Sunrise by Mike Mullin

Sunrise (Ashfall, #3)

by Mike Mullin

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions. When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever--and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish. This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.

Reviewed by Angie on

3 of 5 stars

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Sunrise was a pretty great ending to this action packed and horrifying series. It's exactly what I was hoping Ashen Winter would be. It stars off the very next morning, and things do not turn out how Alex expected. It looks like his time in Warren is over, so he and his family pack up and start a new homestead. This is what I wanted to read about! Rebuilding society and how governments were breaking down. It is pretty slow in the beginning, and some parts in the middle, but overall I really interested in most of it.

Some pretty messed up stuff happens in Sunrise. This series definitely hasn't been sunshine and rainbows (literally) to begin with, but somehow things manage to get worse before they get better. I don't want to spoil anything, but wow, Alex and Darla pay a huge price for some supplies that they need for their new society. There's also more violence and death and despair than the previous two books, but this one also spans over two years. A lot can happen in a post apocalyptic world in that time.

It was really fascinating to read about all of the structures they were building. If there's ever a disaster, I'd want Darla and Uncle Paul with me! Those two can build anything! It was also nice to watch it go from one family to a whole town, complete with a crude form of government. Naturally, Alex ends up being voted as mayor, which was both a blessing and a curse. He has amazing ideas for how their town should be run, but he also felt trapped by all of the responsibility.

There were two plot points that I really didn't like in Sunrise. The first was everything to do with Alex's mom. She's awful and annoying and inconsiderate, and none of this made any sense. She's super hard on Darla, and continually forbids Alex from planning a future with her. She should know that she has no say in these things! Plus, she becomes a huge liability and the reason Alex has to found a new town in the first place! I just wish there had been a more solid reason behind her horrendous behavior. The second thread was Alyssa's secret admirer. Someone is leaving her gifts, she thinks it's Alex, but no one has a clue who. It's revealed at the end, and was kind of cute, but to me it didn't add anything.

Sunrise is a solid ending to this trilogy. It has all of the components that I wished for in the previous books, and it wasn't as slow and repetitive which was a plus. There was a super adorable scene near the end involving Ben and some flowers, and just aaaw! My emotions! I got a bit teary eyed at that.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 May, 2014: Finished reading
  • 27 May, 2014: Reviewed