The Road to Winter

'Part dystopian-future novel and part survival story, this is a fast moving and enthralling page turner for young adults, set on the Victorian coast. I could not put it down.' -- Bev Jacobsen, Library Co-ordinator, Campion Education Perth
'A read-in-one-session novel. The recognisable coastal setting, a world catastrophically changed by a virus, asylum seekers used as slave labour, and the dangerous Wilders give rise to interesting issues for student discussion.' -- Jan May, Teacher & Education Consultant
'Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I finished it in a few hours...Such a thrilling read and fantastic characters.' -- Peggy Miedlar, NewsLink
'Loved it from beginning to end...Great characters...I can't wait to sell the pants off The Road to Winter!' -- Peter Ingram-Jones, Fullers Bookshop Hobart
'Mark Smith spins an enthralling tale of survival, the distinctly Australian backdrop of a coastal town setting it apart from other, generic post-apocalyptic titles. Finn was painted as intelligent, likable, and most importantly realistic.' * YA Wonders *
'This post-apocalyptic tale has heroes and villains, humour and heartache, and plenty of excitement. It may be branded Young Adult, but it is certain to be enjoyed by older readers as well...A brilliant debut from an author to watch.' * BookMooch *
'Fantastic...[Smith] clearly understands what makes young people want to read and this book certainly has many of these important attributes...It is a book they will gladly consume, discuss and remember.' * Lamont Books *
'The recognisably Australian setting and slant on socio-political issues will appeal to Australian teenaged readers. The economy of style, fast-moving plot and absence of intrusive explanations of issues will ensure that The Road to Winter is a thoroughly enjoyable experience though, like all the best speculative fiction, it leaves the reader with plenty to think about.' * Magpies *
'A beautiful and intimate story... Like the best YA fiction, The Road to Winter is sure to appeal just as much to an adult audience, and I can easily see it being discussed as passionately by a local book club as a high-school English class.' * Otago Daily Times *
'Aussie writers do survival stories so well-perhaps it seems that way because we can relate to their settings. In the footsteps of John Marsden and Claire Zorn comes Mark Smith's first post-apocalyptic novel...Unforgettable.'
* Best Books for Kids 2016, Listener *
'Tense and atmospheric...Mark Smith's debut is assured, gripping and leaves you wanting more.' * Best Books for Younger Readers 2016, Sydney Morning Herald *
'It's easy to see why Mark Smith's dystopian thriller has been compared with John Marsden's Tomorrow When the War Began. I bearly came up for breath as the pages flew. So strap yourself in for a high action ride.' * Kids Book Review *
'A riveting story of survival that questions the prices of freedom and safety as well as the value of an individual life...A breakout new series full of romance, danger, and a surprisingly engaging world.' * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *
'A solid debut.' * Publishers Weekly *
'It's been suggested more than once that dystopian fiction has had its day...but The Road to Winter is a welcome sign that there's still life in the genre.' * Armadillo *