VIVIAN APPLE NEEDS A MIRACLE

Vivian Apple survived one Rapture in Vivian Apple at the End of the World (2015); now, can she survive a second?

In a not-too-distant America in which the effects of climate change are obvious and palpable, the Earth is in a slow, foreseeable decline. Self-proclaimed prophet (and largely unstable) Beaton Frick and his corporate sponsor, the Church of America, gave the country hope by promising its Believers would be Raptured. Now it’s been thrust into zealous bigotry that thrives on oppression and capitalism since only a small number have been taken. Vivian and her best friend, Harp, weathered the Rapture and no longer believe their families have ascended to heaven, though they still seek answers to lingering questions. When the Church predicts a second Rapture, the country goes into a religious frenzy. Vivian, Harp, Viv’s boyfriend, Peter, and Vivian’s newly discovered family members seize their chance to take down the Church and expose its sinister motives, but taking down a corporation can prove difficult when all of America is searching for you. This genre-bending story has elements for every reader: a realistic world with a healthy smattering of sci-fi and romance, along with liberal dashes of humor and satire. Coyle adeptly handles an exceptionally multifaceted plot, easily seguing from snarky social criticism to heart-pounding action to stomach-fluttering romance, creating a breathless whirlwind that keeps the pages flying until the very end.

A distinctive, complex, and thoughtful page-turner certain to leave readers clamoring for more.