Because I've read the first two books in this trilogy, I knew I needed to spend the first weekend of summer break getting reacquainted with Alex and Darla. I was worried, having read those books over a year ago, that I wouldn't be able to slip into the world of post- volcanic eruption Midwest, but it was easy to do, and just as before, Alex's teenage voice felt comfortable and right. 
 This novel takes up where Ashen Winter left off. It has all of the action, adventure, and relationship drama I loved from the other two books in the series. I wasn't disappointed by the story, but I do wish the ending had given me a little bit more to chew on after the book was over. All things considered, however, this was a great book to start my summer reading journey.