Vivian versus The Apocalypse by Katie Coyle
Published by Hot Key books
Goodreads Synopsis
A chilling vision of a contemporary USA where the sinister Church of America is destroying lives. Our cynical protagonist, seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple, is awaiting the fated 'Rapture' - or rather the lack of it. Her evangelical parents have been in the Church's thrall for too long, and she's looking forward to getting them back. Except that when Vivian arrives home the day after the supposed 'Rapture', her parents are gone. All that is left are two holes in the ceiling...
Viv is determined to carry on as normal, but when she starts to suspect that her parents might still be alive, she realises she must uncover the truth. Joined by Peter, a boy claiming to know the real whereabouts of the Church, and Edie, a heavily pregnant Believer who has been 'left behind', they embark on a road trip across America. Encountering freak weather, roving 'Believer' gangs and a strange teenage group calling themselves the 'New Orphans', Viv soon begins to realise that the Rapture was just the beginning.
My Thoughts
Well written and fascinating reading but I'm left a bit conflicted on this book as I'm not too certain if now how I felt about it.
The story was engaging and interesting throughout. It is set in a world directly after several thousands of 'believers' have disappeared off to a 'better place' as prophesied by a preacher is charge of a new religion based on Christianity where the worshiped are almost fanatical.
I did find it interesting and I loved the world building around it. You can almost see how the events could unfold in real life today. I loved how there was doubt about the events and how the main character Vivian goes on a journey to discover the truth even if I did feel at times that it was a bit rushed. I loved loved loved the relationship between Vivian and her best friend and I really loved the roadtrip aspect of the story.
However for me I was left by the end of this book with an uncomfortable feeling about what I had just read. I'm not sure if that was because it was a bit too life like or really what it was but certainly one I need to think about for a while to come. I'll be interested to see what others make of it over the coming months as more and more people review it.
You'll love this if you loved
The other life by S Winnacker
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