Title: All That’s Left in the World
Author: Erik J. Brown
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: March 8, 2022
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Summary
A deadly pathogen has killed off the majority of the world. After accidentally stepping into a bear trap, Andrew is pretty sure he is done for. At least, until he stumbles upon Jamie’s house. Jamie is hesitant to help Andrew at first. After all, it isn’t easy to trust people in a post-apocalyptic world. But the two quickly find that they have a connection and can trust each other.
When their shelter is threatened by their neighbors, Andrew and Jamie decide to search for civilization. There are rumors that someone from the EU is coming to help the United States. Holding onto that hope, Andrew and Jamie make their way south. But it might turn out the only people they can trust are each other.
Review: All That’s Left in the World
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of this to review! There is a definite lack of gay post-apocalyptic fiction, so I’m so glad that this exists. I’m also happy to report that this lived up to my expectations, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I think I saw somewhere that this is being pitched as David and Patrick from Schitt’s Creek as teenagers at the end of the world. That absolutely describes Andrew and Jamie’s dynamic so well. Jamie is much more reserved, level headed like Patrick. Andrew puts himself out there more, like David. They have bickering, they have sweet moments. The romance definitely isn’t lost in this post-apocalpytic novel. But it also doesn’t take away from the seriousness of what’s happening around them. It feels realistic, given the circumstances.
The only reason this isn’t getting a full five stars is honestly because I was a little taken out of the story by the mentions of COVID. I get the importance, and appreciated the author’s note at the end about it. I’m still of the opinion that it feels too soon to put COVID in books. Does anyone else feel this way?
Anyway, this is definitely a very character driven novel, as there’s not necessarily a central conflict driving the plot except for the apocalypse. Personally, I’m a fan of this kind of story, but always feel like it’s helpful knowing that before you go into the story.
All in all, if you’re looking for a good character driven post-apocalyptic novel, this is for you! I also appreciated the Tom Holland references, because of obvious reasons (or maybe not obvious, if you haven’t seen my posts about Spider-Man). This might be one I add to my personal library when it comes out in March!
4.5/5 stars