Radio Apocalypse

This one had a lot of potential, but it didn't quite come together for me. Considering it's self-published by an 18-year-old, there's definitely raw talent here. But I can't help thinking a good editor would have made all the difference.

The biggest issue is the lack of world-building. There's constant mention of the apocalypse, but we're never given any real insight into what actually happened. Rachel and Lota both have secrets about their parents, but those threads just... disappear. And the creatures? They had so much promise. Jeremy might've been human once, but then there are the floating giants with all the eyes—straight-up biblically accurate angel vibes. We even see one of them fight something from underground, hinting at an angel versus demon kind of situation, but we're left guessing.

The relationship between Rachel and Lota developed at warp speed, which felt a bit jarring. But I guess, if you've been alone your entire life, maybe falling for the first person you meet is realistic. Still, it doesn't explain why Rachel would leave a high-tech bunker and cross the ocean in a tiny boat to meet Lota after just two conversations. It's a pretty big leap without more context.

The ending felt rushed too. Lota's encounter with what might be God was over in a blink, and instead of any big revelation, she just gets a quick fix for her anxiety and that's it. There's definitely creativity here, but the story needed more depth. 3 stars.