I fell for Ashfall

So this book wasn't at all what I expected.

It was so much better.

From the cover, I assumed this was only barely classed in the Young Adult category on the edge of Middle Grade. I'm not sure why exactly, but the cover just looked sort of childish — like the something I'd see in a kids magazine.

I'm so glad I was wrong.

The major things I loved about this book were pretty straight-forward. I loved the male main character, the super-strong female interest, the lack of paranormal, the apocalyptic setting. The reason these elements worked so well is that Mullin's writing was strong — solid imagery, energetic pacing, and just enough emotion to empathize with the characters.

The apocalyptic event that changes everything for our main character Alex is natural and seemingly well-researched enough by Mullin to make it believable. I never felt myself questioning the changing world Mullin wove around Alex. I also think the other characters in the book behave in very realistic ways, considering the situation they are in.

I've seen some complaints in reviews about Alex's obsession with Tae Kwon Do, but in my experience it just makes him more realistic. Most slightly nerdy 15 year olds are a little obsessed with something and talk about it too much or relate it to every situation. The only failing I found regarding the Tae Kwon Do talk is sometimes it didn't sound like it was coming from Alex's voice. Often it felt like the author taking the opportunity to "teach" the reader, which I found increasingly annoying. Eventually you have to trust that the reader will get the connection or will know how to use google. You can only give me full definitions on different punching and kicking styles for so long before I'm exhausted by it. Also, in first person, it's normal for the character to relate to a skill he has but it's unlikely he'd continue the over-explaining.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I've recommended this to everyone I usually recommend my favorite YA novels to, but more importantly to a lot of people with whom I normally wouldn't talk about my little reading obsession.

(This e-copy was provided by the publisher through netgalley.)