FlumeAward – Ashfall //Ashfall// by Mike Mullin
This is a well done survival story about a volanic eruption in Yellowstone. The characters are particularly well drawn. The pacing is good. However, whether it stands alone is debatable. The story comes to a rewarding conclusion but in the last few pages, the MC Alex begins to retrace is steps to look for his parents. ~ Gail Zachariah, Keene Public Library
Looks like this book’s sequel comes out in October of this year, and Mullin (according to his website) plans for this to be a trilogy. In terms of Ashfall standing alone, I think this would still qualify for the award as it is the first in the series and no other book needs to have been read to enjoy the story.
Lisa Houde – Rye Public Library
Alex, left home while his family goes to his Uncle’s house, finds himself trapped in his room after something fell through his roof and his home caught on fire. He escapes and goes to stay with neighbors through several terrifying days of loud noises, perpetual night, and ashfall. Eventually renegades break into the neighbor’s home and the renegades are shot by the neighbors. Alex is so traumatized that he takes off on his own to find his family. And here starts a survival adventure that involves living by your wits without losing your humanity. The author notes at the end of the book that this story is based on projections of what could happen if the supervolcano under Yellowstone National Park erupted. I totally enjoyed this story – it has a touch of Gary Paulsen with a little Cormac McCarthy mixed in. I think that it would reach a large audience. While there is a sequel coming to a library near your shortly, I feel that this book tells a story that doesn’t feel finished. Yes, all the strings aren’t tied down, but there is a nice conclusion. Sharon Flesher-Duffy, Nashua High South