“Dust” by Hugh Howey – Visions of Extinction

As you may have gathered from the previous review of the second book in the Silo Saga by Hugh Howey, Shift, the stage was rather well set for the last part of the series, Dust, and expectations were soaring rather high... to such an extent that many people, myself included, had a lot of trouble imagining how he could tie all the loose ends together.

Many a book in literature has suffered deeply from the author's inability to wrap things up and give a solid ending... and thankfully, that is a fate Dust has certainly avoided with unimaginable success.

There is also probably no need to say it at this point, but if you haven't read either of the first two books in the Silo Saga, then you absolutely need to start with them first: Wool and Shift. Otherwise, nothing will make sense.

In this masterpiece of a grand finale Howey weaves together all the threads and storylines he has unleashed upon his world in the previous two works, giving us, the readers, enough of everything.

If you are reading the series to see what happens to the crew from Wool, Juliette, Solo and the others, you'll have more than a good chance to see what they've been up to and catch up with their adventures.

If the silos are what fascinate you (let's be honest, it's hard not to be interested by them), you'll be glad to know we delve deeper and deeper into the dark bowels and crevices of the human nature.

If you are interested in the world itself, the apocalyptic state humanity has brought itself to with its technological and medicinal advancements, and the whole downfall thing, you aren't going to be disappointed either.

Otherwise said, this is the end to which everything has been building up to, and though I cannot spoil it, I will confirm that all cliches are avoided, expectations are subverted, and the reader is left stunned, gazing in awe and trying to process it all.

As it seems rather consistent at this point, Howey has once again accomplished a tour-de-force in the writing department, looking at it from a more technical point of view. Nothing feels redundant or confusing, but on the contrary, the sentences flow so lightly and easily that you are going to find yourself burrowing from one page to the next while the hours pass by you, completely unnoticed.

Naturally, this helps greatly with the immersion factor, which is a good thing considering the heavy themes and emotionally-charged events on display. It is truly inspiring to see how much he has improved, and one can only wonder what heights Howey will soar to next.

And so, if what you are seeking is a thrilling, exciting, thought-provoking, immersive, and just plain surprisingly-good science-fiction trilogy to tear yourself away from the tedium that pervades regular life, then I you absolutely must read the Silo Saga; it stands high and mighty above its competition, towering above them and basking in its own uniqueness.

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Hugh Howey Personal site Hugh Howey is an American author who generally specializes in science-fiction literature, and is best known for his popular series Wool. Prior to working as an author, Howey tried numerous careers, including roofer, audio technician, and yacht captain.