Skull Valley

by David Martin Lins

When the power goes out. When modern electronics go dark. When all communications with the outside world are cut off and the remote town of Skull Valley begins to self-destruct. No one is better equipped to save the isolated community than seventeen-year-old Lukas Taylor. Prepared for any disaster by his late father, he has the skills and the supplies. Now he just needs to figure out who he can trust, before it's too late.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

Reviews

[David Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars

Originally, I started ready by this book to support the author, who is a personal friend of mine. However, I was pleased to realize the book has merits of its own.

Lins builds a beautiful world that you truly feel you are a part of. When the characters grieve, you grieve for them. When they are faced with obstacles, you cheer them on. When they are in danger, you worry for their safety.

Not only was the world-building very well done, but it was also an easy read (I was able to finish it in a week). I didn't put the book down for the first 50 pages or the last 100 pages, as I was so intrigued to find out what would happen next.

The only reason this book was not a 5/5 for me was because there were A LOT of secondary characters and at times, it was hard to keep track of who was who.

Overall, I very much enjoyed reading SKULL VALLEY and will definitely recommend it to others.

[Laura Reads and Crochets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skull Valley did not immediately grab my attention, but I stuck with it, and once it got rolling, it did not stop. I’m pretty sure I read the last third of it without blinking. It was riveting. I did have some issues with formatting, but it did not interfere with the story at all. I highly recommend this book for high school aged and older. There is violence that I find inappropriate for younger children. The story is compelling. The characters are complex, and the moral dilemas are piercing. It is a fantastic read.

[Lorin Petrazilka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lukas’s story gripped me from beginning to end! It’s an exciting read that leaves you thinking about it long after you’re done. The moral crisis of what you would actually be faced with in a situation like this kept me wondering, how would I react? I related to several of the characters, including Lukas’s very well-written badass mom, I love me a strong female character! Heart pounding action, a cast of memorable characters, and excellent character arcs—including the villains. Simply put, Skull Valley is a fantastic book with surprising twists that will make you want to re-read again!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and gripping story from beginning to end!

Since I know the author and this is his 1st book my initial decision to purchase the book was to support a friend. However, soon after starting the book I realized my primary motivation had changed. I had no idea this book would be this good. The characters were all well-developed, believable and the story kept me on the edge of my seat longing for the next opportunity I had to read a bit more. Well worth the time and money to pick this up!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! I did not want to set it down (which is my definition of a good book). Best in a couple years (since Reacher books) for which I've really had that feeling. Unique story topic. Great conversation writing. Thank you David. Buying this for my dad and looking forward to your next book!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging story that pulls you in right from the beginning. Believable characters, intriguing story twists, great arc for the lead - I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend! If SKULL VALLEY is any indication, we can expect good things from this author in the future.

[Barbara Marton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skull Valley is a wonderful book ,

The story is exciting and suspenseful. I. think it appeals to both young readers and adults. The characters are likable (or not) and are real. The plot is unusual but the moral lessons are universal. Looking forward to more from this author!

[AngelaC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great post apocalyptic fiction read, covering Week 1 in Skull Valley, AZ. after an event takes out power and all electronics for an undetermined piece of the country. Likable main characters and a fast pace meant I flew through it - where is Book 2?! Gotta find out what happens next!

[Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m only giving it a 4 because I really don’t like dystopia and I saw the end coming. It’s a pretty fast read and wasn’t bad at all.

[Lori Pennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, exciting story from start to finish. Awesome for the whole family!

[Tami Ragsdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started the book based on familiarity with the location. I couldn’t put it down! Looking forward to reading his next book.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this because I live in Skull Valley! It was fun to read about my tiny town and be able to picture where all the action was taking place.