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Silo Saga Universe
Wool Gathering
Long after the dust has settled and the survivors of the Silo Saga have gone to seed, Hugh Howey's bestselling WOOL trilogy continues to captivate readers worldwide. The power of Hugh's story is underscored all the more by the number of authors who have embraced the invitation to tell their own stories in his ever-expanding world. The first of its kind, this gathering brings together nine of the Silo Saga's most acclaimed authors to further expand upon the groundbreaking world first laid forth in WOOL, SHIFT, and DUST. From the power struggles of the Up Top to the darkest depths of the mines and everything in between, this anthology promises something for everyone bold enough to venture another journey deep below the surface of the best and worst humanity has to offer.
(Proceeds from the sale of this anthology benefit National Novel Writing Month / NaNoWriMo)
(Proceeds from the sale of this anthology benefit National Novel Writing Month / NaNoWriMo)
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2014
235 people are currently reading
620 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 9, 2025
For lovers of Hugh Howey’s Wool series, Wool Gathering is a short book of stories set in the world of Wool. These stories are Wool fan-fic. I’ve never immersed myself into fan-fic for any book, so this was an interesting prospect.
My main criticism was that some stories were too short. Only one story allowed for any character development as it was longer. The authors did their best writing a collective of works, and it may be worth the read if you can’t get enough of the Wool World.
My main criticism was that some stories were too short. Only one story allowed for any character development as it was longer. The authors did their best writing a collective of works, and it may be worth the read if you can’t get enough of the Wool World.
March 14, 2014
As much as I love Hugh Howey’s entire Silo Saga, I have not read much of the fan fiction written in that world. I have read and enjoyed a couple of them. But there are a lot of WOOL fan fiction books, many of them in series form. Since neither my funds nor my time is unlimited, I’ve passed on most of those books in favor of reading other things. I like variety in reading.
Considering that, I was interested when I heard that this book would be an anthology of Silo stories by multiple authors. A different way to enjoy some fan fiction, and with the proceeds donated as well. It sounded good to me.
Actually, it’s great. I enjoyed every story here. Each story is self-contained, not requiring a sequel, and not part of a series. No cliffhangers. Each of the authors has a different perspective, and explores different elements of silo life. The stories range along the timeline of the silos from the first few confusing days, to well past any memory of “before”, to what I think is a point past the conclusion of DUST, or very close to that. Some explore alternate ways that a silo can fail without an uprising. There is mishap, malfunction, insanity, a broken chain of command, a lost soul left behind in a dead silo. Others feature snapshots of everyday life – cherished friendship, the fulfillment of a dream, a dangerous memory best left alone.
Each of these stories is well done and relates an interesting tale. It’s the variety of the stories that makes this book so entertaining. I can enjoy reading a bit of fan fiction this way, so I hope there will be more anthologies of this type in the future. If you’re a WOOL fan, there is certainly something for everyone here.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review. This is honest. I liked the book.
Considering that, I was interested when I heard that this book would be an anthology of Silo stories by multiple authors. A different way to enjoy some fan fiction, and with the proceeds donated as well. It sounded good to me.
Actually, it’s great. I enjoyed every story here. Each story is self-contained, not requiring a sequel, and not part of a series. No cliffhangers. Each of the authors has a different perspective, and explores different elements of silo life. The stories range along the timeline of the silos from the first few confusing days, to well past any memory of “before”, to what I think is a point past the conclusion of DUST, or very close to that. Some explore alternate ways that a silo can fail without an uprising. There is mishap, malfunction, insanity, a broken chain of command, a lost soul left behind in a dead silo. Others feature snapshots of everyday life – cherished friendship, the fulfillment of a dream, a dangerous memory best left alone.
Each of these stories is well done and relates an interesting tale. It’s the variety of the stories that makes this book so entertaining. I can enjoy reading a bit of fan fiction this way, so I hope there will be more anthologies of this type in the future. If you’re a WOOL fan, there is certainly something for everyone here.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review. This is honest. I liked the book.
March 14, 2014
OK...I loved the Hugh Howey Wool series. I think Hugh has done a great service to his 'wooliverse' by encouraging fan fiction. There are some great writers out there that would not have the opportunity otherwise. This anthology includes some of those great writers. I love to see how different minds explore the Silo worlds. You just never know where they are going to take you. It is so much fun. And there is still so much out there to explore. Keep writing guys!
May 18, 2014
I love all the books in the WOOL universe. This anthology has some tear jerkers and some bordering on creepy. All fantastic.
November 6, 2014
This is a great set of stories by writers who set their tales in the Howard Howey's Wool or Silo universe. I repeat - really good stories, many by young and upcoming writers. I find it kind of amazing that so many authors have found this universe congenial and that Howey has encouraged them. Now if someone would only convince David Brin to make available the universe of the Uplift saga......
April 5, 2014
It is no secret that I love Wool and the incredible fan fiction that Hugh Howey's book has inspired, it really has added to my enjoyment of the WOOLiverse.
Wool really was one of these books that once I read it I really wanted to open it up again and soak it all up but one thing I needed was to know what happened in the other silos.
Brought to my attention by WJ Davies, WOOL Gathering is a collection of stories written by authors who have all penned stand alone novels/series in the WOOLiverse, some I have read and loved, some I have yet to read and cant wait to do so.
They have teamed up to write this anthology to raise money for the NaNoWriMo young writers fund.
This book contains nine stories, some are set at the beginning, some in the middle and one seems to be at the end (I could be wrong!)
The stories are as follows:
The Last Republican - Ann Christy
Eight - Thomas Robins
Lost Water - WJ Davies
The Last Prayer - Lyn Perry
Turning The Earth - Logan Thomas Snyder
Climb - Carol Davies
Battle of Bones - Fred Shernoff
The Sheriff's Son - Will Swardstrom
Evelyn's Locket - David Adams
These are great tales which show that even though they are confined to the silo, people are still people, they can be loving, they can be hopeful, they still want to carry on their lives but they can also be scared, cruel and just plain bad.
I always think how I would cope living in a silo, the whole being underground, deep underground does not appeal to me but it is the lesser of two evils - deep down or dead outside.
This book really is brilliant but my one complaint is some of stories got me thinking even more, they left me with more questions!! However its not really a complaint!
It is a worthy companion to Hugh Howey's original story and I would highly recommend it to any fan of Wool or the Dystopian/Sci Fi genre (or even ones who aren't!)
I think the WOOLiverse will spawn many many more tales from the silos and that pleases me some what!
One thing I would like to hear more about is what happened after the end of Shift, I would like to discover what happened to the people who came outside and how they got on, did they survive?
Now I am a huge fan of Pinterest and I have a research/inspiration board on my site at the moment called "In case of an emergency", whilst researching I came across the pin below.
If only I had the money to buy it! It is the best of both worlds, top of the range home on top, luxury underground bunker and wait whats that? Yes your own missile silo ready to furnish!
Go and download this book, you want be disappointed and you will also be helping a worthy cause.
Wool really was one of these books that once I read it I really wanted to open it up again and soak it all up but one thing I needed was to know what happened in the other silos.
Brought to my attention by WJ Davies, WOOL Gathering is a collection of stories written by authors who have all penned stand alone novels/series in the WOOLiverse, some I have read and loved, some I have yet to read and cant wait to do so.
They have teamed up to write this anthology to raise money for the NaNoWriMo young writers fund.
This book contains nine stories, some are set at the beginning, some in the middle and one seems to be at the end (I could be wrong!)
The stories are as follows:
The Last Republican - Ann Christy
Eight - Thomas Robins
Lost Water - WJ Davies
The Last Prayer - Lyn Perry
Turning The Earth - Logan Thomas Snyder
Climb - Carol Davies
Battle of Bones - Fred Shernoff
The Sheriff's Son - Will Swardstrom
Evelyn's Locket - David Adams
These are great tales which show that even though they are confined to the silo, people are still people, they can be loving, they can be hopeful, they still want to carry on their lives but they can also be scared, cruel and just plain bad.
I always think how I would cope living in a silo, the whole being underground, deep underground does not appeal to me but it is the lesser of two evils - deep down or dead outside.
This book really is brilliant but my one complaint is some of stories got me thinking even more, they left me with more questions!! However its not really a complaint!
It is a worthy companion to Hugh Howey's original story and I would highly recommend it to any fan of Wool or the Dystopian/Sci Fi genre (or even ones who aren't!)
I think the WOOLiverse will spawn many many more tales from the silos and that pleases me some what!
One thing I would like to hear more about is what happened after the end of Shift, I would like to discover what happened to the people who came outside and how they got on, did they survive?
Now I am a huge fan of Pinterest and I have a research/inspiration board on my site at the moment called "In case of an emergency", whilst researching I came across the pin below.
If only I had the money to buy it! It is the best of both worlds, top of the range home on top, luxury underground bunker and wait whats that? Yes your own missile silo ready to furnish!
Go and download this book, you want be disappointed and you will also be helping a worthy cause.
May 16, 2014
I am unable to say which story is my favorite, I liked them all so much.
I loved Thomas Robins's "Eight", for showing a twist on alcoholism, WJ Davies's "Lost Water" for being a little creepy. Ann Christy's “The Last Republican" was an awesome ‘in the beginning’ story. And Will Swardstrom's "The Sheriff's Son" a poignant story of adolescence in the silo. I shed a tear or two.
All were great. But I really enjoyed the sampling of authors, and appreciated the authors’ notes. I look forward to reading more from all of them.
I loved Thomas Robins's "Eight", for showing a twist on alcoholism, WJ Davies's "Lost Water" for being a little creepy. Ann Christy's “The Last Republican" was an awesome ‘in the beginning’ story. And Will Swardstrom's "The Sheriff's Son" a poignant story of adolescence in the silo. I shed a tear or two.
All were great. But I really enjoyed the sampling of authors, and appreciated the authors’ notes. I look forward to reading more from all of them.
April 11, 2014
I bought this book for 2 reasons. First, I had enjoyed a few of the authors before. Second, I wanted to support the charity. Some stories impressed me more than others because of their edge, passion, characters, or horror. In that order, I congratulate Ann Christy, Logan Thomas Snyder, Carol Davis, and David Adams. Well done.
May 13, 2014
Several interesting stories... I'm not normally an anthology reader unless a story has to do with a larger series I've read. I like all the stories - they were good. But I am just always disappointed when they end so quickly. I always want to know more, which is why I am a huge fan of series and of all this Silo fanfiction! Thanks!
April 12, 2014
I normally do not like short stories but if you are a follower of the whole Silo series this is great!
January 15, 2015
This was a good way to find out which Silo FanFiction authors I like & which I don't like
March 17, 2024
Love me some more silo stories all of them were amazing and now i get to go back to all those authors and read their other silo stories sooooo good i am down the rabbit hole... or rather the silo deep dark!
September 19, 2014
If you're interested in sampling a variety of authors writing in the wool world, this is a great opportunity. I also appreciated that proceeds were benefiting National Novel Writing Month.
Basically, I enjoyed the great variety of styles and subjects in these stories. I had already read Ann Christy (multiple times!!). Her story shows us some of the beginning. Thomas Robin's contribution was quick an engaging...a drink to remember. WJ Davies says he wanted his submerged series to be dark, lonely and even a little creepy. His short piece here had clear characters and a pleasant, distinctive use of words that made the worrisome storyline really flow.
Lyndon Perry gets us asking: What would happen if religion started to lose its power? Logan Thomas Snyder pens a thoughtful story about mining and life. Carol Davis has us pondering the end of life. Fred Shernoff (Rattle of Bones) show us how a lunatic may just have something important to teach us. Will Swardson shows us amazing stories within the everyday--in this case, The Sheriff's Son. David Adam's story is a chilling account with a strong vision of the afterlife.
I wish more Indie authors would join together in books like this. For one, the short story is under-rated. I'd love to see more! It's also a great way to showcase a range of talent.
Basically, I enjoyed the great variety of styles and subjects in these stories. I had already read Ann Christy (multiple times!!). Her story shows us some of the beginning. Thomas Robin's contribution was quick an engaging...a drink to remember. WJ Davies says he wanted his submerged series to be dark, lonely and even a little creepy. His short piece here had clear characters and a pleasant, distinctive use of words that made the worrisome storyline really flow.
Lyndon Perry gets us asking: What would happen if religion started to lose its power? Logan Thomas Snyder pens a thoughtful story about mining and life. Carol Davis has us pondering the end of life. Fred Shernoff (Rattle of Bones) show us how a lunatic may just have something important to teach us. Will Swardson shows us amazing stories within the everyday--in this case, The Sheriff's Son. David Adam's story is a chilling account with a strong vision of the afterlife.
I wish more Indie authors would join together in books like this. For one, the short story is under-rated. I'd love to see more! It's also a great way to showcase a range of talent.
June 6, 2024
A collection of short stories based on the Silo trilogy by Hugh Howey. This collection was published in 2014 to support the NaNoWriMo Young Writer's Fund. I enjoyed some of the stories quite a lot, and I have a great appreciation for Hugh Howey encouraging fan fiction written in response to his fiction. Recommended for those who like dystopian fiction, and who are already familiar with the Silo series. Don't read these stories when you want something cozy!
March 29, 2015
This book is terrific! If you love the books in the Wool series by Hugh Howey, then you have to read this!
July 25, 2014
A number of good and very good stories. All are short. I read all but the one in Present Tense. Nice anthology if you are a WOOL fan!
January 18, 2021
A fantastic, sad, and haunting anthology.
If you are working your way through the Wool universe you definitely want to include this book.
The Last Republican by Ann Christy: ***** I enjoyed this one very much, just as much as the Silo 49 series. It was an extra interesting read with the current events that are happening.
Eight by Thomas Robins: ***** Absolutely loved it. I generally stay away from the woke up cannot remember trope, but this story was worth every second, it is extremely well done. I'm going to check out the author's other Silo stories.
Lost Water by W.J. Davies: ***.5 This was a fantastic story, but I would rather have read it in a different setting. The apple fell a little to far from the tree for me.
The Last Prayer by Lyn Perry: **** Fascinating and sad.
Turning The Earth by Logan Thomas Snyder: ***** This story tore me to pieces.
"I mourned its passing when I reached the end."
Climb by Carol Davis: *** Heartbreaking.
Rattle Of Bones by Fred Shernoff: *** It is very easy to imagine that some in this silo situation would break.
The Sheriff's Son by Will Swardstrom: **** Another heartbreaking story, I could not put it down though. The ugliness of humans never disappears, it just moves to the back for awhile sometimes.
Evelyn's Locket by David Adams: ***** A savage and haunting story, completely unexpected and a fantastic finale to this anthology.
If you are working your way through the Wool universe you definitely want to include this book.
The Last Republican by Ann Christy: ***** I enjoyed this one very much, just as much as the Silo 49 series. It was an extra interesting read with the current events that are happening.
Eight by Thomas Robins: ***** Absolutely loved it. I generally stay away from the woke up cannot remember trope, but this story was worth every second, it is extremely well done. I'm going to check out the author's other Silo stories.
Lost Water by W.J. Davies: ***.5 This was a fantastic story, but I would rather have read it in a different setting. The apple fell a little to far from the tree for me.
The Last Prayer by Lyn Perry: **** Fascinating and sad.
Turning The Earth by Logan Thomas Snyder: ***** This story tore me to pieces.
"I mourned its passing when I reached the end."
Climb by Carol Davis: *** Heartbreaking.
Rattle Of Bones by Fred Shernoff: *** It is very easy to imagine that some in this silo situation would break.
The Sheriff's Son by Will Swardstrom: **** Another heartbreaking story, I could not put it down though. The ugliness of humans never disappears, it just moves to the back for awhile sometimes.
Evelyn's Locket by David Adams: ***** A savage and haunting story, completely unexpected and a fantastic finale to this anthology.
February 25, 2021
Good Taste of Silo
Quick read (yup, short stories) with some great stories in the Silo universe. I used it as a great lead into other Silo stories from other authors I'd like to read.
Quick read (yup, short stories) with some great stories in the Silo universe. I used it as a great lead into other Silo stories from other authors I'd like to read.
August 14, 2022
This was a great addition to the Silo Saga. I wish the Kindle books were in pulp version. I’m a pulp reader not electronic version reader. If you have a kindle version of a Silo Saga book, please consider publishing it.
December 12, 2019
Fun addition to the Wool / Silo world. Every story is a 5 star story.
August 9, 2020
Wool
I love the Wool universe. It is a claustrophobic tale. So many tales can be squeezed out of the whole atmosphere. It’s awesome.
I love the Wool universe. It is a claustrophobic tale. So many tales can be squeezed out of the whole atmosphere. It’s awesome.
December 17, 2020
Some stories were excellent and some were not. I really appreciate this world being open for other writers to explore.
July 11, 2023
Some great, some good, some skippable and snoozy. All in all it let me stay in the silos.
November 1, 2023
An excellent collection of short stories set in one of my favourite post-apocalyptic worlds. Looking forward to exploring more work by these authors!
June 1, 2025
must read for silo fans
I enjoyed all the different short stories ! Each had their own style and I hope for more to come.
I enjoyed all the different short stories ! Each had their own style and I hope for more to come.
July 31, 2014
This was a nice addition to the Wool world. I like to read fan fiction and build on the world that Hugh Howey created. That said, I think some of these authors probably need a good editor...or at least an honest friend. I'm not saying I know EVERYTHING...but I'm pretty well read. And there were several words (in various different stories) that I had to look up. And even when i read the definition I thought, "Wow, that was forced." It was as if the author has a Word of the Day subscription (no judgement - I do too) and tried like crazy to find a way to use the word. Seriously, just because it is a word doesn't mean you HAVE to find a way to use it. And using obscure words doesn't make me feel like the author is any better. The stories were pretty good, though and I feel like they added to the Wool world. Even the ghost story, which I had a hard time with at the beginning...it actually really swung back around and showed another side of the silo.
October 25, 2014
My goodness, this was awful. I love Hugh Howey, but I wonder what he was thinking here. These stories vary from pitifully bad to mediocre. Just goes to show that some indie publications probably shouldn't have been published.
Having said that, "The Last Republican" was not bad, but the ending was really corny.
Having said that, "The Last Republican" was not bad, but the ending was really corny.
November 25, 2014
This was so wildly uneven I don't even know where to begin. A few stories were truly fantastic and deserve to be in the Wool canon and made me interested in their authors. A few other stories made me realize why these authors are self-publishing through Amazon.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews