I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A mother and daughter must traverse a broken world and face their past together in author Brady Koch’s “The Blissful Plague”, the fourth book in the All Our Forgotten Futures series.
The Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Maggie, her mother, and their loyal dog, Penny, traverse desolate cities, guided by a well-worn travel book. A chance encounter with a solitary boy, entangles them in the perils of Plantation Oaks, a seemingly safe haven.
As secrets unravel, revealing the reasons behind their endless voyage, Maggie and her mother grapple with their complex past. This poignant tale speaks to survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter, emphasizing the strength it takes to navigate a shattered world.
The Review
As a longtime fan of series like The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, and author Alexandra Bracken’s “The Darkest Minds”, this story really spoke to me. I’ve been covering this series all year, and this fourth novella was truly character-driven. The relationship between this mother and daughter, and the connection to the overall narrative started in book 1, made their story feel intimate and emotional, highlighting the impact that this world has had on their journey.
The mythos of this story and the emergence of the “feral” people that resulted from this global pandemic made the reader feel emerged into this story. The imagery of the author’s writing style really captured the lonely, abandoned feeling that the story brought forth in its setting. Yet, the heart and hope that the characters bring to the world help elevate this dystopian story to new heights.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Brady Koch’s “The Blissful Plague” is a fantastic dystopian read and the perfect conclusion to this narrative. The emotional bond between the mother and daughter of this story, and the examination of how we as a people overcome overwhelming odds (reflected in the way we faced the global pandemic of our world), made this a gripping story that is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Feel free to read over Brady’s shoulder if you see him working on a new novel or short story at the coffee shop or library. Despite his penchant for crime, horror, and the unusual in his writing, he’s actually a nice guy and welcomes your feedback. Brady Koch’s first collection of short works, Guns, Gods & Robots, is now available. His debut novel, All our Forgotten Futures, will be available in Winter 2023.
Website: www.BradyKoch.com
Twitter: @BradyTheWriter
Email: BradyKochBooks@gmail.com