Have you ever wanted to like a book so much that you actually tried to pretend you did? Like during the actual reading of the book, you feigned enthusiasm, ignored things that drove you crazy? I gave that a solid effort, but in the end, I just couldn't. I am sad about this, just so we're on the same page. It wasn't all bad either, it just simply wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped.
What I Liked:
What I Didn't:
- I just didn't believe it. Plain and simple, though I tried to just pretend in its believability, it wasn't there for me. How exactly did some guy get an entire country to believe that he was a prophet who could predict the end of the world? Sure, I get convincing a group of people, but society as a whole? I just don't see how that is possible. Especially since it seemed silly even while reading. Yes, some of these things could have happened on a small scale, but for an entire nation to buy in? Nope, not buying it.
- Speaking of nations, where is everyone else? Seriously, aren't a few other countries wondering why the U.S. has collectively lost its shit? If Canada started predicting the apocalypse and citizens went missing... let's just say I'd be concerned.
- Logical Inconsistencies Okay, maybe I am nitpicking, but here's an example: There's a hurricane, one of the firsts of the season. They're talking about it because it is unusually early, and perhaps a sign of the apocalypse? Anyway, the hurricane is dubbed Hurricane Ruth. But that isn't how hurricanes are named. And the adults, except for one random (and awesome) teacher, act like complete asses throughout the entire book. Some people being awful makes sense. Everyone being awful for no apparent reason? Does not make sense.
- The Characters* Yes, again, hence the asterisk. It's a mixed bag. Vivian's character growth was just way too severe, way too fast. I get that if you think your parents were raptured, you'd probably change your tune in a hurry. Vivian did not agree. She spent a good portion of time wallowing in pity, and thinking snarky things about her grandparents, all while ditching her friend. Then she's like "oh, sorry, nevermind, let's melt this popsicle stand!" and heads off to save the world or whatever. And as I have said before, 99% of the adults in this book are just wretched human beings.
- The plot never really went anywhere. There was a lot of meandering that didn't really fit. There was discussion of weather patterns and then... it was dropped. There was talk about exorbitant fuel prices... but then they were over that too. Basically, there was no real sense of urgency about anything, which is ironic considering it may or may not be the end of the world.
Bottom Line: It wasn't the worst book I have ever read or anything, but it was far from the best too. It had entertainment value, so that's a plus, but the story itself just didn't come together as I'd hoped. I would read the second book if it were lying around, but I am not rushing off to get it, unfortunately.
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight