Review: A phenomenal finish
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 3, 2014
Over a century after going dark, Silo 49 soldiers on. In that time they've turned their attention toward mapping out as much of the landscape surrounding them as possible. To accomplish this, runners train and compete on a yearly basis for the privilege of donning one of the suits originally meant for cleaning and making their run. It's a dangerous, laborious process, one that sees them rewarded and revered as heroes of the Silo for the rest of their days and beyond. Enter Lillian and Leo, two cousins who present more as twins and want nothing more than for one of them to be Race Year 89's runner. The training is meticulously detailed, and the element of sport it infuses into the Silo as people gather to cheer for their favorite runners is refreshing and original. Some have said they felt this slowed down the narrative, but I found it a fascinating part of the story. Besides, the wait is worth it, as Ann really opens up the throttle in the last quarter of the book. And the ending! Wow! Obviously I won't spoil it for you because that would make me the worst reviewer ever, but suffice it to say it's good. Damn good. I can't wait to read Ann's next book, but until then I wouldn't be surprised to find myself revisiting Silo 49 again.