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Apocalypse Survivors - Jack #1
Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor
“I guess it was inevitable – the end of the world we know – the end of humanity.
Finding out early was a gift, surviving impact night was a miracle, living to tell the tale, well, that was the price I will pay, forever.
There’s no going back now.”
Award winning author*, Matt Pike, takes you on a journey to the end of the world and beyond, as told through the eyes of an Australian teenager, who records his experiences day by day in a survival diary. From the social chaos in suburban Adelaide in the lead-up, a night of total global catastrophe and the aftershocks as community and humanity crumble around him – the world changes forever. What’s left is a place where the conditions can kill you just as easily as the other survivors.
Everything our teenager relied upon for survival in the pre-disaster world falls apart – utilities, community, environment – the only things that can keep him alive are his resources and resourcefulness.
*2013 Global Ebook Awards: Gold Medal – Teen Literature Fiction for Kings of the World
Finding out early was a gift, surviving impact night was a miracle, living to tell the tale, well, that was the price I will pay, forever.
There’s no going back now.”
Award winning author*, Matt Pike, takes you on a journey to the end of the world and beyond, as told through the eyes of an Australian teenager, who records his experiences day by day in a survival diary. From the social chaos in suburban Adelaide in the lead-up, a night of total global catastrophe and the aftershocks as community and humanity crumble around him – the world changes forever. What’s left is a place where the conditions can kill you just as easily as the other survivors.
Everything our teenager relied upon for survival in the pre-disaster world falls apart – utilities, community, environment – the only things that can keep him alive are his resources and resourcefulness.
*2013 Global Ebook Awards: Gold Medal – Teen Literature Fiction for Kings of the World
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
210 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Matt J. Pike
26 books54 followers*Matt donates money from each book sold to find a cure for Rett Syndrome, a neurological condition his youngest daughter has*
Like the legendary R M Williams, Matt was born in Jamestown in rural South Australia. But that’s where the remarkable similarities between these two end. While Reginald went from bushman to world renowned millionaire outback clothing designer, Matt is a complete dag who was lured by the city lights of Adelaide. Kindergarten in the big smoke was a culture shock, but it is here he first discovered his love of storytelling.
In high school that love found an outlet in a series of completely unflattering cartoons about fellow students and teachers alike. He survived long enough to further his art into a successful career in multimedia design but, like a zombified leech, the lure of the written word gnawed at him, forcing him to pen his first novel, the award-winning sci-fi comedy epic, Kings of the World. It was followed the next year by Amazon Australia dystopian sci-fi best-seller Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor.
Matt donates part-proceeds of each book sold to find a cure for Rett Syndrome, a neurological condition the youngest of his three children, Abby, has. As a gorgeous Rett angel, Abby cannot walk, talk or use her hands in a meaningful way. So, not only is each of your book purchases a ticket to fantastically rounded, character driven, hilarious and poignant sci-fi awesomeness, it wraps you in a warm feeling that you’ve made a difference to people who deserve your help the most. Like the zombified leech it’s a no-brainer.
Like the legendary R M Williams, Matt was born in Jamestown in rural South Australia. But that’s where the remarkable similarities between these two end. While Reginald went from bushman to world renowned millionaire outback clothing designer, Matt is a complete dag who was lured by the city lights of Adelaide. Kindergarten in the big smoke was a culture shock, but it is here he first discovered his love of storytelling.
In high school that love found an outlet in a series of completely unflattering cartoons about fellow students and teachers alike. He survived long enough to further his art into a successful career in multimedia design but, like a zombified leech, the lure of the written word gnawed at him, forcing him to pen his first novel, the award-winning sci-fi comedy epic, Kings of the World. It was followed the next year by Amazon Australia dystopian sci-fi best-seller Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor.
Matt donates part-proceeds of each book sold to find a cure for Rett Syndrome, a neurological condition the youngest of his three children, Abby, has. As a gorgeous Rett angel, Abby cannot walk, talk or use her hands in a meaningful way. So, not only is each of your book purchases a ticket to fantastically rounded, character driven, hilarious and poignant sci-fi awesomeness, it wraps you in a warm feeling that you’ve made a difference to people who deserve your help the most. Like the zombified leech it’s a no-brainer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 20, 2018
I thought this book was well written and i love apocalypse type novels because they have always fascinated me because i can only imagine how these situations would play out in real life.
The story has really been fleshed out and you can see that with the amount of research that has gone into this story for it to become an actual story. But putting teenagers into a situation so life threatening its good to see how a group of teenagers would act in this type of situation, usually we see people over the age of 20 in these situations so it was refreshing for it to be told in a teenagers perspective.
The only thing that stopped me from giving this a bigger rating was that it was done in a diary format so there isn't much action that can really get a story going and i know it works for most apocalyptic stories but i wanted this one to have a little action in it.
I did however get a real description of the worlds destruction and the feelings and the journey of survival for these characters. I finally got an apocalypse story set in Australia and there isn't that many that are set here but i was over joyed that it was.
Matt Pike did a really good job at writing this story and had set up this first book with some real good potential that i can't wait to read book two.
The story has really been fleshed out and you can see that with the amount of research that has gone into this story for it to become an actual story. But putting teenagers into a situation so life threatening its good to see how a group of teenagers would act in this type of situation, usually we see people over the age of 20 in these situations so it was refreshing for it to be told in a teenagers perspective.
The only thing that stopped me from giving this a bigger rating was that it was done in a diary format so there isn't much action that can really get a story going and i know it works for most apocalyptic stories but i wanted this one to have a little action in it.
I did however get a real description of the worlds destruction and the feelings and the journey of survival for these characters. I finally got an apocalypse story set in Australia and there isn't that many that are set here but i was over joyed that it was.
Matt Pike did a really good job at writing this story and had set up this first book with some real good potential that i can't wait to read book two.
June 24, 2019
I picked up this series at Supanova Sydney. The author was so lovely, and made a good call stopping us as we wandered past, because Apocalyptic/dystopian stories are one of my favourite genres.
I could not put this book down! I was annoyed that I had to work and do other “life” things and couldn’t just read.
You get so attached to Jack, the main character, who is definitely a teenager beyond his years. You laugh with him, relate to him, get anxious for him and cry with him. He is a wonderful character and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes him.
The amount of research that has gone into these books is very impressive and I commend Matt J Pike on a job extremely well done!!!
Now on to book 2....
I could not put this book down! I was annoyed that I had to work and do other “life” things and couldn’t just read.
You get so attached to Jack, the main character, who is definitely a teenager beyond his years. You laugh with him, relate to him, get anxious for him and cry with him. He is a wonderful character and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes him.
The amount of research that has gone into these books is very impressive and I commend Matt J Pike on a job extremely well done!!!
Now on to book 2....
September 3, 2023
2.5 STARS
It states in the title that this is in diary format, but it doesn't work well for this type of story, as everything is told after the fact. It also prevented me from getting to know any of the other characters, and there is one important one, but she was like an empty shell.
The book gets bogged down at time in the details, in the first part of the book it's geographic locations, and in the second part it's about Jack building a hovercraft (big eye roll here). I found myself skimming quite a bit.
I did admire Jack's resourcefulness, even if it all felt a bit superhero-ish at times. I'm not invested enough to read any of the sequels.
It states in the title that this is in diary format, but it doesn't work well for this type of story, as everything is told after the fact. It also prevented me from getting to know any of the other characters, and there is one important one, but she was like an empty shell.
The book gets bogged down at time in the details, in the first part of the book it's geographic locations, and in the second part it's about Jack building a hovercraft (big eye roll here). I found myself skimming quite a bit.
I did admire Jack's resourcefulness, even if it all felt a bit superhero-ish at times. I'm not invested enough to read any of the sequels.
August 23, 2014
Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor may be my new favorite book, which means I will now have to read everything author Matt Pike has written or will write.
Set in the present day, starting in April 2014, the book follows the life of Australian teenager Jack, just before and after a giant dark comet unexpectedly hits Earth and causes an apocalypse. It’s written as a diary, which Pike explained in a Q&A at the end of the book was inspired by his great-grandfather’s WWI diary. The idea was to make the story more personal by incorporating day-to-day events with life-changing ones. And it works really well.
Pike manages to capture the essence of a teenager, coupled with the devastation and effects of losing so much, so quickly. He clearly researched all the details, and this a believable tale of death and destruction. There is also quite a bit of emphasis put on the weather conditions, which would play a significant part in an actual apocalyptic scenario.
One of the most interesting aspects of apocalyptic stories is the beginning stages, when the characters have to rebuild their world and learn survival skills. Jack is very resourceful, and his preparations before the catastrophe help him to survive. I also liked all the details about Adelaide, the city in Australia where the main story takes place. Though I have never been, this book details its geography and culture, and as I was reading I could practically hear the words being said in an Aussie accent. (I’ll admit, a couple times it took me a minute to remember that July in Australia is winter.)
Pike also does an excellent job of showing how different people would react in that terrible situation, ranging from violence to hiding to giving each other support. The need for a support network, in particular, is emphasized throughout the story. Some people rise up as leaders, and the way everyone interacts with each other changes quickly, particularly as food supplies start to run low.
Jack also has a love interest, who comes into his life a bit unexpectedly. But their relationship grows strong in a short amount of time, as they learn to work together for their survival. they encourage each other, and it makes a big difference in terms of giving them a will to live and keep going.
So many horrible things happen that Jack has to witness, but his diary also gives insight into his age. For example, some days he needs a break, and he spends hours playing games to relax. He also watches movies occasionally to make life feel normal again, for a short period of time. And he plans special dates for his girlfriend.
He’s a very thoughtful and complex character, who I very much hope to learn more about in a sequel, should Pike choose to write one. Without giving the ending away, let’s just say there seems to be even bigger changes in store for Jack, both emotionally and in terms of his environment.
Set in the present day, starting in April 2014, the book follows the life of Australian teenager Jack, just before and after a giant dark comet unexpectedly hits Earth and causes an apocalypse. It’s written as a diary, which Pike explained in a Q&A at the end of the book was inspired by his great-grandfather’s WWI diary. The idea was to make the story more personal by incorporating day-to-day events with life-changing ones. And it works really well.
Pike manages to capture the essence of a teenager, coupled with the devastation and effects of losing so much, so quickly. He clearly researched all the details, and this a believable tale of death and destruction. There is also quite a bit of emphasis put on the weather conditions, which would play a significant part in an actual apocalyptic scenario.
One of the most interesting aspects of apocalyptic stories is the beginning stages, when the characters have to rebuild their world and learn survival skills. Jack is very resourceful, and his preparations before the catastrophe help him to survive. I also liked all the details about Adelaide, the city in Australia where the main story takes place. Though I have never been, this book details its geography and culture, and as I was reading I could practically hear the words being said in an Aussie accent. (I’ll admit, a couple times it took me a minute to remember that July in Australia is winter.)
Pike also does an excellent job of showing how different people would react in that terrible situation, ranging from violence to hiding to giving each other support. The need for a support network, in particular, is emphasized throughout the story. Some people rise up as leaders, and the way everyone interacts with each other changes quickly, particularly as food supplies start to run low.
Jack also has a love interest, who comes into his life a bit unexpectedly. But their relationship grows strong in a short amount of time, as they learn to work together for their survival. they encourage each other, and it makes a big difference in terms of giving them a will to live and keep going.
So many horrible things happen that Jack has to witness, but his diary also gives insight into his age. For example, some days he needs a break, and he spends hours playing games to relax. He also watches movies occasionally to make life feel normal again, for a short period of time. And he plans special dates for his girlfriend.
He’s a very thoughtful and complex character, who I very much hope to learn more about in a sequel, should Pike choose to write one. Without giving the ending away, let’s just say there seems to be even bigger changes in store for Jack, both emotionally and in terms of his environment.
April 13, 2020
I could not put this book down! The list of authors who have sucked me into a book like this one has is short.
Lois Lowry, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and now Matt J. Pike.
This book became an obsession, I had to know what was going to happen next. What I loved was that it didn't jump straight into the apocalypse, we spent some time before the event which made it all the more adrenaline-inducing. Once it happened then it was go-time. Jack has to face some incredible circumstances and thanks to Pike's writing you feel like you are right there beside him walking through that version of life too.
The style of writing, diary entries, makes it feel all the more personal, here we have an insight into exactly what Jack is thinking and feeling because he tells us! We see everything through not just his eyes, but his heart. He talks to us about his turmoil as he questions his morals and even his sanity.
If you are looking for an end of the world story unlike any other, this is it. It gets better too as there are 4 books in the series! What are you waiting for? Jack is waiting for you, and he can't wait for long!
Lois Lowry, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and now Matt J. Pike.
This book became an obsession, I had to know what was going to happen next. What I loved was that it didn't jump straight into the apocalypse, we spent some time before the event which made it all the more adrenaline-inducing. Once it happened then it was go-time. Jack has to face some incredible circumstances and thanks to Pike's writing you feel like you are right there beside him walking through that version of life too.
The style of writing, diary entries, makes it feel all the more personal, here we have an insight into exactly what Jack is thinking and feeling because he tells us! We see everything through not just his eyes, but his heart. He talks to us about his turmoil as he questions his morals and even his sanity.
If you are looking for an end of the world story unlike any other, this is it. It gets better too as there are 4 books in the series! What are you waiting for? Jack is waiting for you, and he can't wait for long!
September 8, 2014
Jack, the protagonist in Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor, is an appealing character whose hippy-ish parents have brought him up to be independent and resilient. They have gone away on holiday to some remote location and Jack's brother is away as well in London. Jack gets an early warning of the impending disaster and starts to make preparations writing regular comments in his diary as events develop.
The story is completely plausible and the explanation of the cause of the apocalypse works really well. There is a lot of practical detail as Jack prepares for survival and then attempts to implement his plans.
The story-line is gripping and the writing style makes this book a page-turner. The novel feels very real and in places is quite scary and emotionally disturbing. However this is well handled and resolutions to problems and challenges emerge and are developed convincingly.
A really good read: five stars from me!
The story is completely plausible and the explanation of the cause of the apocalypse works really well. There is a lot of practical detail as Jack prepares for survival and then attempts to implement his plans.
The story-line is gripping and the writing style makes this book a page-turner. The novel feels very real and in places is quite scary and emotionally disturbing. However this is well handled and resolutions to problems and challenges emerge and are developed convincingly.
A really good read: five stars from me!
June 12, 2016
If I hadn't already read a number of diary-type entry style apocalyptic books, this might have struck me as original. Though I've read a few already, but I did love the plot.
Although I felt the character descriptions were a bit thin, thereby making it hard to envision them, I still felt compelled enough to continue because they were likable, for the most part.
This is a well-written story by a survivor of an event which destroys cities around the world, leaving people without an infrastructure and showing a well-thought out depiction of how people would survive in such an environment.
A good story and a well thought out plot.
Although I felt the character descriptions were a bit thin, thereby making it hard to envision them, I still felt compelled enough to continue because they were likable, for the most part.
This is a well-written story by a survivor of an event which destroys cities around the world, leaving people without an infrastructure and showing a well-thought out depiction of how people would survive in such an environment.
A good story and a well thought out plot.
October 7, 2018
I meet Mr Pike at Oz Comic-Con over a year ago, and last Oz Con I grabbed his first book of the Diary of a Survivor series. Just thought this was a marvellous book, delving into the post-apocalyptic world through a diary first-person POV.
Doing it as a diary style allowed you to connect to more natural to the main character, he used today's language, and it shows through the book how he copes with this new world. It makes you question, would you survive? I hope if I were in that situation it would be a yes, but you don't know until it happens.
Hats off to Mr Pike and I look forward to reading his next two books. I would highly recommend this contemporary post-apocalyptic book!
Doing it as a diary style allowed you to connect to more natural to the main character, he used today's language, and it shows through the book how he copes with this new world. It makes you question, would you survive? I hope if I were in that situation it would be a yes, but you don't know until it happens.
Hats off to Mr Pike and I look forward to reading his next two books. I would highly recommend this contemporary post-apocalyptic book!
October 7, 2019
When I first bought this book at a convention in Adelaide I had no idea that it’d be dragging me along for a ride of waiting eagerly between each book release for the next four years. These books are incredibly fun, tense and full of new ideas. Living in Adelaide and getting to read a book set in the city I am familiar with gave it that extra level of excitement as I got to imagine this happening and find out that I would have died in the first stage of the apocalypse. Which, though sad, is also kind of fun to know. I read the first book in one day and I can’t wait to read more of his writing and more of this series.
March 16, 2015
I expected this book to be another post-apocalypse story that gives a two or three sentence description of the event then moves on from there, but that is not what I got. Matt Pike describes in details every aspect of the event allowing the reader to see and feel the impact and lose as if he or she were actually there. Mr Pike weaves everyday life into his story in such a way as to cause this reader to think, "Oh that would so happen." When I went for a snack, I had to remind myself that I was not short of food. Thorough, thoughtful, exciting and touching. Can't wait for the next book.
June 24, 2017
I loved this book, it ticked all of the boxes for me. The emotional roller coaster was in full swing with the vivid world of destruction painted around me coming to life. I really felt the emotions portrayed in the book, and went on a journey of survival with the characters. I love a good apocalypse / dystopian survival story and this one has it all. Definitely worth a read - I was barely able to put it down once starting.
August 2, 2014
Jack faces a new world as a comet strikes Earth, wiping out millions of people. A born survivor, Jack sets about ensuring his survival. Written as a diary, this story let you see things through Jack's eyes and how society and community fall apart when you are starving. Well written and worth reading.
October 19, 2019
A space apocalypse from a survivors viewpoint in diary form.That’s about as left of centre as you can get and you will find your self going oh yeah or nah I wouldn’t have done that.I have met Matt at several Brisbane comiccons and supernovas.He is a really great guy and very approachable.So if you want something left of centre pick this up.
February 7, 2023
Compelling reading told in a diary format. The end of the world is a premise to so many stories, in book and the screen, but what I loved about his one was the feeling of being there with the main character. I felt every emotion reading this book, but to dwell on that is hard without providing spoilers, and going into this book knowing as little as you can makes it such a rewarding read.
Sadly, the reality is most likely that should an 'end of the world' event occur, the ugly side of humanity will emerge, and Matt brings that to the forefront several times throughout the story. After finishing this book, I sat there in a state of, "Well s***. I need the next book NOW!"
Thanks for an entertaining read Matt. You put everything into this book.
Sadly, the reality is most likely that should an 'end of the world' event occur, the ugly side of humanity will emerge, and Matt brings that to the forefront several times throughout the story. After finishing this book, I sat there in a state of, "Well s***. I need the next book NOW!"
Thanks for an entertaining read Matt. You put everything into this book.
November 18, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in July 2014 in exchange for an honest review. I’ve mentioned here that I’ve been trying to clear out my backlog and this was one of the books that I kept from that list because I liked the writer’s voice from the bit I had read when deciding what to review later.
There was so much that liked about this book that I’m going to start with the bad part. The only complaint I have about this book (Specifically, the copy I have because I don’t know if changes have been made since.) was proofing errors, wrong word usage, typos, etc. It could have used some editing and I deducted a point for that. Other than that I really enjoyed the story.
The story was perfect for the journal format that the author chose. Adelaide is one of the few places in Australia that I have actually traveled to so I was more than a little surprised (and somewhat pleased) to be visiting there again, despite the troubles our main character encounters. Jack Baldwin is a young man in Adelaide, South Australia when a comet hits the earth causing the total breakdown of life as we know it in First World countries. Jack is ripped from his life of weekend gaming parties and other youthful pursuits and is thrust into the aftermath of survival post-rock as he describes it.
I don’t want to go into too much detail because what makes this book so enjoyable is reading about Jack’s daily experiences and the ways he goes about solving his problems; the loneliness, the hopelessness, the simple quest for food and the overwhelming will to survive despite it all. I can easily say that I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was a pleasant surprise and I’m glad I finally got around to it. The author did an excellent job of researching his topic and I was able to stay in the story, aside from a few small things that probably only someone who grew up in a cold weather climate would notice. Nevertheless, those small items weren’t enough to detract from my enjoyment.
Matt Pike’s post-rock world is an easily believable version of what might happen following a disaster of this scale. His characters were likewise believable and real. I’m glad I took the time to read this story (even if it did take me forever) and will probably be checking out some of Mr. Pike’s other works.
This review was originally posted on my blog and is worded as such, https://tjhapney.wordpress.com/
There was so much that liked about this book that I’m going to start with the bad part. The only complaint I have about this book (Specifically, the copy I have because I don’t know if changes have been made since.) was proofing errors, wrong word usage, typos, etc. It could have used some editing and I deducted a point for that. Other than that I really enjoyed the story.
The story was perfect for the journal format that the author chose. Adelaide is one of the few places in Australia that I have actually traveled to so I was more than a little surprised (and somewhat pleased) to be visiting there again, despite the troubles our main character encounters. Jack Baldwin is a young man in Adelaide, South Australia when a comet hits the earth causing the total breakdown of life as we know it in First World countries. Jack is ripped from his life of weekend gaming parties and other youthful pursuits and is thrust into the aftermath of survival post-rock as he describes it.
I don’t want to go into too much detail because what makes this book so enjoyable is reading about Jack’s daily experiences and the ways he goes about solving his problems; the loneliness, the hopelessness, the simple quest for food and the overwhelming will to survive despite it all. I can easily say that I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was a pleasant surprise and I’m glad I finally got around to it. The author did an excellent job of researching his topic and I was able to stay in the story, aside from a few small things that probably only someone who grew up in a cold weather climate would notice. Nevertheless, those small items weren’t enough to detract from my enjoyment.
Matt Pike’s post-rock world is an easily believable version of what might happen following a disaster of this scale. His characters were likewise believable and real. I’m glad I took the time to read this story (even if it did take me forever) and will probably be checking out some of Mr. Pike’s other works.
This review was originally posted on my blog and is worded as such, https://tjhapney.wordpress.com/
November 23, 2016
First and foremost I must say that I am a HUGE fan of the apocalypse/survival genre, ever since my father handed me Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven when I was around fourteen to read. Ever since then, I've been hooked on such books and movies. So, when I saw Matt J. Pikes Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy it.
I did. I really did enjoy it.
I was reminded of another favourite survival book of mine from my teenage years, Hatchet, which I utterly adored -- and while Hatchet is NOT set in the middle of a comet knocking out the world as we know it, the survival vibe is similar.
Jack, the 'protagonist' of the story also has a very unique voice. We see everything through his eyes, as the tale is told in a journal format. He is witty, sarcastic and I feel that Matt. J Pike has really captured a teenagers voice incredibly well. Not everyone will like Jack, perhaps they'll feel he's too self-centred, but it really--really--shows his age, and that is what I love about the chosen style and just how much he grows throughout the story itself. I cannot wait until the second book to see his development.
Possibly, though, my favourite thing about this book is its setting. Adelaide, Australia. We really need more books set in wonderful Adelaide.
I did. I really did enjoy it.
I was reminded of another favourite survival book of mine from my teenage years, Hatchet, which I utterly adored -- and while Hatchet is NOT set in the middle of a comet knocking out the world as we know it, the survival vibe is similar.
Jack, the 'protagonist' of the story also has a very unique voice. We see everything through his eyes, as the tale is told in a journal format. He is witty, sarcastic and I feel that Matt. J Pike has really captured a teenagers voice incredibly well. Not everyone will like Jack, perhaps they'll feel he's too self-centred, but it really--really--shows his age, and that is what I love about the chosen style and just how much he grows throughout the story itself. I cannot wait until the second book to see his development.
Possibly, though, my favourite thing about this book is its setting. Adelaide, Australia. We really need more books set in wonderful Adelaide.
December 2, 2014
Apocalypse: Diary of A Survivor focuses on the life of an Australian teenager, Jack Baldwin, after a dark comet crashes into the Indian Ocean. The impact causes major tsunamis that destroy coastal cities, while bits of the comet and its tail wipe out other cities. Multitudes of people are killed in the initial event. The impact causes giant dust and ash clouds that blanket the remaining landscape and send the world into a nuclear winter. Services break down almost immediately and the people who remain quickly degenerate into tribe-like communities fighting for food and survival.
Jack was fortunate enough to receive warning of the impending comet from an on-line gaming partner and had the opportunity to spend a few days preparing for life after the apocalypse. But he’s alone in Adelaide, living in his parents’ house. His parents are travelling in the days preceding the impact and do not make it back in time, and Jack’s brother lives in London.
Told through a series of diary entries by Jack, chronicling the lead-up to and the months following the impact, Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor is riveting. The breakdown of society is well-imagined, detailed, and realistic and Pike’s take on how an apocalypse could happen is fresh and unique, even if it is utterly terrifying. He unfolds the actual event very effectively and creates lasting imagery in the reader’s mind.
...read the rest of this review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com
Jack was fortunate enough to receive warning of the impending comet from an on-line gaming partner and had the opportunity to spend a few days preparing for life after the apocalypse. But he’s alone in Adelaide, living in his parents’ house. His parents are travelling in the days preceding the impact and do not make it back in time, and Jack’s brother lives in London.
Told through a series of diary entries by Jack, chronicling the lead-up to and the months following the impact, Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor is riveting. The breakdown of society is well-imagined, detailed, and realistic and Pike’s take on how an apocalypse could happen is fresh and unique, even if it is utterly terrifying. He unfolds the actual event very effectively and creates lasting imagery in the reader’s mind.
...read the rest of this review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com
June 5, 2015
I was given a copy of this ebook by the author in return for my review.
This is one of those books that isn't particularly original in terms of the idea for the plot. Let's face it in the apocalypse genre there's not much new and the meteorite idea has definitely been covered. But something about this book is fresh and new. I think it's the main character and the style of telling, but I am really glad I picked this book up.
It's written in the form of diary entries, something I don't think is easy to do well, but the author pulls it off (and in the back info mentions being inspired by a relative's diary of surviving war) so serious kudos there. The protagonist is also pretty awesome. There's been a massive focus on YA dystopian fiction lately and almost all of the ones I've read have had a female lead. This one has a male lead and does a great job of it.
I have a very slight gripe with where the book ended. It doesn't feel quite complete, although it's not really a cliff-hanger ending either. It was a little sad, but in this case I think that's more realistic and to be expected. I think there really needs to be a sequel to continue the story as this part and chapter of the tale has come to an end but there's still more before the main character has reached the final resting point.
All in all, a brilliant YA diary style book and I can't wait to read more.
This is one of those books that isn't particularly original in terms of the idea for the plot. Let's face it in the apocalypse genre there's not much new and the meteorite idea has definitely been covered. But something about this book is fresh and new. I think it's the main character and the style of telling, but I am really glad I picked this book up.
It's written in the form of diary entries, something I don't think is easy to do well, but the author pulls it off (and in the back info mentions being inspired by a relative's diary of surviving war) so serious kudos there. The protagonist is also pretty awesome. There's been a massive focus on YA dystopian fiction lately and almost all of the ones I've read have had a female lead. This one has a male lead and does a great job of it.
I have a very slight gripe with where the book ended. It doesn't feel quite complete, although it's not really a cliff-hanger ending either. It was a little sad, but in this case I think that's more realistic and to be expected. I think there really needs to be a sequel to continue the story as this part and chapter of the tale has come to an end but there's still more before the main character has reached the final resting point.
All in all, a brilliant YA diary style book and I can't wait to read more.
June 1, 2016
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor
Author: Matt Pike
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 21
Stats
Of the 21 readers:
Editing 9/10
Style 8/10
Cover 10/10
Plot 10/10
Total 37/40
20 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the plot was the best part of the book.
5 thought the setting was the best part
21 thought the cover was good or excellent.
20 though the author was a good writer.
Readers’ Comments
‘I thought this was a brilliant book. I loved disaster books and this was right up my street. I also liked the diary style although I didn’t understand all the Australian slang. Cool cover too.’ Boy, aged 14
‘The hero is the best part of the story. He is a string character who is determined to survive. He can by funny too. Cover was very well designed and made me want to read the story.’ Boy, aged 15
‘A really, really good plot and lots of pace. This is a page turner.’ Boy, aged 16
‘Generally, I liked it. The boy is sort in it for himself and a lot of what happens is pretty silly. But it’s a good adventure and there’s plenty happening so teenagers won’t be bored. I think it’s more of a boy’s book.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This novel packs a punch! A finalist and highly recommended to YA.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor
Author: Matt Pike
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 21
Stats
Of the 21 readers:
Editing 9/10
Style 8/10
Cover 10/10
Plot 10/10
Total 37/40
20 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the plot was the best part of the book.
5 thought the setting was the best part
21 thought the cover was good or excellent.
20 though the author was a good writer.
Readers’ Comments
‘I thought this was a brilliant book. I loved disaster books and this was right up my street. I also liked the diary style although I didn’t understand all the Australian slang. Cool cover too.’ Boy, aged 14
‘The hero is the best part of the story. He is a string character who is determined to survive. He can by funny too. Cover was very well designed and made me want to read the story.’ Boy, aged 15
‘A really, really good plot and lots of pace. This is a page turner.’ Boy, aged 16
‘Generally, I liked it. The boy is sort in it for himself and a lot of what happens is pretty silly. But it’s a good adventure and there’s plenty happening so teenagers won’t be bored. I think it’s more of a boy’s book.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This novel packs a punch! A finalist and highly recommended to YA.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
June 25, 2017
Just making this clear from the start, the only reason this doesn't have five stars is because of a personal preference which I will get to in a bit.
This story was incredibly well done. The amount of research and care for detail that you can tell the author had is astounding. The way the world inside the book was being told to you, you could really picture it in your mind and be there.
I really liked Jack, he was clever and resourceful but in a believable way.
Now, the reason for the four not five stars. Personally, when I read a book I like to be there in the action not reading about what has happened. I knew when I got it that it was a diary setting so I knew what I was getting into.
With the diary sense I felt like I connected with jack however with the other characters like Fiona and mia, I wasn't able to connect to them emotionally and makes certain things not quite as shocking and devastating as it would have been in a different setting.
I found this book at a pop culture event and usually I hesitate to by books but the cover caught my eye instantly and the author was so lovely I just had to read it.
This story was incredibly well done. The amount of research and care for detail that you can tell the author had is astounding. The way the world inside the book was being told to you, you could really picture it in your mind and be there.
I really liked Jack, he was clever and resourceful but in a believable way.
Now, the reason for the four not five stars. Personally, when I read a book I like to be there in the action not reading about what has happened. I knew when I got it that it was a diary setting so I knew what I was getting into.
With the diary sense I felt like I connected with jack however with the other characters like Fiona and mia, I wasn't able to connect to them emotionally and makes certain things not quite as shocking and devastating as it would have been in a different setting.
I found this book at a pop culture event and usually I hesitate to by books but the cover caught my eye instantly and the author was so lovely I just had to read it.
April 21, 2017
So I just finished reading he book this afternoon and really enjoyed it. I bought this book a couple of weeks ago at an Adelaide event and mainly purchased to read a local author and having a story set in my own home town was a bonus!
Well I am going to admit that I am not much of a reader, so it took me a little while to actually get in the zone and read properly. I am so glad I did. Matt Pike has a really great style of writing. The diary entries are a great way to engage the readers and keep the pacing and left me saying just one more entry before I put it down.... like most entries you are wanting to read more and find out how the story has progressed. The story leaves you thinking, what the hell would I do in these circumstances?
All I can say is that you are into post apocalyptic stories but want to see them from a different angle and see how quickly it makes society crumble than this is the book to read. I can honestly say bring on the print version of no 2 so I can add it to my collection.
Thanks Matt for a great read. Now to start his other books
Well I am going to admit that I am not much of a reader, so it took me a little while to actually get in the zone and read properly. I am so glad I did. Matt Pike has a really great style of writing. The diary entries are a great way to engage the readers and keep the pacing and left me saying just one more entry before I put it down.... like most entries you are wanting to read more and find out how the story has progressed. The story leaves you thinking, what the hell would I do in these circumstances?
All I can say is that you are into post apocalyptic stories but want to see them from a different angle and see how quickly it makes society crumble than this is the book to read. I can honestly say bring on the print version of no 2 so I can add it to my collection.
Thanks Matt for a great read. Now to start his other books
April 20, 2015
Enjoyed this TEOTWAWKI young adult novel. I found the ending to be very rushed and about a quarter of the way in, I realized that every time the character was happy about something- person, impending project it never ended well. This easily recognizable pattern took some of the wind out of the sails for this book, for me. Rating two stars, which sums it up perfectly, 'it was ok'.
Read
December 27, 2017It was great. Adelaidians, behaving like any post apocalyptic place, fab. I loved the maps and the language. Resourceful, creative, sensible, emotional but thoughtful. What a well rounded character Jack is. Cheers Liz
April 13, 2024
A great book.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the diary and the different way the story is told. Our main character, Jack, is a very likeable teenager and just an ordinary young guy who loves to play his games. A very easy to get into book that is hard to put down.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the diary and the different way the story is told. Our main character, Jack, is a very likeable teenager and just an ordinary young guy who loves to play his games. A very easy to get into book that is hard to put down.
March 24, 2017
Not many apocalyptic tales take place in Australia. Unique take on the apocalypse. Loved the characters and the diary format.
May 2, 2024
Ever thought about what it would be like to live through an Apocalypse in your own hometown - well right here, Matt has just done that in little old Adelaide, where I live.
A really cool concept and not going to lie, it’s something my brain has thought about from all the movies and books I have watched and after reading this, I would definitely be underprepared, but apparently the suburb I am in of Gawler would be not a bad place to be to survive, so I’ve got that going for me at least 😅
This was done in diary format so we only see the POV from Jack, so I did find it a little bit tedious and repetitive at times while he was going through just the everyday motions of this new world, we also meet many characters, but it’s hard to get a sense of them, as they’re not described and fleshed out like they would be with a dual POV, which is what I really enjoy my reads and it can to help bring the story to life.
It also does lack a little bit in the action department, which I wanted a little more of - but it is only book one and the ending did bring it in the end and has left me wanting to know where Jacks journey takes him, so I have high hopes for the next in the series.
A book that I will definitely keep on my shelf, for reference purposes just in case of the event of an Apocalypse ☄️
A really cool concept and not going to lie, it’s something my brain has thought about from all the movies and books I have watched and after reading this, I would definitely be underprepared, but apparently the suburb I am in of Gawler would be not a bad place to be to survive, so I’ve got that going for me at least 😅
This was done in diary format so we only see the POV from Jack, so I did find it a little bit tedious and repetitive at times while he was going through just the everyday motions of this new world, we also meet many characters, but it’s hard to get a sense of them, as they’re not described and fleshed out like they would be with a dual POV, which is what I really enjoy my reads and it can to help bring the story to life.
It also does lack a little bit in the action department, which I wanted a little more of - but it is only book one and the ending did bring it in the end and has left me wanting to know where Jacks journey takes him, so I have high hopes for the next in the series.
A book that I will definitely keep on my shelf, for reference purposes just in case of the event of an Apocalypse ☄️
January 31, 2024
I could not put this book down! The list of authors who have sucked me into a book like this one has is short.
Lois Lowry, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and now Matt J. Pike.
This book became an obsession, I had to know what was going to happen next. What I loved was that it didn't jump straight into the apocalypse, we spent some time before the event which made it all the more adrenaline-inducing. Once it happened then it was go-time. Jack has to face some incredible circumstances and thanks to Pike's writing you feel like you are right there beside him walking through that version of life too.
The style of writing, diary entries, makes it feel all the more personal, here we have an insight into exactly what Jack is thinking and feeling because he tells us! We see everything through not just his eyes, but his heart. He talks to us about his turmoil as he questions his morals and even his sanity.
If you are looking for an end of the world story unlike any other, this is it. It gets better too as there are 4 books in the series! What are you waiting for? Jack is waiting for you, and he can't wait for long!
Lois Lowry, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and now Matt J. Pike.
This book became an obsession, I had to know what was going to happen next. What I loved was that it didn't jump straight into the apocalypse, we spent some time before the event which made it all the more adrenaline-inducing. Once it happened then it was go-time. Jack has to face some incredible circumstances and thanks to Pike's writing you feel like you are right there beside him walking through that version of life too.
The style of writing, diary entries, makes it feel all the more personal, here we have an insight into exactly what Jack is thinking and feeling because he tells us! We see everything through not just his eyes, but his heart. He talks to us about his turmoil as he questions his morals and even his sanity.
If you are looking for an end of the world story unlike any other, this is it. It gets better too as there are 4 books in the series! What are you waiting for? Jack is waiting for you, and he can't wait for long!
April 12, 2021
i read this a couple of weeks before, and i was unsure of how to rate, but i had all 3 books of this collection, and at first i thought cool, apocalypse and with a meteorite, outside of america, i will love it, this was the reason why i started reading, but wasnt why i finished, the story is a bit imature and lost in details, after a few days i dont remenber already the characters name, the part about resorces yeah i know matt j. pike is right people will get ugly, i am really sure you got that right, i just cant get motivated to read what happens next, maybe i am spoiled by other autors, in a final note, i did enjoy the book, i just dont really want to read the rest, maybe in a year a will get back to it and change my mind, just not now.
June 8, 2023
A genre I am moderately familiar with but I have not read a diary entry format like this before. I found the book well written with relatable characters. I found the premise captivating and the humanity of a post-apocalyptic society hopeful yet also bleak at times. If you live in Adelaide this book will resonate with you more as you can imagine yourselves in the characters shoes in the locations explored. Keen to read the remainder of the series.
July 6, 2023
Great book. I couldn't put it down. I live in Adelaide, and I am very familiar with all the locations, Norwood, Trinity Gardens and Adelaide Central Plaza. The references to the Crows and the Mall Balls made me smile. It made the story seem really personal (and extra eerie) because I could picture Jack walking the exact same streets that I have walked many times myself. I can't wait to read book 2.
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