The world had changed immensely. Two years after the volcanic eruptions, the ash is still falling like thick grey snow, playing havoc with the world’s climate, agriculture, economy and the entire social order, which is fast degenerating into lawlessness. Sixteen-year-old Miles, his younger sister Sarah and his parents flee their luxurious suburban home in Minneapolis and head for an abandoned cabin in the north woods. Their new home is a sanctuary of sorts for the family, but there are new challenges and dangers to be faced here during the long harsh winter. The lack of electricity and plumbing are the least of those challenges. At first the family relies on Miles’ wilderness skills and his determined, commonsense approach. When he has a serious accident, the rest of the family must learn new skills and work together to cope. There is no one else to ask for help, for the family members are viewed as unwelcome “travelers” or “illegals” by those in the nearest town. In this harsh and dangerous world, the Newells manage to accept their changed reality, adapt and learn how to really work together as a family in order to survive. The narration of The Survivors switches smoothly between Miles and Sarah to provide two points of view. This well-written sequel to an earlier book by Will Weaver, The Memory Boy, can be thoroughly enjoyed on its own.