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Dawn of Ruin #1
Inferno
When the fires of hell itself rain down on your head, how far will you go to keep your loved ones safe?
A firestorm rages across North America, destroying everything in its path.
In its wake, a lone firefighter survives the conflagration - but his survival and journey home is anything but assured.
In a quiet suburb, a young boy finds himself to be the only survivor in a city full of the dead.
On the other side of the country, a family watches the devastation grow closer, though the flames are not the most dangerous threat they face...
***
Extreme drought conditions in the West cause wildfires to spring out of control, tearing East across the country, destroying everything in their path. Caught in the midst of this firestorm, Liam Hayward - a smokejumper - is the only survivor of his unit. Injured and on his own, Liam's journey home means crossing a burned, irradiated wasteland where death may be the easiest way out.
In the Midwest, Liam's family watches the devastation growing ever closer, but the real danger comes from those around them. Panic grips the populace as the first ashes and embers rain down from the sky, and fire becomes a secondary danger as their fellow man will stop at nothing to try and stay safe - even if it means taking the lives of innocents.
A firestorm rages across North America, destroying everything in its path.
In its wake, a lone firefighter survives the conflagration - but his survival and journey home is anything but assured.
In a quiet suburb, a young boy finds himself to be the only survivor in a city full of the dead.
On the other side of the country, a family watches the devastation grow closer, though the flames are not the most dangerous threat they face...
***
Extreme drought conditions in the West cause wildfires to spring out of control, tearing East across the country, destroying everything in their path. Caught in the midst of this firestorm, Liam Hayward - a smokejumper - is the only survivor of his unit. Injured and on his own, Liam's journey home means crossing a burned, irradiated wasteland where death may be the easiest way out.
In the Midwest, Liam's family watches the devastation growing ever closer, but the real danger comes from those around them. Panic grips the populace as the first ashes and embers rain down from the sky, and fire becomes a secondary danger as their fellow man will stop at nothing to try and stay safe - even if it means taking the lives of innocents.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2024
329 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 24, 2024
This is a really good start to this new & exciting post apocalyptic series! I did like the characters & was swept up in the tension & excitement as it builds nicely through the story. Good idea, worrying really, so a great adventure & a real fun read!
April 27, 2025
inferno
A very well written and different book I am enjoying this series a lot.
Just wish my Kindle would stop acting up, I can't access the second book .
A very well written and different book I am enjoying this series a lot.
Just wish my Kindle would stop acting up, I can't access the second book .
February 16, 2025
This has an interesting premise for the disaster, especially given the recent horribly, devastating fires in sourthern California and last year in Canada. However, I question whether the science is there to have a huge fire travel several thousands miles from west to east and destroying everything in its path. Does not seem like a possibility but then, sometimes for the sake of fiction we have to shrug and go oh well. This only had some minor editing issues (ex. Peter complains that he (grandpa) and his parents do this, but that should be Sean talking to Peter who is the grandpa). I did like a lot of the characters and really liked Derek and his canine friend Bo. He is dealing with absolute catastrophe and the probable deaths of his parents, yet he and Bo survive and keep solving problems. I would want him on my team. I look forward to Book 2 and hope Rose escapes the plant lockdown.
August 23, 2024
A harrowing opening to a new series
Inferno is an intense ride. As if unprecedented wildfires ripping across the country aren't bad enough, adding failing nuclear infrastructure makes the scenario all the more frightening. Aided by believable characters, realistic responses to the stress and a healthy dose of pathos Dawn of Ruin has the potential to be the best work Upton and Kraus have conceived in any of the series they've written, together or in conjunction with any other authors. 5/5 stars. If apocalyptic reading is something you enjoy, put Inferno at the top of your reading list. Oh, and make sure you have time to read it in one sitting!
Inferno is an intense ride. As if unprecedented wildfires ripping across the country aren't bad enough, adding failing nuclear infrastructure makes the scenario all the more frightening. Aided by believable characters, realistic responses to the stress and a healthy dose of pathos Dawn of Ruin has the potential to be the best work Upton and Kraus have conceived in any of the series they've written, together or in conjunction with any other authors. 5/5 stars. If apocalyptic reading is something you enjoy, put Inferno at the top of your reading list. Oh, and make sure you have time to read it in one sitting!
August 30, 2024
All it took was one spark to start a conflagration that is set to burn up the entire country. When our hero is stranded and injured while fighting the blaze, getting back to his family becomes the least of his problems. Tragedy brings out the worst in people, but sometimes the best as well. All that is certain is tough times ahead.
This is book one of the series, so a good and proper place to start.
This is a post-apocalyptic disaster story featuring a wild fire seriously out of control. The story is well written with a setup that could be part of tomorrow's headlines. That makes it both good as it is believable, but also bad in that it sometimes strikes a bit too close to home. Suspension of disbelief is actually pretty important at times. The characters are really well done, both the good and the bad. Our hero is really well done and quite resourceful which comes in handy as he has a lot to deal with. Overall, this was an excellent introduction to the series and I am eager to see what happens next.
Highly recommended.
This is book one of the series, so a good and proper place to start.
This is a post-apocalyptic disaster story featuring a wild fire seriously out of control. The story is well written with a setup that could be part of tomorrow's headlines. That makes it both good as it is believable, but also bad in that it sometimes strikes a bit too close to home. Suspension of disbelief is actually pretty important at times. The characters are really well done, both the good and the bad. Our hero is really well done and quite resourceful which comes in handy as he has a lot to deal with. Overall, this was an excellent introduction to the series and I am eager to see what happens next.
Highly recommended.
August 24, 2024
Inferno - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Amidst the horrors of a world on fire, three generations of one extended family must face extremes of terror, health issues, injury, confrontations - good or bad - and daily encounters with hostility and death all around.
At the same time instances of tragedy and desperation also bring out hidden strengths in some, leading to unexpected friendships and philanthropy.
Will the far-flung loved ones survive to be reunited in safety...or will Nature wreak a terrible revenge on mankind's neglect and destruction?
Read the terrific and engaging Inferno, Book 1 of Stacey Upton and Mike Kraus's Dawn Of Ruin series, to see exactly why I couldn't put my copy down until the last page - and can hardly wait for Book 2, coming soon!
Amidst the horrors of a world on fire, three generations of one extended family must face extremes of terror, health issues, injury, confrontations - good or bad - and daily encounters with hostility and death all around.
At the same time instances of tragedy and desperation also bring out hidden strengths in some, leading to unexpected friendships and philanthropy.
Will the far-flung loved ones survive to be reunited in safety...or will Nature wreak a terrible revenge on mankind's neglect and destruction?
Read the terrific and engaging Inferno, Book 1 of Stacey Upton and Mike Kraus's Dawn Of Ruin series, to see exactly why I couldn't put my copy down until the last page - and can hardly wait for Book 2, coming soon!
August 28, 2025
Very scary!
The narratives raw authenticity grips the reader, revealing a haunting portrayal of human resilience amid overwhelming adversity. Despite its fictional nature, the story resonates with a profound emotional truth that exposes the darker aspects of human experience. The characters' struggle against oppressive circumstances becomes a testament to the enduring power of human connection, with familial and friendship bonds serving as a beacon of hope. The compelling storytelling creates an irresistible narrative pull, compelling the reader to immediately seek the next installment and uncover the characters' fate.
The narratives raw authenticity grips the reader, revealing a haunting portrayal of human resilience amid overwhelming adversity. Despite its fictional nature, the story resonates with a profound emotional truth that exposes the darker aspects of human experience. The characters' struggle against oppressive circumstances becomes a testament to the enduring power of human connection, with familial and friendship bonds serving as a beacon of hope. The compelling storytelling creates an irresistible narrative pull, compelling the reader to immediately seek the next installment and uncover the characters' fate.
August 23, 2024
A firestorm has erupted and he needs to find his family. A young boy is the only survivor in a city as everyone else has died. Their journeys will be different but will be just as hard as the other. How will he get on? Will it all go well? Can he find others to help him? See how they both get on
August 31, 2024
A terrible firestorm that has almost no survivors. Devastation everywhere, the few survivors trying desperately to cling to hope. How Will everything turn out. Will draw you in and keep you gripped. Amazing new series.
October 15, 2024
A great read
This is a great read. I would recommend it to all who like apocalyptic or dystopian fiction stories. However, a reader must be aware that the book ends at a climactic place. A reader must have the next book on hand when he or she finishes this One.
This is a great read. I would recommend it to all who like apocalyptic or dystopian fiction stories. However, a reader must be aware that the book ends at a climactic place. A reader must have the next book on hand when he or she finishes this One.
January 9, 2026
good start to this series
Good characters I care about them. I question whether a fire would go all over the US without something starting it. It is horrifying to think about of course. Worse, even than a flood.
Good characters I care about them. I question whether a fire would go all over the US without something starting it. It is horrifying to think about of course. Worse, even than a flood.
September 4, 2024
Great new series!
One of the best new dystopian books I have read in a while. Good characters, good story line, interesting possibilities. Bought the next book in the series..
One of the best new dystopian books I have read in a while. Good characters, good story line, interesting possibilities. Bought the next book in the series..
September 7, 2024
Fires
This start of a new series will leave you totally scared. Uncontrolled fires burn everything. Melting building and destroying lives. Book two ahead.
This start of a new series will leave you totally scared. Uncontrolled fires burn everything. Melting building and destroying lives. Book two ahead.
October 2, 2024
fantastic
Could not out this one down. Normal people and how they try to survive fires starting in California. Nuclear power plants melting down Kept me awake all night.
Could not out this one down. Normal people and how they try to survive fires starting in California. Nuclear power plants melting down Kept me awake all night.
December 1, 2024
I do like the premise, and who doesn't like an apocalypse story... unfortunately the writing is lackluster and the characters are thin. Also: some leaps are so unsupported as to be absurd.
June 14, 2025
Inferno
The story pulls you in and you just want to keep on reading even though my eyes are screaming to put the book down and rest for a while!
The story pulls you in and you just want to keep on reading even though my eyes are screaming to put the book down and rest for a while!
July 14, 2025
Loved these books
Just finished reading all six books. The story was so interesting. Read all six books and was hoping there was a book 7
Just finished reading all six books. The story was so interesting. Read all six books and was hoping there was a book 7
August 28, 2025
Length
This book is way to long. Could not imagine reading the next one. Need a readers digest version. Don't start unless you are somewhere with nothing else to do.
This book is way to long. Could not imagine reading the next one. Need a readers digest version. Don't start unless you are somewhere with nothing else to do.
April 13, 2025
A riveting and suspenseful first entry into this series..... well written and very entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews