Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite

A deluge of dystopian and apocalyptic novels have hit the market over the past several years, but none are as exciting, honest, and fast moving as In The End. The novel begins with a catastrophic event that would normally establish a plot driven story but that changes quickly as Mr. Wolfe gives the individual characters free reign to plunge the reader into a series of actions and events that culminate in a shocking conclusion. In The End is a roller coaster ride in short chapters that jump from one character to another, describing through vividly visual words how each of them handle (or not) their individual situations based upon their inherent character traits and faults — think Quentin Tarantino movie.

Each of the actors in this apocalyptic tragedy is readily identifiable. There are the four college students who could be the next door neighbor’s sons and daughters. There’s the biker-thug that always seems to be hanging around in the bars and his faithful, naïve follower. Not to be left out is the older mother who is also a raving religious fanatic, and her adult son whose only connection to religion is to “honor thy father and (especially) thy mother.” Easily recognizable for all readers are the young mother and her daughter caught in a situation that appears beyond their ability to survive, and possibly a group of Mormons, armed to the teeth, holed up in and defending their church.

It’s an honest story that cuts no slack. There are acts of great charity and those that will disgust and alarm. Included are feats of bravery and generosity, as well as acts of selfishness and malevolence. It’s a tale of beauty, love, and compassion; and conversely, one of ugliness, hate, and brutality. It’s a great story with a magnificent end that had me pumping my fist and yelling, “Yeah!”