Drawing on his background in military operations and disaster preparedness, DeHart makes the details of his postapocalyptic debut ring true. An atomic attack on California leaves the Sharpe family stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the onset of nuclear winter. As they endure starvation, radioactive snowstorms, and pursuit by murderous juvenile delinquents, the Sharpes develop compelling voices and stories. Jerry, a former Marine, just wants to get his loved ones safely home to Sacramento. Jerry's nurturing wife, Susan, maintains a determined belief in God's goodness. Teen Melinda tries to be a pacifist, while her younger brother, Scott, wreaks righteous vengeance against the human predators around them. Even the leader of the marauding gang comes across as a disturbingly real individual. It all adds up to a striking picture of human vulnerability and strength. (July)
