I am obsessed with Erik J. Brown's brain. Obsessed.

I've been refreshing Edelweiss nearly daily to get this ARC when it dropped, and when I tell you I read this in about six hours, I am not exaggerating.

The hits for Jamie and Andrew. start coming right out of the gate and literally do not stop coming. Filled with the same intensity and heart-pounding action (remember the lions? It gets WORSE somehow) as All That's Left in the World, The Only Light Left Burning looks deeper at the relationships needed to survive the end of the world.

I loved that even though they were "safe" and experiencing a complete civilizational collapse, Jamie and Andrew still had their normal teenage relationship issues: not talking about emotions, being unsure about how to progress their physical relationship, and raising several orphaned kiddos in the camp. You know, normal teenage things.

Seriously, TOLLB is another wonderful look at how we depend on one another, how learning to let someone in and love them even though the risk of hurting or losing them has the potential to be devastating, and how important a community can be. With faces new and old coming in, it was so nice (and sometimes not too nice) to grow attached to them and see their journeys play out. I only cried TWICE this go-round, but it was more than enough.

It's a heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, keep-you-guessing tale that perfectly wraps up Jamie and Andrew's story. 10/10.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I ended up reading the first book so that I could understand the backstory, and I’m glad I did. You *could* get by reading this as a stand-alone, but the first book is good, so go check that one out first.

I liked this cute duology! I don’t know if the author is planning on writing more books in this post apocalyptic world, but I really hope he does. I read that Brown saw that there wasn’t much queer representation in post apocalyptic stories, so he wrote the book he wanted to read. And the result is great! It’s important that everyone is able to read books that have relatable characters, especially in traditionally underrepresented categories.

The story of Andrew and Jamie continues, with a power-hungry megalomaniac using up insane amounts of quickly-dwindling resources to find Jamie and make him pay. Seriously, this man is crazy. Jamie even finds a Wanted poster of himself in a sporting goods store! Why do so many despots and tyrants rise up in a post apocalyptic world?! It annoys me greatly.

Would you keep running from the person who wants you dead? Jamie knows that he’ll always have to be looking over his shoulder…and that anyone he stays with is also in danger.

You can run…or you can do something about that threat. Which is worse?

My thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Balzer & Bray for the complimentary eARC. All opinions are my own.

"The Only Light Left Burning" is a winner! This sequel picks up the story of queer teens Jamie and Andrew, who already navigated a not-so-safe apocalyptic world in "All That's Left in the World". Well, they aren't done yet. After making their way to what seems like a safe and secure settlement in the Florida Keys, the guys leave and continue their nail-biting fight for survival with the ultimate goal being a return to Jamie's cabin. As they trek back up the east coast, both boys learn how important love, family, and friends are to their survival and happiness. What sacrifices will they make to protect them? Do they make it back to the cabin? Does their relationship grow or fade over time? Eric J. Brown answers those questions with more twists and turns than in the first novel. I read this in one sitting. It's that good! This clearly deserves 5 stars. The only note I'll add is that the epilogue is completely unnecessary. The story has a perfectly solid ending in the last chapter and nothing more is needed. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me an early review copy in exchange for an honest review. 😊@erikjb #postapocalyptic #mmromance #loveislove #booksofinsta #adventure #fiction #booksforteens #lovestory #romance #netgalley #harpercollins #theonlylightleftburning

I would like to start this off by saying, Mr. Erik Brown, I need an address to send my therapy bill. Oh my god. I am physically unwell after reading this and I don't think i'll ever be ok. Like the first one, The Only Light Left Burning had me screaming and holding my breath over Andrew and Jamie's relationship, except this time, instead of "omg just realize you like each other already" it was a very steady chorus of "oh my god be adults and talk to each other for christs sake" and I loved every minute of it. When I was approved for this book I genuinely screamed so loud my mom yelled at me and that same scream was uttered reading that epilogue. A wonderful, fulfilling and at times nail biting conclusion to Andrew and Jamie's story.