Shadows and Dust: After the Impact Book 4:

by Kenny Soward

They’ve all made it this far. Now they must decide who they’re willing to become.

Cha Joon, an astute NEO expert, uncovers a web of corruption that threatens the safety of the vulnerable at a FEMA camp, only to discover that saving those he cares about could cost him everything.

Nick Alvarez fights against the suffocating confines of a detention camp, desperate to escape with Riley and reunite with his estranged family as he battles both internal conflict and external threats.

Meanwhile, Gabby Alvarez, a fierce young survivor, wrestles with treachery and deceit at her FEMA camp while forging a daring escape plan with her loyal companion. Her courage to speak out against the corruption could hold the key to her freedom—if only she can stay one step ahead of those who seek to silence her.

Chris Alvarez, matriarch of her family farm, is determined to protect her loved ones as tensions rise and danger lurks in every shadow. When she initiates a rescue mission to save her friends and confronts a perilous foe known as the King, Chris must muster all her strength to safeguard her home and her family.

As danger looms and alliances are tested, will they find the courage to rise from the ashes, or will they be consumed by the very chaos they fight against? In this thrilling installment, witness the power of family, the struggle for justice, and the unrelenting hope that binds them together amid the haunting silence left in the wake of destruction.

Shadows and Dust — where survival is just the beginning.

This is the fourth of a six-book series.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2025

About the author

Welcome to my little space out on the web. I'm Kenny Soward, and I'm an author, musician, and once IT guy. I write books in many sub-genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy, including post-apocalyptic, military science fiction, epic fantasy, and horror. I'm influenced by authors such as Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, Anne Rice, J.K. Rowling, Mark Lawrence, Dan Simmons, Robin Hobb, Robert McCammon, Larry Correia, and Mike Kraus.

I love all kinds of movies and shows from Battle Star Galactica (reboot) to the Walking Dead. There's nothing I won't try.

I grew up in Kentucky in a small suburb just south of Cincinnati, Ohio, listening to hard rock and playing outdoors. In those quiet 1970's streets, I jumped bikes, played Nerf football, and came away with many scars.

My grandfather and many of my uncles and cousins served in the United States Military, and my father was a Kentucky State Trooper. Their efforts taught me the meaning of sacrifice and gratitude. I've always had an avid curiosity about the world around me, and I hope my enthusiasm for life carries over into my stories, even the dark ones.

Reviews

[Matt Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply exceptional apocalyptic fiction!

Shadows And Dust is the 4th book in the excellent After The Impact series and continues to set the bar incredibly high in the post apocalyptic survival thrillers! The writing is as perfect as the rest of the series, with great, dynamic characters, perfect pacing, lots of well choreographed mayhem. Cha makes a number of miracle rescues and some happy reunions occur as a new threat to Chris and the farm, besides just obliterated weather phenomena resulting from dust in the upper atmosphere. Nick has his own struggles with Riley at his side as he fights to get home to Chris. This series is head and shoulders above much of the genre! 5/5 stars!

[Rose Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment really feels like everything is starting to tighten and connect in the best way. The stakes are higher, the tension is sharper, and each storyline pulls you in for different reasons.

I liked how the characters are all dealing with their own struggles at the same time, but everything still feels tied together by this larger sense of danger and corruption. Cha Joon’s storyline especially stood out with the uncovering of what’s happening in the FEMA camp, it adds a really intense layer of suspense.

Nick and Riley’s situation is packed with frustration and urgency, and you can really feel that push-and-pull of trying to survive while still holding onto personal goals and relationships. Gabby’s perspective brings a lot of grit and determination, and Chris’s storyline adds that strong family anchor that keeps everything grounded even when things get chaotic.

There’s a lot going on, but it never feels messy. Instead, it builds this steady momentum that keeps you wanting to know what happens next. It really does feel like things are finally starting to come together in the series.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excellent, really engaging and easy to follow, especially during the more intense scenes.

Overall, this was a strong entry that deepens the story and sets up even more anticipation for what’s coming next. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing the series.

[Missgotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Riley devise a cunning plan to finally escape the detention centre. A perfect opportunity arises during a harsh storm where they used the chaos as cover to leave, but not without complications. Gabby finds out she is the centre of attention when she escalates reports of corruption in the camp to Cha. Now even more of a target Gabby couldn't leave fast enough, and when she returns back to her grandparents home, she is horrified to see that they are under attack. A new enemy called King and his crew prove to be a big danger to Chris. She has to take direct action to save her people. Meanwhile, the impact of the disaster is still proving to be a huge threat to everyone.

Overall a great addition to the series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was as entertained by this book as much as the others. I was on the edge of my seat as new challenges faced Chris, Nick, Gabby, and Cha Joon. My attention was focused on this story with all the new twists and dangers which abounded everywhere. I worried about Gabby's safety. I felt for Nick's longing to get home. I applauded Cha Joon's more active role in events. I hoped Chris would find her way. Ryan Pierson's narration skills have enhanced my enjoyment of this tale. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

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

This 4th book of a good series really was hitting its stride. A lot of tie-up of some plot and coalescing at a much expected point. I have been kind of sour on Gabby as a petulant and immature young woman, but she has grown a lot in the story and is fine now. Cha Joon is still a favorite and though he did not get a lot of book time, what he had was crucial. I won't quibble on a few minor cases of missing or wrong punctuation.

[Barbara Ann Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will wait for the next book not so calmly.

This was a great book. Abbey and her grandparents and Mike from the camp made their way to the horse farm. Delightful reunion for all amid chaos.


Nick is struggling to make it home. He and Riley broke free from the hostile camp. Ran into more trouble and Nick decided Riley wasn’t ready to set out on her own.

[Martha F. Williams-Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and Better!

Each of Soward's books in this series of : Impact Books, continues to get better and better. Now I have to wait for #5 in this series to get released. Hard to wait for it!

[G S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows and Dust

Excellent reading. Really enjoyed this book. It’s hard to believe that things like this could happen. Scary actually. So well written.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

recommend

I am very much enjoying this series - not just your typical trope themes and characters. Well written and entertaining.

[Tim Littlejohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading

So far this has been a good series. I hate when they set a minimum amount of words so now done

[Charles Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I love when the good guys win. A time or two I thought the win might continue, but two more books are coming, and the main character isn't home.