Ashfall (Ashfall Trilogy)

This book is well written and keeps you engrossed through the very last page. You are "there" experiencing the events with the characters. This book is well worth reading, thought provoking, and will not be soon forgotten.

I liked the book. I think its mostly for teenagers, but I am 51 and still found it to be a real page turner. It was really good. Some of it was rather graphic and I did not like those parts, but I think the author did that because those scenes would likely occur in his scenario.

The beginning of this novel is very claustrophobic. It's dark and ash is falling. The story becomes a trip home/Bildungsroman for Alex as he crosses a forbidding landscape. Very well-drawn characters, some grusome horror, and good post-apocalyptic tale.

So what will happen in Iowa if the Yellowstone supervolcano blew? Ashfall is a YA novel told from POV of a teenage boy. The book read like a mashup between Catcher in the Rye (teenager point of view) and The Road so be warned. I'll be checking out the sequel.

I enjoyed reading Ashfall. Every character was well-defined, and the relationship between Darla and Alex never felt rushed. I don't know much about volcanic eruptions or natural disasters (since I live in Ohio free of volcanoes) but it felt vivid and realistic. There wasn't much info-dump throughout, making the story flow well, balancing characterization and plot.

The science behind Ashfall was spot on, and the explanation in the back was very interesting and helpful. It kept my attention to the point that I read the whole thing on my phone when I forgot my iPad. This should resonate with young middle school boys.

If you like enclave,the burn, or any other dystopian book, you will enjoy this one. By the time I was through half the book, I couldn't put it down. Trad the second right after, and cant wait for the third.

Not for young readers! Sexual content, violence and language are notable concerns for younger readers. However, the plot is engaging and terrifying. It is easy to imagine the tragic events as they are plausible.

I had trouble putting this book down and have already started on the second of the series. the characters of Alex and Darla were so well developed that you wanted to meet them. I would like to have them on my side if a disaster did occur.

Surprisingly well written and edited for the author's first book. I look forward to the sequel. I won't go into the compelling details of the novel because other reviewers have done a better job than I would.

The topic was well researched, and the writing style depicted strong images of some of the dreadful actions of humans during a natural catastrophe, but equally strong emotional connections were not included, which resulted in a shallow telling.
The prose turned into a laundry list of ideas with some sparce smatterings of emotional reaction, making the story seem choppy and lacking connection to the character in terms of fear and heartbreak, relief and triumph, and the love and disappointments that one experiences in relationships.
The author overestimates the ability of young adults to infer how one is supposed to feel in such situations. Being explicit, even with the use of similes and metaphors, would have made the story excellent.
Also, a few more conjunctions in every paragraph would have raised the reading level to higher than a fourth grade level.
overall, a fair first try.

I bought this book by accident; however, I'm glad I did. It was an enjoyable read. I will more than likely read the follow on book. Plot line moves along and the "gory" parts are not overly graphic.

If you love postapocalyptic, non-stop action, drama, romance, and great character development then read this book! Mike Mullin's extreme detail and scientific accuracy makes you feel as if you live in this post-volcanic, ash-filled world with Alex and co. Then when you finish Ashfall, read the equally thrilling and even more action-packed Ashen Winter.

I have to confess: I like books like this! Tidal waves, volcanos, the more the merrier. While a Young Adult book, it has a lot going for it. It is well wrtten, has a plot ( not just full of bad guys and assult weapons), and has a lot of subtle and not so subtle messages for young and old. Even the editing is good as I could only find one typo! In all, this is a good read and I can't wait to start the next one. I thank the author and publisher for a job well done.

Found description of volcanic event to fall in line with what scientist think would really happen if Yellowstone erupted. Kind of scary actually as you read it. Makes one realize how unprepared we all would be! Great read!