So You Survived the End of the World: 2
Written by K.C. Cordell
For all the derision sequels get for not living up to the original works, this is far from a blanket rule. In my experience, particularly when it comes to independent books, the sequels not only live up to the book or books that came before, they often surpass them (of course, this, too, is no blanket rule). Less common are sequels that double down on what worked about the first book, and, if not outright abandoning the rest, massaging it into the sequel, ensuring it comes together. So You Survived the End of the World: 2 by K.C. Cordell (which naturally follows So You Survived the End of the World: 1—you can read my review here) is one such less common sequel.
This is a book that features the same love of music, the same protagonist and sidekick, the same world, the same sense of humour, and provides the same sustenance-free sugar hit. At 153 pages in paperback (or an estimated 155 pages on your favourite eReader), it’s far more than double its predecessor’s 64 pages. It’s still a short read, but offers the reader a little more story and characterisation. The use of chapters in this outing—practically a necessity at its new length—helps break the story up, creating a smoother reading experience. So You Survived the End of the World: 2 carries much of the same attitude as 1, but feels less beholden to it. Lead character Sebastian is still abrasive, but with a little more self reflection and relatability.
While it shares many characteristics with its predecessor, So You Survived the End of the World: 2 is a refined experience that largely serves its world for the better. While the focus is on the humour above all else, including the story, the sequel’s plot is more prominent, and it is an entertaining one. After being chased out of town by technology hating haters, Sebastian and his trusty sidekick, Meza, find themselves stranded after their trusty bus breaks down. Unsurprisingly, the creatures who plague this post-apocalyptic world are lurking, a threat to them both. Somewhat more surprisingly—the blurb (included above) spoils this, so I will too—one such creature, Buddy, is a fan of Sebastian’s radio show; perhaps its biggest fan.
Although the plot entertains, it remains fairly light. While that’s not necessarily a problem—especially for a novella aimed at younger audiences with a strong focus on humour—what is there feels like it isn’t complex enough to warrant its page count; regardless of how funny a book is—and So You Survived the End of the World: 2 is indeed funny—humour can only carry it so far. While it doesn’t need layers of complexity, the thin plot shows itself through the book’s second act, which feels like it’s padded to fill in some of those extra paces. The result is that much of the pacing through its middle third drags, stalling the book’s momentum.
With such a focus on humour, though, this element is more important than the story’s plot. So You Survived the End of the World: 2 once again presents an acerbic wit, and takes great delight in the inherent silliness of its setting and characters. The jokes fly thick and fast, and while not all of them land, most of them do. And when a joke doesn’t quite connect, there’s another one right around the corner, causing the last one to be forgotten. Although it takes a similar approach to 1 and humour is always subjective, it hits more regularly in this sophomore outing.
As was the case in the first book, Sebastian remains a jerk. However, unlike that first book, So You Survived the End of the World: 2 presents him as a likeable jerk. He hasn’t been watered down, and is the same character readers know from the first book, but his acerbic nature is more deftly handled. His failings get called out, and he has the occasional moment of reflection. While not a deep character, the book adds layers that haven’t previously been seen. The character who does the most calling out of Sebastian is Meza, who once again is a delightful character. She is a joy to follow, and her interactions with Sebastian entertain. Buddy, the monstrous fan of Sebastian’s work, constantly amuses. It—as the book refers to it—brings out an extra layer of humour to the book, while also adding to Sebastian’s character arc.
The book’s prose brings a similar level of attitude as the first, but it has been dialled down a notch, creating a better effect overall. It once again moves rhythmically, drawing the reader in and illuminating the humour. It does everything prose should do in engaging the reader and capturing the story, characters and atmosphere, and it does it with panache. It takes great delight in its humour, particularly when it comes to the—very light; this is a suitable book for younger readers—body horror. While it spares the reader from the gruesome details, it treats this with a humorous view that tells the reader all they need to know, while also making them laugh.
Although the second book in a series, So You Survived the End of the World: 2 stands entirely on its own, much like the first book. While some elements show that it takes place after that book, and they should be read in order, you can read this in isolation of the first book and feel like you’re completely up to speed.
So You Survived the End of the World: 2 may be longer than its story warrants and suffer from pacing issues as a result, but it is a more clearly defined book than the first. The humour works better this time around, providing an acerbic view of its world as it lets the attitude come more freely. Its protagonist is less insufferable, making it easier to follow him through this wacky adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing what So You Survived the End of the World: 3 brings, and I’ll have that review for you on Friday.
Favourite Passage
One of the new sludgebrains jumps from HRM. This one has infested a middle-aged woman with unkempt brown hair. Or at least, Sebastian thinks it’s the form of a middle-aged woman.
The body has been transformed. Its muscles are stretched and bulging to such an exaggerated degree that one prick from a pin might pop them. Its legs bend the wrong way, shaped more like a dog or cat’s than anything remotely human, and its arms are so long its knuckles almost drag along the road.
Its face remains unsettlingly human, the softness of the woman’s round face at odds with the twisted sharpness of its body. It crouches down and creeps toward HRM. Toward Meza.
So You Survived the End of the World: 2, Chapter 4
So You Survived the End of the World: 2 was provided by BookSirens for the purpose of an honest review.
So You Survived the End of the World: 2 is available in paperback eBook from retailers, including—but not limited to—Amazon.
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So You Survived the End of the World: 2
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