Read this review on the My Precious Blog: thecallawayfam.blogspot.com 
 ASHFALL 
 BY MIKE MULLIN 
 Publisher: Tanglewood Press (September 27, 2011) 
 Length: 476 pages, Hardcover 
 Format: E-Book 
 Source: Netgalley.com 
 Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Post-Apocolyptic 
 Series: Book #1 of 3 
 Completed: December 2011 
 Challenges: 2011 YA Debut Authors Challenge, 2011 Ebook Challenge 
 SUMMARY 
 When Alex's family leaves him alone, for the first time, traveling without him to visit relatives, he's anixously looking forward to being in charge. His plans include hanging out, having a repreive from his annoying little sister and playing video games, without interuption. A short time after his family's departure, a supra vocanic eruption occurs, forever changing his life and what's important to him. Now, with his family's home destroyed by a fire, Alex embarks on a 100 mile quest, on foot, to reunite himself with the family he realizes he loves and is worth risking his life to find. 
 BACKGROUND 
 (from Mike's Website) Mike Mullin's first job was scraping the gum off the undersides of desks at his high school. From there, things went steadily downhill. He almost got fired by the owner of a bookstore due to his poor taste in earrings. He worked at a place that showed slides of poopy diapers during lunch (it did cut down on the cafeteria budget). The hazing process at the next company included eating live termites raised by the resident entomologist (they taste like a cross between walnuts and carrots), so that didn't last long either. For a while Mike juggled bottles at a wine shop, sometimes to disastrous effect. Oh, and then there was the job where swarms of wasps occasionally tried to chase him off ladders. So he's really hoping this writing thing works out. 
 Mike holds a black belt in Songahm Taekwondo. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and her three cats. Ashfall is his first novel. Its book one, in a planned trilogy. His next book, Ashen Winter is due out in October 2012. 
 SETTING PACE AND STYLE 
 Ashfall opens in Cedar Falls, Iowa and then travels towards Wardon, Illinois. Mike Mullin doesn't wait very long before diving into the main plot line, a super-volcanic eruption, in this story. Pacing is moderate to fast throughout the book, a strong point for a 450+ page read. This book really doesn't possess a dull moment. Some readers may find it less exciting when Alex is travelling on his own. It keeps the reader on his/her toes. Tones are serious, the mood is fairly dark, especially because it could happen. Writing style is realistic, with a male narrator who's voice seems age appropriate. This story is told in first person, from the main character, Alex's perspective. 
 CHARACTERS AND PLOT 
 Characters were strong, admirable and likable, making it easy to get behind their quest and cheer for them to make it, alive, to their goal destination in Wardon. 
 Alex, a sixteen year old male, is our protagonist and narrator. He's short, well-versed in Taekwondo and usually makes up for any shortcomings with a little extra effort. He remained compassionate throughout the novel, even when he knew it could spell death for himself. Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to do, but it sure seemed like the right one. 
 Darla, Alex's love interest, is a tough, rugged farm girl. A Tom-Boy, who's intelligent and quick witted. Before her father died, he taught her mountains of useful information about science and mechanics. Her personality is polar opposite of Alex. She doesn't share his compassion, thinking of herself first and foremost. Alex is willing to share food with others in need, Darla, on the other hand would keep it all for herself and Alex. Darla is an extremely strong woman, she saves Alex's life on more than one occasion. She's certainly the voice of reason, not afraid to lay it out and tell it like it is. This girl doesn't sugar coat anything! 
 When a supra volcanic eruption occurs while Alex is alone for the weekend, its sends him on a 100 mile quest, cross country to find and reunite himself with his family. 
 RECOMMENDATION 
 I recommend this book to mature readers who enjoy dark dystopian thriller novels about apocalyptic times. If you like realistic novels, but don't mind some strong violence weaved into the plot line, than this one is for you. This story does have a lot of serious themes, like death and dying and rape, plus occasional bad language. I think boys will really find this one exciting. Girls will enjoy this one too, as it does possess strong characters, both male and female, with only a touch of fairly innocent romance. Animal lovers beware, this story does have very brief episodes of animal cruelty. 
 PERSONAL NOTE 
 I was hooked on this one right from the start. It was difficult for me to read this one, though because it really could happen at any moment, making it very scary, but also realistic. After reading this story, I had a strong desire to stockpile food, wood, supplies and weapons in case a disaster of this magnitude ever occurred, I would be prepared. 
 Ashfall is a story about determination and survival. This book really opened up my eyes to how easy it is for humans to become callous, even going as far as genocide, when faced with food deprivation and shortages. Even though this book was compelling, it was challenging to keep on reading because the mood was a real downer. One bad thing after another occurs in this story. There were scenes (though very brief) illustrating animal cruelty, too. I read about young children suffering and dying slow deaths, mother's being raped, families being murdered and in total desperation some even turning to cannibalism because of starvation. Though realistic, I did find it all very disturbing. 
 Why didn't I quite reading this one? Well, its a very compelling read. The violence is not far fetched, though horrific and gut-wrenching, it sadly rings true for the situation. Plus, the characters in this book are so endearing. Alex is kind and compassionate. Darla is strong. Its easy to get behind them and root for their survival. Also, their developing innocent romance does bring a ray of sunshine into this otherwise dark tale. 
 RATING 
 Ashfall is a captivating, realistic read. It did make me see how easily this could happen. I'd like to award all five rings to Ashfall, but I hesitate,because of the ever present violence which plagued this story coupled with the dark, downer mood. There were scenes I had a hard time reading, maybe others would too. So, I'm going to settle by deduct only 1/2 a rings.... 
 4.5 RINGS