Review | The Fearing: Book Three – Air & Dust by John F.D. Taff (ARC)

Reverend Mark and a few remaining survivors try to keep safe in an empty airfield. But fears remain and the night brings many horrible things. When daylight comes and a strange man arrives, they discover a different kind of nightmare.

With visions of a burning world playing against the insides of his eyelids, he tried to sleep. 

And failed.

The saga of The Fearing continues in Book Three after Book One and Book Two. After the chaos and relentless action in the previous installments, Book Three allows the story to breathe. It lets the characters to have quiet moments with each other and figure out a way to go next.

We spend more time with Reverend Mark who we met in Book Two, along with a host of other characters gathering in an airfield. A place usually teeming with soldiers and authority figures is left empty, with no answers. Despite the initial feeling of safety in numbers, danger still lurks. And monsters can appear in many disguises. This time, it’s in the form of a man proclaiming to be the saviour of all. Like in many apocalyptic stories, the worst can come from humanity itself. When all rules are broken and there is no law, anybody can step in to fill the gap.

Book Three looks at the aftermath of Book Two and the effects it left on everyone involved, including high school teen Kyle. We also find out more of what Adam is planning to do and where he is going. At this point it looks like faith will come into play, but whether it’s enough to fight the oncoming darkness remains to be seen. There is a suspenseful bridge scene and a scene involving two parents with a child that left me wrecked. Despite the feeling of the calm before the storm, Book Three still provides plenty of powerful moments.

Reading these installments of The Fearing has been an enjoyable ride and while I’m sad it’s coming to the end, I’m really looking forward to Book Four. The compelling characters and fantastic setup is leading towards an incredible ending. I can’t wait!

I received an ARC from the publisher for review purposes. The Fearing: Book Three – Air & Dust is out on 1 October!

About the author: John F.D. Taff

Photo by Dorin Vancea