Review: An intriguing, well -written and enjoyable story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 30, 2013
Dark DaysI have actually wondered about such a premise as in this novel - a wipe-out of all things electronic and the end of society as we know it.The story takes place over one week, during which the likaeable protagonists - Christopher and Gemma - travel 300 miles to the town where they both grew up, to be with family and particularly with Christopher's son, CJ. Christopher, who has issues from a former marriage, is not prepared to admit that the child might be his. Gemma is determined that he will face up to his responsibility as the child's mother has died.Their trip is fraught with danger, as people realise what has actually happened and that they have to fight for water and food - and that many will not survive. I thought maybe the stealing of livestock came a little too soon in the catastrophe - the plot covers only one week. IMO, stealing livestock would come after that - thought not too much later.On the way, Gemma and Christopher get to know each other all over again as frightening incidents with predatory people are balanced with the kindness of the good. I was interested in how vulnerable the main characters were - most plots would have them extremely gung-ho. I liked that Christopher doesn't know how to shoot a gun.This makes his character softer and more likeable than if he were depicted as an over-the-top macho man, though he's not a wimp by any means.When a gunshot wound is fixed,I thought at first they were in a hospital, but it was actually small surgery.It would have to be a large clinic to be able to do the surgery involved in such an extensive wound. The fact that it was a small town doctor's rooms was not entirely believable, although rural accidents can be bad.However, this novel is very well edited and constructed and I look forward to the author's next work.Recommended!