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The Last Warm Place
The monsters came out of nowhere. Even before we starting dropping nuclear warheads on them, we didn’t know where they came from. We just knew that they were huge. Most of the population perished as a result of the monsters, the bombs, or the fallout.
Those that survived roamed the landscape for supplies or other people. Some of them discovered that the monsters left behind nests that sit upon the landscape like sunken storm clouds. And something inside is alive.
Kendra and Eric face their own trails as they seek out a rumored military safe zone. With a baby in tow and violence at every turn, the nests become an afterthought until they find themselves forced to enter one. Inside, there is only death and madness—something they will have to adapt to if they want to survive.
Those that survived roamed the landscape for supplies or other people. Some of them discovered that the monsters left behind nests that sit upon the landscape like sunken storm clouds. And something inside is alive.
Kendra and Eric face their own trails as they seek out a rumored military safe zone. With a baby in tow and violence at every turn, the nests become an afterthought until they find themselves forced to enter one. Inside, there is only death and madness—something they will have to adapt to if they want to survive.
- GenresHorrorPost Apocalyptic
260 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
19 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Barry Napier
112 books62 followersBarry Napier is the author of The Cooper M. Reid series, The Bleeding Room, Bound, Break Every Chain, Nests, and several other titles. His books span a wide range of genres, from paranormal thrillers to Christian adventure.
He works as a ghostwriter while working on his own titles. He enjoys coffee, ambient music, and irony.
He works as a ghostwriter while working on his own titles. He enjoys coffee, ambient music, and irony.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 2, 2015
I will start out by saying this book was five stars until the ending. I had to take a star away for that ending, and I won't say any more than that here. I will say though, even though I hated the ending, it was clever.
Now, that being said, otherwise this book was 5 stars to me. It had the post-apocalyptic feel of Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD but with a little more sci fi. Very bleak. I loved the writing style, and really loved the story. Basically creatures from another dimension invade Earth, and when we use nuclear weapons to stop them we just end up destroying our own planet. But rather than focus on the creatures or planet, this novel focuses more on the human aspect, which makes for a compelling story.
If you like post-apocalyptic fiction, this one is definitely worth your time.
Now, that being said, otherwise this book was 5 stars to me. It had the post-apocalyptic feel of Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD but with a little more sci fi. Very bleak. I loved the writing style, and really loved the story. Basically creatures from another dimension invade Earth, and when we use nuclear weapons to stop them we just end up destroying our own planet. But rather than focus on the creatures or planet, this novel focuses more on the human aspect, which makes for a compelling story.
If you like post-apocalyptic fiction, this one is definitely worth your time.
October 5, 2013
This read was a little too simple for my tastes. Kendra, her baby, and Eric are trying to survive in a world of Nest. Food is scarce and time seems to be running out. They need a safe place so they head out to where there might be a haven, but run into guys who want to use them to figure out what the nest is.
The story was slow going and lacked the action needed to keep the reader's attention. I could have easily skipped a chapter or two and picked right back up on what was happening. The creature and descriptions were vague; "I hear something. It had a circular shape. I think it's part of something much bigger. I hear a sound from somewhere." That was quite annoying. I was thinking, "WHAT?! What do you see, feel, hear?" There was also a lot of crying and weeping for these dehydrated people. I guess I'd do that too if I felt I was gonna die any minute.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't good either.
The story was slow going and lacked the action needed to keep the reader's attention. I could have easily skipped a chapter or two and picked right back up on what was happening. The creature and descriptions were vague; "I hear something. It had a circular shape. I think it's part of something much bigger. I hear a sound from somewhere." That was quite annoying. I was thinking, "WHAT?! What do you see, feel, hear?" There was also a lot of crying and weeping for these dehydrated people. I guess I'd do that too if I felt I was gonna die any minute.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't good either.
December 10, 2013
A fun read, if a little dark. Lovecraft meets The Road as a couple walks along a post-apocalyptic highway and learn the meaning of the mysterious black zones that dot the landscape.
The ending is... well, you'll just have to read it to see.
The ending is... well, you'll just have to read it to see.
November 22, 2014
Enjoyed it until the end...that's all I got to say.
July 4, 2024
4.5 Stars
WOW!! I have always been a fanatic for apocalyptic horror, and this one is going on my highly recommended list for this category.
This book follows our main character, his partner, and her baby as they cross the country in search of a "safe zone" after monstrous creatures storm the world, causing a nuclear fallout.
During their journey, they run into all sorts of terrifying ordeals in a post-apocalyptic world of cannibals, scavengers, other deadly survivors, and horrifying nests that the creatures left behind.
The world building and atmosphere is very Cormac McCarthys "The Road." It's incredibly bleak and sets the entire mood for the story. The suspense is absolutely nail-biting, and I was constantly worried for the characters' well-being.
And that ending...my jaw was on the floor.
Overall, this a fantastic book with apocalyptic, cosmic, and creature horror themes that would be perfect for fans of "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, and also "Annhialation" by Jeff Vandermeer
WOW!! I have always been a fanatic for apocalyptic horror, and this one is going on my highly recommended list for this category.
This book follows our main character, his partner, and her baby as they cross the country in search of a "safe zone" after monstrous creatures storm the world, causing a nuclear fallout.
During their journey, they run into all sorts of terrifying ordeals in a post-apocalyptic world of cannibals, scavengers, other deadly survivors, and horrifying nests that the creatures left behind.
The world building and atmosphere is very Cormac McCarthys "The Road." It's incredibly bleak and sets the entire mood for the story. The suspense is absolutely nail-biting, and I was constantly worried for the characters' well-being.
And that ending...my jaw was on the floor.
Overall, this a fantastic book with apocalyptic, cosmic, and creature horror themes that would be perfect for fans of "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, and also "Annhialation" by Jeff Vandermeer
August 9, 2014
The world ends in a whimper
It's hard to know where to start to describe this one. There has been an apocalypse due to an extra dimensional creature. What their motives are we never find out but for some reason they have the ability to make a person think they see dead loved ones. The characters aren't the typical survivalist nor are they terribly likable.
It's hard to know where to start to describe this one. There has been an apocalypse due to an extra dimensional creature. What their motives are we never find out but for some reason they have the ability to make a person think they see dead loved ones. The characters aren't the typical survivalist nor are they terribly likable.
November 25, 2020
Not my usual cup of tea, but...
...Barry Napier weaves a compelling tale, set in a post nuclear darkness, with elements of other-worldliness as well. If you like King & Koontz, give The Last Warm Place a try.
...Barry Napier weaves a compelling tale, set in a post nuclear darkness, with elements of other-worldliness as well. If you like King & Koontz, give The Last Warm Place a try.
June 22, 2022
THE LAST WARM PLACE is the story of Kendra and Eric, two survivors of an apocalyptic near-future in which the world was invaded by giant, destructive monsters. In a last act of desperation, humanity used nuclear weapons against these unnamable horrors, effectively finishing the job for them. Now, with most of humanity gone, the world is a dark place of perpetual twilight dotted with small numbers of surviving humans and the nests in which the monstrous creatures make their homes. Against this blasted landscape, Eric, Kendra, and Kendra's baby leave the uncertain safety of the house they've been living in for several months to seek out a rumored military outpost and the hope for a better life for themselves and the infant. Will they survive the long march into the unknown? And even if they do, what will they find on the other side of the journey?
THE LAST WARM PLACE is, to put it mildly, a bleak and frankly depressing tale. The world through which our characters move is one in which hope has been largely extinguished, and both Eric (our narrator) and Kendra know the sanctuary they seek may no longer even exist. Still, they both realize their fragile life cannot go on as it has been, in constant fear of being murdered by other roving humans or succumbing to hunger or disease. They want something more, and they especially want a chance for Kendra's baby to grow up and have a normal life. Despite all the things he knows can go wrong, Eric gives in to Kendra's desire to seek out this last purported refuge, and is determined to get her and her baby there no matter the cost to himself. The dynamic between our two leads is strong but, like much of the story, rather ambiguous. Eric and Kendra are not lovers, and they aren't even sure who the baby's father is. But they do care for one another, and Eric's strong paternal instincts drive him to do everything he can for Kendra and her child even when he's pushed to his limits. Both of our protagonists are likable but realistically flawed. They aren't heroes, just people trying to do the best they can in a fallen world.
Author Barry Napier does a great job in crafting a narrative that moves swiftly while still taking the time for reflection and introspection. There's a lot that never becomes clear, and even though the reader is given new information as the plot moves forward much remains ambiguous. The invading monsters who started it all, for instance, are never fully explained, but remain merely alien, enigmatic predators throughout. In the end, the story takes a few perhaps unexpected philosophic and even spiritual turns, but while these elements may take the reader by surprise, they are not unwelcome and make a great deal of sense within the narrative framework.
THE LAST WARM PLACE probably isn't a novel for everyone. It's a dark story that is even bleaker than most other dystopian books I've read, but all the same there are spots of light here and there. If you're looking for an apocalyptic novel that focuses more on characters and ideas than swashbuckling excitement, and are okay with an atmosphere of unrelenting dread, then this is a book you might want to check out. I'm certainly glad I did.
THE LAST WARM PLACE is, to put it mildly, a bleak and frankly depressing tale. The world through which our characters move is one in which hope has been largely extinguished, and both Eric (our narrator) and Kendra know the sanctuary they seek may no longer even exist. Still, they both realize their fragile life cannot go on as it has been, in constant fear of being murdered by other roving humans or succumbing to hunger or disease. They want something more, and they especially want a chance for Kendra's baby to grow up and have a normal life. Despite all the things he knows can go wrong, Eric gives in to Kendra's desire to seek out this last purported refuge, and is determined to get her and her baby there no matter the cost to himself. The dynamic between our two leads is strong but, like much of the story, rather ambiguous. Eric and Kendra are not lovers, and they aren't even sure who the baby's father is. But they do care for one another, and Eric's strong paternal instincts drive him to do everything he can for Kendra and her child even when he's pushed to his limits. Both of our protagonists are likable but realistically flawed. They aren't heroes, just people trying to do the best they can in a fallen world.
Author Barry Napier does a great job in crafting a narrative that moves swiftly while still taking the time for reflection and introspection. There's a lot that never becomes clear, and even though the reader is given new information as the plot moves forward much remains ambiguous. The invading monsters who started it all, for instance, are never fully explained, but remain merely alien, enigmatic predators throughout. In the end, the story takes a few perhaps unexpected philosophic and even spiritual turns, but while these elements may take the reader by surprise, they are not unwelcome and make a great deal of sense within the narrative framework.
THE LAST WARM PLACE probably isn't a novel for everyone. It's a dark story that is even bleaker than most other dystopian books I've read, but all the same there are spots of light here and there. If you're looking for an apocalyptic novel that focuses more on characters and ideas than swashbuckling excitement, and are okay with an atmosphere of unrelenting dread, then this is a book you might want to check out. I'm certainly glad I did.
March 6, 2019
Die Nester, keiner weiß woher die Ungeheuer kamen. Die Regierung war gezwungen Nuklearsprengköpfe einzusetzen. Unsere Welt ist nun nicht mehr die selbe. Einen blauen Himmel gab es schon lange nicht mehr. Die Welt ist nur noch grau.
Bei 170 Seiten möchte ich nicht zu viel verraten. Also ganz kurz und knackig. Es geht um Kendra, ihr Baby und Eric, eine der wenigen Überlebenden. Sie wollen sich zur nächsten Sicherheitszone begeben. Doch überall lauert der Tod und der Wahnsinn.
Die ersten paar Kapitel lesen sich ganz locker und es herrscht sofort Endzeit Stimmung.
Ich war total gespannt. Denn die düstere Stimmung steckt einen sofort an. Leider passierte meiner Meinung nach zu wenig.
Die Spannung hat sich nicht so richtig zeigen lassen.
Ich hätte mir mehr gewünscht, über den Anfang der Zerstörung. Wie eben alles begann.
Leider wird alles nur sehr knapp erzählt.
Warum nur eine so kurze Geschichte?
Man hätte mehr daraus machen können.
Der Schluss war dafür überraschend.
Eine lockere und kurzweilige Endzeit Geschichte für zwischendurch.
Bei 170 Seiten möchte ich nicht zu viel verraten. Also ganz kurz und knackig. Es geht um Kendra, ihr Baby und Eric, eine der wenigen Überlebenden. Sie wollen sich zur nächsten Sicherheitszone begeben. Doch überall lauert der Tod und der Wahnsinn.
Die ersten paar Kapitel lesen sich ganz locker und es herrscht sofort Endzeit Stimmung.
Ich war total gespannt. Denn die düstere Stimmung steckt einen sofort an. Leider passierte meiner Meinung nach zu wenig.
Die Spannung hat sich nicht so richtig zeigen lassen.
Ich hätte mir mehr gewünscht, über den Anfang der Zerstörung. Wie eben alles begann.
Leider wird alles nur sehr knapp erzählt.
Warum nur eine so kurze Geschichte?
Man hätte mehr daraus machen können.
Der Schluss war dafür überraschend.
Eine lockere und kurzweilige Endzeit Geschichte für zwischendurch.
February 4, 2019
Ich schwanke hier ein zwischen einer drei und vier Sterne Wertung.
Im Plus steht das Autor Barry Napier eine weitgehend packende, unterhaltsame Endzeitstory abliefert, welche im Spannungsfeld zwischen Stephen Kings "Der Nebel" und den "Half-Life" Spielen funktioniert. Stilistisch hat mich die Geschichte mit ihrem Opening, und auch mit dem durchaus konsequenten Ende an "Tod im Staub" von Brian W. Aldiss erinnert.
Ein Lob muss man dem Luzifer Verlag nicht nur für die üblich großartige Coverarbeit aussprechen, sondernd auch für die gelungene Übersetzung.
Im Plus steht das Autor Barry Napier eine weitgehend packende, unterhaltsame Endzeitstory abliefert, welche im Spannungsfeld zwischen Stephen Kings "Der Nebel" und den "Half-Life" Spielen funktioniert. Stilistisch hat mich die Geschichte mit ihrem Opening, und auch mit dem durchaus konsequenten Ende an "Tod im Staub" von Brian W. Aldiss erinnert.
Ein Lob muss man dem Luzifer Verlag nicht nur für die üblich großartige Coverarbeit aussprechen, sondernd auch für die gelungene Übersetzung.
May 8, 2022
Wow, this a great book!
Dark, scary, and touching all at the same time. A different take on the usual post-apocalyptic fare, this story of two people and a baby just trying to find a safe place in an irreparably-changed world draws you in and won’t let you go. Realistic struggles of ordinary people surviving as best they can (no prepper fantasy here, thankfully), mingled with eldritch horrors, and an ending that had me near tears - I highly recommend this book to those wanting something fresh and new in their apocalyptic fiction.
Dark, scary, and touching all at the same time. A different take on the usual post-apocalyptic fare, this story of two people and a baby just trying to find a safe place in an irreparably-changed world draws you in and won’t let you go. Realistic struggles of ordinary people surviving as best they can (no prepper fantasy here, thankfully), mingled with eldritch horrors, and an ending that had me near tears - I highly recommend this book to those wanting something fresh and new in their apocalyptic fiction.
December 27, 2024
I think it’s amazing story telling when a book doesn’t end on a happy ending and I definitely wasn’t expecting the ending. Good read if you’re interested in post apocalyptic thrillers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
3.5 if u could give half 🤓
September 8, 2013
Ever since reading Swan Song I've enjoyed post-apocalyptic non-zombie tales. They are sort of a subgenre niche that I don't come across as often as I'd like. When I read the blurb for Barry Napier's NESTS (intriguing title, btw!), it sounded like my kind of story.
A tsunami brings giant tentacled creatures to assault mankind, leading to a nuclear strike to rid the world of them. The story begins a few months after the fateful strikes with first person narrator, Eric, meeting a woman, Kendra, who has borne a child from a rapist. As survivalists, they shack up in a house fighting off passerbys who try to steal their supplies. After they kill one of their attackers they learn of a Safe Zone about 450 miles from their house. They decide to make the trek with baby in tow, trying to avoid ink black zones where the creatures roam.
The writing was crisp and easy to follow. The characterization is a bit thin at times, with not much in the way of change with the main characters, other than the somewhat predictable relationship between Kendra and Eric. I liked how the baby just had the name Baby.
The monsters may not be explained enough for some readers, but I found enough to be very worried for the characters whenever they appeared. The fight scenes are drawn well with enough description to make everything clear. There are parts of this story that reminded me of the strange monsters in Tim Curran's Dead Sea. I would have found Nests scarier if it had been done in third person point of view, but there are definitely a few creepy scenes.
I enjoyed reading and would read another novel by this author. Recommended to those who like simpler post-apocalyptic horror fiction with monsters that aren't zombies versus a smaller cast of characters. 3.75 stars, rounded. 2,994 Kindle locations. Approximately 177 pages.
A tsunami brings giant tentacled creatures to assault mankind, leading to a nuclear strike to rid the world of them. The story begins a few months after the fateful strikes with first person narrator, Eric, meeting a woman, Kendra, who has borne a child from a rapist. As survivalists, they shack up in a house fighting off passerbys who try to steal their supplies. After they kill one of their attackers they learn of a Safe Zone about 450 miles from their house. They decide to make the trek with baby in tow, trying to avoid ink black zones where the creatures roam.
The writing was crisp and easy to follow. The characterization is a bit thin at times, with not much in the way of change with the main characters, other than the somewhat predictable relationship between Kendra and Eric. I liked how the baby just had the name Baby.
The monsters may not be explained enough for some readers, but I found enough to be very worried for the characters whenever they appeared. The fight scenes are drawn well with enough description to make everything clear. There are parts of this story that reminded me of the strange monsters in Tim Curran's Dead Sea. I would have found Nests scarier if it had been done in third person point of view, but there are definitely a few creepy scenes.
I enjoyed reading and would read another novel by this author. Recommended to those who like simpler post-apocalyptic horror fiction with monsters that aren't zombies versus a smaller cast of characters. 3.75 stars, rounded. 2,994 Kindle locations. Approximately 177 pages.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews