DNF - I was looking forward to this but I just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure why.
Maybe I'll try again another time.

I absolutely adore a good queer dystopian & although this was a little light compared to most of the dystopian novels I’ve read, this felt like a good breather, like the pit stop of water before you hurdle your back into the race.

It has feelings of hope but also stress and tension and i think with it being young adult, they all balanced well, especially for some who might not enjoy strictly horror dystopian.

When the Superflu hits, it kills off most of the world population, including both of Jamie’s and Andrew’s families. When they find each other, there’s a flicker of hope that maybe the end of the world won’t be too bad. But as they venture out into the world, they realise this is far from the truth.

This is a very wholesome and touching book which also manages to be dark and tense at the same time. I really enjoyed both Jamie and Andrew as point of view characters and enjoyed their flirting, banter, and all of the pop culture references in their conversations. Even though they talked about recent memes, it didn’t seem like it would date the book in a few years time, and the language between them flowed naturally.

I also felt it dealt with death, trauma, and survivors guilt really touchingly, and was very poignant in places. It balanced this nicely with being cute and heartwarming too.

Overall, a satisfying and pacy read with lots of drama. I loved seeing the two main characters gradually and organically develop feelings for each other and watch as they grew into a team.

Having purchased this myself after being granted access to the advanced reading copy, I actually enjoyed this dystopian queer adventure.
Character development was good throughout, the world building was also pleasant and painted a great picture.
I would’ve enjoyed a little more backstory however overall a great read!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

I loved this book so much that I also went out and bought a physical copy.

Andrew and Jamie meet by chance when he comes across the house Jamie has been surviving in since the apocalypse began, leading them on a path of hope and also extreme danger.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, it has all the things I love. Post apolocypse dystopian, queer MCs, old ladies with shotguns. So why couldn’t I like it? Because it feels surface level.
I wanted to get to know the main characters but I never really felt we had time to. They’re quite chatty but their povs are repetitive and frankly almost identical in tone most of the time. I couldn’t tell you much that I would remember as a specific characters chapter other than when they info dump about their past. The rest of the time the writing is so same same that they became the same characters. They don’t have differing opinions and they don’t really have any conflict with each other. The problem is that I also didn’t get to see their relationship grow particularly so I can’t see how they went to being friends at all. I think more time could have been spent giving them time to get to know ew h other rather than constantly travelling, meeting random people for ten pages and then leaving again. It wastes so much time of the book doing this that it detracted from anything with the main characters. Maybe I’d have enjoyed it more if they’d spent time making friends and building a community idk. It isn’t until halfway through we even see some progress and all it seems to be is aimlessly walking across America to go to a place only to find the person there is dead or not how it was meant to be and then leaving. I wanted to love it but I can just okay the last of us for gays travelling across America and it was more fun.

I really enjoyed this book start to finish! I read the last 85% in one go because it was that good!

I loved seeing the trust and bond grow between Andrew and Jamison throughout the book. I got to like 30% of the book and I was already panicking that there is still 70% left and what else is going to happen? Protect these characters at all costs!

The journey wasn’t at all stagnant, there was always something happening and there was certain unforseen dangers which made me scared for the characters.

The ending - I need a sequel! What happens next? Does help ever srrive? Does someone ever come back? Does a certain something come knocking with revenge?

Also the hunour throughout this book helped take away the scariness of the situation they are in at times, for which I was thankful for, and that being said there were definitely laugh out loud moments! My favourite being some dialogue that went something like this to avoid spoilers:
“Take it off”
“Buy me dinner first!”

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will happily read anything else Erik J. Brown writes.

I am giving All That’s Left In The World 4.5 stars!

Throughout June, GeekMom celebrates Pride Month with lots of LGBTQ content. Follow the Pride Month tag to find everything all in one space (including LGBTQ content from previous years) and keep checking back for more throughout the month. Today’s book review is All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. Author/illustrator images are credited to themselves.

Trigger Warnings: Gun violence, death, depiction of severe injury, death of a parent, pandemic/illness, death of a child, homophobia, sexism, racism.

What do you get if you cross Heartstopper by Alice Oseman with The Road by Cormac McCarthy? Something that looks and feels rather like All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown, a gay teen romance set in post-apocalyptic America.

Jamie has been hiding out at his family’s cabin in the woods ever since his mother finally succumbed to the deadly virus that has already killed most of the world’s population. However, what little peace he has made for himself is one day disturbed by the arrival of Andrew, a young man around his age who has been severely injured by a beartrap. Wary at first, Jamie’s good nature wins out, and rather than forcing Andrew to keep going on his way, Jamie invites him inside and helps him recover thanks to the medical notes his mother left behind.

The pair quickly strike up a friendship, but when a threat emerges close by the cabin, they take to the road together in a slow journey south. There they come face to face with the many horrors that now lie scattered across what was once the American east coast, finding joy wherever they can. Neither is sure exactly what they are looking for in this new world, and Andrew is keeping secrets that threaten to destroy their relationship, but for now, they at least have one another.

All That’s Left in the World is a remarkably powerful book that looks at what the world could become after the next global pandemic, one far deadlier than Covid-19. (The mortality rate of the pandemic in the book is given as 99.99% compared to something around 1% for Covid-19.) It is a true post-apocalypse novel with Jamie and Andrew making their way through largely deserted cities and along empty roads, only very occasionally stumbling across other people—and taking great risks when they do. The few people they come across are either desperate or prepared to resort to the toughest tactics in order to survive, putting the pair instantly at risk any time they cross paths with others, although there was at least one truly wonderful exception to this rule.

Although they tell broadly similar stories, I was also relieved that All That’s Left in the World was generally more hopeful than The Road. The latter is easily one of the bleakest books I have ever read, but here things never take on quite the same hue of despair. I believe that’s largely down to the relationship between Jamie and Andrew because, as well as being a sci-fi dystopian book, this is also at its core a romance and it’s that romance that gives the book its heart. I mentioned Heartstopper at the beginning of this review because just as in those books, we have one character (Andrew) who knows he is gay from the outset and another (Jamie) starting to fall for a boy for the first time, giving this a somewhat clumsy/awkward yet cute vibe that isn’t tarnished in any way by the admittedly depressing setting.

All That’s Left in the World is a very different book from the typical contemporary gay romances that fill up YA shelves and that makes it really stand out. If you’re looking for something darker and different this Pride Month then give this a shot—and maybe pick up Wranglestone afterward too.

GeekMom received a copy of this title for review purposes.

Such a fast paced book which I was hooked from the start and flew through it when I read it which takes a lot! I could not put it down.

Both Jamie and Andrew had there problems in the past which helped develop the story because I loved how they slowly came around and opened up to each other to help there relationship grow.

I really can not wait to see more from Erik as a writer I loved his writing and I seriously was hooked from the first line!

I enjoyed this one much more than I expected! It was so fast-paced and a really gripping read. I am not usually one for pandemic or post-apocalyptic books, but other early reviews convinced me to give this a chance and I am glad I did! It reminded me of Wranglestone and the movie Love and Monsters in it's themes and atmosphere for sure! It's fun, full of adventure and has the sweetest slow burn romance.

This wonderful queer story manages to be heartwarming and thoughtful even within a deadly apocalyptic plague.

A deadly plague has swept across the world. With a 99.9% mortality rate, it’s destroyed society as we know it. When teen survivor Andrew is injured in a bear trap, he seeks refuge in the nearest place he can. A cabin where another teenager, Jamie, has been living. The two quickly become close, which triggers a long journey across the United States to try and find refuge. All while their feelings for each other continue to grow.

All That’s Left In The World is a character-focused story about two boys looking for hope. Some readers might not want to pick up a pandemic book at the moment, which is a shame as it’s a fantastic read. The dynamic between Andrew and Jamie is so believable. Erik J. Brown does a brilliant job at developing their relationship. The slow burn as they move from strangers to friends to lovers is everything you could want. Although the book isn’t an original take on the post-apocalyptic genre, it manages to bring together everything good about it. The way humans are described as varied – helpful, terrible, hopeful, violent – was excellent. From old women protecting them from zoo animals to a right-wing settlement, Andrew and Jamie experience the range of humanity. They realise everyone is a bit morally dubious, but there’s always hope to be found in the people working towards something better.

I will echo the other reviews which have found Erik J. Brown's 'All That's Left in the World' to be fast paced and addictive, a gripping portrayal of a dystopian America where the majority of the population has been wiped out by a superflu. At the beginning, we see Andrew come across a cabin in the woods, inhabited only by teenage Jamie. Rather than shoot Andrew, Jamie helps him, using medical equipment from his precious supplies and freely sharing food and shelter. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship (and heartwarming slow burn romance) as the two of them navigate the wasteland together in search of hope for survival.

Along the way, we meet a huge cast of characters who are all dealing with the fallout of the superflu's ravages in their own way. We see generosity, prejudice, fear and hope, Brown doing a fabulous job of putting Andrew and Jamie in increasingly inventive and nailbiting scrapes during their journey south. I also enjoyed the relationship between the two boys, their jokey natures bringing some light to what could have been an unrelentingly dark novel. Don't get me wrong, there are some truly dark and disturbing moments, but we root for Andrew and Jamie to survive and thrive throughout it all, never losing hope they will find their happy ending.

(As an aside, the least believable plotline in this whole novel was that the UK closed its borders early and did a great job against the superflu! That gave me a chuckle each time it was mentioned...)

Overall, this was a fun, sometimes dark, read and I look forward to reading more of Brown's writing in the future. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All That’s Left In The World - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed Erik K Brown’s debut novel! I adored both of the main characters and their dynamic was great. I thought that some of the things that happened as a result of the apocalyptic event in this book felt really realistic, especially Fort Caroline. I think the only thing that I felt was really missing from it - and this is a spoiler so be warned - was that I didn’t ever feel like any of the protagonists were in danger. I got the sense that they were all going to make it and that lowered the stakes for me. Overall though, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend!!

Wow! I cannot speak highly enough about this book - it had me gripped all the way through. I haven’t read a book with such twists and turns for such a long time and it was so refreshing! Loved the protagonists and dual narrative - I cannot wait to recommend this to fellow readers in the future!

There's few greater feelings than when reading a book and thinking of all the people you *know* are going to love it. It gets even better when you start thinking of how many students will love this book and love seeing themselves reflected in it.
Set in a world that has been decimated by a superflu, survivors Jamie & Andrew are both utterly alone in the world - until they discover each other by pure chance. Or possibly even thanks to fate? They're totally different, they probably never would have become friends - let alone this additional unspoken something else that is pulling them together. But the hidden threats of the past and lethal threats of the now may just pull them apart as they begin to discover all that's left in the world...
Alternating between each perspective, to brilliant effect, allows both characters to become fully formed and instantly lovable. It would take the coldest of hearts not to be rooting for them both separately and as something more than a partnership.
During the three days I consumed this book, I genuinely resented anything that wasn't me reading it. Really wonderful!

I didn't realise just how much I needed this book. Or how much the post apocalyptic, travelling through the US genre needed two queer boys navigating a new and uncertain world, while grappling with their feelings for each other.

The best moments in this story were the early quiet ones. When Andrew and Jami hunkered down for a few weeks in Jami's house, Andrew telling him the plots of entire movies to pass the time. I could have spent hours with these two.

This does use the post apocalyptic tropes we know, like the creepy cults, but I didn't mind so much - in fact, how much I'd grown attached to the boys made the action even more terrifying than usual, and I was so glad that the ending left on a hopeful note.

This is 100% my a new fave queer book! I love the relationships between the characters and how well written they were. The plot and setting were also phenomenally written. I didn't think I'd like this going in but I ended up loving it so much.

A deadly virus has wiped out most of the world's population, and those who are left must be willing to do anything to survive. So when Andrew and Jamie's paths cross and it seems as though they may be able to help each other, will they be able to trust one another to do so?

I absolutely fell in love with this, and had the train I was on when reading it not arrived at its destination I one hundred percent would have consumed this entirely in one sitting. It's that good. It brought me back to the YA dystopian heyday of my youth, and yet (while also being a dystopian set post 'super flu') managed not to be derivative or redundant feeling in any way. It felt fresh and distinct in its genre and style.
This was such a simply constructed story it was thoroughly enjoyable. It didn't try to do too much, or complicate things, it simply let these two characters be the heart and driving force of the narrative.
It achieved this with a beautifully done dual POV. They were really well paced, I never felt like I was waiting for the next one to come around, nor did they ever feel rushed or cut short. Both Jamie and Andrew's internal monolgues felt distinct and we got a really in depth feel for each of their motivations and feelings throughout (the pining, my god, the pining). These two characters and their relationship with one another was the heart and soul of the book for me, I would gladly follow them to the ends of the earth, as they would for each other. Watching their trust in and understanding of one another grow as they journeyed together was just so satisfying.
Brown's writing style was so engaging, he even managed to drop in pop culture references that didn't ruin my immersion in the story.

This is a story of survival, of accepting ones flaws, putting your faith in others and of finding love where you least expect it. It addresses themes of sexual identity, homophobia and white supremacy with such heartfelt sincerity and moments of levity and downright hilarity... I really and truly fell in love. It's the queer-dystopian adventure you never knew you needed.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group for my e-arc of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.

All That's Left in the World tells the story of two teenagers, Andrew and Jamie, who have to navigate a post apocalyptic America where most of the population have been wiped out by a deadly superflu. It's basically the end of the world with a bit of queer romance thrown into the mix. I wanted to love this but it just didn't quite click with me. I feel like I have read a lot better "end of the world" books, and a lot better queer romances. It felt quite formulaic and I almost put the book down halfway through. It is good to have a more exciting, action driven queer romance though, and for that I enjoyed it.

(tahnks to the publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 so you can imagine my excitement when I was given this arc!! Believe me when I say it exceeded my expectations, I’ve already pre-ordered this book because I just NEED a physical copy! I can already tell this will be one of the best books I read this year.
It’s giving The Walking Dead, but so much better considering there are no zombies, and it’s gay!
I absolutely loved the writing of this book, I’ve been in a major slump, and yet this book had me hooked from the start! It’s fast-paced and easy to read despite the challenging topics its includes. At points, it’s incredibly tense and had me on the edge of my seat but it’s also so full of hope! Despite how gritty and emotional this book was it was also so heartfelt. I was gasping, laughing out loud (mostly at Andrew<3), and also crying...a lot.
The topic of the ‘Super-Flu’ was quite anxiety-inducing for me, given the world’s current state and the fact that this book seems to be set post-COVID. Although I think this fact just made me more invested, I found myself questioning how I would act in the stressful scenarios Jamie and Andrew were in. I also appreciated the pop culture references although others may not! Gay’s and Marvel references (even if Andrew said they’re for straight boys) what more could I need!
Now, in my opinion, the best part of this book was the characters! They were all so full of personality and incredibly unique, it was easy to love them all! I would love a sequel/spin-off book about the characters we met along the way (please) But of course, my favourite character was Andrew <3 I loved him from his very first chapter, with his pessimistic outlook and his use of humour to cope, I found myself relating to him a lot! I loved Jamie too, he was so sweet I just wanted to hug him. I got so attached to these characters, I even found myself incredibly upset when I finished the book and had to say goodbye to them. I’m hoping that, with the ending of this book, there will be some kind of sequel in the future!
In conclusion, I loved this book with all my heart. I desperately wish I could read it for the first time again, but I’m also certain I will be re-reading it in the future! This was everything I could’ve asked for and I cant wait to see what Erik does next :]