October's End

by Sarah-Elizabeth Dean

A gripping tale of survival and friendship unfolds as nineteen-year-old Jensen Michaels, Cayler Reynolds, seventeen-year-old Kenneth Anderson navigate the aftermath of the 2019 Yellowstone supervolcano eruption. As Pompeii, Georgia, becomes enveloped in a chilling darkness of ash and destruction, the trio must band together to survive.
With their world turned upside down, the three friends must confront the harsh realities of friendship in the face of insurmountable odds.

172 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

Sarah-Elizabeth Dean started writing at the age of twelve with fanfiction. They were raised in a small town in North Georgia and grew up with Cerebral Palsy. When they're not writing, they're doing genealogy and reading books for ideas and inspiration.

Reviews

[Delphine Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. From the moment Yellowstone erupts, the story plunges you into a world of ash, fear, and uncertainty, but what truly makes it shine is the human side of the catastrophe. Following Jensen, Cayler, and Kenneth in Pompeii, Georgia felt incredibly real. They aren’t superheroes or perfectly prepared survivors they’re young people trying to protect one another, make impossible decisions, and hold onto hope while the world collapses around them. The author does an amazing job showing how fast “normal life” disappears and how fragile everything we take for granted really is.

What impressed me most was the emotional weight. The danger isn’t just the volcanic winter, the darkness, or the cold, it’s the fear for family, friends, and neighbors, and the constant uncertainty of who will make it through another day. I found myself genuinely invested in these characters, worrying about them long after I put the book down. The pacing is strong, the atmosphere is chilling, and the sense of realism makes the story hit hard. This is the kind of disaster novel that stays with you because it’s as much about survival and friendship as it is about destruction. An excellent read, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic stories with heart and depth.

[Nellie Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

October’s End is more than a post-apocalyptic survival tale; it’s a deeply human story about friendship, resilience, and the emotional toll of navigating a world turned to ash. Set in the aftermath of the Yellowstone supervolcano eruption, the novel follows Jensen, Cayler, and Kenneth as they fight to survive in a landscape that’s both physically and emotionally unrecognizable.

What struck me most was the emotional honesty threaded through the chaos. The characters feel real, flawed, loyal, and quietly brave, and their bond becomes the heart of the story. Sarah-Elizabeth Dean writes with a voice that’s both grounded and poetic, capturing the eerie stillness of a world in collapse and the flickers of hope that keep people moving forward.

If you’re drawn to survival fiction with a strong emotional core, October’s End is well worth the read. It lingers.

[W G Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories that are based on real possibilities, and the potential eruption of the Yellowstone caldera is ripe for a story like this. The plot shows much promise for future books, and the character development throughout the story drove a basic plot.

The only reason I didn't give this story five stars is because it was difficult to keep up with all the characters. The major conflict toward the end helped, but long lists of character names without identifying activities and writing in first person while switching the point of view character between chapters became confusing.

The story isn't too complicated and the short chapters make for light reading of a serious possibility. If you can handle what I described, this is an excellent book to get.

[Heather. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my typical genre, but the author kept my interest and attention throughout the entire book. The author does a great job at making the events taking place very realistic and you feel like you are navigating this new world right there with them.

[RK Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children of Men Vibes

Except if the Clive Owen character is a dude named Jensen and he and his team; particularly his best friend Kenneth and Kenneth’s boyfriend Cayler, survive an apocalypse complete with volcanic eruptions and cannibalism, only to found a town called New Haven then enter a four year war against a group called the Psychos. Oh yeah, & this Clive Owen produces his own children!

[Mary David · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am completely blown away by this book. From the very first chapter, Sarah-Elizabeth Dean hooks you with a tangible sense of atmosphere and high stakes that never lets up. The pacing is absolutely flawless, masterfully balancing pulse-pounding tension with deep, quiet moments of emotional vulnerability. What sets this story apart is how incredibly well-developed the characters are; their choices feel earned, and their survival instincts keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, the narrative takes turns that leave you breathless. It is atmospheric, unpredictable, and brilliantly written. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a thrilling, immersive read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page!"

[Masi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love post-apocalyptic survival stories filled with heart and grit, this gripping novel is for you. Follow Jensen, Cayler, and Kenneth as they battle the aftermath of the Yellowstone eruption—where friendship becomes their greatest weapon against the darkness.

[Micheal Towna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. Want to see more books published!