Audible Book Review: Dust: Before and After by S.E. Smith

This is an engaging Teen/YA fantasy with paranormal characters - good and evil.

Dust: Before and After: The Dust Series, Book 1
By: S.E. Smith
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

Series: The Dust Series, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
Release date: 08-19-16
Publisher: S.E. Smith
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, YA
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author returns with an emotionally charged fantasy adventure story filled with heart-pounding action and suspense for listeners of all ages.
After fragments of a comet hit Earth, Dust wakes to discover the world as he knew it is gone. It isn't the only thing that has changed though; so has Dust. He now possesses powers that continue to grow, but they also come with a price.
A deadly encounter after Dust leaves his home leads to a new discovery - other survivors. Dust soon learns that another creature has risen from the ashes, one that is determined to possess the powers he now has. On a journey filled with danger, it will take the skills of not just Dust, but those of his friends, if they are to survive.
This time the race is not to the swift but to the deadliest in a world where a changed human boy and an odd assortment of friends must face their worst nightmares and accept that life on Earth will never be the same again.
Join Dust and his friends as they fight to overcome an evil force determined to create a new species unlike any the world has ever known.
©2016 Susan E. Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio.

Review:
A comet hit Earth and the world changed – drastically. Most people died but Dust found himself alive and changed. He has powers that aren’t human although they can come in handy. His powers use a lot of energy and he requires extra food. Dust isn’t the only creature with powers and seeking food sources. There are other dark creatures he has to compete with which isn’t easy for a boy with a caring, tender heart.

Dust left his home area in search of food and was surprised to find other human survivors. Not all of them have powers but they have shown survival skills. They learn they have to be wary of human survivors as well as strange creature survivors.

One of the dark creatures is growing in powers too and she is intent on pursuing Dust to acquire his powers. Meanwhile Dust is trying to keep his small group of survivors alive.

I really liked Dust’s character and his interesting skills from the beginning. Early in the story I could accept that some of the powers may have resulted from some atmosphere exposure. Later it took a stretch of belief when Dust and his ‘devil dog’ adversary grew into their different, powerful forms.

I wasn’t bothered by the YA elements and enjoyed Dust’s friends, especially how they came to be his new “family”. I am glad that I have book 2, Dust: A New World Order, available to listen to soon. I recommend this book to fans of young adult paranormal.

Audio Notes: Paul Heitsch does a good job with the narration. He doesn’t always make distinct voices but the reading is clear and he provides energetic atmosphere. The narration added to the entertainment for me.

Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalogue. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.