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Book One of the Hell's Apocalypse Duet

You learn a lot about people when the $#!* hits the fan. You learn who to trust, who to rely on... who to watch out for.

Me?

I learned not to get too close to people, because one day I'll probably have to put a bullet between their eyes.

My friends and I got lucky... if you could call it that. We've been traveling North for exactly a year dodging baddies, looting the ruins of what used to be the United States and avoiding the snapping teeth and grabby hands of the undead.

A year on the road has been hell, and after getting trapped in a burning warehouse full of walking corpses, getting rescued by a ragtag group of hotties just seemed too good to be true. I don't trust these guys, no matter how much my heart and my... body would like me to.

But we need the help getting North, and if I end up having to waste these savage, beautiful men, then so be it.

At least I can have some fun along the way.

This Reverse Harem duet. Mfm and ff included.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2024

279 people are currently reading
727 people want to read

About the author

Penn Cassidy

47 books483 followers
I spend 95% of my life huddled in my little office, at my little desk, vividly hallucinating about characters and scenarios that don't exist. Then I write it all down for you to enjoy!

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5 stars
332 (46%)
4 stars
228 (31%)
3 stars
121 (16%)
2 stars
28 (3%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel.
248 reviews31 followers
February 7, 2024
I loved the characters and the backstories but the post-apocalyptic world lacked imagination, and the characters seemed less skilled than their backstories made them out to be.

Imagine this, zombies have taken over the world and you and a few other people in your group are ex-military and you're being tracked by "Trappers", which are Mad Max-style baddies, and you come across the motherload, What do you do?

Well, I for one would hide the car they saw me get away in, lay traps down, set up sniper bluffs on the roof, and take preventative measures.
Not this group of ex-trained marines! Nope, I know one thing for sure the author of this book did not grow up in the South😜

This is just one of the many dumbass moments where 'if this had been a movie' they would have all been deemed too stupid to live.

image: description



I just can't with this group, you created a badass FMC persona and then made her Too Stupid To Live!!! But since this is a romance novel exceptions had to be made and HEAs had to be handed out so they all lived, By Default.
Profile Image for evelynn kate.
510 reviews
August 11, 2022
Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️.5
1st person POV, switches between MCs (Helana (Hell), Dante, Alex, Wyatt, & Beretta (Ret - female))

Feral Skies by Penn Cassidy follows 3 badass former female Marine's as they navigate the apocalypse. Helana, or Hell, is their unofficial leader and after narrowly escaping a structure fire at an abandoned Costco, they run into our MMCs and Beretta (Ret). Due to their circumstances, they rely on each other as they continue to make their way across the country. The plot was decent and I felt a lot of satisfaction each time it was revealed that the women are former Marines. They held onto that tidbit of info as long as they could and the guys' reactions were priceless. I love when men eat a slice of humble pie.

There was a little steam between Hell and the men (and some pining between Hell and Ret) but the scenes were short and there wasn't much foreplay so I wasn't that impressed with it. I also don't think there was any talk about birth control and these guys are just nutting in her and no one is talking about the potential for pregnancy. To me, this made me anxious me because who would want to get knocked up in the apocalypse when you're literally on the run? There may be some potential for Hell and Ret in book 2 but in this one, Hell is confused about her feelings since she's always identified as straight.

Overall, a quick and fun dystopian read featuring a badass sniper who isn't afraid to get down and dirty and fight for those she loves. Ends on a slight cliffhanger, but not an emotionally distressful one.
Profile Image for Sarah Franks-powell.
34 reviews
July 12, 2024
A great apocolyptic RH read! Tough bad ass chick , men who adore her and enemies who underestimate her. Lots of action and some steamy scenes, this book has it all! Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Naomi Ortiz.
240 reviews52 followers
August 26, 2024
What the what?

This book was absolutely amazing ! I couldn't put it down. All I kept imagining was a Hadassah gi Jane Barbie as Alex would've said lol. The build up between the guys and hell really did make you want to continue without a break. The action and the way the zombies were described made you feel like you could hear the clicks and the smell of rancid death. But that ending! You can't be serious ....I want her banished! Lmao
Profile Image for Nancy.
91 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2022
Ahhh! Si llegara haber algún apocalipsis me pido ser HELL!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Scarlett Chase.
Author 8 books162 followers
September 26, 2024
Heat level: 3/5. This is my first time reading a Romance set in a zombie apocalypse and I'm glad I waited to read one by one of my favorite authors. What a ride! Fast paced action, running from zombies and evil dudes, badass females, collecting peens, voyeurism and exhibitionism, shower spice, all with that cliffhanger ending. I need more and I need that one bitch to hurt for what she did. HOW DARE. Also there's a dog who makes it to the end and he's the goodest boy.
Profile Image for LadyOfTheLibrary.
270 reviews22 followers
Read
April 12, 2025
Adored this one

The way I just full on sobbed at the end there is insane.
I devoured this book like a starved Zom and I'm already chomping at the bit to get my eyes on the next one.
Hell and the gang are amazing, flawed, and lovable characters who I can't wait to see more of, especially with how this one ended.
And Anubis is the bestest boy in the world and deserves all of the belly scratches.
Profile Image for Lani.
266 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2024
You know how details can take you out of a book? The FMC and one of the MMCs have sex and all I kept thinking was where is the protection? You planning on bringing a baby into a zombie apocalypse? Also you've known each other for a few days. STDs not a concern with no medications available?

Another thing that bothered me was the chemical that caused the zombie apocalypse. They kept saying it's airborne so they have to wear masks, but they took them off indoors. That's not how that works. If it's floating in the air outside, it will definitely reach you indoors as well unless there is a stellar HVAC. Details matter.
Profile Image for Katie Hartley.
21 reviews
April 2, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐

Meh. This book was a big meh. Why is it a big meh, you ask? Because the FMC gives off vibes of "already fully developed, can do everything, don't need anyone" which, in my mind, begs the question of why even read the book. Sure, zombie apocalypse RH with a smidge of F/F is an interesting enough plotline, can't really say I've seen very much of that, but I often found myself just... not caring what happened to anyone in the story.

The book even ends on a cliffhanger, which I answered with "I'm good, actually. I don't need to know what happens next" which... says enough.
Profile Image for Augusta Williams.
182 reviews12 followers
March 14, 2024
who doesn’t love a badass FMC?!

I loved the uniqueness of the “fog” turning people into zombies! The plot was exciting and seeing the character development was five stars! It’s definitely more plot based than spice based but I gobbled it up! Must read!
Profile Image for Ashley.
287 reviews12 followers
October 13, 2021
Hell and her two besties are retired Marines who happened to be on a mini vacay when the bombs were dropped that spread the gas that turned everyone into people-eaters (zombies). The year prior to the start of the book, they had been attempting to make their way back to Hell's family property (full of militia men who are more than prepared to survive the end of the world) where she knows her father and brothers are still alive. Along the way, they came into contact with some crazy group that is trying to enslave people in their new idea of what society should be like, however, the girls escape. After getting out of a burning Costco, Hell and her girls meet another group and they inadvertently end up having to work together to stay alive.

I really liked that this had a different take on the whole zombie genre. It wasn't just one day all of a sudden people started rising from the dead and eating other people's faces off. There was an explanation - the mysterious gas that is still floating around, causing everyone to have to wear gas masks in order to avoid being a zombie.

I also liked that Hell was a badass who could and did take care of herself. She didn't need the guys to keep her alive, she was perfectly capable and made sure they knew that.

The only thing I didn't like about this was towards the end, out of no where it seemed, everyone started throwing "I love you" around. I mean, the guys + Ret were all infatuated with Hell from meeting her, but it seemed like all of a sudden a switch was flipped and everyone was in love. I didn't realize until after the fact that there were a lot of time jumps. Although it seems like they are together for a few days, they had actually spent close to a month together hiding out in the store. Either way, it wasn't that big of a deal... I just wished maybe the book was a smidge longer and we had more interactions between the characters to explain why all of a sudden everyone was in love.

This was my first Penn Cassidy book and I will definitely be checking out some of her other books. I was pleasantly surprised to find out at the end of the book that it wasn't a standalone and that there would be another book after this one. There is a cliffhanger, so if you're impatient like me, you might want to wait until the next book comes out or at least the author to give details about when the next book will be out.
654 reviews21 followers
December 22, 2024
**Review Shared for Duet**

Overall, this was a decent read. Especially considering it was an apocalyptical read. Apocalyptic reverse harems seem to be few and far between so I usually jump at the chance to read one. This one also had FF with the second female only being interested in the main female, which is another thing that is difficult to find. The first book is really the good part. It was interesting and the world building was easy to follow while still being unique and interesting. I DO recommend reading this book, especially if you like a badass female and the apocalyptical setting.

However...

I feel like the second book was just unnecessary? Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the characters and the plot so I would have loved to read more about them... but the second book didn't really feel like it added ANYTHING to the story?

**Spoiler alert incoming**

To me, it felt like the second book was only written to give a resolution with the guy's ex... Which was not only unnecessary since it just made the book drag, but it was ultimately unsatisfying... By the time I got to the end of it I was just kind of like... "okay...?"

I felt like it could have been used to focus on furthering the relationships. Like.. Ret? She deserved better. She seemed like such an afterthought which was unfortunate since it's hard to find FF reverse harems.

Or just give us more of them making a home on her father's ranch... Instead we had some random confrontation that was already dealt with? And then it just... ended? I don't know. There was just so much of the second book that took away from the entire story because it was all so boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikki.
22 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2024
🩵 Why Choose
🩷 Apocalyptic
🩵 Dystopia
🩷 Overprotective MMCs
🩵 FF relationships
🩷 Badass MMC (with a pink crossbow)

I have NEVER fallen in love with an FMC as quickly as I fell in love with Hell! A badass pocket-rocket ex-marine with a pink crossbow....It's like Lara Croft and Barbie made a baby!!

This book had me hooked from the start and I didn't put it down. Hell and her girls Missy and Nina are the apocalyptic, ex-marine, zombie killing women we didn't know we needed in our lives! They face their new world head on with their loyal zombie munching four legged friend Anubis. As if the apocalypse and zombies aren't bad enough they have to deal with a s**thead group of zombie collecting people set out to make peoples lives hell....The Trappers.

Penn's writing is gripping right from the start, I felt like I was in an episode of The Last Of Us and I loved it. The hostility between the girls when they first meet Dante, Alex, Wyatt and Ret is written to perfection. The inner turmoil each character has to deal with when that hostility grows into feelings of longing and need is a very well written transition. The action scenes are epic and you feel like your right there, surrounded by the chaos and not knowing what to expect next.

The spice is *chefs kiss*

I will be recommending this book to ANYONE who will listen....but the cliffhanger is a mic drop to say the least! I screamed and launched my kindle over the bed!!
Profile Image for Christine Tellach.
Author 9 books4 followers
August 8, 2024
Feral Skies is a thrilling and innovative take on the zombie apocalypse genre. By introducing the added challenge of unbreathable air, the author creates a truly terrifying and high-stakes world. The characters are thrown into a desperate struggle for survival, and their determination is both inspiring and captivating.

The FMC and her band of survivors are tough, resilient women who don't shy away from a fight. The MMCs are equally compelling, adding depth and complexity to the story. I found myself rooting for the entire group as they faced unimaginable horrors.

While I devoured the book quickly, I was left wanting more. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second book. This is a must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic romance who are looking for something truly original.
Profile Image for Kari.
581 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2022
My first Zombie apocalypse book

The 1 thing I have come to love about Penn Cassidy's books is all of her FMCs are total bad @sses! I love how the females in this book are just as strong and tough as the males in this book! I do feel like this book is a little more plot heavy then spice(don't get me wrong there is spice) But it's a little more rushed than her other books. But I really didn't mind the story was awesome and had a good humor at times with a lot of action! I have come to think that Penn Cassidy is my unicorn writer I have really enjoyed every single book that I've read of hers so far! I definitely can't wait to see where the story goes
Profile Image for beth m.
874 reviews
August 31, 2023
feral skies

Spoilers*


I really liked the book, it had decent plot and world building which I loved. I didn’t care for the constant dragging, I felt like there was a lot of rehashing and that got old. There were a few punctuation errors but not enough that it was unreadable (probably only 2). I wasn’t a fan of the ending I hate Jessa and I think that she doesn’t deserve any sort of happily ever after. I appreciate that the group made it to their destination and that the book didn’t end on an awful wrenching cliffhanger.



Also I am. THRILLED the dog didn’t die. I swear Penn if you kill that dog I just don’t know what I’ll do.
Profile Image for Teresa Estes.
10 reviews
December 7, 2023
Can’t believe I just found this….

I don’t know how I missed this book, but so glad I found it. I love post-apocalyptic books and this one was great. I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I read this one in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I am dying to find out what is going to happen now Hell is home only to find Jessa there. I hope that girl gets what is coming to her. I think Hell is the perfect one to put her in her place, maybe with a bullet between her eyes. I certainly wouldn’t feel bad about it if she did. I love all her guys. They are great together! And I love her dog!!
474 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2024
When you have to fight for your life from the unalive and the live people

I loved everything about this book. And man poor Alex. No wonder he is the way he is. I'm glad he is finally over it. I love Hell and her friends. I feel like Hell and Alex would of been good before now if they wod of just been honest with each other. I love Hells fierce side no back down don't take sh!t from anyone. And boy I can't wait til the next book is out I need to know what's going to happen with Jessa I mean she abandoned her BFs and shot one of them for no reason. Oh lord i need to know what is going to happen.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
351 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2024
In "Feral Skies," we follow three badass former female Marines as they navigate a world gone mad. Helana, or Hell, leads this fierce trio, and their survival instincts are razor-sharp. After escaping a burning warehouse full of walking corpses, they encounter a ragtag group of hotties—our MMCs and the enigmatic Beretta (Ret). The stakes are high, trust is scarce, and the chemistry sizzles. 🔥

🔥 **Genre**: Dystopian/Apocalypse, Reverse Harem
🌆 **Setting**: Post-apocalyptic world
🔍 **Tropes**: Strong female lead, Reverse Harem, Apocalypse aftermath, Dystopian World, Survival, Found Family
🚫 **Trigger warnings**: Violence, Death, Betrayal, Psychological Trauma

This is a new genre for me, the dystopian/apocalypse aftermath. I’m digging it. It is kind of crazy how the one thing they need, they happen to find and still not sure how the fire started. I’m on Helena’s side when it seems fishy. I like the line ‘realization that the real monsters were inside of us humans the whole time, just waiting for an excuse to be unleashed.’ I was so ready for Ret in the shower, dammit Hell. The story was gripping, but perhaps a slightly shorter length would enhance pacing. More insight into Ret's character and involvement in pivotal moments would have been great too. The story was really good and I was not expecting an epilogue like that. I’m excited for the next one.

"Feral Skies" takes you on a wild ride through a post-apocalyptic landscape. If you crave action, steamy scenes, and a dash of mystery, this book delivers. Buckle up, because the next installment promises even more heart-pounding moments! 🚀📖 mmmf
Profile Image for Elizabeth Fowler.
176 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2024
This story is a fun deviation from the usual PNR with it's post apocalyptic setting and heavy action oriented plot. While it lightly mentions heavy topics such as kidnapping and torture of women, it never ventures too far into the darker parts of Helena's captivity or life after Zombies. Even being a why choose, with both male and female interests, it was pretty tame. This is an easy introduction to recommend for people trying to get into why choose, paranormal romance, etc. since it has a interesting plot with a lot of action to keep their attention and a nice helping of a good dog side kick.
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,129 reviews35 followers
August 31, 2024
Sassy zombie killer

First off holy cow. So much happened in this story and I can't wait to read book two because that was unexpected....

I absolutely love this sassy and fierce woman. She is loyal and takes no bs from anyone.

I love how this little group came together as if they were family. Each character has their strengths and I loved reading as each new piece of them was revealed.

This was a nice change to your typical zombie stories. Having these strong women who can hold their own is a breath of fresh air.
Profile Image for syn.
198 reviews
November 21, 2024
DNF at 35%. I enjoyed the creative idea of the Trappers, and that was about it. As far as apocalyptic zombie novels go, there's far better and more creative works out there, and the same can also be said for RH romance (which I guess it technically was even though it seemed to be gearing up to include a bit of ff action in the harem?) and action/gore. The characters seemed really shallow and the pace dragged and that, combined with the little to no plot beyond 'oh no zombies', was the last straw for me. It wasn't offensively bad, just lacking to me. 2/10.
Profile Image for Mel B..
538 reviews24 followers
August 24, 2025
Honestly, I just couldn’t get over how much of an a-hole Alex was. I understand that Hallana and her girls kinda “landed in his lap,” but that didn’t give him the excuse to treat her like utter shyte. I honestly had trouble reading the book because I got to the point where I just wanted to skip over every single thing Alex said (yeah he was that absolutely annoying) everything he said was cutting, cruel, and unwarranted, and there is no way that any sane person would “fall for him” it’s not realistic at all. Ugh. There are anti-heroes, and then there is Alex…the ass!
Profile Image for Jess_feelzinsane .
346 reviews10 followers
June 20, 2024
Do you have what it takes to survive if there were zombies?!

I'm so glad I found this author! Hell is one tough leader of a group of women just trying to survive getting through the United States to go back home when they run into a group of sexy men that don't trust anyone in this zombie filled country! Will she be able to keep her friends alive or will the zombies win?? I enjoyed every second reading this... And the ending!!!!?
Profile Image for Brianna James211.
162 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2024
I was so happy at the end there with the reunion and everything and then SHE had to show up. I audibly said “NO” in a loud shocked tone and my cat who was sleeping on my lap got all freaked and ran away.

I really enjoyed this! I’m always down for a Zombie Apocalypse RH romance, and this one is definitely an amazing one!!

I know the second book is coming out in a few months and I’m dying to get my hands on it. I need to see Jessa get what she deserves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hallie.
68 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2024
Such an interesting concept. A RH apocalyptic romance with genuinely disgusting sounding zombies, a ton of action and even some really nice spice scenes. For a group of ex-military personal who know that they are being chased by not only zombies, but trappers as well, they sure do make a bunch of rookie mistakes. Classic horror movie level mistakes. Anyhow, I loved the characters and I can’t wait to see more of them.
Profile Image for Sophie Miles.
55 reviews
June 25, 2025
You hardly ever find a book about zombies and reverse Harmon so I was pleasantly surprised to find this one. I have never read a book with multiple males and two girls so found this really different and enjoyable. Loved the action scenes and the relationship that developed between All the characters. Only wish it was a bit more spicy as we all love a bit of spice in our books. PS a huge shout out to the bright pink crossbow.
Profile Image for Rain.
2,594 reviews21 followers
April 13, 2021
Had a tough time getting into this story at first. Almost dnf, but soldiered on a few chapters and it started holding my interest. The characters felt flat to me, the insta-love didn’t do much either. Despite all that, I was seriously invested as the last few chapters rolled around and I will be reading the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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