"A testament to the power of hope and motherhood in the worst of situations."

– Kirkus

"Liv’s daily battle against starvation and predators, human and otherwise, is visceral, and—thanks to Martins’ gift for characterization—her evolution feels earned as she gradually adapts her ethics to keep Milo alive at all costs. The tenacious, well-shaded heroine elevates this above many similar efforts."

– Publishers Weekly

"Liv and Milo now are on their own in a post-apocalyptic world where … survival is fueled by the pure love of a mother."

– The US Review of Books

"Dry Lands includes the guns and action scenes one would expect in a dystopian, apocalyptic book or film … but also includes the everyday work mothers do … which … can be more of a challenge than shooting off the bad guy."

– Grid Magazine

"A powerful feminist work of post-apocalyptic fiction" that offers "hope and the power of resolve."

– Runalong The Shelves

"A true stunner… one hell of a ride."

– Jason Denness, independent literary reviewer

"A brilliant, character-led post-apocalyptic tale that is addictive and compelling from start to finish."

– Me and My Books, independent literary reviewer

"I consumed this novel, unable to lay it down... This novel deserves the full five stars."

– Virginia Brackett, Women's National Book Association

"With its confident, lyrical prose, 'Dry Lands' transports readers to the brink of human civilization's demise and asks what's truly important when everything is stripped away. The answer, as rendered so powerfully in these pages, is the depth of a mother's devotion and the ability to find resilience, love and meaning in the direst circumstances. It's a stunning novel that will captivate fans of literary fiction and genre enthusiasts alike. An early career-defining triumph for Martins and a must-read book of 2024."

– Hidden Sci-Fi

“A brilliant, character-led post-apocalyptic tale that is addictive and compelling from start to finish.”

– Me and My Books, independent literary reviewer

“A true stunner… one hell of a ride.”

– Jason Denness, independent literary reviewer

“A powerful feminist work of post-apocalyptic fiction” that offers “hope and the power of resolve.”

– Runalong The Shelves (book blog)

“Dry Lands includes the guns and action scenes one would expect in a dystopian, apocalyptic book or film … but also includes the everyday work mothers do … which … can be more of a challenge than shooting off the bad guy.”

– Grid Magazine

“Liv and Milo now are on their own in a post-apocalyptic world where … survival is fueled by the pure love of a mother.”

– The US Review of Books