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After the Fires Went Out #1
After The Fires Went Out: Coyote
First came the comet. Then came the fires. Now we fight to save what's left.
Baptiste, stranded 500 miles from his wife and daughter, at the northern edge of civilization, has made a vow to protect a teenage girl from the chaos that surrounds them. But as food and fuel runs out, and even friends prove they can't be trusted, Baptiste realizes that this promise won't be easy to keep.
Warning: Due to the setting and subject matter (post-apocalyptic North America), this novel contains foul language and scenes of violence.
Baptiste, stranded 500 miles from his wife and daughter, at the northern edge of civilization, has made a vow to protect a teenage girl from the chaos that surrounds them. But as food and fuel runs out, and even friends prove they can't be trusted, Baptiste realizes that this promise won't be easy to keep.
Warning: Due to the setting and subject matter (post-apocalyptic North America), this novel contains foul language and scenes of violence.
540 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
90 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Regan Wolfrom
33 books7 followersRegan Wolfrom (born at the tail end of the disco era) has come a long way from his 1986 debut novel Harry the Adventurous Hamster (currently out of print due to having never been published or completed). After a break from writing to attend puberty, and to eventually sell six packs of Molson Canadian to his misnamed crush, Moosehead Girl, Regan returned to the craft with reckless abandon and a gallon jug of iced tea with just a smattering of extremely cheap rum.
Regan is now the author of numerous short stories and an upcoming post-apocalyptic novel series with only one mention (so far) of zombie erections. Regan hopes to one day write a novel set on Mars while sitting in his boxer shorts on the actual Red Planet, and everything that comes before that is really just his way of saving up for the one-way trip.
Though Regan has been shafted by residency requirements in his pursuit of the MacArthur genius grant, his current fiction is considered to be of high caliber, reflecting a marked improvement in style and grammar from the aforementioned thing with the hamster. It also has far fewer graphic scenes of pound puppy plushes having sex in the back of a shoebox with paper wheels.
What does Regan have to say about Regan?
"I recently passed up the chance to hassle Samuel L. Jackson."
"I've always wanted to change my name to something boring, like Hugh Howey."
"I know how to cook six things. None of them are oatmeal."
"I write stories that are weird, a little dark, and definitely inappropriate for my children. It could be tough to keep that going when they get to be as old and weird as I am today."
"Oh... and my dog is in love with me... like... in a disturbing way."
For a more in-depth tour of Regan's unresolved childhood issues, be sure to read one of his stories: http://www.reganwolfrom.com/bibliography
Regan is now the author of numerous short stories and an upcoming post-apocalyptic novel series with only one mention (so far) of zombie erections. Regan hopes to one day write a novel set on Mars while sitting in his boxer shorts on the actual Red Planet, and everything that comes before that is really just his way of saving up for the one-way trip.
Though Regan has been shafted by residency requirements in his pursuit of the MacArthur genius grant, his current fiction is considered to be of high caliber, reflecting a marked improvement in style and grammar from the aforementioned thing with the hamster. It also has far fewer graphic scenes of pound puppy plushes having sex in the back of a shoebox with paper wheels.
What does Regan have to say about Regan?
"I recently passed up the chance to hassle Samuel L. Jackson."
"I've always wanted to change my name to something boring, like Hugh Howey."
"I know how to cook six things. None of them are oatmeal."
"I write stories that are weird, a little dark, and definitely inappropriate for my children. It could be tough to keep that going when they get to be as old and weird as I am today."
"Oh... and my dog is in love with me... like... in a disturbing way."
For a more in-depth tour of Regan's unresolved childhood issues, be sure to read one of his stories: http://www.reganwolfrom.com/bibliography
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 1, 2014
This is the first installment of one of those on-line chapter books. It works better as a free-standing story than the first book (sometimes 300 to 500 pages long) of some notable series.
Typical post-apochalypetic stuff. Well told, from the point of view of the leader of a small conglomeration of folks huddling together after most of humanity was wiped out in the fire storm following an asteroid impact. He's trying to lead, but everyone hates him for it. But they're all too self-centered or immature to make it alone. He's got to lead. The catch is: our protagonist has a bad heart and a limited supply of essential pills. So, the clock is ticking.
A good read.
Typical post-apochalypetic stuff. Well told, from the point of view of the leader of a small conglomeration of folks huddling together after most of humanity was wiped out in the fire storm following an asteroid impact. He's trying to lead, but everyone hates him for it. But they're all too self-centered or immature to make it alone. He's got to lead. The catch is: our protagonist has a bad heart and a limited supply of essential pills. So, the clock is ticking.
A good read.
March 5, 2013
Awesome book from start to finish very dark and captivating
September 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this book .it was well written and you felt you got to know the people in the story.it had some surprises at the end.i cant wait to read the next book.....
December 17, 2022
When I start a book I've grabbed for free on Amazon, I try very hard to give it a chance. I will continue reading passed a lot of typos and even some grammatical errors, though rarely will I stick around for a poorly written story. One thing I noticed was that the Wolfrom references events that happened before this particular story started. Normally, this would bug me, but the book was well written, so I kept going. And eventually it occurred to me that in real life there aren't really clear breaks in our stories. Authors often give some back matter, sometimes in a prologue or cleverly worked in little tidbits, but I think the lack of those here, added to the sense of the old world ending and the new harsher one just starting up, adds to the atmosphere of the story. The reader has to feel confused from time to time, and I wonder if that's not how living in this dystopian world feels all the time to characters like Baptiste. They even point out how younger characters don't understand old sayings and jokes, they can't understand because they weren't there. Maybe, and I'm guessing wildly, Wolfrom wanted the reader to feel like that--only half understanding the joke the room is laughing at. It's a theory, and it's different than any other writing style I've encountered, but I read the whole book, and I enjoyed it a lot. I plan to read the rest of the series, and I'm suggesting it for purchase at the library where I work.
April 3, 2013
An ambitious work of impressive proportions that is highly distinctive and unique.
‘After the fires went out: Coyote’ is the first, full-length novel in this series which surrounds a post-apocalyptic theme. Set within North America after the great destruction, I felt that this was reminiscent of ‘War of the Worlds’ after the Earth had been attacked and devastation was left in the enemies wake. Containing graphic, bloody violence and explicit language this is indeed a singular book in which the author leaves nothing to the imagination. Not usually a genre or style of novel that I would pluck from the shelf, I was quite surprised by how engaging I found the plot to be and how I was drawn into a riveting saga of thought-provoking candidness.
‘First came the comet.
Then came the fires.
Now we fight to save, what’s left…
Baptiste, stranded 500 miles from his wife and daughter, at the northern edge of civilization, has made a vow to protect a teenage girl from the chaos that surrounds them. But as food and fuel runs out, and even friends prove they can’t be trusted, Baptiste realizes that this promise won’t be easy to keep.
Distinctly raw and acutely poignant, Regan Wolfrom strips bare our outer shells so as to expose inner emotion and natural instinct. Powerfully evocative and redolent, I was shocked by the frankness and harshness of the danger and situation that the characters were faced with. This is certainly not a novel for the faint-hearted, for it addresses those (often bloodcurdling, terrifying) situations that in nightmares may come to pass and which challenge life. I also found this novel rather emotive at times, as I connected with some of the characters deeply and in doing so it felt much more realistic and compelling.
I have taken into consideration with my rating the amount of foul language used and explicit sex scenes, which personally I felt detracted from the storyline and should have been either not included or ‘toned down’ to something less blunt. The inspired, original narrative is ingenious and so I highly commend the author for this as it grasped my attention throughout. Left with mixed views I would highlight the coarseness of the language and sexual content, as it might detract from ones enjoyment of the story or glaze-over the dramatic events that otherwise do amaze.
3.5 stars.
*I would like to thank the author for sending a paperback copy of his novel “after the fires went out: Coyote” as I enjoyed reading his work*
‘After the fires went out: Coyote’ is the first, full-length novel in this series which surrounds a post-apocalyptic theme. Set within North America after the great destruction, I felt that this was reminiscent of ‘War of the Worlds’ after the Earth had been attacked and devastation was left in the enemies wake. Containing graphic, bloody violence and explicit language this is indeed a singular book in which the author leaves nothing to the imagination. Not usually a genre or style of novel that I would pluck from the shelf, I was quite surprised by how engaging I found the plot to be and how I was drawn into a riveting saga of thought-provoking candidness.
‘First came the comet.
Then came the fires.
Now we fight to save, what’s left…
Baptiste, stranded 500 miles from his wife and daughter, at the northern edge of civilization, has made a vow to protect a teenage girl from the chaos that surrounds them. But as food and fuel runs out, and even friends prove they can’t be trusted, Baptiste realizes that this promise won’t be easy to keep.
Distinctly raw and acutely poignant, Regan Wolfrom strips bare our outer shells so as to expose inner emotion and natural instinct. Powerfully evocative and redolent, I was shocked by the frankness and harshness of the danger and situation that the characters were faced with. This is certainly not a novel for the faint-hearted, for it addresses those (often bloodcurdling, terrifying) situations that in nightmares may come to pass and which challenge life. I also found this novel rather emotive at times, as I connected with some of the characters deeply and in doing so it felt much more realistic and compelling.
I have taken into consideration with my rating the amount of foul language used and explicit sex scenes, which personally I felt detracted from the storyline and should have been either not included or ‘toned down’ to something less blunt. The inspired, original narrative is ingenious and so I highly commend the author for this as it grasped my attention throughout. Left with mixed views I would highlight the coarseness of the language and sexual content, as it might detract from ones enjoyment of the story or glaze-over the dramatic events that otherwise do amaze.
3.5 stars.
*I would like to thank the author for sending a paperback copy of his novel “after the fires went out: Coyote” as I enjoyed reading his work*
August 12, 2013
Robert JeanBaptise known only as Baptise is trying to survive after The Fires with his new family because he doesn't know if his family is still alive or not. He is part of Protection Committee and in charge of security for his family from others. He doesn't trust Ryan Stems, Matt, and Justin Porter or even Graham all that much. He is feeling the loss of Antoine (Ant) more than he let's on with anyone including Sara Vachon. He feels fatherly toward Fiona because he misses his own daughter Cassy and will do whatever it takes to protect her. People that used to be a part of cooperation are turning up missing or just plain gone without a trace. Someone is doing this could it be this mystery Coyote that murdered Ant or is Ryan Stems to blame. Baptise knows that he loves Sara but Kayla seems to be flirting with him. The Walkers want out of the supply partnership and are unwilling to get the supplies owed Baptise's group. The Walkers seem to be partnering up with Ryan Stems which doesn't bode well for anyone including Baptise's group. Who is mysterious Coyote? Why do The Walkers want out of partnership and cooperative? Can Baptise protect his new family from harm? What is really happening with Ryan Stems Group? Your answers await you in After The Fires Went Out:Coyote.
This book reminds me very much of the Envy Chronicles by Joss Ware. A major worldwide event that leaves people trying to survive no matter the cost. I personally liked Baptise's character a lone voice trying to make sense of a situation that doesn't entirely make sense but has to carry on in spite of it. I liked Ryan Stems for very different reasons here's a man wanting to control everything under his power much like an overlord. He was willing to compromise on his terms whether acceptable to everyone else or not. I hate Justin Porter to me he was too sneaky by half and thensome. I definitely think Mr. Wolfrom has great story to tell and look forward to his next installment.
This book reminds me very much of the Envy Chronicles by Joss Ware. A major worldwide event that leaves people trying to survive no matter the cost. I personally liked Baptise's character a lone voice trying to make sense of a situation that doesn't entirely make sense but has to carry on in spite of it. I liked Ryan Stems for very different reasons here's a man wanting to control everything under his power much like an overlord. He was willing to compromise on his terms whether acceptable to everyone else or not. I hate Justin Porter to me he was too sneaky by half and thensome. I definitely think Mr. Wolfrom has great story to tell and look forward to his next installment.
January 8, 2015
Imagine for a minute, that a comet has struck the earth and the devastation has left a remnant population. What to do? This book focuses on a several groups of survivors in the area of Cochrane in northern Ontario. For the most part, they are people just wanting to provide for their families, but some of them are wanting more. They want the power and control over others.
Baptiste doesn't want this kind of power even though others keep attributing 'hero' status on him. Individuals and families have gathered around him seeking his guidance and protection. Baptiste years to get back to his family in Toronto though knows that is not at all likely.
While we don't learn much about what happened to the world, it doesn't really matter for the telling of the story. What matters in the interactions of the various groups. Some just want to be left alone to survive, such as Baptiste, and others continually want more even if it at the expense of others. And then there are those who will kill anyone who gets in their way. It was interesting to see all these different approaches and relate them back to what I know of the real world. Some approaches were destined for diasaster.
There is also a theme of forgiveness. What actions could you forgive in another. Baptiste is confronted with this question time and again and is pushed to consider it even when he wants to push it away.
This was a good story but I didn't form a connection to any of the characters. Yes, they all experienced losses, but none of them stood out more than the other. Nothing pulled on my heart strings.
Baptiste doesn't want this kind of power even though others keep attributing 'hero' status on him. Individuals and families have gathered around him seeking his guidance and protection. Baptiste years to get back to his family in Toronto though knows that is not at all likely.
While we don't learn much about what happened to the world, it doesn't really matter for the telling of the story. What matters in the interactions of the various groups. Some just want to be left alone to survive, such as Baptiste, and others continually want more even if it at the expense of others. And then there are those who will kill anyone who gets in their way. It was interesting to see all these different approaches and relate them back to what I know of the real world. Some approaches were destined for diasaster.
There is also a theme of forgiveness. What actions could you forgive in another. Baptiste is confronted with this question time and again and is pushed to consider it even when he wants to push it away.
This was a good story but I didn't form a connection to any of the characters. Yes, they all experienced losses, but none of them stood out more than the other. Nothing pulled on my heart strings.
December 27, 2013
After the Fires Went Out: Coyote by Regan Wolfrom is a post-apocalyptic tale of the strange and unpredictable balance of courage, betrayal and integrity bound up in fallible, eminently relatable characters. The plot is fast paced and often surprising, but never implausible.
I found myself identifying with the main character, even though I couldn’t understand, let alone approve, many of his choices. Baptiste is a complex protagonist and may even qualify as an anti-hero, but I never doubted his basic motivation: to protect the members of his self-made family against the dangers inherent in a badly damaged world with a decimated and therefore desperate population.
The writing style in this book is a bit unusual, a cross between epistolary and first person present tense. It probably shouldn’t work, but it does – amazingly well. The first person narrative gives the reader a sense of immediacy while the journal entries that frame the narrative allows Wolfrom a great deal of freedom and ease of transition that he might not otherwise have had. The writing is tightly, but evenly paced and never disappoints.
For those of you who are PA fanatics, and those who just want to see if the genre is for them, Coyote is a must read.
I found myself identifying with the main character, even though I couldn’t understand, let alone approve, many of his choices. Baptiste is a complex protagonist and may even qualify as an anti-hero, but I never doubted his basic motivation: to protect the members of his self-made family against the dangers inherent in a badly damaged world with a decimated and therefore desperate population.
The writing style in this book is a bit unusual, a cross between epistolary and first person present tense. It probably shouldn’t work, but it does – amazingly well. The first person narrative gives the reader a sense of immediacy while the journal entries that frame the narrative allows Wolfrom a great deal of freedom and ease of transition that he might not otherwise have had. The writing is tightly, but evenly paced and never disappoints.
For those of you who are PA fanatics, and those who just want to see if the genre is for them, Coyote is a must read.
October 3, 2013
Going into this book I expected more of a relationship to form between Baptiste and the teenage girl that he vowed to protect. Unfortunately she’s hardly mentioned at all in the first half of the book and even when she’s brought into the story a bit more, there’s not a lot of interaction between her and Baptiste. I feel the book would be better described as being about the hardships Baptiste faces while trying to lead and protect a small group of survivors.
The book is told from Baptiste’s point of view and (as the warning suggests) he and some of the other characters in the story have the habit of using foul language and making graphic sexual comments. There were also some moral issues in the book where I didn’t agree with the characters decisions/choices. This book is definitely an adult read and not for the faint of heart. That being said, I enjoyed the rest of the story enough that I would be willing to read the 2nd book in the series. I’d like to find out what happens to some of the other main characters in the book.
The book is told from Baptiste’s point of view and (as the warning suggests) he and some of the other characters in the story have the habit of using foul language and making graphic sexual comments. There were also some moral issues in the book where I didn’t agree with the characters decisions/choices. This book is definitely an adult read and not for the faint of heart. That being said, I enjoyed the rest of the story enough that I would be willing to read the 2nd book in the series. I’d like to find out what happens to some of the other main characters in the book.
August 9, 2013
Somewhat realistic post-apocalyptic society story. At least until the characters got to civilization and then snuck back out again into their own wasteland commune thing. It didn't make any sense to me at all. The loyalties between the outlying survivalist communities got muddied near the end as well. There was one surprising twist, but it didn't really fit considering what "coyote" had to lose by skirting the communities the way he did. There was also way too much bed hopping and unnecessary violence tied into that, specifically near the end.
January 4, 2015
I found this novel to be enjoyably compelling to read, dark with a very good sense of place. I wonder if this is one of the author's strengths. I also appreciated the free download from Noise trade, perfect for the holiday. I gave it 3 stars because a couple of things bugged me. First the number of young women available to the older guy seemed too good to be "true", though as an old guy I appreciate the fantasy. And if this group is so busy surviving, how would they have so much time for sex? However a fun read in a genre I didn't know existed.
November 3, 2013
Having spent the last 6 years living in the Cochrane district, I was surprised to discover a book set in an area that most people probably never give much thought to. The author's attention to detail in respect to the area was spot on as well. The book seemed to drag on at times, but did a fairly good job at depicting post-apocalyptic life when former friends and neighbours become enemies and competitors for supplies.
July 9, 2013
Fantastic story! Great realistic characters and and unique story. Have to shake my head at some of the reviewers comments about sex & language, what in the world are you doing reading post apocalyptic fiction?! Honestly I think some people are too dumb to be allowed an opinion. Can't wait to see what happens in Shards, also hoping for some more backstory. Feel like going all Misery on the author and making him write the prequel.
July 31, 2013
This was one of the longer books I've read but my disappointment was the fact that I was thrown in the middle of the story. The Author eluded to previous events in the past but never went on to tell about them. The book was well-written but I really wanted to know more about how this all started and how these people got together. I feel he spent too much time on one character. All the characters are interesting but you really don't know anything about them.
March 8, 2013
This book did keep my interest, but mainly because I like apocalyptic scenarios and I kept on reading for an explanation or something profound I guess. Background info would have helped a lot, both on the characters and on how their situation came about. No depth or strong feelings or emotions, just a lot of swearwords and the occasional sexual encounter thrown in for no apparent reason.
November 18, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed how the writer stayed away from the zombie post-apocalyptic invasion storyline. The storyline that was created could be very plausible. A group coming together in the insane time that follows an apocalyptic demise. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed how the writer stayed away from the zombie post-apocalyptic invasion storyline. The storyline that was created could be very plausible. A group coming together in the insane time that follows an apocalyptic demise. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 3, 2016
Coyote
One of the first adult dystopian books I have read that covers the true depravity of the human race, along with the wanting, the loving and hope or hopelessness, as the case may be. I wanted more of Ant's cast of characters, I wanted more in depth thoughts of the other characters. For me, if I want more, then it's a good read.
One of the first adult dystopian books I have read that covers the true depravity of the human race, along with the wanting, the loving and hope or hopelessness, as the case may be. I wanted more of Ant's cast of characters, I wanted more in depth thoughts of the other characters. For me, if I want more, then it's a good read.
June 9, 2013
Quite a good read! it did take a bit to understand what was going on in and around the story but once I figured it out the story took hold! one of few books I would recommend becoming a movie! truly do believe this would make a big screen hit!
January 2, 2014
I normally love apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, but I could not even finish this one. While it is technically well-written (no editing errors or things of that sort), it was boring, boring, boring! I will definitely not be reading the rest of the series.
December 29, 2014
Good concept. Muddled execution. Unlikable lead.
A different post apocalypse idea with poor execution. Difficult to like the primary character...or anyone else n the story for that matter.
A different post apocalypse idea with poor execution. Difficult to like the primary character...or anyone else n the story for that matter.
February 10, 2015
It was a slow start for me, couldn't get that connection to the books characters right away. Once I got more into the story, it was one that I had a hard time putting down. A stark reality of what could happen, a side to humanity that is not so nice. Looking forward to the next book, thanks Regan!
March 4, 2016
Heck of a ride
This crazy book had something for everyone. I am a reader of anything about survival so this book held my interest from the begining till the end. It was well written and I would recommend it to everyone. I will definitely be reading the next book. Very good job.
This crazy book had something for everyone. I am a reader of anything about survival so this book held my interest from the begining till the end. It was well written and I would recommend it to everyone. I will definitely be reading the next book. Very good job.
June 1, 2013
I couldn't get into it. Just too many missing pieces of the story to be enjoyable.
October 4, 2013
Very good book that held my interest with decent characters and plot. Looking forward to reading Shards, the sequel.
April 25, 2014
Another great end of the world series. It had some surprising twists and turns in it that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
January 24, 2015
Four and a half stars for this. Half a star deducted for the ending, bit too neat for me, but liked the story enough to buy the next part.
April 2, 2015
Good Canadian novel
Great characters,intriguing setting. I was really drawn to the finish. More importantly, this post apocalyptic story was plausible and not over the top.
Great characters,intriguing setting. I was really drawn to the finish. More importantly, this post apocalyptic story was plausible and not over the top.
August 5, 2015
A little slow and wordy. Characters are sometimes slow to develop, but he did reach a good conclusion.
February 15, 2014
Gritty and engrossing.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews