The Apocalypse Seven: A Journey Through Chaos and Connection
I stumbled upon The Apocalypse Seven by James A. Moore during a recent browsing session on NetGalley, and boy, did it intrigue me! The premise—a motley crew of survivors waking up to find themselves in a deserted world—had me hooked. After weeks of not reviewing anything, I felt a twinge of excitement to dive into a story that promised mystery, adventure, and an exploration of human resilience. And although I found it lacking in some aspects, it offered an intriguing reflection on the fragility of our existence.
The opening scene thrusts us into the perspective of Robbie, who awakens in an eerily quiet dorm with an unsettling sense of unease. With overgrown plants and a lone deer on the road, the story sets the tone for the disorienting journey ahead. This is the world of the Apocalypse Seven, a ragtag group consisting of characters like Carol, a blind woman missing her support dog, and a roster of others grappling with the same perplexing question: where did everyone go?
Now, let’s get real—my personal rating is 6.5/10. I appreciated the ambitious premise but felt it fell short in execution. The first hundred pages left much to be desired, feeling a tad sluggish. Someone suggested that the narrative should have kicked off with Carol’s perspective, and I couldn’t agree more. Starting from her point of view could have added emotional depth, drawing readers in more effectively.
Then there’s the character of Paul. While I appreciated the messy humanity of his peers—characters who made bad decisions or acted rashly—Paul felt almost like a narrative puppet, perpetually right and lacking the flaws that make us relatable. My frustration with him lingered, especially when other characters like Win and Bethany displayed rich, satisfying arcs. Toure, on the other hand, was a delightful jerk, managing to evoke both animosity and fascination.
The rising action built toward one singular, exhilarating climax, which I found myself laughing at uncontrollably. If I hadn’t been invested in that moment, it could have easily been a one-star book for me. The pacing did leave a bit to be desired with not enough subplots to keep me engaged through to the end. Truly, I contemplated DNF-ing it several times—yet somehow felt compelled to finish, if only to write this honest review.
However, let me gush for a moment. The world-building? Absolutely stellar. The isolation felt palpable, and the descriptions captured the beauty and urgency of the characters trying to navigate a world stripped of order. And the underlying themes of diversity and human connection were significant. I loved how the characters just existed without focusing on societal struggles, as the apocalypse rendered past distinctions moot.
But can we talk about Ananda? The character was fine, yet her name didn’t sit right with me. As someone conversant with cultural nuances, I felt it important to advocate for a change here for the final manuscript.
The ending, while abrupt, was a satisfying conclusion to a chaotic adventure that made it all worth it. While perhaps not as twisty as I had theorized, it met my expectations enough to leave a few lingering thoughts.
So, who should pick up The Apocalypse Seven? If you’re a fan of character-driven narratives that delve into survival and connection amidst chaos, this book is for you. Even with its flaws, the journey’s worth the read, especially for those who appreciate a blend of introspective storytelling and action.
In closing, I might have gone in with high hopes, but I emerged feeling a mix of excitement and critique. There’s enough richness in the themes and characters to make it worthwhile, and maybe even a conversation starter in your next book club. Happy reading!