I picked up my copy of The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch on a whim. I’d not read this author but the cover drew me in and then after reading the jacket blurb, I knew I  had to take the book home — and I’m so glad I did. The book came out in 2011, the debut book for author Jeff Hirsch. The Eleventh Plague follows 15-year old Stephen Quinn, a boy born after the Collapse and the plague known as P Eleven.

In this aftermath of war, disease, and desolation, Stephen has learned to survive as a salvager. After his grandfather’s death, a disastrous run-in with slavers, and an accident that puts his father into a coma, Stephen is faced with tough decisions. Should he take refuge at Settler’s Landing and let them help care for his father, or should he do what his stern grandfather would have, and keep away from people?

Author Jeff Hirsch does a good job creating an ugly world filled with danger at every twist and turn. Seeing this world from Stephen’s perspective is interesting. I love that the boy cares for reading and books and despite his harsh upbringing is able to begin to trust. There’s plenty of action throughout, from fights with the slavers to classic schoolyard brawling and sweeping life-or-death sequences that will keep you turning the pages.

I liked how Stephen evolved, from the cautious salvaging teen into a more confident young man who discovers what’s really in his heart and that fighting for what you what, for a future, isn’t hopeless or pointless.

The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch kept me entertained and I liked the writer’s style enough that I’d like to follow up and read another of his books. The Eleventh Plague is a stand-alone, and that was perfect for me right now. However, I do believe I’ll be putting Hirsch’s book, Magisterium  on my TBR list.

Please head over to the official website for author Jeff Hirsch to check out more information about The Eleventh Plague as well as his other books.