Year One

I started this book without knowing what it was about – I just knew it was popular and some of my friends were going to read it. So, I picked it up and went “Woah...” I figured the sci-fi, but didn't think it would that much fantasy. Right out the gate too; I know some people say the fantasy really doesn't set in until later– and there are more fantasy elements later, but it starts with blood in a... was it a mushroom circle? fairy circle? One of those types of things.
So, expect the fantasy more than sci-fi.

There are also some very large time jumps. This book is like a prequel in that everything is explaining how the virus attacked, how people started living, which big bads came out, and we learn who “The One” is. So, the time jumps are necessary in order to cover a whole year. I didn't always like them and at the end of the book I wondered if the multiple POV were even necessary.

There is death in this book and mentions of rape. I was a bit taken aback by the death part – so shocking with who dies. Then again, this is an apocalyptic world, so I suppose not too crazy.

I did really like this book. It isn't one I had to read in one sitting, I tended towards wanting breaks either from the violence or sadness or just because... well, I'd feel like I should/could stop reading. I don't want to say I lost my interest since well, I didn't, but... I honestly don't know how to talk about this book.UGH.

I thought all the characters were interesting, albeit some felt a little ‘holier-than-thou' at times. All the main ones definitely have separate personalities. There wasn't one POV over the other I preferred, although with Lana sometimes I got tired of Max.
The magic wasn't ever explained, but I think this is something the next book will cover. I hope. I want to know why the sickness and everything that happened caused some people to have wings.

All in all, a good book and I'm glad I read it. It is just a bit weird (story and the writing), slower paced, and feels like a set-up for the rest of the story. I will recommend this to people with a love of dystopia with a dash of fantasy and are prepared for a long one.