IN SUBURBAN AUSTIN, TEXAS, BEA CRENSHAW SECRETLY PREPARES FOR
THE APOCALYPSE. But when a solar pulse destroys modern life, she’s left alone with four grandkids whose parents do not return home. She must teach these kids to survive without power, cars, phones, running water, or doctors in a world fraught with increasing danger.
If Darkness Takes Us is realistic post-apocalyptic fiction with a focus on a family in peril, led by a no-nonsense grandmother who is at once funny, controlling, and heroic in her struggle to hold her family together with civility and heart.
I’ve read several post-apocalyptic novels. Sure, many of them are sad and cautionary, but I’m a sucker for them. And this one takes a fresh direction.
When’s the last time you read a novel which features an over 70-year-old grandma as the protagonist? After a devastating EMP changes life as they know it, Bea, who has health issues, is thrust into the role of primary caretaker of her four grandchildren. She’s a take charge, no-nonsense kind of woman who comes off as a little controlling at times, but her heart is in the right place. I think she surprises herself with her inner strength.
It’s obvious the author did her research into the ramifications of EMPs and necessities of survival. The characters find themselves in situations that are perilous, heartbreaking, life-altering, and even hopeful, but all are easily plausible. You may even find yourself thinking about creating a stash of supplies – maybe not to the same extent as Bea, but it will cross your mind.
If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic story with a determined, relatable protagonist and a new spin, If Darkness Takes Us will satisfy that craving.
Books and Such 
This sounds great, Teri. We have had rolling blackouts here in South Africa due to mismanagement by our only power utility. I can tell you with confidence that when the power goes down for lengthily periods it knocks out the cell phones and the wifi and our modern life falters.
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That would drive me bonkers, Robbie. You couldn’t plan anything because you never know when you’ll lose power again. Hope things get better soon!
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We’ll see how things are in the first few months of this year. We are planning to move to the UK but prefer Greg to finish his last two years of school first.
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Sounds interesting! Wonderful review!
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Thanks, Yesha! I really enjoyed reading a book with an older protagonist in a role like this – it’s rare to find them.
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I love the idea of a grandma, or any older person for that matter, as a protagonist. How fresh! Good review!
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Exactly! Makes you wonder why there aren’t many out there. Thanks, Priscilla!
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I was also interested by the idea of an older woman taking charge. There’s such an assumption that the elderly are too frail to bear up. Yet the elder’s memory of how to function without electricity would definitely have value.
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I saw an earlier review of this one, might have been Mae Clair. The elderly heroine intrigues me.
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Yep – Mae read it after seeing it featured on Bad Moon. I love hearing about readers discovering new authors because of that!
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That has to make you feel good.
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I agree with you a seventy years old main character in a post apocalyptic story is not common!
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And she was one of the toughest and most prepared characters in the book, Sophie. Such a nice change.
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Great review, Teri. I found this one featured on your blog during October’s Bad Moon Rising and loved it. I’m hoping there is a follow up 🙂
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I love the idea of a 70-year-old protagonist. This read sounds really good and I enjoy the realistic situation and plausibility. Thanks for the recommendation, Teri. 🙂
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Right? It’s about time someone featured the older and wiser generation, lol.
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Exactly!
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