Epitaph Road

Epitaph Road
by David Patneaude
juvenile/teen science fiction
266 pages
New York : Egmont USA, 2010

Men are practically extinct and women rule the world. In the year 2097, teenager Kellen Dent is an object of great curiosity as one of the few young men in Seattle. He lives a fairly privileged life as his mother holds a high position in the PAC government that now runs the United States. Yet Kellen yearned to be with his father who lives the life of a loner and fisherman off in the north. When two new girls move into the apartment building, Kellen is forced to open his eyes and re-learn his history lessons. The kids end up in a race against time and another deadly outbreak of the male-killing virus.
As usual I was intrigued by the post-apocalyptic plot. The selective killer-virus was a great way to swing the powers of the world in the opposite direction. However, I felt the characters were a bit shallow and I didn't grow attached to any of them. I would have loved to know more of the history between Kellen's parents in particular. Although not my favorite, it is still a good-read and nice addition to my favorite genre. Recommended for ages ten and up due to some minor violence.