This story is set in a post apocalyptic America in 2045. Two separate viruses have swept through leaving 80% of the population dead and at risk of contacting yet another disease, ‘Disease X’.

The book follows a character named Will and his animal companions as he is sent on a mission across the West with a cure for ‘Disease X’ to be delivered to a scientist trying to help infected patients. Will meets friends and foes along the way and learns a lot about himself.

During his journey Will meets a young orphaned girl named Sophie and she decides to come with him on his journey in order to escape an unfortunate future for herself.

One of my favorite parts of this book was Will’s understanding of his animal companions, cat and raven. They have a very interesting dynamic and have developed a sort of ‘found family’ and add Sophie to this when they meet her along the way.

Overall, I think this book was very engaging and kept my attention easily. I listened to this audiobook in one sitting, no problem. Although this wasn’t my usual type of read, I really enjoyed it and think it would make an excellent movie. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in dystopian and apocalyptic settings. It was an overall great read!

I want to thank NetGalley, Cary Grover, and the Spiegel & Grau for making it possible for me to read the ARC for this book.

2.5 stars. At first I wanted to blame the narrator for how robotic and unemotional the book was, but I now think it was the writing. There is a really good chance this book wasn’t written for me, and I acknowledge that, but I have never come across a more tame (and I’m sorry, but boring) post-apocalyptic world. There were times I was pulled into the story but then there would be long sections talking about unrelated or unimportant details and it would lose me again. The last 15% was better, but still wasn’t enough of a twist for me. Lots of potential, but missed the mark for me

The Way by @carygroner
Dystopian wasteland where the natural world has taken back its territory with a few of mankind's twists mixed in. A journey across the country with mule power proves treacherous not only physically but emotionally. A witty narrator with an affinity for books and knowledge, with gifts that verge on the line of insanity, makes you question him along with the world as it could be. A quest that in itself may seem mundane but brings many trials requiring fast thinking and a sprinkle of luck entertains the mind. This story has many lovable characters including Cassie, the strong willed cat companion who isn't afraid to speak her mind and Peau the free spirited bird with an excellent sense of direction. I loved the interactions between the characters and the plot was very gripping.

Unfortunately, I gave the book until about halfway through, so a decent try but ultimately had to DNF. The premise sounded very interesting, but the story was so drawn out and just very dull. It took a good chunk to figure out what the virus was that wiped everything out and by then I just really was not interested. The narrarator did not help matters either as his voice was droning and did not contribute any livliness to the story.