The Edge of Life by Lena Gibson
TITLE INFORMATION
The Edge of Life
Lena Gibson
Black Rose Writing, 299 pages
9781685131715, 04.06.2023
Overall Rating = 4.5
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.5
Two acquaintances, Kat and Ryan, team up to escape Seattle after a friend gives them a heads-up about an incoming asteroid strike. Preparing for the worst, they head for a bunker in South Dakota that Ryan inherited. Along the way, they experience fall-out from the strike, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, the best and the worst of humankind, and romance.
The Edge of Life is a debut novel that makes an impact (pun intended). Both entertaining and thought-provoking, it pairs two characters who are struggling to get over relationship disasters – Kat by over-drinking and Ryan by over-working – and throws them together to overcome one of the most devastating scenarios imaginable. With plenty of action, edge-of-your-seat moments, and steamy romance, this novel covers a lot of bases and makes it very difficult to put down. Kat’s character could have been better developed in the beginning, both her physical description and her neurodivergence, and a few questions are left unanswered at the end, perhaps paving the way for a sequel. Although this novel is often described as post-apocalyptic, I think the “post” is yet to come, and I certainly hope that’s the case. Gibson has a wonderful, imaginative writing style, and I highly recommend this novel.
Sublime Line: “Prepare for impact with this action-packed and thought-provoking apocalyptic novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
Sublime Book Review
sbr@sublimebookreview.com
www.sublimebookreview.com
