The Great Turning: Into the Turn

The Great Turning, Book 2, by Lesli Richardson

I honestly can’t summarize this book in any way without giving away the plot of The Great Turning (Book 1). I know that sounds strange, but the events in Into the Turning (Book 2) take place before those in Book 1. I’ve read other books in series where this has been tried. Most didn’t work on any level. Into the Turn doesn’t just work. It’s phenomenal! Please bear with me in this review. I’m going to try to be as clear as I can. I hope I don’t confuse you.

I can tell you both books tell the story of an apocalypse from two entirely different perspectives. The events in The Great Turning (Book 1) take place long into the future in the aftermath of the events of Into the Turn (Book 2). Book 1 is the story of a group of people having survived the after effects of an apocalypse. The events in Book 2 take place in a time leading up to and immediately following that apocalypse. There are no overlapping characters between the books. Both are realistic. Believe me, you have no trouble believing either book can, and would, happen. The devastating events in Book 2, are based on our current world situation, incredibly chilling, and totally realistic. Again, let me be clear. There’s absolutely no problem believing this could truly happen. And I’m most definitely not talking about politics here. Book 1 is just as chilling due, in large part, to the fact that circumstances have changed in ways you could never imagine in your wildest dreams. But as circumstances change, does humanity? And why do the titles of both books include the phrase “The Great Turning?” For that answer, you’ll have to read both books!

That’s pretty much all I can say about both stories without giving away the entire plot of either. I will say the order in which you read these books doesn’t matter. If you think reading Book 1 before Book 2 would confuse you, then feel free to read Book 2 first. But I’m very glad I had the chance to read Book 1 before Book 2. It again shows just how Lesli Richardson is sheer perfection as an author. How many authors can write a series that can be read in whatever order you choose and still make complete sense on every level? Lesli Richardson can’t write a book I won’t read and love. She crosses genres effortlessly, and is the best author I’ve ever read. This book deserves so much more than five stars. Congratulations, Ms. Richardson. This book, and the series, are deliciously delightful.

I’m not going to put my usual disclaimer here. It’s not necessary. This is an adult book in that it contains explicit language. There’s nothing sexual about this book. It’s very realistic. It’s chilling and frighteningly authentic. Then again, most apocalyptic stories are. If you don't enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you, but I honestly recommend both books. If you’re not certain, there are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and all booksellers' websites. Use them. DON'T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON'T ENJOY THE BOOK. It's not fair to the author. She works hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to a book's subject matter before you buy it, you're doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.

Thanks for reading my review and happy reading.