In this dramatic apocalyptic thriller, a family is torn apart by the collapse of civilization after a massive solar flare disrupts technology around the world and sparks all manner of natural disasters. While ex-military medic Cameron finds refuge in a cabin community in the Pacific Northwest, her husband, Alex, and diabetic 12-year-old daughter, Piper, are left stranded in New York City. They must trek across an increasingly dangerous country to reunite with Cameron. Cameron reluctantly assumes leadership of her group of residents and refugees and has to deal with personality clashes and resource management. Meanwhile, Alex and Piper must evade marauders and weather gone wild, as well as the ever-present threat of Piper running out of insulin. This is a strong tale of survival against all odds, and Hunt’s portrayal of a devastated society is chilling, but the story feels overly ambitious, with a new hazard around every corner—Alex and Piper encounter two flash floods in a short period of time, for instance. The book is optimistic in tone, with an emphasis on humanity’s resilience, and lands squarely in the middle of the disaster genre without venturing to innovate. (BookLife)