The Second History takes place in a post apocalyptic world where there is little trust between strangers.

Jane and Eban leave their shelter home in search of a place called Heaven. Jane is pregnant, but if this pregnancy is anything like her previous ones, it will soon terminate. Jane wants to leave home and search the world. All Jane and Eban know of the world and the cities, is that they are dangerous. As Jane and Eban reflect on their lives before they met each other, we learn more about this strange world. Families flee from one another. Peddlers have their tongues cut out. Items are traded for pelts and foraged goodsThe pair can only learn of the world through books and what their parents have told them. But is any of it true?

Jane and Eban finally find Heaven, only to learn that it is just as mistrustful, dangerous, and deceiving as any other place they've been. The only problem is, those who dwell in Heaven have taken an oath of silence and have locked Jane up in a house. Is it to ensure her pregnancy goes to term? Is it to keep her safe? Or is there something more nefarious at foot.

In her solitude, Jane is tasked with transcribing a journal detailing the history of Heaven. Only, the woman in charge only gives her one page at a time. striking names and events out as it suits her. She keeps the complete journal locked up in a cupboard. Only one day, the key is accidentally left behind. Jane unlocks the cupboard and reads the truth of what happened in Heaven.

This was a really good book, easy to read, and very interesting. I really enjoyed it!

For fans of Station Eleven, The Book of M and dystopian novels. This book made me consider what my own children will remember of what I teach them and tell them about our family and my perception of the world around us - especially poignant in today's unique times! I was particularly moved by the relationships between parents and children, and how what seem to be small choices can have intense repercussions for years to come. How little we really can ever know about anyone else's true feelings and motivations. Strong world-building.
Well done - and Canadian to boot!

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Canada for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.


I’m excited to be reviewing The Second History not only for the well-executed concept, but also to support a local author!


The Second History tells the story of Eban and Judy as they leave their wilderness camp in search of a far off community. On their journey, they hope to find answers to questions about their world that their parents never answered. The story also explores Eban’s and Judy’s complicated love for one another and the importance of human connection.


One of the strongest elements of the novel was Silver Slayter’s worldbuilding. The Second History takes place in a post-apocalyptic landscape where climate change affects all aspects of living. I love that the setting acts as an antagonist, at times making Eban’s and Judy’s journey incredibly difficult. While this is not a world that I’d ever want to live in, it was a world that felt completely believable and real.


The book has a strong start and is guaranteed to grab your attention. While the second half of The Second History did feel like it dragged a bit, I never felt like I wanted to stop reading and DNF.


The Second History examines the nature of civilizations and how difficult survival is in an unstable world. Silver Slayter delved into what it means to be a community and family in a way that can only be described as impressive. I equally enjoyed following Judy and Eban and how each character offers a different, at times contrasting, perspective on their world.


The ambiguousness of The Second History is another element that I really enjoyed and thought was well-executed. Silver Slayter’s choice of third person narration presents enough information about the world, protagonists, and secondary characters for them to all feel fleshed out while still leaving enough for readers to interpret. I honestly can’t wait for others to read and talk about this book because there are elements to The Second History that I’m still thinking about long after I’ve finished.


Rating 4/5: Silver Slayter’s The Second History is an extremely relevant and captivating novel that explores life, love and survival in a world destroyed by climate change. This book should be next on your 2021 reading list.

I will be posting the review on my Goodreads , Instagram, and blog April 15, 2021

This was an intriguing, complex post-apocalyptic love story. I enjoyed the way the author wove in memories and writing from the past to gradually flesh out the characters and their situation, and I appreciated the ending. I'll definitely be recommending it to customers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction with a more literary bent, like Station 11, Moon of the Crusted Snow, and Good Morning, Midnight.