I wasn't really sure how to categorize this book, it definitely has that depressing-yet-hopeful feel of a dystopian. But the scary part is that they are actually living through the disaster as it happens. The eruption of this supervolcano turns their world upside-down as neighbors turn against one another, food & water are destroyed, and death lurks around each corner. This book was so hard to put down because there was so much going on. Every time things would calm down a little and start to get peaceful then BAM! Another catastrophe! I really like Alex because he was quick to accept his situation and push himself hard to do what needed to be done. Darla is an extraordinarily strong & able girl who helps give Alex back his strength any time he is ready to give up. This book definitely wakes you up to the fact that horrible things can happen any day to bring the world to it's knees. The complete chaos and cruelty of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world could be just around the corner.