Reclamation

The Durango Chronicles #1

by Bruno Miller

*DARK ROADS SPIN OFF SERIES*

In the rugged, snow-capped mountains of Colorado, a new dawn breaks over a world reshaped by the apocalypse. This first book in the Dark Road spin-off series follows Ben and his family after returning to the heart of the San Juan Mountain range in Durango, Colorado to rebuild their lives after a harrowing cross-country journey. But survival in this new reality is anything but simple.

As the group settles into their mountain homestead, they face relentless challenges—harsh weather, dwindling resources, and the ever-present threat of hostile factions vying for control of the surrounding territory. Tensions rise when a nearby militia offers protection in exchange for allegiance, forcing Ben to weigh the cost of safety against the price of freedom.

For Joel and Allie, young love blossoms amid the chaos, but their growing independence clashes with Ben’s cautious leadership. Meanwhile, Emma, Brad and Sandy carve out their own paths, discovering untapped talents that could make or break the group’s survival.

As external threats mount and internal dynamics shift, the family must unite against forces that seek to exploit the fragile peace they’ve built. Their fight is no longer just to live—it’s to thrive, preserve their freedom, and forge a future worth fighting for.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Matt Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Road fans rejoice, that special brand of chaos is back!
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2025
Reclamation, the 1st book in the Durango Chronicles, continues the story of Ben, Joel, Ally, Sandy, Brad and Emma in the months following the nightmare trip cross country. Though the setting is different and new antagonists are present, the special kind of chaos readers love about The Dark Road series is here in spades. The prologue does a great job of reminding the reader of what Ben and his family faced between Colorado, Maryland and back and the tension is present from page 1. Between encroaching winter, Slade, a new antagonist, and Caldwell, whose motivation is a bit more complicated, there is no shortage of tension. The characters are all extremely well constructed, and the vast majority of readers who choose Reclamation will likely be familiar with them, but if not, Miller does a very good job of giving a crash course in each character, and how they've changed since Ben and Joel saved Ally and set of for Maryland. The action scenes are plentiful and put together in that special way that only Miller can accomplish and ends on a cliffhanger that puts everything they faced on the road to shame in terms of consequences and dangers it imposes. 5/5 stars, with the highest recommendation for those already fans of The Dark Road series, but also anyone who enjoys post-EMP survival thrillers!

[Emelia Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this one on Kindle Unlimited after reading the description, and it pulled me in right away. The post-apocalyptic Colorado setting feels rugged and real, almost like you can feel that icy mountain air creeping off the page. This spin off really leans into the survival aspect, harsh weather, scavenging for resources, and figuring out who you can trust when the world has gone sideways.

Ben’s family dynamic is what sold me. You can feel the weight he carries trying to keep everyone safe, especially with the militia offering “protection” at a cost. I liked how the story explores that gray area between safety and freedom no easy answers, just tough choices.

The younger characters, Joel and Allie, bring a softer, more hopeful thread to the story. Their little spark of romance felt natural, especially in contrast to the danger surrounding them. And seeing Emma, Brad, and Sandy find their footing and grow into their own roles added some nice depth to the group.

It’s very much about rebuilding, redefining family, and pushing forward when everything around you is uncertain. If you enjoy survival stories with strong character bonds, shifting alliances, and a good blend of tension and heart, this is a great start to the series. I’ll definitely continue the spin off.

[Karen Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Bruno Miller’s writing. He fleshes out each character so that yo feel as if you know them and can empathize with them. I’m so happy that he has continued this series with the Durango Chronicles letting us know how Ben, Sandy, and the children fare once reaching home. I also like the fact that there is no gratuitous violence, filthy language, or unnecessary sexual content. Mr. Miller is very talented in getting his point across without the use of those unneeded features. His characters express moral unease about the death and destruction they cause in their quest for survival. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the only thing I could ask for is that Mr. Miller be able to write as quickly as I read. I am impatiently waiting for book 2 to be released.

[Camila Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Roads: Reclaiming Durango

Set in the snow-covered mountains of post-apocalyptic Colorado, Dark Roads: Reclaiming Durango delivers a gripping tale of survival, family, and resilience. After enduring a perilous journey, Ben and his family return home to rebuild, only to face new dangers, from brutal weather to power-hungry militias. The story masterfully balances action and emotion as each family member discovers their strength in a world where freedom comes at a steep price. With rich character dynamics and tense moral choices, this spin-off captures the heart of survival fiction—raw, human, and deeply compelling.

[Dan Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop Action

After reading the complete preceding series, I was not sure what to expect with this new one… And what a ride it was!
Seriously can’t wait for the next book in the series, fully realizing that I will probably read it cover to cover in one sitting.
If you haven’t read any of the preceding books, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning—You will thank me.
Just a great story about survival amidst unimaginable circumstances, with family at the center of it all.
Hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Virginia L. Huard · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM

Hoe for 5 months. Settling in, for 5 months. So, the family enjoys being together and preparing to deal with the long cold Winter ahead. Trouble is ahead, they know. It’s coming. But they never expected this event!
Brad is taken. And trouble now, focused, and awakened Ben’s parental psyche.

He will not have this happen to his youngest! And, his life shifts to something else focused…..and dangerous. Read on.

[Dannielle Hardenstine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished the original series I was left wondering what life would look like now… luckily for me the first book of the spin off series had already been written.
We’ve been given more love, chaos and some violence thrown in keeping with the flow of the original.
Will everyone survive this time? Guess we have to wait and see!

[Gerry S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awful ending. Two stars was more than it earned. How could five men and a truck get near enough to kidnap Brad without anyone including Gunner hearing it? Lost interest. Went to the ending of book two. Again awful. Searching for the chapter where Brad is rescued. Will read that and close the series with one star for book two. Not an enjoyable read.

[Kimberly Hroma · Rating 5 out of 5]

another Awesome story!!

LOVE these characters and am soooo happy to read more about them! Love how smart & strong the *good guys* are! And i enjoy the bad guys getting what’s coming-real justice!! Anxiously waiting for the next book!! SOON i hope!!🙂🙂

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

It was great to catch up with Ben, Joel, and the rest of the family. This is a great start to a new series with the characters from The Dark Road series. Great characters and action. Left off on a cliffhanger, so I am anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Dulce Keels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of this family! Ben really prepared his family. Joel is such a strong young man, so much more mature and wiser than he was before the EMPs. Brad is growing up way too fast. I cannot believe how it ended though! 😭

[Tracy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice to be back with these characters. Great story!

[Mia Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Loved the book but didn’t know I was going to have to wait months to finish the story. I’ll have to mark on my calendar. I can’t wait for it to continue.

[Sharon Stellburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Glad

I'm so glad that this Miller has written this series and is continuing what a great series, and the writer is doing great with this series enjoying it.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Again, Bruno most has done it again. These books are great reads. They keep you at the edge of your seat and you don't want to post them down!!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the setting the power grabs. I'm glad the author decided to continue Ben, Joel, Abby, Sandy, Emma, and Brad's survival struggles, and oh yeah their loyal pack of dogs

[Johnette]

Well written! You will need to read the sequel to end the story line!

[Christine Arella (nee Clack)]

Will be a great writer. This one’s just a bit rough around the edges.

[Kelly Kirkland · Rating 2 out of 5]

ehh. not really my thing. I thought it would be different.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good quick book. I need the next book to figure out how things go...