The Breadwinner by Stevie Kopas

The Breadwinner
by Stevie Kopas
139 Pages

Review by Shana Festa A.K.A. The Bookie Monster

The end of the world is not glamorous. In a matter of days the human race was reduced to nothing more than vicious, flesh hungry creatures. This three part story takes you into the world of the survivors, coming from different generations and different sides of the tracks, they all share one thing in common: who you once were can no longer determine who you will be in the face of catastrophe. 

Samson, a once wealthy and powerful criminal defense attorney struggles to keep his family safe and keep his sanity intact when the world comes apart at the seams. Veronica, the high school track star races to get her brother out of the city and into the safety of Franklin Woods. Along the way we come across the struggles of finding solace, finding out who you really are, and making decisions in a post apocalyptic world. The Breadwinner is a three part story and the first book in a planned series that will leave you craving more.



The Breadwinner, book one in an anticipated trilogy, is the debut novel by Stevie Kopas. I love when I get the opportunity to read an apocalyptic book written from a female perspective. At only 139 pages, Kopas manages to write a complete story line with believable and relatable characters. Don't be fooled by it's length, The Breadwinner delivered on it's promise to leave readers wanting more, but still successfully tells a captivating tale. 

The Breadwinner begins post outbreak, bringing us into the remnants of a collapsed society. Samson, the main protagonist, is a lawyer and family man. His wife Moira, a petulant and demanding gold digger,  portrays qualities that would land her the lead role in The Real Housewives of the Undead TV show (should anyone ever consider creating this of course). Samson is forced to defend and provide for his family against not only the undead, but the living. 

Veronica, a teenage girl who survived in the city against all odds, is forced to grow up fast and defend herself as her world crumbles around her. Kopas does an exceptional job of giving readers a realistic and emotional journey through Veronica's eyes. While the story is told in real time, Kopas successfully conveys the events leading up to present time using memories and flash backs. Often times when I read a story laid out like this I find the space-time continuum gets jumbly and confusing. (Don't get me started on the space-time continuum, it really messes with my head, I'm just too analytical to not go crazy)

While clearly a zombie read, The Breadwinner's biggest achievement is its rich character development and the emotional ride in which readers embark upon. Veronica is a brilliant character and quickly becomes (at least for this reader) the most intriguing part of the story. 

The Breadwinner is a fast-paced, fun, quick read that you wont want to put it down. Impeccably edited, this book will leave you eagerly anticipating the next release in the trilogy.


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