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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Hells & High Water, the third book in The E Apocrypha series by Alex Andre, is set in a dystopian world ruled by scarce technology, where a group of unlikely allies embarks on a dangerous expedition. Led by visionary hierarch Golden Dragon Shang, the group includes a disowned raider, a betrayed smuggler, and a troubled soldier, who all journey westward in search of an industrialized state. With their armored train, they traverse a desolate wilderness, facing perilous challenges from both external enemies and their own inner conflicts. Their survival hinges on fragile cooperation and sacrifice as they seek the faint hope of a better future. Andre excels at world-building, creating a vivid, harsh dystopian landscape where the scarcity of technology becomes a powerful narrative driver, making this speculative and alien setting feel both haunting and palpably real at all times.
The character development is exceptional, with each protagonist undergoing a personal journey of growth and self-discovery, adding a suitable level of complexity and humanity to the action-packed adventure so that the world and its impact on the characters are developed hand in hand with their growth. I was deeply impressed by Alex Andre's narrative, which weaves a delicate balance between tension-filled survival and philosophical questions about the value of technology, power, and collaboration, creating a thought-provoking dystopian tale. The pacing is also masterfully handled, with intense moments of action interspersed with introspective scenes that allow the reader to connect with the characters' struggles and motivations. As I journeyed with the characters through their harsh and unforgiving world, I found myself not only captivated by the external challenges they faced but also moved by their internal struggles and the bonds they forged, rooting for them every step of the way. Overall, I would certainly recommend Hells & High Water to fans of dystopian fiction who appreciate complex character dynamics and thought-provoking themes set against a richly imagined post-apocalyptic backdrop.
