Audible Book Review: Robinson Crusoe 2244 by E. J. Robinson

This dystopian post-apocalyptic is interesting though not gripping.

Robinson Crusoe 2244
By: E. J. Robinson
Narrated by: Malk Williams

Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 05-27-15
Publisher: E. J. Robinson
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Teen & Young Adult
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
Two centuries after mankind drove itself to the brink of extinction, a new civilization rises from the ashes of what was once Great Britain. But when deadly strife breaks out among their ranks, the teenage son of one prominent family finds himself fleeing in the dead of night, only to wind up shipwrecked on the forbidden continent of America. Armed with only his wit and the most unexpected of allies, the teenager struggles to survive in a wasteland filled with unspeakable horrors. In the end, he must uncover the one secret that can either save his own people, or spell doom for mankind forever.
©2014 Erik Robinson (P)2015 Erik Robinson

Review:
Robinson Crusoe is a teenage son of Tiers, a prominent family in the new regime of New London a community behind the Wall that keeps out the monsters. The One People have rules that help maintain peace, health, and security by controlling the classes, prohibiting weapons, and restricting freedoms. If you violate the rules, you may be executed in public to send a message to others.

Robinson is now turning of age and graduating from school when he will be expected to apprentice under his executive father. Robinson has caused mischief all of his young life and his latest antics are causing embarrassment. But there is other trouble in the wings as some of the Tiers seem to be plotting a campaign of rebellion. Events take a tumultuous turn forcing Robinson to flee his Regen and travel to the far distant land of America. His landing isn’t secure and he soon is struggling to survive in a wasteland filled with Renders, the mutated remnants of humanity. And he suspects that he has uncovered a huge secret that concerns his own family. He latches onto an old man who teaches him how to hide and hunt. And then he learns about other monsters who show up once a month.

Robinson finds a friend in a mutated dog that is friendly rather than vicious. And when the old man disappears, Robinson rescues a caged young woman who is more of a fighter than he is.

Clearly the title and text has parallels to the original 1719 book, Robinson Crusoe. But this story veers with the dystopian world, monster beings, and political scheming. I found the story entertaining with danger, action, secrets, and intrigue. I liked how Robinson grows to survive the struggles he faces, but there were plot issues and character developments that seemed contrived to move the story forward. I might continue the story in the future, but it is a must move forward series for me. I recommend this to fans of dystopian with teen heroes, especially readers who might enjoy the tie to Robinson Crusoe.

Audio Notes: Malk Williams does a good job with the narration. The British accent fits the story and he provides distinct voices for the characters. He also gives clear intonation to the descriptions that make it visual. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/17/2022 I got a $7.00 credit so this book from my wish list ended up costing $.49 since I already had the Kindle copy. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Number goals.