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After the World Ends #1
After the World Ends, Book 1: Run
From
New York Times
and
USA Today
best-selling author Jamie Thornton.
Dessa has plans.
She plans to stay out of trouble in the group home where she lives. She plans to work crazy hours at the grocery story to save for her own place. She plans to get her little brother back, soon, from his foster parents.
But when a zombie apocalypse arrives, it wrecks all of Dessa's plans. With the city falling into chaos, Dessa must use her street smarts to survive. Her only weapon against the zombies is a pillowcase of tuna cans. Her only allies are the other group home teens she doesn't dare trust.
And there's only one plan left in the entire universe that matters.
Find and save her brother before it's too late.
You'll love this terrifying sci-fi plague apocalypse, because the best twists are the ones you never see coming. New characters. Same thrilling, character-driven Zombies Are Human apocalypse universe.
Dessa has plans.
She plans to stay out of trouble in the group home where she lives. She plans to work crazy hours at the grocery story to save for her own place. She plans to get her little brother back, soon, from his foster parents.
But when a zombie apocalypse arrives, it wrecks all of Dessa's plans. With the city falling into chaos, Dessa must use her street smarts to survive. Her only weapon against the zombies is a pillowcase of tuna cans. Her only allies are the other group home teens she doesn't dare trust.
And there's only one plan left in the entire universe that matters.
Find and save her brother before it's too late.
You'll love this terrifying sci-fi plague apocalypse, because the best twists are the ones you never see coming. New characters. Same thrilling, character-driven Zombies Are Human apocalypse universe.
Audible Audio
Published December 20, 2021
93 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Thornton
31 books120 followersI am a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels. I like my characters strong and wounded, and my adventures thrilling and dark.
Try out one of my books for free when you sign up at JamieThornton.com
I'm a voracious reader in many genres. I do sometimes judge a book by its cover art. Life is too short to spend time reading or reviewing bad books so you'll see my library, ratings, and reviews represent books I believe are worth sharing.
I live in Northern California with my husband, two dogs, a garden, lots of chickens, a viola, and a bicycle. My anthropology degree shapes my fiction. I write dark adventures (science fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, coming-of-age) with a hint of romance. Follow me at JamieThornton.com
Try out one of my books for free when you sign up at JamieThornton.com
I'm a voracious reader in many genres. I do sometimes judge a book by its cover art. Life is too short to spend time reading or reviewing bad books so you'll see my library, ratings, and reviews represent books I believe are worth sharing.
I live in Northern California with my husband, two dogs, a garden, lots of chickens, a viola, and a bicycle. My anthropology degree shapes my fiction. I write dark adventures (science fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, coming-of-age) with a hint of romance. Follow me at JamieThornton.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 31, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
What do you do when the world turns upside down? Instead of most people being well, and few people being ill, the world flips and most people become ill with few people remaining healthy. In fact, most people become zombies. Most people try to kill one another and have them for lunch.
The few that do not become ill have to run. And run they do. Teenagers from a group home find themselves in that upside down world. They must leave their home, find a place to survive, and help one of their members find her young brother. That is the mission. A mission this very unlikely group of teenagers bond together to fulfill.
This action-packed tale of survival is filled with great characters, some very scary situations, and an almost impossible rescue attempt. Fraught with danger that can come out of nowhere, hordes of killers intent on nothing more than devouring everyone, this book takes us on an unimaginable journey.
If you are into zombies or not - into teenagers or not, this book is worth reading. Relax and have fun reading this adventure into chaos.
What do you do when the world turns upside down? Instead of most people being well, and few people being ill, the world flips and most people become ill with few people remaining healthy. In fact, most people become zombies. Most people try to kill one another and have them for lunch.
The few that do not become ill have to run. And run they do. Teenagers from a group home find themselves in that upside down world. They must leave their home, find a place to survive, and help one of their members find her young brother. That is the mission. A mission this very unlikely group of teenagers bond together to fulfill.
This action-packed tale of survival is filled with great characters, some very scary situations, and an almost impossible rescue attempt. Fraught with danger that can come out of nowhere, hordes of killers intent on nothing more than devouring everyone, this book takes us on an unimaginable journey.
If you are into zombies or not - into teenagers or not, this book is worth reading. Relax and have fun reading this adventure into chaos.
October 14, 2022
I have a little confession to make - this isn't the first one of Jamie's books that I've read (having devoured all of the Torchlighter books - but that's a review for another day).
This book was action packed with a group of great characters each with their own strengths and flaws (of course some more broken and flawed than others). At times I was admittedly a little frustrated with some of the characters, but only because I was so invested in the story. And that really just reflects good character crafting by the author.
I can't wait to see how the journey unfolds given that this book is the just a first toe in the water for this particular series.
Jamie has clearly done a lot of thinking in putting the book together, building the world and disease profile (can't say too much about that without spoilers) and grounding it all in the real world.
This book was action packed with a group of great characters each with their own strengths and flaws (of course some more broken and flawed than others). At times I was admittedly a little frustrated with some of the characters, but only because I was so invested in the story. And that really just reflects good character crafting by the author.
I can't wait to see how the journey unfolds given that this book is the just a first toe in the water for this particular series.
Jamie has clearly done a lot of thinking in putting the book together, building the world and disease profile (can't say too much about that without spoilers) and grounding it all in the real world.
January 6, 2022
Our heroine has a plan and it does not involve zombies. Of course, plans are made to be broken and this one is shattered all to pieces.
This is book one of a series, so a good place to start.
This is a zombie apocalypse story with a young protagonist. The story is well written and easy to read (or listen to) with a well developed cast of characters. Besides our heroine, there is a solid cast of friends that support her in her quest and we get to know them all pretty well. The story itself moves at a fast pace, which is necessary for us to keep ahead of the zombies. Overall, it was a fun read with plenty of action and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author for review purposes.
This is book one of a series, so a good place to start.
This is a zombie apocalypse story with a young protagonist. The story is well written and easy to read (or listen to) with a well developed cast of characters. Besides our heroine, there is a solid cast of friends that support her in her quest and we get to know them all pretty well. The story itself moves at a fast pace, which is necessary for us to keep ahead of the zombies. Overall, it was a fun read with plenty of action and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author for review purposes.
March 6, 2022
Too many inconsistencies to really appreciate "Run". Or lack of description, because I couldn't understand how some of the acrobatics were possible with a pillowcase full of tuna cans, since you have to hold the pillowcase with at least one hand… And how come the "zombies" can't climb in one instance but can climb in another? Regarding the characters, I really liked that Dessa was flawed and growing up. But other characters didn't convince me at all: Amos is too perfect, Delmar doesn't really make sense except the author needed a "bad guy"… The plot itself was nothing original but entertaining enough.
February 18, 2024
I don’t generally write reviews because I don’t like to be negative and ruin someone’s day. But, I was just disappointed to the point of coming here to type out my thoughts on it. This book was rather, inexperienced and juvenile. And that’s fine! You have to start somewhere. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. It had no depth and I found myself losing interest so many times while listening to it. The story just wouldn’t keep my attention. Apocalyptic/Dystopian are my favorite genres so I was looking forward to the series but, alas, I don’t think I’ll be able to continue on to the second book. However, I’m sure this is an entertaining read for many others out there.
November 18, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 21, 2021
From a teen point of view
It was refreshing to read this apocalypse from a 17 year old girl. Dessa is strong and stubborn but has flaws like any one else. She’s determined not to lose her little brother, her friends or her life. It’s a rough and difficult journey with plenty of running. Jamie Thornton has given readers another epic story. My money’s on Dessa and her group!
It was refreshing to read this apocalypse from a 17 year old girl. Dessa is strong and stubborn but has flaws like any one else. She’s determined not to lose her little brother, her friends or her life. It’s a rough and difficult journey with plenty of running. Jamie Thornton has given readers another epic story. My money’s on Dessa and her group!
March 6, 2022
The main character, Dessa, wasn't particularly likeable at first, but her history and priorities made her understandable. There's a lot of action and running around, and some good character growth too. This book set things up well, even for those unfamiliar with the author's other zombie series. It'll be interesting to see where things go.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 17, 2024
Fantastic
Jamie Thornton writes with insight into real life experiences. The little things she says throughout the book brings back my own experiences and I relate to her characters within the books storyline. I bought RUN to read and decide if I wanted the rest of the series. I completed book 1, and am purchasing book 2 right now. Fantastic…
Jamie Thornton writes with insight into real life experiences. The little things she says throughout the book brings back my own experiences and I relate to her characters within the books storyline. I bought RUN to read and decide if I wanted the rest of the series. I completed book 1, and am purchasing book 2 right now. Fantastic…
October 27, 2024
Silly teenager
Dessa is one of the more annoying heroes I've read in a long time. Faced with an apocalypse, she can't keep herself from being impulsive and irrational. I know the audience is supposed to be young adult, really adolescent girls, but does the author really think her readers are this incapable that they would identify with Dessa. I liked Tiana much better.
Dessa is one of the more annoying heroes I've read in a long time. Faced with an apocalypse, she can't keep herself from being impulsive and irrational. I know the audience is supposed to be young adult, really adolescent girls, but does the author really think her readers are this incapable that they would identify with Dessa. I liked Tiana much better.
November 21, 2021
A great read!You get drawn into the story and just have to find out what happens next. I found myself picking up the book whenever I had a spare moment. The bits of humour, suspense and skepticism all come together for a great read that will leave you waiting for the next book!
November 22, 2021
Another fantastic book. Deesa is trying hard to save up to leave the group home and help her brother as well. Unfortunately a Zombie Apocalypse changes all that. Well written with fantastic characters to make it realistic.
September 9, 2022
On Kobo (EPub3 DRM-Free) ISBN: 1230004286523; 247 pages
Set in the same world as Zombies Are Human. Dessa is working hard to save enough to claim her younger brother from his foster home but her plans are derailed when a virus causes a breakdown of society. With a few fellow inmates of her group home she sets out to rescue her brother, battlng through hordes of mindless Vs - zombie-like sufferers of the virus.
A fine narrative that pulls one along. Not all the lead characters are initially attractive - or trustworthy - but as they come to realise thee problems tey face they start to pull together.
Set in the same world as Zombies Are Human. Dessa is working hard to save enough to claim her younger brother from his foster home but her plans are derailed when a virus causes a breakdown of society. With a few fellow inmates of her group home she sets out to rescue her brother, battlng through hordes of mindless Vs - zombie-like sufferers of the virus.
A fine narrative that pulls one along. Not all the lead characters are initially attractive - or trustworthy - but as they come to realise thee problems tey face they start to pull together.
October 11, 2022
This is really good! I did really enjoy it! A great zombie end of the world adventure! I really liked the characters & idea for the story line! Well thought out plot, interesting happening! What more could you want! Brilliant! Can't wait to read more!
December 10, 2022
Have tissues handy and allow an extremely long day for this PG13 zombie-apocalyptic thriller romance and quest to reunite two orphans. I had a free book via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary review.
March 19, 2023
An excellent book!
An original take on a zombie apocalypse! I love the characters, and how the dialogue is hilarious at times even though they are in peril during most of the book. I definitely recommend this book and author! Thank you!
An original take on a zombie apocalypse! I love the characters, and how the dialogue is hilarious at times even though they are in peril during most of the book. I definitely recommend this book and author! Thank you!
January 5, 2022
This whole book is fantastic and enjoyable to read the characters are great to read about and the action keeps u involved love the zombies
June 27, 2023
This started out strong, but fizzled. I grew to dislike the MC and was waiting for the plot to get going.
July 28, 2023
Fond this book to be quite good, would happily follow up with book 2
February 3, 2024
Fun read, lots of tension and exciting moments. I enjoyed the teenage angle of this zombie book.
October 25, 2024
I am NOT a zombie apocalypse fan. I kind of usually hate zombie apocalypse books, but OMG this book was excellent. I was sucked in from the first page.
September 6, 2025
Needed some free audiobook brain candy. Mc is annoying, but it seems to be a series written for teen girls, so that's to be expected. Got your troubled, plucky, but kind of dumb mc. Your hot damaged boy character. Your token alternate sexuality character so the book can even get published in this day and age.
Audiobook is read by the author and is free on yt. She didn't do a bad job with the narration. I have definitely listened to worse.
It was good for what I needed - brain candy. Something to keep my brain busy while I procrastinate the philosophy chapter of In the First Circle.
Audiobook is read by the author and is free on yt. She didn't do a bad job with the narration. I have definitely listened to worse.
It was good for what I needed - brain candy. Something to keep my brain busy while I procrastinate the philosophy chapter of In the First Circle.
September 4, 2025
this book was good it just read to young for me, i think high-school me would've loved it more
October 19, 2025
perfect
Rarely do I get caught up in a book that it consumes me… this book deserved the five stars and more
Rarely do I get caught up in a book that it consumes me… this book deserved the five stars and more
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews