Not Of My Flesh: A Found Family Post Apocalyptic

by Nicole Scarano

The Last of Us meets A Quiet Place & Annhilation in this Found Family Nature Based Post Apocalyptic without Zombies.

After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn & Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.

Not Of My Flesh is the second book in the Annover Park Trilogy, a nature-based post apocalyptic. This series is perfect for fans of The Last of Us, Earth Abides, Annihilation, and The Quiet Place series (more so as the series continues). Filled with natural disasters, a sloooooooooow burn age gap romance, and a literally found family, this trilogy will end on minor cliffhangers with unanswered questions until the resolution in book 3.

340 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

Nicole Scarano is an avid fiction reader and film enthusiast; her favorites being dystopian, apocalyptic, fantasy, and action sprinkled with a little romance here and there. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her rescued pitbull, China (who was part of the inspiration for Kerberos in her first novel, Pomegranate). Nicole's passion for writing consumes her free time, especially when it includes snuggling on her sofa with China. Her love of writing is so strong, she even tattooed a quote from one of her stories on her rib-cage.

Reviews

[Catheryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing the first in this series (must be read in order), I was so excited to start this story.

I thought the first 40% of this story killed any momentum Quinn and Anson made in the first book. I was frustrated with the constant back and forth. After this point, the story picked up and became more enjoyable. There were a few 'mother nature attacks' but this story primarily focused on their relationship and their new home. We finally get to learn more about Anson and his background. There were several moments with these characters that I absolutely loved. But it was a trial to get there. I wish this story was trimmed down and possibly was a novella. I think the story was a bit tortured with the grief these characters were working through and not enough hope to balance it until the end.

I am invested in this little family and hope that the third book can deliver a strong finale.

[LeshaD Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so much so that I purchased a hard copy immediately. And I wanted desperately to love this one too, but it fell flat for me. The relationship between Anson and Quinn felt forced, and the dialogue between them made me cringe sometimes. I loved these characters in the first book, but was so disappointed in their interactions in this one, that I almost didn't finish. But I pushed through, just so that I could see how their story played out. There were so many hills and valleys in the pacing of this story, that it was difficult at times for me to want to continue. I did like the characters and their internal dialogue, and I think that's what kept me intrigued, but I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.

[Heather Shower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal continuation of the series. Picking up seamlessly from Book 1, this installment is impossible to put down—I was up at 3 a.m. just to start reading. Anson and Quinn continue raising Ava as the Earth itself remains a relentless threat, raising the stakes even higher. Tense, emotional, and wildly addictive, this is now one of my all-time favorite dystopian series. I cannot wait for Book 3.

[Jenna (Bookstagramer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

- Age Gap (21/36)
- Slow Burn

This series IS EVERYTHING! I COULD NOT put the book down, and I can't wait for BOOK3.

Nicole created a world and took off with it! She was able to bring in all aspects of the end of the world and the characters, and make it beautiful. I usually don't like Slow Burn, but I LOVE IT for this series. I think this is exactly what it needs. I can't wait for Book 3 and the romance and story it will bring.

[Peggy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

no zombies or EMP

This was not your typical apocalyptic read but for me it was not so much the story as it was the characters. Anson, Quinn and Ava were what made this such a great read. Quinn’s love for Ava was so beautiful. The author came up with a unique story and beautiful main characters that you fell in love with.

[Natalie Anagnostopoulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to see Quinn and Anson's journey through the apocalypse was fabulous! The pacing of action packed moments versus emotional moments was on point and I just love how Quinn, Anson, and Ava became the sweetest little family! Seeing them get to find some normalcy and grow was perfect and I'm keen to see where the next book takes us!

[Lottie Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best reads so far. Gives that old school writing vibe that you can only find in books pre-AI/chatgpt. It’s dark and angsty, the type you think about it for hours. And usually this genre is supposed to have the kind of hopelessness vibe but here it’s very well done. I am really expecting the third book for tomorrow 🌾🌱🍅

[Josephine Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES

WE ARE NOT BLOOD was read 3-4 times in 2025. I downloaded NOT OF MY FLESH immediately (Jan. 16 2026) and inhaled it. I can’t wait for the 3rd book! Just as horrific as the first book but I truly loved reading the growth of these characters.

[Crystal A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting

I enjoyed the main characters and their relationship. I also found it interesting how the world fell apart. How the world fought back.

[Mary Mahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slightly better than book 1 but still firmly believe this could have been one book. (Including the upcoming 3rd book of the series that I’m not convinced I’ll read)