the quiet at the end of the world by lauren james

This is just a perfect sci-fi in my opinion with a great balance of character development, scenery/ world building, and exciting plot. There were some fantastic plot twists in this book, ones I did not see coming but that fit so perfectly in the story. They each have their weaknesses but make a true dream team helping and supporting each other – even when their world is turned upside down. Every so often Shen lets down his guard and we see someone who deals with the weight of the situation in a different way.

This book is told from Lowrie’s point of view so we only really experience her struggle – the realisation that one day the majority of the 300-strong world they live in will be gone, and just herself and Shen will be left. I do like seeing that in books from time to time a recognisable place that makes the story all that more tangible. As a person who works in London it was certainly an adventure for me – much of the introductory scenery is explored whilst Lowrie and Shen are exploring the old underground network. Now I know this whole “doomed human race” thing isn’t exactly a new concept but the story in The Quiet at the End of the World just seems so fresh and new. I’m also in love with science-fiction books at the moment so I was ecstatic to be one of the lucky ones to receive a copy! Note: I did actually read the synopsis somewhere between first seeing it and sending my email reply to request a copy. There were a select few review copies going out for this book but I knew I needed to find out more on first glance. The first thing that drew me to this book, in all honesty, was the cover. Lowrie and Shen face an impossible choice: in the quiet at the end of the world, they must decide who to save and who to sacrifice. Their idyllic life is torn apart when a secret is uncovered that threatens not only their family but humanity’s entire existence. Closeted in a pocket of London and doted upon by a small, ageing community, the pair spend their days mudlarking for artefacts from history and looking for treasure in their once-opulent mansion. Lowrie and Shen are the youngest people on the planet after a virus caused global infertility.

How far would you go to save those you love? The thoughts and opinions in this article are entirely my own. I received a copy of The Quiet at the End of the World from Walker Books in exchange for an honest review.

The quiet at the end of the world by lauren james