I have mixed feelings about this one. I'd read the first of this series, and liked it, mainly due to the fact that I didn't see the nuclear war and resulting chaos happening -- it came out of the blue. This story is both a continuation of the family saga and some flashbacks, primarily to Daniel and Sam's journey to rejoin the family. Honestly, i was a little bored for most of the book. The mom felt a little shrewish and looking for fault everywhere, and I was having difficulty staying with the story. However, the last several chapters were partially redeeming -- there was some real emotions evident which made some sense and contributed to the story. I just wish more of the tale was like this.

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

A wonderful follow up on her last book ,very vivid scary at times ,certainly puts one thinking what would happen if the events in her books came to pass .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gripping. Emotional. Amazing.

Book #2 in the series that follows Alex and her family and how they survive after nuclear warfare has shaken the US and Canada. When your life is at stake, do you do what’s ‘right’ or do you try everything you can to survive? These characters grappled with those decisions practically every chapter. A number of chapters traveled back in time, when Daniel made the trek to go and find their son Sam at college, rescued him, and brought him back home. Those intense chapters made it very clear that America had turned into a war-torn desolate land.

One of the best books I’ve read this year! I tore through it in two days. Highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of this. It comes out in January 2025. Thanks to Storm Publishing, the author & NetGalley for this ARC. #booksbyashleynicole