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After the Fall #3
Into the Dark
Rick continues pressing on toward the ranch, while Jackie and Otto's day-to-day routine is disrupted by some unexpected visitors. In Texas, the aftermath of the explosion at the ranch reveals shocking secrets in After the Fall Book 3.
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.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2023
154 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 23, 2024
I dunno. This was another 5 Star book in this series … until the last pages. (No spoilers…,)
I guess I’m kind of speechless. Or — I guess I feel 100% let down by the authors.
Who, especially Mike Kraus, are usually absolutely on point & write amazing, realistic stories.
Throughout this series thus far, people have stuck together. Through good times & harder times. But most of all — they’ve been loyal to those who’ve been the same to them.
The conclusion of Book 3 in this series left me … extremely disappointed & confused, to say the least.
I don’t want to wreck any part of this reading experience for anyone, so I’m afraid to give too much away.
I guess all I’ll say is, my fingers & toes are crossed that the return to loyalty & caring for people who’ve really laid their life on the line for you returns in Book 4.
If not, if the sad loss of loyalty, & focus on selfish goals, remains — I’m sad to say I’ve wasted my time reading 3 - 4 books in this series.
I’m just shocked & extremely turned off by the about face in personality & morality of a couple of the main characters in the end of this 3rd leg of this adventure.
It makes absolutely zero sense; the rapid, sudden change in a couple of the character’s core values.
Disappointed. :( …….
I guess I’m kind of speechless. Or — I guess I feel 100% let down by the authors.
Who, especially Mike Kraus, are usually absolutely on point & write amazing, realistic stories.
Throughout this series thus far, people have stuck together. Through good times & harder times. But most of all — they’ve been loyal to those who’ve been the same to them.
The conclusion of Book 3 in this series left me … extremely disappointed & confused, to say the least.
I don’t want to wreck any part of this reading experience for anyone, so I’m afraid to give too much away.
I guess all I’ll say is, my fingers & toes are crossed that the return to loyalty & caring for people who’ve really laid their life on the line for you returns in Book 4.
If not, if the sad loss of loyalty, & focus on selfish goals, remains — I’m sad to say I’ve wasted my time reading 3 - 4 books in this series.
I’m just shocked & extremely turned off by the about face in personality & morality of a couple of the main characters in the end of this 3rd leg of this adventure.
It makes absolutely zero sense; the rapid, sudden change in a couple of the character’s core values.
Disappointed. :( …….
April 8, 2024
Wow! So much going on!
And in 3 different places, no less. Rick has managed to survive, despite coming in contact with some very evil folks along the way. He ultimately found himself travelling with Hutch, a young man who saved Rick's life and who had proved himself to be of good character, despite all he had endured, including a stint in prison. Hutch and Rick are trying to get to Rick's cousin's ranch, where his 14-year-old daughter, Jackie was spending a very pleasant summer, when Yellowstone erupted. Rick wants to join his family in Texas, but is determined to bring Jackie with him. There are so many scary incidents for Rick, and for his young daughter, that at times, I feared neither of them would survive. Needless to say, there were many dead bodies. And that doesn't even consider all the excitement and violence going on in Texas. It appears that most of our country is destroyed by this catastrophe. This series is not letting up on the omg moments. I was in tears by the end of this book. Should mention that crying is one of my super powers, as I cry when I am sad, but also when I am overcome by happiness. This book has plenty of both of those moments.
And in 3 different places, no less. Rick has managed to survive, despite coming in contact with some very evil folks along the way. He ultimately found himself travelling with Hutch, a young man who saved Rick's life and who had proved himself to be of good character, despite all he had endured, including a stint in prison. Hutch and Rick are trying to get to Rick's cousin's ranch, where his 14-year-old daughter, Jackie was spending a very pleasant summer, when Yellowstone erupted. Rick wants to join his family in Texas, but is determined to bring Jackie with him. There are so many scary incidents for Rick, and for his young daughter, that at times, I feared neither of them would survive. Needless to say, there were many dead bodies. And that doesn't even consider all the excitement and violence going on in Texas. It appears that most of our country is destroyed by this catastrophe. This series is not letting up on the omg moments. I was in tears by the end of this book. Should mention that crying is one of my super powers, as I cry when I am sad, but also when I am overcome by happiness. This book has plenty of both of those moments.
April 29, 2023
Into The Dark - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Betrayal and danger are all around as the Slayton family - prison officer Rick, wife Brenda and their kids - are separated in three different states, having to fight for survival, after the mega-eruptions and ensuing violent weather events prove not to be the only threat likely to prevent them reuniting.
At many different locations, survivors of the apocalyptic events struggle to defend themselves against desperate, vengeful and deadly individuals and groups - but who pays the ultimate price? Want to know more?
Then be sure to get your copy of Into the Dark, Book 3 in Justin Bell and Mike Kraus' incredible, dystopian near-future series, After The Fall today - you know you want to!
Betrayal and danger are all around as the Slayton family - prison officer Rick, wife Brenda and their kids - are separated in three different states, having to fight for survival, after the mega-eruptions and ensuing violent weather events prove not to be the only threat likely to prevent them reuniting.
At many different locations, survivors of the apocalyptic events struggle to defend themselves against desperate, vengeful and deadly individuals and groups - but who pays the ultimate price? Want to know more?
Then be sure to get your copy of Into the Dark, Book 3 in Justin Bell and Mike Kraus' incredible, dystopian near-future series, After The Fall today - you know you want to!
May 18, 2023
I always appreciate a series that has a nice prologue at the start to summarize what has happened in the prior books. That prologue means that a recap of what has happened in not as necessary in the narrative of the current book, but seemed to occur quite a bit, particularly with Wilma and Jackie. There is a lot of plot movement on all fronts in this book. I'm glad the vengeful convict is not going to persist the entire series and for Hutch I have to say "Respect."
September 12, 2023
Wow. That was the stupidest ending of a book I have ever read. Its probably not that dramatic but I wont be reading more.
The book is good. Until they change names and town names and races of dogs *again*. And then they kill off the only good characters.
Killing of Callum was annoying. Killing of Hutch was almost too much but now Otto and the dogs are staying here, alone? Yeah no I am done. Who cares about what else happens. I don't.
The book is good. Until they change names and town names and races of dogs *again*. And then they kill off the only good characters.
Killing of Callum was annoying. Killing of Hutch was almost too much but now Otto and the dogs are staying here, alone? Yeah no I am done. Who cares about what else happens. I don't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2023
Almost a Cliff Hanger but not quite.....
The last of the journey home awaits Rick and his teenaged daughter as they prepare to leave the ranch in the wilds of the Dakotas and head to the ranch in Texas. But the way is till fraught with many obstacles both human and those of Mother Nature....One last book in the series!
The last of the journey home awaits Rick and his teenaged daughter as they prepare to leave the ranch in the wilds of the Dakotas and head to the ranch in Texas. But the way is till fraught with many obstacles both human and those of Mother Nature....One last book in the series!
June 11, 2023
oh what a good tale!
I’ve read hundreds of post apocalyptic books, mostly because the creative efforts of humans to survive and to form community fascinates me. Trust me. A well-written, carefully constructed book it has been a pleasure to spend time with! Thoughtfully worded with intelligent descriptors. I hope you read it, enjoy it, and rate it 5!
I’ve read hundreds of post apocalyptic books, mostly because the creative efforts of humans to survive and to form community fascinates me. Trust me. A well-written, carefully constructed book it has been a pleasure to spend time with! Thoughtfully worded with intelligent descriptors. I hope you read it, enjoy it, and rate it 5!
March 12, 2026
Part 3 of this account of a family surviving an apocalyptic disaster is getting better. The Slater family is spread across the US and after the event are trying to get back together on the grandparents Texas farm. The author carefully describes how people change when faced with adversity. very good series.
April 30, 2023
The Yellowstone Caldera has ruptured and killed many scientists. How will others manage, will they survive this. Plenty of danger still to worry about and to wonder where they can live and find food and shelter. Fast paced, intriguing.
May 7, 2023
Definitely hooked on this series. Love how the storyline is progressing with each of our sets of characters. Looking forward to the long trip Rick and his daughter have to make and all the things that are going to happen along the way. Can't wait for the next book. Hooked.
July 22, 2023
into the dark book 3
Excellent book! Awesome author!!
I read one - three over a stormy weekend and was totally hooked! Can’t wait to get the next book!
Excellent book! Awesome author!!
I read one - three over a stormy weekend and was totally hooked! Can’t wait to get the next book!
September 1, 2023
For real
Interesting to keep your mind in the book at times you want to not read for fear things will be bad but, love drives us all. Keep reading.
Interesting to keep your mind in the book at times you want to not read for fear things will be bad but, love drives us all. Keep reading.
September 20, 2023
Carnage!
Some of the stories woven in th series seem to Interrupt the story you are currently reading, but trust what the author is doing and you will be content.
Some of the stories woven in th series seem to Interrupt the story you are currently reading, but trust what the author is doing and you will be content.
January 2, 2026
Great!
Tough book to read, but fantastic conclusion. No spoiler alerts from me. You gotta read this one for yourself. Niw!
Tough book to read, but fantastic conclusion. No spoiler alerts from me. You gotta read this one for yourself. Niw!
February 12, 2026
I'm still consuming this series at pace - a little like a pyroclastic flow consumes all in its path!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews