Run by Blake Crouch is pure adrenaline and unrelenting horror from start to finish. Crouch thrusts readers into a nightmare that’s disturbingly immersive, keeping you hooked as you navigate each harrowing page. Are there moments that feel repetitive? At times. But that same relentless pacing and sheer terror are what make this book so gripping. Some scenes are brutal, perhaps even too vivid, yet it’s precisely Crouch’s ability to evoke such a visceral reaction that stands out. If you’re up for a chilling, pulse-pounding ride, Run delivers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is actually my first book by Blake Crouch -- he's been on my TBR for years and I was excited to receive an early copy of this one.

This book was not for me. It did build and hold suspense, but I found that I didn't care a lot about what was happening because I didn't care about the characters. I could have used some more character development up-front so I felt invested. There were some parts that are pretty graphic and gruesome -- they didn't bother me but I know that's not for everyone.

Despite not loving this book, I will check out Blake Crouch's more popular books and read what he comes out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

People in the US have suddenly gone on a murderous rampage and when Jacks name is called on the radio to be killed, he grabs his family and some supplies and runs. His wife, Dee, and their 2 children seek safety, food and shelter. It’s about the will to survive and what we would do to save those we love.

The premise was interesting but the execution was just okay. This was previously a self published book that is being re-released and his later work is much better. The story was a bit repetitive and there were too many lucky breaks throughout. The family was fine but could have been more fleshed out and likable so you wanted to root for them more. It was a quick pace and full of action. I like apocalyptic books and this did make me feel anxious with no power, scarcity of food, and the threat of being attacked at all times. However, the ending was far fetched and not satisfying.

Five days ago, the epidemic of rage began. Four days ago, senseless murders swept the nation. Three days ago, the President addressed the nation and begged for peace. Two days ago, the killers began to mobilize. One day ago, the power went out.

Tonight, the killers are reading out names of those to be killed over the Emergency Broadcast System.

Jack heard his name over the radio and knows people are coming to his house to kill his family. He has no idea why, but he knows he has to run.

This is a thrilling read, and definitely makes you question how you would behave in a crazy situation. The only bad thing is, the plot is a little overdone in my opinion. I read Dark Matter by this author and loved it, so definitely wanted to give this one a try. I would prefer Dark Matter to this one, but still an enjoyable read. Would recommend!

Fast=paced dystopian story about the love of family and the will to live against impossible odds. I have read and enjoyed all of Crouch's Sci-Fi books and was anxious to read this one. I just found out this is his first book, self-published and rereleased. It does lack some of the character development of his other books but I found it exciting and a bit sad. Jack and Dee are a married couple with a teenage daughter and young son. Their marriage has been in trouble and Dee has been having an affair. But all of that is tossed to the side when the family finds out people are going mad and killing each other; possibly related to some bright lights seen in the sky. Not everyone has seen these lights but those who have became violent.

Most of the novel is about Jack and his family as they struggle from New Mexico towards Canada across deserts and mountains to try to survive as throngs of violent, armed people chase them and everyone else who is not part of "them". Jack and Dee must constantly search for food, water and shelter as their cars become riddled with bullets and their kids become exhausted with hunger and fear. The story is a bit repetitive at times as they continue to find shelter and bits of food only to be shot at and have to hide and start out again. I liked the strength of all of the members of this family as they were determined to stay together and survive. Great ending! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC for review.

I love Blake Crouch, but I should’ve read more closely that this was a rerelease of a previously self-published novel. It’s clear in the writing that he wasn’t his currently fully-polished self yet, and while it worked in his Wayward Pines series for me years ago, it didn’t work as well in this one. Still propulsive and enjoyable, but I’ll stick to his newer releases from here on out!

An interesting read on finding out what you would do to save your family in the midst of great upheaval in your normal life.

Jack tunes into the radio, awaiting his name, knowing he's next on the list for elimination. His family's in peril amidst a raging epidemic that started five days ago, with rampant murders defying the president's call for calm. Upon hearing his name, Jack knows instant flight is crucial. This thriller captivated me, with Jack's character development and desperate measures to shield his loved ones feeling authentic, though certain aspects felt excessively chaotic. Nonetheless, I backed Jack's valiant fight through widespread hysteria to rescue his family.

I really enjoyed how fast paced and unique this book was! Not like anything ever ever read before, and his books always keep you guessing

This one had such a promising premise and I was ready for a wild ride! But honestly? It fell flat for me.

The tension was there, and I appreciate a good edge-of-your-seat thriller, but the writing, characters, and dialogue left much to be desired. I found myself cringing at some of the dialogue and the choices the characters made. There were moments when I wished certain characters would just… disappear.

The ending? Let’s just say it didn’t do it for me. I came away feeling unsatisfied, and that’s a big letdown after a buildup like that. While I loved Crouch’s Dark Matter and Wayward Pines, this one didn’t hit the mark.

There were some cool settings that reminded me of places I’ve lived and traveled, which I appreciated. But the fact that Yellowstone was mentioned without naming it felt like a weird oversight.

In short, I think I’ll stick to Crouch’s newer works. If you’re looking for a gripping read, there are definitely better options out there!

The story follows Jack Colclough, a man who is forced to flee his home after a mysterious announcement on the radio warns of impending danger. As Jack and his family embark on a perilous journey, they must navigate a world where the lines between good and evil have blurred, and trust is a scarce commodity.

Crouch's writing is masterful, and he effortlessly weaves a complex and intricate story that will keep you guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and believable, and their struggles and fears resonate deeply. The pacing is perfect, and the tension builds steadily throughout the book, culminating in a thrilling climax.

"Run" is a must-read for fans of apocalyptic thrillers and suspenseful fiction. It is a thought-provoking and chilling novel that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Thank you to the publisher for my ARC!

Wow! This story. The craziness starts right in the first few chapters. Imagine watching the world around you fall into chaos and not know what is happening, just that you need to run. I did not realize when I started this read that it was a re-release of one of Blake Crouch’s first novels. He did a great job of creating a great story line with shock, emotion and a family brought back from devastation. Thank you for the ARC, so happy to have had the chance to read this story.

High octane and scary. Those are the words I would use to describe this book. The premise is scary as hell and while I kind of liked it, it was also hard work for me.

This was my first by Crouch and I’ve only ever heard good things but holy hell, I just wanted it to be over. Don’t get me wrong, I think Crouch can write because the stress of it all was at times too much and I wanted to abandon it more than once. To make me feel that way means he did his job well. So if you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire duration, I suppose you don't have to look any further than this.

Wow…actually too gory for me but it did keep me reading. Talk about an endless road trip gone bad…this is it. The premise of the effects of the aurora borealis was intriguing but their escape was just one gory event after another. I could definitely feel their hunger and thirst though. Did not realize that this was his first book until the end. I have enjoyed his more recent books which means he has been successful.
Thanks to Blake Crouch, Macmillan, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this one, originally published in 2011.

This book just solidified for me that I love this author. The mix of post apocalyptic and sci-fi with real relationships was just amazing. I flew thru this book because I was constantly wanting to know what happened next. The way he writes people and their conversations is so real nothing forced just for plot or to move the story along. I was praying for everyone throughout the entire book.

This apocalyptic thriller is a fast read and entertaining. This book was first published in 2011 and I’ve found I like Crouch’s later works much better. Dark Matter, first published in 2016, is one of my favorites. While Run is high energy, as a family races to find a way to survive and there is plenty of horrific moments, it is missing the finesse of Crouch’s later works. It’s not bad, more like a low budget streaming movie, I would recommend to fans of apocalypse themed horror.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing, Ballantine for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

I became a Blake Crouch fan back in 2016 with Dark Matter. Ever since, I've eagerly devoured each of his releases, captivated by his knack for blending high-concept thrillers with deeply developed characters. So, when I received a copy of Run from his publisher, I was quick to dive in. Only after some research did I realize this was actually a reissue of one of his earlier novels from 2011, predating most of the breakout hits that first drew me to his work. I was curious to see how this early book would stack up against the Crouch novels I've come to know and love.

The country has spiraled into utter chaos. Each day, violence spreads like wildfire, with people turning on each other in a frenzy, and no one is safe. Jack huddles in his powerless home, surrounded by his family, listening to the ominous voice of the Emergency Broadcast System announcing the names of those targeted for death. His blood runs cold when his own name is read. Now marked for death with a family to protect, Jack has no choice. He doesn’t know why he’s been targeted, but only one option remains—to run for their lives.

I went into Run expecting one of Blake Crouch’s trademark high-concept sci-fi thrillers but was immersed in a tense, post-apocalyptic survival story instead. Unlike his recent books, this one doesn’t rely on significant twists or reveals. Instead, it dives into the raw, unflinching experience of a family on the run as civilization crumbles around them. While it’s undeniably gripping—a fast-paced and often brutal journey—it feels more like an intense thrill ride than a story with lasting depth. Run is a quick, captivating read, but one that probably won’t leave a lasting impact once the final page is turned.

I greatly enjoyed the premise of this book. This was a unique take on the apocalypse and gives readers an inside look at some of the obstacles one might face when trying to survive such an event. I understand this is an older book of Blake Crouch's and has just recently been re-published. I think the book would have benefitted from further editing before re-publishing. Several areas are choppy and flow poorly, and there are many points in the book where I found myself skimming because nothing important was really happening. All-in-all, a great premise, but the execution was off. This certainly does not compare to some of the author's more recent works!

Thank you to the publisher for this early release copy of Run by Blake Crouch. I loved Recursion and Dark Matter so I was excited to read this one. I enjoyed reading this and thought the story was fast paced. It did feel different from his 2 more recent books. I found out at the end in his afterword that this was a previous novel of his that had only been self published. This made more sense to me as I believe he has grown as a writer since writing this. I would have preferred knowing this going in so I would have managed my expectations better. I did like the story and it is worth the read.

3.5 stars! I enjoyed this book, but I was hoping to learn more about the WHY. We're essentially thrown into this chaotic world with no understanding of what's going on (which, I understand in us learning with the characters). At some point, additional context/background would've been helpful.