Reckoning: Ashes of the Collapse Book 5:

by Mark Hunter, Mike Kraus

Tensions continue to rise on the Prairie Winds farm as McKenna's poison wends its way through the workers, while on the road David and Jody's assistance to a beseiged National Guard caravan does not go unrewarded in Book 5 of Ashes of the Collapse.

Brought to you by the #1 best-selling - and most prolific - post-apocalyptic author, Mike Kraus.

An experimental fracking operation digs too deep, igniting an underground gas system that causes half of the mainland United States to erupt into a series of fiery sinkholes that consume untold millions of lives. With no way to stop the underground fires, all anyone can do is watch as more of the country collapses and even more lives are claimed...

At Prairie Winds Farm in Nebraska, the extended Carlson family works to prepare their campground and farm for the coming season, unaware of the disaster looming at their doorstep. While their farm is spared from the initial collapse, the most pressing threat is not from mother nature, but from their fellow man.

In South Carolina, David Carlson and his daughter Jody are at a survival camp, and rush to the airport when they catch wind of what's happening, only to watch it go up in flames, trapping them far from home. Forced to travel on foot, their survival skills are put to the test, but the real question is if they have the stamina to make such a long journey back across a fiery hellscape.

As the disaster spreads throughout the country, claiming countless lives, the Carlsons can only survive by doing what's required - if they have the fortitude to do so.

*****

Mike Kraus & Muonic Press are the #1 producers and sellers of post-apocalyptic tales, and since publishing his first series, Mike has sold nearly four million books - for good reason. Mike's post-apocalyptic tales speak to what readers treasure most - realistic characters, the triumph of hope in the face of adversity, and storylines that are eerily in tune with what could really happen.

Since capturing audience’s attention with Final Dawn in 2012, Kraus has captivated and delighted his readers, both with his solo projects like Epoch's End, The End of All things, Surviving the Fall and No Sanctuary, and with his co-authored projects with authors like BK Boes, Kate Pickford, Justin Bell, Kenny Soward, Tara Ellis, Stephanie Mylchreest and others on titles such as It Falls Apart, Zero Hour, MELT, Flashpoint and Weathering the Storm.

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

Mark Hunter is a dynamic voice in the post-apocalyptic genre, crafting compelling narratives of human resilience against insurmountable odds. His stories explore the trials of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, focusing on the enduring strength of community and the tenacity of the American spirit.

Grounded in the timeless values of faith, family, and duty, Hunter's characters soldier on through every challenge with true grit and unwavering determination. His stories resonate with readers who believe hope is a beacon in the darkest times, hard work wins the day, and honor is forged through sacrifice.

Reviews

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues what has been a good series and though the "science" behind the catastrophe is not really feasible, most of this book dwells on the aftermath and how people are trying to survive. The story in Reliance and with the devious Mckenna really ramps up to a nice cliffhanger. David and Jody make some good progress though I must confess to some irritation at Jody's insistence on wanting her way in helping and at the adults who surprisingly allow and even nurture it. She is in the sixth grade and whilst her inclination to want to help and save absolutely everything is admirable, there is a time and place where it is not feasible or is too dangerous for everyone. Her gnawing regrets and guilt at not being able to save everyone borders on an unhealthy neurosis. She has a lot of potential but could use better guidance and let latitude by the adults. With the cliffhangers, I look forward to book 6.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckoning - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Ashes of the Collapse, Book 5, by Mike Kraus and Mark Hunter, Reckoning sees David Carlson and daughter Jody in a life-threatening standoff with an apex predator, as they struggle towards home. Is there any help to be had?

Meanwhile, back on the Prairie Winds Farm, the rest of the family - wife Harper, daughter Grace, his parents Earl and Ruth plus the Gladstones - have to deal with a different kind of danger...of the human kind. Who's the villain?

Skulduggery is most definitely afoot, but all is not lost in this dynamic, near-future survival- thriller.
Reckoning may seem to have brought disaster the Carlsons' way, but to get the full reading experience, grab a copy today and buckle up for a wild ride all the way!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read! I finished in absolutely no time as all. It gripped me from the first page & I felt invested in this whole story as I really needed to see what would happen next. If you like fast paced post apocalyptic adventures, with nasty adversaries, this will really hit the spot! I do recommend!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely fantastic story once again. Danger and secrets, how can anyone survive this catastrophe. Once you start reading, there’s no stopping Binge reading for sure, no sleep until you’ve finished.

[G S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckoning book 5

Another great read. So many things happening. I am loving every moment of this series. So well done. Thank you

[Tracy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenna is evil!!