thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

A thought-provoking dystopian novel set in a future ravaged by a zombie-like plague. Davis-Goff's story doesn't concern itself primarily with the zombies, but with the communities forming in the wake of the "zombie-apocalypse". There are deep thoughts here about freedom and oppression, about the human need for safety and community, and how we are capable of both love and compassion, as well as treachery and cruelty. The tight focus on individuals, and a small group of "banshee" fighters gives this book a unique and incisive angle. While there is much darkness here, the book does not become grim-dark, but finds the light coming through the cracks of a broken world.

In The Last Ones Left Alive Orpen journeyed across a zombie (referred to here as Skrake) filled dystopian Ireland to find the home of the mythical Banshees, paired women fighters that were featured in posters touting their fighting capabilities. Orpen succeeded, but not without loss and hardship. Silent City picks up where The Last Ones Left Alive ended, showing how Orpen adjusts to life in Phoenix City. It is a place focused on survival where man is just as much a threat to life as the zombie menace.

While the narrative picks up right at the end of the prior book, there is then a leap forward of six years time. The new setting shows Orpen, the last known human survivor to reach the city as she has adjusted to living amongst a much wider population than she was used to. The city lives under many threats: disease outbreaks, lack of resources especially food, dwindling numbers of people and of course the Skrake. The city is protected by a wall that is constantly maintained, those contributing to the city are divided in to many different classes or factions with those higher up having more of a privileged life. The leaders are all male, the Banshees are the enforcers who used to be sent out on missions to search for supplies but have not been out for along time. There are also farmers, tradesmen and a class known as Breeders.

By the events of the book whatever event caused the spread of the Skrake has long since past. Ireland is depopulated and the Banshees have picked clean most of the available salvage. Those in Phoenix City are trying to make due and survive, but not all have to struggle equally. An unknown group or faction is also striking out under the shelter of darkness attacking and permanently wounding members of the ruling group.

Davis-Goff writes the book as narrated by Orpen, revealing her inner life and how since coming to the city she has struggled to be near so many other people. Where at first she was incapacitated by anxiety by the physical nearness she has learned to cope, or at least function. She has also struggled to open up to her Banshee squad, but has revealed a good bit of her past to her partner.

Orpen's Banshee squad undertakes a risky, rogue mission to seek supplies, if successful they'll be forgiven, if they fail it could mean their death. Orpen seems to be a rising star in the society. Will she give in to the opportunities and comforts of power? Or will she renounce it all and return to the sheltered island of her youth?

A more nuanced look at post apocalyptic survival that asks us to wonder what it means to survive and what it is to be human, but follows the general tropes of a heroes journey with an ending open enough to continue the series.

So I did not know that this was a sequel, and I REALLY wish it had been marked as such. I read reviews that said that you can kind of figure it out, but I don't feel like that is fair for reviewing purposes, so I wanted to read the first book first. I bought the first book, but I won't have time to read it and the sequel before it releases. I won't be rating this book elsewhere until I have read them both, but since NG makes me I am just rating it for now. I will update! And publishers, pretty please let us know when books are sequels so we can plan accordingly! I don't want to be unfair to the author, you know?

This is a short read with a lot going on. The world is imaginative and finds interesting ways to explore feminism and power dynamics. If you enjoy kick ass women and sad dystopian world's this one's for you!

"Silent City" by Sarah Davis-Goff is a gripping and thought-provoking apocalyptic novel that explores themes of survival, friendship, and societal oppression.

Set in a world plagued by a deadly infection, the story follows Orpen, a young woman living in Phoenix City, the last bastion of civilization in Ireland. Within the walls of Phoenix City, survivors of the skrake infection are protected from the outside dangers, but they also face a tyrannical rule that oppresses its inhabitants. Orpen, along with a group of fierce women called the banshees, works to maintain order and keep the city safe. However, when Orpen witnesses a public execution that shakes her beliefs, she is faced with a difficult decision: to continue living under the oppressive regime or to risk everything for the hope of freedom beyond the city's walls.

Sarah Davis-Goff's writing is both evocative and immersive, drawing readers into a bleak yet compelling world. The descriptions of the post-apocalyptic landscape and the tense atmosphere within Phoenix City are vivid and haunting. The character of Orpen is a strong and relatable protagonist who carries the weight of her choices and struggles with her desire for justice and freedom.

The novel excels in its exploration of power dynamics, gender roles, and the consequences of living under authoritarian rule. The portrayal of the banshees, an all-female force, adds depth to the narrative by showcasing the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity. The ethical dilemmas and moral choices the characters grapple with resonate with the reader, making them question what they would do in similar circumstances.

The pacing of the story is well-paced, with moments of tension and action interspersed with introspection and character development. The themes of friendship and loyalty add emotional depth to the narrative, and the relationships between characters are well-crafted and realistic.

"Silent City" offers a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre, focusing on social and political themes while delivering an engaging and suspenseful story. The book's feminist themes and strong, complex characters make it a standout in the genre. It's a thought-provoking read that prompts readers to reflect on the implications of power, sacrifice, and the fight for justice in dire circumstances.

I suppose any end of the world a’la zombie type creatures is going to give off “The Last of Us” and “The Walking Dead” vibes, and “Silent City” certainly does that. But what makes this tale unique is the female prism through which we see this crumbling world. The women who cripple the men. The women who are called upon to keep populating the earth. The women who are the grubby hands of management. The women who finally decide “enough’s enough” and start a revolution. At the end of the day, despite that interesting angle, this book did not become a new favorite—I was bored by the exposition and felt almost nothing for the characters—but from a curiosity standpoint, I wanted to see what would happen to Orpen (the FMC) as she decides what to do with her scrappy little life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron books for the opportunity to read rate and review this arc which is available October 17,2023.

A feminist apocalyptic story about fighting the fight against injustice, shady tyrannical cities and saving loved ones.

It is set in Ireland where a plague has overrun the country. Orpen is the main character. They live in an oppressive city state called Phoenix city. Orpen is a member of the Banshees, an all female fighting force that hunts the Skrake. One bite and you are donesies.

It was okay. I am all for feminine empowerment but what I am not for is tedious femininism with no true reason. Like Girl Power but not at the sake of the story.

A bleak, post-apocalptic world full of badass women taking up for each other and the oppressed, always down for that. It was enjoyable but nothing outstanding. I didn't know it was a sequel, so I was a little lost on a few things, but the author does a good enough job of explaining things that I was caught up pretty quick. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read the first book, but because I didn't, I didn't really connect with Orpen much. The other characters were interesting but not very deep, and neither was the story itself, just your standard revolution and exodus. Yay for queer rep, though! Interesting enough to enjoy one read-through, but not enough for me to want to read the first book or purchase a physical copy.

Silent City sucks you in from the first page and keeps you invested until the very end. Orpen, the outlier, is brought to Phoenix City years after the end of the world as we know it. Orpen has a unique perspective on justice and teamwork in their society. There are action packed moments and sweet found family elements! Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC of this book!

Engaging and immersive. A recommended purchase for collections where adult dystopian fiction is popular.