When three sisters discover their doomsday-prepper mother’s survival guide decades after her supposed death in a catastrophic California flood, they begin to question their father’s story and set out to uncover the truth in a fractured, post-collapse America. Blending family drama, mystery, and dystopian themes, the novel explores the bonds of sisterhood, the lengths parents go to protect their children, and the blurred line between paranoia and preparedness in a world shaped by climate disaster and societal upheaval.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world marked by political upheaval, climate disasters, and societal collapse, the novel follows the story of Olivia Sullivan, a mother who becomes obsessed with doomsday prepping in Southern California as the world unravels. After Olivia is reportedly swept away in a catastrophic flash flood, her husband Sam relocates their identical triplet daughters—Rosie, Bettie, and Cassie—to England. Twenty years later, the sisters, now adults, discover a box of their mother’s belongings, including a survival guide and other documents, which prompts them to question the official story of her disappearance. Their search for the truth takes them back to a transformed California, now called the “New Pacific,” where they confront family secrets, unreliable narratives, and the lingering effects of the collapse, all while navigating a society that has been reshaped by disaster and isolationist policies. The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view, including the triplets, their father, and Olivia herself, and incorporates mixed media elements such as journal entries, prepper forum posts, and survival guide excerpts.

Readers appreciated the focus on family dynamics, particularly the realistic portrayal of sibling relationships among the triplets and the emotional exploration of parental love and sacrifice. The inclusion of Olivia’s survival guide and prepper forum posts was frequently highlighted as both engaging and informative, with several reviewers noting that these sections offered practical tips and added depth to the story. The mystery surrounding Olivia’s disappearance and the gradual unraveling of family secrets kept many readers invested, and the dual timelines—switching between the past and present—were cited as effective in building suspense. Some listeners and readers also praised the audiobook narration for its pacing and emotional range, and the book’s depiction of a society altered by climate change and technological disruption resonated with those interested in contemporary issues.

Criticisms centered on the novel’s world-building, with many readers finding the depiction of the post-apocalyptic setting underdeveloped or lacking in detail, especially regarding the broader impact beyond California. Several reviewers felt that the story relied too much on telling rather than showing, which lessened the emotional impact and made the narrative feel distant. The multiple points of view, particularly among the triplets, were sometimes described as indistinct or confusing, with some readers unable to differentiate between the sisters’ voices. Others found the pacing slow, especially in sections dominated by journal entries or exposition, and noted that the plot could be repetitive or meandering. Audiobook listeners frequently mentioned inconsistent or distracting accent work, which made it difficult to follow character perspectives, and some felt the book would have benefited from a full cast or a different format. A number of reviewers also expressed disappointment that the story was more character-driven and less focused on survival or action typical of the apocalyptic or thriller genres.

The book blends elements of horror, science fiction, thriller, dystopia, and family drama, and is told through a mix of traditional narrative and mixed media formats. It is set primarily in California and England, with the post-collapse United States rebranded as the “New Pacific.” The story addresses themes such as climate change, paranoia, the impact of technology and AI, and the complexities of familial bonds, particularly among siblings and between parents and children. The novel has received a moderate average rating from readers, with a range of responses reflecting both engagement with its emotional and familial aspects and dissatisfaction with its execution as an apocalyptic narrative. The book is available in both print and audiobook formats, with some readers recommending the print version due to challenges with the audio narration.