Amber Kizer

A Matter of Days is a count of the days in which Nadia and her brother Rabbit (aka Robert) become the cockroach. Survive everything and be determined. The Blustar virus, a hemorrhagic virus that in the end leaves blue star like bruises, has hit the world like wildfire and there are not many known survivors. It is their hope that they can make it to their uncle who has forewarned them about the virus, and live in peace during the aftermath. While their mother died, Nadia and Rabbit have show more managed to stay alive and now must make their way from their home in Seattle to their grandfather’s compound in West Virginia.

During their trip they encounter everything one might think of during the end of days: rebellious groups of marauders, death and decay, injured and resourceful animals, buildings demolished and looted, bridges exploded because towns believed it would stop the spread, and much more. Their goal is to make it to their grandfathers, but will he be alive when they arrive?

I recently moved into an apartment in the middle of nowhere, dirt road to get to it, pitch black at night because there is no ambient light nearby… and this book was all the more interesting because of it. I have to say that my first thought while listening to the audiobook was not about the characters or the virus itself, but of me and my pets and how I would be so, totally, screwed if this happened (I have no skills and I think I should have more food in the house). Anywho, the book had a lot of impact and with all the Doomsday Preppers shows and things happening on TV lately and hit series like Walking Dead, I think that this new book is a great addition to the end-of-days genre classification.

The plot was remarkably believable, no zombies or paranormal elements, just siblings using their survival knowledge to move through their trip as best they could. The suspense is in their encounters with other survivors, it is always a toss up as to whether they will be welcoming or crazies. So throughout the story I found myself holding my breath and homing for the best each time… sadly that did not happen.

The characters, Nadia, Rabbit, and Zach are strong. Told from Nadia’s point of view the reader can relate to her feelings about the situation and the amount of responsibility that she now must uphold with the death of both her parents. Her character is a teen and she adapts like one, she doesn’t try to overdo her parental placement and tries to stay juvenile as her surroundings will allow her.

As for the virus, there was a great author’s note included in the audiobook after the reading, the author goes on to explain her reasoning behind her story and the kill rate of the virus. I appreciated this. At first I thought there could be a virus this destructive, there have been (ex. black plague), but this is extreme for now right? The author thinks so too, but it allowed her to love out her “what if?” scenario and I think that she held on to that image well throughout the plot.

I really enjoyed this post-crisis tale and think that others will too. It is a bit graphic at times, but there is a lot of death, so duh!

Amber Kizer can be found on her website at www.Amberkizer.com, she is also known for the Fenestra series and writes Young Adult and Romance. show less

Except for the fact that I had to hide the cover of this book while reading it in a cafe (pink and sparkly and says One Butt Cheek at a Time in big letters? I don't want to be caught with that!) I loved this book.
It made me laugh out loud multiple times (making the concealing of it's cover all the more difficult). It was a quick read - it took me one afternoon - and it was definitely worth it. :)

Heard as an audiobook, which might have affected my review. There were times when I wasn't sure if we are just privy to Nadia's thoughts or if those words were actually spoken.
A slow start as we get dropped in the middle of a situation and are given some background, but then becomes an edge-of-your seat survival tale.
At the tail end of a pandemic, 16-year-old Nadia has been charged by her dying mother to get her 11 yr-old brother "Rabbit" across the US to their grandfather's survival show more encampment. Fortunately their father (who was killed on a Special Ops mission 2 years ago) has taught them some survival skills (Rabbit spending more outdoor time with him), and their Uncle has provided them with a video game to practice aiming guns. Nadia has never driven, but carefully figures it out (apparently all cars in this story are automatic transmission). Rabbit specializes in map reading. They assume they are the only survivors, but quickly learn there are others. Nadia remembers her dad's training to breath slowly-- in 4 seconds, out 4 seconds--when she is in a threatening situation, and it helps her act fearlessly. They learn to trust their gut, and share some good-natured teasing or 'pretend' to keep their spirits up.
I think this prescient book will be enjoyed by anyone from teen to adult. I am glad the recent Covid "pandemic" didn't turn out the same (tho I think it is more related to individual biodefenses than to any specific vaccine or treatment). Just the same, the practical addendum at the end of the book about sanitation and resources is good advice. show less

Pieces of Me spoke to me on multiple levels. The premise was awesome, and the minute I saw the synopsis (especially the longer one on the inside of the book) I added to my list and requested from the library. I have devoured books about illnesses, organ transplants and the like. Lurlene McDaniel is my hero in writing books that make me feel for the characters and something about disease just fascinates me, especially in teens where they are both so deeply effected by the impact on their show more lives and also at the same time so resilient. They can focus on both facing death or serious illness and still care about finding love.

Jessica is a great main character. She felt so invisible but she wanted to be seen. This could have been my autobiography in high school and still some to this day. It was hard to get to know her and know she would die. But living through the kids that received her organs... Well, loved the premise. It took me a bit to get used to the characters, their voices, personalities and the intricacies of their lives. I didn't get a whole snapshot of their illnesses or what led them to get a transplant, but I got enough. And as the book went on, and I was with Jessica in their heads even when they weren't aware that she was looking on their lives, seeing how some of them interact with one another, cheering them on or giving them advice. It helped me to really get to know them and be invested just like Jessica in their lives and what's becoming of them.

Vivian with her cystic fibrosis and her more inward personality connected with me first. Despite the huge impact it has on her life, she has adapted. She has a passion for art and that is how she connects with another recipient. Overcoming obstacles and still trying to get the most of her life was a message I enjoyed. Especially her relationship with her dad, and the things that he did to make her therapy and lung exercises seem like a game instead of a chore.

I felt so bad for Misty and her living situations. She was in the true ghetto. Getting sick and being hospitalized she felt so much guilt because of the money involved to save her life. It put a big strain on her already poor family and she wanted to take that burden away. She hides in the library and becomes very close to another character Sam. He gives her peace and comfort in a world where nothing felt safe. Her grandma was convinced that she was possessed by a demon, her dad and mom yelled and argued and she never felt safe there, but among the books, and connecting with her online friends gave her a sense of escape.

Sam was so wise, and sought answers. He was obsessed with searching out the miracles in every day life, and he created a game and chats in order to raise money for charity. He wanted to believe in a higher power, a purpose deeper than surface level and day to day in life. He provided a lot of comfort for both Misty and Leif, but also learned a lot from them too.

Leif is a character that was a whole lot deeper than I expected, and I think that he ended up surprising even himself. He explored life outside of football and really wanted to figure out what in life made him happy and also made a difference. When he meets Vivian, I loved the awkward sweet way they interacted, how they second guessed themselves and the building attraction that they both were convinced wasn't reciprocated. He challenged Vivian to see life beyond today and gave her the courage to live beyond the here and now, and make plans and hope for the future. Because none of us are gauranteed a tomorrow, its not just those with chronic illnesses. Sure, they have a lesser chance of a tomorrow, but they shouldn't deprive themselves of a full life and chasing after what they want.

The ending was so fitting and perfect for this story. It was uber emotional and sad in some ways, but also there was a sense of conclusion while still making way for "mores." They realized Jessica had given then a chance at more, and through her death and gift, getting to live more right along with them, something bigger and longer lasting than just herself. Jessica also got her closure and peace, but also a window into what they're doing with their futures.


Bottom Line: Emotional story about teens who are connected by donated organs, but lives even more entangled and close than they'd ever imagined. show less