Book Review: After the Red Rain

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.

Book Review: Ashfall Trilogy

Let’s revisit the ASHFALL trilogy by Mike Mullin. After the final book in a series is published and the first wave of readers are done, it’s time to think about ways to market these books to new audiences.
This engaging trilogy is one of the more realistic post-apocalyptic series available. The books follow fifteen-year old Alex Halprin as he struggles to survive after a natural disaster involving the Yellowstone supervolcano.

SUNRISE follows Alex’s struggle to stay alive on the road as he tries to find his family. As he walks from Iowa to Illinois, Alex meets traveling companion Darla.

In ASHEN WINTER, Alex must retrace his journey back to Iowa to locate his parents. Once again, Darla plays a central role in helping Alex cross a landscape that is becoming increasingly dangerous.
Set a year after the volcanic eruption, SUNRISE follows the struggle of Alex and Darla to establish a working community in a post-apocalyptic world. Much of the book deals with the practical aspects of starting a new life in a hostile environment including dealing with cannibals and mobs, creating a stable form of government, and building a sustainable food source. Always on the edge of catastrophe, the community’s approach to building greenhouses, acquiring supplies, and defending themselves keeps the story exciting from beginning to end.

Also, check out DARLA’S STORY by Mike Mullin. This novelette has been referred to as the ASHFALL the prequel or Book .05. Set prior to Alex and Darla’s meeting, it tells Dara’s back story.

Mullin’s compelling narratives challenge readers to think about the day-to-day challenges of both short and long-term survival. Unlike many YA dystopian works that rely on games, aliens, or supernatural elements to engage readers, Mullin’s gritty text reads more like realistic fiction. Our beloved characters face the stark reality of their post-apocalyptic world with bravery, love, and hope.
Learn more about Mike Mullin and his trilogy at http://mikemullinauthor.com/