Sometime in the future, humanity is forced into underground silos to protect themselves from toxic air. Every so often, either by volunteering or via punishment, a lone individual must leave the safety of the silo to clean the cameras outside. This is a one-way trip as no one is expected to survive.

When a sheriff steps down and a new sheriff is chosen, feathers are ruffled when she does not play ball with those in power. A plan is quickly concocted to oust her, but what happens when she leaves the silo, walks off, and a death is not immediately confirmed?

I found it hard to write this brief teaser without giving away too much. If you’re like me, and you’re one of the few people who haven’t yet read this book series – or watched the Apple TV show – then it’s best to go in as blind as possible. If you’ve heard anything else about this book, other than its plot, then you’ve probably heard how it’s one of the most successful self-published novels of all time. A story of this size and scope coming out like it did, crafted without all the assistance and help that an author is likely to receive going the traditional publishing route – is astounding. It’s a testament to Howey’s work ethic and drive.

The world-building on display here is second-to-none. While I found it difficult to fathom the size of the Silo, I would put that on myself, rather than the author. I kept picturing a standard grain silo you’d catch on a farm, so when you’re inverting it to be completely underground with full villages, departments and communities as offshoots from the winding steps, it’s on a scale that my brain could not quite wrap itself around.

It was difficult not to see where the story was headed, but I still shared the existential dread with some of these characters who faced impossible, life-altering decisions. Some characters seem to leave a little too soon for my liking, but Julliette being the novel’s constant, I was more than happy to have her as the story’s anchor point. I’m looking forward to cracking the cover on Book Two!