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Unsicker Road: A Zombie Apocalypse Thriller
When the red rains ended the world, the undead weren’t the only monsters left behind.
Zoe McCallister and her found family have built a fragile refuge in the well-stocked farmhouse of Benson Meyer, a man as enigmatic as the plague consuming the world outside. But as Zoe and Oliver begin to unravel the truth about Ben, they realize he’s hiding more than they ever imagined.
Meanwhile, in River City, a new threat is gathering. A gang of violent ex-convicts sets its sights on Unsicker Road, seeing the farmhouse as their kingdom and Zoe’s people as nothing more than an obstacle in their path.
As if the living weren’t enough to fear, the infected are changing—evolving into something far worse. And when an old enemy, one they thought dead and gone, returns—not as a mindless monster, but as something far more terrifying—the battle for Unsicker Road becomes a fight against something bullets can’t stop.
With secrets surfacing and danger closing in from all sides, Zoe and the others must uncover the truth about the parasite before the past—and the dead—consume them all.
For fans of The Last of Us and The Girl With All The Gifts, this third instalment of the Wrack & Ruin series is a chilling tale of horror, survival, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Zoe McCallister and her found family have built a fragile refuge in the well-stocked farmhouse of Benson Meyer, a man as enigmatic as the plague consuming the world outside. But as Zoe and Oliver begin to unravel the truth about Ben, they realize he’s hiding more than they ever imagined.
Meanwhile, in River City, a new threat is gathering. A gang of violent ex-convicts sets its sights on Unsicker Road, seeing the farmhouse as their kingdom and Zoe’s people as nothing more than an obstacle in their path.
As if the living weren’t enough to fear, the infected are changing—evolving into something far worse. And when an old enemy, one they thought dead and gone, returns—not as a mindless monster, but as something far more terrifying—the battle for Unsicker Road becomes a fight against something bullets can’t stop.
With secrets surfacing and danger closing in from all sides, Zoe and the others must uncover the truth about the parasite before the past—and the dead—consume them all.
For fans of The Last of Us and The Girl With All The Gifts, this third instalment of the Wrack & Ruin series is a chilling tale of horror, survival, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2025
156 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Otto Schafer
22 books156 followersOtto Schafer grew up exploring the small historic town in central Illinois featured in his first work of fiction, The Secret Journal. If you visit Petersburg, Illinois you may find locations familiar from the book. You may even discover, as Otto did, that history has left behind cleverly hidden traces of magic, whispered secrets, and untold treasures.
Otto is currently working on the third book in the Wrack and Ruin series, set to release in early 2025.
He and his loving wife reside in a quiet log cabin tucked away in the woods. You can often find him sitting out back by the koi pond, whittling words into stories for his readers.
Otto is currently working on the third book in the Wrack and Ruin series, set to release in early 2025.
He and his loving wife reside in a quiet log cabin tucked away in the woods. You can often find him sitting out back by the koi pond, whittling words into stories for his readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 25, 2025
Loving this series!
June 21, 2025
I have ate up this series. Each one of these books has had me thinking about them when I am not reading them, and sent chills down my spine, Ottos Writing has never disappointed me, I find myself having to stop and take a moment because something grossed me out. This man's descriptions are amazing. I can not wait to see where his characters take him next!
June 20, 2025 Update: I have been thinking about this book, wanting to know where things go. He just put this out, the ending has got me feeling so happy for the characters. I need more Otto!
June 20, 2025 Update: I have been thinking about this book, wanting to know where things go. He just put this out, the ending has got me feeling so happy for the characters. I need more Otto!
June 9, 2025
This book was definitely my favorite from the series so far. The writing was amazing, the story line was fantastic, and it kept me on my toes. I love seeing the growth in the authors writing and am excited to continue to see it grow.
The relationships between the characters were so sweet and strong. I just know that they’ll always be there for each other. I love this family that they have built.
The extra POVs we got in this book was a nice surprise! I think it really shook things up a bit and gave us an outside perspective of the world.
The relationships between the characters were so sweet and strong. I just know that they’ll always be there for each other. I love this family that they have built.
The extra POVs we got in this book was a nice surprise! I think it really shook things up a bit and gave us an outside perspective of the world.
June 14, 2025
So many emotions, I finished this in 1 day and really didn't want to stop. A rarity for me when I usually juggle many books at once. Can't wait for the next one.
July 13, 2025
Otto does it again! His storytelling is next level. The fact that it’s hard to put the book down at 1am just wanting to know what happens next is amazing. He hasn’t missed with one book in this series.
July 29, 2025
i finally finished a book. good lord i’ve been struggling.
i really enjoyed this one. i think new info we’re finding out about the infected is very interesting. i’m curious to see how this ends:)
i really enjoyed this one. i think new info we’re finding out about the infected is very interesting. i’m curious to see how this ends:)
August 5, 2025
First of all this book has the most bad ass representation of autism. Scientifically based, so well researched. It has me in a chokehold since book one. I feel for all the characters. Can’t wait for the next one!
January 7, 2026
This is the 3rd book of the wrack and ruin series. big fan of zombie movies, shows and books. he gives a different take on a zombie apocalypse story. can't wait for the next one.
July 9, 2025
I want to preface this review by saying how much I enjoyed books 1-2. I thought the concept was great - I could tell that the author really did his best to make the story as believable as possible. However, this book just wasn't that especially towards the end. I still think there were some great concepts in this book but got overshadowed by some things.
The book is still really well written and fast pace and keeps you turning the page.
Spoilers below:
The book is still really well written and fast pace and keeps you turning the page.
Spoilers below:
June 4, 2025
I love this series more than you know. Why? Because I am a huge zombie fan and apparently of apocalyptic stories in general and not only does this series hit those marks, but it throws in deep attachments to the characters, moments that leave me on the edge of my seat, and the want for another book in the series. And like every other book in the series, I finished it in just a few days.
We find Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee, and Louie have managed to escape the church that was overtaken by zombies. Taking a chance, they knock on the door of a secure home belonging to a mean rich man living in town on Unsicker Road. The man offers them only a few nights rest in his home but what Oliver, Zoe and the rest the other four members of the church group who escaped don’t know is that something is coming for them and even the bulletproof glass and brick walls of the rich man’s home can’t save them.
I enjoyed how this book expanded and brought in new characters, even if some were unfavorable. It allowed the storyline to show the rest of the world beyond what the reader sees with Oliver and Zoe. In addition to this, the additional group members that came with them from the church slowly helped Oliver and Zoe to form a new kind of family.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out as the way it ended opened the story up to seeing what else is beyond Oliver and Zoe’s small cluster of towns and to expand on the new version of the world.
We find Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee, and Louie have managed to escape the church that was overtaken by zombies. Taking a chance, they knock on the door of a secure home belonging to a mean rich man living in town on Unsicker Road. The man offers them only a few nights rest in his home but what Oliver, Zoe and the rest the other four members of the church group who escaped don’t know is that something is coming for them and even the bulletproof glass and brick walls of the rich man’s home can’t save them.
I enjoyed how this book expanded and brought in new characters, even if some were unfavorable. It allowed the storyline to show the rest of the world beyond what the reader sees with Oliver and Zoe. In addition to this, the additional group members that came with them from the church slowly helped Oliver and Zoe to form a new kind of family.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out as the way it ended opened the story up to seeing what else is beyond Oliver and Zoe’s small cluster of towns and to expand on the new version of the world.
November 23, 2025
The third book in the series really stands good along with the two previous books. Was I expecting any of this storyline? No. The extra perspectives that are no longer shifting between only Zoe and Oliver, was a pleasant surprise. I knew the perspective of Tommy would be in this book, but many more written than I expected was a delight to see. Seeing what the infected are thinking were written good. Having the book shift from Tommy being a threat and being put on hold. Having a new threat coming to the farmhouse was a great pivot from Tommy. This being the first book in the series being split in 3 parts is also interesting to see. Even though I didnt like Louie in the first book. Reading the second and now this, it's a really nice change. Learning Ben's story was interesting to read as well. Thinking you know everything, you learn even more about him later in the book. The only reason im giving this a four star, is the fact of some characters were out of character. It was here and there, but it was just enough to knock it down a star. Don't get me wrong. This book kept me intrigued and surprised of how it went. I can't wait for the next book of this series expanding from its confined state, to another state in America.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
nsicker Road is the third book in a series I absolutely love, and somehow it managed to blow me away all over again. I went in expecting action, tension, and heart—but what I got was something even deeper: a raw, emotional journey that left me completely gutted in the best way.
Zoe McCallister and her found family have become characters I care about on such a personal level. Every moment spent with them feels real and earned. The quiet moments hit just as hard as the terrifying ones. There’s a constant tension, a sense that something is always just around the corner—and yet the heart of this story never gets lost.
This book made me feel every emotion known to man. I cried, I gasped, I clutched the pages, and more than once I had to just sit there and feel. It’s not just a survival story—it’s about trust, sacrifice, and what it means to hold onto humanity when everything is falling apart.
Zoe McCallister and her found family have become characters I care about on such a personal level. Every moment spent with them feels real and earned. The quiet moments hit just as hard as the terrifying ones. There’s a constant tension, a sense that something is always just around the corner—and yet the heart of this story never gets lost.
This book made me feel every emotion known to man. I cried, I gasped, I clutched the pages, and more than once I had to just sit there and feel. It’s not just a survival story—it’s about trust, sacrifice, and what it means to hold onto humanity when everything is falling apart.
July 19, 2025
I love this series!
I've read a LOT of post-apocalyptic series in my time (probably 10+) but this has got to be one of the most well thought out ones I've had the pleasure of reading.
The story starts the exact same spot from where book 2 finished and it never lets up from there. The introduction of the new characters, the zombie viewpoints, and the understanding of the virus itself brought the story to life.
The author has an amazing way of making each person intriguing, to the point where you need to know what will happen next - even if you hate the character. The way each character is written so differently from the others too. So many books that I've read jump between characters but the way it reads is very, very similar and doesn't really show different idiosyncrasies.
I am very excited for book 4 as it will probably have the most integral part to the story yet, and I just know there will be a twist we don't see coming.
9/10.
I've read a LOT of post-apocalyptic series in my time (probably 10+) but this has got to be one of the most well thought out ones I've had the pleasure of reading.
The story starts the exact same spot from where book 2 finished and it never lets up from there. The introduction of the new characters, the zombie viewpoints, and the understanding of the virus itself brought the story to life.
The author has an amazing way of making each person intriguing, to the point where you need to know what will happen next - even if you hate the character. The way each character is written so differently from the others too. So many books that I've read jump between characters but the way it reads is very, very similar and doesn't really show different idiosyncrasies.
I am very excited for book 4 as it will probably have the most integral part to the story yet, and I just know there will be a twist we don't see coming.
9/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
10/10 book no notes.
While not the typical edge of your seat butthole clenching the entire ride through, like book 1, unsicker road gave everything you didn’t know you needed out of the group.
AND AARON, THE REAL LAST SAMERS EYE?! Bro had me scared for him.
I’m still left with so many questions and feening over the next one already. Is the parasite on the box gona flip out and get someone? Is Zoe gona be able to spread word about what she learned about the parasite? PLEASE TELL ME AARON MAKES IT?! Is Tommy still conscious inside the parasite in the box? Is the parasite getting spent from the atmosphere? There is so much😭
Looking forward to it more than I even did for Onyx Storm(which I went to the midnight release of and still haven’t not read😬)
And lastly, Tommy can ESAD. That is all.
While not the typical edge of your seat butthole clenching the entire ride through, like book 1, unsicker road gave everything you didn’t know you needed out of the group.
AND AARON, THE REAL LAST SAMERS EYE?! Bro had me scared for him.
I’m still left with so many questions and feening over the next one already. Is the parasite on the box gona flip out and get someone? Is Zoe gona be able to spread word about what she learned about the parasite? PLEASE TELL ME AARON MAKES IT?! Is Tommy still conscious inside the parasite in the box? Is the parasite getting spent from the atmosphere? There is so much😭
Looking forward to it more than I even did for Onyx Storm(which I went to the midnight release of and still haven’t not read😬)
And lastly, Tommy can ESAD. That is all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
Jaw-dropping, heart-pounding, and a total roller coaster of emotions! This fast-paced zombie thriller was an absolute blast to read—I flew through the chapters without even realizing it. The series just keeps leveling up with each book.
Rust Colored Rain was crazy.
A Safe Place to Die was wild.
Unsicker Road was pure insanity.
I seriously can't wait to get my hands on Book 4. If you're into action-packed zombie books or movies, you need this series in your life. Just a heads-up: there are some gruesome and intense scenes, so be sure to check for trigger warnings.
Rust Colored Rain was crazy.
A Safe Place to Die was wild.
Unsicker Road was pure insanity.
I seriously can't wait to get my hands on Book 4. If you're into action-packed zombie books or movies, you need this series in your life. Just a heads-up: there are some gruesome and intense scenes, so be sure to check for trigger warnings.
May 27, 2025
4⭐️
I won’t lie, I struggled with this one at times. It felt like not enough was happening in the middle, but I realized it was happening…just not to characters I cared about (iykyk) 😂 It really picked up around 60% and started feeling as intense as the first two. I feel like this one is probably my least favorite of the three, but it progressed the plot SO much. Book 4 is set up nicely and I CANNOT WAIT!!
(Gore, cursing, zombies. This won’t be for everyone, obvi.)
I won’t lie, I struggled with this one at times. It felt like not enough was happening in the middle, but I realized it was happening…just not to characters I cared about (iykyk) 😂 It really picked up around 60% and started feeling as intense as the first two. I feel like this one is probably my least favorite of the three, but it progressed the plot SO much. Book 4 is set up nicely and I CANNOT WAIT!!
(Gore, cursing, zombies. This won’t be for everyone, obvi.)
October 21, 2025
One Hell of a Ride!
This is one of the best zombie series I have ever read. It has a completely new take on what creates the zombies and that is fascinating. The gore and fights are awesome and the characters are well developed and make you care about them all. Even the ones you hate… you will love! I am very glad there’s another installment in the works because there’s a lot more that I want to learn!
This is one of the best zombie series I have ever read. It has a completely new take on what creates the zombies and that is fascinating. The gore and fights are awesome and the characters are well developed and make you care about them all. Even the ones you hate… you will love! I am very glad there’s another installment in the works because there’s a lot more that I want to learn!
January 20, 2026
Loved the first two. This one started off the same.
The cat abuse wasn’t for me. It was unnecessary.
Like why?
It really started to fall off for me with the prisoners.
I’ve read other zombie series with the same concept. Along with podcasts and the obvious walking dead.
It’s out played and I found myself just wanting to finish the book and be done. I felt really let down by this one. Especially after loving the 1st two books so much.
The cat abuse wasn’t for me. It was unnecessary.
Like why?
It really started to fall off for me with the prisoners.
I’ve read other zombie series with the same concept. Along with podcasts and the obvious walking dead.
It’s out played and I found myself just wanting to finish the book and be done. I felt really let down by this one. Especially after loving the 1st two books so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
Great zombie series
I can't wait to read more from this series! I read the first two a while back and just found the third one yesterday. I started and finished in less than 24 hours! Love the main characters, the side characters, the suspense, the action, and everything in between. Such a good plot, strong FMC, strong MMC, and funny side characters.
I can't wait to read more from this series! I read the first two a while back and just found the third one yesterday. I started and finished in less than 24 hours! Love the main characters, the side characters, the suspense, the action, and everything in between. Such a good plot, strong FMC, strong MMC, and funny side characters.
June 13, 2025
Otto is doing an amazing job with this series. I appreciate the dedication and research he is doing to make the story grow. This one had me scared for some characters but it also meant I couldn’t stop reading it. As someone who grew up playing Resident Evil games and consuming zombie movies, I am so happy with this series. I can’t wait for the next one!!
June 19, 2025
Love the series!
As soon as I was 10 pages into book 1, I was hooked and waiting in full anticipation for the next one and the next one. Unsicker Road was an absolute roller coaster! The author has done a fantastic job in the writing of this book and the others. I cannot wait for the story to continue.
As soon as I was 10 pages into book 1, I was hooked and waiting in full anticipation for the next one and the next one. Unsicker Road was an absolute roller coaster! The author has done a fantastic job in the writing of this book and the others. I cannot wait for the story to continue.
June 19, 2025
OTTO (insert middle name here) SCHAFER YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID! My fucking heart dude...I wasn't totally prepared for the switch up from just Zoe/Oliver perspective but it worked out super well...and I absolutely love that both the MMC and FMC are both equally badass. I really look forward to the 4th book here and already know I need more Aaron content!!!
June 28, 2025
Excellent
This third instalment of the Wrack And Ruin series is just as exciting, surprising, shocking and really rather gross as the two before it!!
Action packed and such an enjoyable zom poc series I just couldn’t put down!
Can’t wait for the next instalment!
Just love it! 👏👏👏 🖤 🧟🧟♀️🧟♂️
This third instalment of the Wrack And Ruin series is just as exciting, surprising, shocking and really rather gross as the two before it!!
Action packed and such an enjoyable zom poc series I just couldn’t put down!
Can’t wait for the next instalment!
Just love it! 👏👏👏 🖤 🧟🧟♀️🧟♂️
August 4, 2025
Holy smokes!
These books have had a grip on my since the first one, been eagerly waiting and some how missed the release in this one! Has to immediately binge the other book I was in the middle of to get to this masterpiece! Looking forward to book 4 have recommended these to everyone I know!
These books have had a grip on my since the first one, been eagerly waiting and some how missed the release in this one! Has to immediately binge the other book I was in the middle of to get to this masterpiece! Looking forward to book 4 have recommended these to everyone I know!
October 30, 2025
My fave of the trilogy. Definitely more than 4 stars, maybe more like 4.4. Great characters, more sticky romance than maybe I’m good for, Awesome near-comedy from the near-dead. You really need an edge in this genre, and the author pulled it off. And near perfect gore levels. I’ll be reading whatever comes next.
December 31, 2025
I was a little worried when introduced to the jail mates as new characters taking away from the main ones. But the end action scenes and showing how evil they are and how they knew to get to where our main group was came altogether in the end. Aaron is a bada**! Looking forward to read more into this series. So cool to see this author development through each book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
Couldn't put it down
I couldn't put this book down . It's a page turner . Full of blood guts and revenge but also family and loyalty . The story keeps you hooked . Definitely recommend this series.
I couldn't put this book down . It's a page turner . Full of blood guts and revenge but also family and loyalty . The story keeps you hooked . Definitely recommend this series.
June 2, 2025
Felt like watching a heart pounding thriller movie- I can't wait for the day this gets a screen adaptation and they better leave NOTHING out! I was so sad this was going to be ending, but now it will continue 💜💜💜😍 thank you for submerging me into this incredible story Otto🫶🏻
July 18, 2025
Great read!
I had been waiting for this book, I loved the series! Really hope the series continues because it’s truly edge of your seat - one part (won’t say which so I don’t spoil anything) I literally hollered and was shocked! Great writing!
I had been waiting for this book, I loved the series! Really hope the series continues because it’s truly edge of your seat - one part (won’t say which so I don’t spoil anything) I literally hollered and was shocked! Great writing!
July 20, 2025
I love this book
I love this book! Read it in one sitting couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for book four! I want to know what’s up with Alexis and is the insert about parasites relevant? Excited to learn.
I love this book! Read it in one sitting couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for book four! I want to know what’s up with Alexis and is the insert about parasites relevant? Excited to learn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews