One of the criteria when judging a post-apocalypse novel is how much thought the author has put into the veracity of the fall of civilization, and the logic of what happens next. Mr. Inmon excels at this aspect of the genre, perhaps to a fault.  But more on that later.

The opening mob scene plays out with frightening logic, giving a taste of how the plot will unroll. Or should we say, unravel, as it involves the end of society as we know it. And that’s how this novel continues. All the events are well thought out and completely possible. In fact, some might find the exposition of the logic slows down the action. It’s a matter of balance.

The writing exhibits a careful blend of backstory with present action, keeping the plot moving at a slow but steady rate. The plotline is closely entwined with events as far back as 2008, anchoring the tale in the here-and-now, crumbling the line between fiction and reality.

There is a huge cast, as would be expected in such a broad-ranging story. This author has perfected the technique of making new characters stand out with quick, broad strokes of the brush, giving us just the right number of interesting details to pique our interest and create basic empathy. The first third of the book concerns the gathering together of this group for the action to come.

In the section where we are learning about the dome, the author uses a metaphor involving a quick, two-sentence discussion of why small woodland creatures get run over by cars. Then back to the description at hand. This author is an interesting guy. Reading his book is like spending an evening around the campfire with him. The conversation wanders, but wherever it goes, we are entertained.

There are plenty of action sequences, well-planned and thoroughly described, including a fair amount of blood. This is not a book for children or the faint of heart. From the mid-point on, this is the story of how various groups and individuals survived (or didn’t) the first few weeks of the apocalypse. This conflict grows until the final battle which is an actual battle with helicopters and tanks and hundreds of soldiers.

But it isn’t over yet, because there are numerous loose ends to be tied up in the next book.

Just to keep things straight. This is the second book in the series, but it’s not quite a sequel to “All Fall Down.” This story also starts from the opening apocalypse, even before the events of first book begin. So “Precipice” can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Then you can go back and read the first book without too many spoilers.

Recommended, especially for readers who like intelligent speculation about the nature of the apocalypse.