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Plot Summary

This is an apocalyptic dystopian book set far into the future where humans live below the surface of the Earth due to nuclear war. Khalani is thrown into prison for harboring something small (a book) from a neighbor and she is given a life sentence for this apparently unforgivable infraction.

Takeshi is the large, cold, captain of the guard who keeps the prisoners in line. We learn about Takeshi’s background, why he is the captain of the guards, and him and Khalani toe the line of friendship and eventually cross it as more information about what is happening underground comes to light. Khalani learns to defend herself in prison thanks to Takeshi.

Author Alexis Patton

This is an Indie book series and the first to be written by Alexis Patton. There will be at least three books in the series (Goodreads, 2025).

What do I like about this book?

I read a lot of Indie books. They are my favorite. I love giving authors who have never been published or are self-published a chance. I think this book is incredibly well-thought out and well-written for an Indie book. The young characters are interesting, the romance is a decent slow-burn, and the apocalyptic storyline is fun even if it is derived from the plethora of apocalyptic stories out there in the world. I decided to throw in an Indie book into my collection and I just read this one on a whim.

Critical Evaluation For the Book:

As it is a first book and an Indie book, the world is at times confusing. It seems incredibly large for being underground. However, I did take it with a grain of salt. I think the fact that names still have some cultural influences is a surprise considering how far in the future it is and how much intermingling there would be when all the “countries” disappear. The author made cultural references several times with the races of the characters.

Creative Uses for A Library Program

I think that when it comes to apocalyptic/end of the world books there are quite a few out there. There are also a ton of games that can be used as well. Maybe this can be a display with apocalyptic books, games, tv shows, movies. Maybe a movie and game night for teens while showcasing some books and graphic novels? The Fallout series is awesome – I saw that recently and I highly recommend it.

Speed Round Book Talk

Khalani lives in an apocalyptic future world ravaged by nuclear war so everyone lives underground. She gets thrown in jail for a minor infraction, but grows dangerously close to Takeshi, the Captain of the Guard. Can she escape and what happens if she does?

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

There are some sexual scenes although not overtly. There are some queer characters and mental illness is represented as well. As with anything outside the norm it is always challenged.

Reason for Inclusion:

I wanted to include an Indie book by a new author! It excites me how e-books have made this possible for so many people. This book was interesting and I read it so quickly because it was so good! I actually read both of the books that were available and I am looking forward to the third! What I also reallly enjoy is that I am able to interact with the author on TikTok and she answered my questions! I mean, that doesn’t happen anytime else, right?

Title: Us Dark Few

Author: Alexis Patton

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References:

Goodreads.(2025). Alexis Patton. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34641946.Alexis_Patton