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What Happened Next

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When adults start dropping like flies, a small group of youngsters must make a dangerous journey.

Expect thrills, suspense, adventure - and even some laughs - in this dystopian debut from Jon Colt.

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

87 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

Jon Colt

8 books16 followers
Jon Colt is a novelist based in Edinburgh, known for his debut book, What Happened Next.

Writing has always been his passion, and he draws inspiration from the likes of Stephen King, James Herbert and Dan Brown.

When he's not writing, he can be found walking his charcoal labrador, Ringo, re-watching TV shows such as Breaking Bad, Mr Robot or What We Do in the Shadows, reading, or playing the guitar.

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5 stars
75 (35%)
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91 (43%)
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28 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚.
533 reviews27 followers
April 13, 2025
The book , the story plot , the characters everything in this book was so good! The author reached out to me and asked would I be interested in reading this book and that was the best decision I ever made.

This book is about a virus that sweeps the nations and many adults have died from it very violently I might add. As the adults are quickly decreasing in numbers this leaves a lot of children out to fend for themselves.

The characters in the book are so believable! I did enjoy how the book chapters are not too long which allowed me to read this book quickly. Once the action started it started. This book can best be described as all gas and no brakes. I did love the added element with the story I won’t give it away! Let’s just say it adds to the story tremendously. It’s been a while since I read a book that made me cry! That scene was a tear jerker.

I would definitely compare this book to Stephen King’s book “The Stand” there are some elements in this book that seeps into this one. Overall this book is an amazing read. I enjoyed this book so much I already bought book 2 and pre ordered book 3. Everyone should read this book, there is no higher praise than that.

Thank you again Jon Colt for providing me a copy of this ebook. I am truly grateful.
Profile Image for Mary Catherine Baker.
145 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2025
I really just don’t know what to say about this one, and I’m sad. I was incredibly hopeful because the author sent me a free copy and the plot seemed so interesting.

The author made two claims on Instagram: (1) the book is not anti-vax, and (2) the book is not pro-racism in anyway. I thought it was odd that an author would have to clarify this, but now I understand why.

As far as the anti-vax claim, the deaths were literally caused by a vaccine and the only people who survive are children who were too young to receive the vaccine and anti-vaxers who live in “distance living centers,” and who are largely also white supremacists? This book somehow paints vaccines out to be dangerous but also makes anti-vaxers white supremacist conspiracy theorists. Not sure what to make of that.

For the racism claim, I have several things to say. The most glaringly obvious is that the story ends *spoiler* with the shit head, violent, psychopathic kid being welcomed into the DLC because “God brought him home.” Turns out he’s a great descendant of the former high eagle - the leader of this white supremacy group, which basically makes him Jesus. I do understand that there’s a second book, and the author could plan on highlighting how evil these racists are later; however, the book did kind of end on a pro-racism note? Also, I couldn’t help but notice how odd the descriptions of any non-white person were. Literally an older black woman was dying, and I feel like I heard more about her being a black woman with a black face than her actual death. Then, “the Mexican fell to his knees” when another character died, and the race part just felt so irrelevant. Not to mention the Mexican character was immediately described as really into soccer. One black character was a single mother. One black character was a fatherless child because his father left for cigarettes and never came back. One black character was aptly and oddly only described as having an Afro. The white characters? Couldn’t tell you tbh because their skin color was never mentioned in this way. Just feels really weird to me generally. I don’t even like to go woke like this, but I genuinely just felt like it was wildly distracting and pulled me out of the story.

As for the plot itself, it was fine, but it honestly felt too short for the number of plots and the ending was rushed and somehow also took forever to get through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda .
81 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2026
Dystopian, fast paced, underlying political read.
I flew through it but won't be continuing the series, just not for me.
Profile Image for Briana.
28 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and the story is fascinating! I really grew to like a lot of the characters which was great but then some chapters had my eyes welling up! It was an emotional rollercoaster ride! Really looking forward to getting into the next book! Thank you Jon Colton for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a review!
Profile Image for Allison | crazypageturner.
283 reviews36 followers
February 5, 2026
4.5 rounded down

Adults all around the world are dying. A mysterious illness with no survival rate is killing adults at an astronomical rate and with very little warning. The government desperately tries to put a plan and societal guide in place for the kids to live by since soon there will be nobody for them to lean on. There is barely any time to act before all the kids are on their own.

MY THOUGHTS

This novel hits too close to home. It really makes you wonder. A virus synonymous with our COVID-19 happened. Masks, lockdown, vaccines, etc.. and then life kinda went back to normal after the vaccines were provided, just like ours. Now there seems to be something else happening to people. They are getting sick all over again, and not just cough cough stay home cold sick. We are talking rotting internal organs, excruciating pain, followed by projectile vomited blackish blood, falling unconscious until death takes you kind of sick. It comes on fast, shows no mercy and has no survival rate.

It’s very sad, graphic and dreary. The harsh realities of a world forced to quickly cope and figure things out while an invisible enemy annihilates the population. Panic and chaos quickly ensues in this town and every town across the nation. It’s deathly frightening.

We are introduced to a few different families and their dynamics in the small town of Masterson. This is heavily character based. Don’t get me wrong, the atmosphere and the events taking place are serious and engulfing in themselves. But the characters, their survival, their choices and thoughts really take the cake for me.

What to do with death surrounding you? Imagine being a kid and seeing your parents or people you know dying all around you and you must carry on without them. Imagine being a parent or adult KNOWING your painful death is coming in the near future and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

There is a big secret looming in the background surrounding the citizens and town of Masterson on top of everything else happening.

Human life is delicate and one tiny mishap can shape the future of its existence. Fascinating and terrifying.

Overall, this book is great! I cared for the characters a lot. The overwhelming situation that they find themselves hits so close to home. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it and I look forward to the next book since it leaves us with a cliffhanger of sorts! I’m very thankful to have received this book from the author and definitely recommend to all looking for a good end of the world type thriller.
Profile Image for Pan | Book Reviews and Recommendations .
214 reviews74 followers
February 1, 2026
Jon Colt’s What Happened Next is the kind of debut that grabs you by the collar from page one and refuses to let go. It’s bold, breathless, and surprisingly heartfelt—a dystopian thriller that balances high-stakes tension with deeply human storytelling.

At the center of the chaos is thirteen-year-old Milo Winters, whose peaceful life in Masterson shatters in an instant when adults across America begin dying without warning. Colt writes Milo with a sincerity and vulnerability that make him instantly endearing, and watching him step into a role far bigger than any child should have to face gives the novel its emotional backbone. His partnership with Becca—older, sharper, and carrying her own private terror in the form of a relentless stalker—adds a gripping layer of interpersonal tension. Rex, the young man obsessed with her, is chilling in his realism; Colt avoids caricature and instead paints a portrait of a predator emboldened by a collapsing world.

Then there’s Denzel, whose arrival in Masterson injects the story with a powerful undercurrent of justice, trauma, and long-buried hatred. His hunt for the remnants of the klan responsible for his mother’s murder is both harrowing and cathartic, and Colt handles this storyline with a maturity that elevates the entire novel. The way Denzel’s path intersects with Milo and Becca’s feels organic and explosive, building towards a climax that is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant.

What makes What Happened Next stand out is Colt’s ability to weave narratives together without losing momentum or clarity. The pacing is razor-sharp, the atmosphere thick with dread, and the stakes escalate in ways that feel both unpredictable and inevitable. Yet amidst the danger and darkness, Colt never forgets the humanity of his characters—their fears, their loyalties, their desperate hope for something better.

This is a debut that announces Jon Colt as a writer to watch. What Happened Next delivers suspense, heart, and a haunting vision of a world on the brink. Fans of dystopian fiction, character-driven thrillers, and emotionally charged storytelling will find plenty to love.
Profile Image for Cyd’s Books.
650 reviews22 followers
December 29, 2024
The author reached out to me about this book & I’m glad they did, it’s unique to my other reads and I had a good time reading this.

This book follows a few core characters as society comes to grips with a virus that is unknown and killing people swiftly. As things start to deteriorate we get to see some characters shine and take on leader like roles and some characters become their baser selves.

Shout out to Milo and Becca, they were great and so wholesome in this book with a few mistakes on the way out of fear. Brody is underestimated a lot, but he is a literal saviour. Rex is lowkey terrifying, and would absolutely thrive in lord of the flies if Becca was at his side.

I really want to know what happens next because of that ending!!!!
Profile Image for Sandra Yoon.
35 reviews
May 7, 2025
This is all about the characters. I found it a little bit slow, but I got so invested in the characters that I just had to keep on reading. Please don’t kill Teddy!
Profile Image for Ali DaSilva.
60 reviews
February 7, 2026
overall a good book! the beginning drags a bit for the first 20% or so but the end was quite interesting!

I could do without the anti-vax propaganda though
Profile Image for K D Davies.
313 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2026
The day the world started to end it was hot outside. An epidemic leads to a lawless state. It pushes people into terrible decisions, decisions borne of love but truly awful nonetheless.
This story grabs you by the neck and refuses to let go. A mother’s love creates a deep well of emotion that rippled its way into my psyche. The plight of the children has me gripped throughout! This is a solid thriller. Well worth a read!
Profile Image for Aimée.
20 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2025
We mainly follow the 13-year-old Milo Winters, who lives happily with his parents and little sister Sally in a town in New Hampshire.
Then there’s also Becca and Brody, the two teenagers who live down the road.
Rex, a brutal teenage boy who’s obsessed with Becca.
The good-hearted Lieutenant Peters.
And the cadets Denzel, Diaz, and Chambers.

It’s a hot Sunday morning when the world everyone knows drastically changes.
Milo is helping his dad wash the car; he’s talking to the kids who live next door, and the Winters family is about to eat breakfast. But suddenly Milo’s dad pukes up blood and falls unconscious.
What happens next is a series of horrible events: Over 70 percent of the adult population (it gets even worse) are becoming sick and are experiencing the same fate as the head of the Winters family. Hospitals are filled to the top with deadly sick adults who are falling dead one by one. But what causes these sudden deaths and why are only adults affected and not the people who live in the so-called DLCs (Distanced Living Centers)? Then there are also the Eighty-Eight, a group of white supremacists no one knows much about.
Soon Milo, Sally, Becca, and Brody are on their own, just like all the other kids and teenagers all over the country whose lives are full of grief and hopelessness. But Milo recovers hope when he realizes that there’s one last person left in his family who shouldn’t be affected by the disease. He wants to find this person, even though he promised his mother to stay away from him at all costs.

I was delighted when the author asked me if I wanted to read this book!
I love dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels and What Happened Next fits perfectly into both of these genres.
The beginning of the novel got me hooked! The threat of this upcoming sickness that causes a horrible death felt intense. Especially the vivid descriptions of how people are falling sick, added to the intensity. The characters were depicted vividly as well and as a reader, I could build an almost instant connection to them.
Colt’s writing style reminded me of Stephen King’s, which I personally really like! I’ve read “The Stand” by King and especially the beginning of What Happened Next felt like I was reading a popular dystopian novel like The Stand.
Nevertheless, the last quarter of this book wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be. I’d have liked it if the scenes toward the end of the book were described in more detail and didn’t end so abruptly.

Overall I highly recommend What Happened Next and I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
Thank you for reaching out to me, I had so much fun reading!
Profile Image for Amanda.
293 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2025
Thank you Jon Colt for reaching out to me about your book! I was sent a copy of the ebook for my own review!

I’ll start right off saying to check your trigger warnings! I’ll list the ones I noticed at the end of this summary.

This book was hard for me to read. I feel because the talk of a virus and vaccine is so realistic. There was a lot of dystopian in this book but not enough for me to disconnect from real life.

Colt does an amazing job at introducing you to a variety of characters and making you care about them. I felt every happiness and sadness from characters even if I only knew them a chapter! Some of the decisions characters had to make were so hard to read.

This is a dystopian type novel about a virus wiping out the adult population but there’s also a little thriller aspect hiding in the background. There’s a horrible white supremacy group called Eighty Eight working behind the scenes. This novel just sets up the background about this group and I feel it will be explored heavily in Book 2. Yet again group Eighty Eight is too close to reality to me.

The one big issue I had with this book was how adults acted toward the end of the book. We got to meet these characters and be with them multiple chapters. I feel how some acted were not genuine to the character.

If you’re into a dystopian world, virus killing everyone novel, I recommend this book to you! Just beware of triggers when you go in!

Triggers I noticed:
Pet death, parent death, child death, violence, kid violence against other kids, bullying, racism, gun violence, detailed graphic violence scenes, blood, death by suicide
Profile Image for Abbi Melissa.
124 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2025
*Rating* 3.5 stars rounded up.

I recently had the pleasure of reading What Happened Next, which was kindly sent to me by the author Jon Colt. Thank you for this opportunity to read and review your work.

One of the standout aspects of this book was the intriguing subject matter. I found the plot really interesting. The unique themes and ideas presented really piqued my interest and made for exciting reading.

However, I did feel that the story moved a bit too quickly. There were moments where I thought additional details or development could have enhanced the overall narrative. Expanding on these areas could have added more depth and allowed the reader to connect even more with the characters and their journeys.

Overall, What Happened Next was an enjoyable read with a fascinating premise. I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates dystopian novels and fast-paced plots. I'm looking forward to seeing how Colt continues to develop his unique voice in future works.

Thank you again for the chance to read this book!
Profile Image for NIKKI.
156 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2025
Such a good book! I will definitely be purchasing the second & third book because I need MORE!

This book has such a nice easy pace that it was really enjoyable to read and get through quickly. The genre was posty dystopian/thriller and it gave just that. You had full on end of the world vibes almost from the beginning. Things felt Eire and weird. Along with full on thriller vibes.

This book had my heart racing in certain parts. The writer did such a great job of making you feel like you are in the book and you’re right alongside these characters experiencing the same thing.

You get so attached to these characters to the point of heartbreak. I’m pretty sure I cried at least twice if not three times.

Highly recommend if this sounds right up your alley!
Profile Image for Gemma Mills.
98 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2025
What a fabulous book! So interesting and kept me hooked - even at the end I want to read more, more more! I shall definitely be reading more by this author. I have never read dystopian before but this was such a good read, so descriptive I could picture everything. I definitely recommend this!
Profile Image for Brittany.
156 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2026
In the world of this novel, all the adults start dying extremely gory, bloody deaths with no explanation. Until we find out the truth, laden with conspiracy. For a majority of the novel, we see the kids of the town forced to take care of themselves and each other with a few remaining authority figures trying to keep some semblance of order.

I enjoyed this book for about the first 50%. However, Colt writes an American experience that sometimes includes words or phrases we don’t really say, and while it didn’t hinder my ability to follow the plot, there were times where it did take me out of the experience momentarily. It’s an anti-vax story that draws characters either as one-dimensional stereotypes or makes them do or say things it didn’t make sense for them based on how we initially see them. I liked several of the characters at the beginning, but then they’d do something (or many somethings) that were just out of character, and that bothered me.

There are other books in this series, so Colt (understandably) ends on a cliffhanger. I don’t think I’ll continue with the series but I am interested in reading his other work because the pace of this one kept me going, and I think he generally writes well. This one just isn’t for me, and that’s okay.

*Thanks to Jon Colt for a free copy of this book.”
Profile Image for Chelsea-anne Kennedy.
468 reviews5 followers
February 3, 2026
This book is bout a virus that wipes out most of the adult population, slowly leaving the children to fend on their own. Starting with the positives, its an interesting dystopian landscape which is described well. The characters are realistic to their age, and some are altogether terrifying.
The negatives, I don't like how POC characters are described, their ethnicity is their main focus with one character being called the Mexican multiple times instead of his name. The reason adults are dying is due to a vaccine for another illness and those that survive are either anti-vaxxers or under 14. This felt like a pro anti-vax book, and although that's not what the author intended its how it comes across. I almost forgot to mention that all the anti-vaxxers are white supremacists. So that paired with how the POC characters were described just rubbed me the wrong way.

The author reached out to me and offered me a copy of this book to read but all opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Victoria.
20 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2026
Thank you Jon Colt for reaching out to me about your book! It's fairly unique to my other reads and I enjoyed it very much!

This book follows a variety of characters as society has to face the reality of a virus killing the adult population. This is a dystopian novel with a thriller aspect on what’s to come?

I do feel that there was character development, such as Milo and Becca. I feel like these two characters went through a lot and are still protecting their siblings and each other. I did find that the plot was very interesting and kept me very entertained throughout the whole book!

Overall, this book was fantastic. I loved reading it, and I loved the characters!! I cannot wait to read the second book because the cliffhanger on this one was absolutely insane!!
Profile Image for LX.
395 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2026
Not gonna lie it is faced paced and keep you on yours toes at first but when I got deeper within the story I just began to not enjoy it? I'm not sure if it's because of the narrative of how characters were described, and the whole vibe of anti-vaxx just not for me as the story had a good sounding premise but it felt just off when reading
Profile Image for Leah Warnett.
121 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2026
ARC READ!

thank you so much to the author for gifting this book to me i feel incredibly grateful. this book was a lot different to books i usually read but i felt like i couldn’t put it down and was so intrigued to read what was going on. i found it so upsetting at times but omg was not expecting that cliffhanger so thought she was gone!🥲
Profile Image for carol bamberry.
14 reviews
February 23, 2026
This book was fantastic. I was hooked from page one. The story was completely believable and made me think of how safe were our Covid vaccinations. I loved the characters, they really got to you, even the dog had me on the edge of my seat. This was fast paced and definitely kept me turning the pages. Cannot wait to start book 2.
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,333 reviews582 followers
August 25, 2025
What Happened Next by Jon Colt absolutely hooked me from the start! This dystopian thriller throws readers into a sadly now realistic scenario. A virus wipes out most adults, leaving kids like Milo, Sally, Becca, and Brody to survive in a collapsing world. The tension builds fast, and the presence of a shadowy extremist group adds a sinister edge that kept me flipping pages late into the night. Colt’s world feels raw and real, and the emotional stakes are high from the very first chapter.

The character development is one of the book’s biggest strengths. I genuinely cared about Milo and his crew, and found myself feeling their fear, hope, and heartbreak right alongside them. The pacing ramps up in the second half with heart-pounding action and suspense, and while I wanted more from some side plots (Rex, I’m looking at you), the story still delivered a thrilling ride. Lieutenant Peters and the cadets added depth, and I can’t wait to see how their roles evolve in the sequel.

And yes, the ending left me hanging... in the best and worst way. I’m not usually a fan of cliffhangers, but this one has me counting down the days until the next book (you hear that, Jon????). If you love dystopian fiction with strong characters, high stakes, and a touch of emotional chaos, this one’s for you. Just be warned... You might yell at your Kindle when you hit that final page. I had to instead complain to my dogs since I really don't want to break my poor Kobo...

Four out of five stars.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
30 reviews
February 20, 2026
I'll never turn down a free book!

This book was a page turner. I got through half of it before I went to sleep and almost felt like I dreamt about it.

I loved the primary plot. I love controversy in reading books. I think there is a lot more sensitivity post covid. Especially as this is a "those who didn't get vaxxed" survived story line. Please don't let your view on vaccines stop you from reading this book, you will seriously miss out. I just considered it another fiction novel. The writing in this story was beyond well done.

The secondary plot is still playing out. As a black person in America myself, I really hope there is something more in the second book. Which I'm forced to buy now because I must know. I was really frustrated with the way Denzel took immediate sides w/Rex. Even not knowing who he is [because Rex also doesn't even know], he couldn't see the actual cause of his pain. If not for Rex, then he wouldn't have been in the pain he was in. I also wasn't a huge fan of Denzel's backstory. It was very stereotypical. But unfortunately, similar to my own life which made it relatable up to a point.

If I was a crier, there were two points in the book that would have done me in. I held strong. But one point I was really angry at a character for leaving behind his beloved dog...pet deaths do not sit well with me because they're the saddest.

I ended the book without realizing the ending was even coming up, that's how engrossed I was in this story. It was just so, I don't know, captivating? It just hooked me in, and I couldn't focus on anything else until I was met with an abrupt end. I'm hooked in. I must know what happens in book two. I feel like I'm going to love it and then be forced to buy all four books because you can't have a partial set obviously.
I'll definitely be thinking of this book for days to come.

Just the smallest of critique to finish off this review. The book is set in America. So I do expect it to use American terms like living/family room, not lounge; flashlight, not torch; feet or miles, not meters; cart, not trolley; etc.
When I read a book set in England or Scotland, then I google a lot of things which I absolutely expect.

Please just give it a go, you won't be disappointed. Hopefully, we will see the take down of the 88 in book two, or three, or four.
Profile Image for Michelle Thompson.
23 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2025
I was kindly asked by the author if I would read this book and I'm so glad he did!
I will try not to post any spoilers.

I had previously seen this book advertised on social media and thought it sounded really interesting and therefore had it in my kindle wish list.

The story is a dystopian thriller, where adults start to mysteriously die in a gruesome way leaving anyone under 15 to remain. It follows a small group of neighbours/school friends as the story unfolds - and sets up the beginning of the end for these youngsters.
I found the main characters very likeable and I started to get emotionally attached (which I love in when I'm reading a book). These characters go through heart wrenching experiences in such a short space of time which had me rooting for them all the way through.
There was some strong villains in this book too, and I must admit I found some of it a bit disturbing to read. Especially the character Rex.

The story is quite fast paced, and I do feel like some of plot could have been extended to elaborate more or stretch the story out, but as a lover of short chapters and book series this didn't put me off.
This book is also apart of a series so I imagine there will be a lot more to come. And I must admit I'm already wanting the next book because I NEED to know what happens next!

Jon Colt, thank you for the opportunity to read this book, I flew through this in a couple of days (and for a slow reader like me thats pretty good)
I found myself picking this up at any opportunity I had to carry on reading and reading and desperately wanting to know where the story was going. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Paige.
49 reviews
January 21, 2025
This story is set in a dystopian America that have recently tackled a pandemic, where adults who take the vaccination live freely, and those who do not are moved to a “Distance Living Centre” which assissted with the end of the virus. With society going back to normal and the days of lockdowns are a distant memory, the adults who had the vaccination are starting to become deathly sick with over 75% of the adult population dying.

This read follows a young boy, his sibling and friends as theymake their journey to a distance living centre and the adventures they face along the way.

Review: What Happened Next
Rating: ★★★★

What Happened Next had me going through all of the emotions - sadness for Jill and Bessie, anger for Rex and pride for the children. Colt has created some fantastic characters and the plot is tense and really pulls at the heart strings considering the previous pandemic. As well as the plot is though, I didn’t particularly enjoy the turn of events with Diaz and Denzel towards the end but it was still exciting nonetheless. The book was so easy to read, with the writing in-depth enough to create a clear image but straight to the point that helped with the pacing. The main reason I found this so easy to read though was how fast the reader is thrown into the story, with the first few chapters starting off action packed and strong. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Missy (myweereads).
776 reviews30 followers
March 19, 2025
"The day the world started to end, it was hot outside. When the sun came up over Masterson that fateful Sunday, nobody could have forseen the carnage that was about to unfold."


Jon Colt's novel is set in a dystopian town which has been plagued by a pandemic. Those adults who chose to take the vaccination are able to live freely and those who didn't are sent to a distanced living facility until they reached the end of the virus. As time goes on, those adults who took the vaccinations are suddenly violently sick before they die. The children that are left behind are left to survive, they are desperate to find out the truth behind what is happening.


The story reminded me of the likes of Stephen King's "The Stand" and Chuck Wendig's "The Wanderers" where what is happening is all too familiar and how the will of these characters is being tested to get to the truth.


It was easy from the start to become gripped by the back stories of these characters within this community, they are many likeable and some dreadful ones making it a great mix and adding to the tension and atmosphere that is palpable the further you read on.


At times the story does address some series themes surrounding death, grief and violence which may trigger some. All in all these elements and more made this an addictive and entertaining novel.


Many thanks to @joncoltauthor for sending me a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Sara .
10 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2025
Hi readers! Today I will post about my latest collab, a pleasant surprise that author Jon Colt sent to me.
A fast paced, entertaining debut that kept me glued to the pages, What happened next follows the unpredictable events that are taking place in the town of Masterson, and all USA.
Milo is a thirteen year old boy who lives happily with his father, mother and little sister Sally. His routine: going to school, playing video games, washing his dad's car on Sunday mornings. 
Exactly during one of those regular Sundays, Milo's father starts feeling ill, and in the blink of an eye drops d3ad. His mother and him are completely shocked, and also confused as soon as they realize most of the men of the city shared the same fate. It Is said to be a vaccination that adults have been forced to undergo because of a lethal virus that happened a few years back. 
As the adults, including the President of the United States, policemen, doctors, are quickly decreasing in numbers this leaves a lot of children out to fend for themselves. The Government step up via TV, organising "youth centers" for kids all over the nation, places where they should be safe, living on their own until 18. 
What happens next? There are so many other stories colliding with the main one that makes you feel like everything is connected, and turns out it is. In fact, amidst the upheaval the citizens face, other stories continue to unfold and develop. For instance, one of the new cadets who arrived in Masterson to support the understaffed police force is investigating a white supremacist cult. Over the years, and with the backing of corrupt politicians and tycoons, this cult allegedly kidnapped and killed many Black women and men.

Jon Colt has crafted a work that not only intrigues with its mystery but also shakes our perceptions. His plot, in which cult members become entangled in a pharmaceutical conspiracy, pushes us to reflect: how much do the dystopias we read about increasingly resemble the reality we live in? Colton presents us with an America consumed by a thirst for power, one that crushes the weak for the benefit of the elite—a reality that, unfortunately, doesn't seem so far from our own. This book isn't just a story; it's a mirror reflecting the unsettling trends of our society.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
11 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2026
Jon Colt reached out to me on Instagram about reading What Happened Next, and the dystopian, end-of-the-world premise immediately intrigued me (not my usual genre!). The concept is strong, and Colt’s writing style definitely kept me turning the pages.

That said, several elements didn’t sit well with me. The antivax undertones felt heavy, and I found the messaging uncomfortable. Particularly in how survival was portrayed with the only people left standing being those who were to young to receive the vaccination and white supremacists?? I struggled to determine whether those characters were meant to be villains (which I sincerely hope was the intention), but the narrative framing made that unclear.

It also came across as racially insensitive at times, certain backstories leaned into stereotypes in ways that didn’t feel thoughtfully handled. Additionally, two police officer characters behaved in ways that felt completely out of character by the end and pulled me right out of the story.

Overall, I think this had the potential to be a gripping dystopian thriller, but the themes and characterization choices ultimately made it fall flat for me. I won’t be continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelsey Sanderson-Hutley.
117 reviews
July 8, 2025
Reading this book was an emotional rollercoaster, so I’ve taken some time to write this review.
First and foremost, the writing is incredibly well-crafted. The characters are captivating and intriguing, and their narratives within the story are developed to reveal fascinating character arcs that leave me eager to continue reading the series and discover their fates.
I’m a fan of dystopian stories, both TV shows and films but this story, in particular, resonates with one of my greatest fears as a mother. On nights when I struggle to sleep, my mind wanders, and one of those fears is a world where all the adults disappear, leaving my girls to fend for themselves. It genuinely terrifies me.
Despite this fear, I must admit that I enjoyed reading the book and would give it a solid 4 stars. I’m already looking forward to reading the next books in the series and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
However, the theme of the book presents a challenge for me as I’m not an anti-vaxxer. The idea of a world where the vaccine is the cause of the problem is, quite frankly, scary. I would definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Books.
70 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2025
Oh, my heart! I sobbed alot, smiled, laughed, made some eww and wtf faces at the gore moments and a few- ffs will you just fucking d*e! I really fell in love with some of the characters. They have been so well written and detailed. Some I liked a lot less, hence the shouting at the book in anger 😂

It's such a thought-provoking and heartbreaking read. At times, I found it a little slow in places, and maybe 5 or 6 chapters weren't needed, but that really doesn't take away from the story. I loved the ending and how it's led on ready for the next part of Milo and the gangs story (Bad Things Happen Here)

If you're struggling with loss and grief, maybe hold off until you feel in a steadier place. Otherwise, you need to get into this. It's a fantastic Dystopian novel, and I can not wait to read the next book!

4 stars for Jon Colt's 'What Happened Next' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What happened next is out now in paperback and available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
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This was a gifted e-book. Thank you so much for messaging Jon, I'm still chuffed you asked me.
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