Book review of Endure (End Times Alaska Book 1) by Craig Martelle

BLURB:

A nuclear bomb has destroyed Fairbanks, Alaska. How will Chuck and his family survive?

What would you do if you lost power, water, and the protection of law enforcement, all in an instant … and what if you knew it was never coming back?

Retired Marine and survivalist Chuck, his brilliant and brave wife, Madison, and their remarkable children are thrown from the modern world into a dystopian wasteland in the span of a few heartbeats. Now it’s up to Chuck to build a new life in a post-apocalyptic world that becomes more dangerous every day.

Join the Nagys as they do more than simply survive a devastating surprise attack: They thrive. They learn to protect themselves. They venture into the devastated city for essential supplies, and fight wolves, wildlife, and desperate humans. Ultimately they rally other survivors to build a new community. But when the faceless enemy that ended their world returns, they learn a harsh new truth: They must run for their lives through three hundred miles of a frozen Alaskan wilderness if they hope to endure.

Experience what the future may hold for us all, and how one smart, courageous family endures!

MY REVIEW:

To be honest, I bought this book for research purposes.  My next series is a Post-Apocalyptic story-line and I wanted to see how other authors were presenting their stories.  The problem with PA stories if there are very few survivors, the story will be mostly from the main character’s POV.  At least in the beginning. 

I did find this a very interesting plot, though for a short book, it seemed to drag on, FOREVER. Part of the problem, as mentioned in several reviews, was all the telling and lack of showing.  There were so many missed opportunities to really build up Chuck and his wife, Madison, characters.  But, they never happened.  Like, right after the attack, and Madison knew everyone at the University was probably dead, there were no tears, no anguish over losing friends or family, for that matter.  Totally emotionless. 

I know this was one of the first books Craig published, and he claims he’s improved his writing.  Which I’m sure he has.  This one, unfortunately, reads like a first or second draft instead of a polished book.  As I said, I enjoyed the story.  I learned some stuff about living in Alaska and I did feel for their plight.  Especially the Musher. 

This is one of those reviews where it could be a 3 or 4 star.  Right on the fence.  I do recommend the book, so I’ll give it 4 stars.  Happy reading.