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Afterburn
Five years after a devastating solar storm wipes out civilization and spawns a strange race of mutants, Rachel Wheeler and her misfit family must choose whether to hide away or fight to join other survivors.
As their food supply dwindles inside their bunker, radiation from abandoned nuclear plants is altering the world around them. Not only are the mutants building their own cities and weapons, the remaining dregs of the U.S. military are massing for an attack. In this decaying environment, hostile new creatures crawl out from the crevices and up from the waterways to threaten them all.
But as a half-mutant, Rachel’s choice isn’t as simple as mere survival—the mutant way of life might be more promising than anything humans could hope to restore. And Rachel’s next decision could tear apart her family and the entire world.
As their food supply dwindles inside their bunker, radiation from abandoned nuclear plants is altering the world around them. Not only are the mutants building their own cities and weapons, the remaining dregs of the U.S. military are massing for an attack. In this decaying environment, hostile new creatures crawl out from the crevices and up from the waterways to threaten them all.
But as a half-mutant, Rachel’s choice isn’t as simple as mere survival—the mutant way of life might be more promising than anything humans could hope to restore. And Rachel’s next decision could tear apart her family and the entire world.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
1087 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Scott Nicholson
211 books767 followersWith more than 800,000 books sold worldwide, Scott Nicholson is an international bestselling thriller writer. He won the Writers of the Future Award in 1999 and was a Stoker Award finalist in 2003. His Fear series was published by Amazon's Thomas & Mercer imprint and 47North released the supernatural thriller McFALL.
He's also published a number of supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy books and stories, including the AFTER, NEXT, and ARIZE post-apocalyptic series, as well as children's books, comics, and screenplays. His 2006 novel The Home is in development as a feature film.
He's also published a number of supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy books and stories, including the AFTER, NEXT, and ARIZE post-apocalyptic series, as well as children's books, comics, and screenplays. His 2006 novel The Home is in development as a feature film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 5, 2019
This book is very well written with good characters and plot development. My beef with the book is that it just stops part way through a confrontation between two opposing characters. The final paragraph suggests that you may want to read the next book in the series to find out what happens with this confrontation. I dislike this method of entrapment. Is this an intro/preview or is it a book. It was presented to me as a complete book. If it is a book then it is incomplete and needs to be finished with some sort of closure. I want to give the book a one star rating. However, the writing is really good and I have cooled off a bit. Let's call it a three.
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May 1, 2016Getting kinda old, but...
This whole set of series began with a great apocalyptic novel about the near ruination of the planet and the survival of a few people around the world and an even greater proportion of "people" mutated by the Sun's blasts. Such a realistic premise!
However, that novel has spanned multiple series and they seem more and more to be cranked out by formula "writing" that makes Scott Nicholson out to be much less than the writer he really is.
Quite frankly, I'm about over it.
This whole set of series began with a great apocalyptic novel about the near ruination of the planet and the survival of a few people around the world and an even greater proportion of "people" mutated by the Sun's blasts. Such a realistic premise!
However, that novel has spanned multiple series and they seem more and more to be cranked out by formula "writing" that makes Scott Nicholson out to be much less than the writer he really is.
Quite frankly, I'm about over it.
November 15, 2018
The mutants are definitely not your run-of-the-mill zombies. Apparently they started out feral and vicious, but swiftly “evolved” and are now hyper-intelligent and advanced. They are relatively sexless, have identical haircuts and weird polymer jumpsuits, and are accompanied by realistic, self-repairing flying bird-drones. Of course, because they’re so unfathomable, and because of their initial violence, humans are determined to kill them. I thought the whole identical haircuts and robot-like behaviors at first weren’t interesting, but their behavior does become creepier as the story advances.
Unfortunately, the story back at the bunker wasn’t nearly as engrossing. The teenage characters feel fairly stereotypical. The conflict with the military felt just as stereotypical. It’s the usual military wanting to murder anything they don’t understand storyline. It may be justified within the story, but that doesn’t make it any more interesting. The only character in that storyline that I found engaging was a woman who used to be a PR person who joined the military after the apocalypse happened. She’s a nice combination of tough-yet-sympathetic.
As post-apocalyptic stories go this isn’t bad, and has some original material in it, but it just didn’t hold my interest sufficiently. I don’t plan to read the rest of the series.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2018/11/r...
Unfortunately, the story back at the bunker wasn’t nearly as engrossing. The teenage characters feel fairly stereotypical. The conflict with the military felt just as stereotypical. It’s the usual military wanting to murder anything they don’t understand storyline. It may be justified within the story, but that doesn’t make it any more interesting. The only character in that storyline that I found engaging was a woman who used to be a PR person who joined the military after the apocalypse happened. She’s a nice combination of tough-yet-sympathetic.
As post-apocalyptic stories go this isn’t bad, and has some original material in it, but it just didn’t hold my interest sufficiently. I don’t plan to read the rest of the series.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2018/11/r...
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April 19, 2017goood
June 2, 2019
A plausible scenario.
September 16, 2017
Five years after a massive solar storm has destroyed human civilization and spawned a race of mutants, called Zaps, Rachel Wheeler, herself half-mutant, and her mismatched family, barely clinging to existence in an abandoned military bunker, are faced with a fateful choice. Do they continue hiding out, or do they seek other humans in an effort to rebuild some semblance of human society.
The problems they face are tremendous. The Zaps have concentrated in major cities, and seem to have evolved into a society of sorts, radiation has created monsters on land, sea, and in the air, whose only aim is to feed, and the remnants of the American government have coalesced into a force bent on eliminating the Zaps and retaking earth for humans.
Rachel is faced with a dilemma; should she continue to honor her human side, or become fully mutant?
Afterburn is the first in the post-apocalyptic Next series, which follows Rachel as she fights for survival—of what, she is not certain. The author has created a stunning cast of characters, focusing primarily on the humans, Rachel’s family and the soldiers of the rump government. The Zaps, the principal antagonists in this compelling thriller, are less fully developed, leaving the reader to guess at their motives and abilities—but in such a way as to send chills through your body as you read.
The book ends on a chilling cliff hanger, and the frightening thought—what next?
The problems they face are tremendous. The Zaps have concentrated in major cities, and seem to have evolved into a society of sorts, radiation has created monsters on land, sea, and in the air, whose only aim is to feed, and the remnants of the American government have coalesced into a force bent on eliminating the Zaps and retaking earth for humans.
Rachel is faced with a dilemma; should she continue to honor her human side, or become fully mutant?
Afterburn is the first in the post-apocalyptic Next series, which follows Rachel as she fights for survival—of what, she is not certain. The author has created a stunning cast of characters, focusing primarily on the humans, Rachel’s family and the soldiers of the rump government. The Zaps, the principal antagonists in this compelling thriller, are less fully developed, leaving the reader to guess at their motives and abilities—but in such a way as to send chills through your body as you read.
The book ends on a chilling cliff hanger, and the frightening thought—what next?
March 8, 2019
A new take on a mutation nation!
Scott Nicholson has created an post-apocalyptic thriller about a global catastrophe unleashed on the world by a massive solar storm. Radiation and the storms EMP surge have brought technology to a halt and caused widespread mutation across species including humans. Non-mutants struggle for survival against the Zaps and an animal world that is reminiscent of the age of dinosaurs. Chaos and aggression rule – everything seems to have humans on their menu!
There was a lot packed into the storyline but I enjoyed the characters, the plot was sound, and I liked the concept. The only thing I have against the book is that it ends with a cliffhanger. It could have seriously benefited from one more round of editing. I received a complimentary copy but my opinions are honest and voluntary Overall, I enjoyed the book and would like to read more books in this series.
Scott Nicholson has created an post-apocalyptic thriller about a global catastrophe unleashed on the world by a massive solar storm. Radiation and the storms EMP surge have brought technology to a halt and caused widespread mutation across species including humans. Non-mutants struggle for survival against the Zaps and an animal world that is reminiscent of the age of dinosaurs. Chaos and aggression rule – everything seems to have humans on their menu!
There was a lot packed into the storyline but I enjoyed the characters, the plot was sound, and I liked the concept. The only thing I have against the book is that it ends with a cliffhanger. It could have seriously benefited from one more round of editing. I received a complimentary copy but my opinions are honest and voluntary Overall, I enjoyed the book and would like to read more books in this series.
March 25, 2019
I really tried to keep reading it, but when I reached half way through the book I decided I had better things to do. I don't usually leave books unfinished but this time I felt compelled to.
The problem is: there is no point in the story. Absolutely none. I was waiting for the inciting incident to occur but there was nothing.
I got the setting, the post apocalyptic world everybody has to deal with, but that happened 5 years before. Now, what is so different that can keep me entertained? Apparently nothing. At least nothing in the first half of the book.
The second star is because I liked the style and I found it enjoyable and clear to read. Moreover, I like the genre so it I started with good intentions.
It's a pity it was so disappointing.
The problem is: there is no point in the story. Absolutely none. I was waiting for the inciting incident to occur but there was nothing.
I got the setting, the post apocalyptic world everybody has to deal with, but that happened 5 years before. Now, what is so different that can keep me entertained? Apparently nothing. At least nothing in the first half of the book.
The second star is because I liked the style and I found it enjoyable and clear to read. Moreover, I like the genre so it I started with good intentions.
It's a pity it was so disappointing.
January 17, 2019
Another day, another Apocalypse. Most of humanity has "evolved" following a solar storm that has more or less destroyed all technology. Mutant animals roam the land, the last few unaffected humans are scattered far and wide. This book follows 1 group as they come into contact with the new evolution humans.
Overall, not a bad premise but the fact that the story starts several years after the devastation of the solar storm means that events of the turmoil are little more than flash backs and don't really add to the story. It could just as easily have been " Aliens landed".
Overall, not a bad premise but the fact that the story starts several years after the devastation of the solar storm means that events of the turmoil are little more than flash backs and don't really add to the story. It could just as easily have been " Aliens landed".
February 20, 2019
I am a fan of Scott Nicholson. Not a fan of this book............ didn't realize it was the first in a series. I don't like reading series. The book moves along very quickly but I just couldn't get excited enough to want to read book 2.
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December 20, 2018Awesome read!
May 27, 2017
If you loved the After series its a must have read, original idea, addictive and action packed!
Love love love this new series, I wasnt sure how it could carry on after the first series After; but it just gets better and better with a refreshing turn in the evolution after 5 years of the Zaps which is brilliant and I certainly was not expecting. They just keep getting scarier and I didnt think that was possible.
As a complete zombie apocalyptic addict I was so gutted when I though After series had ended as I absolutely loved this series. I have read literally hundreds of zombie books but this series is one of THE best.
As always Im so relieved Scott has kept the original characters and again I was gripped from page one till the end...sooo tired...could not stop reading till it was finished. I found myself virtually yelling at the kindle screen as you do on a film when someone is about to do some so stupid...you have to read it Im not giving it away and of course NEVER trust apocalyptic millitary in these books, you know its just not going to end well.
I also love Franklin so glad his still around, I think Im going to be the female version when Im older lol! Love prepping, dont trust alot of people eep very scary lol!
This looks like its going to be a another fab action packed series and cant wait to see what happens. Its gripping, compulsive and addictive and its as though your right there next to the characters; who are so realistic and believeable, we all know people similar which makes this book even more realistic...did those eyes just shimmer...hmm!
Im already reading book 2 and loving it just as much.
If you have read the After series you so need to read these too you wont be disapointed. but its also pretty easy to read as a stand alone series although you will appreciate it more if you have read the previous books.
Love love love this new series, I wasnt sure how it could carry on after the first series After; but it just gets better and better with a refreshing turn in the evolution after 5 years of the Zaps which is brilliant and I certainly was not expecting. They just keep getting scarier and I didnt think that was possible.
As a complete zombie apocalyptic addict I was so gutted when I though After series had ended as I absolutely loved this series. I have read literally hundreds of zombie books but this series is one of THE best.
As always Im so relieved Scott has kept the original characters and again I was gripped from page one till the end...sooo tired...could not stop reading till it was finished. I found myself virtually yelling at the kindle screen as you do on a film when someone is about to do some so stupid...you have to read it Im not giving it away and of course NEVER trust apocalyptic millitary in these books, you know its just not going to end well.
I also love Franklin so glad his still around, I think Im going to be the female version when Im older lol! Love prepping, dont trust alot of people eep very scary lol!
This looks like its going to be a another fab action packed series and cant wait to see what happens. Its gripping, compulsive and addictive and its as though your right there next to the characters; who are so realistic and believeable, we all know people similar which makes this book even more realistic...did those eyes just shimmer...hmm!
Im already reading book 2 and loving it just as much.
If you have read the After series you so need to read these too you wont be disapointed. but its also pretty easy to read as a stand alone series although you will appreciate it more if you have read the previous books.
June 14, 2018
2 1/2 stars at best. No real sympathetic character development and a confusing rush into the whole 'are they zombies (still?) or something else?' aspect. And yes, we get it: 'normal' humans will continue to just be a-holes, especially if those same humans are tired clichés and what not. I think all we missed was a really devout Jewish guy but otherwise...
Overall, this is a disappointing 'teaser' if that's what this apparently extremely short book (novella???) is supposed to be. Very confused as its listed on-line as being 300 pages long and yet didn't even reach 100 pages by the time it was done on my reader. Also very confused as to the genre for this book (zombie? young adult even? The style seemed to be wavering around...)
Would have given perhaps only 1 star except it left me slightly interested only because much of the action took place either where I lived as a child or even at one point literally across the street from where my father grew up (and various points in between). But for the price, sure here's 2 stars. Very doubtful, however, that I'll continue with the rest of the series any time soon, if at all, as this brief reading episode generated absolutely no interest or suspense or even reaction.
Go Zaps!
Overall, this is a disappointing 'teaser' if that's what this apparently extremely short book (novella???) is supposed to be. Very confused as its listed on-line as being 300 pages long and yet didn't even reach 100 pages by the time it was done on my reader. Also very confused as to the genre for this book (zombie? young adult even? The style seemed to be wavering around...)
Would have given perhaps only 1 star except it left me slightly interested only because much of the action took place either where I lived as a child or even at one point literally across the street from where my father grew up (and various points in between). But for the price, sure here's 2 stars. Very doubtful, however, that I'll continue with the rest of the series any time soon, if at all, as this brief reading episode generated absolutely no interest or suspense or even reaction.
Go Zaps!
July 29, 2017
The basic of the book is that there has been some kind of solar storms that have results which reduced human civilization to primitive levels in many cases. In addition it has caused mutations in animals and humans, both. Monsters now roam the world and the Zapheads, a human mutation, start off as vicious killers. Rachael and a few friends manage to survive in a military bunker.
Rachael is half-Zap herself. They also have a being named Kokona who appears to be a baby but has been mutated into something they are unsure of. She's super-intelligent and there are questions about whether or not they can trust her. Of of the women is very protective of her, thinking of her basically as still being human even though she's not.
It's a story of survival. They find some soldiers that have survived but a number of them die before the end of the book. There are also flying metallic birds that the Zapheads have made and use to kill people with. For the humans to survive they will have to fight off the animal mutations and find a way to deal with the Zapheads. It's a very rough story but still well done.
Rachael is half-Zap herself. They also have a being named Kokona who appears to be a baby but has been mutated into something they are unsure of. She's super-intelligent and there are questions about whether or not they can trust her. Of of the women is very protective of her, thinking of her basically as still being human even though she's not.
It's a story of survival. They find some soldiers that have survived but a number of them die before the end of the book. There are also flying metallic birds that the Zapheads have made and use to kill people with. For the humans to survive they will have to fight off the animal mutations and find a way to deal with the Zapheads. It's a very rough story but still well done.
July 9, 2019
Five years have passed since the end of the world as we know it. Radiation and solar flare activity have resulted in mutations of both people and animals. A small group has survived in a bunker away from others, but when a supply run goes bad, their lives will be changed again - and maybe not for the better.
I had a difficult time getting in to this story. The farther I read, the more I cared about some of the characters, but I think there was a little too much 'radiation caused mutation' for my tastes. Was an okay read, but I'm not sure if I will look for the sequel or not.
I had a difficult time getting in to this story. The farther I read, the more I cared about some of the characters, but I think there was a little too much 'radiation caused mutation' for my tastes. Was an okay read, but I'm not sure if I will look for the sequel or not.
March 2, 2021
I like this continuation of a great series
I guess I didn’t realize I had this one in my library. I loved the After series Scott published. I loved the premise of his tale, the world he left his survivors, and their trek to find family. Afterburn picks up 5 years after he ended the After series and there was no need for me to go back and refresh my memory. It’s an seamless continuation with the people we know well. But things have and continue to change...now to see if humanity can survive these new changes.
I guess I didn’t realize I had this one in my library. I loved the After series Scott published. I loved the premise of his tale, the world he left his survivors, and their trek to find family. Afterburn picks up 5 years after he ended the After series and there was no need for me to go back and refresh my memory. It’s an seamless continuation with the people we know well. But things have and continue to change...now to see if humanity can survive these new changes.
November 11, 2018
Wow. A refreshing change from the zombie fest
After reading so many post apocalypse books that all tell the same city based zombie story this book took a refreshing look at the base bones survival aspect of living after the end of the world as we know it. A great read and well written. Several typos and missing words but this is down to the editor not the author. I highly recommend you give this book your full attention and I'm sure you will love it as I have.
Well done.
After reading so many post apocalypse books that all tell the same city based zombie story this book took a refreshing look at the base bones survival aspect of living after the end of the world as we know it. A great read and well written. Several typos and missing words but this is down to the editor not the author. I highly recommend you give this book your full attention and I'm sure you will love it as I have.
Well done.
April 22, 2021
After starting a few other sci-fi books and getting turned off by the over the top detail or disgusting content, this was a breath of fresh air.
Oddly ironic since it’s a post apocalyptic setting.
Overall, this was enjoyable and well written. The obvious next step was not always taken, leaving me hanging pleasantly.
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for sci-fi post apocalyptic or just sci-fi in general. More character based than plot, which is always better.
Oddly ironic since it’s a post apocalyptic setting.
Overall, this was enjoyable and well written. The obvious next step was not always taken, leaving me hanging pleasantly.
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for sci-fi post apocalyptic or just sci-fi in general. More character based than plot, which is always better.
April 17, 2023
Mutants, monsters, and murderers oh my
This book is a combination of horror, action, science fiction, drama, comedy and romance all rolled into one. You will find so e characters very compelling and others irritating. Emotions run the gambit from shock to awe to disturbed wonder.
Read this and expect to be entertained and intrigued by the strange new world presented through the words on the pages.
This book is a combination of horror, action, science fiction, drama, comedy and romance all rolled into one. You will find so e characters very compelling and others irritating. Emotions run the gambit from shock to awe to disturbed wonder.
Read this and expect to be entertained and intrigued by the strange new world presented through the words on the pages.
July 11, 2017
5 years later.....
Everything else is evolving or mutating yet man is still the same.
It's good that this is a separate series but involves the protagonists from the After series. Chilling, it keeps you guessing and wondering who will survive. I especially like the new monsters that add to the stress.
Everything else is evolving or mutating yet man is still the same.
It's good that this is a separate series but involves the protagonists from the After series. Chilling, it keeps you guessing and wondering who will survive. I especially like the new monsters that add to the stress.
October 31, 2018
This was an interesting new twist to the classic apocalypse tale. The storyline was original, the characters was fairly well crafted and the pave of the story ensured the reader would be engrossed in every page. With this story starting four years after the solar storms that decimated the earth, there were many mentions of previous events the reader is unaware of. Prequel, perhaps?
July 4, 2019
Take all the cliché tropes you know in terms of characters, arcs, and story telling methods, and this is what you get. Very flat, bland and unoriginal imo.
EDIT: Also, detected hints of sexism, racism, heteronormativity, and more sexism.
EDIT 2: Even The Maze Runner series had a more interesting take on solar flares, even though it hardly made sense, and we all know how much I hated those books.
EDIT: Also, detected hints of sexism, racism, heteronormativity, and more sexism.
EDIT 2: Even The Maze Runner series had a more interesting take on solar flares, even though it hardly made sense, and we all know how much I hated those books.
May 16, 2017
Solar apocalypse, mutants and heroes/heroines
Solar flares change humans, those that don't change are killed. Evolving the mutants build a society with a hive mindset. They are looking for something. Our children.
Solar flares change humans, those that don't change are killed. Evolving the mutants build a society with a hive mindset. They are looking for something. Our children.
October 26, 2018
Unusual and interesting
This is a new take on the post apocalyptic novel with an entirely new enemy involved. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about the 'evolved' humans that form the opposition to the remnants of the human race
This is a new take on the post apocalyptic novel with an entirely new enemy involved. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about the 'evolved' humans that form the opposition to the remnants of the human race
October 30, 2018
It was ......ok. Not great but not too bad. Seemed to be a little disjointed. I did like the Zap baby! There were a couple of characters that could have been left out. Will I continue with the series? Yes, I think it was good enough to go for the next in the series & see where it goes.
June 22, 2019
I bought this because I had all the previous books in the series but had a hard time finishing it. I didn’t find the characters “caught” me this time and as for the quick evolution, matching haircuts a polymer suits...no.
Done with this series
Done with this series
November 23, 2020
A Different Dystopia
Of the numerous Dystopian novels I have read, this has the most unusual setting and characters. Rapidly evolving mutants, super intelligent baby mutants an a group of more or less normal people make for a good story.
Of the numerous Dystopian novels I have read, this has the most unusual setting and characters. Rapidly evolving mutants, super intelligent baby mutants an a group of more or less normal people make for a good story.
October 14, 2017
This is different..
Kept my interest ...Unable to figure it out...very interesting..It's very different from other books I have read on the end of humanity..
Kept my interest ...Unable to figure it out...very interesting..It's very different from other books I have read on the end of humanity..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews