The Canyon

by Simone Pond

The Canyon is the first short story in the Voices of the Apocalypse Series. Though Los Angeles is collapsing, one mother is determined to keep her only remaining child alive. Even if that means living in the wilderness.

Genres: Short Stories, Young Adult

21 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2015

About the author

Author of hard-to-put-down, action-packed dystopian and fantasy. Also known as Simone DeBlasio Stier.

Reviews

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

INITIAL THOUGHTS
I'd had The New Agenda Series on my Goodreads wishlist to read for a while so when I noticed this series by Simone Pond and the fact that Voice Of The Apocalypse tells the story of the "Repatterning" from the beginning I decided I wanted to read these too. Then I saw that the books in the Voices Of The Apocalypse were only 99p each I decided to treat myself for a change and then just had to read at least one of them straightaway! I am hoping for a great post apocalyptic read, providing the premise for The New Agenda Series.

MY REVIEW
So as I have already said I downloaded this one for just 99p. The cover depicts a group of trees cast in darkness with just a dimly moonlit sky. The cover gives you a feeling that this area is quite desolate, maybe a bit scary and sinister. It certainly doesn't look a very welcoming place. I thing the placing and font and detailing of the title etc are okay, but I think the "Short Story" could be replaced by the word novella. I am also not so keen on the font and spacing of the authors name. Though those negatives are just minor tweaks really. Would the cover make me pick up this book from a bookstore shelf? To be totally honest the cover alone would not make me pick this book up, the fact it is post apocalyptic, so therefore would be displayed with other like books would probably prompt me to pick up the book.
So the main two characters in this novella are Mary and her 15 year old daughter Lillian. The government has been carrying out what they call their Repatterning Plan, so the whole Apocalypse scenario has begun and has had it's devastating affect on the area and people that live around Mary and Lillian.
Mary and Lillian have already lost so much. The first to be taken was Mary's son, he was conscripted to serve and fight in the war the government has got them into. Then one day whilst Mary and Lillian were out scavenging for food and other useful supplies, officials called by their home to give everyone a vaccination, so her husband and youngest daughter were given that, and both died days later, leaving only Mary and Lillian behind. Prior to his death, Mary's husband had done some research and had begun to plan their escape from Los Angeles. Now there is only the two of them left but Mary believes they must leave Los Angeles as soon as they can. The government have plans to destroy what is left of Los Angeles, so time really is a pressing issue. The government are trying to encourage the remaining survivors to relocate to the crisis camps they have formed. Unfortunately these "crisis camps" have proven to be little more than death camps.
Mary and Lillian go out to try to find the last few items on their supplies needed list as well as obtaining some food for the following couple of days. These trips have become harder as they are having to travel further afield to find homes that haven't already been picked over.
Eventually they find a large house that appears to have been left untouched. They rapidly discover the reason for this is the excellent security locks on the patio doors. However Lillian's patience pays off as she wanders off to see if there is anything in the shed to help them gain entrance to the house. Mary and Lillian literally stumble into the shed and spot a set of stairs going down. Upon closer inspection they discover an underground bunker with everything they could ever wish for in a hideout, it's underground and has a kitchen, bathroom, and more. As well as being well stocked with a plentiful supply of food. Mary soon faces the dilemma of should the two of them stay here, there's certainly enough supplies here for them to survive a long time as well as the bunker being well hidden and having every possible comfort they could need. Mary has to weigh up the pros and cons pretty quickly. . . should they stay here, just the two of them, or is there more safety in being with other survivors. . This novella is of a fairly steady pace, taking the time to give you details on Mary and Lillian's surroundings and the dangers they face on a daily basis, as well as their struggles. This novella also tell's the reader about the government that is now corrupt, that if you are not one of the chosen elite, you are to be left to die. I did enjoy reading the novella a lot as it really sets the tone and the scene for the rest of the series. It gives you a teasing taste of what is to come. It is also a thought provoking novella and it really makes you ponder what you would do if you was in the situation that Mary and Lillian find themselves in through no fault of their own. There are also a couple of mentions of religion, one when Lillian asks her mother if she can pack her bible in her backpack, when told to only pack the essential items they may need. Then again where someone leads a prayer within a group of survivors. Though I don't read blatantly religious books both references of religion are well within context and totally believable. I think most people, perhaps even the toughest characters would find themselves either praying or speaking to God to ask for his help or protection during such trying times.
So did I enjoy the novella? I did enjoy reading the novella, it has stirred my curiosity, told me enough about the post apocalyptic situation and the state of the government in place, yet left enough unsaid to make me speculate what may happen dependent on the strong female characters decisions.
Would I recommend this novella? Yes, this novella would be a great introduction to those reader new to the post apocalyptic genre, as well as a great read for those already fans of this genre.
Would I want to read more of the Voices Of the Apocalypse novella series? I have already purchased the other novella's of this series so far. I intend to read them all. I also expect to read Simone Pond's other series called The New Agenda which is set in the same area generations later.
Would I want to read other books by Simone Pond? As I said I do fully intend to read The New Agenda series too.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Looking forward to reading more!

[Nadine Deblasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canyon
Simone Pond

I really like the short story that Ms. Pond has written. Now,
I have more insight into how Lillian's diary is the main premise
of the New Agenda Series.
What a good idea to go back in time during the repatterning
and discover more about Lillian and how she survived
to tell her story through a diary.
I have read all three books in the series, "The New Agenda",
and really enjoy the plot.
Good job! Ms. Pond

[Laura Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read anything written by this author but I will say that this series is off to a good start and my curiosity is more piqued now that I've read The Canyon. The story line is fast paced and I can already imagine the horrors these survivors will continue to face.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CANYON (Voices From The Apocalypse Series) by Simone Pond

* This short story was provided to me free by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

'The Canyon' is a short story and is the first release in the Voices of the Apocalypse Series.

These stories tie in with Simone Pond's "The New Agenda" dystopian fiction series. I have read all three books in this series and rated each of them as 5 out of 5 stars.

In 'The Canyon' Los Angeles is collapsing, the Repatterning has begun. Lilian is 15 years old and has lost her father, her brother and her sister. Her family now consists solely of her mother and herself.

Lillian's mother is determined to keep her last remaining child alive. She will do anything to ensure Lillian's survival and that includes eking out a living in the wilderness.

I an not usually a fan of short stories. I find that most authors are not able to engage the reader in such a short amount of time. But, Simone Pond has proven me wrong.

'The Canyon' is so well written that the reader is instantly sucked into that world.

Readers of 'The New Agenda' series will appreciate this back-story of Lilian's early life. It explains how she came to keep the journals that are central to the main plot.

I rate THE CANYON as 5 out of 5 stars.

To learn more about the author and to view her other titles, visit www.simonepond.com

To read more of my reviews, visit my blog at http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the final stages of the Repatterning from the City Center series, this book follows Lillian's mother (yes, the Lillian who writes journals) as she leads Lillian to safety after having lost her husband and other children. This story, I believe, was told in brief in The City Center and this expands on it.

It's a good, short addendum story, but gives you very little new information as it is mostly just a retelling. The only thing new you get out of this is meeting Lillian's mother and seeing the determination of a woman looking to keep her last remaining child alive after idly sitting by and watching the rest of her family die or get conscripted.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

One woman, Mary, wants to keep her last child alive as the Repatterning becomes more hostile. Fearing for their lives, they set out on an adventure hoping to find a better life in the wilderness. This is part of the back-story for the rest of "The City Center" dystopian saga, and is a worthy addition to the series.

[Jenni Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this perspective from Lillian's mom. She was an insightful character and provided a bit more background information about the Repatterning. The writing was top notch and I like new perspective. I'll definitely been reading all of these short stories of the apocalypse to see all the different characters that make up the backstory of the City Center books.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would to be wiling to do when the authorities can no longer be trusted? If you are a fan of City Center, as am I, you'll love this prequel story. If haven't read City Center this story stands on its own and will motivate you to read more! I can hardly wait for more stories in the series.

[Michelle McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The canyon

I always love reading stories from other characters points of view, but this one it's even more special in that it gives a very elusive character in the historical point of view of the story. Well done.

[Dina_s · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always felt we never got enough of Lillian in the main books. Thanks Simone for this bittersweet glimpse into life during the Rapatterning. made all the more poignant by its echoes of what those desperate Syrian refugees are going through now.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, I like the way this short story populates the background of main characters and the world in which the earlier/later stories are set, my only disappointment is that it is so short!