This conclusion to the award-winning claustrophobic dystopian scifi trilogy follows the mayor of Silo 18, Jules, the only known survivor of cleaning. When she finds out a piece of the truth, she uses her power to confirm her suspicions, all the while losing support of the people in her Silo. As she fights to maintain control as mayor while working on her secret projects, another fight is brewing within Silo 1.
Dust is a very emotionally satisfying culmination of one of my top picks from the last few years. Contrary to its predecessors, the novel is distilled down two major protagonists, both of them women, while also continuing the story of Donald (Silo #1) and Solo (Silo#17). The finale in particular is chock full of action and excitement, bringing the entire series full circle in movement and tone, personal tragedy and sacrifice. You’ll feel like you’ve seen the sun for the first time again!
I am left with a lot of unanswered technical questions regarding the details of the other Silos, but I am content enough in the completion of primary plot that I am happy to leave some stones un-turned. In the interest of a spoiler-free review, I am keeping this short, but I would like to remind my readers of the amazing success Hugh Howey has achieved through self-publishing.
Recommended for fans of character-driven scifi. This is a personal favorite!
“There is good and bad in all things. We find what we expect to find. We see what we expect to see. I have learned that if I tilt my head just right and squint, the world outside is beautiful.”