FOUND - The Swan Song - YA apocalypse book - heroine grows scar that covers her entire face

[nella_sweet2]

So I read this book early 2000s when I was in high school and remember loving it. Here are some details I think I remember, hope someone can help.

1. I think it's an apocalypse/post-apocalypse/sci-fi/sci-fi horror themed with a strong focus on female protagonist.

2. The catastrophe on earth (think it was a series of natural diasters and combination of gases?) has killed a lot of people but most importantly to the plot, it has pretty much knocked out modern technology and modern conveniences.

3. I remember the heroine best and her along with several other characters grow scars but through their actions the scars eventually reveal a face fitting their character.

4. Another prominent plot line was that some of the characters have visions which is what leads their journey particularly the girl who is portrayed as kind and she has a band of others travelling with.

5. The story is at times brutal with survival of the fittest emphasised and the stronger but cruel of the remaining population hunting others.

6. There is also a male protagonist who also has visions of the heroine.

7. A point I remember vividly is when her scar falls away and her true face is revealed she is beautiful with flowing hair of multiple hues. I remember how the highlights in her hair was vividly described.

8. I think there may be something about a printing press or trying to restore means of communication (not sure if this is ftom that story or something else I was reading at the time?)

I hope someone can recognise this work. It's been plaguing my memories for years and no Google search has yielded any results.

Comments

[rattfan]

No worries. It's been in my library for years, probably since it was a recent thing, and I know it well. It's one of my favourite apocalypse stories - terrible events, heaps of supernatural stuff but a hopeful ending, a kind of rebirth for humanity.

[fred_mouse]

I have never come across that one before! I've added it to my 'when i have time' wishlist :)

[rattfan]

Library might have it or otherwise I could lend it to you.

[fred_mouse]

I will attempt to remember that when i get that far. But until I return a couple of books to other friends, I really shouldn't borrow any more.

[rattfan]

I see it's been listed as YA. I don't think it really comes under that category - for one, it was written before YA was a thing (1987 copyright) and although several of the characters are teenagers, it read as pretty adult to me!