Path of Totality starts with a bang! Author Heather Kreke’s freshman entry provides strong first-person point of view from the main character Jadzia. There is quick progression throughout the storyline, which makes it enjoyable. The action slows for the briefest of moments before sweeping readers away again.
Readers will empathize with the loss of Jadzia’s father, being drafted into the military, and having to leave her family. Kreke provides an easy entry into the future of our world - a believable and authentic feeling novel.
World War III covers every inch of American soil, and seventeen-year-old Jadzia's life will never be the same again.
Jadzia is drafted and finds herself on the front lines of the war, torn away from her family. When her best friend is killed, she is desperate to find her way back home. She abandons her platoon and sets out on her own.
Jadzia navigates a dangerous cross-country journey, faces betrayal, violence, and the constant threat of death. Eventually, she meets Ryker, and finds refuge with his unlikely group of individuals ... even though their faith is a little old-fashioned. Ryker insists on helping her which makes it hard for Jadzia to resist her growing feelings toward him.
The military is determined to find and capture Jadzia. When survival seems impossible, will sacrifice be their only route to freedom?
While there is constant action, it takes a little while to get into the story. The time spent in boot camp, building Jadzia’s relationship with Brent, may have been shortened. The purpose for this character relationship development is clear when revealed. Kreke has done well in that regard, and accomplished building empathy, but it takes a while.
Readers may be reminded of the classic novel ‘Red Badge of Courage, when Jadzia flees the war front. The main character’s breakdown of emotion, psychology, and physical well-being are the main focus of the early novel. She faces plenty of stresses and difficulties - but for what purpose? What is she learning in order to succeed at her journey?
Jadzia’s trek all the way home is met with the realization that she must travel even further to reunite with family. All the while, the military is right on her heels trying to bring her back to the front lines to fight a war she never wanted to be a part of in the first place.
The novel is an enjoyable, and believable post-apocalyptic tale. It is a cross-country journey to a new home, and what it takes to become a new person along the way. Kreke wields first person point of view well. The reader knows information and details about locations that matter to the main character which makes the telling feel real and believable.
The audiobook version was enjoyed for this review. The narrator does a great job with multiple voices, good pacing, and clarity. A few times the narrator’s outbursts erupted through the speakers to rattle eardrums - but she manages to cover emotion well through her tone and emphasis.
The main character swears like sailor throughout the story, without saying a single curse word. This aspect of her character was handled well, and will be appreciated by readers who don’t enjoy being cursed at.
Without spoiling the end, most readers may be left asking if this really is the end of Jadzias story!
Heather Kreke is a young adult dystopian fiction author, the blog manager for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and a Coordinator for Blue Ridge Readers Connection.
In her spare time, she teaches writing classes at her church, writes for numerous blogs, and has completed coursework through the former Christian Writers Guild. Married since 2004, Heather has three daughters and is passionate about showing teens and young adults they can find hope in God’s plan for their lives – even through the darkest times.
She knew being a writer was her plan since the 4th grade. Heather always made up stories and talked to the characters in her head. However, when it came to sitting down and writing, she seriously doubted her abilities. Through faith and the support of friends and family, Heather found the strength to pursue her writing dreams.