I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book. Yes, it's timely: an *almost* post-apocalyptic story, but it's the settings that did it for me. Travelling throughout the west, into national parks, etc, I felt like it was a wonderful precursor for my own roadtrip around the west this past summer. I would definitely read more by this author!

I've never been to Utah but I've always been curious about it -- this book was educational for me in that regard. The religious aspect was also educational for me and I learned a great deal.

Sometimes you read a book at a time where you aren't ready for the subject matter. While I'm personally still coming to grips with the trauma of our current circumstances, I find books referencing it to be difficult. While this takes place in a time post pandemic, it also flows through the narrative like a shockwave.

This is a story of a family trying to survive frequent ecological catastrophes, while also coming to terms with their lapsed religious beliefs. Interwoven deftly we see how each characters personal collapse is in combat with the environment that is actually suffocating them.

It's about how family overcomes hardships, and how differences don't need to be division.

Really lovely storytelling all around, but maybe for a day outside of this hellscape.
3.5 Rounded up.

An interesting look at life in Utah and touches on a lot of themes but that's also kind of where it lost me. It's meanders through subjects and discusses many parts of life but doesn't focus down quite enough. That said, the characters are compelling and I did enjoy the writing style. Dark but fun, odd and atmospheric, it was a unique read but didn't quite land with me.

I have to admit this book was quite interesting, with so many different POVs
And very informative too, I learned a lot about Utah, and both the religions, reading about the trip was quite fun!

This novel was a breath of fresh air in a genre that has felt, in the previous few years, incredibly stagnate. I really appreciated Rogers wit and originality, and I have to be honest .... I was incredibly endeared by the fact that he rated is OWN book at 4/5 stars on Goodreads.

Am interesting novel that gets weighted down by trying to talk about too many recent controversies. I think it hits the hammer on the nail too many times to be very effective at getting the message across. It does provide an in-depth look at life in Utah, and confronts some perpetuating stereotypes that exist.

I picked this book because I have Geology background. I have written papers on supervolcanoes and got really excited to see that this book would be a post-apocalyptic, but before, type book. As far as the premise goes, this is a 5-star. But, there were many challenges that I crossed while trying to get through the book.

Right from the start, I was super invested in all of the characters. I loved them all, and loved to hate a few of them. I appreciated almost all of the concepts and tough conversations that the characters had to go through and discuss. There was a real-ness to the characters that I find other authors struggling with.

There were some ironic parts that sort of made me laugh and at the same time be annoyed, and I'm not sure if it was intended to come off that way. Like, Yellowstone will erupt soon, lets go hiking or camping. Some of this just didn't seem like it would actually happen. But, maybe that's part of the denial of human culture. Pretend it isn't happening and move on. Also, relatable to present times.

Now for where I struggled. I really feel like this could have been pulled off better if it was more focused. Any difficult topic you could think of was probably touched in this novel. It was almost an ode to call out all the bad things in the world. I think focusing that down to one or two topics would have made me connect more with the issues. Or...go big or go home. Dare I say, add another 1000 pages to truly touch on and expand upon the ideas. I really feel that this could have been a series of sorts. Each book captures a different struggle.

Overall, I recommend this book for the concept and the call-out of society. There is a lot of thought provoking concepts that will make you think.

I do not usually read post apocalyptic fiction bit I loved this novel. Im very familiar with the terrain of Utah so following a family through the state towards Zion National Park while fleeing fires and the ever present danger of Yellowstone erupting was compelling. A strange and unusual cast of characters drive this place driven novel. A fun read for sure!

I tried to finish this book, I really did. But every single character was horrible, I despised them all. It's just not worth it To me to continue reading a book like this. I see in some of the posted reviews that others liked the book. So it's probably me. It's just not for me. I know how hard it is to write a book, and I really don't want to hurt the author with a negative review. So I will not be posting this anywhere else. Good luck to the author.

I would like to first thank the publisher and author, and everyone involved, for providing me with a copy of this book.

This book didn’t 100% work for me. At times it felt deeply moving but, at others, felt a bit preachy and stereotypical. I think the premise and plot line are intriguing but it gets too convoluted. I think this may have to do with how many characters there are.

I do think the writing is very accessible as the author does a good job at explaining a lot of the terminology I had never heard before.

So many different elements of this book I really enjoyed.

- Learning about Utah as I’ve never been there.
- The discussion of Mormons/Religion was fascinating
-A dystopia book before the end of the world is a favourite of mine.
- A road trip
-Different perspectives from different characters and seeing how they eventually intertwine.