They're Not Here to Save Us

by M.P. Kidd

In a post-apocalyptic world devastated by the War and Blackout, humanity is thrust into lawlessness. A century later, a young wanderer named Catch-It roams the wooded region of Arla (formerly North America) with three crucial survival, reuniting with his sister Peregrine, and avoiding the dangerous Recruits whenever possible.

Although the Recruits are rumored to possess magical powers capable of restoring humanity's lost potential, Catch-It knows all too well that their interventions often lead to pain and suffering. When an order compels Catch-It to report to a bell tower for recruitment, he faces a critical obey the summons and surrender to the unknown or forge his own path. During his arduous journey, Catch-It encounters Penny, a gun-wielding survivalist, and together they uncover a perilous truth about the Recruits that could prove they are not here to save us.

In this gripping tale of survival and self-discovery, Catch-It and Penny navigate a treacherous world, grappling with their own desires for safety and the pursuit of truth. As they unravel the dark secret of the Recruits, they must confront the difficult choice between submission and resistance, knowing that the fate of their shattered world hangs in the balance.

430 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2023

Reviews

[Kirb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I was obsessed with this book. I could not put it down. And I don't know why. I mean this book was kinda unhinged. And I think there might be plot holes, like crazy things would suddenly happen and never be explained. But the crazy things sort of felt on brand in this fictional world the author built. And I LOVED the main characters.

Dystopian fiction is not my typical genre. I usually read romance novels and romance novels only. So if dystopian fiction is your jam, I cannot say how this book measures up to other books in the genre; However, if you typically read HEA romance novels, I think you'll like this (if you're looking to try out a different genre). The characters' personalities and storylines gave me similar vibes to romance novels that I enjoy. There also was a little bit of romance in a side plot ❤️

This story was violent and dark at times. I mean it is the apocalypse, so I guess violence is to be expected, but there were some brutal scenes. Content Warnings: Violence, Sexual Violence, Death on page.

I liked the main characters - I found them mostly likeable and relatable. The characters and the relationships they developed with each other were my favorite part of the novel. Special shout out to Jugger for being my favorite character.

The ending was solid and wrapped up the story (sort of). I have a lot of questions, but I'm not sure if anyone has the answers - not the characters and maybe not even the author. Perhaps there will be a sequel one day - I would read another book in this series in a second.

[Julie Skarbek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new writer- I am not usually a post apocalyptic reader, but I had no problem with this story. I was shaking with adrenaline as I read the climax of the characters. The characters were believable and relatable, their storylines were well developed. Absolutely recommend!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a long awaited read for me and it did not disappoint. I finished it in one day this past weekend because I just could not put it down. If you like dystopian novels then this is for you.

[Literary Titan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the realm of dystopian fiction, where societies often crumble for a myriad of reasons, They're Not Here to Save Us, by M.P. Kidd, stands out. We're introduced to a transformed North America, now christened Arla, a change brought about by the ravages of war.

At the heart of this tale are several compelling characters, each carved with their distinct narratives. We meet Catch-It, whose driving ambition is to find his estranged sister, and Penny, a young woman grappling with the loss of her father. As their paths cross, they encounter three enigmatic immortal siblings.

Kidd masterfully constructs a world in chaos. Instead of laying out the entirety of Arla's history, he subtly sprinkles hints, keeping readers intrigued about the fate of the former North America. The presence of the formidable antagonists, the Recruiters, casts a shadow of menace, emphasizing their role in this new world order.

The narrative is replete with unexpected twists that, when unraveled, align seamlessly with prior hints, exemplifying Kidd's storytelling skills. A case in point is the revelation surrounding Penny's father, which once uncovered, brings the plot full circle.

A standout element of Kidd's tale is its portrayal of human resilience. Characters like Catch-It, though not initially heroic, rise to the occasion, harnessing their unique abilities for the collective good. This theme is echoed in the journey of the immortal siblings.

The book's climax has a rapid pace, with swiftly unfolding resolutions. Some readers might prefer a more extended buildup to the tension, but this pacing choice doesn't detract from the overall strengths of the book.

M.P. Kidd brings a refreshing twist to the dystopian genre, making They’re Not Here to Save Us a must-read for both readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic novels and newcomers to the genre as well.

[Diane DiSerafino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an adventure! I am a big fan of dystopian/sci-fi literature and have a few authors I consider my favorites. After reading this book, I will add MP Kidd to my list. His action-packed storyline and his eclectic group of characters made it difficult to put the book down. I found myself thinking about the characters while doing the dishes and making excuses for not completing chores because I had to find out what happened next. Although I am not a fan of battle scenes, I enjoyed reading the ones in this book. The descriptions were so vivid that I found my heart racing during them. All authors hope you will connect emotionally with their characters and their text. MP Kidd proved he has a gift in this area. I foresee a strong future for this author. I can't wait to read more from him.

[Stephen Grayauskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up after passing the author's book signing. I so glad I stopped and bought the book.
The character creation and various plot lines were all merging together beautifully. The descriptions let your imagination take over. The book is a page turner and I found it hard to put down. Best of all was not knowing how it would all end, until the actual ending! I'm looking forward to the next book and continuing the adventure.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. The storytelling and word choice held me in the fantasy immersion of this world for most of the book. A couple of perceived editorial issues, and one possible continuity perplexity dropped me from the vivid depiction a few times. I recommend this quick read and suspension of disbelief as you care for the characters throughout. I will be looking for the next book in the series.

[Erica Zabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.P. Kidd is an amazing, creative author who painted beautiful vivid imagery and a suspenseful plot throughout the whole book. I could not put this book down! Can’t wait for the sequel to come out! Would love to see this turned into a series to binge on Netflix!

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this story. It flows well even when jumping between characters. Big shout out to my favorite character Jugger. There is room for the characters to grow and I kind of appreciate that as well. I'm hoping we see them fleshed out even more in the sequels.

[Joseph Firuta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. Very much felt like being inside of a video game. I found the plot fun. The writing was broken into many chapters which for me was tough to keep track of. Really enjoyed the characters and the story!

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced action that had me hooked after the first chapter. A must read for all fans of dystopian sci-fi

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book by a local Conshy resident!

[Sam]

This was an absolute delight to read. A fun and exciting twist on the dystopian future. Can't wait for the next one!