Collapse

Author: Angela D. Shelton
Genre: Young Adult
Series: Collapse Series #1
Pages: 238
Release Date: March 25, 2022
Publisher: Two Oaks Publishing

2023 Christian Indie Awards First Place in the Young Adult Category
2022 Angel Award Winner in the Young Adult Category

Jan Worthington’s life was once one of normalcy and routine until the variant swept across the globe, leaving destruction in its wake.

As society crumbles around her, Jan’s trust becomes either her greatest strength or her gravest weakness. With the looming threat of marauders on her doorstep, Jan must choose her allies carefully in order to protect what little she has left.

The Collapse Series, an action-packed young adult saga, follows Jan on her journey through a post-apocalyptic world as she fights to keep her family safe amidst chaos and devastation.

Join award-winning author Angela D. Shelton, in this gripping alternate reality and discover the unparalleled power of familial bonds in the face of destruction.

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Reviewer: Nikita Wells

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16

4 stars for this book! This one was pretty good and is the first book in a new series.

The cover first drew me to this book, and the story pulled me in quickly! While it's set in a post-virus and dystopian era, it wasn't depressing or too violent, which I appreciated.

I enjoyed reading about Jan and her family as they worked to grow and preserve food for themselves as well as to trade and barter with others at the local market. Their determination, teamwork, and grit were admirable and made for a great book.

The only thing I didn't like in this book was the brief bit of mild language, (sucked, butt, and another word that was more name-calling but was just kind of cruel and gross). Otherwise, this made for a good read, and I'm ready to read the next book in this series as soon as I can.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary e-book I received through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

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Reviewer: Beverly Laude

I am a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, and I'm always looking for those with a unique story. This is the first book I have read in this genre that has a faith-based focus. Aimed at a young adult (or even younger) audience, the book is also enjoyable for those of us who are far older than the target group!

Jan Worthington was a normal teenager when a disease called The Variant swept through, killing many and changing her world forever. In fact, her own mother nearly died from the disease. The author mentions COVID-19 and the recent pandemic that we have all experienced and ties it into this story well.

Fortunately, Jan's parents had purchased a farm and had a thriving enterprise going, bartering for trade at the local market with their homegrown produce and cattle. The book focuses a lot on the running of the farm and would be informative for people who have never experienced that type of life.

Mostly, Jan misses her friends and the fun they had before everything changed. When she discovers a young boy stealing peas on their farm, she opens her heart to him. But she soon becomes disillusioned when this act of kindness causes her family a lot of hardship. Jan's mother has held onto her faith in God, while her father isn't so sure. As Jan loses her friends and her trust in others, she has to learn to rely on God to guide her decisions. As her mother says, "Forgiveness isn't for the other person. It's for the person who has the forgiving to do."

As with all books in this genre, you also have groups of people who are willing to do anything to take away the good things people have amassed. Jan and her family have to deal with the violence that is threatening their way of life while retaining their humanity and love.

The book is fast-paced and easy to read, and it should be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of this genre. It is full of friendship, love, forgiveness, and trust and gives the reader a lot to think about as they become immersed in this post-apocalyptic world. "Because when we forgive others, it frees our hearts to love again."

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Two Oaks Publishing through Interviews & Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion.

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