The world has fallen, but Patrick has one promise left to keep: save his family.
His wife, son, and daughter are isolated, trapped in the center of a monstrous outbreak while a hostile military tightens its grip on the borders. As he fights his way back into the United States, Patrick faces a desperate challenge, confronting both the infected and the ruthless soldiers who see him as a threat.
As humanity prepares for a devastating final act, Patrick's impossible journey forces him to face a harsh truth: the greatest weapon against pure evil isn't a bullet but the unbreakable strength of a family's love. The clock is ticking, but nothing can break hope.
Content warning: Violence and graphic injury, child in danger, discussion of suicide.
Daniele Vaccaro is an Italian-born author currently living in the UK. Driven by a lifelong fascination with meaningful, heartfelt stories, his work explores the deep importance of human connection and themes that go beyond the material world. A confessed admirer of philosophical, existential narratives, particularly in the post-apocalyptic genre (like The Road), Daniele invites readers to look beyond earthly existence and think about the deeper purpose in their lives.
A fantastic short story about the beginning of the end of the world. What would you do to get back to your family? Patrick, he’d do anything. But an enemy from his past is determined to make sure he loses everything.
This book catches your attention since the beginning. It starts chaotic. A virus outbreak unleashed in the US has taken over making people sick to the point where they loose their very essence and become brute. Unrecognizable. A father trying to make it to his family from across the world. A family hoping to reunite with their husband/ dad. Will they survive this apocalypse? Will he make it on time to save his family? Will he even survive? His family has encountered a triple threat….the apocalypse, the cartel and the military. What will happen?
The world has fallen, but Patrick has one promise left to keep: save his family.
His wife, son, and daughter are isolated, trapped in the center of a monstrous outbreak while a hostile military tightens its grip on the borders. As he fights his way back into the United States, Patrick faces a desperate challenge, confronting both the infected and the ruthless soldiers who see him as a threat.
As humanity prepares for a devastating final act, Patrick's impossible journey forces him to face a harsh truth: the greatest weapon against pure evil isn't a bullet but the unbreakable strength of a family's love. The clock is ticking, but nothing can break hope.
Content warning: Violence and graphic injury, child in danger, discussion of suicide.
I swear each book I read from Daniele keeps getting better and better. I absolutely loved this read and how the zombie symptoms showed. Truly makes it believable and scary. I can’t wait to read more from this author. The characters were described perfectly and the amount of detail made me feel like I was running with this family. Well done!
A lovely short story. A very good message about keeping going even when you struggle. Thank you for gifting this book. I had so many emotions reading it, who knew a small story could be so powerful
There is an outbreak of a deadly virus in the USA that causes people to become so ill, so sick, that they're basically Undead. Aimlessly walking the earth hungry for flesh after losing their humanity and ability to even think clearly. Patrick is desperately trying to reach his family from the other side of the world. Make sure they're alive, safe, and protected from getting infected. Will he get to them in time even with the military in the way? Will he escape from the mutated creatures that were once humans himself? On top of his family's safety worrying him, the cartel opposes him... Will they get through this apocalypse?
This is a short story and is very immersive. The details are descriptive, scary, and a vivid atmosphere that pulls you into the world of zombies, survival, and danger. There's emotion, powerful sense of hope in the end of never giving up, the closeness of family, and new beginnings. The characters are relatable and realistically portrayed. Pacing of the story is steady and picks up pretty fast, which is great, keeps the attention from start to end. Very well written plot, intense and riveting. Such an emotional rollercoaster, I must say, makes my heart swell. Might have teared up a bit - AHEM. Grab your tissues, too. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.
The message of this short story is of hope, perseverance, and continuing through tribulations. Many thanks to Daniele for gifting me his brilliant book! I enjoyed it so much, and as soon as I saw the cover, I knew I was going to love it! If you like apocalypse and dystopian vibes with zombies, survival of he fittest, action and violence, family and hope, blood and gore, suspense and horror, angst and more, then this one is for you!
I love dystopia/apocalypse novels and this one had concepts that I haven't read before. I loved all the characters. As soon as I read the description for Patrick I couldn't help but picture Tom Hanks for the whole book. The characters were very believable and well written. I wish the book was longer
After finishing I still have some questions. I understand Noah is patient zero but what cause the spread to suddenly happen? A character asked this and i still want to know the answer, why dont the infected attack each other? How would Malorie be immune? Their kids are because of his genetics but what about her?
The ending made me cry. I knew from early on that Diego was most likely gonna die, cause that's what always seems to happen to the comedic relief characters. Also his letter to Patrick was so heartbreaking.
My favorite character is definitely Holly. She's smart and so damn brave during all this. She for sure takes after Patrick.
This story was really good and has a lot of potential. Most of the writing is really good, some even feels akin to poetry. But there was a far amount of repetition that I ended up noticing because it happened to frequently.
Also, the word “relent” has been used too much, whether it be relentless or relented By end of book, total “relent” count is 25
A lot of things were either over explained or repeated using different wording in the same paragraph or on the same page.
Example below: “Under the expansive night sky, illuminated by the melancholic glow of the moon, Patrick and Diego continued their journey through this quiet landscape. The celestial orb above was their silent companion, casting a subdued radiance upon the neighborhood. In this surreal and lonely country, the moon was their only ally, aside from the fragile bond between Patrick and Diego.”
Then 3 paragraphs later, “The moon, casting its melancholic light”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was kindly gifted Into the Apocalypse by Daniele Vaccaro recently and I knew I had to dive straight into this book quickly.
This book completely blew me away. It pulled me in fast and kept me emotionally invested the entire time. The writing style is different from what I usually read, and as a newer reader I did have to Google a few words along the way, but it never bothered me, i’m just rather iliterate BUT i’m learning. It actually added to the experience rather than taking away from it.
The plot is intense and gripping, but what really makes this book stand out is the heart behind it. This isn’t just an apocalypse story about survival - it’s about love, sacrifice, and the lengths a person will go to protect their family when the world is falling apart.
Patrick’s love for his family is powerful and constant throughout the book. Again and again, he’s faced with impossible choices, and every time, he’s willing to risk everything for the people he loves. Without giving anything away, there are moments where he pushes his body past its limits, puts himself directly in danger, and makes decisions that come with serious consequences - all for the chance to keep his family safe. Those moments made the story feel raw and real, and they hit emotionally hard.
The book also balances this darkness with light, especially through Diego’s character. Diego felt like a small beacon of hope in such a brutal world - a reminder of innocence, kindness, and what everyone is fighting for. Every scene with him brought warmth and emotion, and he added so much heart to the story.
At its core, this book is about what it means to stay human when everything else is gone. It’s about love surviving chaos, hope existing in the darkest moments, and the strength that comes from family. This story didn’t just entertain me - it stayed with me.
If you want an apocalyptic read that’s intense, emotional, and genuinely meaningful, I can’t recommend this enough.
Into the Apocalypse feels less like a story you read and more like one you endure—in the best, most unsettling way. From the opening pages, there’s a constant sense of pressure, like the world is closing in inch by inch. Vaccaro doesn’t linger on spectacle for long; instead, the horror comes from movement, exhaustion, and the terrifying realization that safety is always temporary. Every moment feels brittle, as if one wrong decision will shatter what little stability exists. The fear isn’t loud—it’s relentless.
What makes the book truly disturbing is how human the dread feels. The violence and chaos aren’t exaggerated for shock value; they’re grounded, ugly, and emotionally draining. The story repeatedly forces you to sit with the cost of survival—what it takes from the body, the mind, and the soul. There’s a grim intimacy to the way characters push forward despite fear, pain, and grief, and that persistence becomes haunting in its own right. You’re not just afraid of what’s out there—you’re afraid of how much a person can lose and still keep going.
By the time the final pages arrive, Into the Apocalypse leaves behind a lingering unease rather than relief. It’s the kind of horror that follows you after you close the book, not because of monsters or gore, but because it reflects how thin the line is between civilization and collapse. This is apocalyptic horror that strips away comfort and replaces it with raw endurance, asking you to stare into the dark and realize just how familiar it feels.
"Maybe this is how the world ends, not with bombs or monsters, but with pride."
If you like World War Z, Resident Evil and The Walking Dead you'll probably enjoy this. When Vaccaro asked if I'd like to read their latest book "Into The Apocalypse" I obviously jumped at the chance! Their last two books were both 5 star reads for me, they were so beautiful and touching and had such sweet messages. I looked up the cover and synopsis of Into The Apocalypse and oh my word this was a complete shift to what I was used to reading from Vaccaro but can I just say they NAILED it!! I'm a big fan of end of the world/apocalyptic/zombie type themes and this one hits it out of the park. At just under 200 pages it's a quick and fast paced read. I love how the author kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, there were moments where I was shocked and horrified and yet staying true to form, Vaccaro was still able to give the story such heart and hope amongst the chaos and violence. I think it's safe to say, it doesn't matter what story Vaccaro is going to tell you, they are going to slip something heart warming in there somewhere and have you shedding a tear or two. I hope there will be a sequel to Into The Apocalypse but if this stays as a standalone it will hold up and does leave a reasonably conclusive ending.
You know it’s at a point where I don’t even read the description anymore, if Daniele Vacarro wrote it I just read it and it never disappoints. This story is no exception! It’s the first time (at least that I know) where the author used multiple POV’s, which is something I loved. It added a lot of depth to the story and ensured it never got boring. It’s a story about hope and fighting for your family, but it also reflects in how far we as humans are willing to go in times of crisis. It it shown in many ways how people become cruel and power hungry just to survive and do certain actions without a second thought. It made me think about the current state of our world and how the ego of our current day leaders might effect our future. The characters were very well written with a lot of variation between them. None of them were perfect, making the story more convincing and deep. If you’re looking for a dystopian story that shows you the importance of hope while simultaneously pointing out the physiological effect on humanity in crisis, this is a book for you!
This was such an intense and gripping story. Patrick, a father desperate to save his family during a horrific pandemic that turns people into violent monsters, goes through unimaginable challenges to make it back home. His journey is filled with danger, including being captured by someone who holds a personal grudge against him. Yet he never loses faith that he can save his family.
We also follow his family’s perspective as they struggle to survive while holding onto hope for his return. The story is packed with angst, action, and scenes that truly feel like they’re taken straight out of an apocalypse.
The writing style is simple and easy to follow, and the descriptive passages create vivid, cinematic images. I liked the characters and how distinct their personalities were—Patrick’s daughter was definitely my favorite. The reunion scene and the letter were emotional highlights for me (the letter even made me cry).
If you enjoy intense, emotional, end-of-the-world stories, I highly recommend this one.
I was honoured to read the very first draft of this book, and it was an incredible read.
I don’t usually read apocalyptic books, but I’ve always loved Daniele Vaccaro’s writing, so I thought I’d give this one a chance, and I’m so happy I did. From the very first page, I was hooked. The story took me on an emotional rollercoaster that completely pulled me in.
Daniel has a way of making you empathise with every single character, and I’ll be honest, more than a few tears were shed while reading. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, fully immersed in this world until the very last page.
The writing is absolutely gripping. His storytelling approach tugs at your heartstrings, and the pacing is pure perfection.
I’d honestly recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and a love for great storytelling. Into the Apocalypse is a brilliant read, and if you pick it up because of this review, thank me later. ;)
4.25 ⭐️ "And what's the point of life anyway? You suffer, you go through hardship, waiting around to see all the people you care about die.", "The world's not kind enough to let us wallow. We neeed to survive. That's all we can do."
Very heart-breaking yet cozy and heartfelt book. I sadly finished this book in 8 days which is a long while for a great book less than 200 pages long.
This book really shows how much a parent would do for their child, how much they love them. Patrick did everything just so he could get back to his family, so he could keep them safe, even when the situation seemed too big, that it's worthless to try he still tried and in the end succeeded
There was one flaw that i say in the book which was that at some points i didn't understand who was talking and about who and i really mixed up Diego and Patrick but that might be just me who doesn't remember the names and who is who.
If you've been on the edge of your seat for heart-racing storylines and deeply moving tales, Daniele Vaccaro is the writer for you. This marks my second dive into Daniele Vaccaro's work, and I must say, I was utterly captivated. The seamless narrative flow and the ability to keep readers spellbound until the very end are what drew me in. This compelling book wasted no time gripping my emotions with its potent mix of action and sentiment. Fans of The Walking Dead and The Last of Us will find solace in this brilliant read. Brace yourself for a journey through a realm where love shines brighter than any shadow of doubt. Grab those tissues as this emotional rollercoaster will have you reaching for them in no time!
First a big thank you to the author for sending this to me for review. This is the third (I think?) of his works that I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
This is a thriller post apocalyptic zombie story that follows Patrick as he does anything he can to save his son. From fighting zombies to storming military bases he wants to reunite his family and save his son in this crazy world being overrun by a zombie virus.
At times this story was a little cliche and relied on tropes pretty heavily. However it does a great job of being an engaging and tense story. It’s easy to follow, par for the course of what you’d expect from it. Once again a huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this!
I really enjoyed this book it was action packed from the very first chapter. An outbreak erupts in the United States, and Patrick, a husband and father, is overseas and desperately trying to make it back home to his family.
The story is full of nonstop action, intense and suspenseful scenes, and it honestly brought me to tears by the end. The emotional weight really hit hard.
I loved how the chapters go back and forth between Patrick and his wife, Malorie. Seeing the outbreak unfold from both perspectives made the story even more powerful and heartbreaking.
If you enjoy The Walking Dead or World War Z, this is absolutely the book for you. A gripping, emotional, end-of-the-world read that I won’t forget anytime soon.
This was the 3rd book I've read by Daniele. I have loved every single one. He has a way of writing that hits you right in the emotions. This one centers around a Man hel* bent on returning to his family during not only a pandemic with the infected at every turn but with the military and the Mexican cartel on his heels. Fighting through horror and looking for his family, nothing will stop him? Or will it. Does he have an enemy in his midst? Does he find a brother in arms on his journey? I highly suggest this book if you are into Sci-fi and apocalyptic reading that provokes several emotions. I read it in about 3 hours. Read it read it read it!
🗺️ Daniele’s books are always thought provoking. What length would you go to in order to save your family … even just to see your family again. 🤔 The problem I had was the repetitive dialogue throughout the book. Then there was Diego’s behaviour. The world is in chaos and he’s making jokes, causing them to get caught. ⭐️ I do recommend this book because, for the most part, it was a fascinating, fast paced read. I enjoyed the suspense if Patrick would reach his family in time. Reading about the choices left to survivors and what they must do. Even poor Terence as a father unable to live with the loss of his son John and where his grief overshadows logic.
I was gifted this book and it was a great gift to receive! A family of 4 find themself in the middle of a virus outbreak as they all try to physically and mentally assess the situation and survive as long as they can. Every member of this family is put the test and struggles against their will to survive and the monsters, and man alike, cornering them at every turn. Will they all make it and will they ever see each other again?
A couple of quotes that I loved from this book: "It was ego, wearing the mask of justice, pretending to be something noble. A demon dressed in honor."
"Even when we're born alone, and die alone, it's the bonds in between that give life its meaning."
This book shows the value of friends and family that goes beyond just blood. A fight for survival and strive to protect those you love against impossible odds. I loved the message behind this novel, and how to shows that people can do anything when they’re fighting for others. Vaccaro has an interesting spin on “zombies” that I find fascinating. Instead of brains or human, they crave violence. All of the scientific lingo in the book was interesting and gave more urgency to the plot. Certain descriptions, such as the situation, scenes, and emotions, were a bit repetitive, but this was overall a very enjoyable short read!
Thank you, Danielle Vaccaro, for gifting this to me to read.
I was asked to read this from the author on TikTok !! I am not a suspense /real/ type genre reader but when I started this I was so intrigued with the real life of what could be happening to us in our future or how things have been affected by things ! And the twist and suspension is so real like ! I absolutely loved this book ! The author of this book is such a fabulous writer with plot setting and for real effect !!! Absolutely five stars would give more if was able to (100)
A spoiler for you !!! If you thought the movie the day after tomorrow was insane PICK THIS UP !!!!!! Don’t be scared
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book was intense from beginning to end . I could not put it down. Patrick is ex military and he is in another country when the apocalypse is just beginning to go nuts. They stop all flights to the US and he's going to go through hell and back to get back to his family. The insania virus is rampant and I'm not going to spoil how and why you gotta read it but in the end so much stuff comes out about everything and Wow 😳 ! Anyway go get you this one !!
Daniele has the ability to always enthrall me with the novellas. This one was not the exception. Although not something I normally read, this novella had me wishing it was a tv series. The love of a father during what could be the end of the world was what got me, I know I would do anything to be with my family even if it ended me. The friendship that blossomed between strangers and neighbors was a beautiful reminder to be open to new possibilities. Definitely recommend reading this if you’re looking for a quick and intriguing read!
This is the first dystopian novel I have read and I loved it!✨
It’s very action packed and I loved the characters. It’s told in 3rd person but I feel like it works very well in this book. Love the friendship between Diego and Patrick. Loved the plot twists. Chapter 13 is jaw dropping😱 Absolutely an amazing book, even left me with tears in my eyes in the end🥹
I would definitely recommend if you are starting to get into dystopian novels but also if you just need a quick fast paced book. This is a great one to choose😊
Wow so I only knew a little about this book going in and it was amazing. An outbreak in the United States has the borders locked down. With just his wits and an unlikely traveling companion. This book is a testament to one's determination to do what you have to in order to make it home. This book will put you through a roller coaster and I couldn't put it down. Will he make it back in time to save his family or will all be lost. Please go check out this amazing read.
ARC REVIEW: This story was a PAGE TURNER! Daniele delivers a edge of your seat roller coaster ride of action. Patrick has to jump through multiple obstacles and threats to get back to his family during a rageful outbreak, and his family goes through hell holding on hope that they are reunited. It was a great book and I highly recommend it! Thank you Daniele, for allowing me to read the ARC on this!
I really enjoyed this book it was a great quick read that catches ypur attention from the very begging. It has intense moments, found friendships and strength along with showing the struggles of the mmc trying to get back to his family and his family struggles while they faced hard ship without him and expressed the thoughts of suicide and the strength of fight through the impossible to try and stay strong and reunite again as a family.
I loved this book! It’s fast paced, well written, and an easy read. The imagery was incredible! It really painted a picture of the world Patrick and Diego were navigating. Patricks relentless fight to get back to his family was admirable. As a mom, Malorie’s character spoke to me. Being a parent is hard work, but doing that during an apocalypse is a hardship I could never imagine. I definitely cried towards the end reading Diegos letter. 10/10 will definitely recommend!
This book is absolutely nonstop action. It’s not my usual style that I read, but I could definitely feel the emotions of the characters pouring out of this book. This is more of an action, horror zombie apocalypse book. If you’re a fan of this, I definitely recommend it. If you’re not a huge fan of horror in apocalypse, I still recommend you try it. Was such a short book. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give anything away. But this was written very well.