Evil doesn’t become extinct, it evolves. Our world is a violent place. Murder, terrorism, racism and social inequality, these are some of the forces that attempt to destroy our society while the State is forced to increase its response to these actions. Our own annihilation is barely held at bay by the belief that we’ve somehow evolved beyond our ancestors’ base desires. From this cesspool of emotions emerges a madman, intent on leading the world into anarchy. When his group of computer hackers infiltrate the Department of Defense network, they initiate a nuclear war that will irrevocably alter our world. Aeric Gaines and his roommate Tyler Nordgren survive the devastation of the war, only to find that the quaint, politically correct world where they’d been raised was a lie. All humans have basic needs such as food, water and shelter…and we haven’t forgotten how to fight for what we desire. A Path of Ashes is the first book in an exciting new series about life in post-apocalyptic America, a nation devoid of leadership, electricity and human rights. The world as we know it may have burned, but humanity found a way to survive and this is their story.
I love Brian Parker’s work. He always tells an interesting and entertaining story. The characters are young and intelligent. I do think they take to killing a bit quickly and they definitely get lucky A LOT. Of course their luck runs out at one point but their journey seems so easy at times. I’d love to know how young J makes part of the trip alone without being abused or kidnapped. Maybe a short side story in on of the next books could give us some of those details. Seems unlikely she could navigate her way, take care of herself and her charge and stay safe for the time it took her to get to SA. (Trying not to give anything away here) I’ve already started book 2 and I have book 3 ready to go as well. Stephen Davies did an excellent job narrating. I’m not certain I’ve heard much or anything from him before. I would listen to him again. I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
A PATH OF ASHES is the first book in the PATH OF ASHES series. It is about two relatively normal college kids, Aeric and Tyler, who find themselves travelling through a post-apocalypse wasteland triggered by extremists armed with nukes. I actually really like the introduction as both Aeric and Tyler are believable leads. Both of them have flaws and take a bit of adjusting to each other but soon fall into a warm easy friendship. It makes the subsequent end of the world all the more gut wrenching. Brian Parker is an amazing author and I started this series after loving his awesome Easytown novels. This is more relevant, in my mind, with a lot more social awareness as well as the dangers of extremism. I'm definitely picking up the other books in the series.
I wasn't sure exactly where this book was going to go when I started it. A teenage baseball player, escaping to college from his overprotective parents.... It certainly surprised me! Destruction, mass deaths and some scenes that were rather disturbing, but a needed part of the story. By the end I was hoping above all else that Aeric and Tyler would make it to safety. The characters and the story develop slowly, but they do it well and without any dull spots. There is no weakness in the plot at all. I also read the sneak peek at book 2 and that already has me intrigued. *This was free in return for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*
I'm not enjoying this so I'm putting it aside for a while. Too many things are niggling me..... Would a teenage girl really open her door to two teenage boys she doesn't know?? Would those two said teenage boys really go hunting down a gang of thugs who had just killed someone?? I don't know, I'm just not feeling it. I'll hopefully come back to it and see if I can make it the full way through the story.
Not my usual book. Wasn't a bad read. It's a post apocalyptic type. Had a a lot going on in the book that keeps your attention. This was my first book from this author. I think I will read another one just to see where this book goes.
( Format : Audiobook ) "That dismal future in the movies was now." A post apocalyptic world. An old man telling the story of their origins to the children in the village. And the story itsslf, how the modern world ended and their great grandfather's part in the remaking of a life for himself, his family and descendents. It all starts when Aeric was a college student on a baseball scholarship at Austen University, Texas, and sharing a room with Tyler, who becomes his close friend. Unrest and political demonstrations were growing and government response was the ever tightening bondage of security. A disgruntled and resentful computer hacker secret!y gathers a following of other unhappy hackers to form the Vultures, set on world reform through a near messianic, four horseman approach, as well as setting fire bombs in many public buildings also infiltrated the command control of the world's nuclear armoury, directing missiles at major cities. Austen, being the centre of the Vulture's operation, avoids the nuclear attack but not the fire. The two college friends not only have to survive in a very changed and hostile world, also seem to find Aeric's parents and a place of safety where they can all live peacefully together
The writing by Mr.Parker is visual and detailed, the web falling like snow, sticking where it lands. The two main characters are quite well developed, though Aeric more so than friend Tyler, who is, for this reader, the more interesting person. There is a lot of natural conversation between them, which further sets the scenes as well as giving insight into their personalities.. And the story close easily, almost elegantly, and with a feeling of actual possibility...mostly. But for this reader there was something not quite right, especially in the latter stages of the book: a feeling of disbelief which began to insinuate it's way into what had seemed to be a tale of, if not plausibility, at least possibility.
Narration by Stephen Bell David's is excellent, his pacing and intonation as well as tone of voice helping to project the story forward, conveying both emotion and the tensions of the events. He also gives good vocal interpretations for each character individually: a good performance and one which enhances the writing. My thanks to the rights holder of the first in this new series by Brian Parker, A Path of Ashes, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. Despite occasional internal objections, I did enjoy this book, one of the most personal of the post apocalyptic novels I have read. Anyone who likes this genre would probably enjoy it, also, especially as it is seen from a slightly different angle from most others.
I received a free review copy of this audio book, at my request, and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
After reading Brian Parker's Easytown series, I was excited to listen to this book. Unfortunately it is not quite as good as Easytown.
This is a post Apocalyptic book about a couple of teen aged college students. It deals primarily with the ethics of the new reality and the justification of actions of the survivors.
It is completely American centric, with a long journey through the southern US and there is no information or details provided about the rest of the country or world.
So much of this book is "by the numbers" that it felt repetitive. Glimpse of pre Apocalyptic life, bombs dropping, food shortages, prostitution, power struggle and violence. At this point, with so many entries into the market, I want something more. The ethical dimension is newish, and it is played harder than is typical for a post Apocalyptic book, but it isn't enough to make it stand out.
The characters, however, are well developed and complex. The main characters are definitely multidimensional and as they are the primary ethical focus of the book, they rarely see things as black and white.
The settings are feel full and described, even when details are sparse. This is one thing this author is really good at, making one be able to visualize the plot without wasting words.
The voice acting, by Stephen Bel Davies, did not feel like a good fit to me. The narrator does a good enough job of voice range and the audio quality is good. However, I don't feel his voice is a good fit for the main characters. They are described as large baseball players, and Stephen's voice is too soft and proper. It gave the college athletes voices a more Niles Crane kind of vibe.
All in all, a kind of a forgettable post Apocalyptic book, in a sea of other post Apocalyptic books. It's not bad, just doesn't stand out to me. I likely wont proceed further in this series, waiting instead for Brian Parkers truly excellent Easytown series.
A Path of Ashes (The Path of Ashes, Book 1) by Brian Parker and narrated by Stephen Bel Davies sets the path for a great post-apocalyptic series. It’s well-written and you connect with the characters. Highly recommend for those who enjoy dark post-apocalyptic worlds. 4 ½ stars for story, 4 stars for narration.
What’s it about? Tyler and Aeric are two normal college kids doing their thing when a group of hackers, called the Vultures, sets off and EMP followed by nukes. From there, the world quickly spirals into chaos, with those left trying to survive the aftermath. Make no mistake, there are dark parts to this book, so if that isn’t your thing, might want to stay clear. It starts off semi-light, you’re not always sure where it’s going to go, then picks up the pace to a fantastically dark post-apoc world. Honestly, in the beginning I wasn’t sure if this book would cut it for me, but after it picked up speed, it did and I’m already on to the second book. There’s that hint of realness to the story, which helps bring it to the next level.
The narrator, Stephen Bel Davies, overall did good. Some things were a bit off at times, but overall he’s enjoyable to listen to.
“Yeah, we’ve seen a lot of stuff out there, but it’s mostly been bad people who made the choice to become evil, not these other things that you’re talking about.” (mutant dogs, mutant humans)
Overall I highly recommend for those who enjoy dark post-apoc worlds.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: one of the MC experiences homophobia from family, rape, prostitution to get food/safety/etc., torture, suicide, murder, castration, sex slaves, and other like situations due to the post-apoc world. Language used: Fx47, Sx54.
I reAlly enjoyed this first book. Well written with strong central characters. I found it difficult to put this story down. The world is turned upside down by a lunatic bent on revenge. A hacker group has been established to bring the world to its knees to right the wrongs they perceive have befallen them. Follow along as Aeric and Tyler journey from Austin TX to Africa home in Springfield and back.
I enjoyed this story. The characters were unique and interesting and the plot of the story was very engaging. Anyone who enjoys the dystopian genre will enjoy this book. When Aeric goes to college to play baseball his world is turned upside down when hackers throw the world into chaos. Him and his friend must make their way cross country to get back to their families. I highly recommend this book.
End of the world as you know it read that is easy to envision what is happening in the way its written. Not sure that Justin isn't just a tad too much as the evil mastermind. He seems too twisted to fast and no one does more than cringe and hope they stay on his good side.
This was an exceptional read. The relationship characterization was on point, and the drama was more than sufficient to develop story-consistency. Am reading Book 2 already, and flash-forwards to the future are my absolute favorites so far.
As a fan of all things apocalypse I really enjoyed this one The author does a fantastic job describing a bleak landscape and heavy situations added realism Well narrated with great characters highly recommended I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Brian Parker has taken my absolute favorite genre and created a masterpiece of a novel! This book starts the series off with a huge bang! The descriptions and scenarios are absolutely believable and almost scarily realistic with the current political climate these days. It might be a good idea for everyone to read this so they can see where the current path we're on could take us. I now have new items to add to my apocalypse stockpile, so theoretically, this book may end up saving my life! Yes, read it!
A Path of Ashes: The Path of Ashes, Book 1 by Brian Parker was an enjoyable book. The book starts with an elderly man talking to children, including his grandchildren, and telling the story of how the family got it’s name. The family name is Traxx. As he tells his story, the book goes back in time, to before, the before the apocalypse.
The two main characters are freshmen at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. Both boys were signed to play baseball for the University. Aeric is from Springfield, Missouri and is glad to escape his overprotective parents. Tyler is from Lincoln, Nebraska and is hoping to escape the homophobia from his family. The two boys hit it off and settle into a routine of classes and baseball practice. Around them the world is sinking into chaos with various terror groups mounting weekly attacks but it does not really penetrate the boys’ lives.
One night the terror attacks are led by a local quasi-religious group called the Vultures. They manage to destroy most of the campus, take down the electrical grid and kill thousands of people in fires and violence. Aeric and Tyler decided to leave Austin while they can and head to Missouri and what they think will be the safety of his parents.
The story follows Aeric and Tyler as they change, not always for the better, in response to the dangerous world around them. When nuclear weapons take away any hope of return to normalcy, it becomes a darwinian struggle to survive and find a safe haven.
Stephen Bel Davies does a nice job narrating. His voice is a consistent level so there is no fiddling with the volume necessary. The production values are good. All in all, it is an enjoyable listen and a nice introduction to what looks to be a good series.
This is the 1st novel I've had the pleasure of reading from Brian Parker. I have to say I'm quite impressed and honestly love the cover. It's quite fitting.
It all starts with a dystopian world and a grandfather telling a story......I have to say the characters are wonderfully developed. Pretty sure Tyler is my favorite. He for sure is a great secondary character. This novel very much tells you of what happened to create the dystopian world the grandfather is in and how it got to that point.
I honestly would have loved some more details of the "Vultures" and the mechanics of have they managed to "reset" the world which did seem a tad too easy. Maybe in the second book they get more into that or maybe Brian will think of doing a prologue to fully explain. Until then it's left to the readers imagination. There is a little bit of military in this but not enough for those who do not enjoy dystopian military books.
Overall I'm really pleased with this book and since there's no 4/12 I went higher up. I recommend for all those who love a great end of the world dystopian novel. This one for sure has great potential. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
This is not a typical read for me. That being said I really enjoyed this book. It is a futuristic type setting but you don't need a dictionary in one hand to figure out what is being said. I really loved that part of it. It is a book about a boy named Aeric who has a rough last year in high school. He has overbearing parents that really don't let him do anything. And he had a girlfriend who was horrible to him. So he was so looking forward to getting out he volunteered to work the summer at his new college in Texas as a baseball coach for younger boys. Getting there early he had to stay in a different apartment than the dorms that is where he meets his roommate Tyler. Tyler is a very big boy who is in the same boat wanting to leave his family behind. But for different reasons. He was treated badly because he is gay. They become best friends almost instantly. From there the story gets deep. There are a lot of things going on and a lot of players and things that happen. You really have to read it to understand. But it is well worth it. It doesn't have a cliffhanger ending. But you are left with wanting to know what happens next. I will be getting book two.
Aeric Gaines and his roommate, Tyler Nordgren, are typical college freshman at the University of Texas in Austin. Justin Rustwood, a disillusioned hacker who has crossed the line between genius and crazy, is also living in Austin. When Justin’s group, the Vultures, take over the nation’s nuclear defenses setting off a global war Aeric and Tyler find themselves in a struggle to survive.
Parker’s first novel in The Path of Ashes series, A Path of Ashes, tells the story of Aeric and Tyler as a history lesson to Aeric’s great-great grandchildren. It is a well-paced book with true to life characters. There is some violence and sexual content. I only found one minor plot hole – if you are afraid of being found and you blow out all of the candles to kill the light, then you can’t have a fire burning in the fireplace.
It is a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to the next installment.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
Aeric Gaines can't wait for college. Getting out of small town Missouri to go for a baseball scholarship in Texas is just what he's waiting for! After meeting his new roommate, Tyler, he's ready for the few collage experience....and he's trying to not pay attention to all of the riots and disturbances that are starting to flare up throughout the country. But then, the lights go out in Austin. And the chaos quickly grows. Now he must get back to his family and make sure that everyone is okay. Are they?
With his roommate and best buddy, they'll encounter the worst of humanity and the destruction of the crazed. Will they survive these obstacles and danger? Or will they find themselves in a futile situation?
A great, single-sitting read. The characters are so real and the conversations are fluid. A very enjoyable story and I'm looking forward to the next installment, 'Fireside'. Well done!
I had no idea what this book was about going into it but was instantly hook and immersed into this story. So this book starts off with a man telling a story to his family . A story of dark times. It starts off with boys at college playing baseball for the team. They are content in their lives going to school, playing on the team, living a normal life. But the world around them is slowly dissolving into chaos. Terrorist attacks are growing. The Vultures emerge. A crazy religious group finally set upon the college. Chaos ensues, death, destruction. No more spoilers so if any of this intrigues you please read this book. It will hook you with its claws. Great 5 star read.
Aeric and Tyler, a couple of regular freshmen college students, find themselves at the beginning of a nuclear holocaust. These guys are not your typical military retirees, law enforcement, or outfitted preppers that are the usual fare for these type of stories. These guys are plain ole college students, although they do manage to catch on unusually quick. Leaving Texas after the initial attacks, they set out cross-country to make their way to Aeric's home in Missouri. This first book in the series chronicles their journey. Three.point.five for uniqueness.
I really liked this book,aside from the nasty torture parts.Stephen Bel Davies does a nice job with all the voices in this book.Eric and tyler meet in their college dorm room.They start school and the end of the USA happens.There is a cyber attack,bombs,nukes,everything happens within a few weeks of each other.As they trek from Texas to Missouri to check on Erics family they encounter good and bad people.They get caught by worse people on their way back but eventuelly make it to their goal. I was given this book for an honest review.
I'm quite amazed at the number of grammatical errors I encountered throughout this story. It's quite distracting, actually. Otherwise, the story is good with some rather compelling characters, made all the more vivid by the outstanding narration by Stephen Bel Davies. There are a couple of minor loose ends, left as setup for the next book I suspect, but the story does not end in a cliffhanger, thank goodness.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
An excellent Post-Apocalyptic novel full of action and suspense. The descriptions were such that it felt like I was right there with Aeric and Tyler. Great character interaction and a well developed plot will keep you riveted and wanting more.
I would recommend this to any who like the post apocalyptic novels. Should be limited to those at least 18 due to the graphic violence.
First off, kudos to the whoever designed the cover because it is AWESOME! Second, if the world is going to come to an end anytime soon, this is probably the way it is going to happen! Brian Parker holds the reader in the palm of his hand from the very beginning - and he throws in a lot of truths, facts, things we can relate to and understand, things which make it all seem possible. Even probable. I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down. It's a five star MUST READ!
From start to finish I was gripped. The story flows at a nice pace and the author does well to paint a vivid picture of a post apocalyptic world. The characters are well written and instantly likeable, something which not everyone is able to capture. There are a couple of harsh scenes in the story but it's needed considering the world that it is set in. I'll be picking up the second book!
People trying to live their lives, go to school and make ends meet while dealing with terrorism and daily grind. One deals.with what he believes is betrayal by creating a group that brings about Armageddon. This is the story of some and their survival after the bombs fall
Enjoyed the book. Very captivating. Read it all in one sitting. Looking forward to more from Mr. Parker. I would recommend this book for people who read the post apocalypse type book.