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The Runner #1
The Runner
This story is set in Hugh Howey's world of Wool
"We all have a reason for being here, we're just not sure what it is."
Time is running out. As the Great Flood threatens to consume the silo, Ace and a team of divers are in a desperate battle to avert disaster. When a terrible accident destroys the person he cares about most, Ace has little left to live for.
After nearly succumbing to the silo's flooded depths, he realizes that drastic measures must be taken in order to save their underground home. But those in charge deem his ideas too dangerous, his methods too forbidden, and he is shunned for his sin of toxic words.
When an opportunity for redemption presents itself, Ace has only one question: Why should he fight to save these people, if they aren't willing to help themselves?
"We all have a reason for being here, we're just not sure what it is."
Time is running out. As the Great Flood threatens to consume the silo, Ace and a team of divers are in a desperate battle to avert disaster. When a terrible accident destroys the person he cares about most, Ace has little left to live for.
After nearly succumbing to the silo's flooded depths, he realizes that drastic measures must be taken in order to save their underground home. But those in charge deem his ideas too dangerous, his methods too forbidden, and he is shunned for his sin of toxic words.
When an opportunity for redemption presents itself, Ace has only one question: Why should he fight to save these people, if they aren't willing to help themselves?
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
45 people are currently reading
2105 people want to read
About the author
W.J. Davies
19 books57 followersHello everyone,
My name is Wes Davies and I write under the name WJ Davies.
I currently have three novellas set in the Silo universe available entitled The Runner, The Diver, and The Watcher. These works are inspired by Hugh Howey's bestselling WOOL series and, unbelievably, have sold over 15,000 copies since January '13.
Living in Toronto, I work for a computer software company and write in my spare time, always dreaming up the next story idea while I write my current one. I take a lot of time to edit and was lucky enough to find an amazing group of beta readers who constantly keep me on my toes.
My all original work is a novel called Binary Cycle, the first part of which is available in the kindle store. This is the story that got me into writing, and I can't wait to release the next two installments. Look for Binary Cycle: Revelations in October.
I read a lot of Sci-Fi and am amazed at the quality work other authors are putting out there right now. Some recent favourites include The Martian, Voyage, Greatfall, and Atopia Chronicles.
This is truly an exciting time to be a writer or a reader. As long as we strive to produce our best quality work, the rising tide will lift all ships. I try to release a new work every 6-8 weeks, so come join the fun. Keep in touch on twitter @wjdaviesauthor or visit my website.
See you around.
My name is Wes Davies and I write under the name WJ Davies.
I currently have three novellas set in the Silo universe available entitled The Runner, The Diver, and The Watcher. These works are inspired by Hugh Howey's bestselling WOOL series and, unbelievably, have sold over 15,000 copies since January '13.
Living in Toronto, I work for a computer software company and write in my spare time, always dreaming up the next story idea while I write my current one. I take a lot of time to edit and was lucky enough to find an amazing group of beta readers who constantly keep me on my toes.
My all original work is a novel called Binary Cycle, the first part of which is available in the kindle store. This is the story that got me into writing, and I can't wait to release the next two installments. Look for Binary Cycle: Revelations in October.
I read a lot of Sci-Fi and am amazed at the quality work other authors are putting out there right now. Some recent favourites include The Martian, Voyage, Greatfall, and Atopia Chronicles.
This is truly an exciting time to be a writer or a reader. As long as we strive to produce our best quality work, the rising tide will lift all ships. I try to release a new work every 6-8 weeks, so come join the fun. Keep in touch on twitter @wjdaviesauthor or visit my website.
See you around.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 26, 2013
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this Wool story written by another author. Hugh Howey fully supported this effort and the end result was pretty great. The writing style wasn't too different and it "felt" like a Wool book. I particularly loved the introduction of gay protagonists. In fact, I had recently corresponded with Hugh Howey about this very subject - the shortage of visible gay characters in the Wool-verse and how homosexuality would be viewed in that environment. Definitely recommend if you are a fan of the Wool series.
February 9, 2013
I think if this story actually tied into the arc of the Wool/Silo series it would have been better but since it's fan fiction and not by Hugh Howley that was impossible. It was okay. And notable for having the first gay relationship in the series. But overall it just didn't grab me.
July 12, 2015
I enjoyed this one a lot, but I think I need to read the original series :-)
If there are more audiobooks in the future though, I'll be listening
If there are more audiobooks in the future though, I'll be listening
August 28, 2021
Decent spinoff from Howeys series.
March 13, 2013
Arg...
I have always avoided fan fiction. I think I fully understand why now.
The Runner was written well. I have no complaints with that at all.
The characters appeared well sketched out, understandable and engaging.
But the problem with The Runner, is essentially the problem with all fanfic. There isn't anything really new here. The author can't really expand beyond what we already know of the Wool series, without possibly conflicting with "the original" setting. This becomes particularly restrictive when the author is essentially limited to a silo.
So, what we're left with boils down to almost the exact same story as told within the first couple books of Wool. The characters are different... but the "surprise" is the same. Hell, our main character ends up with the exact same revelation as the main character in Wool. Yes, his final actions are different, based on a different situation. But in reality, not much changed.
I suppose I just need to stay away from fanfic.
I have always avoided fan fiction. I think I fully understand why now.
The Runner was written well. I have no complaints with that at all.
The characters appeared well sketched out, understandable and engaging.
But the problem with The Runner, is essentially the problem with all fanfic. There isn't anything really new here. The author can't really expand beyond what we already know of the Wool series, without possibly conflicting with "the original" setting. This becomes particularly restrictive when the author is essentially limited to a silo.
So, what we're left with boils down to almost the exact same story as told within the first couple books of Wool. The characters are different... but the "surprise" is the same. Hell, our main character ends up with the exact same revelation as the main character in Wool. Yes, his final actions are different, based on a different situation. But in reality, not much changed.
I suppose I just need to stay away from fanfic.
January 27, 2013
The Runner is a great addition to the Wool universe. With Howey's world in the silo(s), there's room for many lives to be told. I have one caveat, however, I hope that all following writers that are inclined to contribute to Howey's original series will have the same integrity to stay true to Howey's idea's and paradigms in the series the way Davies has managed admirably to do.
The risk is huge that other writers--and in particular, less skilled writers--will piggy-back onto Wool and degrade the original intent.
Davies has done a great job. Well written, well told and a welcomed point of view--a gay lead character.
On a completely petty note (I feel a little shameful even criticizing something that I would be unable to create) is Davies repeated phrase, "After all..." Maybe its my own pet peeve? Anyways, well done to Davies and recommended for Hugh Howey's Fans!
The risk is huge that other writers--and in particular, less skilled writers--will piggy-back onto Wool and degrade the original intent.
Davies has done a great job. Well written, well told and a welcomed point of view--a gay lead character.
On a completely petty note (I feel a little shameful even criticizing something that I would be unable to create) is Davies repeated phrase, "After all..." Maybe its my own pet peeve? Anyways, well done to Davies and recommended for Hugh Howey's Fans!
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January 27, 2013Well, I am not going to rate this, for the simple reason that I would be rating it in comparison with the full Wool and Shift series by Hugh Howey, the master himself. Also, as W.J. Davies himself states, this was an exercise to keep up the writing habit. As such, it is a very different thing to write a short, stand-alone story based upon someone else's work than to come up with a whole universe of one's own.
Having said this, I can recognize a fair amount of writing potential. I will keep track of this author and see what he comes up with under his own steam in his debut novel Binary Cycle.
Having said this, I can recognize a fair amount of writing potential. I will keep track of this author and see what he comes up with under his own steam in his debut novel Binary Cycle.
April 1, 2013
I don't normally stop reading a story, but I just don't feel motivated to finish this one. I'm glad I got it for free. It was...okay. The story was a great concept: couple in a silo struggle with similar secrets as depicted in Wool; one half the couple also has to deal with a flood in the down Deeps.
But the writing just wasn't there. What finally did me in were the inconsistencies this piece of fan fiction had with the original source. If you're writing fan fic, at least keep to the standards set by the original!
But the writing just wasn't there. What finally did me in were the inconsistencies this piece of fan fiction had with the original source. If you're writing fan fic, at least keep to the standards set by the original!
January 22, 2013
When I saw "fan fiction" my mind immediately went to thoughts of the satirical slapstick fanfic we're all kind of used to. Not the case here. This is some serious writing from a seriously talented fan. Can't wait for your upcoming novel Mr. Davies! I finished this far too quickly and was left wanting only more. Much like Hugh Howey's silo worlds, this one was carefully constructed and had beautiful depth and development for so short a story.
September 4, 2016
An excellent spin off story set in the world of Hugh Howey's Wool. If you enjoyed the Wool series you will enjoy this too. Very well written, it sticks very much to the spirit of Wool and the bleak, controlled life in the Silo. I very much enjoyed it.
March 25, 2021
This was an interesting story, just not my taste.
January 21, 2013
There are a whole lot of us Hugh Howey fans out there. We seem to be almost contagious in our newfound reverie of Hugh and the world of Silos he has created. Then we get the added joy of finding out about the Molly Fyde world and his stand alone novels. It seems with all this bounty that life is good, we are fulfilled in our literary dystopian need. Mr. Howey can do it all by himself. Until a little fan fiction starts creeping in. David Adams, Shear Terror was the first, and was great. It was almost a perfect symbol for those of riding the wave of the wool phenomenon and how we felt. How contagious we felt, as if we might change the world and destroy the world and anoint a new writer king in the process.
Then things calmed down in our own lives, Hugh went on to publish more books like the Shift Trilogy and the sickness that is I,Zombie. It seemed the rest of the world had woken up and "discovered" Hugh Howey and as great as that is, he doesn't seem so "ours" anymore. It's as if the revolution has become the government and thing are getting "normal" again.
Then WJ Davies, The Runner comes out and we are all reminded of that first little peek into this world, and it seems another star may be born.
Then things calmed down in our own lives, Hugh went on to publish more books like the Shift Trilogy and the sickness that is I,Zombie. It seemed the rest of the world had woken up and "discovered" Hugh Howey and as great as that is, he doesn't seem so "ours" anymore. It's as if the revolution has become the government and thing are getting "normal" again.
Then WJ Davies, The Runner comes out and we are all reminded of that first little peek into this world, and it seems another star may be born.
January 21, 2013
I found out about The Runner from Wool author Hugh Howey's blog. Howey wasn't upset that Davies was publishing Wool fan fic. In fact, just the opposite. Howey not only endorsed The Runner, praising the story and Davies style of writing, but from the sound of it, Howey actually encouraged Davies to publish the short story. Though The Runner is set in the Wool Universe (the Wooliverse as Howey calls it) it does not step on Howey's toes as far as his original Wool stories.
The Runner is the story of a Silo that is slowly flooding and of two gay men trying to live in a Silo where maintaining the population is paramount, despite its physically shrinking living space. Though The Runner story is complete, it left several unanswered questions. Should Davies decide to there is plenty of opportunity for sequels. And to be honest, I want more.
I would suggest reading Howey's original Wool books first, just to get the lay of the land, so to speak. The Runner is clearly a worthy offshoot of Howey's Wool stories. So worthy, in fact, that I immediately added it to my Wool Collection on my Kindle.
The Runner is the story of a Silo that is slowly flooding and of two gay men trying to live in a Silo where maintaining the population is paramount, despite its physically shrinking living space. Though The Runner story is complete, it left several unanswered questions. Should Davies decide to there is plenty of opportunity for sequels. And to be honest, I want more.
I would suggest reading Howey's original Wool books first, just to get the lay of the land, so to speak. The Runner is clearly a worthy offshoot of Howey's Wool stories. So worthy, in fact, that I immediately added it to my Wool Collection on my Kindle.
April 11, 2013
I read "The Runner" as soon as it came out, and it was my first foray into non-Howey stories set in the world of WOOL. I wasn't disappointed.
From the compelling opening to the satisfying finish, Davies keeps the story moving. I really enjoyed reading about brand new characters who live in a Silo and share much of the same challenges as those in WOOL, but with different specifics. What was particularly powerful in this book was the emotional depth of the relationships between the characters.
I'm not surprised that "The Runner" has taken off with readers and inspired other writers to jump in and play in Hugh Howey's universe. There are as many potential tales as there are steps in the great stairway....
Looking forward to the next book from Davies!
From the compelling opening to the satisfying finish, Davies keeps the story moving. I really enjoyed reading about brand new characters who live in a Silo and share much of the same challenges as those in WOOL, but with different specifics. What was particularly powerful in this book was the emotional depth of the relationships between the characters.
I'm not surprised that "The Runner" has taken off with readers and inspired other writers to jump in and play in Hugh Howey's universe. There are as many potential tales as there are steps in the great stairway....
Looking forward to the next book from Davies!
January 22, 2013
I read the Amazon sample and was immediately drawn into this fanfic story, set in Hugh Howey's thought-provoking Silo world, so hit the 1-Click purchase button and spent an engrossing hour reading the story.
Although I would recommend reading the original Wool series first, this story could also serve as a great introduction to the Silo world for new readers ... at the end I was left wanting to know more, just like with the original Wool 1 short-story. I am absolutely fascinated by the Silo world and hope this is the first of many more fanfic stories.
W.J. Davies can definitely weave a good tale and I look forward to the release of his up-coming debut novel.
Although I would recommend reading the original Wool series first, this story could also serve as a great introduction to the Silo world for new readers ... at the end I was left wanting to know more, just like with the original Wool 1 short-story. I am absolutely fascinated by the Silo world and hope this is the first of many more fanfic stories.
W.J. Davies can definitely weave a good tale and I look forward to the release of his up-coming debut novel.
December 18, 2016
This is another good story set in the Wool universe. I am impressed at how Hugh Howey has allowed other authors to extend his setting with new stories and characters. I very quickly became invested in Mick and Ace in this story and find myself wanting to continue the series. I have yet to read a story based on Wool that I didn't like, each one seems to take a slightly different angle and they have all been interesting.
December 18, 2013
Wow Wow Wow
This was recommended by Hugh Howey. A fanfic novella, set in the Wool universe.
I was captivated from the beginning, loved reading about another story of the silo... , there really could be many, many more stories from different resident's point of view.
This book probably should be read after Wool, so as not to spoil what you find out in the later books of the Omnibus.
I am definitely keen to read more of W.J. Davies's books
This was recommended by Hugh Howey. A fanfic novella, set in the Wool universe.
I was captivated from the beginning, loved reading about another story of the silo... , there really could be many, many more stories from different resident's point of view.
This book probably should be read after Wool, so as not to spoil what you find out in the later books of the Omnibus.
I am definitely keen to read more of W.J. Davies's books
August 11, 2016
If I had not already read WOOL, I would have probably given this story 4 stars. But the end of THE RUNNER is for WOOL readers really no big surprise. Otherwise the story embeds nicely into the world of the silo.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
August 11, 2013
For those who cannot get enough of life in the silo, you're gonna love this series by WJ Davies. The fan fiction that Hugh Howey welcomes and promotes is your way to explore the different stories that lie inside each silo. This series develops an interesting and refreshing outcome, which I presume may be quite the opposite of that which lies ahead in DUST. Davies develops his characters with much depth; we close the book with new friends and enemies. Don't miss this series.
January 31, 2013
I have very little experience with fanfic, but as this goes I was pretty impressed with how true to Hugh Howey's world this was. Even the manner in which it was presented. Flashbacks, present day, etc.
If you enjoy the Wool series/world, you should definitely give this a read. But word to the wise, read the Wool omnibus first.
If you enjoy the Wool series/world, you should definitely give this a read. But word to the wise, read the Wool omnibus first.
February 3, 2013
So, I paid for fanfic. Weird. But a good story set in my favorite universe of the moment, and I'm adding the author's forthcoming original novel to my to-read.
March 19, 2013
I enjoyed this more than I expected. Very human story with a great ending. It left me wanting to know what happened next.
September 8, 2016
Just didn't wanna leave the world of Silo yet... so I bought this series. Will read it next!
Review on the way.
Review on the way.
July 1, 2023
( Format : Audiobook )
"We all have a reason for being alive."
it is some years since I read, and enjoyed, the claustrophobic Wool series by Hugh Howdy and even then I knew that it had generated a lot of fan fiction, much of it, I believe, encouraged by Mr.Howdy himself. The Runner is one such, utilising the original silo settings as the landscape for this story. It is an easy read, simple as long as the reader is aware of the original, and similar in style to Wool.
Pleasantly read by Chris Patton
A worthy addition to the original series but without really adding anything new.
"We all have a reason for being alive."
it is some years since I read, and enjoyed, the claustrophobic Wool series by Hugh Howdy and even then I knew that it had generated a lot of fan fiction, much of it, I believe, encouraged by Mr.Howdy himself. The Runner is one such, utilising the original silo settings as the landscape for this story. It is an easy read, simple as long as the reader is aware of the original, and similar in style to Wool.
Pleasantly read by Chris Patton
A worthy addition to the original series but without really adding anything new.
February 16, 2021
While this was a short story, it has created a desire to read/listen to more of this series. I would like to find out how they got stuck living in the silo as well as gaining more insight into the world of this story as well as the various characters. Not to mention what happens/happened to Ace.
July 1, 2021
It was great to be back in the silo world again. There were a few inconsistencies but that can easily be explained by the differing needs of different silos. If there’s a #2, I’m sure I will read that too.
January 26, 2017
A silo cleaner goes running. Consistent with Hugh Howey's Silo world. Good short story. Not much depth since it was so short. Good ending though.
July 2, 2018
Enjoyed it
sssss s s s e r e event ever right t tinting hub. Vgvbb. Bobbin :/ h h u u fun f. 'm sssssssss.
sssss s s s e r e event ever right t tinting hub. Vgvbb. Bobbin :/ h h u u fun f. 'm sssssssss.
December 10, 2018
Sticking a toe in to fanfic. This was... fine?
May 22, 2021
Loved the story. The WOOL universe is unique and totally believable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews