Deedra exists. That's what most people do in this post-apocalyptic version of the earth. Everything has been destroyed. There's almost no sun. She must drag herself to work in a factory every day to receive her rations -- genetically engineered food. She also spends a great deal of time scavenging for things. No one knows much about the past, except everyone believes things now are much better than they used to be before the Red Rain. Huh. It's hard to believe that all traces of human history have been hidden from the general population.
During one of these adventures, she sees a boy trying to swim across a dangerous river. He gets into trouble and Deedra saves him. His name is Rose. He's very different, and Deedra is strangely attracted to him. They get separated when the "take cover" alarm is sounded, and Deedra and her friend must hide. She thinks she will never see Rose again. But that isn't the case.
As Deedra gets to know Rose, she realizes that there's something very different about him. Eventually he tells her his secret, but I'm not going to tell you what it is. It's very unique -- and strange -- and I'm not sure I like it. Rose tries to convince Deedra that the world used to be a much better place, and that it's possible for things to get better. Bad things happen, and Rose is accused of murder. Deedra tries to figure out a way to save him.
There are more elements to the story that add some interest. After the Red Rain just didn't wow me. I found it kind of boring. I think it's because I just didn't buy into the premise. After the Red Rain seems to be a set up for a series. And probably a movie. I haven't decided if I'll continue with it.
After the Red Rain will interest die-hard dystopian fans for sure. I enjoyed the book, but even with some unique elements, I just didn't love it.
Published by Little, Brown, BFYR (August 4, 2015)
eARC obtained from Edelweiss and NetGalley
400 pages
Rating: 3/5
As
Original dystopian stories are hard to find. This one sounds a little TOO weird, though. Maybe I'll give it a go, maybe I won't ... hmmm ...
ReplyDeleteThere are just too many good books out there to waste time on ones that aren't that good. I'll pass.
ReplyDelete