What do you think?
Rate this book
After the Fall #2
Final Light
As Rick journeys south in search of his daughter, new traveling companions may not be all they seem. On the farm, Jackie acclimiates to a solitary life, but a survivor poses a new conundrum. And, in Texas, the conflict between Ben and Jackson hits a tipping point, with consequences that threaten all who live there in After the Fall Book 2.
The unthinkable has happened - the Yellowstone Caldera has ruptured, instantly killing hundreds of on-site scientists studying the recent unusual rumblings and spreading a cloud of destruction that annihilates everything in its path.
In North Dakota, Rick Slayton has just finished a prisoner transfer, and is about to head south to pick up his daughter from his cousins' house when news of the eruption hits the airwaves. He and the other guards - and inmates - of the prison barely have time to take shelter in the building's interior before the outer wave of the pyroclastic flow strikes. When he digs his way out of the prison, only one thing is on his mind: rescuing his daughter come hell or high water.
In South Dakota, Jackie Slayton is shopping when the eruption arrives, and she's barely able to survive by hiding underground in a parking garage. A torturous journey awaits her as she struggles to get back to her relative's house - and tragedy waits around every corner.
Meanwhile, in Texas, the effects of the eruption are lessened - but are severe nonetheless, as Brenda Slayton and her other two children flee to her father's nearby ranch, holding out hope for her husband and eldest daughter's eventual return while turning her immediate attention to survival and preparing for what the future holds.
The unthinkable has happened - the Yellowstone Caldera has ruptured, instantly killing hundreds of on-site scientists studying the recent unusual rumblings and spreading a cloud of destruction that annihilates everything in its path.
In North Dakota, Rick Slayton has just finished a prisoner transfer, and is about to head south to pick up his daughter from his cousins' house when news of the eruption hits the airwaves. He and the other guards - and inmates - of the prison barely have time to take shelter in the building's interior before the outer wave of the pyroclastic flow strikes. When he digs his way out of the prison, only one thing is on his mind: rescuing his daughter come hell or high water.
In South Dakota, Jackie Slayton is shopping when the eruption arrives, and she's barely able to survive by hiding underground in a parking garage. A torturous journey awaits her as she struggles to get back to her relative's house - and tragedy waits around every corner.
Meanwhile, in Texas, the effects of the eruption are lessened - but are severe nonetheless, as Brenda Slayton and her other two children flee to her father's nearby ranch, holding out hope for her husband and eldest daughter's eventual return while turning her immediate attention to survival and preparing for what the future holds.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2023
145 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 10, 2023
Facts not straight!
I thought the first book wasn’t too bad, especially when they introduced Pete, the German Shorthaired Pointer. I have had those wonderful dogs since I got my first in 2002. Imagine my surprise, and scorn, when Book 2 changed Pete to a German Shepherd. I just can’t finish a series that can’t even get simple details consistent from book to book. Pete is no longer a hunting dog GSP and I am no longer a fan.
I thought the first book wasn’t too bad, especially when they introduced Pete, the German Shorthaired Pointer. I have had those wonderful dogs since I got my first in 2002. Imagine my surprise, and scorn, when Book 2 changed Pete to a German Shepherd. I just can’t finish a series that can’t even get simple details consistent from book to book. Pete is no longer a hunting dog GSP and I am no longer a fan.
January 21, 2024
Even better than Book 1! Shocking twists & turns. Wholly addictive! ( No spoilers…. )
I definitely enjoyed the first book in the After the Fall series. But for sure Book 2, without a doubt, exceeded my expectations!
The storyline picks right back up where it left off in Book 1, then proceeds to set a tense pace. And the authors kept that gas pedal pinned straight through the last pages.
There were even a few moments where I felt total shock, goosebumps breaking out, & my anxiety shooting up to match the feelings a few characters faced. As if I were standing with them, experiencing the very same situations.
The ability to manifest such a visceral response in a reader - one who’s more than seasoned, reads 4-8 books every week in this & other emotionally high octane genres - stands as an example of the master level skill both authors Justin Bell & Mike Kraus are operating with. They are both incredibly talented wordsmiths at the top of their field (esp Kraus).
Final Light, Book 2 of this ongoing adventure, is a pleasure to read. The storyline(s) & characters are riveting, fascinating, thrilling, & offer up an exciting experience overall.
There’s also a bonus herein, not often found in the post-apoc genre - shocking twists & turns. Which add additional complexity & depth of layers to the story. As well as emotional & psychological impact.
This second leg of the tale is simply great dystopian reading all around!
I definitely enjoyed the first book in the After the Fall series. But for sure Book 2, without a doubt, exceeded my expectations!
The storyline picks right back up where it left off in Book 1, then proceeds to set a tense pace. And the authors kept that gas pedal pinned straight through the last pages.
There were even a few moments where I felt total shock, goosebumps breaking out, & my anxiety shooting up to match the feelings a few characters faced. As if I were standing with them, experiencing the very same situations.
The ability to manifest such a visceral response in a reader - one who’s more than seasoned, reads 4-8 books every week in this & other emotionally high octane genres - stands as an example of the master level skill both authors Justin Bell & Mike Kraus are operating with. They are both incredibly talented wordsmiths at the top of their field (esp Kraus).
Final Light, Book 2 of this ongoing adventure, is a pleasure to read. The storyline(s) & characters are riveting, fascinating, thrilling, & offer up an exciting experience overall.
There’s also a bonus herein, not often found in the post-apoc genre - shocking twists & turns. Which add additional complexity & depth of layers to the story. As well as emotional & psychological impact.
This second leg of the tale is simply great dystopian reading all around!
March 29, 2024
Survivors are struggling
There are always a few evil people, or just insane people. This apocalypse is no different. While the few survivors are trying to take care of their loved ones, or just reach their loved ones, the evil/insane ones manage to wreck havoc in horrific ways. As hard as it is to put this book down, it is so challenging to not try to read the 4 remaining books in the series. We want the good folks to prevail.
There are always a few evil people, or just insane people. This apocalypse is no different. While the few survivors are trying to take care of their loved ones, or just reach their loved ones, the evil/insane ones manage to wreck havoc in horrific ways. As hard as it is to put this book down, it is so challenging to not try to read the 4 remaining books in the series. We want the good folks to prevail.
March 26, 2023
Final Light - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Book 2 of the After the Fall series, by Justin Bell and Mike Kraus continues the tale of events post eruption, as extreme weather across Texas, North and South Dakota and beyond, separates survivors and their loved ones.
The main characters will do whatever it takes to pull through against almost insurmountable odds - both Natural and human - while doing the right thing to help others along the way.
Who will triumph ultimately, and can the 'good guys' find their way to safety before it's too late?
Get Final Light today and buckle up for a wild ride!
Book 2 of the After the Fall series, by Justin Bell and Mike Kraus continues the tale of events post eruption, as extreme weather across Texas, North and South Dakota and beyond, separates survivors and their loved ones.
The main characters will do whatever it takes to pull through against almost insurmountable odds - both Natural and human - while doing the right thing to help others along the way.
Who will triumph ultimately, and can the 'good guys' find their way to safety before it's too late?
Get Final Light today and buckle up for a wild ride!
May 17, 2023
This ended up being quite a good book, a few minor editing issues not withstanding. The tension and perfidious Jackson at the Conway ranch is compelling. The sudden turn of Maureen was a fascinating surprise. The escaped and vengeful convict is overdone in the genre, but I will wait to see how it unfolds.
May 29, 2023
Evil continues to stalk the good...
As conditions continue to deteriorate so do many of the people. Morals are fluctuating and even murder is becoming more prevalent in places it was never seen before. The challenge of the elements and desolation wrought by Mother Nature are equalled by the challenges of evil presented by the people involved....
As conditions continue to deteriorate so do many of the people. Morals are fluctuating and even murder is becoming more prevalent in places it was never seen before. The challenge of the elements and desolation wrought by Mother Nature are equalled by the challenges of evil presented by the people involved....
September 11, 2023
There are a lot of repetitions, and inconsistencies. Stories change from the first book, which really should have been caught before publishing. Its a little annoying every time I find one. So far its not so annoying I'll stop reading though. I like most of the characters, I hope certain people don't end up as bad guys, but we will see.
December 31, 2025
Brutal
This story was brutal in my imagination. The volcano has become a character imposing its will on everything that breathes. The bad guys are growing with the good guys struggling. True to Bell and Kraus the story ends leaving the reader needing the next episodes. I will start the next book hungry for good news.
This story was brutal in my imagination. The volcano has become a character imposing its will on everything that breathes. The bad guys are growing with the good guys struggling. True to Bell and Kraus the story ends leaving the reader needing the next episodes. I will start the next book hungry for good news.
March 20, 2023
The Yellowstone Caldera ruptured, killing many scientists. Rick tries to find his daughter. There’s danger everywhere, how will this turn out. Can’t wait for the next book. Well written, strong characters.
April 19, 2023
good
We aren't sure from book 1 to book 2 if her name is Lucille or Lucinda or if Pete the dog is a german shorthair or a german shepherd. But there are few typos and Maureen is an interesting twist.
We aren't sure from book 1 to book 2 if her name is Lucille or Lucinda or if Pete the dog is a german shorthair or a german shepherd. But there are few typos and Maureen is an interesting twist.
May 3, 2023
Final Light is equally as good as the first . Lots happening to keep you interested all the way through. The main characters are very likeable and strong. Each chapter is suspenseful and thrilling with plenty of action. Looking forward to the next book.
July 17, 2023
After the fall book one
This is a very interesting story so far. Exciting also, to know that much damage could happen from mother nature! I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is a very interesting story so far. Exciting also, to know that much damage could happen from mother nature! I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
January 12, 2025
Great read, fabulous story line.
This book was just as good as the first one. I am really loving this series. The plot for this series is excellent, and the storyline is engaging an easy to follow.
This book was just as good as the first one. I am really loving this series. The plot for this series is excellent, and the storyline is engaging an easy to follow.
August 23, 2023
Interesting
You never really know anyone until you are in a bad situation. They all know it's hard but, keep working to survive.
You never really know anyone until you are in a bad situation. They all know it's hard but, keep working to survive.
September 17, 2023
What's Next?
The stories woven together keep the reader fully engaged! Even when circumstances bring Survivors together can you really trust each other?
The stories woven together keep the reader fully engaged! Even when circumstances bring Survivors together can you really trust each other?
January 22, 2026
Book two of six. Good continuation of the story following the lives of the Slayton family as they try to survive the eruption of Yellowstone. Three storylines in one.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews