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After: An Anatomy of Fracture
Ten years after the invaders arrived, the scant traces of humanity still live every second of their lives in absolute terror. Forced from their cities into ragged communes on the edges of the world, they cling to existence by the weight of their micro-decisions, one careless move or false breath away from certain death. Some believe they’re the lucky ones, others believe they’re cursed. But something in the sky is changing, and seeds of hope now grow amongst the carnage and devastation. Will they live to see the dawning of a new day? Or will they be too few and too broken for it to matter?
AFTER follows the journey of a lonely motorcycle messenger who delivers weather-beaten notes to survivors scattered across a cracked and fissured western United States, a world both devastating and somehow beautiful. Her road takes her over vast landscapes, into the hands of humans capable of unspeakable evil, and through a hell worse than all of it — the guilt and grief slowly eating away at her.
AFTER follows the journey of a lonely motorcycle messenger who delivers weather-beaten notes to survivors scattered across a cracked and fissured western United States, a world both devastating and somehow beautiful. Her road takes her over vast landscapes, into the hands of humans capable of unspeakable evil, and through a hell worse than all of it — the guilt and grief slowly eating away at her.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2024
111 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Drew Starling
31 books87 followersAn Amazon bestselling author of horror and dark fiction, Drew Starling is a husband and dog dad who loves strong female leads, martial arts, and long walks in the woods with canine companions. He would like to think his plots are better than his prose, but strives to make his words sound both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. He listens to Beethoven, Megadeth, and Enya when he writes, and he'd be absolutely delighted if you'd consider joining his mailing list (which you can find a link to about one and a half mouse scrolls up this page). His only rule of writing: the dog never dies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 13, 2024
“Birds and frogs and insects, all too small or flighty for the invaders to mind, sang as one in praise of a day that would be greener than the next. She saw no deer, no moose, no wolf, no bear. They were all gone. It had been at least five years since she’d last seen a fox.”
A haunting and despairing tale that follows a messenger as she navigates the wastelands of a ravaged Earth. Years ago, an alien species came and began the end of times, now, the last few vestiges of humanity fight against monsters both human and extraterrestrial. As our messenger comes up against obstacles, her drive to survive has readers hoping for the best outcome.
A past full of loss gives her little to hold on to, and ensures she avoids attachments. Hers is a life of loneliness, shadows, and memories that plague her mind. I couldn’t help but wish there was some way for her to find a smidgeon of happiness. However, each time there seems to be hope, or even peace, it is easily shattered and destroyed. Is there anything worth continuing to live for? You’ll have to get wrapped up in this tale like I did to find out what happens to this intrepid woman.
“Nights were spent conversing with the stars. Sometimes they spoke back. Sometimes they did not.”
I’ve truly enjoyed some of Starling’s other works (check out the Bensalem series if you haven’t already!), and knew he would deliver a wonder and compelling story, with characters that feel so real, and prose that puts you right into the moment with them. There was sadness (even some scenes that shattered my heart), but it was amazing to see the resilience of humanity and especially of other terrestrial life forms. The ending was perfect. If you enjoy stories/shows like “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy, The Walking Dead, or A Quiet Place, this book has the same desperately terrifying qualities in desolate settings.
A haunting and despairing tale that follows a messenger as she navigates the wastelands of a ravaged Earth. Years ago, an alien species came and began the end of times, now, the last few vestiges of humanity fight against monsters both human and extraterrestrial. As our messenger comes up against obstacles, her drive to survive has readers hoping for the best outcome.
A past full of loss gives her little to hold on to, and ensures she avoids attachments. Hers is a life of loneliness, shadows, and memories that plague her mind. I couldn’t help but wish there was some way for her to find a smidgeon of happiness. However, each time there seems to be hope, or even peace, it is easily shattered and destroyed. Is there anything worth continuing to live for? You’ll have to get wrapped up in this tale like I did to find out what happens to this intrepid woman.
“Nights were spent conversing with the stars. Sometimes they spoke back. Sometimes they did not.”
I’ve truly enjoyed some of Starling’s other works (check out the Bensalem series if you haven’t already!), and knew he would deliver a wonder and compelling story, with characters that feel so real, and prose that puts you right into the moment with them. There was sadness (even some scenes that shattered my heart), but it was amazing to see the resilience of humanity and especially of other terrestrial life forms. The ending was perfect. If you enjoy stories/shows like “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy, The Walking Dead, or A Quiet Place, this book has the same desperately terrifying qualities in desolate settings.
November 22, 2024
In this post apocalyptic story, a woman fights to survive in a world taken over by aliens. This was at various times thrilling, devastating and uplifting. The illustrations in the book were wonderful. Drow Starling has such a wonderful way with words that makes you feel part of the story.
November 26, 2024
After: An Anatomy of Fracture is a masterful work of dystopian science fiction that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Starling once again showcases his incredible ability to craft both a world and characters that feel so real, you can't help but become immersed in them.
The story is set in a world ravaged by an alien invasion, and Starling does a brilliant job of building this bleak, desolate environment. From the very beginning, you feel the weight of devastation. The world feels empty, haunted by loss, and yet it draws you in. The writing is so vivid that you can easily picture yourself in this broken world.
At the heart of the story is the main character, whose grief is portrayed with such rawness. She carries a sadness that is palpable, yet she continues to push on, showing incredible courage in the face of a shattered world. Her journey is of survival, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Even in a world seemingly devoid of hope, there are moments of light that shine through. This balance is what makes After such a compelling read. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you're a fan of atmospheric dystopian books, this is a must read. Starling continues to prove that he is a master at creating worlds and characters that resonate deeply. I can’t forget to mention the amazing artwork inside the book. It fits the story so well and brings things to life even more. You really don’t want to miss this book.
The story is set in a world ravaged by an alien invasion, and Starling does a brilliant job of building this bleak, desolate environment. From the very beginning, you feel the weight of devastation. The world feels empty, haunted by loss, and yet it draws you in. The writing is so vivid that you can easily picture yourself in this broken world.
At the heart of the story is the main character, whose grief is portrayed with such rawness. She carries a sadness that is palpable, yet she continues to push on, showing incredible courage in the face of a shattered world. Her journey is of survival, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Even in a world seemingly devoid of hope, there are moments of light that shine through. This balance is what makes After such a compelling read. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you're a fan of atmospheric dystopian books, this is a must read. Starling continues to prove that he is a master at creating worlds and characters that resonate deeply. I can’t forget to mention the amazing artwork inside the book. It fits the story so well and brings things to life even more. You really don’t want to miss this book.
November 14, 2024
“…as the clouds broke and the sun appeared, so too did myriad black floating disks of great diameter. The vessels of the invaders…”
This story is going to stick with me. That feeling of utter emptiness, of needing to dam up any feelings for fear of the emotional flood that is sure to follow the slightest crack in your defenses. You become one with the unnamed woman who is our main character and know only fear and force yourself to do what’s necessary for survival. To embody loneliness or go crazy with grief and despair. Death is a constant threat, either quick and bloody by the aliens, or drawn out and torturous at the hands of some human gangs. Yet you must soldier on.
Leaving the main character unnamed was a perfect decision and made this feel a bit like a Cormac McCarthy novel. She works hard to blend in and remain unnoticed. I believe if she had a name, it would draw unwanted attention to her and make her more memorable. Her desire to remain anonymous also adds to the devastating weight of the story by implying how little an individual really matters. Even if that belief is solely hers.
This book is descriptive as hell of a bleak and depressing atmosphere, where the slightest noise feels like an insult to this quiet and desolate story. It reminded me of Justin Cronin’s The Passage (except with aliens) and it made me want to revisit it.
Sometimes I have to digest a book after reading it before I write my review but this one I had to do immediately because I wanted to try and capture that hollow cavity that I felt inside. A pinpoint of hope always seems to shine through no matter how many times it gets smashed.
If you are still reading my long winded review of this short book just remember this, it is easy to believe that sometimes dead is better- or you could believe…
“Your life now is not a curse, no matter what you believe. It is a blessing. You must understand this. We are the lucky few who fell through the cracks of fate. Now, we must harness our luck. We must wield it. We cannot be afraid of the gift we have been given.”
This story is going to stick with me. That feeling of utter emptiness, of needing to dam up any feelings for fear of the emotional flood that is sure to follow the slightest crack in your defenses. You become one with the unnamed woman who is our main character and know only fear and force yourself to do what’s necessary for survival. To embody loneliness or go crazy with grief and despair. Death is a constant threat, either quick and bloody by the aliens, or drawn out and torturous at the hands of some human gangs. Yet you must soldier on.
Leaving the main character unnamed was a perfect decision and made this feel a bit like a Cormac McCarthy novel. She works hard to blend in and remain unnoticed. I believe if she had a name, it would draw unwanted attention to her and make her more memorable. Her desire to remain anonymous also adds to the devastating weight of the story by implying how little an individual really matters. Even if that belief is solely hers.
This book is descriptive as hell of a bleak and depressing atmosphere, where the slightest noise feels like an insult to this quiet and desolate story. It reminded me of Justin Cronin’s The Passage (except with aliens) and it made me want to revisit it.
Sometimes I have to digest a book after reading it before I write my review but this one I had to do immediately because I wanted to try and capture that hollow cavity that I felt inside. A pinpoint of hope always seems to shine through no matter how many times it gets smashed.
If you are still reading my long winded review of this short book just remember this, it is easy to believe that sometimes dead is better- or you could believe…
“Your life now is not a curse, no matter what you believe. It is a blessing. You must understand this. We are the lucky few who fell through the cracks of fate. Now, we must harness our luck. We must wield it. We cannot be afraid of the gift we have been given.”
March 12, 2025
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my favorite writing I've experienced in a Small Published book. Poetic view at a Dystopian world. As you know, I'm a sucker For A Good post apocalyptic story like The Road. If you are as well then this one reads fast and easy.
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Horror ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall 4.5 ⭐️
This was my favorite writing I've experienced in a Small Published book. Poetic view at a Dystopian world. As you know, I'm a sucker For A Good post apocalyptic story like The Road. If you are as well then this one reads fast and easy.
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Horror ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall 4.5 ⭐️
April 8, 2025
Hmm? What's that? I read a book? Yes. I did. And it was beautifully written and the world building was well done and the capture of grief was haunting. Thank you @scarystarling for a copy of this and I hope more people pick it up!
June 21, 2025
"It starts in twilight, when a ruddy line grips the horizon and bubbles up into a glowing neon rim. A boiling orb pokes through the earth’s plane and slowly rises, as if conjured, and its gradual ascent splashes the sky with elated reds and purples that stretch on through infinity."
In a starving post-apocalyptic world, the woman travels upon her motorcycle to deliver posted messages to different communities that have been numbered. She meets different people, many who have lost all hope.
In the sky, black hovering discs howl in communication with each other. They have been attempting to annihilate the planet with massive, grotesque creatures left on the ground killing everything and everyone in their path.
Humans with all loss of humanity desecrate the Earth through violence as the woman attempts to survive the horror. The story is very descriptive regarding the gore. Sexual violence is mentioned but it is tastefully done lacking perverse description.
The woman who remains nameless has a deep loss of her own. She is tough and likeable. She tries to be a hero but sometimes fails. Can she find hope again?
Beautifully written with very interesting characters.
5⭐️
In a starving post-apocalyptic world, the woman travels upon her motorcycle to deliver posted messages to different communities that have been numbered. She meets different people, many who have lost all hope.
In the sky, black hovering discs howl in communication with each other. They have been attempting to annihilate the planet with massive, grotesque creatures left on the ground killing everything and everyone in their path.
Humans with all loss of humanity desecrate the Earth through violence as the woman attempts to survive the horror. The story is very descriptive regarding the gore. Sexual violence is mentioned but it is tastefully done lacking perverse description.
The woman who remains nameless has a deep loss of her own. She is tough and likeable. She tries to be a hero but sometimes fails. Can she find hope again?
Beautifully written with very interesting characters.
5⭐️
March 24, 2025
I am pretty sure that this book will be on my “Best of 2025” list. My god. Gorgeously bleak, sentences of heart-stopping beauty, despair and hope, violence, terror, strength and vulnerability.
Starling somehow magically gives the impression of a spare and desolate novella but uses such a poetic and impactful narrative that the reader is transported.
It is 10 years after an alien invasion, their ships still fill the sky, their beasts still roam the earth. The aliens’ motivations and plans are unknowable, but track all life for extinction through their exhalations. The rare humanmust wear a converter mask and only birds, small animals and fish still exist.
The book follows a nameless woman, a Messenger, grieving her lost family, striving to maintain her humanity, in a brutal and broken world.
Starling’s After is as terrifying and heartbreaking a read as McCarthy’s The Road. Every single word is perfectly placed, every paragraph is thoughtfully crafted. Not a syllable is wasted.
I am not a person who rereads books, my tbr is just too big. But I will reread this book. I hope everyone reads this book.
Starling somehow magically gives the impression of a spare and desolate novella but uses such a poetic and impactful narrative that the reader is transported.
It is 10 years after an alien invasion, their ships still fill the sky, their beasts still roam the earth. The aliens’ motivations and plans are unknowable, but track all life for extinction through their exhalations. The rare humanmust wear a converter mask and only birds, small animals and fish still exist.
The book follows a nameless woman, a Messenger, grieving her lost family, striving to maintain her humanity, in a brutal and broken world.
Starling’s After is as terrifying and heartbreaking a read as McCarthy’s The Road. Every single word is perfectly placed, every paragraph is thoughtfully crafted. Not a syllable is wasted.
I am not a person who rereads books, my tbr is just too big. But I will reread this book. I hope everyone reads this book.
October 11, 2024
‘With beautifully elegant prose, masterful world building and an unflinching and uncompromised vision, Drew Starling successfully whips this grief laden story into a frenzy of unbridled, visionary brilliance, where all its elements coalesce to make ‘After’ an exceptional piece of human centred, grief-riddled, dystopian brilliance.’
- Ross Jeffery, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of ‘The Devil’s Pocketbook’ & ‘I Died Too, But They Haven’t Buried Me Yet’
- Ross Jeffery, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of ‘The Devil’s Pocketbook’ & ‘I Died Too, But They Haven’t Buried Me Yet’
October 9, 2024
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this story. If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic horror and fabulous writing pick this one up when it releases!
A bleak and brutal tale of one woman's fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic nightmare. With unforgettable imagery, Drew Sterling delivers a tale of grief, courage, dread, and the best and the worst of human nature, combining Mad Max: Fury Road and War of the Worlds into one heart-pounding story.
A bleak and brutal tale of one woman's fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic nightmare. With unforgettable imagery, Drew Sterling delivers a tale of grief, courage, dread, and the best and the worst of human nature, combining Mad Max: Fury Road and War of the Worlds into one heart-pounding story.
May 24, 2025
Beautifully written.
March 23, 2025
Some books entertain, some completely pull you in—and then there’s ‘After’.
This story is so vivid that by the time you reach the last page, it feels like you’ve just watched a haunting post-apocalyptic movie.
Told in four parts, each introduced by a stunning illustration, ‘After’ wastes no time throwing you into its bleak, desperate world.
Drew Starling doesn’t bog you down with a long backstory; instead, you’re dropped straight into the aftermath of an alien invasion and left to piece things together as you go.
But somehow, you never feel lost—it just makes the journey even more gripping.
And the protagonist? She’s never named, yet you connect with her instantly. You feel her struggles, admire her resilience, and desperately want her to make it through.
The writing is so atmospheric it’s almost suffocating—every step of her journey feels like your own. The tension is constant, and while I wish we saw more of the invaders themselves, their eerie presence looms over every page.
At just 160 pages, After proves a story doesn’t have to be long to hit hard. It’s intense, unique, and way more emotional than I expected. If you love sci-fi horror with real depth, this one’s a must-read.
This story is so vivid that by the time you reach the last page, it feels like you’ve just watched a haunting post-apocalyptic movie.
Told in four parts, each introduced by a stunning illustration, ‘After’ wastes no time throwing you into its bleak, desperate world.
Drew Starling doesn’t bog you down with a long backstory; instead, you’re dropped straight into the aftermath of an alien invasion and left to piece things together as you go.
But somehow, you never feel lost—it just makes the journey even more gripping.
And the protagonist? She’s never named, yet you connect with her instantly. You feel her struggles, admire her resilience, and desperately want her to make it through.
The writing is so atmospheric it’s almost suffocating—every step of her journey feels like your own. The tension is constant, and while I wish we saw more of the invaders themselves, their eerie presence looms over every page.
At just 160 pages, After proves a story doesn’t have to be long to hit hard. It’s intense, unique, and way more emotional than I expected. If you love sci-fi horror with real depth, this one’s a must-read.
February 18, 2025
In After, we follow an unnamed woman on the 10th year since earth was invaded and decimated by aliens. This woman is a messenger, delivering letters between groups of surviving comms. Her time since the invasion has only been met with death and devastation, which has hardened her into someone who is just trying to survive.
This story is so bleak, set in a desolate Western United States where humans not only have to worry about being killed by these alien invaders, but where they also fear human monsters. Anytime we got a sliver of hope, I savored it, only to be destroyed again in the following pages.
If you’re a fan of bleak post apocalyptic stories along the lines of The Road, The Last of Us, and Swan Song, you need to check this novella out.
This story is so bleak, set in a desolate Western United States where humans not only have to worry about being killed by these alien invaders, but where they also fear human monsters. Anytime we got a sliver of hope, I savored it, only to be destroyed again in the following pages.
If you’re a fan of bleak post apocalyptic stories along the lines of The Road, The Last of Us, and Swan Song, you need to check this novella out.
October 23, 2024
Starling's prose is captivating and rich. I found myself just as eagerly heaving into each coming paragraph looking for more of his beautiful writing, as I did to find what was next for the characters and world.
The way Starling depicts the necessary manipulation of technology, and makes it not only crucial to survival, but also horrifying . . . is epic in fashion. He wields a palette of science fiction and horror in one hand, and in the other, a brush of lyrical poetry; painting for us a dismal and damn good story with very few brushstrokes of hope within.
This story will take you across deserted plains, roads caught in Earth's reclamation, and rivers of immense grief. It will chain you, forcing you to witness how vile humanity becomes when on the cusp of an extinction.
There are otherworldly invaders in this work of Drew Starling's; however, the horror of this tale is not alien: it is ourselves, and it is loss.
The way Starling depicts the necessary manipulation of technology, and makes it not only crucial to survival, but also horrifying . . . is epic in fashion. He wields a palette of science fiction and horror in one hand, and in the other, a brush of lyrical poetry; painting for us a dismal and damn good story with very few brushstrokes of hope within.
This story will take you across deserted plains, roads caught in Earth's reclamation, and rivers of immense grief. It will chain you, forcing you to witness how vile humanity becomes when on the cusp of an extinction.
There are otherworldly invaders in this work of Drew Starling's; however, the horror of this tale is not alien: it is ourselves, and it is loss.
October 13, 2025
Wow.
So many emotions in this story. Dread, despair, cruelty, and loneliness, and finally hope, maybe. You never learn the protagonist’s name, but the author lets you live in her shoes as she survives in what’s left of the world.
So many emotions in this story. Dread, despair, cruelty, and loneliness, and finally hope, maybe. You never learn the protagonist’s name, but the author lets you live in her shoes as she survives in what’s left of the world.
November 2, 2024
The author sent me an ARC of this book for an honest review.
It's usually slow going for me with reading with how busy and distracted I can be. And I really don't vibe with scifi-horror. But I read this in one sitting and wanted more.
The artwork is phenemenal. The characters are well written, their reactions to different scenarios actually seem plausible, the horror is vividly described without being splattery or tasteless.
Drew Starling tackling grief horror in the midst of an alien invasion really hyped me up. I'd totally read a sequel.
It's usually slow going for me with reading with how busy and distracted I can be. And I really don't vibe with scifi-horror. But I read this in one sitting and wanted more.
The artwork is phenemenal. The characters are well written, their reactions to different scenarios actually seem plausible, the horror is vividly described without being splattery or tasteless.
Drew Starling tackling grief horror in the midst of an alien invasion really hyped me up. I'd totally read a sequel.
August 9, 2025
My first by this author. Beautiful prose in a horrifying dystopian world. The Woman (who is never given a name) represent what’s left of humanity after an alien invasion. Small pockets of humans have survived but live in terrible circumstances and her journey lets us see just how terrible life has become. A difficult, but in the end uplifting tale well worth the read, if not for the wonderful writing then for the heart wrenching story.
d-n-f
December 11, 2024I will preface this by saying that I loved Starling's novel "Sentinel" and highly recommend it! However, this novella didn’t quite meet my expectations and had to DNF at 50% - which is why I won’t be giving a star rating.
There were several aspects that failed to hold my interest. My biggest issue was feeling disconnected from the protagonist, who was only referred to as "The Woman" and lacked sufficient development for me to care. If I'm unable to connect with a character, I struggle to become invested. It also felt like rushed transitions to new scenes and then gaps of lengthy descriptions of mundane activities like pitching tents and traversing lifeless scenery. Despite some good action sequences and suspenseful moments, the story failed to resonate with me and made it difficult to remain fully invested until the end.
Because this book has high ratings and I seem to be in the minority, I’d still recommend giving this a read if the synopsis sounds good to you.
Many thanks to the author for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were several aspects that failed to hold my interest. My biggest issue was feeling disconnected from the protagonist, who was only referred to as "The Woman" and lacked sufficient development for me to care. If I'm unable to connect with a character, I struggle to become invested. It also felt like rushed transitions to new scenes and then gaps of lengthy descriptions of mundane activities like pitching tents and traversing lifeless scenery. Despite some good action sequences and suspenseful moments, the story failed to resonate with me and made it difficult to remain fully invested until the end.
Because this book has high ratings and I seem to be in the minority, I’d still recommend giving this a read if the synopsis sounds good to you.
Many thanks to the author for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2025
Very eerie setting with a character that brings comfort and stability to the crumbles world around her.
May 2, 2025
This was a well written dystopian novel. I did enjoy it, but I felt like there were some areas where the story could’ve been better or more impactful.
I’ve seen some people saying they didn’t like the protagonist only being known as, “the woman.” I actually liked that, as I felt it was characteristic of the way she viewed herself during the events of the book. She’d lost everything and everyone that made her who she was, and she no longer felt like she had any identity. This was a cool way to show that.
I wish that there had been some areas that the author dug a little deeper on, like the woman’s time with the little girl in the story. Because of the time jump in between parts of the story, we go from one moment the woman is saving the little girl to the next, the little girl is calling her “mommy” and they’re saying “I love you” with no buildup to that part of their relationship. I would’ve loved to see a little bit more of how they grew to bond with one another, especially since it was evident that the woman was originally hesitant to keep the girl with her when she saved her. This part of the story gave me, “The Last of Us” feels, which was cool.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and would read more from this author! I just think with how short of a novel this was, there was definitely room to flesh out the story a bit more in some ways.
I’ve seen some people saying they didn’t like the protagonist only being known as, “the woman.” I actually liked that, as I felt it was characteristic of the way she viewed herself during the events of the book. She’d lost everything and everyone that made her who she was, and she no longer felt like she had any identity. This was a cool way to show that.
I wish that there had been some areas that the author dug a little deeper on, like the woman’s time with the little girl in the story. Because of the time jump in between parts of the story, we go from one moment the woman is saving the little girl to the next, the little girl is calling her “mommy” and they’re saying “I love you” with no buildup to that part of their relationship. I would’ve loved to see a little bit more of how they grew to bond with one another, especially since it was evident that the woman was originally hesitant to keep the girl with her when she saved her. This part of the story gave me, “The Last of Us” feels, which was cool.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and would read more from this author! I just think with how short of a novel this was, there was definitely room to flesh out the story a bit more in some ways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
After an Anatomy of Fracture is such a captivating journey—one that melds the rawness of human emotion with the stark reality of a world in crisis. Set against a dystopian Earth, this novel explores themes of grief, human nature, and the resilience needed to rebuild in the aftermath of destruction.
Sterling's prose is strikingly beautiful and evocative, pulling readers deep into the emotional landscape of the characters while painting a vivid, haunting picture of a world on the brink. The language flows with such grace that even in moments of despair, there's an underlying sense of hope that shines through. The author makes an incredible job of blending intense emotional depth with a dark, oppressive atmosphere of a dystopian setting.
At the heart of the narrative is “the woman”, a character so intricately crafted that her emotions leap off the page. From her grief and vulnerability to her strength and determination. Sterling does an exceptional job of making readers feel her pain, her hopes and desires.
This novel is a powerful exploration of what it means to endure, to face unimaginable loss, and to find the will to carry on in the face of overwhelming odds.
Sterling's prose is strikingly beautiful and evocative, pulling readers deep into the emotional landscape of the characters while painting a vivid, haunting picture of a world on the brink. The language flows with such grace that even in moments of despair, there's an underlying sense of hope that shines through. The author makes an incredible job of blending intense emotional depth with a dark, oppressive atmosphere of a dystopian setting.
At the heart of the narrative is “the woman”, a character so intricately crafted that her emotions leap off the page. From her grief and vulnerability to her strength and determination. Sterling does an exceptional job of making readers feel her pain, her hopes and desires.
This novel is a powerful exploration of what it means to endure, to face unimaginable loss, and to find the will to carry on in the face of overwhelming odds.
May 25, 2025
✉️🏍🛸After🛸🏍✉️
This was heavily athmospheric, immersful dystopian, emotionally impacting, blunt, and bleak novella, and I need more of it.
The world is in shambles after an apocalyptic event, where invaders destroyed the earth, and humanity is at the brink of extinction. We follow a nameless woman in a desolate landscape filled with destruction and despair. She is a messager for hire, going from comm to comm delivering messages.
This is not a hero story, a tale of overcoming. It's a survival story from a common person trying their best to survive in a world that has given her an expiration date, and she's way past the date.
It's brutal. Blunt. Unforgiving. Grieful. And I need more from this world. I will be checking out the other works from Drew's catalog.
I recommend this book to you if you liked the Fallout game/series or enjoyed the MadMax movies.
I want to thank Drew Starling for sending this book to me and allowing me to experience this awesome tale of survival.
This was heavily athmospheric, immersful dystopian, emotionally impacting, blunt, and bleak novella, and I need more of it.
The world is in shambles after an apocalyptic event, where invaders destroyed the earth, and humanity is at the brink of extinction. We follow a nameless woman in a desolate landscape filled with destruction and despair. She is a messager for hire, going from comm to comm delivering messages.
This is not a hero story, a tale of overcoming. It's a survival story from a common person trying their best to survive in a world that has given her an expiration date, and she's way past the date.
It's brutal. Blunt. Unforgiving. Grieful. And I need more from this world. I will be checking out the other works from Drew's catalog.
I recommend this book to you if you liked the Fallout game/series or enjoyed the MadMax movies.
I want to thank Drew Starling for sending this book to me and allowing me to experience this awesome tale of survival.
March 15, 2025
“There are many wonders amongst the stars.”
I have been a fan of Drew’s writing since I read Sentinel and Nothus by him back in 2022 and this one is fantastic. It is a super quick read coming in at 158 pages but this story packs such a punch. It is bleak. It is scary. It is everything you want in and end of the world story. I truly believe this is how it would be. Drew is so good at putting you into the story as if you are the main character. I found myself holding my breath so many times reading this. I really love how unique the story is and if you love apocalyptic worlds, please give this a read.
I have been a fan of Drew’s writing since I read Sentinel and Nothus by him back in 2022 and this one is fantastic. It is a super quick read coming in at 158 pages but this story packs such a punch. It is bleak. It is scary. It is everything you want in and end of the world story. I truly believe this is how it would be. Drew is so good at putting you into the story as if you are the main character. I found myself holding my breath so many times reading this. I really love how unique the story is and if you love apocalyptic worlds, please give this a read.
November 13, 2024
✨After: An Anatomy of Fracture ARC review🌙
It’s been over 10 years since the invaders arrived.
❌dystopian brilliance
❌bleak and brutal tale
❌a tale of grief, courage, dread
❌haunting
❌equally beautiful and brutal
❌alien intelligence
❌giant creatures who seek what remains of humanity
❌fmc only referred to as ‘the woman’ who carries messages to and from the Comms, with a painful backstory
❌terror and fear you can feel from the pages
❌pain, loss and tragedy
❌mournful at times but also chaotic and terrifying
❌dangerous, unstable world
❌edge of your seat exciting, but also terrifying
❌death is never ending and anyone can die anytime
❌sci-fi, survival horror
Starling’s writing is phenomenal, powerful and I very highly recommend!
Available on Amazon!
It’s been over 10 years since the invaders arrived.
❌dystopian brilliance
❌bleak and brutal tale
❌a tale of grief, courage, dread
❌haunting
❌equally beautiful and brutal
❌alien intelligence
❌giant creatures who seek what remains of humanity
❌fmc only referred to as ‘the woman’ who carries messages to and from the Comms, with a painful backstory
❌terror and fear you can feel from the pages
❌pain, loss and tragedy
❌mournful at times but also chaotic and terrifying
❌dangerous, unstable world
❌edge of your seat exciting, but also terrifying
❌death is never ending and anyone can die anytime
❌sci-fi, survival horror
Starling’s writing is phenomenal, powerful and I very highly recommend!
Available on Amazon!
November 14, 2024
Imagine a world attacked by predatory alien entities. Imagine a world where humans are decimated and the survivors have to fight for their lives. A messenger on a bike has messages for some of the survivors in various communes and has to use all her skills to stay alive as she travels through roads fraught with danger and destruction. The horror she encounters is beyond terrifying with death and deception lurking around. A well crafted apocalyptic story with fantastic world building. The despair and terror has been well defined as well as the extent people will go to in order to survive.
November 16, 2024
A fight for survival that’s is a nightmare with such grief, horror and tremendous courage. I’m not a nail biter and I found myself nibbling with anxiety.
From what the world is today to what is could possibly turn into a dry end of the world war zone. The pictures just brought the visual so much more alive.
Drew delivered once again which such poise and detail that I will bookmark in my memory (aliens) !
Thank you for an early copy :)
From what the world is today to what is could possibly turn into a dry end of the world war zone. The pictures just brought the visual so much more alive.
Drew delivered once again which such poise and detail that I will bookmark in my memory (aliens) !
Thank you for an early copy :)
November 17, 2024
This was a short but thrilling read! The author’s descriptions of the
Landscapes, aliens and characters were so good that I felt like part of the
Story as an observer! My emotions were on a roller coaster as the “woman”
Went through a horrific nightmare of alien invaders,loss of her family and
Near loss of her sanity! I would love to read more about how her future
Played out after she survived all that was thrown at her!
Landscapes, aliens and characters were so good that I felt like part of the
Story as an observer! My emotions were on a roller coaster as the “woman”
Went through a horrific nightmare of alien invaders,loss of her family and
Near loss of her sanity! I would love to read more about how her future
Played out after she survived all that was thrown at her!
Read
August 23, 2025Literate and lyrical
Beautifully written in a style not often found in horror genre. A study of character more than a horror story, but enough shock factor to qualify. Quite original in the nature of the threat. This may even qualify as literature. It does by my definition.
Beautifully written in a style not often found in horror genre. A study of character more than a horror story, but enough shock factor to qualify. Quite original in the nature of the threat. This may even qualify as literature. It does by my definition.
November 20, 2024
If aliens invade the planet and start wiping us out like in After, good God I hope I’m taken out quick. Along with the terrifyingly ravenous and insatiable alien creatures, this is everything you could want in a post-apocalyptic world. We have grief and disparity, resilience and bravery, the most deplorable people imaginable and all the terrors that come with, the hardships of finding supplies and basic essentials needed to survive and at the very end of it all, hope. Drew Starling is such a talented writer, his characters and prose are always perfection and I loved our fierce main character so much. I flew through this one and can’t wait to see what we get next from Starling. Thanks so much to the author himself, for kindly sending me an advanced eARC. After published last week.
August 16, 2025
Best grief horror I’ve read!!
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