5 out of 5 stars
Life as fifteen year old Alex knows it ends with the eruption of a super-volcano at Yellowstone National Park. The aftermath of the eruption reaches Alex's home all the way in Cedar Falls, Iowa and lays waste to most of the United States. Crops are dead, and the animals are fast following suit due to a disease from breathing in the ash. The world is starving. Now, fighting for survival in this all too real apocalyptic landscape, Alex must make his way to the city of Warren in Illinois to reunite with his family.
Along the way, Alex meets a girl named Darla. Having lived on a farm her entire life, Darla is the epitome of a badass survivor chick. She is inventive, strong willed, and saves Alex from death more than once. It was really refreshing to read such a strong willed female character. Together, they form a great team that is reminiscent of Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games.
I have to say, I adored this book. Apocalypse plots have been done many times over, but for me this one felt fresh, and hauntingly realistic. However, I must caution that this novel seems to be gear toward the older teen demographic. Although I don't remember there being a lot of bad language, it depicts very violent action sequences in detail, and there is some sexuality. Overall, for being near the 500 page mark, Ashfall is a very quick, fast paced read that had me wanting to devour it from page one. I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel Ashen Winter that is due out in October 2012.
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