Once Upon a Twilight!: Book Review: End Times by Anna Schumacher

End Times
The Prophet Emerges
Author: Anna Schumacher
Reading Level: Ages 12 and up/Grade 7 and up
Genre: Young Adult
Released: May 20, 2014
Review Source: RazorBill

Carbon County, Wyoming is like a current running through Daphne’s heart. When life gets too tough to bear in Detroit, Daphne flees to her Uncle Floyd’s home, where she believes she’ll find solace in the silent hills of her childhood summers. But Daphne’s Greyhound bus pulls over in downtown Carbon County and it’s not silence that welcomes her. It’s the sound of trumpets. Daphne’s desire to start again in simple country comfort is instantly dashed as the townsfolk declare that the End Times are here. And incredible occurrences soon support their belief. Daphne does all she can to keep her head down and ignore the signs. She works a job at the local oil rig, helps around the house, hangs out with her pregnant cousin Janie and gets to know Owen, a mysterious motocross racer and fellow roustabout at the rig. But soon a startling discovery shatters her resolve and calls into question all her doubts and fears. Daphne landed in Carbon County for a reason. She only has to read the signs—and believe.

New story lines and themes always grab my attention. I’m always looking for a read that isn’t difficult to follow and allows the imagination to have its way. Basically, keeps me reading nonstop, no matter how tired I may be after a long day at work. This debut novel hit some of those highlights on my wish list of reading. Originality and strength in character details was a huge plus in End Times. This was a novel that didn’t have a typical plot. However, at times it was somewhat hard for me to follow and in many instances understand what was going on. Additionally, there are several themes mentioned in the story that I believe are a bit too mature for a middle level reader.

Daphne is our main character. Her arrival has truly created a domino effect of events in the small town of Carbon County. Events, in one way shape or form, have an effect on the people that live there. End Times has several minor characters with mini-storylines of their own. However, the bigger picture here is the discovery of oil, how it was discovered, and how it changes the lives of many. The discovery of oil is just the symbol of change. Change that is about to occur to Daphne and the others that she cares for. Change for the people around her. The title End Times speaks for itself. Times are changing, the end of near.