What do you think?
Rate this book
After the Burn
This collection of two novellas and six short stories follows the exploits of a handful of survivors in a nuclear-devestated world ruled by the dregs of the earth; serial killers, child molesters, rapists, and cannibals, as well as radiation-evolved mutants. This is Ronald Kelly's most extreme work to date - including his acclaimed novellas FLESHWELDER.
It was a picture-perfect Fourth of July; one that heralded both celebration and pride for millions. Folks enjoyed parades and cook-outs, the playful laughter of children and a velvet sky alive with fireworks. Afterward, they went to sleep, happy and contented, without a care in the world. Then at midnight, the sun came up, brighter than a billion sparklers and hotter than Hell unleashed.
They called it The Burn. The senseless detonation of nuclear devices across the face of the earth; randomly scattered, without rhyme or reason. Civilization as we knew it was consumed in fire that day and, from its ashes, rose a horrifying phoenix of boundless evil and depravity. Those who had once clung to the shadows, because of law and moral restraint, now stepped boldly forward to stake their unholy claim…
An elderly handyman battles one of the most heinous serial killers in history as his picturesque small town slowly becomes a violent nightmare come true.
A well-known TV chef of culinary delights finds herself stranded and struggling for survival in the wilds of Virginia with her only friend, a stray dog named Compadre… and soon discovers that hunger and betrayal goes hand-in-hand.
A band of unlikely survivors take refuge in the castle of an abandoned theme park, attempting to ward off an army of crazed lunatics who have come there in search of the only sustenance they crave… human flesh.
Two children strive to escape the evil clutches of a band of rapists and child molesters. They listen for the happy music of the ice cream truck and pray for the arrival of the Popsicle Man, a white-clad vigilante who has only hatred and fury for those who would prey upon the innocent.
A farm family attempts to forge a solitary life in the lofty mountains of the Tennessee Smokies. That lonesome pursuit for normalcy and peace is derailed when radiation mutates the wildlife and vegetation of their beloved home into their worse enemies… and threatens to evolve them into something less than human themselves.
A middle-aged housewife and an Elvis impersonator journey to Memphis to pay homage to a long-dead rock and roll legend… and discover that iconic ghosts sometimes hold the true key to survival.
The survivors of Ruin Town must face evil in the form of a sadistic military commander known as the General. Their only hope is a man who can repair their broken bodies and, through a unique blending of medicine and mechanics, make them whole again. He is the healer supreme. The medico grande. The Flesh Welder.
A woman and her daughter seek to escape the horrors of an inner-city Hell, strife with murder, torture, and rape, by partaking of a drug which transports them to their own private Heaven. But they soon discover that a chemically-induced paradise is limited in the protection it can provide.
It was a picture-perfect Fourth of July; one that heralded both celebration and pride for millions. Folks enjoyed parades and cook-outs, the playful laughter of children and a velvet sky alive with fireworks. Afterward, they went to sleep, happy and contented, without a care in the world. Then at midnight, the sun came up, brighter than a billion sparklers and hotter than Hell unleashed.
They called it The Burn. The senseless detonation of nuclear devices across the face of the earth; randomly scattered, without rhyme or reason. Civilization as we knew it was consumed in fire that day and, from its ashes, rose a horrifying phoenix of boundless evil and depravity. Those who had once clung to the shadows, because of law and moral restraint, now stepped boldly forward to stake their unholy claim…
An elderly handyman battles one of the most heinous serial killers in history as his picturesque small town slowly becomes a violent nightmare come true.
A well-known TV chef of culinary delights finds herself stranded and struggling for survival in the wilds of Virginia with her only friend, a stray dog named Compadre… and soon discovers that hunger and betrayal goes hand-in-hand.
A band of unlikely survivors take refuge in the castle of an abandoned theme park, attempting to ward off an army of crazed lunatics who have come there in search of the only sustenance they crave… human flesh.
Two children strive to escape the evil clutches of a band of rapists and child molesters. They listen for the happy music of the ice cream truck and pray for the arrival of the Popsicle Man, a white-clad vigilante who has only hatred and fury for those who would prey upon the innocent.
A farm family attempts to forge a solitary life in the lofty mountains of the Tennessee Smokies. That lonesome pursuit for normalcy and peace is derailed when radiation mutates the wildlife and vegetation of their beloved home into their worse enemies… and threatens to evolve them into something less than human themselves.
A middle-aged housewife and an Elvis impersonator journey to Memphis to pay homage to a long-dead rock and roll legend… and discover that iconic ghosts sometimes hold the true key to survival.
The survivors of Ruin Town must face evil in the form of a sadistic military commander known as the General. Their only hope is a man who can repair their broken bodies and, through a unique blending of medicine and mechanics, make them whole again. He is the healer supreme. The medico grande. The Flesh Welder.
A woman and her daughter seek to escape the horrors of an inner-city Hell, strife with murder, torture, and rape, by partaking of a drug which transports them to their own private Heaven. But they soon discover that a chemically-induced paradise is limited in the protection it can provide.
Nook
First published January 1, 2011
11 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Ronald Kelly
98 books407 followersRonald Kelly was born and raised in the hills and hollows of Middle Tennessee. He became interested in horror as a child, watching the local "Creature Feature" on Saturday nights and "The Big Show"---a Nashville-based TV show that presented every old monster movie ever made ---in the afternoons after school. In high school, his interest turned to horror literature and he read such writers as Poe, Lovecraft, Matheson, and King. He originally had dreams of becoming a comic book artist and created many of his own superheroes. But during his junior year, the writing bug bit him and he focused his attention on penning short stories and full-length novels. To date, he has had thirteen novels and twelve short fiction collections published. In 2021, his extreme horror collection, THE ESSENTIAL SICK STUFF, won a Splatterpunk Award for Best Collection.
He currently lives in Brush Creek, Tennessee with his wife, young'uns, and an ultra-hyper Jack Russel named Toby.
He currently lives in Brush Creek, Tennessee with his wife, young'uns, and an ultra-hyper Jack Russel named Toby.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 26, 2022
Full review available at The Mort Report:
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/bla...
Do you know Ronald Kelly?
Soft-spoken Southern gentleman, likes to draw pictures, writes like a fuckin’ champion?
I recently discovered the metalcore band Bad Omens. I know what you’re thinking, and you may not be totally wrong, but you should give this song a listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouW_R...
THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND shows you just how incredible this guy’s voice is. The range? Insane! I’ve even watched a few reaction videos and some of them made me smile – they knew the previous, hard music. So when this guy comes with this high, soft voice, with a slow – almost gentle – song, a lot of them said: “I don’t know what is happening right now…”
Go ahead, give it a go. Don’t let the word ‘metal’ put you off. The production is absolutely out of this world – it is so dark, while being so light, it is heavy, while being so soft. There’s a brilliance in there, whether you like metal or not. The music video speaks to me on so many levels as well.
And when he gets angry, oh boy, that damn range!
So, why am I talking about music while reviewing this book?
Well, Ronald Kelly’s book – AFTER THE BURN – reminds me of that song on an emotional level. There are times where you can’t believe how dark this gentleman will go. His writing is beautiful - it is so dark, while being so light, it is heavy, while being so soft…where have I heard those words before?
These six short stories and two novellas takes place in the same world; a post-apocalyptic world, where the nukes exploded and humanity is all but done. Yet these stories are so diverse – from the silly fun of TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS to the heartbreakingly beautiful MEAT IS LIFE to the extreme Splatterpunk story of A SHINY CAN OF WHUP-ASS, this collection has something any horror fan can dig his or her teeth into, even if it is not filed to sharp points…
D&T Publishing is making all the right moves with the books they are delivering and this book is the continuation of what is becoming a very high bar to maintain.
If you are a fan of this author, you know what to expect. If you haven’t read him yet, you are in for a treat.
Highly recommended to all horror fans.
5 STARS!
Special shout out to Don Noble for another brilliant cover!
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/bla...
Do you know Ronald Kelly?
Soft-spoken Southern gentleman, likes to draw pictures, writes like a fuckin’ champion?
I recently discovered the metalcore band Bad Omens. I know what you’re thinking, and you may not be totally wrong, but you should give this song a listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouW_R...
THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND shows you just how incredible this guy’s voice is. The range? Insane! I’ve even watched a few reaction videos and some of them made me smile – they knew the previous, hard music. So when this guy comes with this high, soft voice, with a slow – almost gentle – song, a lot of them said: “I don’t know what is happening right now…”
Go ahead, give it a go. Don’t let the word ‘metal’ put you off. The production is absolutely out of this world – it is so dark, while being so light, it is heavy, while being so soft. There’s a brilliance in there, whether you like metal or not. The music video speaks to me on so many levels as well.
And when he gets angry, oh boy, that damn range!
So, why am I talking about music while reviewing this book?
Well, Ronald Kelly’s book – AFTER THE BURN – reminds me of that song on an emotional level. There are times where you can’t believe how dark this gentleman will go. His writing is beautiful - it is so dark, while being so light, it is heavy, while being so soft…where have I heard those words before?
These six short stories and two novellas takes place in the same world; a post-apocalyptic world, where the nukes exploded and humanity is all but done. Yet these stories are so diverse – from the silly fun of TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS to the heartbreakingly beautiful MEAT IS LIFE to the extreme Splatterpunk story of A SHINY CAN OF WHUP-ASS, this collection has something any horror fan can dig his or her teeth into, even if it is not filed to sharp points…
D&T Publishing is making all the right moves with the books they are delivering and this book is the continuation of what is becoming a very high bar to maintain.
If you are a fan of this author, you know what to expect. If you haven’t read him yet, you are in for a treat.
Highly recommended to all horror fans.
5 STARS!
Special shout out to Don Noble for another brilliant cover!
June 13, 2022
This was fantastic. After the Burn follows a bunch of different characters and how they are coping and surviving after the burn. The first story sets the apocalyptic science. Picture an old man standing up to what has become dominant in this terrifying new world. The story that stuck with me the most featured a rich woman and a faithful dog, right up until the end, I wonder if the dog had altered motivations for what was going on. It is definitely a dog eat dog world and only the cunning will survive. I love this one!
June 8, 2022
After the Burn is a collection of novellas and short stories that all take place after nukes were randomly detonated across the globe. All were remarkable stories, but my favorites were:
A Shiny Can of Whup-Ass
I loved this one! It takes place in a rural town called Watkins Glen. After the Burn happened people cleared the town. A few stayed behind and were greeted by Rott a well-known serial killer and his gang who brought even more pain and suffering. A wonderful and unexpected ending to this one.
Meat is Life
Phyllis Pfizer was a culinary diva who had her own cooking show and many bestselling cookbooks. Her fame came from her enjoyment of meat. Phyllis’s culinary philosophy was that eating meat was a spiritual experience bonding two of God’s creatures together. When the Burn happened, Phyllis had to get creative with her meat prep and that philosophy of hers came back to bite her in the ass. Another fantastic ending!
Popsicle Man
Since the Burn happened sex offenders have been out like crazy targeting kids. On this particular night, the Clownies have a run in with the Popsicle Man who tries to protect the children. He has a really “cool” way of taking down the bad guys.
Flesh Welder
This one was insane! A surgeon/arc welder provides a service to the community often reattaching limbs and other surgeries to help them. One arrogant individual who came for his services twice got exactly what he deserved for all the torment he brought upon others. Fantastic ending and a great revenge story.
This was my first time reading Kelly’s work and I really enjoyed it. Each story was gripping, a bit gory, and well written. I can’t wait to check out more of his work.
A Shiny Can of Whup-Ass
I loved this one! It takes place in a rural town called Watkins Glen. After the Burn happened people cleared the town. A few stayed behind and were greeted by Rott a well-known serial killer and his gang who brought even more pain and suffering. A wonderful and unexpected ending to this one.
Meat is Life
Phyllis Pfizer was a culinary diva who had her own cooking show and many bestselling cookbooks. Her fame came from her enjoyment of meat. Phyllis’s culinary philosophy was that eating meat was a spiritual experience bonding two of God’s creatures together. When the Burn happened, Phyllis had to get creative with her meat prep and that philosophy of hers came back to bite her in the ass. Another fantastic ending!
Popsicle Man
Since the Burn happened sex offenders have been out like crazy targeting kids. On this particular night, the Clownies have a run in with the Popsicle Man who tries to protect the children. He has a really “cool” way of taking down the bad guys.
Flesh Welder
This one was insane! A surgeon/arc welder provides a service to the community often reattaching limbs and other surgeries to help them. One arrogant individual who came for his services twice got exactly what he deserved for all the torment he brought upon others. Fantastic ending and a great revenge story.
This was my first time reading Kelly’s work and I really enjoyed it. Each story was gripping, a bit gory, and well written. I can’t wait to check out more of his work.
October 26, 2014
This one easily ranks among my all-time favorite collections. You can't go wrong with anything written by the king of Southern-fried horror.
June 6, 2022
AFTER THE BURN by Ronald Kelly
After The Burn comprises 2 novellas, 6 short stories and some fantastic illustrations, all based on the nuclear apocalypse, and the effects and reactions before, during and after. They range from creepy, to funny, to brutal, to harrowing, and every one of them is a great read! My favourites are, POPSICLE MAN, EVOLUTION RIDGE, and FLESH WELDER! And TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS was a whole lotta fun! 😉
As always I will write a few words for each story in this collection….
*A SHINY CAN OF WHUP-ASS* This one was chilling, eerie and emotional. When the nuclear bombs hit and serial killer The New Satan and his gang of rather unsavoury characters are unleashed from prison, they decide to go on a cannibalistic rampage in a sleepy little town, where long time resident Sam can only sit and watch….or can he? What a fantastic twist ending! 😲
*MEAT IS LIFE* A well to do chef, used to the finer things in life, finds herself alone and in a fight for survival after The Burn, until she meets an unlikely companion. They become a team, helping each other to find food, but when there's nothing else, meat is meat right..? An unexpected twist at the end, I thought I knew what was coming, I didn't!!
*THE HAPPIEST PLACE IN HELL* Imagine, after the nuclear bombs have hit and the world as we know it has ended, you find yourself in the Happiest Place On Earth! Then, it becomes overrun with an asylum full of the criminally insane, and they dont like you….
This one ends with a very satisfying celebratory meal, complete with Old Spice sauce! 😉
*POPSICLE MAN* This is a terrifying tale of child abusers taking advantage of The Burn, going on a rampage where no child is safe! Unless you hear that familiar jingle and the Popsicle Man arrives in time to help! Creepy and cool, ice cool! I also loved the little nod to the Chili Peppers, which made me laugh out loud! 🧦
*EVOLUTION RIDGE* A tale of horrific evolution brought on by The Burn, where no animal or human is safe, everyone is open to change, but not in a good way! Cannibalistic vegetation, (s)creamed corn, flying snakes.. Truly the stuff of nightmares, creepy and chilling, but with a beautifully moving and emotional ending! 🖤
*TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS* Elvis has NOT left the building!! This one was a whole lotta fun, including killer cows and some brilliant humour. 🤘
*FLESH WELDER* What do you get when you combine a surgeon and an arc welder? You get a whole lot of weird stitched up humans and when the bad guys start to get pushy, revenge becomes satisfyingly sweet. Brutal, bloody and messed up, perfect!
*THE PARADISE PILL* This one starts off beautifully intriguing, with a quick descent into horror and desperation, leading in the end, to heartbreak. This one got me in the feels 💜
After The Burn comprises 2 novellas, 6 short stories and some fantastic illustrations, all based on the nuclear apocalypse, and the effects and reactions before, during and after. They range from creepy, to funny, to brutal, to harrowing, and every one of them is a great read! My favourites are, POPSICLE MAN, EVOLUTION RIDGE, and FLESH WELDER! And TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS was a whole lotta fun! 😉
As always I will write a few words for each story in this collection….
*A SHINY CAN OF WHUP-ASS* This one was chilling, eerie and emotional. When the nuclear bombs hit and serial killer The New Satan and his gang of rather unsavoury characters are unleashed from prison, they decide to go on a cannibalistic rampage in a sleepy little town, where long time resident Sam can only sit and watch….or can he? What a fantastic twist ending! 😲
*MEAT IS LIFE* A well to do chef, used to the finer things in life, finds herself alone and in a fight for survival after The Burn, until she meets an unlikely companion. They become a team, helping each other to find food, but when there's nothing else, meat is meat right..? An unexpected twist at the end, I thought I knew what was coming, I didn't!!
*THE HAPPIEST PLACE IN HELL* Imagine, after the nuclear bombs have hit and the world as we know it has ended, you find yourself in the Happiest Place On Earth! Then, it becomes overrun with an asylum full of the criminally insane, and they dont like you….
This one ends with a very satisfying celebratory meal, complete with Old Spice sauce! 😉
*POPSICLE MAN* This is a terrifying tale of child abusers taking advantage of The Burn, going on a rampage where no child is safe! Unless you hear that familiar jingle and the Popsicle Man arrives in time to help! Creepy and cool, ice cool! I also loved the little nod to the Chili Peppers, which made me laugh out loud! 🧦
*EVOLUTION RIDGE* A tale of horrific evolution brought on by The Burn, where no animal or human is safe, everyone is open to change, but not in a good way! Cannibalistic vegetation, (s)creamed corn, flying snakes.. Truly the stuff of nightmares, creepy and chilling, but with a beautifully moving and emotional ending! 🖤
*TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS* Elvis has NOT left the building!! This one was a whole lotta fun, including killer cows and some brilliant humour. 🤘
*FLESH WELDER* What do you get when you combine a surgeon and an arc welder? You get a whole lot of weird stitched up humans and when the bad guys start to get pushy, revenge becomes satisfyingly sweet. Brutal, bloody and messed up, perfect!
*THE PARADISE PILL* This one starts off beautifully intriguing, with a quick descent into horror and desperation, leading in the end, to heartbreak. This one got me in the feels 💜
August 21, 2022
After the Burn showcases a different side of short story master, Ronald Kelly. A little more extreme than his offerings such as Haunt of Southern-Fried Fear, Mister Glow Bones, Irish Gothic, and the like. "A Shiny Can of Whup-Ass" lets the reader know what kind of stories they are in for in the nuclear apocalypse. Kelly shows off his chops in writing "humans are the real monsters" horror. "Popsicle Man" introduces the reader to a nightmarish, yet unforgettable figure".
One big plus for this book is that even though these are all standalone stories in a post-apocalyptic world, Kelly places these stories in a sort of chronological order, and in "Evolution Ridge", things get weird on us. The flying snakes from the back cover? Dive in to see what that's all about. "Flesh Welder" is certainly among the most imaginatively twisted tales I've read from this author. A little comeuppance with a Frankensteinian turn. Finally, "The Paradise Pill" is a bleak, yet appropriate closing story. After the Burn isn't about tough times. It's about the end of the world, and the last story captures that spirit.
Whether he's dabbling in the extreme or telling a tale more apt to an issue of EC Comics, Ronald Kelly is a guy who knows how to spin a yarn, and the stories in this volume show that off, grabbing the reader by the shirt collar and plopping them down by a warm campfire. Maybe a little too warm.
One big plus for this book is that even though these are all standalone stories in a post-apocalyptic world, Kelly places these stories in a sort of chronological order, and in "Evolution Ridge", things get weird on us. The flying snakes from the back cover? Dive in to see what that's all about. "Flesh Welder" is certainly among the most imaginatively twisted tales I've read from this author. A little comeuppance with a Frankensteinian turn. Finally, "The Paradise Pill" is a bleak, yet appropriate closing story. After the Burn isn't about tough times. It's about the end of the world, and the last story captures that spirit.
Whether he's dabbling in the extreme or telling a tale more apt to an issue of EC Comics, Ronald Kelly is a guy who knows how to spin a yarn, and the stories in this volume show that off, grabbing the reader by the shirt collar and plopping them down by a warm campfire. Maybe a little too warm.
July 20, 2022
This book shot to the top of my TBR for a reason. Ronald Kelly is one of my favorite authors. Post apocalyptic horror is one of, if not my top horror tropes. The combination was destined to bring me joy, and that’s just what it did! I truly enjoyed every single story in this collection. I love how each story is different yet pushes the timeline of the Burn further along. If someone forced me to pick my top two stories, I would have to say it was Evolution Ridge, and Paradise Pill. I don’t want to spoil anything from the stories themselves, but they are completely different in tone from one another, yet dark as hell. Let’s just say Mr. Kelly knows how to write a gut punch of an ending. Some of the stories are more over the top/B horror at its best, and some are more serious in tone. But all of them strongly entertain throughout. I’d love to see a full length book in the world of the Burn some day! Highly recommended!
September 24, 2022
I don't think anything I could say about this book would do it justice. Read it, you won't be sorry.
July 24, 2022
Video Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f5gM...
I forget about what Ronald Kelly is capable of writing sometimes. Not at how good he is at writing, but how ruthless and extreme and violent and scary he can write. And I think it’s because I’ve talked to him a number of times and you don’t get that kind of style just from talking to him. I think that is part of his evil mastermind plan. It’s like he is the Puppet Master of the horror community, and he is controlling everyone else like puppets.
After The Burn is no exception. First I love the fact that a single incident is able to connect all of these stories somehow. I always enjoy when a writer releases a collection with a common connection. Not just a common theme, but something that connects the stories.
In this case it’s THE BURN. I don’t want to go into detail on what makes the Burn happen, you’ll get it when you read these stories, but imagine how much your life would change if the sun popped up at midnight. The chaos it would bring. The monsters it brings out of hiding. It makes people do stuff you would never expect from them. And this is where the viciousness, the extreme, the ‘not for the faint of heart’ Ronald Kelly style starts to shine. Because now we have stories with some really ruthless characters doing whatever they need to in order to survive. This incident brings out the evil in a lot of people.
Serial Killers are free to walk down the street, taking whatever they want, killing whoever they want. Child molesters are out on the prowl. And if you initially survived the BURN, you may wish you didn’t.
It feels like each story is part of a bigger, puzzle. And they all compliment each other. Two of them are novella length, the meatier parts of this BURN taking place.
I don’t need to sit here and tell you how well Ronald Kelly writes. You and I already know this. The dude is a legend. He’s been doing this longer than some of you have been alive. Something that sticks out, his style seems light at times, but carrying so much darkness with it. It gets heavy at times. And after all of these years of writing his style of horror, Kelly is still able to throw in a few surprises to deliver the true shock and awe.
And in this, somehow he is able to throw some humor our way. You will get a kick out of "Taking Care of Business." I did. I think you will.
Look, this may be my favorite selection of Ronald Kelly’s. Now that is saying a lot. This one hit me in a different way. This collection made me look at the Ronald Kelly library in a different light. And it makes you realize the Master of Southern Fried Horror still has a lot of surprises in store for us.
After the Burn is a post-apocalyptic game of survival, except we see from these stories the right people don’t always survive. This one will keep you thinking of how you may survive, maybe make you wonder what you would do, when the BURN really happens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f5gM...
I forget about what Ronald Kelly is capable of writing sometimes. Not at how good he is at writing, but how ruthless and extreme and violent and scary he can write. And I think it’s because I’ve talked to him a number of times and you don’t get that kind of style just from talking to him. I think that is part of his evil mastermind plan. It’s like he is the Puppet Master of the horror community, and he is controlling everyone else like puppets.
After The Burn is no exception. First I love the fact that a single incident is able to connect all of these stories somehow. I always enjoy when a writer releases a collection with a common connection. Not just a common theme, but something that connects the stories.
In this case it’s THE BURN. I don’t want to go into detail on what makes the Burn happen, you’ll get it when you read these stories, but imagine how much your life would change if the sun popped up at midnight. The chaos it would bring. The monsters it brings out of hiding. It makes people do stuff you would never expect from them. And this is where the viciousness, the extreme, the ‘not for the faint of heart’ Ronald Kelly style starts to shine. Because now we have stories with some really ruthless characters doing whatever they need to in order to survive. This incident brings out the evil in a lot of people.
Serial Killers are free to walk down the street, taking whatever they want, killing whoever they want. Child molesters are out on the prowl. And if you initially survived the BURN, you may wish you didn’t.
It feels like each story is part of a bigger, puzzle. And they all compliment each other. Two of them are novella length, the meatier parts of this BURN taking place.
I don’t need to sit here and tell you how well Ronald Kelly writes. You and I already know this. The dude is a legend. He’s been doing this longer than some of you have been alive. Something that sticks out, his style seems light at times, but carrying so much darkness with it. It gets heavy at times. And after all of these years of writing his style of horror, Kelly is still able to throw in a few surprises to deliver the true shock and awe.
And in this, somehow he is able to throw some humor our way. You will get a kick out of "Taking Care of Business." I did. I think you will.
Look, this may be my favorite selection of Ronald Kelly’s. Now that is saying a lot. This one hit me in a different way. This collection made me look at the Ronald Kelly library in a different light. And it makes you realize the Master of Southern Fried Horror still has a lot of surprises in store for us.
After the Burn is a post-apocalyptic game of survival, except we see from these stories the right people don’t always survive. This one will keep you thinking of how you may survive, maybe make you wonder what you would do, when the BURN really happens.
June 5, 2022
This collection of novellas and short stories all take place within the same universe but at different times, giving glimpses of a world that could be if things go wrong in the not-so-distant future. Included within are stories of just desserts, child predators, the side effects of nuclear fallout, and much more.
It’s hard to choose a single favorite story when every single one resonated with me as much as the last. Each story hits hard in its own way, from watching friends and neighbors die, to having predators hunt down innocent children. That’s not to say there isn’t some lighthearted moments too. “Taking Care of Business” comes in right after an especially dark story, bringing me back from the edge with its hilarity and all around fun vibes.
This is my first venture into the writing of Ronald Kelly, and I feel like a fool for waiting so long to do so! His southern fried style of horror is entertaining as all heck and his way of writing is engaging. It feels like I have Ol’ Ron sitting in the room with me telling his stories. If this is the standard for all of his writing, I can see why he’s been such a mainstay for decades in splatterpunk!
It’s hard to choose a single favorite story when every single one resonated with me as much as the last. Each story hits hard in its own way, from watching friends and neighbors die, to having predators hunt down innocent children. That’s not to say there isn’t some lighthearted moments too. “Taking Care of Business” comes in right after an especially dark story, bringing me back from the edge with its hilarity and all around fun vibes.
This is my first venture into the writing of Ronald Kelly, and I feel like a fool for waiting so long to do so! His southern fried style of horror is entertaining as all heck and his way of writing is engaging. It feels like I have Ol’ Ron sitting in the room with me telling his stories. If this is the standard for all of his writing, I can see why he’s been such a mainstay for decades in splatterpunk!
did-not-finish
June 22, 2023A bit too bloody and gross for my tastes.
June 5, 2022
Do you remember that feeling you had when you first fell in love with reading horror?
Maybe it brings you back to covers pulled over your head, flashlight on, worried that even the sound of turning pages might bring your parents into the room to discover you had embarked on a journey to the gates of hell!
Maybe it is watching the clock at work or in class, the minutes taking by slowly as your fingers curl longing for the paperback where you peek into the dark heart of humanity and face your fears!!
Or maybe it's curled up in your favorite spot, a wicked grin on your face as you see through the eyes of the monster and for a moment allow yourself to feel the intoxication of being predator not prey!
We all chase that feeling with each and every book we pick up and when we find it again…oh when we find it we devour it with relish, We salivate as we consume, greedy little horror readers that we are!!
Shall I share with you where I reclaimed that high?
Shall I share in this banquet of delectable terror?
After the Burn by Ronald Kelly will take you back to that feeling and satisfy that need!
Who do we become when the fragile foundations preventing us from becoming savages are destroyed?
When the real life monsters no longer need to hide in the shadows how will they celebrate?
After the Burn takes you into the lives of those who survived the burn with 8 tales of horror, heartbreak and a dash of humor.
Each story told will quench that thirst for the macabre and allow you to escape to unforgiving landscapes and the horrors that they hold!
If you've got the fever, then Ronald Kelly's After the Burn is the cure!
On Amazon 6/16/22 by D&T Publishing LLC
Available now https://www.facebook.com/godlesshorrors/
Maybe it brings you back to covers pulled over your head, flashlight on, worried that even the sound of turning pages might bring your parents into the room to discover you had embarked on a journey to the gates of hell!
Maybe it is watching the clock at work or in class, the minutes taking by slowly as your fingers curl longing for the paperback where you peek into the dark heart of humanity and face your fears!!
Or maybe it's curled up in your favorite spot, a wicked grin on your face as you see through the eyes of the monster and for a moment allow yourself to feel the intoxication of being predator not prey!
We all chase that feeling with each and every book we pick up and when we find it again…oh when we find it we devour it with relish, We salivate as we consume, greedy little horror readers that we are!!
Shall I share with you where I reclaimed that high?
Shall I share in this banquet of delectable terror?
After the Burn by Ronald Kelly will take you back to that feeling and satisfy that need!
Who do we become when the fragile foundations preventing us from becoming savages are destroyed?
When the real life monsters no longer need to hide in the shadows how will they celebrate?
After the Burn takes you into the lives of those who survived the burn with 8 tales of horror, heartbreak and a dash of humor.
Each story told will quench that thirst for the macabre and allow you to escape to unforgiving landscapes and the horrors that they hold!
If you've got the fever, then Ronald Kelly's After the Burn is the cure!
On Amazon 6/16/22 by D&T Publishing LLC
Available now https://www.facebook.com/godlesshorrors/
February 22, 2012
After the Burn is a collection of six short stories and two novellas based on the premise of a nuclear apocalypse and its aftermath, ranging in time period from right before the bombs (the “Burn”) to well after radiation sickness and various mutations have become commonplace.
“A Shiny Can of Whup-ass,” the lead story, tells of an elderly shopkeeper’s stand against a group of violent escaped convicts in the hours and days immediately following the Burn. The convicts are led by an evil man named Rott with a connection to the town, and Kelly spares nothing in his efforts to yank at the reader’s gut with the graphic, but entirely conceivable, depravity depicted. Sam, the protagonist, is a wily opponent and does a significant amount of damage to the bad guys even before the piece’s dramatic climax, which was foreshadowed enough for most people to see it coming. There’s a slightly less-telegraphed surprise at the very end. Being able to figure out the twists ahead of time doesn’t ruin the story at all, though. “Whup-ass” certainly sets the tone for the book. No one is safe, and it’s every man and woman for themselves.
Burn continues with “Meat is Life,” a story about the symbiotic relationship between a television chef and a stray dog who saves her life. It begins shortly enough after the Burn for Phyllis to still be wearing her tailored clothes, and advances us several weeks, possibly even a couple of months, along the timeline. Again, Kelly’s vision is perfectly reasonable and in keeping with our worst fears should an apocalyptic disaster actually strike, and the ending may surprise readers, though they’re certain to smack themselves upside the head, saying, ‘Of Course!’ once they actually get there. “The Happiest Place in Hell,” follows a group of survivors who’ve been holed up in Disneyworld (though it’s not called that, of course), and their struggle against the mental-hospital escapees who also live there, and do annoying things like shut off their water and eat people, all the while dressed in the park’s character suits.
“The Popsicle Man,” concerning the rescue of two children from a pair of sexual predators, showcases the closest thing to a hero a post-apocalyptic world is likely to ever spawn. While its happy ending is a refreshing change from the book’s previous three stories, there’s still plenty of disturbing things going on. “Evolution Ridge,” the story of a family dealing with radiation-inspired mutation, is a bit of a stretch in ways that can’t be detailed without ruining the piece, but is a fun read nonetheless. “Taking Care of Business” is a bit of a lark; the tale of an Elvis impersonator and a housewife rescued from a mob of mutant cows by none other than the King of Rock and Roll.
While the first three pieces introduce the Burn and describe the immediate collapse of society and the following three contain vestiges of the world we once knew, the last two stories take place so long after the Burn so as to be completely unrecognizable as taking place on our world. “Flesh Welder” pits a surgeon whose brain was joined with that of a welder against a sadistic military commander, with disastrous result. “The Paradise Pill,” is about compromise more than anything else, and involves a woman who’ll do anything to give her daughter the tiniest bit of happiness, offered by a drug that accommodates blissful, shared dreams.
Overall, After the Burn is a highly-readable mix of graphic horror and fanciful storytelling.
“A Shiny Can of Whup-ass,” the lead story, tells of an elderly shopkeeper’s stand against a group of violent escaped convicts in the hours and days immediately following the Burn. The convicts are led by an evil man named Rott with a connection to the town, and Kelly spares nothing in his efforts to yank at the reader’s gut with the graphic, but entirely conceivable, depravity depicted. Sam, the protagonist, is a wily opponent and does a significant amount of damage to the bad guys even before the piece’s dramatic climax, which was foreshadowed enough for most people to see it coming. There’s a slightly less-telegraphed surprise at the very end. Being able to figure out the twists ahead of time doesn’t ruin the story at all, though. “Whup-ass” certainly sets the tone for the book. No one is safe, and it’s every man and woman for themselves.
Burn continues with “Meat is Life,” a story about the symbiotic relationship between a television chef and a stray dog who saves her life. It begins shortly enough after the Burn for Phyllis to still be wearing her tailored clothes, and advances us several weeks, possibly even a couple of months, along the timeline. Again, Kelly’s vision is perfectly reasonable and in keeping with our worst fears should an apocalyptic disaster actually strike, and the ending may surprise readers, though they’re certain to smack themselves upside the head, saying, ‘Of Course!’ once they actually get there. “The Happiest Place in Hell,” follows a group of survivors who’ve been holed up in Disneyworld (though it’s not called that, of course), and their struggle against the mental-hospital escapees who also live there, and do annoying things like shut off their water and eat people, all the while dressed in the park’s character suits.
“The Popsicle Man,” concerning the rescue of two children from a pair of sexual predators, showcases the closest thing to a hero a post-apocalyptic world is likely to ever spawn. While its happy ending is a refreshing change from the book’s previous three stories, there’s still plenty of disturbing things going on. “Evolution Ridge,” the story of a family dealing with radiation-inspired mutation, is a bit of a stretch in ways that can’t be detailed without ruining the piece, but is a fun read nonetheless. “Taking Care of Business” is a bit of a lark; the tale of an Elvis impersonator and a housewife rescued from a mob of mutant cows by none other than the King of Rock and Roll.
While the first three pieces introduce the Burn and describe the immediate collapse of society and the following three contain vestiges of the world we once knew, the last two stories take place so long after the Burn so as to be completely unrecognizable as taking place on our world. “Flesh Welder” pits a surgeon whose brain was joined with that of a welder against a sadistic military commander, with disastrous result. “The Paradise Pill,” is about compromise more than anything else, and involves a woman who’ll do anything to give her daughter the tiniest bit of happiness, offered by a drug that accommodates blissful, shared dreams.
Overall, After the Burn is a highly-readable mix of graphic horror and fanciful storytelling.
November 24, 2011
This was a pretty good collection of Ronald Kelly's brand of southern deep fried pulp horror... not great... but pretty good. Probably closer to 3.5 stars, but definitely not warranting even close to 4.
I'd like to point out that I think for $65, you are ultimately paying for a beautifully produced limited edition hard cover with a very nice and ominous cover illustration by Zach McCain. I'm just not so sure that actual content is enough to cover that $65 price tag.
Of the 8 short stories included, two really missed the mark for me... those two being "Evolution Ridge" and "Taking Care of Business". "ER" just didn't seem to go anywhere and I really felt detached from the terrible things happening to the family... likewise there was a faith undercurrent that just didn't seem to mesh well enough with the overall story. TCB was a bit of an odd tale focusing on Elvis and his having been in hiding from the mob. The story was ok but I just am not a big fan of the King and really did not connect with the story content.
Two of the stories (Popsicle Man and Meat is Life) were decent enough although a bit too brief (especially PM), even for the short story form. I think "PM" could have used a little more expanding and "ML" was... well... a little bit gross... but hey, one of the key themes that Kelly explores in this apocalyptic nightmare collection is the various depravities engaged in by humanity... including cannibalism.
The remaining four stories ranged from pretty good to outstanding. My favorite of this bunch is a toss up between "Happiest Place in Hell" and "Paradise Pill", with the latter being one of the most competently and incredibly engaging tales of pulp horror that I have read in some time... in fact, I would go so far as to say that "PP" was so well written that it easily sheds its bonds of "pulp", meriting some literary consideration. I would rate this one as comparable to some of of Brian Hodge's finest short stories of exquisite dark fiction and horror.
"HPH" was was memorable for its main character, Waco. Also, the irony of Disneyland becoming the playground for lunatics and homicidal nut-jobs is outright hilarious. Kelly hams it up nicely with this character... really indulging his cynical side.
There were some really nice stories in this collection and overall, I liked many more than I disliked, but ultimately, I think a $45 price tag would have been more palatable.
I'd like to point out that I think for $65, you are ultimately paying for a beautifully produced limited edition hard cover with a very nice and ominous cover illustration by Zach McCain. I'm just not so sure that actual content is enough to cover that $65 price tag.
Of the 8 short stories included, two really missed the mark for me... those two being "Evolution Ridge" and "Taking Care of Business". "ER" just didn't seem to go anywhere and I really felt detached from the terrible things happening to the family... likewise there was a faith undercurrent that just didn't seem to mesh well enough with the overall story. TCB was a bit of an odd tale focusing on Elvis and his having been in hiding from the mob. The story was ok but I just am not a big fan of the King and really did not connect with the story content.
Two of the stories (Popsicle Man and Meat is Life) were decent enough although a bit too brief (especially PM), even for the short story form. I think "PM" could have used a little more expanding and "ML" was... well... a little bit gross... but hey, one of the key themes that Kelly explores in this apocalyptic nightmare collection is the various depravities engaged in by humanity... including cannibalism.
The remaining four stories ranged from pretty good to outstanding. My favorite of this bunch is a toss up between "Happiest Place in Hell" and "Paradise Pill", with the latter being one of the most competently and incredibly engaging tales of pulp horror that I have read in some time... in fact, I would go so far as to say that "PP" was so well written that it easily sheds its bonds of "pulp", meriting some literary consideration. I would rate this one as comparable to some of of Brian Hodge's finest short stories of exquisite dark fiction and horror.
"HPH" was was memorable for its main character, Waco. Also, the irony of Disneyland becoming the playground for lunatics and homicidal nut-jobs is outright hilarious. Kelly hams it up nicely with this character... really indulging his cynical side.
There were some really nice stories in this collection and overall, I liked many more than I disliked, but ultimately, I think a $45 price tag would have been more palatable.
June 17, 2022
After the Burn by Ronald Kelly is an intense collection of post-apocalypse horror stories. These are some of the best apocalypse/post-apocalypse stories I have ever read, and I love the presentation of the collection. The event itself, The Burn, happens in the first story, “A Shiny Can of Whup-Ass” (and you gotta love the story titles here).
The first story was the most impactful for me personally. There’s that moment in it when suspense turns to dread. I felt it with such sudden intensity that I was tempted to put the book aside for a bit. Of course, I didn’t. I had to bear witness just like the character in the story. This one is so much more than a post-apocalypse story. It will stay with me for a long time.
What follows that first story is a collection of post-apocalypse tales that get progressively farther in time from the event, and they each take place in a different area of the country. In addition to the abject horrors of the situation, the stories range from evocative to thought-provoking to humorous. Yes, humorous. There is a tribute to Landsdale written in true Landsdale fashion but with the style one expects from Kelly. It’s very well done.
These stories detail the gruesome, progressive changes in the earth, in nature, in people; but they are ultimately about humanity and people’s lack thereof. They are about persistence, hope, despair, and depravity. Readers should be aware these stories address several aspects and perspectives of the ultimate survival taboo.
Ronald Kelly’s wordsmithing and characters pull you into this post-apocalyptic hell, engaging your mind and emotions and senses. It’s a must-have, must-read for horror fans who can stomach extremes, and fans of Ronald Kelly will love this collection even if post-apocalypse is not your thing.
Pro tip: Read the Introduction.
The first story was the most impactful for me personally. There’s that moment in it when suspense turns to dread. I felt it with such sudden intensity that I was tempted to put the book aside for a bit. Of course, I didn’t. I had to bear witness just like the character in the story. This one is so much more than a post-apocalypse story. It will stay with me for a long time.
What follows that first story is a collection of post-apocalypse tales that get progressively farther in time from the event, and they each take place in a different area of the country. In addition to the abject horrors of the situation, the stories range from evocative to thought-provoking to humorous. Yes, humorous. There is a tribute to Landsdale written in true Landsdale fashion but with the style one expects from Kelly. It’s very well done.
These stories detail the gruesome, progressive changes in the earth, in nature, in people; but they are ultimately about humanity and people’s lack thereof. They are about persistence, hope, despair, and depravity. Readers should be aware these stories address several aspects and perspectives of the ultimate survival taboo.
Ronald Kelly’s wordsmithing and characters pull you into this post-apocalyptic hell, engaging your mind and emotions and senses. It’s a must-have, must-read for horror fans who can stomach extremes, and fans of Ronald Kelly will love this collection even if post-apocalypse is not your thing.
Pro tip: Read the Introduction.
September 7, 2022
This is a dark, disturbing collection of stories set in post-apocalyptic America. Nuclear attacks have decimated the United States. Everyday citizens struggle to survive as the worst of humanity takes advantage of our nation’s plight.
These twisted tales—full of carnage and mayhem—have been permanently “burnt” into my brain! Cannibalism, animal attacks, killer clowns, and horrific mutations run amok!
I was fascinated by each story’s journey into darkness. My favorite has to be POPSICLE MAN, which has forever altered my perception of the ice cream truck and its jingle.
This book makes me fear for our future! An excellent read for fans of hardcore horror!
These twisted tales—full of carnage and mayhem—have been permanently “burnt” into my brain! Cannibalism, animal attacks, killer clowns, and horrific mutations run amok!
I was fascinated by each story’s journey into darkness. My favorite has to be POPSICLE MAN, which has forever altered my perception of the ice cream truck and its jingle.
This book makes me fear for our future! An excellent read for fans of hardcore horror!
August 16, 2022
“They called it The Burn.”
In Ronald Kelly’s nuclear nightmare, bombs have gone off in every country on every continent. No one knows who or why, but whatever life people thought they were going to have is forever changed. All the stories in this book are set in this world and….whew, what a ride.
As always, Kelly’s writing is extremely entertaining and fun, though I’m not quite as comfortable using the word “fun” for this collection. My experience with his work has mostly been his holiday-themed collections, which have all been fantastic. Creepy, gory, sometimes funny; I’ve dug them all. So what I wasn’t ready for was how things are different when the threat is from other people instead of the supernatural. That shouldn’t be surprising, human monsters are often the worst kind. That said, things go bad FAST and the first story where a town is set upon by a freed murderer sets the tone for the rest.
The stories therein range from unexpected survival scenarios to downright bonkers and I don’t want to say too much about them, but imagine if you will…what if you lived close to a certain theme park in Florida when the bombs dropped? What would that look like? Or what if a famous celebrity that everyone thought was dead was brought out of hiding by this worldwide catastrophe? How would wildlife be affected? As with most collections, I enjoyed some stories more than others, but they’re all good.
Ronald Kelly’s writing has never let me down and this is no exception. I had a blast (pun intended a little) with these stories. They’re a little meaner (like all the triggers are referenced, so heads up) than what I’m used to from him, but his heart and imagination are detonating (pun intended a lot) at full force here and if the premise interests you even a little, you should add this to your TBR.
*I was provided a copy for review, but intend to purchase a copy. If you buy one directly from Ron, he does really cool illustrations in them!
In Ronald Kelly’s nuclear nightmare, bombs have gone off in every country on every continent. No one knows who or why, but whatever life people thought they were going to have is forever changed. All the stories in this book are set in this world and….whew, what a ride.
As always, Kelly’s writing is extremely entertaining and fun, though I’m not quite as comfortable using the word “fun” for this collection. My experience with his work has mostly been his holiday-themed collections, which have all been fantastic. Creepy, gory, sometimes funny; I’ve dug them all. So what I wasn’t ready for was how things are different when the threat is from other people instead of the supernatural. That shouldn’t be surprising, human monsters are often the worst kind. That said, things go bad FAST and the first story where a town is set upon by a freed murderer sets the tone for the rest.
The stories therein range from unexpected survival scenarios to downright bonkers and I don’t want to say too much about them, but imagine if you will…what if you lived close to a certain theme park in Florida when the bombs dropped? What would that look like? Or what if a famous celebrity that everyone thought was dead was brought out of hiding by this worldwide catastrophe? How would wildlife be affected? As with most collections, I enjoyed some stories more than others, but they’re all good.
Ronald Kelly’s writing has never let me down and this is no exception. I had a blast (pun intended a little) with these stories. They’re a little meaner (like all the triggers are referenced, so heads up) than what I’m used to from him, but his heart and imagination are detonating (pun intended a lot) at full force here and if the premise interests you even a little, you should add this to your TBR.
*I was provided a copy for review, but intend to purchase a copy. If you buy one directly from Ron, he does really cool illustrations in them!
June 13, 2022
Within the covers you will find eight stories all centered around what life is like “after the burn”. 1️⃣ In A Shiny Can of Whup-Ass, we meet Sam Wheeler, an octogenarian stubbornly hanging on to life. The Burn occurs one night while Sam is asleep. When he awakes, the world has been forever altered. Soon, Rott and his gang move to town and terror reigns. 2️⃣ Meat is Life centers around culinary sensation, Phyllis, as she scrounges for meat to season and enjoy in the new desolate world. She befriends a dog along the way and they work together to fatten each other up. 3️⃣ This takes us to The Happiest Place in Hell where a small group enjoys the rides and food in a Florida park for four months before lunatics from a local asylum move in. 4️⃣ Popsicle Man was my personal favorite with roving bands of child molesters hunting their prey. The Clownies are a particularly nasty bunch who target Scott and Heather. One man can save the day, and he even provides treats. 5️⃣ In Evolution Ridge, you must be careful not to be bitten. You never know what you may evolve into as Jubal and his family soon discover. 6️⃣ Taking Care of Business answers everyone’s questions about what really happened to Elvis and it is much more than you ever imagined. 7️⃣ In Flesh Welder there still exist doctors who have perfected their specialties in the post-Burn world. Just don’t make this one angry. 8️⃣ Lastly, The Paradise Pill. For those who need escape, the drug trade is strong and people will pay in whatever way they can, but what are the consequences? ⏺ This book was a journey through some demented and horrifying tales of the dark side of human nature, and the terrifying truths of what would occur in a post-apocalyptic world. The detailed writing and unique characters bring these stories to life. Monsters are definitely out there and they come in human form. I have no doubt that the fiction presented here could become a reality. TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains rape, drug use, suicide, and cannibalism.
December 5, 2022
I have read some of Kelly in the past, but not enough to claim to be a fan or not. This collection was awesome!
I was listening to the episode of Written In Red that he was on. I’m really not too huge on short stories, collections, etc. but the fact that all these stories took place in the same setting seemed interesting. Also, unless I misheard, I do believe a sequel book could be on the way.
The stories vary in subject matter and variety of plot. They veer off into some wildly different directions depending on how close to the radiation they are.
The opening tale, A Shiny Can of Whip-Ass, is basically a Clint Eastwood western but in a nuclear post apocalypse. This was a very strong start. Most of the rest of the tales are strong with their own brand of mayhem with well crafted endings.
The two stories I did not like as much were Evolution Ridge and Taking Care of Business. Evolution gets far more into the impact of the radiation, but this story almost seemed to stray into a different territory altogether. Taking Care of Business was just a bit too goofy for my tastes, but I suppose a little silliness in a collection can go a long way.
Regardless of those two not being to my subjective liking, I devoured this collection in 1 day. Worth the read if you are a fan of apocalyptic and post apocalyptic carnage.
I was listening to the episode of Written In Red that he was on. I’m really not too huge on short stories, collections, etc. but the fact that all these stories took place in the same setting seemed interesting. Also, unless I misheard, I do believe a sequel book could be on the way.
The stories vary in subject matter and variety of plot. They veer off into some wildly different directions depending on how close to the radiation they are.
The opening tale, A Shiny Can of Whip-Ass, is basically a Clint Eastwood western but in a nuclear post apocalypse. This was a very strong start. Most of the rest of the tales are strong with their own brand of mayhem with well crafted endings.
The two stories I did not like as much were Evolution Ridge and Taking Care of Business. Evolution gets far more into the impact of the radiation, but this story almost seemed to stray into a different territory altogether. Taking Care of Business was just a bit too goofy for my tastes, but I suppose a little silliness in a collection can go a long way.
Regardless of those two not being to my subjective liking, I devoured this collection in 1 day. Worth the read if you are a fan of apocalyptic and post apocalyptic carnage.
June 12, 2022
I REALLY enjoyed After the Burn by Ronald Kelly ! The man is a living legend, and this delivered!
If you are a fan of the Dark Tower series, this felt very much like a prequel about the beginning of Midworld IMO.
After the Burn is a short story collection filled with gritty violence, icky horribleness, and B-horror goodness!
Special mention to Popsicle Man, Evolution Ridge, and the Paradise Pill!
If you are a fan of the Dark Tower series, this felt very much like a prequel about the beginning of Midworld IMO.
After the Burn is a short story collection filled with gritty violence, icky horribleness, and B-horror goodness!
Special mention to Popsicle Man, Evolution Ridge, and the Paradise Pill!
August 12, 2025
Ronald Kelly is a master. I have enjoyed everything of his I have read. This is a fun collection of short stories/novellas which takes place in a post apocalyptic world where Kelly weaves his magic. Well worth the read.
Read
June 29, 2022Review and rating to come
February 21, 2012
This was one crazy ride. I loved that there were alot of different stories in this book so I didn't get bored. It was a disturbing look at different visions of what the future could look like should the world end as we know it.
September 28, 2011
Some great stories and some not so great. I like Mr. Kelley but this isn't my favorite. Thunderstorm Books made a wonderful work of art here though.
March 20, 2012
Very good collection of short stories based on post nuclear apocalypse. These stories seem heavily weighted toward mutation. Some are funny. Some are extremely sad. All are good reads.
January 5, 2015
Wow. And not in a good way.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews