Traveling down Route 66 you never know what you might find
5 out of 5
After an unknown virus sweeps the nation Vivian Thomas treks across the US in her old car. After her car breaks down she is forced to either try and walk to California or get a ride with two redneck brothers. She decides to do what is best for her and her daughter. Follow this unlikely band of “friends” on their journey. While on their way, they notice that the virus isn’t just killing people, it’s changing them.
The narration in this was done by Hillary Huber. Hillary does a great job voicing the character of Vivian. I really feel like the part of Vivian was written for Huber’s voice. It just fits it so well. The narration was a bit slow for my taste but by a hair. There were times when it didn’t bother me at all, and others where I chose to speed it up a bit. The quality was perfect. No problems or issues at all throughout.
I love a book about an unlikely hero (or survivor in this case). Vivian is really a cool chick. I liked her inner thoughts and the way that Huber spoke them to me. I also like a story that builds. This one definitely did that. You start by following her in the beginning not really knowing what is going on. Then they talk about traveling papers, and I was even more lost. Then she explained about the virus and that there was a “lockdown” and no one was allowed to travel without papers.
Personally, I like when the virus is better explained (I’m a big nerd about that kind of stuff). But, I totally understand why the author chose not to explain it (at least in this book). It allows the reader to insert anything into the original cause — allowing the reader/listener to make this about any virus (man-made or not).
Overall, I like a book that can start with nearly nothing but a character and a few thoughts — and build it into something that I feel for. I felt for Vivian. I felt for the brothers. I felt for the others that they met along the way. That, to me is the sign of an incredibly well written and thought out book.
My ONLY complaint (and if you read through my other reviews, this is a running issue with me) is that the book just ended. Thankfully I have books two and three to read to figure out what happens to these characters. But man, talk about an abrupt ending. I had a feeling the book was going to end near where it did, but not in the way that Mary wrote it… total cliffhanger.
Overall, a great book about camaraderie, friendship, family, love, and life. This book made me feel things. Any book that can do that is great in my book.
Book Description:
Broken World by Kate L. Mary
Narrator: Hillary Huber
Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
Series: Broken World #1
Published by Tantor Audio on March 17, 2015
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Zombie
Format: Audiobook
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When a deadly virus sweeps the country, Vivian Thomas sets out for California in hopes of seeing the daughter she gave up for adoption. Then her car breaks down, and she’s faced with a choice. Give up or accept a ride from redneck brothers Angus and Axl, but she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to reach her daughter.
The virus is spreading, and by the time the group makes it to California, most of the population has been wiped out. When the dead start coming back, Vivian has to figure out how to be a mother under the most frightening circumstances, cope with Angus’ aggressive mood swings, and sort out her growing attraction to his brooding younger brother, Axl.
While searching for a safe place to go, they pick up a pompous billionaire who may be the answer to all their problems. Trusting him means going into the middle of the Mojave Desert and possibly risking their lives, but with the streets overrun and nowhere else to turn, it seems he might be their only chance for survival….
I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Also by this author: Shattered World, Mad World, When We Were Human, MoonchildAlso in this series: Shattered World, Mad World
About The Author:
Kate L. Mary is an award-winning author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, ranging from Post-apocalyptic tales of the undead, to Speculative Fiction and Contemporary Romance. Her YA book, When We Were Human, was the 2015 Children’s Moonbeam Book Awards Silver Medal Winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction, and the 2016 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction. Fans of The Walking Dead won’t want to miss out on her Amazon Bestselling Broken World series, and the soon to come Twisted follow-up series.
