Shift, the second book in the Silo Saga, offers an alternative viewpoint to the events in Wool. Hugh Howey continues his signature mix of metaphorically rich narrative, balancing symbolism and mystery in a captivating post-apocalyptic tale.

The story unfolds in three sets of two halves. First, we delve into the past (around 2039) and the present day (around 2330). The dual perspectives—one from the original Silo project and the other from post-apocalypse oversight—provide context and humanity to characters previously seen as sociopaths.

In the dimly lit corridors of Silo 1, where secrets fester like mold on damp walls, Bernard’s struggle for truth becomes palpable. His footsteps echo, each one a reminder of the weight he carries—the burden of knowledge that threatens to tear apart the fragile fabric of their underground society. As he sifts through old files, the scent of dust mingles with the metallic tang of fear.

Meanwhile, in the desolate wasteland above, Donald’s existence is a monotonous rhythm of survival. The air tastes of decay, and the sun, when it dares to peek through the thick haze, is a distant memory. His hands, calloused and cracked, trace the edges of forbidden books—the remnants of a civilization lost. He yearns for answers, for purpose, but the truth remains elusive, slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.

The middle third of the book shifts between two different “present days,” revealing events from Silo 1 and another silo. While engaging, this section feels somewhat empty compared to the compelling bookends. The characters here are like cogs in a vast machine, turning without understanding the grand design. Their emotions are muted, their motivations obscured by layers of bureaucracy and deception.

And then there’s Juliette, the enigma. Her memories flicker like dying stars, illuminating fragments of a forgotten past. She clings to hope, a fragile flame in the darkness, as she deciphers cryptic messages left behind by those who came before. Her heart beats in sync with the hum of machinery, a rhythm of defiance against a world that seeks to erase her very existence.

In the final third, we explore a further-future Silo 1 and follow a character named “Jimmy Parker” in the past. The walls of Silo 1 have eyes—cameras that watch, record, judge. Jimmy’s rebellion simmers beneath his skin, fueled by whispered conversations in hidden corners. His fingers brush against the cold metal of a forbidden door, and he wonders what lies beyond. Redemption? Damnation? The truth?

Overall, Shift is a necessary bridge in the series, but it lacks the impact of its predecessor. It’s a symphony of secrets, a dance of shadows, but sometimes the melody falters, leaving us yearning for more resonance.

After how much I adored Wool, Shift was a disappointment. While it was interesting to learn about the history of the Silo, this installment was less engaging than the first by a country mile. The pacing was quite a bit slower, and the switches between points of view were jarring and interrupted the flow of the narrative.

Speaking of the characters, their development wasn't executed nearly as well, leaving me less invested in them and somewhat disengaged in general. Solo was this installment's most interesting point-of-view character, and I enjoyed learning more about him and his backstory. Still, I was very disappointed by the introduction of Donald as a protagonist. He was profoundly unlikeable and bland, and his relationships were sketched in more than they were adequately developed, so spending so much time with him and trying to root for him in a variety of situations was a struggle.

The book was fine overall, good even. I enjoyed it most of the time, and the audiobook's narration was fantastic, yet again. But I think this book could have easily been a novella or short story to give us the quick rundown of the backstory for the Silo because, as it was, it felt like things were padded quite a bit to extend very little material into an almost 600-page novel. This was worth the read to learn more of the Silo's mysteries, but not nearly as fantastic as the first book in the series. I hope book three recaptures the magic Wool and that Shift was just a bump in the road for this series!

I did like this one better than Wool. I think it felt a little more cohesive and better paced. I think this world is really interesting. I love a good dystopian. I'll continue

This is my second read of Shift, the first time listening to the audiobook. This is a wonderful, clever story, and the narrator did a fantastic job. I thought the different voices he used for the characters were well done. This second book isn't quite as good as Wool and it's a bit confusing at times, but it's still worth the time to read. I can't wait to reread Dust. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this audio ARC.

Loved this! The narrator did a fantastic job. All the characters had a distinct voice. The tension was maintained perfectly. The book itself was very engaging and well written.

This was a really good continuation of where Wool left off and give you a lot of really cool information and is more of a prequel than a sequel and we get to understand more of how the events of Wool came to be. Definitely recommend if you enjoyed reading the first novel in this series.

If you read the first book in this series, Wool, it likely left you with some questions. This second book, Shift, endeavors to answer these questions. It gives the backstory of how the silos came to be, and flashes between the past (before the silo) and the present (in the silo). Wool was an interesting enough book to me that I was compelled to continue the series. This book, while divulging the story of the formation of the world underground, felt really long and was a chore to read, until the last few chapters. In short, if you loved Wool and want to continue to read Dust, it's likely that the information relayed in Shift will be useful and important (I assume; I haven't yet read Dust). But it's moving backwards, not forwards, which is where I wanted to go after Wool, and why I'd still consider reading Dust even though I wasn't blown away by this book.

I jumped right into Shift immediately after finishing Wool. While I was initially disappointed not to pick up with familiar characters, I quickly found myself immersed in the answers to questions I had been pondering since beginning Wool. I've seen others say that Howey does not write good characters and I strongly disagree with that sentiment. Howey writes characters that cause the reader to feel very strong emotions. From the first introduction of a character, it is clear the role they will play. While it may seem like that leaves little room for surprises, there are still plenty of shocking moments. This series is a must read for fans of dystopia and this audiobook is an exceptional adaptation.

Shift (Silo, #2)
by Hugh Howey

A jaunt into the history of Silo, from its very beginning. In Wool we were shown a tragedy of a world. Built after mankind took that final violent end. How a small community follows rules from unknown ancestors, and "gods" that gave them the struggle they survived day to day. Shift shows the nature of silo #1, of the plan that destroyed the world, and created the code. It shows the manipulation of the surviving worlds population. The secrets hidden, and buried in each of the 50 shafts of the Silo complex. Why the use of cleaners, to quale unrest was instigated? How the leaders were hidden through IT, and the mayoral elections were rigged? So much of the world of Silo was explained, but so much left a mystery.
This story is a tale of warning. The look into those who use propaganda, and restriction to force society to their betterment. Its a stark warning of the future, and our use of resources.
I feel this book is more astounding of a discussion on politics, and politicians. The book shows the nature of corruption, and manipulation on a scale beyond belief. I feel its a warning that should be read, absorbed and given much consideration. For High school students it can show how they rigid system can be corrupted when people don't look beyond their immediate concerns.

Shift is a prequel to Wool. This book shows the days and months leading up to when Wool takes place. It answers a lot of the questions you probably have after reading Wool.
I like this book more than Wool probably because I finally got some of those answers I was looking for, had I known it was like this I would have listened to Shift first than Wool. But I do love this series and can’t wait to listen to Dust the third book. I enjoyed this book a lot and the narrator does a great job sucking me into the world of these books.

I absolutely loved this audiobook! After reading the first installment in this series, I was drained and didn’t know if I would have the energy to jump right into this next one. Then, I got the audiobook format and let me tell you, the time flew by when I was transported to the dystopian era. I became invested with the characters as I discovered how this Silo world came to be. There’s enough backstory to keep you fascinated while pulling you along for a story that continues with all these twists. This audiobook was phenomenal! The narration kept me engaged the ENTIRE time. I’ve already finished book 3 via audiobook too and loved this entire series!

Today is my birthday and I enjoyed finishing an audiobook that is part of one of my favorite series. SHIFT by Hugh Howie and is the second book in the SILO series. This volume gives you the history behind the world you were introduced to in the first one, titled WOOL.

Mankind discovered the means for bringing about its utter downfall, and the ability to forget it ever happened. With this godlike power at their fingertips, can humanity be trusted to create a new—and better—world? Or is it doomed to bring about its own destruction?

I love this entire series and was happy when I was able to review the rerelease for the publisher. Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing-Audiobooks for the privilege. I see the first book in the series is going to be show soon on AppleTV, I really hope they do it justice. 5 stars!

Ok, so full disclosure, a million years ago (or maybe 11 years ago) in a world before TikTok, bookstagram and the plethora of independent authors, I had heard about a young writer, Hugh Howey, who had penned a dystopian world which began in silos. I had to search to find these books but immediately fell in love with all of it - and when I heard the backstory behind Howey self publishing, I fell in love with him. Remember, the world has changed A LOT in the last decade, so he was anomalous and as a lifelong reader, I was grateful to have someone so confident in his story, he didn't need big publishing to get his stuff out.

Fast forward to this timeline, and I recently saw that this beloved work has been adapted to television (yeah), and that new audio versions were available. Thank you to the gods of Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for granting me Shift as an audio arc.

Additionally, back in the day, I managed to buy from Audible the entire series (then) available under the title Wool Omnibus and I have listened to that audio book with a female narrator several times. That said, I feel kind of like a Wool PhD reviewer here when I tell you - buy the books. Listen to the books. Join those of us who have loved Howey for years.

I will absolutely not go into detail in this review because the joy of these books is discovering for yourself the secrets and surprises. I will, however, share with you what the publisher is posting since that is already out there -

Description

The second volume in the New York Times bestselling Silo series. Hugh Howey goes back to show the first days of the Silo, and the beginning of the end.

BOOK ONE, WOOL, IS SOON TO BE AN APPLE TV+ SERIES.

In 2007, the Center for Automation in Nanobiotech (CAN) outlined the hardware and software platforms that would one day allow robots smaller than human cells to make medical diagnoses, conduct repairs, and even self-propagate.

In the same year, the CBS network re-aired a program about the effects of propranolol on sufferers of extreme trauma. A simple pill, it had been discovered, could wipe out the memory of any traumatic event.

At almost the same moment in humanity’s broad history, mankind discovered the means for bringing about its utter downfall. And the ability to forget it ever happened.

__________

I love the characters. I love the premise. I was a post apocalyptic girl since before most of you were born, so when I found new material, I grabbed it. Back in the 80s, this wasn't a thriving genre. Glad to say it appears to be on the rise now, although I haven't enjoyed the last few years of our real life dystopia.

As for the audio, I am glad to say narrator Edoardo Ballerini does an excellent job drawing in the listener and transporting us inside the story.

LOVE Wool. Love Shift. Love the whole bleeping thing.

Book 2 in the Silo series is a very well done and an interesting expansion of the world introduced in book 1. It is done in a very creative way and leaves the reader wanting more. I am looking forward to the 3rd book and wondering what the author will do next. I would categorize this as reading realistic sci-fi with plenty of drama that keeps the reader engaged. The narrator lends excellent talent in evoking the emotions and subtle tones of the characters.

Love this audiobook so much! I wish I saw more people talking about this series because it’s just so good! Highly recommend this book and can’t wait to hear the other audiobooks in the series!

I read the entire Silo series several years ago, and I was excited to see that it is being adapted for screen, and that the audiobooks were being offered on NetGalley. However, the only book I was approved for was Shift, the second book in the trilogy. I was hoping to reread the three books in order on audio. I did listen to see how I liked this narrator and I see that Edoardo Ballerini narrates all three books. His voice is pleasant and easy to follow, so I am sure I will listen to all three audiobooks at some point.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the
Wool, I have determined that this series does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

I enjoyed the first book on audio so much, that I immediately went on to this book, the second in the Silo Saga. SHIFT is a prequel to WOOL, but these should be read in order.

It was great to hear how the silos came to be. I missed the characters from Wool, but we do get to see some of them here. (I especially loved Solo's backstory.) A lot of the mystery about how the silos came to be and why is related here. The tale is told in such a way that many of the surprises here were surprises for the characters as well. This gave the story more heart that it might have had otherwise. Once again, I feel compelled to move right on to the next book.

Awesome narration once again from Edouardo Ballerini. This new set of audios being released by Blackstone Publishing is turning on new readers to the narrative, (me, for instance), and I am here for it. Bring on DUST!

*Thanks to Blackstone, NetGalley and the author for the free audio download in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*

**I'm not even bothering to ask a librarian to add these, since all of my requests to add the audio of Wool have gone unanswered. This is a new edition of the audio, put out by Blackstone Publishing.**

I received an advanced audiobook edition of SHIFT by Hugh Howey in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the chance to read and review!

SHIFT is the author’s second book in the Silo series. This book takes a step back in time to reveal the origins of the Silos featured in book one. We are following two timestreams, one before and one after people moved into silos buried in the ground to survive. Throughout the book, the author describes the technology that man discovered which made this move both possible and necessary.

I read WOOL, the first book in the series, a couple years back and enjoyed it, but never continued, so I recently reread it so I could continue on now that they have now put the series on audio. I don’t necessarily tend to love prequel books as much as I enjoy follow ups to a series, so I think that is why I didn’t continue on with the series at the time, but I really wound up enjoying this book!

The author did a great job of keeping the momentum going in both timelines he was following in SHIFT and I was always eager to keep reading each one. We get some good twists in here as well that uncover some of the secrets unknown in the first book and while there isn’t a lot of direct overlap between books, it keeps the story very cohesive. Where WOOL felt more like a collection of stories with more shifting POVs which go together, but don’t entirely follow a single storyline, this book feels more linear even with the back and forth between timelines.

Overall I really enjoyed myself with this one and will look forward to reading the final book, DUST.

I feel like I need to preface this review with the fact that I liked Wool enough to want to know what else happened to Jules and co. Juliette was the only character I really cared about (even though I thought the first section of Wool was fantastic and I wish that Howey had paced his writing timeframe more instead of churning out Wool because my biggest issues with it were that it felt rushed because it was written in a rush).

Okay, now on to Shift. This was not what I expected. I was looking for more of a sequel and I got more of a prequel. Because I wanted more about Jules, I was disappointed. That is not necessarily Howey’s fault and is definitely more of a me thing. However, I just did not care about these characters and dreaded going back to read it because it felt like I was pushing through just to finish this so I could read Dust (which I do believe is more Juliette-focused so I am looking forward fo reading it eventually). I just did not feel for these characters like I did with some of the key players in Wool. Because this was a lot of world-building, I wonder whether I would have preferred to have read this before Wool as it really is the “first” book chronologically or if this order makes more sense. (This hypothetical situation would have to leave out the parts that end up “spoiling”/overlapping things in Wool towards the end, of course.) Reading Dust next might help me figure that out.

I thought the narration was great and I honestly do not think I would have gotten through this in a week (which is a long time for me already) had I not had the audiobook to tandem read. This is not at the fault of the author but really just that this was not what I anticipated going into this (and I probably should have read the blurb to prepare, but I was just ready for more of Jules!). I will end up finishing the trilogy and reading Dust at some point in the near future and I feel like that one will be what I was really looking for in this one. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC!