Scorched Earth

Set several decades after a “limited” nuclear holocaust, the story revolves around a small group of characters on all sides of the drama that unfolds. While most fiction revolves around the point of view of just one or two characters, usually protagonists, in Scorched Earth, the author creates an eerie verisimilitude to an already chilling reality by allowing the readers to see into the minds of all the major characters concerned. In doing so, it's becomes all too clear that “good” and “evil” overlap with such intensity that we can see ourselves in the mirror.

While clearly a “last stand against the darkness” post-apocalypse vision, the author didn't just stop there, creating a universe of vast potential. Just a few of the more overt science fiction elements of the book include time portals (a surprising, but well-done element), super soldiers (one of the more disturbing aspect of the novel), and longevity drugs. Each of the elements was introduced a pace that allows readers plenty of time to soak up each element. There's no rush which may stun readers into suspension of disbelief, and yet, nothing is forced either. Excellent pacing.

Both character and world building are, again, created through the eyes of every character introduced, of course, giving their versions of how they see the world, and allowing us to create the larger picture over all.

All said and done, Scorched Earth is a great action-suspense thriller. Highly recommended.