Title: Radio Silence
Author: Alyssa Cole
First published February 2, 2015
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.62
Overview
When the world ends, no one is prepared. Olivia Green was living her dream life in Los Angeles when a sudden terrorist attack brings the city to its knees.
With no power, no communication, and no way out, Olivia is forced to team up with a group of strangers in order to survive. Among them is the ruggedly handsome Liam, who seems to have a heart of gold but also a dark past.
As they travel across a dangerous and unforgiving landscape, Olivia must confront her own fears and prejudices to trust in Liam and the group’s mission to find safety. But as tensions rise and secrets are revealed, Olivia realizes that survival may come at a cost she’s not willing to pay.
Will they make it to safety, or will the end of the world also mean the end of their hope for a future?
About the Author
Alyssa Cole is a talented author who has gained recognition for her work in historical, contemporary, and sci-fi romance. Her novel An Extraordinary Union, a gripping tale of espionage set during the Civil War, was awarded the Best Book of 2017 by the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and was named the Best Romance of 2018 by the American Library Association’s RUSA.
Additionally, her book A Princess in Theory was recognized as one of the New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2018. Alyssa has written for several publications including Bustle, Shondaland, The Toast, Vulture, RT Book Reviews, and Heroes and Heartbreakers.
Her books have received high praise from various outlets including The New York Times, Library Journal, BuzzFeed, Kirkus, Booklist, Jezebel, Vulture, Book Riot, and Entertainment Weekly. In her free time, she enjoys watching anime and taking care of her pets.
Editoral Review
Radio Silence by Alyssa Cole is a captivating novel that explores themes of national identity, power dynamics, and relationships in a fictional West African country. Published in 2015, it is a part of a rich collection of contemporary African literature that engages with the cultural and historical complexities of the continent.
With a vivid and cinematic writing style, Cole takes readers on a journey filled with heart-wrenching moments and thought-provoking insights. The novel’s plot revolves around a radio station in the country of Njala, where the main character, Aramide, works as a producer.
The station is under pressure from the government to broadcast propaganda and suppress any dissenting voices, but Aramide and her colleagues are determined to provide factual information and to engage in honest discussions about the country’s problems. They become central figures in a movement for change, and their voices are heard far beyond the borders of Njala.
Cole’s writing is exceptional, with precise descriptions that transport readers to the heart of the story. Along with Aramide, readers encounter a cast of well-drawn characters, including her childhood friend, Tunde; her boss at the radio station, Haruna; and the corrupt government official, Mr. Bello.
Each character has their own unique perspective on the events unfolding around them, and they come alive on the page with layered backstories and compelling motivations. One of the book’s strengths is the way in which it confronts the historical and contemporary issues facing Africa.
Cole does not shy away from difficult topics such as the legacies of colonization, the corruption of power, and the tension between tradition and modernity. Instead, she engages with these issues thoughtfully, weaving them into the narrative in a way that highlights their significance while never losing sight of the human stories at the center of the plot.
There are moments when the plot meanders, and occasionally the writing can feel a little melodramatic. However, these are minor issues that do not detract from the overarching quality of the book.
Overall, Radio Silence is a thought-provoking and well-crafted novel that is sure to resonate with anyone interested in African literature, political discourse, or human relationships. In conclusion, I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy engaging with the cultural, historical, and political complexities of the African continent.
Alyssa Cole’s Radio Silence is a must-read for anyone interested in African literature or contemporary politics. With its themes of power, identity, and friendship, this novel is sure to stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.
On a scale of 1 to 10, this book gets an 8.5 for its stunning writing, well-drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes.
