“In a world that keeps taking everything away, can a grieving mother find the strength to protect what matters most?”

The premise of The Road to Tomorrow is compelling. A double apocalypse—a deadly virus and then a hurricane—sets the stage for a journey through loss, danger, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter. I received an ARC of this novel and finished it feeling both appreciative of its heart and conscious of areas where it could shine brighter.

💙  What Worked

Strong Maternal Bond
Nicki and Lily’s relationship anchors the story. You feel the weight of a mother’s love, grief, and resilience as they face both physical and emotional upheaval. Their bond gives the dystopian setting real heart.

Post-Apocalyptic Setting with Realistic Tension
From coastal Florida to a rumored inland sanctuary, the author paints a believable, broken world. Encounters with both danger and unexpected allies keep the reader on edge.

Hope as a Theme
Amid the ruin and betrayal, the theme of hope—fragile but persistent—offers an emotional through line. There are moments where you’re rooting not just for survival, but for healing.

💔  What Fell Short

Repetitive Language
The phrase “her maternal instincts kicked in” appeared so many times it lost its emotional impact. Repetition like this pulled me out of otherwise intense, emotionally charged scenes.

Pacing & Believability
Some plot points dragged, especially in travel scenes or conversations that could’ve been condensed. A few actions stretched plausibility (e.g., overly trusting behavior in dangerous situations), which weakened tension instead of heightening it.

A Missed Opportunity for Subtext
The book leans hard on telling rather than showing. A little more trust in the reader—and some deeper nuance—could have made powerful moments land with more emotional weight.

✍️ Final Thoughts

While there were moments I found myself pulled out of the story due to repetition or pacing lulls, I also appreciated touches that added structure and tone—like the chapter titles. Instead of defaulting to numbers, the author provided titled chapters, which offered a thematic breadcrumb trail and gave each section a distinct narrative arc. It’s a simple yet effective choice that enhances the reading experience.

If you enjoy survival stories with an emotional core,The Road to Tomorrow offers a thoughtful take on motherhood after the world ends. While the prose could benefit from a round of polishing, the story itself has heart and urgency. It reminds us that even after the worst has happened, tomorrow still matters.

Live Your Lore—even when that means starting over from scratch.

Have you read The Road to Tomorrow?
What books have drawn you into a world of post-apocalyptic mayhem?

Let’s talk about it.
Drop your thoughts below or join me on socials to chat more bookish thoughts and theories. 💙

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