The dead lands

Title:

The dead lands

Author:

Summary:

In this post-apocalyptic reimagining of the Lewis and Clark saga, a small group sets out from the shielded community that was once St. Louis, headed for a place west of the Cascades where civilization supposedly thrives. But they won't be able to get there without a fight. "A compelling post apocalyptic adventure populated by fascinating characters." -- Library Journal

General Note:

Compact discs.

Edition:

Unabridged.

Physical Description:

12 sound discs (13.5 hrs) : digital ; 4 3/4 in.

Genre:

Science fiction.

Audiobooks.

Local Note:

Audio Editions

Subject Term:

Quests (Expeditions) -- Fiction.

Armies -- Fiction.

Survival -- Fiction.

Regression (Civilization) -- Fiction.

Publisher:

Hachette Book Group, USA,

Publication Date:

2015

ISBN:

9781478953104

Publication Information:

New York, NY : Hachette Book Group, USA, 2015.

Call Number:

CDB PERCY

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003082321	Adult Fiction Books on CDs	PERCY	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

In Benjamin Percy's new thriller, a post-apocalyptic reimagining of the Lewis and Clark saga, a super flu and nuclear fallout have made a husk of the world we know. A few humans carry on, living in outposts such as the Sanctuary-the remains of St. Louis-a shielded community that owes its survival to its militant defense and fear-mongering leaders.

Then a rider comes from the wasteland beyond its walls. She reports on the outside world: west of the Cascades, rain falls, crops grow, civilization thrives. But there is danger too: the rising power of an army that pillages and enslaves every community they happen upon.

Against the wishes of the Sanctuary, a small group sets out in secrecy. Led by Lewis Meriwether and Mina Clark, they hope to expand their infant nation, and to reunite the States. But the Sanctuary will not allow them to escape without a fight.

Author Notes

Ben Percy received a BA with Honors from Brown University and an MFA with a teaching fellowship from Southern Illinois University.

Percy has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Marquette University. He currently teaches creative writing at Iowa State University.

He is the author of two novels, Red Moon (forthcoming from Grand Central in 2012), The Wilding (Graywolf, 2010), and two books of short stories, Refresh, Refresh (Graywolf, 2007) and The Language of Elk (Carnegie Mellon, 2006).

Ben lives in Ames, Iowa, with his wife and two children.

(Bowker Author Biography)

Reviews (2)

Publisher's Weekly Review

For this new adventure yarn, Percy reimagines the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition as a postapocalyptic journey from a futuristic and despotic city called the Sanctuary to a freer, moister Oregon. The novel's dangerous journey is led by friends-from-childhood Meriwether Lewis and the much tougher Wilhelmina "Mina" Clark. Their Sacajawea-like guide is Gawea, a clairvoyant from outside the Sanctuary who is captured by those who rule the city. Along the way, they encounter albino bats, white bears, and militant women. These travails alternate with chapters about a young thief named Simon and his friend Ella, a museum attendant, who have been left behind to deal with the vicious mayor, Thomas, and Sheriff Slade, his sadistic minion. The youthful softness of reader Graham's voice is surprisingly effective as counterpoint to the often violent nature of the material. It's also particularly fitting when it comes to the bumbling Lewis, the bookish Ella, and, with just a small adjustment from Graham, the streetwise Simon. When needed, Graham is capable of adding strength and determination for Mina, sneering indifference and waspish anger for Thomas, and a betrayer's guilt for Gawea, who has a secret reason for aiding Lewis and Clark. The voice Graham saves for Slade almost makes the hair rise up on the back of your neck. It's a croak that's guttural, raspy, and ripe with evil. A Grand Central hardcover. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Library Journal Review

Percy (Red Moon) darkly recasts the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In a postapocalyptic world ravaged by a superflu and nuclear radiation, several inhabitants of the Sanctuary set out to make contact with people in Oregon. Meriwether Lewis, a cocaine--addicted loner who runs the Sanctuary's only museum, receives notice that there is a better place and its leader has been waiting for him. Clark, a ranger with alcohol and rage issues, goes with him. Several others accompany them across a ravaged America. They battle oversized spiders, marauders, extremes of weather, and giant albino man-bats. Lewis's psychic skills aid them during several close calls. The ending seems to imply a possible sequel. Holter Graham's accents bring the tale to life. -VERDICT This audiobook is recommended for listeners who enjoy dystopian fiction, horror, and suspense. ["Percy's sophomore outing (after the acclaimed Red Moon) is a not only a compelling postapocalyptic adventure tale populated by very human and fascinating characters but a clever riff on the Lewis and Clark expedition": LJ 2/15/15 starred review of the Riverhead hc.]-David Faucheux, Lafayette, LA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.