Shift is the second book in the Silo series written by Hugh Howey. It is a precursor to the previous book, "Wool," and digs into the beginnings of the silo civilization. The story takes place in a gigantic subterranean silo in a post-apocalyptic world where people live and work, unconscious of the damaged world above.
The story is broken into three interrelated narratives in the book. The first storyline concerns Donald Keene, a recently appointed congressman who is sent to serve in Silo 1, the silo system's highest level of control. As Donald undertakes his tasks, he discovers the silo's dark secrets and manipulations. He becomes entangled in a labyrinth of deception and conspiracy, battling to safeguard those he cares about while questioning the silo's genuine purpose.
The second narrative focuses on the creation of the silos and their initial construction. It follows the work of a crew of engineers led by Mission Director Troy who is tasked with developing and engineering the silos to assure humanity's survival. As they build the silos, they meet a variety of hurdles and unanticipated obstacles which ultimately lead to huge sacrifices and difficult decisions.
The third plotline involves Solo, a young woman who lives in Silo 17, one of the freshly constructed silos. Solo is a mechanic who begins to think that the silo is more than what she has been told. Her curiosity motivates her to continue her investigation, placing herself in peril as she finds astounding secrets that threaten to collapse the foundations of the entire silo civilization.
Hugh Howey expertly weaves these stories together, eventually unveiling the many links and insights that link the prequel to the events of "Wool." The novel delves into issues of power, control, and the ramifications of a society constructed on secrets. With its exciting plot, thought-provoking topics, and well-developed characters, "Shift" provides a riveting investigation of the origins and intricacies of the silo civilization, leaving readers anxious to learn more about humanity's fate in this dystopian future.
