Exile by James Cormier

Review
“Exile” is a fresh take on the dystopian YA genre. The book is set in a wild, chaotic world, centuries after the “Fall” turned society upside down. The protagonist in the story is Ever Oaks, a healer (called a Saint) with a remarkable talent who gets drawn into a political struggle that will shape the future. The author, James Cormier, does an excellent job of writing a character who reacts to her struggles in a realistic way that the reader can empathize with. Ever is a determined character with a strong-will who has a difficult path that is rivaled only by her resilience.

The world in "Exile" is hostile and unforgiving, and the author paints it with descriptive, affecting writing. For me, the book's standout feature is the plot. It is paced well, with lots of twists and turns (loved the rival factions) and solid character development. Highly recommended for any YA fans wanting a fresh dystopian read.

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Argosy by Jason Brandon

Review

Jason Brandon's debut novel, "Argosy," is a Sci-Fi thriller about an apocalyptic virus from Asia and how a determined Cleveland, Ohio family adapts to the chaos in order to survive.  

The protagonist and father of the family, Jack, is a university historian who witnesses the sights and stench of death on the last day of the school semester, which is foreshadowed by a "death by plague" dream in the prologue.

Quickly, Jack gathers the necessary resources such as food, water, and medicines before rushing to ensure the safety of his wife, Emily, and their two children, Vic and Lucy. 

With the government and authorities disbanded by the killer virus, the family must fend for themselves in their 1,500 square-foot basement with no power and limited supplies. 

Nevertheless, Jack demonstrates his creativity and resourcefulness to keep his family safe often using keys from the historical past like the Black Death in 1348 to inform his decisions. 

The first-person narrative is captivating because it conveys a sense of immediacy and presence with the characters as they navigate the world as isolated survivors.  

Overall, "Argosy" is a perfect read for fans of the post-apocalyptic genre and dystopian literature. 

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Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Argosy-Jason-Brandon-ebook/dp/B00HWK37HY