'Shift Omnibus'

In November of 2012, I reviewed the incredible novel, 'Wool', written by the equally-incredible Hugh Howey.  I couldn't say enough about his story.  I recommended it to friends, family, and even our thrift shop customers.  And a few have come back to tell me how much they enjoyed it.

But the most asked question was, "Is he writing a sequel?"

Oh, yeah, he did.  And you're in for another long night of reading.  As for me, it took me days because I hated to reach the end.  That, dear reader, is the sign of a well-told story.  

'Shift Omnibus' does reveal how everything began, but it soon reaches the time frame of 'Wool'.

'Shift Omnibus' tells the story of a man named Troy who awakens in Silo 1.  It is his turn to oversee the comings-and-goings of the occupants...and to keep an eye out for unusual happenings.  But Troy begins to question everything around him, including the 'big boss', Thurlow, who is a master at keeping secrets and maintaining lies. When Troy starts digging, answers begin to pop up, and he finds he isn't the man he thought he was.  He learns just why and how he and countless others are forced to live underground.  As he remembers his past and the part he played in the deception, he grows ever more curious about the trust he holds for those who haven't earned it.

The chapters move from past to present, and back again. Major characters seem to live forever, while a beloved character from 'Wool' sets up the third book in this fascinating trilogy.

There is a bloody revolution in one of the silos, pitting friend against friend, mentor against student, and Mission, the major character in that scenario, is one of my favorites.  His past is heartbreaking which makes his rage well-earned.

But it is near the end, when we read about young Jimmy, that honest tears are truly shed. We suffer along with him; experience his loneliness, find hope in his love for a new companion, and sob when the years pass and we find that Jimmy has taken back his alias, Solo.  And then there is the end, when hope springs anew.

Major things are in store for the residents of the silos, and thanks to the fantastic writing of Mr. Howey, I'm sure you'll be up all night, biting your nails and unable to put down the book.

As for me, I'll be taking it slow with the final novel, 'Dust'.



'Shift Omnibus' is available at bookstores everywhere.