End of Days    by Eric Walters Order:  USA  Can Doubleday Canada, 2011 (2011) Softcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson In End of Days, Eric Walters (author of We All Fall Down, Safe as Houses and Shaken, amongst others) looks at what might happen if authorities become aware of a huge asteroid heading straight at Earth in 2012. He postulates that they would keep the secret, kidnapping (and faking the deaths of) eminent scientisic (astrophysicists, astronomers, and theoretical mathematicians) who are all taken to a secret location to work on averting the catastrophe, or at least finding a way for a remnant of humanity to survive. Then the richest man in the world, Joshua Fitchett learns of the crisis and, believing 'that humanity has the right to know its fate', reveals the coming end of days to the world before himself disappearing. As word spreads, religious fanatics, believing that Judgment Day is at hand, feel impelled to stop the scientists' attempts to divert the asteroid. Infrastructures break down and life becomes survival of the fittest. In this context, we're introduced to the story's young hero, fifteen-year-old Billy, a survivor who gathered together and cared for over two hundred street children. Billy is captured and flown to a hidden location in Idaho, where he learns of other measures being taken to assure mankind's survival. There are plans within plans and Billy will be part of them, as a new Noah, leading to a re-genesis. Though it takes its time laying all the groundwork, End of Days develops into an absorbing story of a new beginning. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews