Into the Apocalypse

by Daniele Vaccaro

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.

Genres: Horror

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ilyana Guinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was amazing, powerful book it definitely!!

Blurb

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.

[Cátia Vieira · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hook
If you are looking for a survival story that doesn't waste time, this is it. The fast pacing is easily one of the book’s strongest suits. From the jump, Vaccaro keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher, making it a "one-more-chapter" kind of read.

The Heart: Diego
The standout element for me was the character development of Diego. It’s clear the author put a massive amount of effort into making him relatable and likable. You aren't just watching a character survive the apocalypse; you are rooting for a person you’ve come to genuinely care about. His growth and the emotional weight he carries give the story a soul that many survival thrillers lack.

The Catch
The only reason this isn't a 5-star review for me is the ending. I’m a fan of closure, and the ending felt a bit too open-ended. If this is intended to be a standalone novel, I would have preferred a "real" finish that tied up the loose ends. If it’s the start of a series, it works better, but as it stands, it left me wanting a bit more resolution.

Final Verdict
A solid, high-octane read with fantastic character work. Even with the cliffhanger ending, it’s well worth the ride for any fan of the genre!

[Shilah Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly!

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!

[Laura Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely book!

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

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read. I recommend. I really got into the main characters story. What would you do if you were so far away from your family during a zombie outbreak? Find out what the man in this book does. So good i swear check it out.

[Paris Roe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot however I struggled with the repetitive vocabulary used and it meant I struggled to feel like I really believed the story

I wish for a bit more character development as I didn’t really feel any particular way to any of them

[Jamie Schilling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t finish this book and stopped around chapter three, but I want to be clear that this comes from a place of respect for the work and belief in the author’s potential.

The core premise is strong: a desperate father trying to get back to his family during a nationwide lockdown. There’s real emotional fuel there, and it should work. Unfortunately, the execution isn’t quite there yet.

The writing feels rough and disjointed, with a lot of repetition and over-description.

The main character moves from place to place, but very little actually happens. Much of the page space is taken up by his racing thoughts, especially repeated references to his son Noah, his daughter Holly, and his wife Malorie. They’re already clearly introduced, so reiterating their names and roles over and over doesn’t add new emotional weight.

This book desperately needed a stronger editorial pass to tighten the prose, reduce repetition, and trust the reader more. The story underneath has potential, but the writing hasn’t caught up to the idea yet.

That said, I genuinely believe craft improves with practice. I’ve read plenty of debut novels that were rough but followed by dramatically stronger second books. I’m confident that if the author keeps writing and revising, future work will show that growth. This one just isn’t there yet for me.

[Tehmeena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content Warnings; child/family in danger, mention of suicide, violence, blood, and gore.

~I received a free copy of this book from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~

Tropes;
🪦🕯️𝓢𝓮𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓤𝓢𝓐
🕯️🪦𝓐𝓹𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓵𝔂𝓹𝓼𝓮
🪦🕯️𝓥𝓲𝓻𝓾𝓼/𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓬
🕯️🪦𝓘𝓼𝓸𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷
🪦🕯️𝓗𝓸𝓹𝓮 & 𝓢𝓾𝓻𝓿𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓵
🕯️🪦𝓕𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹𝓼
🪦🕯️𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓓𝓻𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓷
🕯️🪦𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓵 & 𝓜𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓪𝓻𝔂
🪦🕯️𝓩𝓸𝓶𝓫𝓲𝓮𝓼
🕯️🪦𝓑𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭 & 𝓖𝓸𝓻𝓮
🪦🕯️𝓗𝓾𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓻 & 𝓣𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻
🕯️🪦𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓸𝓻 𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱
🪦🕯️𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰
🕯️🪦𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
🪦🕯️𝓗𝓕𝓝

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!

Out of Fives;
🕯️🪦𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
🪦🕯️𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓:☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
🕯️🪦𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤
🪦🕯️𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕:💔💔💔💔
🕯️🪦𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆:🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓
🪦🕯️𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆:⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
🕯️🪦𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅/𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆:🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
🪦🕯️𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:💥💥💥💥💥
🕯️🪦𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆:🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
🪦🕯️𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓:⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
🕯️🪦𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
🪦🕯️𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
🕯️🪦𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
🪦🕯️𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
🕯️🪦𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🪦🕯️𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
🕯️🪦𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
🪦🕯️𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆.
🕯️🪦𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 190.
🪦🕯️𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 26.
🕯️🪦𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓, 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒄.
🪦🕯️𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 18, 2025.
🕯️🪦𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🪦🕯️𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75★

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”

[Joshua Wilson-Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

[Danielle Tropea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into the Apocalypse by Daniel Vaccaro is the kind of fast-paced dystopian thriller that reminds you why zombie-apocalypse stories still hit.

The novel follows Patrick, a man stranded overseas when a mysterious illness begins spreading — first presenting like the flu, then evolving into something far more terrifying. Society collapses quickly as the infected begin turning into zombies, and Patrick’s only goal is to get home to his family in the U.S. and ensure their safety.

Along the way he meets Diego, a like-minded survivor whose loyalty and heart add depth to the journey. Their dynamic is one of the emotional anchors of the story. But when Patrick finally makes it home, the nightmare isn’t over — his son, Noah, has been taken by the government for testing, adding a chilling layer of political tension and desperation to an already dire situation.

What worked for me:
• The pacing is relentless in the best way — this book moves.
• The prose is surprisingly beautiful for an apocalypse novel.
• Patrick and Diego feel real, layered, and human.
• The emotional stakes (especially involving Noah) hit hard.

This story is incredibly readable and genuinely hard to put down. You feel Patrick’s urgency, fear, and determination on every page.

The only reason I’m landing at 4.5 instead of 5 stars is that I would have loved certain plot points and world-building elements to be fleshed out just a bit more. There were moments where I wanted to linger longer — to dig deeper into the government involvement and the broader collapse of society. Expanding those areas would have elevated it even further.

That said, this is an impressive, gripping indie apocalypse novel with heart. If you love fast-paced survival stories with emotional depth and high stakes, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Apocalypse is a gripping, fast paced post apocalyptic thriller that centers on family, survival, and unbreakable hope in the face of total collapse.

The book clocks in at around 198 pages, making it a relatively quick, momentum driven read with short chapters that keep the story charging forward without much downtime.

The plot follows Patrick, a father who is overseas when a monstrous infection erupts in the United States, turning people into violent threats and plunging society into chaos.
Stranded abroad, he embarks on a desperate, high stakes journey to reenter the country and rescue his isolated wife, son, and daughter, who are trapped in the epicenter of the outbreak.
Complicating matters are ruthless military forces enforcing borders and viewing outsiders (including Patrick) as potential carriers or threats.

The story alternates between Patrick’s perilous trek,filled with infected encounters, betrayals, and moral dilemmas, and glimpses of his family’s struggle to hold on while awaiting his return.

The story emphasizes that in a world stripped of everything, the real weapon against evil and despair is the enduring power of familial love. Moments like the reunion and a poignant letter deliver genuine heartfelt impact, giving the book more emotional depth than many straight up zombie/apocalypse action tales.

The pacing is great, easy to devour in a sitting or two, with constant action, twists, secrets, and reveals that propel the plot.
It’s straightforward, no nonsense, and free of excessive filler.

It’s a great read if you enjoy high stakes, family driven survival stories with horror elements, and action oriented.

If you’re in the mood for a quick, uplifting yet gritty apocalypse read that puts heart over grimdark excess, this one comes highly recommended.

🦋

4.5 ⭐️

[READERSBEWARE · Rating 5 out of 5]

no spoiler review

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.

[Reka · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to mention the cover because i love it so much. It immediately caught my attention and fits the atmosphere of the story soo well.

I’m usually don’t really enjoy zombie movies or TV Shows, so I honestly wasn’t really sure if a zombie/apocalypse book would be my thing. But i was really curious to try it and I’m glad I did because I actually loved this one.

The story is action-packed and fast paced, which made it super easy to read. It’s also quite short, so it’s the kind of book you can fly through quickly. I also loved loved loved the writing style. Some authors just have that style where you just keep turning the pages without even noticing how much you’ve read, and this book definitely had that for me. There was also some beautifully written lines and quotes throughout the story. I especially liked the characters. Diego was such a fun character. Even in dark situations he still managed to bring humor and energy and I loved the dynamic between him and Patrick. Patrick was also a really strong character and seeing how far he was willing to go to protect his family was emotional at times. I found the ending also pretty emotional, and I’ll admit I even had a few happy tears.

I really enjoyed the story overall. The only thing I personally would have loved is a small epilogue showing where Patrick and his family ended up a few months or years later. Overall this was a fast, engaging read and i really liked it.

[Royalti Register · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a standard apocalypse story, but I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. Patrick stopping at nothing to get back to his family in California, set the tone. The journey home is intense, filled with obstacles, chance encounters, and unexpected reunions. His dynamic with Diego, in particular, adds a layer of personality and balance to an otherwise intense situation.

Back home his wife and kids are doing their best to stay safe, but their neighbors are not making it easy for them. The way something simple turned out to be something major is all I'm going to say. It adds a quiet layer of intrigue that builds as the story progresses and makes certain decisions later feel a lot more loaded.

What really worked for me was the emotional core. This story leans heavily into love, sacrifice, and survival, and that's what keeps it engaging. The pacing is quick and the chapters are easy to move through.

That said, it's not without its flaws. There is always room for improvement. Malorie's (wife) character felt underdeveloped compared to others. I found myself wishing she had more presence, especially when Holly (daughter) showed stronger moments.

Overall, the heart of the story is what really makes it land. It leans into people doing what they have to for family by any means necessary.

I think it's worth picking up and gathering your own opinion about it! I enjoyed it.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Amber Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best Zombie Apocalypse stories there is!

The chapters are short which was really nice! Sometimes when I read I can’t get into long chapters so it was really refreshing having nice short chapters! This was also a short story with 194 pages, however it was very well structured and wasn’t rushed! I thought the story flowed nicely!

The idea of the virus was very interesting! It wasn’t your normal zombie apocalypse virus, this was different! This to me was a mix of The Last of Us (without turning into fungus people) and just a really bad case of rabies! They were scary and relentless which made me really enjoy the story!

Just when you think you know what might happen, the author has a twist! The different twists were surprising! I loved how everything came full circle! With the different points of view and they eventually all meet in the end was awesome! The last 20 minutes was just 🤯! So much happens and so much is revealed! It was just so good!

This was a story of a families determination to survive and I think it really hit that mark! Amazing job! Thank you to the author for reaching out and telling me about his book! It was an honor to read it and I hope the world enjoys this book as well! Into the Apocalypse is available now on Amazon and KU! 🧟‍♂️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Paula Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, high adrenaline

Into the Apocalypse by Daniele Vaccaro is a fast-paced, no-nonsense entry in the apocalypse genre that prioritises momentum over filler. It’s a genuine page-turner and an easy, quick read, with short chapters and constant forward motion that make it hard to put down.One of the strongest elements is the contrast between Diego and Patrick. Diego’s decisiveness and harder edge work well against Patrick’s approach, and that opposition adds tension and emotional weight without slowing the story. Their dynamic keeps the narrative engaging and helps avoid the flat characterisation that can plague some books in this genre.The main weakness for me was the portrayal of the wife. She comes across as unnecessarily weak, especially when set against the extreme circumstances of the story. That choice felt limiting and slightly dated, and it reduced the impact her role could have had within the family’s fight for survival.Overall, this is a solid apocalypse thriller that knows exactly what it wants to be. If you enjoy fast-moving plots, high stakes, and morally contrasting characters—and you’re not looking for heavy introspection—this is a great pick for fans of the genre.

[Alexa Durso · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

It’s dual POV, which I always enjoy, and the chapters are short, so it’s super easy to fly through. The writing style is more simplistic — and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Sometimes authors overcomplicate things with heavy vocabulary, and this one felt very accessible and easy to read.

I’ve read a lot of this genre. I love apocalyptic books that focus on the world ending in one way or another, like Severence or Dating After the End of the World. I will say, because I am well seasoned, some elements felt like they could’ve been woven together a little more seamlessly. There were moments where it felt slightly more ‘tell’ than ‘show.’

That being said — if you’re new to apocalypse/dystopian reads, I actually think this is a really solid entry point into the genre. It’s fast-paced, digestible, the writing is very straightforward and easy to get through, and a great palate cleanser between heavier reads.

I also really liked the ending. And some of the metaphors used throughout. The only reason I didn’t shed tears at a heartfelt moment is because I was literally at the gym.

It wasn’t groundbreaking for me personally, but not every book has to be. I am also super happy to say I will be reading more from this author and I look forward to it.

[Nesha Nagreh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star read

This one completely surprised me in the best way.

The author actually reached out to me on TikTok, and I’ll be honest — I don’t usually read zombie books or even watch zombie movies. It’s just never been my thing. But I decided to give this a chance… and I’m so glad I did.

Into the Apocalypse is set in a world where a zombie outbreak has completely changed everything. Society has collapsed, and survival becomes the only thing that matters. The story follows characters navigating this new reality — facing danger, loss, and impossible choices along the way.

But what I didn’t expect was how emotional this book would be.

Beyond the zombies and survival, the story really focuses on family, friendship, and revenge. The relationships feel real, the stakes feel high, and I found myself genuinely invested in what would happen to the characters. It even made me tear up — which I did NOT expect from a zombie book.

It’s gripping, easy to get into, and really pulls you into its world. I could picture everything so clearly as I was reading.

This is definitely a reminder not to limit yourself to one genre — because I went into this thinking it wasn’t for me, and ended up loving it.

Highly recommend, especially if you want to try something a little different 📖✨

[Nyahthebookreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Into the Apocalypse by Daniele Vaccaro

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.

[Michele Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even when we’re born alone, and die alone, it’s the bonds in between that give life its meaning. Sometimes, people don’t realize who would climb mountains for them… until it’s too late.”
That quote perfectly captures the heart of this story.
Into the Apocalypse is not just about survival or the end of the world. It is about the relationships that hold everything together when everything else falls apart. The chaos, the danger, and the constant tension are all there, but what truly stands out are the emotional stakes. It is not just about staying alive. It is about who you are fighting for.
There is something deeply human about the way this book explores loyalty, sacrifice, and the quiet realization of who would risk everything for you. The action keeps the pacing tight and gripping, but it is the bonds between the characters that make it hit harder.
If you love apocalyptic stories that balance intensity with emotional depth, the kind that remind you what really matters when the world is burning, this one delivers.

[Jodi_xo✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick is separated from his family in the US when a deadly pandemic breaks out. Desperate to return home, he embarks on a dangerous journey, making deals with Mexican cartels and risking his life to reunite with them, all while trying to avoid infection and military patrols.

This isn’t my usual type of read, but I did enjoy it. It offers a slightly different take on the typical apocalyptic story, with a more realistic, emotional feel. The portrayal of a family trying to survive in such extreme circumstances felt very real, especially the desperation of parents doing whatever it takes to protect their children.

For me, the story could have had a bit more depth, as it felt quite fast paced at times. However, the writing itself was engaging, and the family dynamic added a sense of realism to the situation.

If you’re looking for an apocalyptic story with a strong emotional core and a slightly different perspective, this is worth picking up.

Also a quick thank you to Daniele the author for sending me a copy of this books. 🥰

[Sarjxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Phenomenal Stars ✨

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. ;)

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Nikkyg reads 📚 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Into the Apocalypse had a premise I was genuinely excited about—virus outbreak, survival stakes, moral dilemmas… all great concepts. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite land for me.
The timeline felt really disjointed. It often came across as though the virus had been around far longer than the story suggested, which made it hard to stay grounded in what was actually happening and when. That disconnect pulled me out of the tension more than once.
There were also a few too many convenient coincidences. Patrick arriving at the facility with the exact man searching for him, and then his son also being taken there, it all felt a bit forced rather than organic to the plot.
The writing style also felt like it was reaching for depth, but didn’t quite land. Instead of adding weight, it sometimes pulled me out of the story.
It’s a shame because the premise had real potential, but overall it just didn’t come together in a way that worked for me.

[Nicolas R. Ioannou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into the Apocalypse honestly caught me off guard—in a good way. Yes, there’s chaos, danger, and a full-on apocalypse, but what really got me was how emotional it was. Patrick isn’t just trying to survive; he’s fighting for his family, and that makes everything feel way more real and intense.

I liked how the story mixes action with heart. There were moments where I actually had to stop for a second and just feel what was happening. The tension is constant and the atmosphere is dark and stressful in that “just one more chapter” way. A few parts felt a bit heavy or dragged slightly, which is why it’s not a full 5 stars for me, but overall I stayed hooked the whole time.

If you like apocalyptic stories that focus on love, hope, and family—not just blood and chaos—this one’s definitely worth the read.