Review Detail

I admit it. The packaging to END TIMES totally got my interest. I also love stories that show characters struggling with their faith or lack of it. So I opened the first page and was hooked. This isn't the typical end of the world novel but is unique with it's twists that had me reading until early in the morning.

Daphne has a painful secret. She killed her stepfather after he tried to rape her. But her mother doesn't see it that way. She calls her daughter a murderer and wants nothing to do with her. Daphne leaves her Detroit apartment for Carbon County, Wyoming to live with her uncle. Somehow she's drawn to this small town and hopes that by distancing herself from her past, she can make a fresh start.

Owen also is drawn to Carbon County. He has dreams that draw him to a mysterious girl named Luna who might be his sister. She keeps talking about Children of Earth coming for a final battle. Once there Daphne and Owen cross paths. Strange things are happening in this town including trumpets that go off announcing Daphne's arrival. The God-fearing people of this town feel that Daphne coming will bring good times. Everything is fine until tragedy hits and Daphne questions everything she knows. Could the end of times be coming?

I totally LOVED the voice of this novel. Daphne's struggles with her lack of faith resonated throughout this story. She questions the faith of the people of Carbon County including her Uncle Floyd who feel she's a sign sent from above. Daphne feels like a fraud as she hasn't been exactly honest with her uncle and aunt about the real reason why she's in town. Anyway, she reasons if there is in fact a God, he probably wouldn't be working through someone like her. I love the conflict and struggles she goes through. Schumacher takes an almost overdone theme and breathes life in it.

Owen is also an intriguing part of the puzzle. He's good looking and is drawn to Daphne. What I totally loved is the twist of this novel. Let's just say not everything or everyone might be who you think would be on the side of good. And visa versa. The mystery of what is going on in the town ends with a cliffhanging moment. Let's just say I was surprised.

Great voice with intriguing twists on an end of the world premise. Fascinating backdrop that foreshadows where the Rapture might occur with characters that will keep you guessing on their roles in all of this.