Review: Year One

Book Review: Year One, by Nora Roberts, 4 stars

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With one drop of blood, the old world is gone for ever. And in its place, something extraordinary begins...
They call it The Doom - a deadly pandemic that starts on a cold New Year's Eve in the Scottish countryside. There's something mysterious about the virus and the way it spreads. As billions fall sick and die, some survivors find themselves invested with strange, unexpected abilities.
Lana, a New York chef, has the power to move things and people with her will. Fred can summon light in the darkness. Jonah, a paramedic, sees snatches of the future in those he touches. Katie gives birth to twins, and suspects that she has brought fresh magic into the world, along with new life.
But The Doom affects people differently. Along with the light, a dark and terrifying magic will also rise. As the remaining authorities round up the immune and the 'Uncannies' for testing, Lana, Katie and others flee New York in search of a safe haven. The old world is over, and Year One has begun.

Genre: paranormal, suspense

Publication date: December 2017

Mature content: yes

Review: Even though magic and fantasy are usually not my favorite genre, I enjoyed the first part of Year One immensely. It's fast paced, gripping, full of suspense and unforgettable scenes, populated with amazing characters. It represents the ages-old battle between good and evil and shows how catastrophic events can bring out the best and the worst in humans. I personally could have done without the magical side of the story, but in any case it's well blended in.


In my opinion Year One is another proof that Nora Roberts is an amazing storyteller. Her last romantic suspense books did not wow me in any way, but this one did. Or, at least, the first half of it did. A little over the middle of the book. the action sort of stalled - and while it's interesting to understand the dynamics of re-building a community from nothing but the ashes and the losses of The Doom, there were so many details the story became, well., a bit boring. That's also about the time characters multiply and it becomes hard to keep track of who everyone is.

And that's the main reason Year One is getting 4 stars instead of five. Towards the end the plot improved a bit again, but it's clear that Year One is going to be part of a series, so I will be waiting for the next installment.

Happy readings,

the book worm, book blog




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