Book Review: The Feeding by Anthony Ryan

Book Review: The Feeding by Anthony Ryan


4.5/5 stars. Anthony Ryan is one of my favorite fantasy authors. This novel is his second foray into the thriller genre after last year’s Red River Seven, which was a very good story. This futuristic post-apocalypse SciFi/horror thriller might be even better. Ryan is an excellent writer. He has a penchant for very fine prose that keeps the reader engaged and actively reading for what will happen next. 


The protagonist of this story, Layla, is a young woman caught in a day-to-day survival with her found family. The city surrounded by a protective wall depends on the Crossers, the elite group of selected individuals who are chosen to leave the city to travel the dangerous land, that is occupied by creatures who hunt humans, in order to trade with other settlements where humans are still able to survive. In desperation to save her ‘father’ from an infection, Layla sets out to become a Crosser to find the antibiotics he needs to survive. This is the story of her trials, training, and life of death adventure being the walls. Layla is a compelling character with grit, dedication, and a love for her family. She is inspirational in her efforts to succeed for those she loves. 


I highly recommend this novel, or really any story by Anthony Ryan! If you’ve never read anything by Ryan this novel is a good place to start, but make sure to read his fantasy works as well.


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