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.

This book was a wild ride—suspenseful, thrilling, and deeply impactful! It perfectly illustrates the lengths people will go to in order to protect their families and survive against all odds. I found myself on the edge of my seat, fully immersed in the fast-paced storyline and captivating concept. Blake Crouch really knows how to pull you in!

Even though it’s based on his debut novel, this version felt fresh and exciting, compelling me to read it in one sitting. I can’t wait to share it with my friends who love thrillers and suspense as much as I do. I received this ARC from NetGalley and Ballantine Books, and I genuinely loved every moment of it!

My husband loved this book and really enjoyed how immersed he got in the story. He couldn’t put it down! Blake Crouch is an auto buy author for him.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on October 22, 2024.

This narrative presents an engaging and swift reading experience, characterized as a gripping apocalyptic thriller that can be unsettling at times. Each chapter is replete with intense action sequences that effectively showcase the resilience and bravery of the characters as they navigate a world filled with peril. The emphasis on their determination to overcome adversity is a central theme that resonates throughout the story.

However, despite my admiration for Blake Crouch and his previous works, I must express that this book ranks as my least favorite among his offerings. Several aspects of the plot felt disjointed, leaving me with lingering questions even after I finished reading. Certain narrative threads appeared unresolved, contributing to a sense of confusion regarding the overall storyline.

Moreover, the pacing began to feel repetitive, as the structure of the plot followed a predictable cycle: characters would run from danger, seek shelter, scavenge for food and water, and confront various threats, only to repeat these actions. This cyclical nature ultimately diminished the suspense, making the story feel formulaic and less engaging as I progressed. As the tension waned, I found myself less invested in the characters’ fates.

While the action sequences are undeniably compelling, the repetitive nature of the storyline detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. Crouch's ability to craft thrilling scenarios is evident, but a more varied approach to the narrative could have significantly enhanced the reading experience. In summary, while the book has its merits, it ultimately fell short of the expectations set by Crouch's earlier works.

I feel like this is false advertising and not a new release. This is a very old book by Blake Crouch.