The Nothing Within
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The Nothing Within
Buy Now for £12.99
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Narrated by:
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Emily Sutton-Smith
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By:
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Andy Giesler
About this listen
In this "magical, terrifying, and whimsical debut" (Publishers Weekly starred review), a biological disaster reverberates in Ohio Amish country long after the near-extinction of humankind. A young woman must try to save what remains of the human race.
A "mesmerizing end-of-the-world adventure" (Kirkus Reviews) that is "nothing short of a storytelling masterwork"(BlueInk Review in Booklist).
Root is...different. Though raised in a fearful society that reveres conformity, she's irreverent, outspoken, and deeply curious. Her congenital blindness sets her even further apart.
Centuries after the Reckoning, a biotech disaster, savage chimeras still threaten human survival. When Root hears a voice that no one else can hear, she flees into the wilderness. Outcast and hunted, she must confront a dire threat to her people - and unravel the mystery of who she really is.
©2019 Andrew Giesler (P)2020 TantorThis post-apocalyptic tale has a few setting and plot elements that are quite similar to those of the Horizon video games, which I count among my favourite stories. We follow Root, a descendant of Amish/Mennonite survivors of the cataclysm or “Reckoning”, who just doesn't quite fit in her community, as she tries to learn more about herself and the truth behind what's left of the world. I think it's best going into it without knowing much more.
The story is mainly told through Root's POV, as she recites her life's story to a (young) audience. In addition, we get diary entries of a witness and survivor of the Reckoning long ago. This style lends itself perfectly for the audiobook. Emily Sutton-Smith does a wonderful job bringing the story to life. Her voice can take on a dreamy quality, fitting the retelling of old tales, but when events demand it, she ups the tempo and energy seamlessly.
Apart from themes related to the common survival struggles of a small group of people, the book reflects upon (the cost of) pacifism and progress, and the making of hard choices. Of trying to stick to one's convictions, and when to let them go. All in all not that unique or new to me, but very well executed. Give it a try!
Hidden gem
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