The Kill Crew by Joseph D’Lacey is an intelligent, well-written story. While at first glance it is a post-apocalyptic tale, it falls far outside the realms of other tales of this type. It deals more with the psychological changes brought about by the end of the world as we know, rather than the horror of the antagonists. The characters are truly brought to life in the mind of the reader, and dialogue is very believable and flows well. Also, the inner dialogue of the main characters is very well handled. The principle character is well depicted, and comes across as very human, which can be a sticking point for many new writers. There are strong comments on society as we know it, and how that society can break down in a very short time with the right triggers. Joseph D’Lacey has managed to capture this breakdown with a great deal of accuracy, with a dollop of despair and desperation added. Self-destruction plays a part in the story, as does hope for a better future, and although these points seem polar opposites, D’Lacey ties them together with style and skill. What truly stands out in this story is the humanity of the characters, hoping in the face of hopelessness and dealing with events no sane person should have to deal with. Redemption plays a part, as does the modern consumer-driven society we live in today. It tells the story of Sheri, Ike and Trixie, survivors of an apocalyptic event like no other, and how they find the strength to get through each day. It tells the story of the end of human society as we know it, and the effects of that ending on the few survivors left untouched (at least physically) by the events taking place around them. The ending seems to combine both a sense of inevitability of outcome with hope for the future, a very hard thing to write, but the author performs this task with great skill. This is a very well-written tale that is both compulsive and confrontational. I recommend this story highly to all, and am glad to have been given a chance to read it. Joseph D’Lacey is an author on his way up, one who will grab people’s attention from the start. I highly recommend this author and this book.
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