Apocalypse Cow
By Author / Illustrator
O.R. Sorrel
Genre
Romance & Relationships
Age range(s)
14+
Publisher
Guppy Publishing
ISBN
9781916558144
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
06-06-2024
Synopsis
Mel loves Sasha and dreams of a day that Sasha might reciprocate her feelings (even though she's straight) - so the fact that it's 30 degrees outside in January and hasn't rained for a year simply passes her by.
Mel is just about coping with being the only 'out' lesbian in school and all the sniping that Janis and Ella aim her way, as well as her dreary Saturday job with the stupidly posh Dorian... But when domestic animals suddenly lethally turn on the human race, and Mel finds herself stuck in a mansion with Dorian and Ella, her love-life suddenly turns on its head in the most extraordinary way.
A screamingly funny LGTBQ+ love story from a brilliant new talent.
Reviews
Stephen
Life is a little awkward for teenager Mel. She fancies her climate change-obsessed straight best friend, Sasha; she's facing homophobic bullying at school by Ella and Janis; she has to work weekends at the local shop with posh boy Dorian who she can't stand, and it's 30c in January in England. But when cows start climbing trees, seagulls excrete acid and giant badgers start appearing with a taste for blood that Mel realises that something is up! When a government warning advises people to immediately take cover, Mel find herself taking refuge in the nearest house - and finds herself stuck with Ella and Dorian - not her top choices to share the apocalypse with. Yet with phones and internet down and no idea what has happened to their families, how will these three survive and will Mel ever get to tell Sasha she loves her?
Apocalypse Cow is an absolute joy of read! It's a real laugh-out-loud novel thanks to the author's brilliant writing, but also has very real moments and situations including dealing with the (possible) loss of loved ones. O. R. Sorrel really captures the authentic essence of being a teenager and trying to negotiate the awkwardness, dynamics of school life, relationships, family, friendships and being in love with an apocalypse at the door, to add the mix!
The book offers a wonderful diverse range of characters, too. Mel is such a great character, trying to deal with everything that's going on and useless at comebacks, and supported by best friends Sasha and Nev. I particularly liked Nev's character, a cooling balm of a friend in prickly situations and says it like it is. I enjoyed the developing dynamic between Mel, Dorian and Ella as they survived together in the mansion; it was brilliant to see this unfurl.
I would say that due to some language and teen topics in the book, people aged 14+ would get the most out of Apocalypse Cow. I have to mention the wildlife as stars of the book, too. Mutant and generally dangerous, I read with anticipation to see how Mel and friends would deal with these creatures – giant seagulls and talking ravens, giant badgers and laser eyed foxes! The animal actions made for some of the most exciting and breathtaking moments in this book. Some may seem a bit far-fetched but go with it as they really enhance this story.
If you like an apocalypse read, an LGBTQ+ story or just a laugh-out-loud book, then pick up a copy of Apocalypse Cow - you’ll not regret it, though you may never look at seagulls, hedgehogs and mice in the same way again. Recommended.
320 pages / Reviewed by Stephen Leitch, school librarian
Suggested Reading Age 14+