Set at an unknown time in the near future, Odessa tells of an American West Coast that has been left devastated by a massive earthquake. Many people died in the quakes and many more died in the dangerous wasteland of a society that is left behind. People survive by trading goods and scavenging in ruined buildings. Ginny is a young woman who lives with her father and two younger brothers. Ginny's mother left shortly after the quake, but when Ginny receives a package from her mom, she decides to go in search of her. She sets off south towards what remains of San Francisco.

This was an adventure of a book. Life is not easy in Ginny's world, with much of the west coast ruled by violent gangs. Ginny runs into many dangers while searching for her mother. The book presents a mostly realistic world but with some definite elements of fantasy thrown into the mix. The post-Earthquake scenario was a nice change up from the other "end of the world as we know it" books that I've read lately which have mostly been about climate change and rising ocean levels.

The book was written and illustrated by Jonathan Hill and he did a great job with both the artwork and the storytelling. This was an #ownvoices story featuring Vietnamese American main characters. The characters were a little flat but I still enjoyed the book. I liked that the color scheme was all black, white, and pinkish/peach. It definitely helped give the book a certain vibe.

3.5 stars.

What to listen to while reading...
Earthquake by Deerhunter
Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex
Spectre by Radiohead
Something in the Way by Nirvana
Too Late to Say Goodbye by Cage the Elephant
Wildflower by Beach House

Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy of this book!