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Wholesome survivalist literature for young readers Dec 28, 2009
This is a story about a twelve year old boy and his young friend who survive a disease pandemic that wipes out nearly all of the earth's human population, and find themselves facing a variety of challenges and dangers on their way from a Missouri farm to California where they hope to find Kelin's parents alive. The account is totally plausible and extremely detailed. These boys are smart and use their heads to assess risks and make wise decisions. Of course they must be well armed and they must have appropriate transportation, so there is lots of stuff here about guns and vehicles and how to get gasoline. Just what a young teenager needs, right? Well, yes, because these boys turn out to be responsible, caring, non-violent, animal loving heroes. They are good kids facing a hostile world.
The author has carefully researched the factual elements of the story so there is no "willing suspension of disbelief" required of the reader. At first, there dosn't seem to be much in the way of character development but as the story unfolds the characters reveal themselves through their thoughts and actions. The reader shares in the reasoning behind every decision and action so the book teaches as well as entertains. The plot is fairly simple but is full of surprising twists and turns. There is even a touch of romance towards the end. The story is not dark like The Road or A Boy and his Dog or Lord of the Flies, yet fits into this select genre of survivalist fiction. The author has an obvious familiarity with animals, guns, ammunition, cars and geography that he draws upon, but it is his knowledge of young people that really sells the story.
This reviewer is a 68 year old man who still remembers what it was like to be twelve, so I could really identify with these kids. I wish I had this book to read when I was thirteen or fourteen.
Kelin's Journey review Nov 20, 2009
An intricate plot takes two youngsters, Kelin and Josh from one conflict to another and finally into the frying pan in John Evan's latest venture. Regardless of the pace, it is exciting to ride along with the boys through their adventure. The characters don't unfold or develop as in Evan's previous work but we do become endeared to them. A good story with subtle subplots.
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