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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Gemma Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 star ⭐

I was incredibly grateful to receive this book as a gift.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced zombie action book with a strong sense of found family and a father’s love that conquers over all, this book is perfect for you.

I believe it would make a fantastic movie! The writing is right to the point and doesn’t leave much room for the reader’s imagination; everything is laid out clearly. There’s plenty of action and it’s a really quick read.

I thoroughly enjoyed Diego. His attempts to ease tension with jokes were relatable and added a nice touch to the side character.

However, I found the timing a bit off. It didn’t feel like it had only been a few days since the outbreak, and this is largely due to the writing. It seemed like they were reminiscing about something that happened years ago when the outbreak was only a few days old.

The ending is truly special.

[Esmee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kindly asked by Daniele Vaccaro if I’d like to read his book, which I genuinely appreciated. Even when I receive a book, I always share my honest thoughts 🤍

His love for post-apocalyptic stories is clearly present. At its core, this is a strong concept: a father forced to make morally grey decisions to protect his family from collapse. That moral tension adds weight to the story.

The book is short and fast-paced, which can be refreshing. Sometimes you just want an apocalyptic “snack” between heavier reads. However, the quick pacing also meant I personally struggled to fully connect with the characters. I would have loved a bit more depth and emotional build-up, so certain moments could land harder.

There are solid ideas here, and the final chapter did manage to surprise me. Still, I found myself wishing for more development and complexity.

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent quick read with action!

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!

[Jmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

3.5⭐️

[Amanda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

[Melissa Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read

This book was a short easy read. It had alot of action, the author did an amazing job with the details that made you feel like you were right along with Patrick and his journey to get to the ones he loved. I would re read this again. Just finished a book that was a super quick and easy read! 📚 It packed a serious punch with tons of action, and I felt like I was right there with the characters thanks to the author's incredible details. Seriously, the imagery was so vivid, it was like I was experiencing everything myself! I'm already looking forward to diving into another one of their stories. Highly recommend if you're looking for an engaging adventure! ✨ #Bookworm #ActionPacked #MustRead

[Amanda Nevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tracy Booktalk · Rating 4 out of 5]

🗺️ 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.

[Lynn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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."