The RaftAuthor: Fred Strydom
Published by: Talos
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher
On Day Zero, the collapse of civilization was as instantaneous as it was inevitable. A mysterious and oppressive movement rose to power in the aftermath, forcing people into isolated communes run like regimes. Kayle Jenner finds himself trapped on a remote beach, and all that remains of his life before is the vague and haunting vision of his son. . .
Kayle finally escapes, only to find a broken world being put back together in strange ways. As more memories from his past life begin returning, the people he meets wandering the face of a scorched earth—some reluctant allies, others dangerous enemies—begin to paint a terrifying picture. In his relentless search for his son, Kayle will discover more than just his lost past. He will discover the truth behind Day Zero—a truth that makes both fools and gods of men.
Well, that was a trip! The Raft was so not what I was expecting. I mean, I’ve read a ton of books in the dystopian genre, but this was very different. In a good, thought-provoking way, for sure. Fluff, it is not.
There’s a lot of wondering what the hell is going on in the beginning, but in a way that kept me needing to know. It really is put together like a puzzle, and everything starts clicking into place as the story progresses. While it may seem there’s all this random stuff happening, believe me, the author starts pulling it all together. Everything has its reason.
This is about a man searching for his son after the world experienced a sort of ‘reset’, where everyone lost their memories. Okay, it’s actually so, so much more than that, but I wouldn’t even know how to explain without spoilers. There are twists and ‘wtf’ moments around every corner.
The Raft was a refreshing, unique read. I’m really glad I read it, and can see it sticking with me for a long time. I look forward to seeing what Fred Strydom writes next.
it’s great to find something different mainly in dystopia. I didn’t know about this one
I always enjoy a good dystopian read, especially when it is unique. I like the sound of this one!
A great review.
Oh interesting. I would like this one 🙂
This DOES sound pretty great! I remember when you grabbed it and I was sort of skeptical about why you did. Obviously you have darn good instincts! I’m sharing this with the hubs. It’s up his alley of books 😉
I really do love these reads that make you think and question why things are happening, only later to have everything be revealed and put together. I think that is why I love The Passage series so much, I love trying to piece everything together.
Looks like you found a good one. I love these kind. Nice non-spoiler review, Christy!
A dystopian that is different in a thought provoking way? YAY! I’M IN!!! I hope my DNFess can survive the random stuff until it is all pulled together though. Great review.
From reading your review, I kind of got a Stephen King vibe. I think I would like this one. I will have to see if I can still get an ARC.
Oooooh this does sound interesting. It sounds like it was a really complex book, too. I love that!
The name does not ring a bell, I guess this is the first review I have seen then
Not my kind of fantasy, this is my version of a horror read.
I do love a good dystopian. Looks like a great read.
Oh I love the sound of this one! Also, I can’t help but notice that you have City of Mirrors on your currently reading widget. That means I’ve got to catch up.
This sounds so refreshing!
Ooh I’m quite intrigued now. Sometimes the books you can’t really talk about without giving things away end up being the best ones! It tends to mean lots of surprises!
-lauren
Oooo I love a book with twists and a little WTF-ery Christy! Despite having read a lot of dystopians, I haven’t read anything where the characters experienced a reset on their memories, and I want to know what the “so much more” is all about! Adding this to the list immediately:)
Always interesting when it leaves you a little confused at first and then finally clicks. Glad they pulled it off instead of it being frustrating!
Oh this sounds compelling and something I would really enjoy. I’m glad the author brings all those parts together. I’ve read a couple of books that just leave those threads hanging. UGH. I do think I need to read this one.
I don’t think I’ve heard of this one before. I don’t read a lot of dystopia, but it’s good to hear this one was original. I don’t mind being a bit confused at first if thing click into place after that. It sounds like this story was well written and nicely build up with how everything clicked into place as the story progressed. The memory reset does sound a bit weird and creepy, but I hope it make sense when you read it.
Oooo, I like the sound of this one, Christy! On the list it goes!
This is gonna be a book I’ll either love or hate. There will be no in between; I can feel it. It looks like a hardcore dystopian. Glad you loved it!
I honestly don’t read many dystopian books since I’m not usually a fan of the genre, but man, this definitely sounds like a book I’d enjoy! I’ve honestly never heard of it before, or at least if I saw it, it didn’t stick with me. Thanks for bringing it to my attention! 🙂
Wow, this one seems like it would really stand out from the multiplicity of dystopians out there! It has a really interesting premise, and the way the plot elements intermingle with each other sounds pretty awesome. 😀 So glad to see you enjoyed it!
You always recommend reads that really intrigue me Christy, I definitely think we have a similar taste in books! The Raft sounds really intriguing and a great twist on dystopia. Thanks for the recommendation!
Ooh, I really like a book where I haven’t the slightest clue what’s going on and then the pieces start fitting together. I hadn’t heard of The Raft but I’ll check it out. Great review, Christy!
Definitely a new concept. So happy I have this one to read!!! So mysterious.
This book is definitely on my radar. It sounds almost like The Deep. I’ll end up requesting it from the library eventually.
I’ve read quite a few stories like this and they still reign as favorites till this day. Glad this one worked out for you.