing crops for the ongoing war. Unfortunately, Tafts wife doesn't make it out, however, Taft never gives up fighting to get out to save their daughter.
Traveling with Taft on this journey is an exciting and heart-pounding journey, and I'm so glad I went along for the ride!
I easily give this book 3.8 stars, rounding up to an even 4 stars for my review rating!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher, and also thank you to the author for the opportunity to review an ARC of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Traveling with Taft on this journey is an exciting and heart-pounding journey, and I'm so glad I went along for the ride!
I easily give this book 3.8 stars, rounding up to an even 4 stars for my review rating!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher, and also thank you to the author for the opportunity to review an ARC of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
November 21, 2021
The concept was intriguing as the title states. Who, what, where, why sadly I still want to know. There was a little story but not any paths. It felt all over the place. Now, I do understand the premise; however I still feel there could have been more continuity, and explanation on the rainwalkers. They were what drew me to the book.
Also, I think this may be more of a Young Adult book.
I liked the concept, finished the book, unfortunately found it lacking.
The narrator (the author) was dry, and I liked that. I took it as a commentary of the events as they were happening.
Thank you NetGalley and Pacific Street Publishing for accepting my request to read and review The Rainwalkers.
#NetGalley
#PacificStreetPublishing
#TheRainwalkers
#MattRitter
#Audiobook
Also, I think this may be more of a Young Adult book.
I liked the concept, finished the book, unfortunately found it lacking.
The narrator (the author) was dry, and I liked that. I took it as a commentary of the events as they were happening.
Thank you NetGalley and Pacific Street Publishing for accepting my request to read and review The Rainwalkers.
#NetGalley
#PacificStreetPublishing
#TheRainwalkers
#MattRitter
#Audiobook
November 22, 2021
I absolutely hate doing this but I could not finish this book. I made it to chapter 6 and had no idea what was going on or if there were characters or if it was all just exposition. The narrator reads the book like he's bored Eeyore and reading the phone book. Everything is in the same monotone voice that sounds little sad and I can't handle it. I don't need crazy voices or anything but some sort of inflection to differentiate between characters who are talking would be nice. I feel like the writing might be good so perhaps I'll give the physical book a try someday. As it stands now, I cannot recommend this book.
December 6, 2021
I’m not really sure what to make of this book. Is it a fictional book of survival? A cautionary tale of the breakdown of society and the devastating results of man's abuse of the world's natural resources? I felt like the narrative of some things were unclear and others were too detailed in the overall scope of the book. Honestly, Rainwalkers read like a portion of a much larger (longer) work with important plot points edited out. Author Matt Ritter does have writing skill, though. I just wish there had been more focus, or at least, that this spoke more directly to me.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2021
This book reminded me why I mainly read novels written by women; it was a total man book. The premise was interesting: in a near future, the rain has become toxic due to humans polluting everything and constant due to climate change. But beyond this, everything is a car chase, battle, shootout or knife fight, and the characters all brood and act tough and defy human limits and are surviving to save a woman or girl child who needs them. I struggled to get through this because I felt I owed it to Netgalley and the publisher, who kindly let me listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Honestly, I bet there are lots of guys out there who will love it.
December 12, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book. Overall I enjoyed it. The concept of a rain that is so toxic that its killing people because it's full of bacteria certainly isn't that far fetched considering the things humans are doing to destroy the earth. Even in this situation where they thought they were doing something good but then it backfired - kind of scary. Matt Ritter narrates his own work, which I didn't hate. I struggle with audiobooks mainly due to narrator choices but not as much with this one. I did feel like there was a lot of build up and then at the end it kind of wrapped up in a nice little bow, which was a little disappointing
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