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Sojourn: The Wildlands (Rayn Mirago Saga #1)

B.D. Messick

Start date: September 3, 2013

Finish date: September 3, 2013

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Sep 16, 2013 Sue Potter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-for-journey-insights, to-read-with-grandkids, fiction-for-bedtime, 1st-reads, gifts-direct-from-authors

'Sojourn - The Wildlands: A Rayn Mirago Novel' by B.D. Messick has got to be one of the best debut novels I have read in a very long time and an author I look forward to following book by book.

While I have read several apocalyptic style novels, this one has several twists that make it an original take on the kind of world we may well be headed toward ourselves.

The descriptions of the effects of the apocalypse on the United States are enough to get a good idea what has happened, but also leave ou 'Sojourn - The Wildlands: A Rayn Mirago Novel' by B.D. Messick has got to be one of the best debut novels I have read in a very long time and an author I look forward to following book by book.

While I have read several apocalyptic style novels, this one has several twists that make it an original take on the kind of world we may well be headed toward ourselves.

The descriptions of the effects of the apocalypse on the United States are enough to get a good idea what has happened, but also leave out just enough detail to keep you reading. It leaves the frighteningly wide open as for how we, the victims, managed to destroy the planet.

Mr Messick has given some very creative names to the characters, which suggest that the earth and it's resources are not the only things to be pared down to a minimum.

With the Deadlands dividing the nation, and only 5 Enclaves remaining as a safehold for the survivors, the need to share the "genetic resources" of the strongest survivors has led to all seventeen year olds being forced to commit to a sojourn. A journey that the new schooling system has done it's best to prepare them for, and their parents sacrifice greatly for, to better the teens as they leave the only home they have ever known.

The first book, in what I hope will be far more than a trilogy, begin's with Rayn finishing her schooling, wondering about her friend Luk, and leaving her family as prepared for the sojourn as one can expect.

What follows her departure is a stark look into a world that is unforgiving at the same time as it is giving to those who use their wits and resources responsibly. (There is a huge lesson for readers in this.) We follow along as Rayn and a small cast of unexpected characters, make their way to a favored Enclave, so far away that the walk is daunting even to the reader.

There is only one element I would like to see added to this novel - a hand drawn map of the United States, with some detail where prudent and Rayn's route suggested in some mysterious way.

Mr Messick keep on writing! You have a gift for it!
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Sep 19, 2013 Kimberly Arend rated it it was amazing

Awesome book!! The characters are endearing and the story is compelling.

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Jul 19, 2015 Vykki marked it as to-read

Sep 02, 2013 Larry marked it as to-read

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