Extinction End caps off this entire series with relentless action, suspense, intense character driven sequences that churn emotions, and continues its epic and satisfying foundation in science and military details, all the while raising the stakes of survival to the brink of extinction.
From the very first book of this series, I fell in love with the characters. I'm sure, as a post-apocalyptic reader, that may not be the first thing you want to hear. For me, inexplicably, these characters and their quest for survival and victory was paramount to this series' success. Many books in this genre do deliver on some wonderfully developed characters (I'm thinking of The Remaining, Surviving the Dead, The Tide, to name a few), but Nicholas Smith made me fall in love with his characters, more than any series on page or screen has been able to accomplish. His respect and admiration for men and women in uniform is evident throughout each book, and it only adds to the sense of how invested I was, as a reader, to them. As a disabled person myself, I have been especially drawn to the wounded warriors among the characters, the respect given to them, and the sense of utility and value that sometimes disappears in normal life. Here, in the world of Smith's Extinction series, even we matter.
Smith doubles down on strong female characters, which are not always present in this genre. These women hold their own and do incredible things, even get to interact with each other. They're not window dressing, which some books treat them as. In fact, they're willing to give their all to help others. Their courage is impressive.
There are heart warming, joyful moments punctured by loss and grief, and the cathartic sensation of mourning along with the characters we read, and the urgency and requirement of victory. In plain English, I cried big man tears, laughed, and cussed a whole lot at some of the twists and surprises found within.
Evolution continues, the escalation and threat of humanity's survival is at a tipping point. I've loved that about the Extinction Cycle. Somehow, Nicholas Smith made me believe 100% in the terrifying apocalypse and what clicks and clacks in the shadows. He doesn't let up here as the action seems more intense, more descriptive, more engaging, with shocking surprises that do justice to the threat he crafted.
The thrill of Smith's science continues as solutions and understanding of the particulars of Variant evolution is explored. Hope, albeit dimly, continues.
(Potential Spoiler Alert) The villainous Gibson's legacy continues, albeit slightly predictable, while Smith teases us with a president and vice-president who some may wish existed in real life. (Low blow, but I cannot apologize.) Finally, we're given the chance to move on from recent character losses along with the characters we read. It's powerful stuff. Even in death, the characters' impact on those who survive is keenly felt. Perhaps more so on that one Variant at the end than on others, but it still applies. (End potential spoiler alert.)
Does Extinction End suffer from the same genre tropes as other books not in this series? Occasionally, but it's handled with finesse and masterful craft work, making these moments far less problematic than any--and I do mean any--books of the same genre I've read. The extreme threat of ongoing Variant evolution is exptected, and while it may be construed as, "bigger, badder for the end" it doesn't feel that way. Surprisingly enough, this is one apocalypse I'm sold on and it's been taking my money since Extinction Horizon. Fans of this series will be more than pleased, as it's almost a fond letter of appreciation and care for the journey we've accompanied Nicholas Smith on. It's evident where he listened to fans, but where, most of all, he let the story fulfill its own needs and dictate how the characters would respond to the situations placed upon them. In that sense, Extinction End feels like a living, breathing novel, easily ranked as one of the greatest in the genre. Personally for me, "End" has found solid footing as one of my favorite 15 novels of all time and genres, and that is the highest praise I can award it. I hope you will invest in the adventure, and join us readers who have been entranced by these adventures. Stay frosty. Stay alive. All it takes is all you got.
Disclaimer: Even after pre-ordering the novel, I was given an Advance Copy in exchange for an honest review. As an author myself, I am challenged to achieve the same quality in my work as Nicholas Smith has provided in his. Cheers, and happy reading.
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these are the best books I've ever
Start to finish, these are the best books I've ever read
Top reviews from other countries
Karve
Leaves you wanting more...and more...and more!
Reviewed in Canada on September 15, 2016
Raphael Fox
Extinction End - A book which won't dissapoint you and needs to be a film or a TV series!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2016
Kindle Customer
Such a great storyteller. This book is loaded with twists and ...
Reviewed in Australia on March 3, 2016