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53 pages 1 hour read

Dust

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Hugh Howey

Dust

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

458

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Underground Silos • Future

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Dust by Hugh Howey explores the lives of various individuals in underground silos built to shield humanity from a toxic external environment. Each character strives to uncover the reason behind their entrapment and to survive the manipulations of the ruthless Silo 1, which orchestrated the apocalyptic destruction in the first place. The material contains graphic depictions of violence and discussions regarding the sexualization of a child.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Gritty

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dust by Hugh Howey delivers an engaging conclusion to the Silo series, praised for its intense and immersive storytelling. Fans appreciate the well-developed characters and complex plot. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the ending somewhat predictable. Overall, it remains a compelling read that ties together the apocalyptic saga effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dust?

Fans of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction, who enjoyed the intricate world-building of Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games series or the intense survival themes in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, will find Hugh Howey’s Dust compelling for its claustrophobic setting and rich storytelling.

Character List

Juliette Nichols

Juliette, known as Jules, is a central character and leader in the Silo community, noted for her intelligence, empathy, and toughness. She navigates the complex social dynamics and challenges within the silos.

Charlotte, a skilled pilot and engineer, is known for her resilience and intelligence. As an investigator of the silo system, she grapples with her insecurities while striving for independence.

Donald is an intellectual and cunning individual whose health deteriorates due to his internal struggle. His character primarily revolves around his efforts to atone for his past decisions regarding the silo's existence.

Lukas serves as a supportive figure and love interest to Juliette, noted for his emotional intelligence and curiosity. He provides stability and contrast in the narrative through his love for the stars and pursuit of knowledge.

Elise, a seven-year-old survivor, is characterized by her innocence, curiosity, and love of animals. She represents hope and a fresh perspective amidst the more jaded adult survivors around her.

Jimmy, an emotionally stunted survivor from Silo 17, becomes fiercely loyal and protective of those he loves. His journey involves growing into a confident leader figure for his community.

Paul Thurman, a former US senator, acts as the primary antagonist, characterized by his ruthless and eugenicist ideology. He is the mastermind behind the silo system and commands a repressive regime within Silo 1.

Darcy, initially a security officer in Silo 1, evolves into a resistance fighter seeking truth within the silo system. Known for his intelligence and deductive reasoning, he aids in the struggle against oppressive leadership.

Book Details
Pages

458

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Underground Silos • Future

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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