A box set of four books in the AFTER post-apocalyptic thriller series
After #0.5: First Light- Prequel novella. NASA scientists warn of the possible effects of heightened solar activity, but the threat is downplayed until it's far too late.
After #1: The Shock- Rachel Wheeler flees the dangers of Charlotte to seek her grandfather's remote compound in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is joined by several other survivors as they fight back against a hostile world.
After #2: The Echo- The survivors discover the mutant Zapheads are evolving by imitating human speech and behavior, but the threat of savage violence remains.
After #3: Milepost 291- As Rachel and the others near her grandfather's compound, new dangers emerge, including a military unit that has established its own harsh laws.
With 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.
This story is the best zombie story I have had the pleasure of reading. The zombies ( Zap Heads ) have healing power and a connection with each other. I can't wait to start the next book. If you want to read a real zombie story this series is fit you...
Scott Nicholson writes a pretty good story no matter what genre he's focusing in on with a particular book, and I like this apocalyptic tale featuring a worldwide solar flare-induced succession of EMP's along with a twist of horror with a mutant version of human. Nicholson does a great job of getting you into the heads of his characters, and your emotions will rise and fall (as well as your pulse at times) as you feel like you are part of the action of the story.
Notice I mentioned mutants in the paragraph above - normally, I don't like stuff like that as it can get too weird (fast), but rather than dominate the story it is complimentary to it as it is plausible under the baseline story Nicholson established. Rather than have a spoiler, I will leave it at that. However, if you like Stephen King's works you will like what Nicholson has done with this story.
I originally picked this compilation up for 99 cents during a special Kindle promotion vs. its normal pricing of $6.99: you'll get a lot more entertainment value out of it than $6.99.
This box set is a great way to jump into this series. The Zapheads are very strange, yet their behavior becomes more understandable as the books progress. I liked all the protagonists, though I found it difficult to identify with Rachel. A post apocalyptic series that is well worth a read and I enjoyed it so far.
I love postapocolyptic fiction. The After series starts with an EMP wiping out the grid but also adds a bit of a zombie like twist. Nicholson does a good job of mixing the two conflicts of an EMP and Zapheads flawlessly. The chracters are likeable and he keeps you on your seat wondering what will happen next. That is why you get the box set.
As I reached the end of this box set I only then realized that this was only the beginning of a series. I'm a Nicholson fan and dove into this bargain without checking out any other feedback. That aside, it was enjoyable with great characters. No problem recommending this book, but you will have to buy the next books for an ending.
I posted separate reviews on each book, but I have to say that this collection is an excellent value way to get into this series and really these books could be thought of one big book in an even wider more expansive story. Originality, action and good execution - you will have trouble stopping once you start.
Scott Nicholson always has interesting, believable characters and this book is no exception. The storyline is just different enough about a post apocalyptic world to make it a good read. I am definitely continuing on with the series.
Solid story. Seems to know where he's going if not slowly lol but why not. Authors gotta eat. I like the characters a lot so the pacing is alright. Highly recommended for the price
Great, I purchased the first Next book and enjoyed it so much that I purchased the 2nd Next book then realized the first part was the After Series and have very much enjoyed reading it.
Another apocalypse caused by the sun but the premise of this one is a little different than others out there. I'm not sure how solid the science is behind the zappers but it definitely makes for an interesting story. This box set is actually 3 books and one novella. All are good with each one building more of the characters and plots. By the end of book 3 you are fully invested and I am anxious to see what happens to our heroes in book 4.