Opening the pages of American Rapture we found ourselves wondering how CJ Leede would even come close to writing a story that is a good as Maeve Fly? Well, she did. American Rapture is a grim, gore-filled, heart-wrenching post-apocalyptic journey that will sit with us long after closing the book.
In American Rapture we are taken on a thrilling and blood-soaked journey through a post-apocalyptic America following a unique pandemic. The story follows Sophie, a young Catholic girl, as she navigates a world plagued by a virus that transforms the infected into feral beings consumed by lust. Leede gives us a perfect blend of a coming-of-age story with gruesome action and outright horror. A truly pulse-pounding horror novel.
CJ Leede’s writing is nothing short of exceptional, which comes as no surprise to fans of Maeve Fly. She takes themes like survival, family, and sacrifice and weaves them together for intense and graphic scenes that left us horrified, captivated and surprised. Fans of Leede’s writing will know she does an extremely amazing job at character development and this is no different in American Rapture. She takes Sophie from an innocent girl to a survivor willing to do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones.
Leede does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of this new world, including a death towards the end that will hit some a bit hard, making for an immersive and unforgettable reading experience.
While the book is blood-soaked and gruesome, American Rapture has a nice balance of gore and heart. Some scenes are over-the-top intense, while others show more heartfelt moments for a perfect balance. There are plenty of bloody moments that will make even seasoned horror fans cringe, there are also moments of tenderness and vulnerability that add depth to the story. Leede manages to evoke a range of emotions from readers, from fear and disgust to empathy and hope.
Leede takes a typical post-apocalyptic story and turns it on its head. A devote Catholic virgin girl has to fight off humans turned into lustful creatures that are mysterious to the secular world let alone a sheltered 16-going-on-17 year old girl. American Rapture is not for the faint-hearted, but for those willing to brave its dark and twisted world, it rewards with an unforgettable journey filled with terror, heartbreak, and ultimately resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.
CJ Leede’s American Rapture is a front runner for our top-novels of 2024. Keep an eye out for year-end awards, this novel should be taking home a ton of them.
American Rapture hits bookstores everywhere on October 15, 2024. Check out the audiobook on Libro.fm, also available for pre-order.
