What do you think?
Rate this book
Dear Apocalypse #2
Death to Anyone Who Reads This: A Found Novel
This is the sequel to The Balloon Hunter.
If you haven't read that yet, do so first.
If you have read it, try not to make the same mistake over and over...
...like I keep doing.
If you haven't read that yet, do so first.
If you have read it, try not to make the same mistake over and over...
...like I keep doing.
100 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2023
176 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Hugh Howey
151 books57.7k followersI'm the author of WOOL, a top 5 science fiction book on Amazon. I also wrote the Molly Fyde saga, a tale of a teenager from the 25th century who is repeatedly told that girls can't do certain things -- and then does them anyway.
A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified as science fiction, since they often take place in the future, but if you love great stories and memorable characters, you'll dig what you find here. I promise.
A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified as science fiction, since they often take place in the future, but if you love great stories and memorable characters, you'll dig what you find here. I promise.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 29, 2023
Engaging
The authors, in this sequel, continue the apocalyptic trials of survivors. Intense and intriguing. There is a rhythm to the writing that pulls you in.
The authors, in this sequel, continue the apocalyptic trials of survivors. Intense and intriguing. There is a rhythm to the writing that pulls you in.
January 12, 2026
Death to Anyone Who Reads This is the sequel to Hugh Howey and Elinor Taylor's excellent short novel The Balloon Hunter, which I recently finished. The action picks up right after The Balloon Hunter ends and we have the same main characters in the same setting, near a Costco in a post-apocalyptic America. This is also a short novel, only 100 pages in my print copy and a quick read. Whereas The Balloon Hunter was presented as written on a series of postcards, this novel was presented as written in a journal. Very unique and creative they are.
Hugh Howey knows how to tell a depressing bleak tale, and Elinor Taylor is known for her dark flash fiction so I expected these two novels to be deliciously grim. I found this novel to be easier to digest as the entries were longer than what was found on postcards in The Balloon Hunter and it was easier to follow.
I loved this. The twist ending absolutely blew my mind and I immediately went back and started reading over again. I'm not going to write anything more about either book as I would hate to give out or even hint at any spoilers. Any fan of Hugh Howey's fiction will enjoy these two short dark gems.
Hugh Howey knows how to tell a depressing bleak tale, and Elinor Taylor is known for her dark flash fiction so I expected these two novels to be deliciously grim. I found this novel to be easier to digest as the entries were longer than what was found on postcards in The Balloon Hunter and it was easier to follow.
I loved this. The twist ending absolutely blew my mind and I immediately went back and started reading over again. I'm not going to write anything more about either book as I would hate to give out or even hint at any spoilers. Any fan of Hugh Howey's fiction will enjoy these two short dark gems.
March 3, 2024
thanks for wasting my precious sunday.
All this shit for a dumb plot twist, because you don’t get anything more than that. To everyone who didn’t read the second one you did gooooooood 👍
All this shit for a dumb plot twist, because you don’t get anything more than that. To everyone who didn’t read the second one you did gooooooood 👍
August 26, 2023
This story would make a great miniseries
The Balloon Hunter and this sequel would make a fantastic post-apocalyptic miniseries. It’s a great premise, and once again Hugh Howey has found a way to bring a new twist to the overstuffed dystopian genre. I haven’t read anything else by Elinore Taylor, and am now excited to add her to my list. Both of them are fast reads and well worth your time.
The Balloon Hunter and this sequel would make a fantastic post-apocalyptic miniseries. It’s a great premise, and once again Hugh Howey has found a way to bring a new twist to the overstuffed dystopian genre. I haven’t read anything else by Elinore Taylor, and am now excited to add her to my list. Both of them are fast reads and well worth your time.
August 22, 2023
Love this book - definitely one you want to immediately reread to see what you missed the first time. And I want to reread The Balloon Hunter now too.
January 5, 2024
Death To Anyone Who Reads This is the sequel to The Balloon Hunter and is another “Found Novel”.
The first book introduced us to a dismal, depressing, and sinister apocalyptic world. Something has poisoned the air; killing off billions of humans, mutating others, and leaving a small group of people to survive in the ruins of civilization. This book was told through a series of postcards, carried aloft by helium balloons.
Book two picks up where the first one left off. Rather than using balloons, our anti-hero Rita now writes in a journal. As with the first book, a man has found the journal, is writing his own thoughts about the entries in the alternating pages, and decides to set off to find the author.
Hugh Howey is one of my favorite Science Fiction authors. He has collaborated on these books with British author Elinor Taylor, an author with whom I was previously unfamiliar. After reading The Balloon Hunter, I immediately read everything Taylor had published and found that each of these authors have written a number of very dark, apocalyptic books. Together, well, this is no Mary Poppins.
My first response to Death To Anyone Who Reads This was that it was going to be a repetition of the first book. The Balloon Hunter was exciting, not only because of the storyline but due to the unique presentation of it being told via postcards. The pages in a journal are larger than a postcard allowing the entries, and responses, to be a bit more detailed but the presentation is pretty much identical to book one, Rita’s entry followed by the other protagonist’s response.
Despite my initial misgivings, I quickly discovered that the second book adds quite a bit to the storyline. We have a number of new characters, a lot more psychological musings, and some new surprises. I do caution you to be sure and read book one first to get the full impact of book two.
Both of these books are incredibly depressing. Both serve as a warning that there is only so much abuse the earth can take before it turns on us. They both speak to the lengths to which humans will go in order to survive. They both shine a light on the question of what it is to be human and what happens when pressed so hard we de-evolve back to our most animalistic natures. Most of all, these books make you think - something that I consider to be the most important reason for writing and reading.
The first book introduced us to a dismal, depressing, and sinister apocalyptic world. Something has poisoned the air; killing off billions of humans, mutating others, and leaving a small group of people to survive in the ruins of civilization. This book was told through a series of postcards, carried aloft by helium balloons.
Book two picks up where the first one left off. Rather than using balloons, our anti-hero Rita now writes in a journal. As with the first book, a man has found the journal, is writing his own thoughts about the entries in the alternating pages, and decides to set off to find the author.
Hugh Howey is one of my favorite Science Fiction authors. He has collaborated on these books with British author Elinor Taylor, an author with whom I was previously unfamiliar. After reading The Balloon Hunter, I immediately read everything Taylor had published and found that each of these authors have written a number of very dark, apocalyptic books. Together, well, this is no Mary Poppins.
My first response to Death To Anyone Who Reads This was that it was going to be a repetition of the first book. The Balloon Hunter was exciting, not only because of the storyline but due to the unique presentation of it being told via postcards. The pages in a journal are larger than a postcard allowing the entries, and responses, to be a bit more detailed but the presentation is pretty much identical to book one, Rita’s entry followed by the other protagonist’s response.
Despite my initial misgivings, I quickly discovered that the second book adds quite a bit to the storyline. We have a number of new characters, a lot more psychological musings, and some new surprises. I do caution you to be sure and read book one first to get the full impact of book two.
Both of these books are incredibly depressing. Both serve as a warning that there is only so much abuse the earth can take before it turns on us. They both speak to the lengths to which humans will go in order to survive. They both shine a light on the question of what it is to be human and what happens when pressed so hard we de-evolve back to our most animalistic natures. Most of all, these books make you think - something that I consider to be the most important reason for writing and reading.
October 22, 2025
Similar to The Balloon Hunter, this sequel is a “found novel,” but this time through journal entries instead of postcards. There’s one character who wrote journal entries and another character who is writing on the blank backsides of those entries. The book doesn’t do much to expand the world-building of the first one, but it was still an interesting read as you try to figure out who one of the characters is (the first one signs their name to their entries, so you know) and what might happen at the end.
There was a passage that really struck me. One of the characters is reflecting on how they used to have trouble suspending their disbelief when reading fiction. “How could so much happen to a single protagonist? How could every bullet miss? . . . The apocalypse is teaching me the answer: We work backwards. Take any random survivor this deep into the mess, and these are the ones the bullets (mostly) missed.”
While I didn’t like this one as much as The Balloon Hunter, it’s still an enjoyable read. PSA: The font is small and pale, which makes it hard to read on a Kindle, though it seems to be ok on the Kindle app.
There was a passage that really struck me. One of the characters is reflecting on how they used to have trouble suspending their disbelief when reading fiction. “How could so much happen to a single protagonist? How could every bullet miss? . . . The apocalypse is teaching me the answer: We work backwards. Take any random survivor this deep into the mess, and these are the ones the bullets (mostly) missed.”
While I didn’t like this one as much as The Balloon Hunter, it’s still an enjoyable read. PSA: The font is small and pale, which makes it hard to read on a Kindle, though it seems to be ok on the Kindle app.
September 21, 2025
OK now I think I know what happened. Sort of. Maybe not. Whatever. Doesn't matter - this was still awesome. I guess half the fun is trying to figure it out. Anyway, loved the first one and loved this one. And yeah Howey, we need a Dear Apocalypse, #3. And #4, and 5. Rita rules.
September 17, 2023
Really enjoyed reading both of these books (the other is The Balloon Hunter), which are written in the form of postcards and journals. They each had a fun twist at the end and were quick reads. Just fun & different.
January 19, 2024
Rita Returns in Another “Dear Apocalypse” Novella with a Great Twist
I read “The Balloon Hunter” yesterday afternoon and turned to “Death to Anyone Who Reads This” today. Reading the two books back-to-back is a real treat! I enjoyed this book even more than #1–the twist was stronger and even more haunting. Great stuff.
*Brief Synopsis: This novel is written in the form of a journal written by the enigmatic Rita following the events of “The Balloon Hunter”, again accompanied by supplemental entries on the back pages by someone reading it later. One story relates Rita’s actions after she escapes from the Costco and seeks another refuge, while the other relates a person’s vengeful journey to the same Costco to put a stop to the balloons once and for all.
*Stellar Twist: I’m not fundamentally opposed to writing spoilers in my Goodreads reviews, but I don’t think I will here—mostly because I’m sure I’ll remember it. I’ll just say that I was pretty sure I had it figured out a couple times over (“Chem” was a central player in my working theory for much of the book, followed by a “warmer”, more eye-opening realization near the end that was also ultimately proven wrong) but finally only got there when the authors wanted me to. What a treat! There’s more poignant writing and elements of human hope and suffering here, along with a hefty dose of examining how people’s perspectives and personalities change over time.
*One other note: I think Hugh Howe and Elinor Taylor were pretty savvy to put this book together as a pair. I’m sure it’s not this clear-cut, but much of the story benefits from what I would term a stereotypically “female voice” juxtaposed with a stereotypically “male voice.” Whether this shift in voices is directly attributable to the voices of two authors or not, the end result gets the job done.
This was another super fun read that offered me another delightful afternoon of entertainment. The great twist brought it home—I’d love to read a third “Dear Apocalypse” novel.
I read “The Balloon Hunter” yesterday afternoon and turned to “Death to Anyone Who Reads This” today. Reading the two books back-to-back is a real treat! I enjoyed this book even more than #1–the twist was stronger and even more haunting. Great stuff.
*Brief Synopsis: This novel is written in the form of a journal written by the enigmatic Rita following the events of “The Balloon Hunter”, again accompanied by supplemental entries on the back pages by someone reading it later. One story relates Rita’s actions after she escapes from the Costco and seeks another refuge, while the other relates a person’s vengeful journey to the same Costco to put a stop to the balloons once and for all.
*Stellar Twist: I’m not fundamentally opposed to writing spoilers in my Goodreads reviews, but I don’t think I will here—mostly because I’m sure I’ll remember it. I’ll just say that I was pretty sure I had it figured out a couple times over (“Chem” was a central player in my working theory for much of the book, followed by a “warmer”, more eye-opening realization near the end that was also ultimately proven wrong) but finally only got there when the authors wanted me to. What a treat! There’s more poignant writing and elements of human hope and suffering here, along with a hefty dose of examining how people’s perspectives and personalities change over time.
*One other note: I think Hugh Howe and Elinor Taylor were pretty savvy to put this book together as a pair. I’m sure it’s not this clear-cut, but much of the story benefits from what I would term a stereotypically “female voice” juxtaposed with a stereotypically “male voice.” Whether this shift in voices is directly attributable to the voices of two authors or not, the end result gets the job done.
This was another super fun read that offered me another delightful afternoon of entertainment. The great twist brought it home—I’d love to read a third “Dear Apocalypse” novel.
June 2, 2025
Amazing. I feel so sorry for anyone who gave up in confusion or darkness after Balloon Hunter. This pays off by the end, and explains everything (well, everything important). It's a dark and powerfully depressing view of apocalypse, but the twists in this book make so much sense in the end. I haven't read a book so satisfying in quite a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
Excellent!
Loved the twists and turns and pacing of this thriller. I did not see the last several pages coming and I loved that! Thank you!
Loved the twists and turns and pacing of this thriller. I did not see the last several pages coming and I loved that! Thank you!
May 1, 2025
I really like what Howey and Taylor have got going here. This time around, our postcard writer from The Balloon Hunter has moved on to a personal journal, and someone in the future is writing his own on the opposite pages. Not as compelling as the first book as these two scribes have very little connection to each other, but still really gets your imaginative juices flowing. I hope this post-apocalyptic experiment continues though!
January 8, 2024
A very satisfying follow up to the Balloon Hunter. It was a quick and fun read. I think that, in the spirt of the series, I will add my own note and put these two books in a Free Little Library.
August 20, 2023
So excited when I ran across this unexpectedly on Amazon. Didn’t realize a sequel was coming!
A great twist at the end. Need to reread and pick up on a few more things that I missed.
Fingers crossed for a third book!
A great twist at the end. Need to reread and pick up on a few more things that I missed.
Fingers crossed for a third book!
August 27, 2023
Brilliance you don’t see coming.
This series continues to surprise me. From beginning to end it’s not what I expected. Had to go back and reread immediately with that ending! The lightbulb lit up after a few seconds. Can not wait for the next one if there is one!
This series continues to surprise me. From beginning to end it’s not what I expected. Had to go back and reread immediately with that ending! The lightbulb lit up after a few seconds. Can not wait for the next one if there is one!
December 18, 2023
Wow. This ending flipped my head around. I went back and read half the book again immediately after finishing it. Haven’t felt like that since watching Fight Club for the first time. Incredible. Balloon Hunter did a similar thing at the end, but this one was done expertly. Jesus, so good.
September 10, 2023
Wow got me again
Awesome! Went back to read it again. Well done. Impressed. 5 stars, would stay again! Worth every penny! Thank you
Awesome! Went back to read it again. Well done. Impressed. 5 stars, would stay again! Worth every penny! Thank you
December 2, 2023
Another surprising twisty ending!
February 28, 2024
Wow! What a twist at the end! I did not see that coming. This is a short story that packs a lot of punch, I hope there will be more.
May 27, 2024
This sequel was almost as much fun as the first. I did miss the postcard pictures but understand the necessary absence. Also, the format made it impossible for me to read on my Voyage Kindle.
**A note on format**
I read the Kindle edition currently available for free on Kindle Unlimited. The format worked on my Voyage reader for book #1, but I was unable to use it for #2. If you typically need to use larger than the size 9 font then this format may be a struggle for you. I had to use the free Kindle app on my computer for a larger screen. It is a quick read so I was only slightly annoyed when I finished.
**A note on format**
I read the Kindle edition currently available for free on Kindle Unlimited. The format worked on my Voyage reader for book #1, but I was unable to use it for #2. If you typically need to use larger than the size 9 font then this format may be a struggle for you. I had to use the free Kindle app on my computer for a larger screen. It is a quick read so I was only slightly annoyed when I finished.
March 3, 2025
I picked this up on Kindle Unlimited minutes after finishing The Balloon Hunter (which I loved). That one is just barely legible on a Kindle with its postcard images. These "handwritten" journal pages are NOT legible on a black and white Kindle. I had to switch to my phone, which I really don't like reading on for long periods, and while it has the resolution to be legible, the print is REALLY small.
I found this pretty boring and repetitive for the first half. It picked up after that, but it never really captured the charm of the first. Didn't really love the twist, either.
I found this pretty boring and repetitive for the first half. It picked up after that, but it never really captured the charm of the first. Didn't really love the twist, either.
January 12, 2026
I bought this series because someone recommended it to me because I love books that play with form and text (eg House of Leaves, the astronomer’s club). And I loved the Silo series. So good. But these books were a bit disappointing.
Like the first book, there’s an important plot twist (I won’t spoil it for you). It messes with your head a bit. I just think these could have been so much better. I wished the publisher has pushed beyond the basics, actually made the book feel like a diary, give it a more authentic experience. Otherwise, it falls a bit flat.
Like the first book, there’s an important plot twist (I won’t spoil it for you). It messes with your head a bit. I just think these could have been so much better. I wished the publisher has pushed beyond the basics, actually made the book feel like a diary, give it a more authentic experience. Otherwise, it falls a bit flat.
September 5, 2023
Very creative sequel to The Balloon Hunter. Read the first book first. This is a post-apocalyptic diary about meeting people after a destructive fog has decimated 99% of the population, and what is left is scary, and how do you deal and connect. It's also a mystery story. Just, I don't know why the people in the story had to always kill people when they see them - that was never very clear. It has a nice twist to it.
February 2, 2025
This is the sequel toThe Balloon Hunter. I actually finished this a couple weeks ago, but have been letting it sit and digest. I’m still not sure what happens at the end 🤣🤣🤣 There’s a definite twist (like in the first one), but I’m not sure if I understood it correctly LOL. I also can’t find a single article, post, or spoiler about it ANYWHERE. 🤯 Regardless, I enjoyed it as a whole. But if anyone wants to help a sister out and tell me what happened at the end, I’m all ears 😂😂😂
February 15, 2025
A strong 4 1/2 stars, just as I gave to book #1 in this series, The Balloon Hunter. A great continuation of the story...but I still have questions. That's why it isn't yet a 5 star review. Could very well be edited to 5 stars after I read it again and figure out a few answers.
(I liked it so much, I know I'd read it again, no matter what. In fact, I'm going to buy the physical copies of this and The Balloon Hunter because I need to have them as real books on my real shelves.)
(I liked it so much, I know I'd read it again, no matter what. In fact, I'm going to buy the physical copies of this and The Balloon Hunter because I need to have them as real books on my real shelves.)
June 18, 2025
I read this on my kindle, and my biggest issue is that no matter what settings I adjusted my kindle to, the writing was too light for me, any my eyes hard a hard time adjusting to it.
That said...having not read many apocalyptic books in the past, I really wasn't sure what to expect. A good read. I don't tend to reread books often, but I might with this series because of the uniqueness of their form.
That said...having not read many apocalyptic books in the past, I really wasn't sure what to expect. A good read. I don't tend to reread books often, but I might with this series because of the uniqueness of their form.
July 14, 2025
A sequel to the balloon hunter book wasn't something I was expecting to see as it felt very much like a one off story.
this is probably better enjoyed as a physical book as it was really hard to read on my kindle
It follows a similar lost diary format to the first it does it in a different way that just about worked.
I did get the "twist" quite early on but until it was confirmed at the end I was still second guessing myself. Not quite as good as the first one, but still enjoyable
this is probably better enjoyed as a physical book as it was really hard to read on my kindle
It follows a similar lost diary format to the first it does it in a different way that just about worked.
I did get the "twist" quite early on but until it was confirmed at the end I was still second guessing myself. Not quite as good as the first one, but still enjoyable
September 10, 2023
A short read but well worth it. I found the previous book hard to read in places as it was difficult to read the writing over the greyed out postcards but this was a much better change of pace. I really enjoyed this and would love to see more in the series
October 8, 2023
quick read…I couldn’t stop…
Okay, I rushed into this book after re-reading the first. I suck at writing reviews. I was completely absorbed in this book, just as I was with the first. Some things were answered. Really well-written.
Okay, I rushed into this book after re-reading the first. I suck at writing reviews. I was completely absorbed in this book, just as I was with the first. Some things were answered. Really well-written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews