Run by Blake Crouch

 

Run is another excellent moralistic post-apocalyptic story from Blake Crouch. I loved Upgrade, Recursion, and Dark Matter; Run ranks right up there.  

People are killing people, and Jack Colclough doesn't know why. When he hears his name on the radio of people to kill in Albuquerque, he grabs his wife, Dee, and two children and heads north--destination unknown. As they travel through Colorado, they learn the reason why the killing is occurring and that Canada may be a haven from the madness. The killers are organized, and the trip is dangerous, but staying in one place is not an option: Jack and his family must run,

This twisty, pedal-to-the-metal story starts fast and never lets up. In a lawless environment, Jack and Dee must decide how far they will go to protect their children. Does it include murder? The plot is plausible, the characters are well-drawn, and the pacing is spot-on. If you are a science fiction lover and haven't discovered Blake Crouch, now is the time.

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is October 22, 2024.

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The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

 I wasn't sure what to expect from this latest Stuart Turton novel. I loved his "The Devil and the Dark Water" but didn't care for "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle"—although my opinion on the latter was a minority one. The premise of "The Last Murder at the End of the World" sounded promising, and I am happy to report it lived up to all my expectations.

In a post-apocalyptic world, the only survivors are on a small island surrounded by the life-threatening fog that appears to have wiped out civilization. Once home to an advanced scientific facility, the island is now populated by one hundred and twenty-two villagers and ruled over by three surviving scientists. When one of the scientists is murdered, the killer fog begins advancing on the island. With only hours to solve the murder, one villager is tasked with finding the murderer, which will reset the security system that keeps the fog at bay.

This unusual plot is deftly executed. It is a fast-paced, atmospheric book with well-drawn characters and plot twists. It's a science fiction murder mystery—two of my favorite genres that fit seamlessly together. I highly recommend this book. 

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 21, 2024.

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Among the Living by Tim Lebbon

I read Tim Lebbon's post-apocalyptic book "The Last Storm" and loved it. It had a fascinating storyline that could convincingly be true--the same can be said of this book. It's another futuristic peek into what could happen to the world due to global warming.

Global warming has thawed the permafrost on a remote Arctic island, and a group of profiteers, illegally prospecting for rare earth metals, discover frightening drawings on a cave wall that appear to be a warning that is thousands of years old. Venturing further into the cave system, the group encounters an ancient creature and unwittingly unleashes an intelligent contagion that could wreak havoc if it isn't contained.

Alerted to the profiteer's intentions, three activists pursue the group to the island, intent on stopping them. Unfortunately, they arrived too late, and now the two different-minded groups must combine their efforts to stop the contagion.

This fast-paced horror thriller explores moral and climate crisis issues with excellently drawn characters and a scenario that isn't beyond belief. Who knows what a warming earth holds in store for us? This is an imaginative future I hope we can prevent.

Thank you, Titan Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is February 6, 2024. 

4/5 stars.

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