I devoured Jonathan Parks-Ramage's debut novel, YES, DADDY, so I knew that whatever he writes next would immediately go on my TBR. This author's newesI devoured Jonathan Parks-Ramage's debut novel, YES, DADDY, so I knew that whatever he writes next would immediately go on my TBR. This author's newest book, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD is a complete deviation from what you may expect, showcasing the author's depth in storytelling.
In 2044, Mason Daunt is throwing an extravagant baby shower while the world (particularly Los Angeles) outside burns—literally. When disaster strikes LA on the day of the party, he refuses to cancel, convinced it’s just another crisis money can ignore. But a shocking twist shatters his illusion of safety and sends him hurtling into the chaos he thought he’d bought his way out of.
This wildly entertaining, deeply unsettling novel skewers the ultra-wealthy as they party through the apocalypse, clinging to privilege while the world collapses around them. With sharp dialogue, time-jumping chaos, and fabulous queer main characters, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD starts out from satire to disaster epic to bizarre utopia—and somehow makes it all work. Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, it’s a disorienting but thrilling ride through a future that feels terrifyingly close.
These types of stories are not usually my go-to reading as they can be political (even though this plot SHOULDN'T BE) and it like to escape with my reading. That being said, the messaging is powerful, poignant, and a must-read. In a story of bleak consequences, it ends on a rather hopeful note that I would highly recommend for readers of Margaret Atwood. ...more
It’s 2041, and the U.S. is a dangerous place for a woman traveling alone, with deadly storms, wildfires, and rising political tensions. Still, Kelly’sIt’s 2041, and the U.S. is a dangerous place for a woman traveling alone, with deadly storms, wildfires, and rising political tensions. Still, Kelly’s on the road, desperate to reunite with the daughter she left behind seven years ago for a cause she no longer believes in. Meanwhile, Ava and her daughter Brook have spent 22 years as unwilling participants in The Inside Project, a climate change relief program, and are now on the run. Their paths cross with someone from Ava’s past, setting them on a journey through the wilderness, just as up North, worsening weather drives a settlement away, leaving two people to unravel a shared mystery.
This book is highly politically driven and I really resonated with this book a lot. It's a bit of a slow burn, but I think this book takes on serious issues dealing with climate change and the political actions of corruption and greed. I think if you have been triggered by the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, this book would also trigger you as well but also give you the urge to continue to fight for human rights and climate change action. This book is the follow up to the author's last book, but I didn't read that one nor had any issues following this one. The non-binary and LGBTQ+ representation in this book was a great addition to the storytelling. I really enjoyed the audiobook of Gabrielle Korn's writing style and would definitely be interested in seeing what this author has for readers next....more
Just like it's predecessor, I finished Malorie in one sitting. When I read Bird Box prior to the Netflix film release, I was stunned at it's atmosJust like it's predecessor, I finished Malorie in one sitting. When I read Bird Box prior to the Netflix film release, I was stunned at it's atmospheric, claustrophobic horror and couldn't put it down. To say that Malorie is similar would be an understatement. Taking place immediately following the end on the first book, we then flash-forward a decade into the apocalypse and see the world in different light. With Malorie, Tom, and Olympia working together as a family, they get peculiar, yet intriguing evidence about some findings that force the trio to investigate for themselves. I will not spoil anything for you, so that's what you get from me.
Once I turned to first page, I could not put Malorie down. Josh Malerman's level of psychological panic (as I'd like to describe it as) is deeply unsettling and yet, so cinematic in the best way possible. It's no wonder that Bird Box did so well, both as a book and as a movie. I just know horror fans' expectations will be fulfilled with Malorie. I couldn't recommend it enough. Let's hope they make a Netflix sequel, I'm going to be holding out hope!...more
Survivor Song takes place in the not-so-distant future, where ironically, there's a strain of rabiePaul Tremblay's back with his darkest book yet!
Survivor Song takes place in the not-so-distant future, where ironically, there's a strain of rabies contaminating creating a country-wide pandemic in the United States. Natalie and her husband Paul are expecting a baby and have to navigate through this unconventional time with Natalie's best friend and doctor, Ramola. With this strain of rabies being so contagious and fast-acting, the country is in quarantine. When an affected person breaks into the trio's lives, panic and fast-acting solutions are necessary to ensure their safety and the wellbeing of Natalie's unborn child.
Without going further, this book is wild. I think you need to know little-to-nothing about this book to enjoy. When I picked up Paul Tremblay's last book, The Cabin at the End of the World, I knew that going forward, I'd need to read anything else that he releases. Survivor Song is not for the faint of heart and definitely not something that you may want to read at this current time (damn you, COVID-19!), but it'll be released in July when things ~hopefully~ are back to normal. This heart-pounding horror/thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat!...more
This book is going to be the most difficult book to review in 2018, I can call this out now. Wow, I am at a loss for words at the moment. How do you rThis book is going to be the most difficult book to review in 2018, I can call this out now. Wow, I am at a loss for words at the moment. How do you review a book that you're still questioning about a day later? The Cabin at the End of the World is my first attempt in venturing into Paul Tremblay's world of horror and psychological suspense. The story's arc is your typical home invasion horror (one of my favorite movies The Strangers comes to mind), mixed with the confusion and chaos reminiscent in the movie 10 Cloverfield Lane. Eric, Andrew, and their daughter Wen are all vacationing at a remote cabin in rural New Hampshire; enjoying the beautiful lake, peace and tranquility, and each other. Wen is out front collecting grasshoppers for her terrarium, while Eric and Andrew are lounging on the deck in the backyard. While Wen is out front, she is approached by a stranger who goes by the name Leonard. Leonard is young, friendly, and approachable—immediately convincing Wen that he's safe to talk to. While they are talking, Leonard apologizes for what's to come to her family. Immediately, several people walk toward the house carrying makeshift weapons and demand to talk to Wen's parents. As Wen runs into the house, Eric and Andrew lock the doors and threaten to call the police. Leonard and his group demand to talk to the family because they believe that they can save the world. As their time together progresses, we are left with questions about humanity, the hostility of paranoia, and the feats of survival.
The Cabin at the End of the World is like an ignited explosive in your hands; counting down while you're left to figure out how to stop it from detonating. Once you pick up the book, the story immediately carries you to a world of chaos with no moment to relax. The story does not answer all your questions; especially by the end you'll still be scratching your heads. However, I love how this book actually makes you think afterwards. What I loved about The Cabin at the End of the World most was that it followed it's own rules. Although the book is not perfect and does have flaws (OK so I gave it 5 stars, sue me because I loved it), we have a unique plot that you are literally thrown in the middle of. It was very refreshing that the family dynamic was not your typical nuclear family that has been driven down the readers throats time and time again. We don't find out most of the causes and effects before and after this story takes place, but we really don't need to. The Cabin at the End of the World is a thought-provoking, heart-pumping thriller that takes you to the depths of your imagination, while also scaring the HELL out of you.
Thank you William Morrow Books and Astoria Bookshop for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
Loading...
