When The Cicadas Stop Singing

by Zachary Ashford

[Cameron Trost]

When the Cicadas Stop Singing by Zachary Ashford is epic action concentrated into a novella. From the first page to the last, the reader shares Cora's struggle to survive and hopefully reach safety. The setting is the Australian outback in the middle of a reptile apocalyse and Zachary makes the right decision by not providing backstory; after all, that would only be a pointless and contrived distraction from the rip-roaring adventure. What we have in this story is one woman's fight not only against lizard-men but also fellow humans in a world here no one can trust anyone else. When Cora crosses paths with Sarah and Darren after she kills a lizard-man, the temperature rockets from hot to volcanic.

The characters are spot on in this story and Zachary brings the setting to life with vivid the vivid descriptions of a man who knows the Aussie wilderness. The houseboat is a great touch, providing a focal point for the conflict in store. The writing is rough and to-the-point, befitting the length and breakneck pace of the plot.

Is this story for you? The choice is easy to make, and while we're so often told not to judge a book by its cover, you absolutely can in this case. Cora is a tough woman with the will to survive and the strength to make it through. If you like strong, independent heroines, brutal action in the wilderness, and reptilian foes, you'll love this novella.

Lastly, and on a personal note, Zachary hails the same city as me; Brisbane, Australia, and although I may be biased, I think we have a hell of a lot more literary talent back home than we're given credit for. I look froward to being dropped into more of Zachary Ashford's apocalytpic wastelands.