DUST by Hugh Howey

Spoiler warning: I have made an effort not to reveal plots although I may have unknowingly done so.  If you haven’t read 'Wool' or 'Shift' yet you may want to read them before my review and especially before reading 'Dust'.

You can read my review on 'Wool' & 'Shift' here.

Initial rating 3.5 but once it got going rose to a steady 4.0

I loved 'Wool', it was hauntingly atmospheric and beautifully written. 'Shift', as a prequel of sorts had an interesting backstory, and 'Dust' picks up from where 'Wool' left off.  We rejoin some familiar and much missed characters and follow them to the climactic finale.

'Dust' is released in one volume unlike its predecessors 'Wool & Shift' which were in episode format initially.  Not sure if it was because of this that I found the pace slower. I wondered if Howey had lost his 'magic touch', but then it picked up pace and pretty much kept going.

We still find the majority of people in the silo living in ignorance of a terrible truth which is being discovered by the inquisitive few. They are comfortable remaining in the dark, living routine lives.  What will happen when they are confronted by the truth after their world is sabotaged?

Howey creates some unforgettable, believable characters and uses several strong assertive women, as well as male protagonists, with a sense of vulnerability without feeling patronising or going 'over the top'.  There are some intense moments throughout and in one scene I felt absolute angst and sorrow after finding out that maybe one of the villains wasn't so bad after all... Who could they have trusted without being betrayed or misunderstood.   It was an highly emotive discovery.

Dust is an exciting, thought-provoking, action-packed read which kept me guessing right through to the very end.  An absolute 'must read' for those who have already invested in Wool & Shift wanting to find closure, and those of you wanting an extremely well written, easy to read Dystopic, sci-fi tale.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title.

'Wool' & 'Shift' - The Silo Series by Hugh Howey

My Thoughts:

'Wool' and 'Shift', (#1-#8) kept me reading into the early hours even with flu. The opening chapter of  'Wool' was a real clincher.

Will not say too much about plot or characters as, in my opinion, the Silo series needs to be read in ignorance to get the full surprise impact, and have the mystery slowly revealed throughout the series. In brief it's about life and survival in a silo sometime in the future after a world wide catastrophic event.

Hugh has written an intelligent, engaging story with totally credible characters in an environment full of tension and intrigue. I felt many emotions ranging from dread, disbelief to excitement, fascination and relief. Hugh's descriptive style is perfect in bringing to life the world that his characters live in. The scenes played out vividly and effortlessly in my mind to such a degree that I hope I'm not disappointed with the film version whenever it comes out.

It may not be a 'hard core', 'hi-tech geeky' Sci-fi book and may not be suited to everyone but for fans of Dystopian fiction or for anyone who enjoys a really good story, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

Gripping stuff.  Totally addictive.  Loved it !

I hope the energy and thrill of the ride will continue into the final phase in the series...Dust