A sequel to IF DARKNESS TAKES US
A solar electromagnetic pulse has fried the U.S. grid. Now, northern lights are in Texas—3,000 miles farther south than where they belong. The universe won’t stop screwing with 18-year-old Keno Simms. All that’s left for him and his broken family is farming their Austin subdivision, trying to eke out a living on poor soil in the scorching heat.
Keno’s one solace is his love for Alma, who has her own secret sorrows. When he gets her pregnant, he vows to keep her alive no matter what. Yet armed marauders and nature itself collude against him, forcing him to make choices that rip at his conscience.
IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES is post-apocalyptic science fiction set in a near-future reality, a coming-of-age story told in the voice of a heroic teen who’s forced into manhood too soon.
It’s not often you come across a senior citizen main character in a postapocalyptic setting, but grandma Bea was certainly a commanding presence in the first book of this series. Her grandson, Keno, also made an impression on me, so I was thrilled to learn he takes over in this sequel.
This book picks up where the last left off. The group is still in dire straits after the electromagnetic pulse, but they’ve managed to combine resources. With careful rationing, they’re able to stay fed and sheltered, but water is in short supply. There’s barely enough to drink, let alone wash clothes or shower. With Bea unable to lead the community, her son, Eddie, and Keno step in. At only eighteen-years-old, Keno is already married and shoulders a huge responsibility in keeping his small community of survivors safe and alive. It’s not an easy job. He’s also dealing with a deranged, selfish grandfather who’s partial to carrying around dangerous weapons and threatening the neighbors.
Lack of resources isn’t the only danger. Armed scavengers are raiding neighborhoods and killing residents, and they’re not far from Keno’s community. Losing loved ones is a real possibility, and characters are forced to make difficult decisions, especially Keno, who’s had to grow up far too soon. At times he’s wise beyond his years and a voice of reason, but when the stress becomes too much, he regresses to an immature teen who makes decisions without considering the consequences. The author did a fabulous job at displaying those contrasting emotions, and my heart went out to him.
This novel portrays a bleak picture of people who struggle daily just to survive in a postapocalyptic world, but it’s also hopeful and demonstrates what a community can do when they come together. You’ll experience the gamut of emotions with this one, but putting it down is next to impossible. I’m ready for the next book!
Books and Such 
I’m already interested in both Grandma Bea and Keno. Great review!
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Grandma Bea is totally badass, Priscilla! This is a series you should look into.
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I love it when your enthusiasm practically leaps off the screen. I don’t gravitate toward dystopian stories, but I can tell this is a good one. Thanks for sharing.
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It’s a riveting one, Staci. I met Brenda through a mutual author friend, Mae met her through BMR, and Mae blurbed this book. It’s a small author world!
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One of the many reasons I love this community!
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This sounds like quite an intense read. I think it’s cool, too, that the grandmother was the main character in the first book and it sounds like her grandson takes over nicely in this one. Excellent review!
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Definitely intense, Tessa. You might find yourself prepping a bomb shelter and hoarding supplies after reading it, lol. Grandma Bea is a force of nature.
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I keep hearing about Brenda’s books and really must get around to reading them. Your enthusiastic review makes me want to read them even more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Teri. 💕🙂
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Parts of it can be unnerving, but it’s hard to put down, Harmony. I hope you can fit them into your TBR!
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That seems indeed hard to put down!
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Couldn’t pry the kindle from my hands, Sophie!
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I love Brenda’s writing (as you know, LOL). This was such a strong, intense book. Excellent review and well deserved praise for Brenda. Like you, Teri, I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
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Intense it was – I honestly didn’t know what would happen! Your blurb was perfect. Thanks, Mae!
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You know I love a good dystopian read. Especially if it’s YA. I’ll check out the first one. Thanks, Teri!
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Yes! You absolutely should, Sarah – you’ll love Bea.
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This sounds interesting. Married at 18 is surprising. Great review!
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Thanks, Yesha! Eighteen is young, but it fit within the world these characters found themselves in.
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This is coming up for me soon. I read If The Darkness Takes Us and it gave me some sleepless nights. The “what ifs”… I love your review of this one, Teri and I look forward to reading it!
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Just wait until you get to the end – you’ll be as anxious as I am for the next book!
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Thank you so much, Teri, for all the kind words and the lovely review. Thanks also to all your readers and commenters. It’s support from readers and writers like yourself and Mae that keeps me going. I’m almost finished with the first draft of the third book in the series. I’ve had to put it on hold temporarily because I’m buying a new house and selling the current one. Cleaning out 26 years worth of accumulated junk in this house is a marathon, lol. I hope all of you have a fabulous holiday season, and thank you again!
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I mentioned here on Monday I found several reviews buried in my drafts I thought I’d already posted – sorry it took so long, Brenda! I feel for you having to clean out 26 years of stuff, but what a huge weight off your shoulders once you finish.
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Yes, the weight is already lifting. It’s going to be a great adventure. Sending all my best to you and yours.
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This sounds like a good story, Teri. I am a fan of dystopian novels.
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It’s such a compelling series, Robbie, and Grandma Bea is a force of nature. If you’re a dystopian fan, I highly recommend it.
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Thanks, Teri.
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