Motherhood at the End of the World: Book One: Motherhood Trilogy

by Jesse Harvey, Carla Porterfield (Illustrator)

The first book in a trilogy. An immersive, first person point of view suspense story, of a mother in her mid-thirties after a global disaster. Marlene, is trying to protect her family and fine a safe place to live. A Coronal Mass Ejection triggered geomagnetic storms which caused massive destruction and the breakdown of society. Marlene and her family have taken shelter with other survivors; under the protection of a small group of soldiers. As winter is approaching, other bands of survivors turn violent, and desperation grows. Marlene must make tough decisions and face many dangers to keep her children safe. This is an apocalypse story for 30+ crowd. An exploration on how a mother might have to tackle the challenges of a disaster. What decisions she might face, how she might plan. The end of the world doesn't change a mother's job. Children still need to be fed, washed, and have a safe place to sleep. It isn't just a story for moms. Anyone who has ever wanted to see a strong mother fight for her kids will love this story.

463 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2022

Reviews

[Jolene MacFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this story had a truly unique stake on the many end-of-the-word-as-we-know-it tropes. Totally plausible with believable characters and the “all to human” reality of our species as a whole. The author doesn’t pretty it up but does give us hope.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me say, that this is not my usual genre. But, this book is freaking amazing. There was great attention to detail, description, and an amazing plot line. We are immediately drawn into the story and feeling like we are there. Something has happened but we are not really sure of the extent of the situation. Mouse does everything she can for her family and other people when the world shuts down after a solar storm. She has a heart of gold and I instantly just loved her. She’s a strong female character. I felt as if I were right there beside her scavenging for supplies and helping the group she was with. This shows us what one mother will do when it comes to protecting her family. Who can Mouse trust? So many things happen here that you just don’t see coming. Humans are the worst monsters out there, and this book really shows it. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you enjoy post apocalyptic worlds, this book is amazing. There are so many wonderful characters, and some characters that you won’t like. There’s a small amount of romance, but I feel like it was perfect for this story. I think it wrapped up well. This book opened my eyes to a different world! I can't wait for the second installment of this story! Well done!

[T.S. Tappin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an HONEST review and that's what you're about to read:

This is a unique take on what happens when the world as we know it comes to an end. A post-apocalyptic world that explores what would happen if the husband wasn't the one doing all the stuff but the wife was. The mom is the resourceful one(just like most moms in our current world) and finds a way. The mom is the one doing what needs to be done, protecting her family, keeping things going, and keeping their family together.
I honestly feel like this book is the most accurate account yet of what most mothers would be like in that scenario. The book was interesting. It was realistic, even set in a post-apocalyptic world. It was no-frills but still exciting and captivating. Perfect balance of the every day and the WTF.
Great read! And the first in a trilogy!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever and intense novel by Jesse M. Harvey. Who needs sleep...or a job? I mean, I could not put this down. This well-conceived imagining of an apocalypse brought on by a solar flare digs deep into the psyche of a determined mother, and the survivors she encounters. Plenty of wry humor is impactful and perfectly balances the themes of scarcity, trust, love, and perseverance. I was riveted until the end. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Language and mild romance. I received an ARC from the author with no expectation of a review - I just had to leave one!

[Scott Sammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the rare GOOD mothers in fiction.

Too few fictional characters are good moms. It's a rare fictional hero that even had a relatively decent mom. All that aside: this is a well written post apocalypse fantasy. The action is engaging and the female characters empowered without becoming "Mary Sue". Healing times may be accelerated, or just glossed, over as one is wont to do, but the injuries and accomplishments described are believable.

[Virginia Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will learn to love these characters

This book started slow. But hang in there and you will find beautifully developed characters, insightful and thought provoking conversations and adventures with a kick ass Mom heroine. I hope there will be more to this story and that there will be subsequent books.

[Lois Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written debut

This is a well written book, with believable characters, no overtime sex or extreme violence. I love a book that I don't have to page through half of it just to read the story lol.

[W.L. Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only is this story an enjoyable dystopian read, but it also has tons of tips on what to do if the worst should happen. I myself have an overwhelming need to learn how to make preserves!

[Go away I'm reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book! This may be my favorite read this year. The author did a great job with this book. The characters are all beautifully developed and believable. I can't wait until the next books! And I highly highly recommend the audiobook (when it comes out). The narrator is a master who really pulls you into the book!

[BookHoarder_321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has taken me a while to figure out how to review Motherhood at the End of the World. It is really unlike any other book I have read recently. Being in the first person really draws you into Marlene’s story as she, her husband, children and their small group of friends navigate a devastated world just weeks after catastrophic storms killed millions and destroyed cities across the world. The day to day problems faced by the survivors mixed with the struggle to rebuild so sort of society with competing factions leads to an intriguing and engaging story. I am really looking forward for the rest of the trilogy.

[J.C. Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, LOVED this book! The descriptive writing was gorgeous. I could PICTURE what was happening in this story. The storyline was so interesting, full of interesting and thought-provoking characters that you care about, and I just LOVED the one-liners! I highly recommend this book!