First Shift - Legacy (Part 6 of the Silo Series)

I recently read the Wool Omnibus which was so good it just blew me away. So I immediately headed back out to purchase the sixth volume in the story. Mr. Howey is very talented and overall I enjoyed the story; however, it wasn't as gripping as the ones before and some of the plot seemed a little off or perhaps unlikely so I wasn't drawn into the story as completely as with the previous volumes in the story. I'm not at all saying I didn't enjoy the read. It was interesting and I very much enjoyed it. Mr. Howey is an excellent writer and has some really interesting ideas. I will most definitely read Wool 7 when it comes out. I'm intrigued and completely sucked into the story, but I think the real story lies in what will happen to the people struggling to survive in the silos and how they can improve their world rather than how they got there. To me, it seems that is where the real human drama is taking place and I think I would have rather seen those in the silos discovering and coming to grips with the truth of how it all happened than to go back and see it played out. Of course, that's just my opinion and it's easy to say how you would have like to see things go from the perspective of a reader. Anyway, altogether a good read and a must for anyone who has enjoyed the previous installments in the Wool series. I very much look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

All right, so perhaps that review title was less than eloquent...

But this book is. Eloquent and evocative and perfectly paced and just SO GOOD. Hugh Howey's writing (which was fantastic in the Wool Omnibus) has improved so dramatically. His plotting and surprises were shockingly well done in the Omnibus, but I found some of the dialog and exposition a bit stiff. Not so in this latest installment. It's fabulous, start to finish. I actually groaned out loud at the end (startling my children :)), because it was over and I didn't want it to end.

As for those reviewers who criticized the feasibility of the project in the book, they obviously haven't worked in DC.

Hugh, please keep writing, because it's clear that for as long as you do, a whole mess of people will keep reading!

Yes, you should definitely read the Omnibus before First Shift not just because Wool 1-5 together ARE better than 6 but because primarily, Wool 6 is a prequel to Wool 7, not the Omnibus.

6 isn't as good because the central character just isn't as likeable. There's a reason for this which becomes clear by the end but that still leaves the problem of a big narrative revolving around someone who's just not that compelling. I kept wondering why all the other characters gave two hoots about him.

All the rest remains -- it's well-written, compulsively readable, with big ideas in a world painted with depth and imagination. (Like that's easy.) And, of course, its well-edited.

I don't like anti-heroes; I know who I'll be rooting for in 7.

i read the silo books just recently, a great discovery.

"first shift" is a great read, and gives purpose to the earlier books.
it's great to watch things unfold, knowing what the outcome will be.
and howdy is an exceptional writer: he tells a powerful story, and tells it well.

i've read some of his other books as well (even the 'young adult' stuff)...and am NOT a young adult.
but great writing is worth seeking out, always.

hopefully there will be more of the Silo series. am ready for the next one NOW...

This book was a very interesting read, and definitely kept me turning the pages. Don't start by reading this book, you should read the Omnibus edition first. I found Omnibus to be a far superior read, and this book has some promise, but a few pitfalls.

The place where this book succeeds in character development, and I'm super excited for the next set.

VERY MILD SPOILER ALERT

This book ignores a couple practical elements to the situation:

The book makes it feel like one politician, with the unknown help from other politicians (our protagonist) has created the circumstances of these books. The book frames a great reason for the actions taken by these politicians, but the premise that one man or even a handful of politically powerful men could construct such a situation ignores key pieces of politics and reality.

Some hurdles that aren't adequately covered in the book.
-Washington funding issues for such an ambitious project
-Political oversight, where are the republicans?
-Ignores that there is a system of controls in place in regards to home-turf military action. Where is the president? Why would these military men and women knowingly do what they've been asked to do?

Hugh Howey does it again. Wonderful plot, believable characters, perfect pacing. It takes a real talent to paint a word picture and evoke emotions without getting verbose, and Howey has that talent in spades. Really a top notch author.

Although this is technically a prequel, if you haven't read Wool yet, run, don't walk, and go grab that first (go for the Omnibus so you get all five in one). You won't want to read this until after you've read Wool, since this story has too much info that is best discovered the way they are originally revealed.

The first shift provides you with a clear understanding of how the project came to be while directing the theme in the past as well as in the present. The writing is not only fluid but engaging that you actually transport youserlf and become part of the story line.The Wool series is an epic adventure that no one should miss and if you read the First Shift first, you will be grateful for it becasue the story will contiue with fluidity and consciness. Do yourself a favor and read these adventures, it will provide you with a tale of no return and once it's finish you will want more.

I've been struggling with how to describe my feelings about this book. First of all, you really should complete Wool-Omnibus Edition first, which is one of the best plotted and written works of fiction I've read in a loooong time. While this story may be able to stand on its own, much of what you'll read will have greater and deeper meaning if you've read the other five installments first (all of which are included in the omnibus edition). That said, if you've read and enjoyed the other stories, this installment almost seems superflous. While it is every bit as well-written, and Mr. Howey continues to amaze me with his command of artful and economic prose, I found myself thinking at different points of the story that the events described just didn't ring true.

For example, the story bounces back, effectively, between two different time periods - early 22nd century and mid 21st. Yet I never bought the reality described for the year 2049. Given the level of technology described (stand alone desktop computers, wired to separate monitors and using an interface navigated with mouses, is one example; the use of current engineering tools and principles is another; reliance on nuclear fission a third; and the idea that our poltical landscape will be identical in 2049 to the one we experience today is yet a fourth; and there are others), it felt more like tomorrow, or even today, not 37 years in the future. I found myself wondering several times why Mr. Howey didn't just set it in the year 2019 instead of 2049. It would have been more believable, and the story therefore more accessible.

I also had trouble suspending disbelief surrounding several other plot points. (Spoiler warning inserted here for those who want to discover these plot holes on their own.)

First, I didn't buy the idea that any city or county would welcome the dumping of radioactive waste within its borders, especially within view of a major downtown. Second, I didn't buy that any group, state-sponsored or otherwise, could maintain the secrecy required to pull off the events described, from the planning and building of 50 silos, 49 of which are ostensibly for the storage of nuclear waste but secretly outfitted with the facilities, materials (plant and animal) and supplies necessary to sustain thousands of living beings for an indefinite period of time, to the planning and execution of the nuclear bombing of every city, presumably in the entire world. Third, as much as I appreciate the idea that only members of the democratic party were saved, leaving every republican to suffer a fiery death (yay woohoo!), I'm not sure I appreciate making democratic party leaders responsible for the destruction of the entire world (Boo hiss!). Fourth, I don't buy that any leader, democrat or republican, would actually undertake or succeed in the nuclear destruction of the entire world. Fifth, the idea that any political party would host a presidential nominating convention on top of what everyone thinks will become the worlds largest nuclear dump strains credulity.

Overall, these plot devices really didn't work for me, pushing me out of the story time after time and preventing me from awarding five or four stars. Fortunately, Mr. Howey's command of prose and ability to cram so much emotional and descriptive meaning into as few words as possible helped me enjoy this book, and I feel comfortable giving his work three stars based on that extraordinary skill alone.

If you have not read the WOOL series, then please read that first. The Silo Series is a prequel, but will be much more meaningful if WOOL is read first.

I discovered Hugh Howey about three weeks ago and have blown through seven of his books in that time. He is an exceptional sci-fi writer. If you have already read WOOL and liked it, then you must continue the story with this next series. You will not be disappointed. If you have not read anything by this author yet, just read the first few pages of WOOL and you will be hooked.

I quickly purchased First Shift after reading WOOL 1-5 (which I loved). Overall, I did enjoy the read and was glad to learn a couple of things that gave explanation to the prior books. It was fun to connect some of the subtle dots! It wasn't as fast paced as WOOL, so some parts were a bit of a slower read and the connectivities didn't go as deep between characters, but I have a feeling (and hope?) that this was just a set up for the upcoming book(s) in the series.

I really hope the next one kicks in like 1-5 did. Again, overall, a good book with lots of interesting points. Looking forward to the next one!

(as a side note, I'm super impressed with Hugh Howey's connections to his readers. It's really nice to see someone so interested in what his fans and or critics think)

This is an incredible book. I do have some concerns with the way Hugh Howey describes the nuclear/nano technology holocaust. I can not imagine the whole world blowing itself up for no reason.

With that said, this book is just like all of his Wool books - AMAZING!!! If you are looking for a wonderful read, this is it!!!

One more problem: now I have to wait for the next book to come out and I imagine this is what heroine addicts go through when they do not have their fix. :)

Great Job Howey!!!!

First Shift is the "prequel" to the first 5 parts of Wool, the Silo series, and is - in many ways - the best of the series so far. First Shift explains the events leading up to the origins of the solid and takes the reader up to the beginning of the Silo 18 troubles. This is deftly accomplished by the shifts between the “before silos" and "after silos" chapters. Many things improve with practice, and Mr. Howey's story-telling prowess is certainly proof of that. Very, very good book... more, please.

Must...have...more...Shifts!

Though I finished the book hours ago, my brain is still reverberating from the mental gymnastics it had to go through wrapping itself around the potential of this novel coming true. There are enough seeds of reality, enough fertile earth being tilled in the machinations of government...I can't say more. I can't wait for more books in this series. Please, Hugh, write more!

I would recommend that W.O.O.L be read first, but I don't think it's a necessity in order to enjoy Hugh Howey's brilliant series.

Absolutely read Wool 1-5 first. The background will be needed to understand what exactly is going on here.

I was grateful that Hugh Howey wrote this prequel so we could find out how the world came to be as it was in Wool. I was especially interested to know how so many people agreed to essentially end the world as we know it, only to learn that many people who participated in the creation of the silos did not realize their actual purpose.

A few of the concepts of how Silo 1 was kept under control were a little unbelievable, but I also think that is the entire point of this series - to make the unbelievable seem possible.

As there have been talks, I know Wool will be picked up for film, and am curious if any parts of First Shift will be incorporated into the script in order to give background or if the movie goers will be left in the dark of how this all came to be. Very excited to see how the film (or hopefully filmS) are structured.

Another great one Hugh.

I recently read Wool - Omnibus Edition and was blown away by how amazing it was. I immediately purchased First Shift - Legacy (Part 6 of the Silo Series) (Wool) and read it within the day. This prequel answered a lot of the "how" and "why" questions I had from reading Wool - Omnibus Edition. I don't want to go into any detail, because I don't want to accidentally spoil anything... but I will say that I can not wait until Part 7 is finished. I am completely hooked on this series!

This entire series is mesmerizing, you read one and must go for the next volume and where Hugh leaves his Silo world, he allows others to expand upon and continue moving it. Marvelous sci-fi, marvelous read. A world within a world. Classic Hugh Howey.

Living in the silo is totally consuming, being able to pull yourself up out of the earth and be back in the real world, without the Silo gives you a new perspective on what we do have and could lose so easily.

I enjoyed this quite a bit, found it explained things pretty well and was a decent "prequel". I do agree with other reviewers that are saying read Wool Omnibus before you read the prequel. I'll not post any spoilers as, to be honest, it really bugs me when folks do that. I did find the back and forth between years to be a bit choppy at times and with so few characters vs the rest of the series the characters could be fleshed out a bit more. So I do recommend this book especially to fill the void until the next in the series is released.

I have read MANY books on post apocolyptic, and pre apocolyptic times......but this books is the icing on the cake....I absolutley LOVED the WOOL books, and I was really hesitant about starting the SHIFT series......but my skeptisim soon gave way when I made it about 2 chapters in, and a I realized what was taking place.......I am SO excited about Second Shift now.....I can only hope what direction they will turn me....
THANK YOU HUGH FOR SUCH A FANTASTIC IMAGINATION....

Hugh Howey has managed to create different characters in the same world as Wool. It is a continuation, yet complete within itself. He has managed to keep the suspense and interest level so that as soon as you finish this one you will definitely order the next 2 books: Second Shift and Third Shift, in this series.

An Advanced Academic Reader: Book 2: The Complete Guide to Learning Reading Comprehension & Strategies (Volume 2)

This clarifies the world of the Silo (trying not to spoil here), by taking us back to its construction, and the events which lead to it being occupied. Like parts 1-5, it's a quick YA read. This story flips back and forth between Tony, a Silo-dweller in 2110 , and Donald in 2049, as the Silo is being built. This technique is different from the more linear storytelling of the first 5 parts, and I found it required a bit more work on my part as the reader. Still, the plot continues to thicken, and I plan to purchase Part 7, Second Shift.

Anyone viewing this product after reading the first five books already knows just how spectacular the mystery surrounding the silo was. Though (thankfully) First Shift doesn't give away all of the answers you yearned for while reading Wool so far, it certainly does stitch together the fabric of the world in masterful fashion, meshing emotion and science in a way that is far more realistic than most other sci-fi fables can manage.

The true wonder of the book, however, is not in the fiction so much as the non-fiction- if read the way (I believe) Mr. Howey intended, an evil inevitability of the real world is brought to light in a fashion that most intellectuals probably have pondered but never really taken the time to play through, something much more frightening than any of the technologies in peers like 1984 and Brave New World. There are some serious philosophical questions to be raised, and soon- questions that may define our future.

I would highly recommend this book to any who have the $3.99 required to purchase it, whether they've read omnibus yet or not. In my opinion, it's a warning on par with those of the greatest pieces of Sci-Fi literature that exist today- not to mention it's also a great read, a really touching human story. Bravo Mr. Howey, bravo.

To be honest, I was somewhat disappointed with First Shift. After reading the Wool series, I was blown away. I guess I was expecting more of that and I was definitely expecting some answers. Yes, it did shed some light but overall I still have questions running through my mind. I would of loved more on the characters of the wool series. I did get "into" Troy and Donny but missed my old buddies from wool. I did just purchase Second Shift, to curious not too, but really am hoping that Hugh revisits some of his original friends.

I absolutely loved the first 5 books in the series (Wool #1 - 5); I gave the combined "Omnibus edition" a 5-star rating. I think part of the reason I didn't find this prequel book (#6) quite as entertaining was that it felt a little incomplete. I think if I had to review book #1 by itself I would have had the same issue. Book #1 feels like the first chapter of a much larger story. The same could be said for #6. Because of this I actually see a good reason to wait until there are more "Legacy" books available before beginning. I sooo wanted this prequel story to catch up with the events in the first 5 books, and it really only gets teased in the Epilogue of #6. I'm not sure if one is planned or not, but I'm dying to read #7.

Mr Howey has created another excellent tail about the silos. Different from the first five books but as dark a tail and an ending that screams of more to come. Enjoyable, yes - worth reading, yes - well considered, absolutely. Mr Howey gives the reason and reveals the fear that had reasonable people do the unthinkable. He explores the reason for survival and the greater reason for knowing the truth. As was the case in Wool 1 the story is so simple, so well told revealing the details when needed keeping them a mystery until then.

When a select group of humanity decides to save itself from impending disaster, which side do you want to be on? What if you have no choice? First Shift: Legacy by Hugh Howey throws the reader into a near future in which those decisions are made for you without your consent or knowledge. This is the sixth installment in the Wool series, but it is actually the story of how it all started. I found it chilling and unnerving; I could not put it down. Much of this installment takes place in Georgia. I think that made it all the more horrifying to me.

Before reading this installment, you should read Wool Omnibus Edition or the first five stories in this series. As soon as I finished this sixth story in the series I downloaded the seventh. Hugh Howey has me completely wrapped up in his all too near future of mankind.

Just like the other books in Howey's Silo Series (Wool, etc.), I couldn't put this down. This is a great story and it will have you hooked. The great part about this book - First Shift - is that it's wonderful if you're already read the other five books that came previously, but even if you haven't, I think the story stands on its own just fine. But do yourself a favor and check out the Wool Omnibus. Then read this (and the next one, and the next one!).

Well, what a shocker! I have just found my favorite new writer on the store. I read Wool 1-5 in a week and just finished First Shift in one day! First of all, my thanks to a gifted writer. Your books have been a pleasure as well as a surprise. Please, keep up the great work! I will very comfortably give this series a two thumbs up! Read them and enjoy the emotions the author brings out of the paper (or screen). You will be very happy with this purchase!!!
MORE please Hugh!

I loved Wool on many levels. Especially the similarity of the message delivered in the classic, "Animal Farm".
First Shift is a prequel but do read it after. The message in this one is completely different and well delivered.
It is not just the meaning but the story itself that will keep you reading.
You will find yourself thinking as Scrooge asked the Ghost of Christmas Future, "Is this the future as it will be or as it Might be?"

This book kicks @ss like the other wool books. Don't let anyone tell you any different. This does not have the quick build up of the first couple wool stories, which were a quarter of the length...so it is pretty slow the first 100 pages...I was feeling pretty disappointed, but thing really turn around by the end and leave you glad you read it, but this is not the sunshine days mood of Wool 5, more like Wool 1.

After reading Wool, which was one of the best sci-fi novels that I have ever read, I really wanted to read a sequel, or at least a prequel. And so, I began reading First Shift, thinking that it would be just as entertaining and thought-provoking as the original story. I was very wrong.

I think the greatest problem lies in the concept of the novel - a group of politicians destroying the world. C-SPAN isn't particularly entertaining, is it? Well, this book pretty much describes how things came to be in 'Wool' as a result of politics. Not even a good writer like Hugh Howey can make such a novel entertaining. It would have been far more entertaining if it were the result of some science-related disaster or a rogue group, which would at least lead to some suspense and action. However, that would deviate from the theme from Wool - that bad things happen when the wrong people are in charge.

The story-telling style is very similar to that of Wool, except that in this case it goes back and forth between the 'present' (2050) and 'future' (2110). The problem here is that the 'future' pretty much spoils the entire story of the 'present' timeline (we can deduce what will happen based on 'Wool' and the 2110 storyline) and there is no point in reading further in the 'present' timeline except to read about how the story is narrated. Another issue with the choice of year (2050) is that it is completely unrealistic. Nanorobots with ability to repair and destroy DNA by 2050? The ability to freeze people for years and wake them up again? As a scientist, I don't see many of the science-fiction in the novel becoming reality by 2050. The author would be much better off choosing a time more distant in the future. Paradoxically, the choice of year and place also makes it all too real - it is a time in our century that we can relate to (sort of). Due to this, while reading, I got the uncomfortable feeling of helplessly watching the world get destroyed by our elected officials. In that sense, the author is successful at getting the reader to sympathize for the feeling of some of the characters in the novel who helplessly watch their world get destroyed by their elected officials.

Have read all the Wool/Silo books and thoroughly enjoy them. Can't wait until the next story coming out in the spring.

If you are looking for something to read in the mean time try Molly Fyde, not as good as the Wool/Silo series but it holds your attention. A YA book.

Also by a new author, Andy Weir, is "The Martian" an excellent read and just .99c. I love all these inexpensive books and great new authors.

Perfect "start" to a new series.

WARNING -- read Wool Omnibus First!

Hugh tells two stories simultaneously of the beginning of the Silos and the "First Shift". I don't want to give anymore of the story away, but once again it's a great story told with Hugh Howey style and flare.

As with the rest of the Wool saga I am now anxiously awaiting the next book in the series...and his upcoming zombie story!

This book tells the intertwined stories of the first shift and how the silos came to be. This part of the backstory comes right when it should in the Wool "saga", answers a few questions, opens more than a few others and ties up nicely with everything else while leaving the reader wanting for more.
As usual, it is well written in this seemingly easy style that is so difficult to achieve, and even though characterization seems to be a little weaker than in the previous books, it is for a very good reason ;-)

Most prequels land with a dull thud but First Shift is actually one of those rare gems that is even better than the series before it. It answers important questions from Wool 1-5 while at the same time adding more layers of mystery to the whole series. I cannot recommend reading this enough but honestly if you already read Wool 1-5 you know how good the series is and you're going to read First Shift regardless of what I say here so enjoy!

When I read Hugh Howey's Wool Omnibus Edition (Wool 1 - 5) (Silo Saga), I was completely captivated. I might not have been as much in love with it if I had read it section by section, as he originally published it, but taken as a single novel Wool works very well. The characters are compelling, and the society of the silo I found to be a realistic depiction of what an artificially constructed society might be like after many generations of isolation, having an internal dynamism that helped it work as a genuine human culture (despite its obviously artificial origins). The mystery that begins to unravel the carefully-maintained fictions that make that society work was also intriguing and well played. And I loved the way the story was written -- there was a certain lyrical quality, something lacking in run-of-the-mill commercial fiction in general, and science fiction particularly.

So when Howey's First Shift pre-quel was released, I eagerly downloaded it. Huge disappointment! I had trouble believing this story had been written by the same man. It lacked everything that had made Wool work -- the characters were shallow and poorly developed, key themes were not well explored, the explanation that emerged of how and why the silos had been created was completely preposterous, the shifts in time between the building of the silos and the early years of silo life were irritating, even after it became clear how the two eras and lead characters were connected. While Wool was a character-driven novel that happened to be built on an intriguing premise, First Shift has reversed that model, to no good effect. It reads like a third rate high-tech political thriller with a flat story arc.

Judging from reader reviews, some readers think that all the references to contemporary hot-button issues and emerging technology actually give First Shift an edge over Wool. Maybe you're one such reader. For my part though, I was sorry I had wasted money on it.
Now I see that two more Shift stories have been published, and the three together are now available as a single Shift Omnibus Edition (Shift 1-3) (Silo Saga). It's possible that these three, taken together as a single novel, will overcome the weaknesses of the first installment, but I'm not sure I want to be bothered to find out. A look at reader reviews suggests that the second installment (??) is not as poorly crafted as Shift is, and I admit I'm interested in the early generations of silo life, but it will take a lot to get rid of the bad taste left by First Shift (remove the penultimate consonant from the second word of that title and you'll have an approximation of my opinion of it).

I suspect First Shift was rushed to publication after the sensation caused by Wool, and I think the rush was poorly judged. This book needs lots of work! A good editor should have told Howey that. I also deplore the practice of publishing as separate "novels" what are, in fact, simply segments of one larger novel, which have been published serially just to feed voracious consumers of genre fiction. I hope other writers will avoid this temptation, and produce complete novels with well-developed characters and richly detailed stories. Hugh Howie did that in Wool, but he failed to do that in First Shift. I would advise readers who are eager to read the story of how the silos came to be to read the "omnibus" edition now available.

The entire Wool series has been a thrill. They're the type of story that sticks in the mind - daily life reminds me of aspects of the narrative. I find myself very much waiting for more.

This particular book sheds an entirely new light on the the rest of them - enough so that I was compelled to go back and re-read the others. All the good aspects of sci-fi are present for me: interesting future possibilities, statements upon the current state of humanity, and the strengths and foibles of individuals (and the rippling effects thereof).

Thank you. I'm waiting for more.

I thoroughly enjoyed First Shift - Legacy (Part 6 of the Silo Series) from start
to finish.

If you have been told that you should read First Shift before reading parts 1-5 since part 6 is a prequel to the previous stories, do not do it. Reading these great Silo stories in the prescribed order makes for the best Wool reading experience.

This is the first time that I have read a book that goes back and forth between
two separate time lines with each chapter. First Shift consists of two stories: One story describes the birth of the Silos. The second story describes the day-to-day life of a man who is in charge of all of the Silos at a future time. You might wonder: Why have two separate stories? What is the purpose?
As you progress through each chapter in First Shift, you will see how these
two plots intersect in a stunning and gripping conclusion.

I strongly recommend reading First Shift. Hugh Howey is a great writer.

Darn it... Darn it... Darn it... Darn it. I broke my #1 rule for reading books with this series and now I'm paying for it.

Rule #1. Never begin a series until the author has finished it (otherwise known as the Robert Jordan rule. It also applies to George RR Martin).

I got burned by Robert Jordan. The Wheel of Time started out as one of the best series ever and then fell apart... then he died... now someone else is finishing it... uhhhhh... Yeah, and I'm pretty sure they had someone else ghostwriting most of it prior to Jordan's death and the publisher never told anyone about it (probably around book 6). You can actually tell when the style changes.

I didn't learn my lesson, so I started the George RR Martin books. Burned again! I refuse to read another until he finishes the series. I'll be shocked if it ever happens. Flabbergasted.

Ok... so I pick up the Wool series because I originally thought the "Omnibus" edition was the complete package. Except it's not. Then I read Wool 6 because I liked the Omnibus so much... and that is really where I broke my rule because it was obvious at that point that there would be more Wool to come.

Of course, this wouldn't be such a big deal if the books sucked. Then I wouldn't care. However, the series is excellent and now I'm stuck like a girl on prom night waiting for her date to show up at the door.

As with the Omnibus, I continue with my 4 star rating. I also maintain that this could be a 5 star series.

Having read Wool and loved it, the shift series links many of the characters and scenarios with historic background and acts as a springboard for the final chapter of the Silo series, yet to be written. I would recommend reading Wool first as it builds up the tension first, then the Shift series so as to understand the full implications of what is about to become of the inhabitants of the Silo's.

I jumped into Wool Omnibus by happenstance. When I bought this I did not realize it was a prequel and was thinking it was a continuation of the character stories I had already fallen in love with. I was mildly disappointed that I did not have more of their wonderful story, but nonetheless, I literally read this whole book in only a few hours time. Refreshingly enough, it was not at all what I expected and I so love that! Admittedly, I have never been a huge sci fi person but this story is engrossing to the very end. All I kept thinking was how close to reality this could be if mankind doesn't get a grip on itself! I can't wait for book 7!

This is an awesome read.. Not deep like wool, but good nevertheless. Another unputdownable book by h.howey. A must read if you loved the wool series. This book is where the legacy catches up with the present..the only jarring piece is that a single senator can decide unilaterally on a preemptive move..just like that..? A tough sell. Otherwise this is a brilliant book..oh, if you haven't read the wool 1-5, read that first.

I read that one right after reading Wool omnibus (and I highly recommend reading these in this order).

First shift is not as mysterious as the original Wool serie but it is even more psychologicaly disturbing. It's really not something to read to cheer you up.

It is dangerously well writen, draging you in the bottomless spleen of its characters. It shows you how this apocalyptic world came to be.

Amateurs of depressing cyberpunk novels will swallow it as an high grade mind altering designer drug.

I love this post apocalyptic world he's created. It's scary but intriguing! It makes you wonder, how would I handle living in a silo w/no way out?!

I'm excited that there are two more 'books!!' Part 7, which is available, & part 8, which is yet to come. (A second trilogy.)

If you've read Wool, you really must read this. It's a prequel, but should definitely be read afterward.

I loved this series, my only complaint is that there is not more to read! The overarching story is intriguing and the characters that the reader meets in each book are multidimensional and endearing. I enjoyed the development of this story through the first 5 books and this prequel proved itself to be a great back story. I hope the author writes more to bridge the chronological gap between this book and book 1.

Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed reading Wool, Shift and Dust. This book seemed tike a re-write of Shift. In fact, about 25% of the way through this book I had to check and make sure that I hadn't already read it. I kept waiting for a good plot twist that never came.

Wow Howey! This read is a satisfying follow through to the Silo Series! I am an accountant, not an English major so minor glitches in the telling don't bother me at all. It is the STORY -- and a GREAT one at that! The escape from ledgers and tax codes is what I crave and Hugh Howey arranged the jail break! Thank you, Mr. Howey. Second Shift is in my queue --- it's a WINNER already!

I really enjoyed this follow up to The Wool omnibus edition. Although I could fairly well guess what happened already from reading the previous books I still enjoyed the overall plot and characters. I liked how Anna was devious at the end and how the final chapter was a surprise - to me anyhow. I think the author does a great job in creating this world. Look forward to additional books from him

Be warned! Once you you start reading, you cant put it down! Mr. Howey weaves a story line that leaves you guessing untill the last suspense filled pages. Not sure about the folks saying it was political. It was based in America. Some characters are politicians. Hugh necessarly mentions the parties however to no consequence based on any perticular ideology. Great book!

This prequel answered a few questions lingering from the Wool series. In general a good read. It left enough room for another prequel and I hope he writes one. He also has room for a continuation from book 5 forward. I think I would have enjoyed that a little more. I am in general not a prequel fan. If "first shift" deserved a 5 star rating...and it did, then Wool 1-5 should get a six!!!