Title: Apocalypticon
Author: Clayton Smith
First published January 19, 2014
338 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780989806831 (ISBN10: 0989806839)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Meet Sophie Mercer, a teenage witch who always seems to get herself into trouble. After an unfortunate prom-night spell goes awry and attracts unwanted attention, Sophie is sent to Hex Hall.
This isolated reform school is home to a variety of supernatural beings, including witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. Sophie’s dad, an elusive European warlock, chooses Hex Hall as her punishment for breaking the rules.
On her first day, Sophie finds herself with three powerful enemies, a hopeless crush on a warlock, a ghostly tag-along, and an unlikely vampire roommate. As if that wasn’t enough, she discovers a predator is attacking students, and her only friend is the prime suspect.
Follow Sophie’s journey as she navigates the twisted halls of Hex Hall, uncovering secrets, facing down enemies, and learning more about herself than she ever thought possible.
About the Author
Meet Clayton Smith, a multi-talented individual hailing from Chicago. Not only is he a writer, but he’s also a teacher and entrepreneur.
He currently holds an assistant professor of instruction position in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department at Columbia College Chicago. Additionally, Clayton is the co-founder of Media Empire Media, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
Clayton’s creative works span across multiple genres. He has written novels such as Apocalypticon, Anomaly Flats, and Na Akua.
He’s also dabbled in comedic plays with Death and McCootie and The Depths. With such a diverse portfolio, it’s no wonder Clayton is a rising star in the creative industry.
Editoral Review
Apocalypticon is a thrilling post-apocalyptic novel written by Clayton Smith, first published in 2014. This book is a genre-defining masterpiece that will keep readers on their seats from beginning to end.
With a unique blend of humor and action, Smith creates a world that readers will not forget anytime soon. The story revolves around the main character, Jackson, who is navigating his way through a world that has been destroyed by a cataclysmic event that has wiped out most of humanity.
Jackson is joined by his best friend, the witty and sarcastic Cesar, and a group of other survivors as they search for a safe haven and try to survive in a dangerous new world. Throughout the book, Smith creates an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and terrifying.
With vivid descriptions of a world gone wrong, he paints a picture of a landscape that is both familiar and alien. Jackson, Cesar, and the other survivors encounter some truly terrifying challenges and obstacles, ranging from dangerous cults to rampaging cannibals.
Smith’s writing style is impeccable, with a clear voice and a great sense of pacing. He balances humor and action perfectly, masterfully walking the fine line between comedy and tragedy.
The characters are well-developed, each with their unique personalities and quirks, making them relatable and endearing. The setting is also well-detailed, with a sense of realism that adds to the suspense and drama of the story.
Apocalypticon’s themes explore the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. The book is a powerful allegory for the world we face today, with the characters facing a bleak and hostile world, and yet they drive on, looking for hope and redemption.
It is a commentary on the human condition and how we react to tragedy and disaster, reminding us of the importance of community, perseverance, and morality. Despite its brilliance, Apocalypticon isn’t without faults.
Some of the subplots feel underdeveloped, and the pacing of the story can be uneven at times. Still, the strengths of the book far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and dystopian novels.
Overall, Apocalypticon by Clayton Smith is a tour de force of post-apocalyptic fiction, with heart-stopping action, engaging characters, clever humor, and a powerful message. It is a gripping story that will secure its place as a genre-defining classic, and it is not to be missed.
This book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and readers looking for a thought-provoking, action-packed adventure. Washington Post recommends this book with a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
