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The Steading Trilogy #2
The Fallen: The Last Days of Mankind
This tale is set in a world somewhat similar to our own, with various Sami, Nordic, and Celtic influences, at some unspecified ‘post-modern’ point in the future. Society as we know it has long since vanished. The natural world has fully reasserted itself, leaving a few isolated pockets of human existence, all teetering on the verge of extinction. Birth rates are very low and infant mortality is very high, the cause unclear. Any remaining settlements are slowly withering out of existence.
This story is a prequel of sorts to Peter's first novel, The Steading, although much of the story takes place within a similar timeframe, overlapping with it towards the end. You don't need to have read The Steading to enjoy this novel, and feel free to read them in any order you like, but it is recommended you read this story second. This tale in the trilogy primarily sets out to explore the origins of a character who appears in the first book, while also expanding on the circumstances of the apocalypse in the wider world. The first book in the trilogy, The Steading, provides a somewhat idealised and best-case scenario of a post-apocalyptic world; this book is its counterpart where we finally meet the antagonists: the Fallen.
As with Peter's first novel, this book is an unusual blend of fiction and non-fiction. It is part guide to survival, the basics of living off the land, and homesteading. Here though, the settlement is somewhat more ‘primitive’ when compared to the Steading, akin to perhaps a stone-age Sami-type settlement. The story is told almost entirely without spoken dialogue, as if being recounted around the campfire by an old friend. This style of very descriptive storytelling also reflects Peter's preferred means of communication as an autistic person, being direct, detailed, and to the point.
This story is a prequel of sorts to Peter's first novel, The Steading, although much of the story takes place within a similar timeframe, overlapping with it towards the end. You don't need to have read The Steading to enjoy this novel, and feel free to read them in any order you like, but it is recommended you read this story second. This tale in the trilogy primarily sets out to explore the origins of a character who appears in the first book, while also expanding on the circumstances of the apocalypse in the wider world. The first book in the trilogy, The Steading, provides a somewhat idealised and best-case scenario of a post-apocalyptic world; this book is its counterpart where we finally meet the antagonists: the Fallen.
As with Peter's first novel, this book is an unusual blend of fiction and non-fiction. It is part guide to survival, the basics of living off the land, and homesteading. Here though, the settlement is somewhat more ‘primitive’ when compared to the Steading, akin to perhaps a stone-age Sami-type settlement. The story is told almost entirely without spoken dialogue, as if being recounted around the campfire by an old friend. This style of very descriptive storytelling also reflects Peter's preferred means of communication as an autistic person, being direct, detailed, and to the point.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2023
16 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Wood
3 books28 followersPeter's writing results from a childhood fascination with the world of Tolkien and other fantasy adventure. As a somewhat introverted child and teen, drawing maps of invented worlds, playing immersive computer-games and Warhammer boardgames were keen interests, often to exclusion of all else; being in hindsight a sign of his neurodiverse nature.
As an adult Peter has rekindled his childhood interest in the wild outdoors. He is a lover of the natural world and bushcraft, his latest passion. The ethos of Ray Mears, the woodsman, is a guiding force. Simply being in the wild Welsh woods while enjoying a crackling seasoned-oak fire, carving a spoon, fashioning a long bow, or chopping firewood, all accompanied by the sound of a nearby stream, is considered pure heaven.
Further inspiration comes from attendance at various workshops, including crafting a bow and fashioning arrows in the surroundings of an ancient hillfort, casting a bronze axe in a prehistoric mine and forging a knife from scrap using an open-air hand-bellowed forge.
Peter loves the modern trend of apocalyptic survival stories in books, games and film. However, he always wished to write a novel which was more in-depth in terms of being part survival tale and almost a practical how-to guide, all woven around a story of hope rather than what are often quite depressing situations. Such life affirming tales can be found in stories ranging from the classic ‘The Swiss Family Robinson’ to the ‘Clan of the Cave Bear’ series, to the ‘The Martian’ of more recent years. His debut novel, The Steading, aims to pull out the exciting thread of surviving against-the-odds seen there and to expand on it, while weaving this into an interesting tale.
As an adult Peter has rekindled his childhood interest in the wild outdoors. He is a lover of the natural world and bushcraft, his latest passion. The ethos of Ray Mears, the woodsman, is a guiding force. Simply being in the wild Welsh woods while enjoying a crackling seasoned-oak fire, carving a spoon, fashioning a long bow, or chopping firewood, all accompanied by the sound of a nearby stream, is considered pure heaven.
Further inspiration comes from attendance at various workshops, including crafting a bow and fashioning arrows in the surroundings of an ancient hillfort, casting a bronze axe in a prehistoric mine and forging a knife from scrap using an open-air hand-bellowed forge.
Peter loves the modern trend of apocalyptic survival stories in books, games and film. However, he always wished to write a novel which was more in-depth in terms of being part survival tale and almost a practical how-to guide, all woven around a story of hope rather than what are often quite depressing situations. Such life affirming tales can be found in stories ranging from the classic ‘The Swiss Family Robinson’ to the ‘Clan of the Cave Bear’ series, to the ‘The Martian’ of more recent years. His debut novel, The Steading, aims to pull out the exciting thread of surviving against-the-odds seen there and to expand on it, while weaving this into an interesting tale.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 25, 2023
The Fallen is the parallel “prequel” to The Steading which was a great cosy, dystopian read. When I started The Fallen, which is written in the same, non-dialogue style as The Steading, I thought I was in for more of the same story, but in a different setting. Boy, was I wrong.
Eventually you learn exactly what or who The Fallen are, and the story gets exciting. Even though it is still written in the same storytelling and descriptive how-to style, quite a bit of action occurs. I found myself flying through the pages to see how everything was going to unfold. This was definitely different from the first book in that regard.
And I loved how the ending merges the two books’ storylines, bringing them both full circle.
Wood’s style of writing is definitely different, but it’s also very well done and makes for comfortable reading. I really enjoy his books and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work in the future.
Great read!
Eventually you learn exactly what or who The Fallen are, and the story gets exciting. Even though it is still written in the same storytelling and descriptive how-to style, quite a bit of action occurs. I found myself flying through the pages to see how everything was going to unfold. This was definitely different from the first book in that regard.
And I loved how the ending merges the two books’ storylines, bringing them both full circle.
Wood’s style of writing is definitely different, but it’s also very well done and makes for comfortable reading. I really enjoy his books and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work in the future.
Great read!
June 15, 2024
One of the best books I’ve read recently was The Steading. It was a unique experience, taking the tried and true post apocalyptic survival premise and crafting a tale that was incredibly immerse and harrowing, yet as the author described, “gentle”.
The Fallen can be read before or after you read The Steading. It happens in roughly the same time frame, and the two books intersect in a cool way.
Initially, this book continues that gentle, very descriptive method of its companion piece. But it does not stay that way! Unlike The Steading, The Fallen eventually gets into some pretty violent conflict. The first was a survival of the elements; this one is survival against nasty villains.
There are moments that made me tense, others that choked me up….but what a great ride it was. Peter Wood is an excellent writer capable of some of the best description I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see what he’s got next.
The Fallen can be read before or after you read The Steading. It happens in roughly the same time frame, and the two books intersect in a cool way.
Initially, this book continues that gentle, very descriptive method of its companion piece. But it does not stay that way! Unlike The Steading, The Fallen eventually gets into some pretty violent conflict. The first was a survival of the elements; this one is survival against nasty villains.
There are moments that made me tense, others that choked me up….but what a great ride it was. Peter Wood is an excellent writer capable of some of the best description I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see what he’s got next.
March 28, 2024
Magnificent
This book is the continuation from the first book, The Steading, written from the view of a very good storyteller. I very much enjoyed this and the first book!
Long after the collapse of modern society small groups of survivors struggle to survive with minimal/crude weapons and clothing. Overcoming harsh obstacles including a large group of cannibals.
These books are both suitable for all readers.
This book is the continuation from the first book, The Steading, written from the view of a very good storyteller. I very much enjoyed this and the first book!
Long after the collapse of modern society small groups of survivors struggle to survive with minimal/crude weapons and clothing. Overcoming harsh obstacles including a large group of cannibals.
These books are both suitable for all readers.
July 21, 2023
great book, loved the prequel.
At first I wasn’t too sure what to think of this author, but this was a great story that kept me interested. I loved that he did the prequel to explain Ithryn (Elin).
At first I wasn’t too sure what to think of this author, but this was a great story that kept me interested. I loved that he did the prequel to explain Ithryn (Elin).
August 3, 2024
Excellent series. Highly recommended. The series would make a terrific movie, too.
July 24, 2024
A tale best read alone, by the fire, with cup of tea.
Thoroughly grieved the passing of strong characters I had quickly grown totally attached and invested in...Surprised me. Completely enjoyed the storyteller method.
Hope fir future books.
Thoroughly grieved the passing of strong characters I had quickly grown totally attached and invested in...Surprised me. Completely enjoyed the storyteller method.
Hope fir future books.
May 15, 2025
Welcome back to a future that’s unfortunately not exactly beyond belief. Mankind has been pushed to the edge of extinction after centuries of stripping the planet of its natural resources and leaving a trail of pollution in its wake. The conveniences of modern society are less than a distant memory, and survival of the fittest is still a work-in-progress. Sadly, the one thing that HASN’T changed is mankind’s greatest threat—it’s still mankind, or more specifically, The Fallen.
In this follow-up to his sublime ‘The Steading,’ Wood rolls the clock back just a skosh to provide an origin story for a character that was introduced in the final pages of his first outing. Elin, as she is known by her own people, is one of the most promising young hunters in the group, and she continues to prove her value as the band of survivors prepare for the long winter ahead. Riding out those inhospitable months within the relatively safe confines of the great hall leaves plenty of time for reflection on the months ahead. By spring, plans to extend the patrol of their known perimeter are deemed necessary to ensure the group’s safety. Word of the barbarous Fallen remains a topic of frequent concern, and the survivors’ worst fears are soon realized upon the discovery of nearby settlements that have been recently plundered, their population massacred and (gulp) cannibalized. The elders form a plan to abandon their settlement and lay a series of traps for the Fallen that will hopefully thin their numbers, giving their group at least some chance at survival at an as-yet-to-be-determined site.
This style of storytelling is unlike most anything I’ve ever read, and it probably won’t be for everyone. Like its predecessor, it is almost entirely without dialogue. It’s an engrossing campfire tale—part travelogue, part survival guide, part action movie. In my mind, the mellifluous narration is in the vein of John Houseman or Richard Attenborough—hypnotic and engrossing. (Just wait until you hear Wood’s actual narrator, Aubrey Parsons—perfection…) It felt like I was RIGHT THERE throughout the various triumphs, tribulations, and outright tragedies as Elin and her compatriots fought to elude a barbaric enemy whose sole purpose seemed to be destroying everything in their path. The final pages segued beautifully with the final pages of the first book in Wood’s trilogy, leaving us hungry for more.
Fortunately for us, we don’t have to wait. The final book in the trilogy was recently released.
In this follow-up to his sublime ‘The Steading,’ Wood rolls the clock back just a skosh to provide an origin story for a character that was introduced in the final pages of his first outing. Elin, as she is known by her own people, is one of the most promising young hunters in the group, and she continues to prove her value as the band of survivors prepare for the long winter ahead. Riding out those inhospitable months within the relatively safe confines of the great hall leaves plenty of time for reflection on the months ahead. By spring, plans to extend the patrol of their known perimeter are deemed necessary to ensure the group’s safety. Word of the barbarous Fallen remains a topic of frequent concern, and the survivors’ worst fears are soon realized upon the discovery of nearby settlements that have been recently plundered, their population massacred and (gulp) cannibalized. The elders form a plan to abandon their settlement and lay a series of traps for the Fallen that will hopefully thin their numbers, giving their group at least some chance at survival at an as-yet-to-be-determined site.
This style of storytelling is unlike most anything I’ve ever read, and it probably won’t be for everyone. Like its predecessor, it is almost entirely without dialogue. It’s an engrossing campfire tale—part travelogue, part survival guide, part action movie. In my mind, the mellifluous narration is in the vein of John Houseman or Richard Attenborough—hypnotic and engrossing. (Just wait until you hear Wood’s actual narrator, Aubrey Parsons—perfection…) It felt like I was RIGHT THERE throughout the various triumphs, tribulations, and outright tragedies as Elin and her compatriots fought to elude a barbaric enemy whose sole purpose seemed to be destroying everything in their path. The final pages segued beautifully with the final pages of the first book in Wood’s trilogy, leaving us hungry for more.
Fortunately for us, we don’t have to wait. The final book in the trilogy was recently released.
November 3, 2025
I have listened to the audio version of this book.
This is a cracking second book in The Steading Trilogy! From the very first chapter, it’s totally addictive listening as we follow a group of survivors on their perilous quest to find others. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, it’s intense, occasionally gruesome, but brilliantly written and full of heart.
Aubrey Parsons delivers an outstanding narration, perfectly capturing the tone and tension of the story.
Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the final instalment!
This is a cracking second book in The Steading Trilogy! From the very first chapter, it’s totally addictive listening as we follow a group of survivors on their perilous quest to find others. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, it’s intense, occasionally gruesome, but brilliantly written and full of heart.
Aubrey Parsons delivers an outstanding narration, perfectly capturing the tone and tension of the story.
Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the final instalment!
December 18, 2025
This story will give people a very in depth look at how rough living without all the modern items easily available. This story shows how difficult it is to actually live off the land and trying to stay alive. I believe most people have absolutely no idea how difficult it would be. Narration is a storyteller telling the story.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews