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THE ITINERANT by Elizabeth Engstrom

THE ITINERANT

by Elizabeth Engstrom

Pub Date: Nov. 1st, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-73429-789-8
Publisher: IFD Publishing

In Engstrom’s post-apocalyptic horror novel, a young teen tries to protect his sister in a dangerous world.

Parker Montrose has no one left but his sister, Sherilyn. A rapid, flulike pandemic swept through the world, and their parents were among the many millionsof victims. Unable to speak, due to a fever he had as a baby,Parker relies on his sister to be his voice, but as the older brother, he feels that it’s his job to keep her safe and make sure she has enough to eat. However, he doesn’t want to raid the houses of his dead and rotting neighbors for supplies, so he and his sibling take an offer of shelter from a stranger in their small community. Parker and Sherilyn’s hope for a new home turns out to be a place run by a dictator calling himself Reverend Elijah, a run-down used car salesman with a god complex. Parker’s unwillingness to follow Elijah’s rules leads to him and Sherilyn being banished from the group—but not before Parker hears about another community that actually takes care of its people. While searching for it, Parker learns about an ability he never knew he had, and one he doesn’t understand—it appears that when he’s in the presence of death, he’s able to speak. Engstrom offers an after-the-end tale that feels painfully relevant to today’s situation, and it’s one that’s unusually hopeful for the subgenre. The novel moves at a quick pace with no filler. Sections are clearly broken up into months, and, by the end, the many elements of the story come together as a cohesive whole. That said, the cast of characters eventually becomes numerous, requiring the reader pay close attention to the identities and community roles of minor players. This can get mildly overwhelming at times, but it does help to flesh out the novel and allows for fruitful comparisons. Despite the overall dark tone, the book does have an uplifting message that will leave readers feeling satisfied.

An often thrilling speculative tale that will keep readers engaged.