Through The Bomb's Breath (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Hope and her friends have found a way to defy gravity -- "sky jumping". Not yet in their teens, they are strictly forbidden to do this because it requires them to enter the deadly "bomb's breath". Their entire community is a hard scrabble bunch of survivors of WWIII and the "green bombs". A premium has been placed on "inventing", as most technology advancements were lost. To Hope's dismay, inventing is not her strong suit. But an unforeseen menace is about to descend upon them which threatens to destroy all they hold dear. This is a fast paced adventure / survival / school / friendship story which children ages 9 - 14 will enjoy. Apparently a sequel will soon be available.For me, though, there were a lot of unexplained loose ends. A writer who creates a new world must be absolutely true to that world. In a children's novel it's difficult to indulge in the luxury of setting up the rules of a futuristic landscape. Some of my questions follow...--All survivors were underground at the time the eco-friendly bombs destroyed the planet. I want to know how they had time to collect livestock as they headed to shelters. In this story there are cows, horses, dogs, etc. --I also want to know why they set up their schools exactly they way they are here and now. (This works for the tween-age readers but certainly not for me). --I rolled my eyes at the description of Hope's invention. I had to wonder, did the author even bother to make a prototype? It could not have worked, ever. --I also had to "willingly suspend my disbelief" through all the chase and survival episodes. Personally, this book earned only one, maaaaybe two stars. But I think tweens will enjoy it. I thought it was an interesting story and I liked the main character. A few things bothered me, most of all that Hope and her friends would play in the Bombs Breath but no adult had experimented with it to know they could go through it holding their breath- not even any bandits? I know there will be another book but I think the fact that the knowledge of going through the bombs breath was out and the issue of future security of the town wasn't considered or even mentioned.
What do You think about Through The Bomb's Breath (2013)?
Fun sci-fi adventure. Not sure the logic holds up very well.
—Daph6
Definitely a shorter book, for younger reading levels.
—Erin
A good start to a series. Clever dystopia, as well.
—taylorleigh
