AFTER THE RED RAIN by Barry Lyga, Peter Facinelli, and Robert DeFranco is a post-apocalyptic YA adventure with a hint of romance.
While out scavenging, factory worker Deedra encounters a strange boy named Rose from beyond their territory. The dystopian story evolves into a murder mystery when the factory overseer is found dead and Rose is accused of the killing. Readers learn about the red rain and the true nature of Rose, but the book concludes with the promise of a sequel that will hopeful answer some other questions.
While some readers may find the science fiction aspects of the story absurd, others will find them fascinating. Although the characters lack the depth of many YA novels, the themes and adventure elements will keep readers interested.
This book seems to be stuck between the children’s and young adult levels. While some aspects such as the rape attempt and violence are clearly in the young adult realm, the simplistic world building and social control feel more like a children’s work of dystopian fiction.
Librarians will find many readers for this quirky, post-apocalyptic YA novel. Because it reads like a movie, fans of the recent dystopian wave will feel right at home.
On a personal level, it reminded me of cross between Soylent Green and City of Ember.
Published by Little, Brown on August 4, 2015. ARC NetGalley and Edelweiss.
