A quest through post-apocalyptic America, where human nature is torn between the violent desperation to survive and the desire to forge connection.
Thirty-five years ago, the world was ravaged by war. Delia, driven from her home in Savannah by loss, travels North in search of a future.
Gennero is tortured by his violent past and devotion to his hometown. Ordered to apprehend Delia, he follows her into the post-apocalyptic landscape.
The wasteland is rife with dangers for those seeking to traverse it: homicidal raiders, dictatorial leaders, mutated humans, and increasingly violent and hungry wildlife.
The survivors of this world have an audacious dream of a better life, but their quest may end up being a fruitless endeavor in a world openly hostile to hope.
What Branches Grow takes place about 30 or 40 years in the future. The world of our two “heroes” is a barren desert landscape, hostile in every way imaginable.
Gennero and Delia are good characters with unique voices and have good personal growth throughout the story. And while they have only known the world as it is today, in their travels they meet a man who would have been young in the 2020s. He adds context to the otherwise bewildered youths, as they encounter artifacts from our current world. These encounters also provide some great Easter eggs for those who are into the geek culture of today.
Some of our judges thought the story was kind of same-y, but others liked Beier’s take on the subgenre. A few also thought the ending was a little over the top, but as one judge put it, “It was nice seeing something positive. The book shows you don’t have to put up with your lot in life, sometimes it is worth searching out your dreams.” Overall if you are into post-apocalyptic stories, you will enjoy this book.
Congratulations T. S. Beier for making the semi-final list!
Our official SPSFC score is 5.75/10, but for our site review we are rounding up to 6/10. For more information on the SPSFC you can check out the official website and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Julia Kitvaria Sarene