Review: Another Epic Experience!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 29, 2012
I was amongst the lucky ones to have discovered the first book in this series just shortly before the second one was about to be released. I say that because after having now experienced my second immersion into the world of the Blue Plague I can honestly say that I know I will end up re-reading both the first and second books repeatedly to fill the void of overwhelming curiousity as I await the next installment in this series! While it is not as full of non-stop fighting and adventure as the first book was, the extra depth of character development and insight into the primary characters, especially Bruce and Debbie, more than make up for the change of pace. Like the first though this book had me feeling extremely close to the characters in this series, to the point where my actual moods were affected by what was happening in the novel... there were times I felt anger based upon how some people were treated, saddened at the loss of others, and laughing uncontrollably with many of the antics too! Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of fighting for life, against not only the infected, but also the dregs of society who have turned this downturn in society into their own personal opportunities to murder, rape and pillage... While I know there are some who seem to read the books and say they are too violent, especially the way the children of the family in the book were raised, or that the violence that Bruce is sometimes consumed by is too extreme, to that I can only say that all of my children were raised with strong self defense skills, survival in the woods skills, as well as having learned how to respectfully handle guns from the time they were in their early teens. By no means to the level that the children of the family in the Blue Plague series are, but I am relieved that all of my kids are more than capable of protecting themselves in the world we live in now... if TEOTWAWKI should arise, at least they would have a fighting chance. As for Bruce when he `rides the wave` I admire his ability to distance himself, despite the cost those acts of violence take on his heart and soul, and just do whatever he needs to in order to protect the ones he loves, or has taken it upon himself to protect. They are military based fathers who have chosen to hand down their training and knowledge, but they are also very much caring Christians who are living the Golden Rule even when doing so could reduce their own chances of survival, such as thru depleting their supplies as they continue to rescue more people. I know one thing, if the SHTF and the Blues were running rampant, I sure as hell would want to have a Bruce, Mike, Debbie or Nancy (or any of their family for that matter) in my corner, or better yet coming around to where I would probably be huddled in fear and showing up to save me and my loved ones! I absolutely love the portrayal of strong women who stand side by side, equal to their men yet still every inch women, even when in full combat gear! I love even more the portrayal of men who can be cuddly, playful and gentle one moment, then absolute non-stop warriors ready to protect their family, both by blood and choice,in the next! I thought I had gotten to know, and so enjoy this family, and the characters added along the way in the first book, but after this addition I realized that I feel like I have gotten to not only know, but become emotionally invested in this entire extended family... from the impish little PJ, to the rapidly evolving Stephanie, and of course the ever feisty Millie, just to name a few. All of them people I feel like I have spent a great deal of time with and cannot wait to get the chance to do so again with in the future! I love absolutely everything (and everyone) this book, and the first are about, and will be waiting with bated breath every day until the next book comes out! Another five star book from an incredible author who I firmly believe will become more widely known with each book he releases!