BOOK REVIEW: SUNRISE by Mike Mullin

SUNRISE
Mike Mullin
Tanglewood Press
539 pp.
Ages 14 +

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions. 

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever — and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.

MY REVIEW:

Mike Mullin's Ashfall trilogy is as hefty as the topic it tackles - the eruption of the Yellowstone super volcano and the mass destruction that ensues. The entire story follows teenager Alex and his slightly older girlfriend and fellow survivor, Darla. Books I, Ashfall, and II, Ashen Winter, were both packed solid with non-stop action and harrowing near-deadly misses. The third book, Sunrise, is less action and more long-term survival, though there is more than enough guts and gore in this one too. Heartwrenching mass slaughters, piles of cannabilized human remains, and one particular scene where I quite literally scolded the non-present author, "No! You can't DO that!" But he did. Mike Mullin does not pull his punches.

Despite the 500+ page count, I was never bored. In fact I could hardly put the thing down!  I am actually sad that we have come to the end of the trilogy because I've been so invested in Alex and the future of the super volcano survivors. A great read! I highly recommend it.

CONTENT RATING:

Profanity: Moderate
Violence:  High
Sexuality:  Moderate