I really have enjoyed a lot of Nora Roberts books. Although, she has written a lot more then I have read. I am not a huge fan of romance, but she tends to have solid characters and plot. I was excited to see a fantasy novel written by Roberts. I had good expectations. Unfortunately, Year One is not one of her better books.

The concept is amazing. A virus, started by killing a bird, takes out a huge percentage of the world's population. What is left are both human and those who have taken on paranormal attributes. There are elves, witches, fairies, and more. Contention starts between humans and the others. There is also contention between those that are helping everyone to survive and those that want to destroy and hurt. It seems that the best and the worst came out in everyone.

The first part of the book follows different groups of survivors. I enjoyed most of the story lines. Although I did not really connect with Max and Lana. They seemed artificial and a little annoying. As expected, the story lines converge. Then unexpectedly all the characters, except Lana, disappear. She then becomes the primary focus of the novel for about the last third of the book. What the heck. Why did I just read about all these other characters to have them fall away? Also, why stick with Lana? I mean I know why, but she is so annoying and the least likable of any of the characters.

This book could have been the start of a really good new series. I doubt that I will be continuing with it.

Borrowed from the library and read on Kindle.