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After The Escape: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info
After the world went dark, every road became a battlefield.
Before the global EMP shattered the grid and sent civilization spiraling into ruin, a single bullet could end a life. Now, it guarantees a slow, agonizing death. Rob is bleeding out in a world without doctors, medicine—or mercy. And time is running out.
Claire has one find help—fast. But in a lawless wasteland crawling with killers, slavers, and scavengers, every step is a gamble. Worse still, the Carringtons are hunting them, and they won’t stop until Rob’s body is in the dirt.
When a brutal militia razes the last refuge the Taylors called home, they're forced to flee into the unknown, chasing desperate whispers of a hidden sanctuary deep in the wilds of Washington State.
Along the way, they encounter fellow survivors—each marked by trauma, each with their own secrets. Trust is rare. Mistakes are fatal. And as enemies close in from every direction, the Taylors must confront a brutal to survive in this world, it’s not just about how far you’re willing to go…
It’s about what you’re willing to become.
Before the global EMP shattered the grid and sent civilization spiraling into ruin, a single bullet could end a life. Now, it guarantees a slow, agonizing death. Rob is bleeding out in a world without doctors, medicine—or mercy. And time is running out.
Claire has one find help—fast. But in a lawless wasteland crawling with killers, slavers, and scavengers, every step is a gamble. Worse still, the Carringtons are hunting them, and they won’t stop until Rob’s body is in the dirt.
When a brutal militia razes the last refuge the Taylors called home, they're forced to flee into the unknown, chasing desperate whispers of a hidden sanctuary deep in the wilds of Washington State.
Along the way, they encounter fellow survivors—each marked by trauma, each with their own secrets. Trust is rare. Mistakes are fatal. And as enemies close in from every direction, the Taylors must confront a brutal to survive in this world, it’s not just about how far you’re willing to go…
It’s about what you’re willing to become.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
716 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
82 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Grace Hamilton
143 books300 followersGrace Hamilton is the prepper pen-name for a bad-ass, survivalist momma-bear of four kids, and wife to a wonderful husband. After being stuck in a mountain cabin for six days following a flash flood, she decided she never wanted to feel so powerless or have to send her kids to bed hungry again. Now she lives the prepper lifestyle and knows that if SHTF or TEOTWAWKI happens, she’ll be ready to help protect and provide for her family.
Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"
It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.
Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"
It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.
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January 7, 2026
The cover fits really well with the cover of bk1. This cover probably represents a scene from within the book. I’d guess that the people on the cover are Alejandro and Claire, who have come together and are slowly rekindled their relationship despite the fact they were at a lawyer’s office in the process of divorcing at the beginning of bk1 when everything in the world changed when the global EMP hit!!
The After The Escape timeline picks up right were it left off in After The Fallout.
Pregnant Lydia is out hunting rabbits with her teenaged son Bobby. Lydia is hoping that doing things together will encourage Bobby to open up and speak to her a little more. Lydia tries teasing him about his gun skills but the humour doesn’t land quite right with Bobby. They are then interrupted when they hear male voices…….Lydia and Bobby take cover and discover that it is a small team of Carrington Militia men obviously having been sent out to spy of the Taylors homestead, or what is left of it after the earlier battle. The men are talking about the Boss being eager to move onto the next part of his plan regarding the Taylors.
When Lydia and Bobby return to the homestead a meeting is called and it is decided that there is no other option but to leave. John Anderson and his Carrington Farm Militia Men easily outnumber them, so it would be suicide to stay and fight. The Taylors & their now extended family decide that travelling out on the roads in an effort to settle somewhere else is the lesser of two evils. They are well aware that there will be other gangs to contend with as well as the conditions being out on the road, but the decision is made. Before they totally leave the area, they decide to call at Buck and Sandra’s large home to gather supplies, hopefully find something to treat Rob’s gunshot wound and have a good night or twos rest before getting fully on the road. They think that John Anderson and his Carrington Farm men will attack the homestead and will not think of the Taylors group going to Buck’s house.
Meanwhile Anderson is injured from the battle at the Taylors homestead but he is angry and vengeful. He decides to raid nearby properties for anything useful and him and his gang come across the home of Buck and Sandra. Whilst ransacking the house John Anderson notices a photograph of Buck and Sandra which makes thing a bit more personal, it further inflames Andersons unstable irritation and he orders the house to be burnt to the ground despite pleas from his right-hand man Dirk to just take what they need and leave.
Dirk sneaks away from the Carrington Farm multiple times to plead with Sophia, John Anderson’s daughter, to just come back, that things will be different, he promises he will stand up to her father and help her. The Taylors make sure that Sophia knows she is welcome to stay with them and travel with them if that what she wants, despite them knowing that Anderson is likely to follow them in an attempt to grab back his daughter. Sophia chooses to travel with the Taylor family group.
Things take a turn for the worse when Rob collapses due to the gunshot wound being badly infected. There’s little choice but to risk going into town to visit Rob’s one other friend for help. Rob is treated with old, limited medication with both, Agata and Lydia foraging for herb to make herbal remedies to help fight the infection too. Though Rob hates the taste of the teas they make and the ointment/poultices they make sting he is willing to try anything and everything to fight the growing infection.
The Taylors are aware they are being followed by the increasingly desperate John Anderton and his Carrington Militia, they are also being tracked by bounty hunters employed by the Hartley’s to capture the now visibly pregnant Lydia as well as meeting strangers whilst on the road and the possibly disastrous choices of who to trust and who not to trust. The With nowhere in particular to go the Taylors decide to head to Agata’s distant relatives. Whilst on the road the Taylors hear about a ferry that takes them to a safe place where the army keeps peace etc. Agata disagrees and wants them to continue to her relatives but Alejandro thinks the ferry to a safer place is the better option and will put them further out of the reach of John Anderson & the Carrington Militia. The decision if put to the vote and all but Agata vote for the ferry. They meet up with a trio of travellers, Sam, his father Whiskey and his son Micah and continue their journey together. The trio seem trustworthy though Sam is reluctant to have any type of gun or weapon for fear of provoking other travellers they may meet, whilst the Taylors try to explain to him that a weapon is not just for offense, it is a deterrent and for defence if and when needed, though they do not try to force their views on him.
The characters face the larger threats and hurdles whilst dealing with other day to day issues and sometimes fraught relationships. The relationship between Bobby and Sophie continues to blossom. Sophie does consider turning herself over to her father but it soon becomes apparent her father would not let the Taylors simply leave even if Sophie sacrificed herself and returned to him. John Anderson is set on vengeance and he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process.
Claire & Alejandro's love seems to be rekindling as they become closer and work together to protect the rest of their group, taking on more of the leadership whilst Rob is out of action. Lydia is rightfully so, fearful of who the Hartleys will send after her next and how far they are prepared to go to get her and the baby she is carrying.
Sam, Whiskey and Micah seem to integrate into the group well, but Sam soon becomes dangerously resentful of the fact the Taylors did not reveal they were being followed. Sam blames the Taylors for putting him, his son and his father in more danger but seems to forget that travelling in a larger group has in fact increased their safety. However, a hurt and angry Sam makes a huge mistake by making a deal with the enemy, but later puts his own life at risk to try and put that wrong, right again.
Though he isn’t the only putting their life on the line for a relative strange as when there is a crush on the docks and Micah is separated from his family, quickly becoming lost in the crowd, Bobby sees this and leaves his own family and rushes to save Micah from being trampled in the crush of people. Unfortunately, in doing so, he put himself firmly in the sights of a fever driven Murdoch who is set on revenge because Bobby shot him.
Such a lot happens in this book, there’s growing love between characters, the death of a character, betrayal and dangers at every turn to be dealt with. As the book ends the Taylors are wondering if they made the right decision as those in charge don’t seem to know what they are doing and there really aren’t enough of them to deal with any major assault or riot.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading After The Escape were, Oh wow! what an action-packed, nail biting, edge of your seat book! I loved it!
Summing up, I really enjoyed reading After The Escape. The loss of one of the main characters we were introduced to in bk1 was sad, but as the group quickly learns, if you want to survive, you have to move on quickly and grieve when you can. The group learn lessons about who they can and cannot trust, sometimes the hard way!
As it states in the blurb the Taylors must confront a brutal truth: to survive in this world, it’s not just about how far you’re willing to go…
I can’t wait to read the next book!
The After The Escape timeline picks up right were it left off in After The Fallout.
Pregnant Lydia is out hunting rabbits with her teenaged son Bobby. Lydia is hoping that doing things together will encourage Bobby to open up and speak to her a little more. Lydia tries teasing him about his gun skills but the humour doesn’t land quite right with Bobby. They are then interrupted when they hear male voices…….Lydia and Bobby take cover and discover that it is a small team of Carrington Militia men obviously having been sent out to spy of the Taylors homestead, or what is left of it after the earlier battle. The men are talking about the Boss being eager to move onto the next part of his plan regarding the Taylors.
When Lydia and Bobby return to the homestead a meeting is called and it is decided that there is no other option but to leave. John Anderson and his Carrington Farm Militia Men easily outnumber them, so it would be suicide to stay and fight. The Taylors & their now extended family decide that travelling out on the roads in an effort to settle somewhere else is the lesser of two evils. They are well aware that there will be other gangs to contend with as well as the conditions being out on the road, but the decision is made. Before they totally leave the area, they decide to call at Buck and Sandra’s large home to gather supplies, hopefully find something to treat Rob’s gunshot wound and have a good night or twos rest before getting fully on the road. They think that John Anderson and his Carrington Farm men will attack the homestead and will not think of the Taylors group going to Buck’s house.
Meanwhile Anderson is injured from the battle at the Taylors homestead but he is angry and vengeful. He decides to raid nearby properties for anything useful and him and his gang come across the home of Buck and Sandra. Whilst ransacking the house John Anderson notices a photograph of Buck and Sandra which makes thing a bit more personal, it further inflames Andersons unstable irritation and he orders the house to be burnt to the ground despite pleas from his right-hand man Dirk to just take what they need and leave.
Dirk sneaks away from the Carrington Farm multiple times to plead with Sophia, John Anderson’s daughter, to just come back, that things will be different, he promises he will stand up to her father and help her. The Taylors make sure that Sophia knows she is welcome to stay with them and travel with them if that what she wants, despite them knowing that Anderson is likely to follow them in an attempt to grab back his daughter. Sophia chooses to travel with the Taylor family group.
Things take a turn for the worse when Rob collapses due to the gunshot wound being badly infected. There’s little choice but to risk going into town to visit Rob’s one other friend for help. Rob is treated with old, limited medication with both, Agata and Lydia foraging for herb to make herbal remedies to help fight the infection too. Though Rob hates the taste of the teas they make and the ointment/poultices they make sting he is willing to try anything and everything to fight the growing infection.
The Taylors are aware they are being followed by the increasingly desperate John Anderton and his Carrington Militia, they are also being tracked by bounty hunters employed by the Hartley’s to capture the now visibly pregnant Lydia as well as meeting strangers whilst on the road and the possibly disastrous choices of who to trust and who not to trust. The With nowhere in particular to go the Taylors decide to head to Agata’s distant relatives. Whilst on the road the Taylors hear about a ferry that takes them to a safe place where the army keeps peace etc. Agata disagrees and wants them to continue to her relatives but Alejandro thinks the ferry to a safer place is the better option and will put them further out of the reach of John Anderson & the Carrington Militia. The decision if put to the vote and all but Agata vote for the ferry. They meet up with a trio of travellers, Sam, his father Whiskey and his son Micah and continue their journey together. The trio seem trustworthy though Sam is reluctant to have any type of gun or weapon for fear of provoking other travellers they may meet, whilst the Taylors try to explain to him that a weapon is not just for offense, it is a deterrent and for defence if and when needed, though they do not try to force their views on him.
The characters face the larger threats and hurdles whilst dealing with other day to day issues and sometimes fraught relationships. The relationship between Bobby and Sophie continues to blossom. Sophie does consider turning herself over to her father but it soon becomes apparent her father would not let the Taylors simply leave even if Sophie sacrificed herself and returned to him. John Anderson is set on vengeance and he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process.
Claire & Alejandro's love seems to be rekindling as they become closer and work together to protect the rest of their group, taking on more of the leadership whilst Rob is out of action. Lydia is rightfully so, fearful of who the Hartleys will send after her next and how far they are prepared to go to get her and the baby she is carrying.
Sam, Whiskey and Micah seem to integrate into the group well, but Sam soon becomes dangerously resentful of the fact the Taylors did not reveal they were being followed. Sam blames the Taylors for putting him, his son and his father in more danger but seems to forget that travelling in a larger group has in fact increased their safety. However, a hurt and angry Sam makes a huge mistake by making a deal with the enemy, but later puts his own life at risk to try and put that wrong, right again.
Though he isn’t the only putting their life on the line for a relative strange as when there is a crush on the docks and Micah is separated from his family, quickly becoming lost in the crowd, Bobby sees this and leaves his own family and rushes to save Micah from being trampled in the crush of people. Unfortunately, in doing so, he put himself firmly in the sights of a fever driven Murdoch who is set on revenge because Bobby shot him.
Such a lot happens in this book, there’s growing love between characters, the death of a character, betrayal and dangers at every turn to be dealt with. As the book ends the Taylors are wondering if they made the right decision as those in charge don’t seem to know what they are doing and there really aren’t enough of them to deal with any major assault or riot.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading After The Escape were, Oh wow! what an action-packed, nail biting, edge of your seat book! I loved it!
Summing up, I really enjoyed reading After The Escape. The loss of one of the main characters we were introduced to in bk1 was sad, but as the group quickly learns, if you want to survive, you have to move on quickly and grieve when you can. The group learn lessons about who they can and cannot trust, sometimes the hard way!
As it states in the blurb the Taylors must confront a brutal truth: to survive in this world, it’s not just about how far you’re willing to go…
I can’t wait to read the next book!
January 14, 2026
Buckle up, readers, because the thrilling saga of the Survivors of the New Dawn continues in Grace Hamilton's latest installment, After The Escape! This captivating story picks up right where the first book, After the Fallout, left off, plunging us back into the lives of the resilient characters we've grown to love.
Claire, the protagonist, has finally reconnected with her beloved sister, Lydia, her father, Rob, and her son, Bobby. However, their reunion is bittersweet, as Rob has been gravely wounded and is in dire need of medical attention to stave off a life-threatening infection. Claire must act quickly to find a hospital that can save her father's life before it's too late.
But the group's troubles don't end there. They are now being hunted by Sophia's abusive father, who is hell-bent on reclaiming his daughter at any cost. Sophia, however, has no desire to return to her father's toxic clutches, having fled his cruelty and mistreatment of her and her family for years.
Adding to the already tense situation, Lydia has become entangled with one of the country's most powerful and ruthless families, who now demand her return – dead or alive. The stakes have never been higher as the Survivors of the New Dawn fight to protect their loved ones and secure their freedom.
After The Escape promises to be an exhilarating and page-turning continuation of this post-apocalyptic saga. Once you start reading, you'll be hard-pressed to put it down, as the characters' harrowing journey and the twists and turns of the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, get ready to embark on another thrilling adventure with the Survivors of the New Dawn!
As I delved deeper into the captivating world of Claire, Alejandro, Lydia, Rob, Bobby, and Sophia, I found myself completely immersed in their stories. It felt as if I had become a part of their lives, a silent observer witnessing their triumphs and struggles firsthand. The more I read, the more I found myself captivated by their journeys, their resilience, and the intricate tapestry of their interconnected lives.
The Survivors of the New Dawn series has truly captured my heart, and I simply can't get enough of these engaging narratives. Each character has become a dear friend, their stories resonating with me on a profound level. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue exploring their world, to see what new challenges and adventures await them.
I highly recommend that you embark on this thrilling journey alongside the Survivors of the New Dawn. Pick up a copy of After The Escape today and prepare to be swept away by the compelling tales of these remarkable individuals. Their stories will captivate you, leaving you craving more of their extraordinary experiences. Join me in delving into the depths of this captivating series and witness the remarkable resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Claire, the protagonist, has finally reconnected with her beloved sister, Lydia, her father, Rob, and her son, Bobby. However, their reunion is bittersweet, as Rob has been gravely wounded and is in dire need of medical attention to stave off a life-threatening infection. Claire must act quickly to find a hospital that can save her father's life before it's too late.
But the group's troubles don't end there. They are now being hunted by Sophia's abusive father, who is hell-bent on reclaiming his daughter at any cost. Sophia, however, has no desire to return to her father's toxic clutches, having fled his cruelty and mistreatment of her and her family for years.
Adding to the already tense situation, Lydia has become entangled with one of the country's most powerful and ruthless families, who now demand her return – dead or alive. The stakes have never been higher as the Survivors of the New Dawn fight to protect their loved ones and secure their freedom.
After The Escape promises to be an exhilarating and page-turning continuation of this post-apocalyptic saga. Once you start reading, you'll be hard-pressed to put it down, as the characters' harrowing journey and the twists and turns of the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, get ready to embark on another thrilling adventure with the Survivors of the New Dawn!
As I delved deeper into the captivating world of Claire, Alejandro, Lydia, Rob, Bobby, and Sophia, I found myself completely immersed in their stories. It felt as if I had become a part of their lives, a silent observer witnessing their triumphs and struggles firsthand. The more I read, the more I found myself captivated by their journeys, their resilience, and the intricate tapestry of their interconnected lives.
The Survivors of the New Dawn series has truly captured my heart, and I simply can't get enough of these engaging narratives. Each character has become a dear friend, their stories resonating with me on a profound level. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue exploring their world, to see what new challenges and adventures await them.
I highly recommend that you embark on this thrilling journey alongside the Survivors of the New Dawn. Pick up a copy of After The Escape today and prepare to be swept away by the compelling tales of these remarkable individuals. Their stories will captivate you, leaving you craving more of their extraordinary experiences. Join me in delving into the depths of this captivating series and witness the remarkable resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
January 28, 2026
After The Escape: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info
Book 2 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
By: Grace Hamilton
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date: January 14, 2026
ASIN: B0FGX2WWDJ
Page Count: 716
Triggers: violence, injury/medical crisis, grief, militia/raids, kidnapping/slavers, murder threats, survival stress, trauma themes
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
The grid is down. Society is a memory. And Rob is bleeding out like the universe is trying to speed-run his exit. Claire’s in full “find help or watch him die” mode, except the roads are basically a buffet line for militias, scavengers, and people who heard “no laws” and said, “Finally, my time.” Add in multiple groups hunting the Taylors with a personal vendetta, and suddenly “let’s go to Washington” feels less like a plan and more like a dare.
Here’s What Slapped:
• The urgency hits immediately. This book starts running and never really stops to catch its breath, which is exactly the vibe when antibiotics are a fairytale.
• Prepper detail that actually matters. Not “look at me, I Googled a compass” energy. The survival info feels practical and woven into the story instead of dumped on your face.
• Characters you get attached to. Everyone’s carrying something, and the bonds feel earned. The found-family grit is strong in this one.
• The threats feel layered. It’s not just “bad guys exist.” It’s rival power dynamics, revenge, desperation, and the terrifying reality that help isn’t guaranteed.
• Atmosphere for days. You can practically taste the cold air, the forest, the fear, and the “we have to keep moving” exhaustion.
What Could’ve Been Better:
It’s a BIG book. Like “cancel your plans, hydrate, and warn your family you live here now” big. And if you’re the type who notices geography and distance, a few location beats may make your inner map nerd squint. But the momentum and emotional stakes kept me locked in.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
• post-EMP survival thrillers with real stakes
• tight-knit groups fighting to stay human in inhuman conditions
• action + emotional core, not just endless gunfire
• practical survival elements and “how would I handle this?” dread
Sum up:
This one feels like sprinting through a collapsed world with your heart in your throat and your people at your back. It’s gritty, intense, and weirdly comforting in the way it shows resilience without pretending it’s easy. I finished it satisfied… and immediately annoyed that I have to wait for book three.
Book Series:
After the Fallout: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (Survivors of the New Dawn Book 1)
Book 1 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
After The Escape: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info
Book 2 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
After the Storm: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info (Survivors of the New Dawn Book 3)
Book 3 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
Coming August 12, 2026
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Book 2 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
By: Grace Hamilton
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date: January 14, 2026
ASIN: B0FGX2WWDJ
Page Count: 716
Triggers: violence, injury/medical crisis, grief, militia/raids, kidnapping/slavers, murder threats, survival stress, trauma themes
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
The grid is down. Society is a memory. And Rob is bleeding out like the universe is trying to speed-run his exit. Claire’s in full “find help or watch him die” mode, except the roads are basically a buffet line for militias, scavengers, and people who heard “no laws” and said, “Finally, my time.” Add in multiple groups hunting the Taylors with a personal vendetta, and suddenly “let’s go to Washington” feels less like a plan and more like a dare.
Here’s What Slapped:
• The urgency hits immediately. This book starts running and never really stops to catch its breath, which is exactly the vibe when antibiotics are a fairytale.
• Prepper detail that actually matters. Not “look at me, I Googled a compass” energy. The survival info feels practical and woven into the story instead of dumped on your face.
• Characters you get attached to. Everyone’s carrying something, and the bonds feel earned. The found-family grit is strong in this one.
• The threats feel layered. It’s not just “bad guys exist.” It’s rival power dynamics, revenge, desperation, and the terrifying reality that help isn’t guaranteed.
• Atmosphere for days. You can practically taste the cold air, the forest, the fear, and the “we have to keep moving” exhaustion.
What Could’ve Been Better:
It’s a BIG book. Like “cancel your plans, hydrate, and warn your family you live here now” big. And if you’re the type who notices geography and distance, a few location beats may make your inner map nerd squint. But the momentum and emotional stakes kept me locked in.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
• post-EMP survival thrillers with real stakes
• tight-knit groups fighting to stay human in inhuman conditions
• action + emotional core, not just endless gunfire
• practical survival elements and “how would I handle this?” dread
Sum up:
This one feels like sprinting through a collapsed world with your heart in your throat and your people at your back. It’s gritty, intense, and weirdly comforting in the way it shows resilience without pretending it’s easy. I finished it satisfied… and immediately annoyed that I have to wait for book three.
Book Series:
After the Fallout: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (Survivors of the New Dawn Book 1)
Book 1 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
After The Escape: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info
Book 2 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
After the Storm: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info (Survivors of the New Dawn Book 3)
Book 3 of 3: Survivors of the New Dawn
Coming August 12, 2026
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Review of advance copy
After the Escape is book 2 of Grace Hamilton's Survivors Of The New Dawn series. You could probably read it independently, but may feel a little lost in some of the references to book one events and how all of the people came together. It has all of the same main characters and a few more are added along the way. The storyline picks up right where it left off in book one and expands and enhances what has been going on and what takes place throughout the rest of the book.
My only real complaint is the geography references, sometimes the spacing between places and the route taken. I don't think we're entirely accurate, but if you're not familiar with area, you probably wouldn't notice.
The Taylor family decides to leave the grandfather's homestead in search of somewhere better and safer. They battle militia, mafia nature, illness and the challenges of the new times without power. The family is remarkable in that they help anyone in need but fiercely stick together to protect their own no matter what it takes. They are resourceful and enduring, maybe a little above the average family in this circumstance, but still entirely believable. I love how they stuck together, supported each other and took life at face value, kept moving forward and did the best they could with what they had. The book is wonderfully paced, moving from event to event without feeling rushed and you are always informed as to how much time has passed in between.
I highly recommend anything by Grace Hamilton and this new series is probably one of my favorites so far out of all of her books that I've read. I eagerly anticipate book 3 in August!
Genre(s): prepper, apocalyptic, near future
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: none
Violence: moderate without being graphic
Substance Abuse: then
Mental Health: some sadness and slight depression, all managed healthily
Addiction: none.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My only real complaint is the geography references, sometimes the spacing between places and the route taken. I don't think we're entirely accurate, but if you're not familiar with area, you probably wouldn't notice.
The Taylor family decides to leave the grandfather's homestead in search of somewhere better and safer. They battle militia, mafia nature, illness and the challenges of the new times without power. The family is remarkable in that they help anyone in need but fiercely stick together to protect their own no matter what it takes. They are resourceful and enduring, maybe a little above the average family in this circumstance, but still entirely believable. I love how they stuck together, supported each other and took life at face value, kept moving forward and did the best they could with what they had. The book is wonderfully paced, moving from event to event without feeling rushed and you are always informed as to how much time has passed in between.
I highly recommend anything by Grace Hamilton and this new series is probably one of my favorites so far out of all of her books that I've read. I eagerly anticipate book 3 in August!
Genre(s): prepper, apocalyptic, near future
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: none
Violence: moderate without being graphic
Substance Abuse: then
Mental Health: some sadness and slight depression, all managed healthily
Addiction: none.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2026
This is book 2 of the Survivors of the New Dawn series. Like book 1, this book is divided into 2 volumes. Volume 1 has 41 chapters and Volume 2 has 44 chapters. Each chapter is told from a different characters POV. I have read book 1 but it’s actually been so long between that book and this one I had to read my review to remember what was going on!
Volume 1 - This picks up right where book 1 ended which I love. No gaps in time or trying to figure out what happened in between. This family is a group of survivors that’s for sure. They’ve been shot at, chased all around the country, had homes burned, and they still keep going. I’m glad about how Dirk’s character has turned out. I will say I am livid with Sophia about Buck. And I do mean livid. Every time it’s always one of the damn kids fault that something happens because they just can’t listen and they think they know better.
Volume 2 - This book continues to amaze me. There is so much going on all the time. Several new people/groups are introduced in this portion of the book. Sam, Micah, and Whiskey, Eddie, and then there’s The Assassin and the characters that help her storyline. I’m not sure if we’ll continue to see Eddie but I think that Sam, Micah, and Whiskey are around for the long haul. I think they are good additions to the story even though Sam has had some suspect and downright despicable behavior.
Sophia’s storyline seems to have really come to an end with the Carrington militia but I think there is only one more planned book in the series so we’re now at a point to see how/if the Hartley’s continue to play a significant role for Lydia. Can the Taylor’s find the peace they are looking for? Can they find their own little piece of heaven off the beaten path and begin to heal?
Volume 1 - This picks up right where book 1 ended which I love. No gaps in time or trying to figure out what happened in between. This family is a group of survivors that’s for sure. They’ve been shot at, chased all around the country, had homes burned, and they still keep going. I’m glad about how Dirk’s character has turned out. I will say I am livid with Sophia about Buck. And I do mean livid. Every time it’s always one of the damn kids fault that something happens because they just can’t listen and they think they know better.
Volume 2 - This book continues to amaze me. There is so much going on all the time. Several new people/groups are introduced in this portion of the book. Sam, Micah, and Whiskey, Eddie, and then there’s The Assassin and the characters that help her storyline. I’m not sure if we’ll continue to see Eddie but I think that Sam, Micah, and Whiskey are around for the long haul. I think they are good additions to the story even though Sam has had some suspect and downright despicable behavior.
Sophia’s storyline seems to have really come to an end with the Carrington militia but I think there is only one more planned book in the series so we’re now at a point to see how/if the Hartley’s continue to play a significant role for Lydia. Can the Taylor’s find the peace they are looking for? Can they find their own little piece of heaven off the beaten path and begin to heal?
Review of advance copy received from Author
After The Escape, the second book in the Survivors of the New Dawn series, is an absolute triumph that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Grace Hamilton has an uncanny ability to pull you into her world, making you feel every struggle and triumph alongside the characters.
The story picks up right where After the Fallout left off, plunging readers back into an urgent, high-stakes narrative. The fast pace and action-packed sequences make it incredibly difficult to put the book down, as the characters face immediate threats and dangers at every turn.
Hamilton truly makes you care about the resilient cast, including Claire, Lydia, Rob, and the new addition Sophia. Their interactions and family dynamics are a highlight, adding emotional depth to the survival story. The characters feel real, flawed, and relatable, making their journey resonate on a profound level.
The author's vivid descriptions create a tangible sense of the post-EMP world, whether it's the danger lurking in the woods or the "taste of salt in the air" as they near the ocean. This attention to detail, enhanced by the author's real-life prepper knowledge, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.
With villains bent on vengeance and new, ruthless families entering the fray, the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. It is a highly entertaining read that leaves you both satisfied with the current installment and eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the survivors' journey.
If you are a fan of gritty, action-packed post-apocalyptic thrillers, After The Escape is a must-read. The story's suspense and the characters' unwavering fight for survival will captivate you, leaving you wanting more.
The story picks up right where After the Fallout left off, plunging readers back into an urgent, high-stakes narrative. The fast pace and action-packed sequences make it incredibly difficult to put the book down, as the characters face immediate threats and dangers at every turn.
Hamilton truly makes you care about the resilient cast, including Claire, Lydia, Rob, and the new addition Sophia. Their interactions and family dynamics are a highlight, adding emotional depth to the survival story. The characters feel real, flawed, and relatable, making their journey resonate on a profound level.
The author's vivid descriptions create a tangible sense of the post-EMP world, whether it's the danger lurking in the woods or the "taste of salt in the air" as they near the ocean. This attention to detail, enhanced by the author's real-life prepper knowledge, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.
With villains bent on vengeance and new, ruthless families entering the fray, the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. It is a highly entertaining read that leaves you both satisfied with the current installment and eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the survivors' journey.
If you are a fan of gritty, action-packed post-apocalyptic thrillers, After The Escape is a must-read. The story's suspense and the characters' unwavering fight for survival will captivate you, leaving you wanting more.
January 17, 2026
Grace Hamilton does a splendid job of bringing the reader right into the story. All your senses will be engaged in her descriptive adventures of a family and friends on a relentless, and thoughtful book about survival and bonding.
This is not an easy ride on a prepper farm. It is brutal, disheartening, gritty and many times real to the point of the reader feeling fear of the unknown and how they would react and survive.
I very much enjoyed the personal ways each person related to their 'new and challenging' environments. How they found it in themselves to persist and find hope. Even when the loss seemed to be unbearable, they somehow found the strength to continue if not for themselves but the others in the group.
The smallest details of aroma's, of sea breeze on the tongue to the smell of soil and greenest of the forest, or the sickly-sweet smell of decay triggers moments in your subconscious pulling you into the scene.
The action is torn between personal survival and helping others. In a world where trust and intent is very thin. I really enjoyed the continued development and bonds that drew people together sometimes coming full circle from fear to trust.
It makes you think of who would be there for you and how you would deal with what decisions these folks make in their journey.
All in all, a good read, comfortable and welcoming. You could read it as a standalone but the first book is very important voyage of discovery that helps direct the who, why and what is going on.
This is not an easy ride on a prepper farm. It is brutal, disheartening, gritty and many times real to the point of the reader feeling fear of the unknown and how they would react and survive.
I very much enjoyed the personal ways each person related to their 'new and challenging' environments. How they found it in themselves to persist and find hope. Even when the loss seemed to be unbearable, they somehow found the strength to continue if not for themselves but the others in the group.
The smallest details of aroma's, of sea breeze on the tongue to the smell of soil and greenest of the forest, or the sickly-sweet smell of decay triggers moments in your subconscious pulling you into the scene.
The action is torn between personal survival and helping others. In a world where trust and intent is very thin. I really enjoyed the continued development and bonds that drew people together sometimes coming full circle from fear to trust.
It makes you think of who would be there for you and how you would deal with what decisions these folks make in their journey.
All in all, a good read, comfortable and welcoming. You could read it as a standalone but the first book is very important voyage of discovery that helps direct the who, why and what is going on.
February 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Off to Amazon I went after inhaling the previous book (the first in this series) I couldn't wait to carry on and plunge myself back into this world. This picked up right where the previous book left off and now after finishing this and everything still not settled with this motley crew I have to wait until August for the next book.
This series is what led me to this author so I have a lot of her books to catch up on and I'm thankful for that, I enjoy her twists and turns, the carnage, the characters introduced, adapting to a changed world, prepping, scavenging, the fighting to survive, this author throws it all at us and I loved every moment of it. Now it's kind of left me in a bit of a funk to be honest..
The hits just kept coming towards these characters, some they dodged, others they weren't so lucky, two big characters didn't finish their journey and they left a big whole within this group.
Off to Amazon I went after inhaling the previous book (the first in this series) I couldn't wait to carry on and plunge myself back into this world. This picked up right where the previous book left off and now after finishing this and everything still not settled with this motley crew I have to wait until August for the next book.
This series is what led me to this author so I have a lot of her books to catch up on and I'm thankful for that, I enjoy her twists and turns, the carnage, the characters introduced, adapting to a changed world, prepping, scavenging, the fighting to survive, this author throws it all at us and I loved every moment of it. Now it's kind of left me in a bit of a funk to be honest..
The hits just kept coming towards these characters, some they dodged, others they weren't so lucky, two big characters didn't finish their journey and they left a big whole within this group.
January 15, 2026
After the Escape is the thrilling continuation of the Survivors of the New Dawn Saga which begins at the conclusion of the first book, After The Fallout. The resilient and well developed characters (Claire, Alejandro, Bobby, Rob, Lydia, and Sofia) seek a better safe haven to reside even though they must undertake a dangerous journey. They are confronted with lawless rogue individuals, diminishing resources, strong emotions, lack of healthcare for critical injuries or illnesses. This well written book has excellent world building, descriptive writing which makes you feel you are there with the characters, and a complex plot with a lot of twists.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incredible read, definite page turner. I couldn't wait to find out how it ended then I was sad when I finished it; I wanted more. Grace has an uncanny ability to make you feel like you're part of the story. With great descriptions it was easy to visualize foraging in the forest and the taste of salt in the air the closer you got to the ocean. Great character development. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and their personalities, they were very relatable.
If you're looking for a gritty, action packed apocalyptic thriller; Grace Hamilton is your go to. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you're looking for a gritty, action packed apocalyptic thriller; Grace Hamilton is your go to. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
After The Escape is book two of the Survivors of the New Dawn series, and it picks up where book one, After The Fall, left off. This is a page turning "it could really happen" storyline that I had a hard time putting down once I started reading it. So make sure you set aside time to read. The writing is well done and descriptive, and the characters are strong and well developed. Grace Hamilton is my go to author for post-apocalyptic survival stories, and this book is a great example of why. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to read this book after I finished the first one, and Grace Hamilton didn't let me down. There is so much action that I really had a hard time putting it down. The characters are written extremely well that you can feel the emotions and feel connected to them. I especially loved the growth in Bobby, you see him go from a city boy to a true survivor in this new dangerous world. I can't wait for book three!
Review of advance copy
Sometimes you just need a good post apocalyptic book and Grace Hamilton always delivers. This was a continuation so reading the previous book would be beneficial although not compulsory as there are enough hints throughout.
The book works on two halves and they work well together and the ending just is brilliant setting up for the next book in the series.
The book works on two halves and they work well together and the ending just is brilliant setting up for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book will keep you reading and on the edge of your seat. So many wonderful characters some that you will doubt and wonder about. Page turning, action packed, becoming part of the family seeing and feeling all the struggles along this journey. Can't wait to read the next book and see where and what's happening next on this journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An enthralling series. The saga continues for Claire.
No wordsmith but can give 5 stars for Grace Hamilton's work - again.
Read the quick view and free pages for what it is about as Grace can write that better than I. :-).
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
No wordsmith but can give 5 stars for Grace Hamilton's work - again.
Read the quick view and free pages for what it is about as Grace can write that better than I. :-).
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2026
A fantastic journey through some perilous situations.
I was lucky enough to get on the pre release test read for this, and it is absolutely unputdownable.
Very well written, characters build in your imagination very well, great plot (and twists) and everything I have come to expect from Grace's work.
Absolutely brilliant!
I was lucky enough to get on the pre release test read for this, and it is absolutely unputdownable.
Very well written, characters build in your imagination very well, great plot (and twists) and everything I have come to expect from Grace's work.
Absolutely brilliant!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fast paced, end of the world adventure! Lots of action, lots of mayhem & madness, with the villian out for vengence & trying their hardest to succeed! I was rooting for the main characters & found it a good fun read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a great storyline. I highly recommend this series and can't wait to read the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. The author brought out the humanness of the characters perfectly. Traits, good and bad and in between were reeled out and hooked this reader! I enjoyed the storyline and its twists as well. So read this book and you won’t be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, I’m really enjoying this series. This one builds on the first book of the series and takes some great steps to develop not just the story, but the characters, also. Grace Hamilton has always been one of my favorite Post-Apocalyptic authors but she’s really upping the game with this new series. Keep it coming!
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