The third book in Mohamed’s post-apocalypse series could be read as a standalone because it focuses on Henryk rather than Rain. His trek to find his uncle leads him to answer the universal question how do I fit in. More importantly, he asks — and answers — why he wants to. Mohamed explores a different angle on what it takes to survive a future dystopia, and what’s left after … everything. It’s a hopeful book, in the end, without being at all trite.

It's great to see how Mohamed decided to wrap these characters' stories, while also exploring all the various ways that communities can go wrong, what regime change actually looks like (not great, but frankly, it's all you've got sometimes), and being able to bring a wrap to Reid's individual story. I ended up tearing through this, but that was mainly because Mohamed has become an author I will ready anything I can find from, and there are some absolutely stunning passages here around the feeling of the world falling apart around you. Absolutely pick this up this fall.

Luscious world-building and gorgeous prose, earmarks of a Premee Mohamed book are absolutely on display here. Highly recommended!

I loved this. Reading the trilogy was completely worth it to get to this installment. This novella follows Henryk instead of Reid, and as a result is much more introspective.

I loved Henryk as the protagonist. He is soft and capable but imperfect in ways many protagonists are not allowed to be. He's a really interesting foil to Reid, who is brave and principled despite the Cad that actively works against her. In Henryk we find a character whose actions have been dominated by a fear not imposed by disease like his friend, but inherent to himself and having led to disastrous consequences. Throughout the novella he deals with the shame and ostracization he experiences as the result of his mistakes and explores self worth and community when society places so much emphasis on pulling your own weight.

I felt much more emotionally invested in this story than the previous two, in part because of the way his failures subvert the expectations of the selfless hero we've come to expect. Premee Mohamed's writing is lovely and really shines in the interactions between Henryk and his cousin Dane. If you're a fan of climate or dystopian fiction, definitely give this series a shot.

4.5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and ECW Press for an ARC in exchange for this honest review.