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Barter: A post apocalyptic supernatural thriller
A fast-paced post-apocalyptic novella from Nommo Award-nominated author, Erhu Kome. Perfect for fans of Suyi Davies Okungbowa.
Years after the rains stopped mid-downpour and returned to the clouds, leaving Earth a barren wasteland and society fractured into small groups, water becomes humanity’s only currency. Zane, leader of The Freeborn, strikes a deal with the Soldiers of Fortune, offering a prized prisoner for precious water. But the agreement turns deadly when the exchange is ambushed by mutated creatures born of the disaster. Zane must to escort the surviving Soldiers of Fortune back to their stronghold through monster-infested wastelands for the promise of more water or to protect his people from the perilous journey.
Years after the rains stopped mid-downpour and returned to the clouds, leaving Earth a barren wasteland and society fractured into small groups, water becomes humanity’s only currency. Zane, leader of The Freeborn, strikes a deal with the Soldiers of Fortune, offering a prized prisoner for precious water. But the agreement turns deadly when the exchange is ambushed by mutated creatures born of the disaster. Zane must to escort the surviving Soldiers of Fortune back to their stronghold through monster-infested wastelands for the promise of more water or to protect his people from the perilous journey.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2025
15 people want to read
About the author
Erhu Kome
7 books79 followersErhu Kome is an Urhobo writer of speculative fiction and sometimes normal stories. She is also the premier female Nigerian author of bizarro fiction. She grew up in Benin city and is from the Urhobo tribe, so she has eaten and knows how to cook some of the most delicious foods in the world. She loves anime, cannot stop watching Bob's Burgers, and TV shows that has Eric Kripke involved in the making.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 29, 2025
This was my first time reading a post-apocalyptic book, and while I had some expectations based on the genre, the author did an incredible job of bringing this world to life.
In this Kenyan community, the rains have stopped, leaving citizens desperate for water. They now rely on the government for a single gallon meant to last a week. As they struggle to survive, beast-like creatures known as *The Smelly Ones* terrorize the population. We are introduced to Zane, leader of the Freeborns, who negotiates an exchange of a captured heir for water and ammunition with the soldiers of Fortune. However, just when they think *The Smelly Ones* are their greatest threat, they encounter something far worse—a group of female Oya worshippers determined to restore the earth at any cost.
This fast-paced, action-packed book is rich in vivid imagery and tight, engaging writing. If not for the way the story concludes, I’d be begging for a series—though I certainly wouldn’t say no to one! A fantastic start to the genre, and I highly recommend it.
In this Kenyan community, the rains have stopped, leaving citizens desperate for water. They now rely on the government for a single gallon meant to last a week. As they struggle to survive, beast-like creatures known as *The Smelly Ones* terrorize the population. We are introduced to Zane, leader of the Freeborns, who negotiates an exchange of a captured heir for water and ammunition with the soldiers of Fortune. However, just when they think *The Smelly Ones* are their greatest threat, they encounter something far worse—a group of female Oya worshippers determined to restore the earth at any cost.
This fast-paced, action-packed book is rich in vivid imagery and tight, engaging writing. If not for the way the story concludes, I’d be begging for a series—though I certainly wouldn’t say no to one! A fantastic start to the genre, and I highly recommend it.
July 9, 2025
This is the first dystopian book I’ve ever read and damnnnn, what a ride!
Set in a world where water is currency and desperation drips from every page, Barter grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Twists? Brutal. Pacing? Insane. That ending? I sat there blinking like—wait, WHAT?!
If you liked In Time (yes, that wild Justin Timberlake movie), you’ll love this. It’s got that same high-stakes survival energy with a sprinkle of the supernatural and a whole lot of “oh no she didn’t!”
Short but unforgettable. Erhu Kome snapped.
Set in a world where water is currency and desperation drips from every page, Barter grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Twists? Brutal. Pacing? Insane. That ending? I sat there blinking like—wait, WHAT?!
If you liked In Time (yes, that wild Justin Timberlake movie), you’ll love this. It’s got that same high-stakes survival energy with a sprinkle of the supernatural and a whole lot of “oh no she didn’t!”
Short but unforgettable. Erhu Kome snapped.
April 7, 2025
Barter is a fast-paced novella that will have you gripped from start to finish. I finished it in one sitting and yelled at the ending because it threw me off guard.
A must read if you're looking for something short, but gripping.
A must read if you're looking for something short, but gripping.
March 12, 2025
Dystopian fiction often treads familiar ground, but every once in a while, a book comes along that feels fresh, gripping, and deeply unsettling.
“Barter” by Erhu Kome is one such novella. From the very first page, Kome’s distinctive voice pulled me in and refused to let go, weaving a narrative that was as immersive as it was haunting.
Set in a bleak, dystopian world, where the rains have ceased, and water is the new currency with which trade is done; this novella doesn’t just paint a picture of a society in decline, it drags you into its depths, forcing you to confront the depravity that often emerges in times of desperation. It gives us a peek into a world where humans have to survive without the basic things we always take for granted.
The author masterfully builds tension, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and thought provoking. It’s rare for a book to truly shock me, but this one did so effortlessly, delivering twists that I never saw coming.
The twists weren’t just unexpected; they were brilliantly executed, adding layers to the story that kept me on edge. Just when I thought I had a grasp on where things were headed, the narrative took a sharp turn, leaving me reeling. And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I did not see that coming at all.
It left me craving more, wishing this wasn’t just a novella but a full length novel where we could further explore the intricacies of the world, the characters, and the story’s deeper themes.
For my first book by Erhu Kome, I’m beyond impressed. Her storytelling is compelling, her world building is immersive, and her ability to evoke emotion is truly commendable. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of her works.
If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction that delivers an unforgettable reading experience, then this is for you.
“Barter” by Erhu Kome is one such novella. From the very first page, Kome’s distinctive voice pulled me in and refused to let go, weaving a narrative that was as immersive as it was haunting.
Set in a bleak, dystopian world, where the rains have ceased, and water is the new currency with which trade is done; this novella doesn’t just paint a picture of a society in decline, it drags you into its depths, forcing you to confront the depravity that often emerges in times of desperation. It gives us a peek into a world where humans have to survive without the basic things we always take for granted.
The author masterfully builds tension, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and thought provoking. It’s rare for a book to truly shock me, but this one did so effortlessly, delivering twists that I never saw coming.
The twists weren’t just unexpected; they were brilliantly executed, adding layers to the story that kept me on edge. Just when I thought I had a grasp on where things were headed, the narrative took a sharp turn, leaving me reeling. And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I did not see that coming at all.
It left me craving more, wishing this wasn’t just a novella but a full length novel where we could further explore the intricacies of the world, the characters, and the story’s deeper themes.
For my first book by Erhu Kome, I’m beyond impressed. Her storytelling is compelling, her world building is immersive, and her ability to evoke emotion is truly commendable. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of her works.
If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction that delivers an unforgettable reading experience, then this is for you.
June 2, 2025
Water is life. Statistics have shown that the earth is 71% water. Now, picture planet Earth without a special commodity like water. Humans can bathe, brush, flush, and do their laundry. And your throat is parched after eating because you are dehydrated.
Set in Nairobi, Kenya; this plot unveils Biebi, a young orphaned boy living with his grandparents with dreams of becoming a successful YouTuber. Everything changed after a visit to the fortune teller where she predicted that he had a great future. After his usual lunch at his best friend’s house, Biebi is dismissed by Wangera’s mother but little does he know that his world is about to be upturned once he steps out the door. Chaos quickly became the order of the day, there was no news of rainfall, the aged became frail, youths became desperate and aggressive, sinkholes appeared around the world and creatures called “The Smelly Ones” attacked ruthlessly.
The author emphasizes the importance of a world with water and this evokes a sense of appreciation for this special commodity. The author employs the flashback device in her plot narration and I appreciate how it takes us through the past and links with the
The representation of the “Iba Yansan” women from Ile – Ife portrays how women takes the forefront in and spearhead project that will bring peace to the humankind. Erhu Kome highlights religiousness in Africa through a character like Biebi’s grandmother who never lost faith in a higher being. While Biebi’s apathy to the existence of God grew as the plot thickened, his grandmother constantly reminded him that there is a God.
The author blew my mind with that compelling plot twist, it was unpredictable but I also think that it made the story appear inconclusive, nice cliffhanger but I find the backstory which led to the sacrifice of the main lead illogical.
Set in Nairobi, Kenya; this plot unveils Biebi, a young orphaned boy living with his grandparents with dreams of becoming a successful YouTuber. Everything changed after a visit to the fortune teller where she predicted that he had a great future. After his usual lunch at his best friend’s house, Biebi is dismissed by Wangera’s mother but little does he know that his world is about to be upturned once he steps out the door. Chaos quickly became the order of the day, there was no news of rainfall, the aged became frail, youths became desperate and aggressive, sinkholes appeared around the world and creatures called “The Smelly Ones” attacked ruthlessly.
The author emphasizes the importance of a world with water and this evokes a sense of appreciation for this special commodity. The author employs the flashback device in her plot narration and I appreciate how it takes us through the past and links with the
The representation of the “Iba Yansan” women from Ile – Ife portrays how women takes the forefront in and spearhead project that will bring peace to the humankind. Erhu Kome highlights religiousness in Africa through a character like Biebi’s grandmother who never lost faith in a higher being. While Biebi’s apathy to the existence of God grew as the plot thickened, his grandmother constantly reminded him that there is a God.
The author blew my mind with that compelling plot twist, it was unpredictable but I also think that it made the story appear inconclusive, nice cliffhanger but I find the backstory which led to the sacrifice of the main lead illogical.
April 25, 2025
Where do I even begin?
Barter pulls you in right from the first page. It's gritty, fast-paced, and set in a post-apocalyptic world that feels both terrifying and eerily believable. I loved how Erhu Kome wastes no time with fluff, the action hits hard, and the stakes stay high. The characters are layered, the dialogue snappy, and the world-building? Immersive. You could feel the dust, the desperation, the haunting echo of a broken society.
The writing is sharp, the characters feel real, and the tension doesn’t let up. But I won’t lie, the ending left me reeling. I literally had to close the book and just sit with it. It’s one of those stories that makes you pause, replay everything in your head, and wonder what it all really meant. I still don’t know how to feel, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
If you want a dystopian read that’ll mess with your head (in the best way), Barter should be next on your list. Just be prepared, it’s not a gentle ride, and the last few pages might just flip everything you thought you knew.
Barter pulls you in right from the first page. It's gritty, fast-paced, and set in a post-apocalyptic world that feels both terrifying and eerily believable. I loved how Erhu Kome wastes no time with fluff, the action hits hard, and the stakes stay high. The characters are layered, the dialogue snappy, and the world-building? Immersive. You could feel the dust, the desperation, the haunting echo of a broken society.
The writing is sharp, the characters feel real, and the tension doesn’t let up. But I won’t lie, the ending left me reeling. I literally had to close the book and just sit with it. It’s one of those stories that makes you pause, replay everything in your head, and wonder what it all really meant. I still don’t know how to feel, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
If you want a dystopian read that’ll mess with your head (in the best way), Barter should be next on your list. Just be prepared, it’s not a gentle ride, and the last few pages might just flip everything you thought you knew.
April 3, 2025
I'm still reeling from the fact that this book is under 120 pages!
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where rains have ceased and terrifying beasts roam, "Bater" follows Zane, leader of the Freeborn, as he's torn between protecting his people and ensuring their survival.
As my first African dystopian book, I'm beyond impressed! The author masterfully crafts a rich world in so few pages, drawing you into the protagonist's desperate fight for survival. Just when you think you know what's coming, the author is waiting for you in the next page with a pin ready to pop your balloon . And that ending... Wow! The price of survival is indeed steep.
If you're a dystopian fan, do yourself a favor and grab this! Even if you're not, I bet you'll love it. It's an incredibly easy, binge-worthy read - I devoured it in a day!
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where rains have ceased and terrifying beasts roam, "Bater" follows Zane, leader of the Freeborn, as he's torn between protecting his people and ensuring their survival.
As my first African dystopian book, I'm beyond impressed! The author masterfully crafts a rich world in so few pages, drawing you into the protagonist's desperate fight for survival. Just when you think you know what's coming, the author is waiting for you in the next page with a pin ready to pop your balloon . And that ending... Wow! The price of survival is indeed steep.
If you're a dystopian fan, do yourself a favor and grab this! Even if you're not, I bet you'll love it. It's an incredibly easy, binge-worthy read - I devoured it in a day!
April 27, 2025
Barter by Ehru Kome is such a gem!
It’s a short novella, but it carries so much weight and emotion that it honestly feels larger than life. I completely fell in love with the story of Beibi /Zane his journey, it broke me and healed me all at once.
Understanding his past gave me so much clarity on why present-day Zane is the way he is. It’s rare to see a character’s layers peeled back so naturally and painfully.
It’s a very fast read (I finished it in about an hour), but it lingers with you long after. Now, I have a thousand questions, a thousand theories, and a desperate need for more.
Ehru Kome did a beautiful job weaving so much depth into so few pages. If you’re looking for something emotional, intimate, and completely worth your time, Barter is it.
It’s a short novella, but it carries so much weight and emotion that it honestly feels larger than life. I completely fell in love with the story of Beibi /Zane his journey, it broke me and healed me all at once.
Understanding his past gave me so much clarity on why present-day Zane is the way he is. It’s rare to see a character’s layers peeled back so naturally and painfully.
It’s a very fast read (I finished it in about an hour), but it lingers with you long after. Now, I have a thousand questions, a thousand theories, and a desperate need for more.
Ehru Kome did a beautiful job weaving so much depth into so few pages. If you’re looking for something emotional, intimate, and completely worth your time, Barter is it.
April 29, 2025
What would you do if water was rationed to just one gallon a week for your whole family and the world was crawling with monsters?
Reading Barter by Erhu Kome wasn’t my first dive into post-apocalyptic fiction, but i did enjoy reading it.
The book is set in Kenya where rain has stopped falling and survival is a daily battle. Now Between the terrifying creatures especially the Smelly Ones and the women who are Oya worshippers, i don’t know who to fear more.
The writing is vivid, the pacing is fast, and the ending is fitting, I particularly liked how it ended now
Now If you’re looking for a short, gripping dystopian read that feels fresh, haunting, and hits hard, you need to pick this up.
Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down.
Reading Barter by Erhu Kome wasn’t my first dive into post-apocalyptic fiction, but i did enjoy reading it.
The book is set in Kenya where rain has stopped falling and survival is a daily battle. Now Between the terrifying creatures especially the Smelly Ones and the women who are Oya worshippers, i don’t know who to fear more.
The writing is vivid, the pacing is fast, and the ending is fitting, I particularly liked how it ended now
Now If you’re looking for a short, gripping dystopian read that feels fresh, haunting, and hits hard, you need to pick this up.
Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down.
April 30, 2025
First of all, shoutout to this book for pulling me out of my reading slump🥹
Barter is a fast-paced dystopian thriller that dives deep into the desperation of survival in a world where water is scarce and choices carry heavy consequences.
The writing is sharp and concise, and I could feel the emotions of the characters.
Zane, the main character, constantly wrestles with the decisions between duty and survival, I can’t explain it but the character felt so relatable. I also found myself wishing we got more from Tau and Nailah’s love story 🥹
And that ending? Nothing prepared me. I’m still not over it.
If you’re looking for a short, gripping read with emotional depth and strong themes, Barter is definitely one to pick up.
April 5, 2025
A world where water is scarce? Imagine that... terrifying.
I loved the pacing of this book, no wasted time, no unnecessary buildup. The characters are introduced seamlessly, and within moments, we’re thrown straight into the action. This is exactly why I love novellas: no fluff, just sharp, gripping storytelling.
And that twist? I definitely didn’t see it coming. It caught me completely off guard in the best way.
Overall, it’s a fast-paced, engaging read that held my attention from start to finish.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I loved the pacing of this book, no wasted time, no unnecessary buildup. The characters are introduced seamlessly, and within moments, we’re thrown straight into the action. This is exactly why I love novellas: no fluff, just sharp, gripping storytelling.
And that twist? I definitely didn’t see it coming. It caught me completely off guard in the best way.
Overall, it’s a fast-paced, engaging read that held my attention from start to finish.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
June 28, 2025
The author's writing style is different from what I have been reading lately, and I think that was the first thing I found intriguing. From the first chapter, Zane automatically became my favourite character, and as the story progressed, I was drawn to him even more. His transition from boyhood to manhood was beautiful to see, even though his misfortunes were too much to bear, at least for me.
Barter is a fast-paced, easy-to-read, post apocalyptic supernatural thriller with an ending you definitely won't see coming. And it'll leave you craving more.
Barter is a fast-paced, easy-to-read, post apocalyptic supernatural thriller with an ending you definitely won't see coming. And it'll leave you craving more.
April 17, 2025
Erhu Kome draws you in with such engaging and vivid writing and Barter was no different. A post-apocalyptic novella with endearing characters and an interesting storyline, Barter kept me on the edge of my seat and left me wanting more.
A must read for everyone who enjoys thrilling, post-apocalyptic books.
A must read for everyone who enjoys thrilling, post-apocalyptic books.
April 20, 2025
This was a fast-paced read and I loved how it kept my attention till the end. It's the first book I've read from this author, and I really like her writing style - simple yet captivating.
Zane's character was quite heroic, and I liked how we got a glimpse into his past. I wish the ending hadn't ended that way, but it also kind of made sense why it ended how it did.
A solid 4-star read 💯
Zane's character was quite heroic, and I liked how we got a glimpse into his past. I wish the ending hadn't ended that way, but it also kind of made sense why it ended how it did.
A solid 4-star read 💯
May 27, 2025
The ending of this book definitely surprised me. I was like wait, is she kidding me?
Barter is thrilling and fast-paced, maybe a little too fast-paced for me. I think the author brushed over contexts and characters that could benefit with more depth.
The dystopian novella tells the story of Biebi/Zane, the leader of The Freeborn in a world where rains have seized and water is scarce.
Barter is thrilling and fast-paced, maybe a little too fast-paced for me. I think the author brushed over contexts and characters that could benefit with more depth.
The dystopian novella tells the story of Biebi/Zane, the leader of The Freeborn in a world where rains have seized and water is scarce.
March 14, 2025
4 🌟
This fast-paced post-apocalyptic novella took me by surprise! The twist? Completely unexpected.
While the beginning was a bit challenging, the story picked up and turned into a gripping read.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!
This fast-paced post-apocalyptic novella took me by surprise! The twist? Completely unexpected.
While the beginning was a bit challenging, the story picked up and turned into a gripping read.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!
March 20, 2025
3.3 🌟
It was actually good. I felt like there was a particular itch that it didn’t scratch for me but it was actually such a pleasant read. I never could have predicted a thing. I was left with a lot of questions and I was just generally always on my toes.
A good read I would say!
It was actually good. I felt like there was a particular itch that it didn’t scratch for me but it was actually such a pleasant read. I never could have predicted a thing. I was left with a lot of questions and I was just generally always on my toes.
A good read I would say!
April 3, 2025
I read this book in under 2 hours and it was one of the best reads I have had this year
May 1, 2025
Erhu Kome's Barter is a gripping post-apocalyptic novella that delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the human condition in a world where water has become the most valuable currency. Set in a dystopian kenya where the rains have ceased, leaving the earth barren, the story follows Zane, the leader of The Freeborn, as he navigates a perilous trade with the Soldiers of Fortune—exchanging a notorious prisoner for precious water and food. However, the exchange is ambushed by mutated creatures, forcing Zane to make a critical decision: escort the surviving soldiers through monster-infested wastelands for the promise of more water or protect his people from the perilous journey. The novella delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the human condition, resonating with readers on a personal level.
Kome's storytelling is both gripping and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the dystopian genre.
The only issue i have with this book is the ending and the fact it's not a full length book. This book really broke my heart, because i was not expecting that thought provoking twist. Nonetheless,I'm happy i read this book from an amazing author
Thank you to the amazing author for this arc
Kome's storytelling is both gripping and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the dystopian genre.
The only issue i have with this book is the ending and the fact it's not a full length book. This book really broke my heart, because i was not expecting that thought provoking twist. Nonetheless,I'm happy i read this book from an amazing author
Thank you to the amazing author for this arc
May 18, 2025
In a world where the basic necessities are no longer guaranteed, how far can you go to survive?
Barter is set in a dystopian world where rain has ceased in the aftermath of a disaster called ‘the end of the world’. Erhu Kome takes us on a journey into this world where money has been rendered useless, making water the new currency and the only means of survival.
In a limited number of pages, the author masterfully builds this world, giving us a front row view of the desperation of its inhabitants, making us think of how much faith we can have in ourselves, neighbours, and the supernatural if thrown into such conditions. And the ending? You'll never see it coming.
This novella is proof that impactful storytelling doesn't always require hundreds of pages. It's a great reading experience that will leave you wondering about it long after you're done with it.
This book is highly recommended if you're a fan of dystopian fiction—and even if you aren't.
Barter is set in a dystopian world where rain has ceased in the aftermath of a disaster called ‘the end of the world’. Erhu Kome takes us on a journey into this world where money has been rendered useless, making water the new currency and the only means of survival.
In a limited number of pages, the author masterfully builds this world, giving us a front row view of the desperation of its inhabitants, making us think of how much faith we can have in ourselves, neighbours, and the supernatural if thrown into such conditions. And the ending? You'll never see it coming.
This novella is proof that impactful storytelling doesn't always require hundreds of pages. It's a great reading experience that will leave you wondering about it long after you're done with it.
This book is highly recommended if you're a fan of dystopian fiction—and even if you aren't.
July 12, 2025
I couldn’t put Barter down, it was fast-paced and I loved everything it did to my imagination. The story is set in a post apocalyptic era in Kenya, Africa and follow the MMC ( Beibi/Zane) who is desperate to keep himself and other alive through difficult times of scarcity of food and water due to drought with their biggest threats strange wild creatures or so they thought?
Survival of the human race had a price and even though Zane wasn’t willing to pay it willingly, won’t he?
Kudos to the Author, I will read more form her
Survival of the human race had a price and even though Zane wasn’t willing to pay it willingly, won’t he?
Kudos to the Author, I will read more form her
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews