Withered + Sere by TJ Klune

o-withered-sereTitle: Withered + Sere

Series:  Immemorial Year, # 1

Author: TJ Klune

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (280 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (April 19, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Blurb: Once upon a time, humanity could no longer contain the rage that swelled within, and the world ended in a wave of fire.

One hundred years later, in the wasteland formerly known as America, a broken man who goes only by the name of Cavalo survives. Purposefully cutting himself off from what remains of civilization, Cavalo resides in the crumbling ruins of the Northern Idaho Correctional Institution. A mutt called Bad Dog and a robot on the verge of insanity comprise his only companions. Cavalo himself is deteriorating, his memories rising like ghosts and haunting the prison cells.

It’s not until he makes the dangerous choice of crossing into the irradiated Deadlands that Cavalo comes into contact with a mute psychopath, one who belongs to the murderous group of people known as the Dead Rabbits. Taking the man prisoner, Cavalo is forced not only to face the horrors of his past, but the ramifications of the choices made for his stark present. And it is in the prisoner that he will find a possible future where redemption is but a glimmer that darkly shines.

The world has died.

This is the story of its remains.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-557-2

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/withered-sere-by-tj-klune-240-b

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This is book one in the Immemorial Year series.

This is not a romance book. Though it does have several kissing scenes and a couple of mentions of sex, but that’s it. This is a post apocalypse story set years after bombs are dropped destroying everything. The survivors are doing what they can to live in the changed world. But not all is as it seems and changes are coming.

Cavalo, the MC, keeps to himself for the most part. He is haunted by things from the past that he has seen and had to do. His only companion is a dog named Bad Dog and a robot named SIRS. Throughout this story it seems he has lost his mind with the way his companions talk to him. But I think it’s a way for him to have interactions with someone.

I imagine anyone having to go through, do the things Cavalo has had to do and seen that anyone would not be completely sane. With this being said he runs into a group called Dead Rabbits. They are vicious and don’t hesitate to kill in the most horrific ways. They are also cannibals according to the story.

Lucas is a Dead Rabbit who Cavalo captures and takes home with him. Lucas is unable to speak due to his throat being cut at some point. He is a very mysterious individual that I found fascinating. This story will blow your mind. You have people fighting for survival while others just take and take without regard.

Then you have two groups who will do anything to get Lucas. Why? I do not know exactly. I’m hoping the answers to several questions will come soon though as the first book ends with no answers.

Dark, twisted in ways and mysterious this book will have you on the edge of your seat as each chapter unfolds and more information is divulged in an awesome story of survival and secrets.

Cannot wait to read book two.

Highly recommended.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *