New YA Dystopian literature

 

The Way of the Cicadas

Audrey Henley

ISBN: 9798986187907
Paperback, $15.99
Ebook, $9.99
April, 2023, 358 pp, Monodon Books
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads/Amazon
Bookbub 
Google: 

About the Book:

An amnesiac survivor proves the outside's habitability and spurs a group of bunker-borns on a gritty journey through an irradiated wasteland in this tense and poignant post-apocalyptic-perfect for fans of The 100 and Station Eleven.

Ten years after nuclear war devastated the United States, Hayden is bored of the meager rations, recycled air, and sterile light of the bunker he's called home since childhood.

But when Brita, a mysterious woman with no long-term memory, becomes the first outsider to stumble upon the bunker, she proves to the underground city that the surface isn't as hostile as those in power let on. Her arrival sets off a chain reaction that causes Hayden, Brita, and a handful of other residents to emerge.

The outside world is teeming with life, but also with danger they never anticipated. After an outside survivor betrays the group, they're imprisoned by a military faction with the key to Brita's identity. For Hayden to save his friends, he must uncover a past Brita would rather never remember-along with secrets the bunker sheltered them from all these years.

My Review:

Wonderfully imaginative and slightly too-real addition to dystopian fiction. In the near future the worst has come to pass with nuclear war across the planet. Those who planned for it ahead of time include researchers and government agencies who built underground bunkers. The less fortunate took their chances above ground. Ten years pass and one of the underground colonies is reaching the supply limit. Severe rationing doesn't sound appealing to most of the colonists, and for one brave group of teens, it's time to go out scouting...especially when an amnesiac young stranger knocks on the door, lost, proving that some life still exists out there. When the group of brave young people set off for their former home to gather anything useful, they run into a society of devastation, lies, and the depths of depravity in their strange new world. First of a planned series. Excellent world building and characters that will stay with you. Recommended for high school-age and up due to potentially frightening situations, mild sex, violence, and language. Caution for an intense murder. The author includes trigger warnings in the back of the book. Well-written and designed book.

About the Author:

Audrey Henley is an infamous hobby collector, but her favorite has always been writing. A former production assistant at a university press, she now works as a project manager and freelance copywriter and copy editor.

The Grief Support Book

 

The Grief Support Book

Lindsey Bussie
 
52 pp
9.99 print
ebook
 
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads
Amazon 
 
About the Book
During a time of loss, the bereaved are trying to cope with their loved one being gone, making arrangements for services, the loved one’s possessions, paperwork, and more– all while trying to do their day-to-day. Dishes, yard work, caring for animals, whatever it may be, these day-to-day tasks may seem insurmountable under the weight of grief.
We can’t stop the pain, or fill the void. But we can help out. The Grief Support Book is a practical way to help those who have lost someone. In this book you’ll
Printable lists of chores, tasks, and ways to help.
Explanations of situations that the bereaved may come across and how you can help.
Personal accounts from people who have lost someone, how they felt and what helped them out.
Checklist of paperwork that needs to be done when someone passes away.
And more…
 
My review
Excellent short guide for practical and emotional dealing with those who've experienced death of a close person; especially if you are called upon to help with estate and physically dealing with the personal arrangements. To the point, filled with quotes and advice. Printable, usable checklist.
 
About the Author
Lindsey loves people and pets, having a small collection of children, dogs, cats, chickens and one husband at home. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she spent her childhood running around the forests and fields of her childhood home. If she wasn’t outside, she was buried in a book. Her adolescent love for playing outdoors turned into a passion for natural health and sustainable living. When she’s not parenting or writing, you’ll probably find her reading, crocheting, or elbows deep in her garden.