2.5 stars
This book was just alright for me. I actually started out thinking I was really going to love this book. The premise is fascinating, even if it isn't the most original. I'm pretty sure there was a television show a few years back that had a very similar concept about all of the computers shutting down. Revolution? Anyway, This book focused on the founding and protection of a society within such a world. There were parts that were very interesting, and actually it was a very quick read for me. As I was reading I was really engrossed in the story, which I think comes from the fact that there is a level of tension throughout the narrative, especially with the protagonist, Adam, not sure of who he can trust.
Ultimately, I didn't feel much of a connection with the characters, which I think is crucial for a book that is mostly about a group of people trying to establish a functional society as the world around them is breaking down.

Characters: There is little character development throughout the book. The main character, Adam, does show some growth as he observes Herb leading (and manipulating) people to follow his example. So I guess he does grow. And it is his story, so that is important, although I'm not sure why a 16 year old kid would be allowed to be involved with the running of the neighborhood. He's in all the meetings and always has the right answer. It felt very Mary Sue to me.
I don't feel like any of the other characters are fleshed out at all either. Todd, Adam's goofy friend, has a couple of scenes where he acts like an idiot. Lori, Adam's crush/girlfriend, has literally no agency. She is there as a prop to the plot. We don't get any real growth in their relationship or any sense as to what they see in each other. And the writing of their 'romance' is truly bad. Their kiss is described thusly;

"She stopped and turned, and we kissed. I was kissing Lori!
How long had I thought, dreamed, and fantasized about this
happening?"
Seriously? That's it? That was the most lukewarm description of a kiss that I've ever read.

So, let's get to Herb. At first I was okay with the whole mentor aspect of his character, but it got a little old after awhile and to be honest I don't trust him. I also think that him saying that he can't talk about his work because it may or may not be classified is a little ridiculous. He is the one who talks throughout the book about the importance of being realistic to the point of cynical about their situation, but he won't tell Adam and his mother about his work for a government that essentially doesn't exist anymore? That doesn't track. Another thing that didn't feel authentic was his ability to calmly and rationally talk down anyone who was even remotely upset or aggressive by acting like their best friend. And everyone but Adam buys into his manipulations.

Another thing that bothered me was the lack of emotion regarding the fact that Adam's father is MIA, and quite possibly dead. I understand that there is a lot going on and probably not much time to really address his absence, and he is mentioned several times by Adam, but I just didn't sense that emotion that I'm sure most people would feel when faced with the reality that someone they love could be in danger or even dead. It just seemed like an afterthought most of the time.

I don't find the writing or dialogue to be spectacular, although I have to admit that there was something about it that kept me interested throughout the book. I think it's because I wanted to see the reveal that Herb wasn't actually a good guy just trying to help people (which didn't happen...yet) or that Brett was crazy (we did get little hints of that, but Herb justifies it and I'm wondering if we as the readers are supposed to feel placated by that. I'm not, because I don't trust Herb.)

Part of me (and this is pure conjecture; I haven't even read the synopses of the other two books, let alone the books themselves.) wonders if this could all be some sort of governmental social experiment and that Hugh has been in on it the whole time. Would it be totally and completely twisted? Yup.

So, when I checked this book out from the library, I didn't realize it was part of a trilogy. I thought it was a standalone and didn't realize that I was potentially committing myself to a whole series of books. I do want to know what happens in the rest of the series, especially the cause of the 'virus' and if they are able to protect their neighborhood, but I don't know if I am curious enough to actually pick up the next book in the series.