Rating: 3.7/5

There are three books to this series (which I didn't know until after I started reading) which is why the book may be a slower pace then would otherwise be expecting. This review is for the first book in the series.

The main character whose perspective we read from is a male high school student, which means there are a few times that a high school sense of humour will be written. It isn't disrespectful in any way, but it's something to keep in mind, and at times you may be wondering why the main character decided to do a certain something.

"Funny how much older I felt than these kids. Actually I’d always felt older than everybody who was my age and quite a few grown-ups. Throughout this whole situation I’d been entrusted with information that almost nobody else knew, information that made me feel older, weighed me down."

While it's categorized as a young adult book, there is tons of action which in some places the author includes tons of detail. So much so, that the reader may need to stop and step away from the book for a moment. There are also spots where more details could have been added by the author.

“Not pulling. Showing you this weapon that I have a permit to carry and know how to use.”

“I guess it’s the best plan we have”

The book does get the reader to think about things they may not thought about before (and which hopefully never happen).

"Not as well prepared as I should have been. I never dreamed of a scenario this severe. This has the potential to be so much worse than anything I’ve ever seen before."

It is interesting how the passage of time happens, and how certain people change over that time, which I believe the author did on purpose. There are also times when the author skipped over certain things, either to keep the book interesting or because there was a set page limit.

The book does end on a cliffhanger.

“You’ve done enough. More than enough. I want you to go and spend some time relaxing, being a kid again. At least for one evening.” ( )

4.5

This book is awesome. Eric Walters is a great writer, I've always known that, but for some reason, I don't read his books all that often then get shocked when I do. This book is not only well-written, but it feels so real. Even when they're doing some crazy stuff with an ultralight and explosives made from kitchen supplies it all still feels very humanly capable, like logically if people could work together in a crisis they could make it through, and do anything so long as they were organized and knew what they were doing. I think that's why everyone likes his books so much because they feel so human. The character struggle with ethical dilemmas that I was even struggling with as a reader as they navigate a world without cars, resources and the internet. It's really scary because Walters makes it feel so real a not far-fetched, and the more you think the more you realize that something like this could happen any day and it would play out pretty much like it is in the book, only you'd better hope one of your neighbours is ex-FBI or something or you'll be dead.

I thought having some time might come up with a more concise review but honestly, when I think of this book I get all word jumbled and just think "wow wow wow that was good." I didn't give this the full 5 stars just because even though it's amazing it's lacking that special something to make it an all-time favourite, but this is certainly a book I will not forget anytime soon. It kept me up late at night reading and it kept my head spinning (I would say on the edge of my seat but honestly I was either up till past midnight lying in my bed or walking along the sidewalk because I just couldn't sit down). I'm bummed that my library does not have the rest of the series because I REALLY need to know what happens next (if you do know please message me as detailed spoilers as you can asap, thank-you) because I honestly can't guess it. I just hope they all get out okay and the power comes back or something. But honestly, I have no idea.

This book is good. Read it, but only if you have the sequels right beside you. ( )

Most definitely did not like this Apocalyptic tale of society breaking down without electricity or electronics - Hell, Society is breaking down and we still have those things in our lives. Bummer - had potentional

Eric Walters really did a great job in making the reader empathize for the main characters. I was especially hooked on finding out the history behind Herb. Adam was my favorite character and his development throughout the book really showed how certain situations can make or break us. I personally gave this book a five because it made me want to finish the whole series. ( )

Wow, what a book. The Rule of Three doesn't feature zombies. It doesn't have a huge decimating explosion that sets off the end of the world. What it does have, is a realistic vibe to it. What happens when everything you take for granted is suddenly gone? Cars no longer work, cell phones are dead, and there's no way to know if any help is coming. What happens to society? This is what Eric Walters uncovers in The Rule of Three, and it's both amazing and terrifying.

It's a little hard to describe the pacing of this book. While it doesn't exactly pick up pace at any particular time, it has this slow burn feel to it throughout the whole book. There's never really a huge climax. Lots of small ones, yes. Lots of little things to keep you reading on and wondering what will happen next, but nothing explosive. It's an interesting read for that very reason. I'm used to books being either slow, and then picking up or vice versa. This was bit of an anomaly to me, but one that held my attention.

In terms of characters, Adam and his neighbors have the ability to be anyone. They might be the people down the street from you. The babysitter at the end of the block. I loved the realism here. I watched in fascination as normally happy, easy-going people were reduced to shambles. As society as we know it so very quickly fell apart. Adam's story is scary because it is one that could, and most likely would, actually happen. It makes it that much harder to put down.

In fact, I predict that this very fact is going to be a deal breaker for some readers. The Rule of Three does have a few things about it (such as Herb) that are more fictional, but still possible. However the majority of this book is very grounded in reality. It's a look at what we are all capable of when survival mode sets in. So, if you've been eyeing this book, know that I recommend it! I can only hope there's more around the bend. ( )