A Beginning at the End

Four survivors unite in the aftermath of a global pandemic as the nation rebuilds in this character-driven postapocalyptic tale of family, love, and hope.

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Star Wars: Brotherhood

Six years after a virus wiped out most of the planet's population, former pop star Moira is living under a new identity to escape her past—until her domineering father launches a sweeping public search to track her down. Desperate for a fresh start herself, jaded event planner Krista navigates the world for those still too traumatized to go outside, but she never reaches out on her own behalf. Rob has tried to protect his daughter, Sunny, by keeping a heartbreaking secret, but when strict government rules threaten to separate parent and child, Rob needs to prove himself worthy in the city's eyes by connecting with people again.


Krista, Moira, Rob and Sunny meet by circumstance and their lives begin to twine together. When reports of another outbreak throw the fragile society into panic, the friends are forced to finally face everything that came before—and everything they still stand to lose. Because sometimes having one person is enough to keep the world going.

"This postapocalyptic slice-of-life novel from Chen delivers big emotions by keeping the focus small. . . . By foregrounding family, Chen manages to imbue his apocalypse with heart, hope, and humanity. Sci-fi fans will delight in this lovingly rendered tale." —Publishers Weekly (starred review, PW Picks)

"Sometimes it is not the violent battles of post-apocalyptic stories that pull readers in; it is the emotional connection of humanity finding their way. Chen's prose lights a brilliant, fragile path through the darkness." —Library Journal (starred review)
"The best kind of dystopian novel: one rooted deeply in the hearts of his characters and emphasizing hope and connection over fear. Chen has a true gift for making the biggest of worlds center around the most complex workings of hearts, and his newest is compelling, realistic, and impossible to put down." —Booklist (starred review)