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The Day They Came: An Oral History of the End of the World
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 23, 2026
*3.5*
Someone or something wanted our planet.
This book is setup as a series of interviews, with short, fast-moving chapters. While I think this writing will work for some, I had a tough time staying focused with the way the plot jumped around.
This story has echoes of War of the Worlds and The Stand in its apocalyptic atmosphere. Deeply creepy, but overall enjoyable.
Annihilate the human race and replace it with their own.
This book is setup as a series of interviews, with short, fast-moving chapters. While I think this writing will work for some, I had a tough time staying focused with the way the plot jumped around.
This story has echoes of War of the Worlds and The Stand in its apocalyptic atmosphere. Deeply creepy, but overall enjoyable.
Annihilate the human race and replace it with their own.
April 1, 2026
Druga's best!
The Day They came is a uniquely formatted book about an alien invasion of Earth. The book is done as a series of sequential interviews each telling a part of the story of how the world we know ended. This is easily the most enjoyable read by Drugs to date, it seems she gets better with every book! Overall, 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of alien invasion thrillers and apocalyptic thrillers!
The Day They came is a uniquely formatted book about an alien invasion of Earth. The book is done as a series of sequential interviews each telling a part of the story of how the world we know ended. This is easily the most enjoyable read by Drugs to date, it seems she gets better with every book! Overall, 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of alien invasion thrillers and apocalyptic thrillers!
April 23, 2026
Good book
I read almost every day so as you can guess book can get predictable. But this one was very good I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end.
I read almost every day so as you can guess book can get predictable. But this one was very good I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end.
April 2, 2026
A good read
I give Jacqueline a five star rating. I got lost into this book and couldn't put it down. I read this in a day I was so into it. Jackie has the talent to her readers into a reading 'high'.
I give Jacqueline a five star rating. I got lost into this book and couldn't put it down. I read this in a day I was so into it. Jackie has the talent to her readers into a reading 'high'.
July 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This surprised me.
The premise hooked me almost immediately and so did the writing style. It’s one of those books where I kept thinking “just one more chapter” and before I knew it I was a decent chunk further in.
The oral history format works really well too. It gives lots of different perspectives without ever becoming confusing and it slowly builds a much bigger picture of what’s actually happened.
For most of the book I was hovering around the 4.5 star mark.
My only real criticism is the ending, it felt a bit rushed
Not rushed because it didn’t make sense, but rushed because it suddenly felt like the author wanted to get to the finish line. Some of the dialogue became a little wooden and I found myself wanting more detail - more about the humanity of the liberations and the battle to restore society and maybe even a little about the rest of the world and how they did the same.
The AI angle is also becoming a bit of a trend in speculative fiction. Thankfully this takes a slightly different route with it, so it never felt like I’d read exactly the same story before.
Overall, a really enjoyable read that genuinely surprised me. With a stronger ending this could easily have been a 5-star with a bit more detail in the ending
This surprised me.
The premise hooked me almost immediately and so did the writing style. It’s one of those books where I kept thinking “just one more chapter” and before I knew it I was a decent chunk further in.
The oral history format works really well too. It gives lots of different perspectives without ever becoming confusing and it slowly builds a much bigger picture of what’s actually happened.
For most of the book I was hovering around the 4.5 star mark.
My only real criticism is the ending, it felt a bit rushed
Not rushed because it didn’t make sense, but rushed because it suddenly felt like the author wanted to get to the finish line. Some of the dialogue became a little wooden and I found myself wanting more detail - more about the humanity of the liberations and the battle to restore society and maybe even a little about the rest of the world and how they did the same.
The AI angle is also becoming a bit of a trend in speculative fiction. Thankfully this takes a slightly different route with it, so it never felt like I’d read exactly the same story before.
Overall, a really enjoyable read that genuinely surprised me. With a stronger ending this could easily have been a 5-star with a bit more detail in the ending
September 17, 2026
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
The premise is fun, sort of a mix between World War Z and The Last Starfighter. We get the interview accounts to help tell the story along with the narrative of the protagonist destined to save the planet. Unfortunately...
The pattern of cryptic statements at the end of every interview became tedious. Yes, we're going to find out as the story unfolds, but this trope was overdone. And the climax was pretty underwhelming. Shoot the ship? Why wasn't that step #1?
I don't regret reading it, but it seems like it could have been so much more. The build-up was enjoyable and it was a bit of a different take on an alien invasion. If you like that sort of thing...
Read it!
The premise is fun, sort of a mix between World War Z and The Last Starfighter. We get the interview accounts to help tell the story along with the narrative of the protagonist destined to save the planet. Unfortunately...
The pattern of cryptic statements at the end of every interview became tedious. Yes, we're going to find out as the story unfolds, but this trope was overdone. And the climax was pretty underwhelming. Shoot the ship? Why wasn't that step #1?
I don't regret reading it, but it seems like it could have been so much more. The build-up was enjoyable and it was a bit of a different take on an alien invasion. If you like that sort of thing...
Read it!
April 12, 2026
Hit this out of the park
Jacqueline either writes a good story or a stinker. But this one, this one is her best.
Most TEOTWAWKI books pretty much are so formulaic. Plus it's just one book. Not an neverending series. This one was just so unusual. In a really good way.
And you can't but help like the main characters Cy and Bill. I had no idea how the ending would go or if either of the main characters would live.
A plus, was there was no foul language or gratuitous sex. No super ex-soldier that impossibly wouldn't die.
I highly recommend this book!
Jacqueline either writes a good story or a stinker. But this one, this one is her best.
Most TEOTWAWKI books pretty much are so formulaic. Plus it's just one book. Not an neverending series. This one was just so unusual. In a really good way.
And you can't but help like the main characters Cy and Bill. I had no idea how the ending would go or if either of the main characters would live.
A plus, was there was no foul language or gratuitous sex. No super ex-soldier that impossibly wouldn't die.
I highly recommend this book!
April 13, 2026
Disappointed
The story is good. The editing is better than usual. I got lost a few times and had to reread. Normally I am quite good at avoiding confusion in story lines. But.. this is not one of my preferred styles of writing. Interviews are not riveting and they don't call to me to read more. So it makes ght be a failing of my own and not of the authors. I would still, as always, encourage you to read all of Jacqueline Druga's works. Even the ones that need editing are excellent.
The story is good. The editing is better than usual. I got lost a few times and had to reread. Normally I am quite good at avoiding confusion in story lines. But.. this is not one of my preferred styles of writing. Interviews are not riveting and they don't call to me to read more. So it makes ght be a failing of my own and not of the authors. I would still, as always, encourage you to read all of Jacqueline Druga's works. Even the ones that need editing are excellent.
August 25, 2026
Not a bad story. I liked the format similar to that of "World War Z" with interviews of survivors telling their perspective of the alien attack. There are several good set pieces in the recollections but there is a blatant error in the physics of the communication with the aliens.
This is a good weekend read, not particularly deep and the recollections are focused on five or so individuals but they are well fleshed out and the action is good and propulsive.
There are some confusing rabbit holes that are never fully explained which can be frustrating such as the fourth chosen person, or the healing rain, or a major decision taken by politicians that is confined to one particular area which is not fully explained.
At the end, it is a fun story and I recommend it despite some unexplained plot points and scientific errors.
This is a good weekend read, not particularly deep and the recollections are focused on five or so individuals but they are well fleshed out and the action is good and propulsive.
There are some confusing rabbit holes that are never fully explained which can be frustrating such as the fourth chosen person, or the healing rain, or a major decision taken by politicians that is confined to one particular area which is not fully explained.
At the end, it is a fun story and I recommend it despite some unexplained plot points and scientific errors.
May 22, 2026
Well worth a read!
Haven't read much by this author but, after reading this story, I shall definitely be checking others.
I really enjoyed this and the almost 'Documentary ' style of writing was, whilst not unique was perfect for this story, strong characters and, despite the subject, almost believable, a really good story, and if you like alien invasion/post apocalyptic stories, I think you'll like this.👍
Haven't read much by this author but, after reading this story, I shall definitely be checking others.
I really enjoyed this and the almost 'Documentary ' style of writing was, whilst not unique was perfect for this story, strong characters and, despite the subject, almost believable, a really good story, and if you like alien invasion/post apocalyptic stories, I think you'll like this.👍
April 10, 2026
This is a different story arc for the author. I loved it. Think World War Z, but NO zombies, at all. Think journal style, an author who is writing a book about a time where humans are in danger of not existing any longer. The characters are awesome. Cy is my favorite. Call him a hero, who doesn’t know he will be one. You will need tissues for this book. I highly recommend it!!!
April 13, 2026
Another great book from Jacqueline Druga!
I have not once disliked any if this author's books and even had the pleasure of emailing her back and forth for a time when I lived in PA as Pittsburgh was only an hour away from me. I wish I had her imagination and creativity. She is one of my favorite authors!
I have not once disliked any if this author's books and even had the pleasure of emailing her back and forth for a time when I lived in PA as Pittsburgh was only an hour away from me. I wish I had her imagination and creativity. She is one of my favorite authors!
May 11, 2026
A little choppy
At times this book is quite entertaining, and even page turning. But overall the book jumps around a lot, and I believe that is due to the manner in which it was written. It is written in the way a reporter asks questions. Some might not find this distracting, but for me it took away from the book.
At times this book is quite entertaining, and even page turning. But overall the book jumps around a lot, and I believe that is due to the manner in which it was written. It is written in the way a reporter asks questions. Some might not find this distracting, but for me it took away from the book.
May 31, 2026
Completely Original
I’m going to keep this very short, not give any spoilers and just say I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of SciFi and this book wasn’t like anything I’d read before. I actually stayed up 2 nights to complete it.
If you want something with action as well as heart this is the book for you.
I’m going to keep this very short, not give any spoilers and just say I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of SciFi and this book wasn’t like anything I’d read before. I actually stayed up 2 nights to complete it.
If you want something with action as well as heart this is the book for you.
July 30, 2026
great story with great ending
Only issue I had at first was adjusting to format of the story telling…someone interviewing story characters as THE story. Once I started reading, I understood the flow of the chapters. Great story! Great characters…read it and you’ll be hooked on J. Druga’ s books! Thank you!
Only issue I had at first was adjusting to format of the story telling…someone interviewing story characters as THE story. Once I started reading, I understood the flow of the chapters. Great story! Great characters…read it and you’ll be hooked on J. Druga’ s books! Thank you!
August 20, 2026
I rather enjoyed the story which seemed to be in a style reminiscent of “World War Z” but a bit less polished. This author has had issue with poor editing etc, but this was written as though it was transcription of someone talking so those errors, with some still present, were less noticeable. The ending seemed a bit facile given the build up of the story.
April 7, 2026
Not your typical Druga novel.
I was surprised by the structure of this fictional book. I had too check who actually wrote the story. It's a fresh take on her apocalyptic works - in a very good way.
Try it - you wi!l enjoy it.
I was surprised by the structure of this fictional book. I had too check who actually wrote the story. It's a fresh take on her apocalyptic works - in a very good way.
Try it - you wi!l enjoy it.
April 8, 2026
Just started this book...cannot wait to get into it! Druga is one of my very favorite authors these days!
Well I finished and I gotta say, this book sucked me in from page one and didn't let me go until I finished. I love Druga, her books have captivated me for the past 2 summers and I look forward to another summer of her books! I love a good alien invasion book but this one is different. Told via interviews, it was a great way to tell the story! There is one character I wish had gotten more explained but even that didn't make me love the book any less!
Well I finished and I gotta say, this book sucked me in from page one and didn't let me go until I finished. I love Druga, her books have captivated me for the past 2 summers and I look forward to another summer of her books! I love a good alien invasion book but this one is different. Told via interviews, it was a great way to tell the story! There is one character I wish had gotten more explained but even that didn't make me love the book any less!
June 16, 2026
Excellent
This is a very different take on an apocalypse. I have never come across any other author who has designed so many interesting ways to end the world as we know it. I love how she tells the story! Jacqueline Druga is still one of my favorite authors!
This is a very different take on an apocalypse. I have never come across any other author who has designed so many interesting ways to end the world as we know it. I love how she tells the story! Jacqueline Druga is still one of my favorite authors!
August 29, 2026
Interesting format
Interesting format but a long, twisting, and often confusing story. I feel like pieces were missing, but I think that was the point. Not my favorite kind of storytelling, but a decent read.
Interesting format but a long, twisting, and often confusing story. I feel like pieces were missing, but I think that was the point. Not my favorite kind of storytelling, but a decent read.
April 1, 2026
love love love
Its a bit different from her usual, but so very good!! Highly recommended and very apt for what is happening in the world.
Its a bit different from her usual, but so very good!! Highly recommended and very apt for what is happening in the world.
April 3, 2026
Cyrus is CYBO . a young video game player is contacted by text from a stranger. ends up cy is part alien and ends up saving earth.
April 3, 2026
Good read
I have always liked her stories, but I hated the lack of editing. This book is well edited and as such, a great read. No annoying errors to distract from the story.
I have always liked her stories, but I hated the lack of editing. This book is well edited and as such, a great read. No annoying errors to distract from the story.
April 6, 2026
Great story
Took me a while to get into the story but once I understood it was a great read thank you
Took me a while to get into the story but once I understood it was a great read thank you
April 7, 2026
Jacqueline Druga does it again!
Jacqueline Druga is one of my favorite authors. The Day They Came is a story that could be true. Starts out like a normal day and then....
Jacqueline Druga is one of my favorite authors. The Day They Came is a story that could be true. Starts out like a normal day and then....
April 7, 2026
Hated the interview style. Didn't feel any connection with the characters. Very much a take on "War of the Worlds". Stupid story.
Read
April 13, 2026I don’t enjoy stories told this way….no shade to the author, I’ve read and enjoyed a LOT of her books, but I’m not gonna force myself to read it.
April 17, 2026
Best thought out alien invasion novel I have read. Superb story building. Thought provoking.
April 19, 2026
A very thought provoking story
AI is wonderful but scary at the same time. This book really makes you think twice about it's usefulness. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
AI is wonderful but scary at the same time. This book really makes you think twice about it's usefulness. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
May 5, 2026
Love
It was a wonderful story.unlike any I have read. Mom and I sometime would talk about space and what was out there, so maybe......
It was a wonderful story.unlike any I have read. Mom and I sometime would talk about space and what was out there, so maybe......
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews