Pleasantly surprised by this one! Honestly, the cover makes you think it's going to be more military, but I found the setting to be quite fascinating. It's post-apocalyptic enough to really give you no sense of where on earth they are, so the world edges towards fantasy in a way. Not only dual-POV, but the way two MCs meet is really fascinating, as well as the backstory. I appreciated the differences between the main characters as well. It's a little grumpy/sunshine without actually being that way. And the plot itself is a quest novel, where the goal is to get to a safe point B. I loved how each character again had strengths and vulnerabilities and we weren't stuck in the very rigid alpha/omega/top/bottom characterizations. They're much more complex and that always makes me so happy!



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Definitely!


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: The differences between X and Tate are night and day. And yet they work. I love that we see their relationship grow and change as the journey progresses. Nothing ever feels forced. Tate may have fewer survival skills than X does, but his strengths are perfect when needed. As for X, honestly he's so fascinating. His backstory, his quirks, his reticence. He has a heart of such compassion that we see opening up throughout the story with Tate's unknowing help. For the most part, they're the only two we really spend time with, so they need to be strong to carry the story and they absolutely do!



PLOT: As the title says, it's a survival story. And it's a quest. The main goal for both of them is to escape from dangerous point A and make it to safe point B. The plot is quite fast-paced, but perfectly balanced with moments of softness, lull and quiet. I adored that it truly took both of them to succeed in their quest, as well.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

3/5: medium. Definitely a little more in depth than a light read, but at the same time, I wasn't worried about the intensity being overwhelming.


CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

100%. I have to admit, the way the book ended, I was absolutely thrilled. The author does a couple of things that I really NEVER see happen, especially in a dual-POV novel. So to not have those shortcuts get taken was utterly glorious and so rare! I can't get over it.