Synopsis:

After a terrible virus ravages the planet, Carly Daniels, one of the few survivors, hides in her apartment in Juneau trying to survive the best she can with only occasional forays to gather food. With her is Sam, a wolf puppy she found starving on the streets. He becomes her companion and a reason to continue when giving up sometimes seems like the more attractive option. Still dazed with shock and grief, she hopes for the world to go back to normal soon.

She is discovered by Justin, an ex-soldier who is intent on making his way to Florida before the winter sets in. Justin coaxes her out of her hiding place and convinces her to join him on his journey, because a warmer climate will be their best chance  against the extremes of Mother Nature.

Together, they begin a perilous journey through a nation laid to waste by the disaster. Challenges abound along the way. The weather, injury, and shortage of supplies all help to slow them down. In time, they discover that they aren’t the only survivors. Some are friendly but some have had their minds destroyed by the high fever. Then there are those who simply take what they want, leaving Carly and Justin with no choice but to defend what is theirs.

But their journey is not without joy and love. Together, they face every struggle, including an unplanned pregnancy. Despite the perils of bringing a child into a world of chaos, their baby is a new beginning for themselves and a symbol of hope for the other survivors they find along the way.

This is the story of their journey to find a place to begin a new life, and a home in each other.

Review:

I’m not even sure how to sum up my thoughts on this book…..WOW is what comes to mind but that seems so understated.  I normally don’t read this genre (end of the world/apocalypse) but had read Ghostwriter by Lissa and thought I would check out this book too.  The characters are very real and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next.  Now I was a little surprised that Carly’s “dog” was so protective since it was a wolf and you would have thought other instincts would have come out, but this is fiction so anything can happen.  I was rooting for Justin and Carly hoping that there wouldn’t be a sad ending.  I don’t want to give it away (so I won’t) but the ending is good…but left me wanting more!  However, there is supposed to be a sequel to this book called The Beginning…I sure hope so because I want to know what happens to all of the characters!

I give this book 5 paws and suggest picking it up as soon as you can!

About Lissa:

Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete’s foot…. though only in her head.

Real life isn’t so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing.

Her first novel, Ghostwriter was released October 11, 2012, and her second, The End of All Things, will be released on January 24, 2013.

You can find her here:  Facebook * Goodreads * Her Blog