The Time Before Now

Vaun revisits a world reeling in the aftermath of an environmental apocalypse in her middling third SF romance (after The Ground Beneath). Vivian Wildfire Yates seeks her Cherokee grandfather's ancestral home. The science-fiction element of the rich living literally above the other classes is unnecessary to the story; the cloud cities of previous volumes remain distant as Vivian joins up with attractive fellow traveler Ida May George. There is instant, mutual attraction between them despite Vivian's recent violent experiences and resulting emotional barriers. Injuries to both women, vicious marauders, and unexpected natural disasters provide the bulk of conflict for Vivian and Ida to surmount together as they travel towards Ida's family home in Georgia. Then their goal shifts to making a home together in a rural community while previously ignored relationship issues rise to the surface amid temporary safety. Ida confronts her former lover and Vivian must overcome self-doubt; their communication issues require outside help to resolve. Their hard-won trust in each other is essential to conquer a final, terrible challenge and forge their own happy ending. Poor writing drags the story down, and an abrupt 11th-inning tragedy leads to an all-too-neat conclusion. (Oct.)