Hardcover, 800 pages
English language
Published April 7, 2019 by Del Rey.
Shana wakes up one morning to discover her little sister in the grip of a strange malady. She appears to be sleepwalking. She cannot talk and cannot be woken up. And she is heading with inexorable determination to a destination that only she knows. But Shana and her sister are not alone. Soon they are joined by a flock of sleepwalkers from across America, on the same mysterious journey. And like Shana, there are other “shepherds” who follow the flock to protect their friends and family on the long dark road ahead.
For as the sleepwalking phenomenon awakens terror and violence in America, the real danger may not be the epidemic but the fear of it. With society collapsing all around them—and an ultraviolent militia threatening to exterminate them—the fate of the sleepwalkers depends on unraveling the mystery behind the epidemic. The terrifying secret will either tear the nation apart—or …
Shana wakes up one morning to discover her little sister in the grip of a strange malady. She appears to be sleepwalking. She cannot talk and cannot be woken up. And she is heading with inexorable determination to a destination that only she knows. But Shana and her sister are not alone. Soon they are joined by a flock of sleepwalkers from across America, on the same mysterious journey. And like Shana, there are other “shepherds” who follow the flock to protect their friends and family on the long dark road ahead.
For as the sleepwalking phenomenon awakens terror and violence in America, the real danger may not be the epidemic but the fear of it. With society collapsing all around them—and an ultraviolent militia threatening to exterminate them—the fate of the sleepwalkers depends on unraveling the mystery behind the epidemic. The terrifying secret will either tear the nation apart—or bring the survivors together to remake a shattered world.
I came into this book not expecting much. I've been dabbling in post apocalyptic fiction heavily this year and have come across many great stories.
This is one of the absolute best. It reads like a TV show almost. I couldn't stop reading. Rarely have i felt such a "thriller" feeling wrapped in a apocalyptic setting. If you are on the fence, GET IT NOW.
This book is right in my sweet spot. Similar in vein to Swan Song and The Stand but just different enough to hold my interest. Of course the parallel with today just makes it hit closer to home. Really enjoyed this and looks like there's a book two so sign me up.
Audiobook. Two readers, very well done.
Aside from its incredible length, this is a good novel. I marvel at how prescient the author is in describing a pandemic (like Covid) and its potential consequences. The novel's disease differs slightly from today's pandemic, and today's reactions from the religious right and right-wing politicians are only marginally more severe than those operating today. The message(s) delivered via this tale are sincere & important, even though the novel disturbs the reader.
3 1/2 stars
Kind of conflicted about this rating to be honest. It was an enjoyable read, for the most part... as far as the end of civilization can be enjoyable. It was also disconcerting to be reading about a virus that is the demise of mankind when there is a real time virus raging through the planet and though it probably won't be the demise of mankind, nobody knows what the long term ramifications on society will be. Not to mention the extent of the economic fallout. Or, ya know, if I'll actually survive it once I inevitably contract it. I ain't getting any younger.
This is a long book first of all. And it starts slow. The characters are cardboard cutouts and very stereotypical. You know, we've seen them over and over again. The self-righteous scientist. The weakling man of god. The bigoted, right-winger asshole gun nut. The …
3 1/2 stars
Kind of conflicted about this rating to be honest. It was an enjoyable read, for the most part... as far as the end of civilization can be enjoyable. It was also disconcerting to be reading about a virus that is the demise of mankind when there is a real time virus raging through the planet and though it probably won't be the demise of mankind, nobody knows what the long term ramifications on society will be. Not to mention the extent of the economic fallout. Or, ya know, if I'll actually survive it once I inevitably contract it. I ain't getting any younger.
This is a long book first of all. And it starts slow. The characters are cardboard cutouts and very stereotypical. You know, we've seen them over and over again. The self-righteous scientist. The weakling man of god. The bigoted, right-winger asshole gun nut. The contrary, stubborn teenager. None of them are particularly compelling nor likable. The love stories are poorly done and not believable. The whole political thing completely transparent and truthfully could have been left out all together. Sounds like I hated it doesn't it?
There is a good story here even if flawed. I liked the world building even though I kind of hated the world, lol. I don't really know why I liked this but it keeps you turning the pages. Sometimes that's all I ask for. Sometimes. And you know. Not to experience end times.
