Note: I have since purchased a special edition copy of this book to grace my shelves that includes the extended epilogue and I highly recommend reading it as well, because it truly completes the novel.
Brilliant debut novel from this author. This post-apocalyptic world is gritty and dark, yet also hyper-realistic, which isn’t easy to pull off. The incredibly diverse set of characters have unique backgrounds and backstories and the stakes are high enough to keep the tension oozing off the page. With a slower beginning, the plot picks up into a whirlwind of a ride, surrounded by a monster mystery and culminating in a brilliant flash of fulfillment as the heroes fight tooth and nail to succeed.
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Absolutely!!! I have, in fact, read this book a second time now.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: We have dual 3rd-person POV (My favorite!), alternating between Zeke and Noah. It’s not hard at all to feel for Noah. As a young CO of a military unit with ties to the high command via his uncle (re: whispers of nepotism vs talent), he's put in some truly difficult situations where he's unable to truly 'emote', focusing instead on his team. At the same time, the situations are so tense and difficult that he's unable to contain his emotions and those momenst are some of the purest of pure gold in the book. I adored that he's still vulnerable, even with the newest member of his team and LI, Zeke. He’s dynamic and vulnerable in ways that really bring out his strengths as he grows throughout the plot.
Zeke is fascinating, not only with his history and where he’s from (which feels realistic to the setting) but also how he navigates being conscripted as a soldier when he's very much not soldier material. He begins the novel in a position of relative 'weakness' because it's such a brand new world he's stuck in. But his drive and determination are so organic as he grapples with this new life and how he can make himself work in it, as well as his surprising developing feelings not only for another man, something he wasn't fully cognizant of before, but that said man is his CO.
Given their positions, the potential for a power imbalance within and without their relationship and bedroom is high and would be easy to fall into. And yet TJ Rose gives us a refreshingly raw, honest, vulnerable, and equal balance between the two of them. I utterly adore the give and take, the strengths they can share, the way they mold into each other's spaces. Their relationship also occurs so naturally and feels wonderfully in tune with the events of the story as well as their characters. They are truly one of my favorite pairings in fiction!
And let's not forget a huge shoutout to Wolf, the (very safe!) army canine that is essentially the best member of the family (don't even try to fight me on this).
PLOT: Moderate- to fast-paced as the story progresses. The world itself builds upon some beautiful tension coupled with a bit mystery that kept me guessing throughout the novel. We have a scary post-apocalyptic world. The majority of the population is either dead or hideously and terrifyingly deformed into a monster that takes characteristics from several common supernatural types (re: vampire, zombie, etc.). We follow Squad E, a military unit as they attempt to both protect what's left of London and their found family. Questions arise over whether this is the world forever, or if there is still hope. The relationship that develops between Zeke and Noah is wonderfully organic and very linked to their world and lifestyle. I found the balance of romance to action/adventure to be perfect for this plot.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
4 out of 5. High. The stakes are high in this one from the beginning and deal with adult themes that keep this way out of beach read territory. And at one point, there is a definite shock moment that had me on the edge of my seat!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
95%. The extended epilogue is absolutely integral, in my opinion, so I consider it as part of the main book. Although I wished for that final 5% in terms of aftermath in that climactic event, I utterly adore this book. It's impressive for a standalone that so much was packed into it and then wrapped up so well. I am happy!
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From the Publisher
"A dark and gritty post-apocalyptic world"
"I never wanted this book to end!"
"Slow burn to fire!"
"This book made me cry but I have no regrets."
"An action-packed romance with all the feels!"
"For fans of Tal Bauer’s Executive Office series, Charlie Cochet’s THIRDS series, Hailey Turner’s Metahuman Files."
About the author
What a ride!
If you’re looking for an action packed monster hunting read, in a setting heading into post apocalyptic despair, with a pinch of love and hope then you’re going to want to check this one out! I’ve watched a few of zombie shows/movies, but I don’t think I’d ever read a book about them before now - following the general rule they aren’t called zombies here either though, they’re called types. Type a is stronger but more feral, and type b is more intelligent but not quite as strong. Both are more than dangerous enough though. It’s been a decade, and with staff and supplies both dwindling and infrastructure failing, tensions are rising. Especially as it comes to light the higher ups have not been entirely honest and forthcoming. Unlike some who signed up for the fight/defense, Frankie and Zeke were ‘drafted’ and put into squad E when their employment exemptions ended. The squad, like many others, is dealing with losses and their uncertain future, and being led by CO Noah who is hanging by a thread but doing his best to keep them safe. In the midst of all the training and then fighting, CO Noah and new ‘recruit’ Zeke have an initially reluctant but gradually building attraction leading to some mutual pining and then more. This is made all the more difficult in that it has to be secret because fraternization is Not Allowed. Love after loss on one side, Bi awakening on the other, slow burn to fire, and the tension of a hidden relationship keeps this all interesting in between the sections of action and searching for answers to the government secrets. Check your CWs - *know* there’s going to be a deal of violence and gore here - and buckle up for a wild ride I thought this was an excellent read for spooky season! Thanks to the author for the arc!
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- Jessica MasudaReviewed in Australia on August 6, 2024
The Postapocalyptic Romance I didn't know I needed
