Day of Now: A powerful post-apocalyptic story about facing impossible choices

By Author / Illustrator

Miranda Reason

Genre

Dystopian

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Bloomsbury YA

ISBN

9781526684332

Format

Hardback

Published

12-03-2026

Synopsis

'Thought-provoking but also compelling ... Superb' Irish Times. 'Fresh, original and genuinely affecting. Highly recommended.' schoolreadinglist.co.uk

To survive, trust no one.

A devastating fungal pandemic has wiped out most of society. Dayna and Pax live in an isolated house in the countryside, learning to survive in the world left behind. But when their father gets sick, they make a choice that changes everything: they summon help from the outside. And they're not prepared for the betrayal that follows . . .

Dayna and Pax must race against time across a ruthless landscape to save their father. They won't be able to do it on their own, but who can they trust in a world where survival is everything?

An explosive dystopian YA novel perfect for fans of The Last of Us and All That's Left in the World.

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Reviews

Clair

Day of Now is an action-packed, high-stakes survival story that grabbed me from the first chapter. The novel follows two siblings, Dayton and Pax, who have so far survived a devastating fungal pandemic. They race across a dangerous, unpredictable landscape to rescue their father who has fallen to the sickness. With most of the population wiped out and trust in short supply, every decision they make could either keep them alive or put them in further danger.

I found myself swept along with the action and fully invested in their survival as Dayton and Pax are thrown into one difficult situation after another, where they are forced to make choices without being sure who they can really rely on.

Although some of the themes are better suited to older teen readers, the main characters themselves are younger. Dayton and Pax have been forced to grow up fast. They're resourceful, brave and determined. It's refreshing to see younger characters portrayed as being capable and clever. I really admired their spirit.

Day of Now will appeal to readers who enjoy dystopian survival stories, action and adventure. It is set for a sequel and I can't wait to see where Dayton and Pax's journey takes them next.

416 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian

Clare

Dayna, the titular character of this dystopian novel, is a seemingly fearless teenager thrown into the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world. Deadly spores released in the 'Before' world have devastated the country. Children are rare and when found, valued as guinea pigs for experimental vaccines. When Dayna's father is bitten by an infected rat, she and her brother Pax set out on perilous search for a cure. Aided by a scavenged old radio they seek the enigmatic 'hummingbirds' - a supposed sanctuary of displaced people forming a nascent community. But the sanctuary proves a trap and Dayna and Pax, along with escapee Jason, must decide who to trust as their desperate bid to help their father turns into high stakes rescue mission.

Day of Now is a brilliantly executed piece of page-turning YA fiction. It has elements of a classic quest novel as the intrepid trio encounter a host of different characters and factions - each purportedly offering safety and security. Jason and Dayna prove to be perfect foils as their spiky verbal sparring belies a deepening bond and reliance on each other.

There's little let-up in the action and an always present sense of danger. Everyone is forced to be brave. This is a stunning novel and it should have broad appeal. I'm already looking forward to the sequel!

416 pages / Ages 13+ / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian