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The Day After Never #1
Blood Honor
They said it could never happen - that the day would never come.
They were wrong.
Five years post-collapse, former Texas Ranger Lucas Shaw is surviving hardscrabble in a kill-or-be-killed wasteland. When an enigmatic young woman enters his life with a desperate plea, Lucas must face impossible odds and battle an adversary who will stop at nothing to destroy them. Lightning-paced and gritty, Blood Honor, the debut novel in The Day After Never trilogy, is a non-stop adrenaline rush set in a chillingly plausible dystopian future.
Fans of Jack Reacher, The Hunger Games, and Road Warrior are sure to enjoy this post-collapse epic.
From The NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of the JET, Assassin, BLACK, and Fatal series, and co-author with Clive Cussler of The Eye of Heaven and The Solomon Curse.
They were wrong.
Five years post-collapse, former Texas Ranger Lucas Shaw is surviving hardscrabble in a kill-or-be-killed wasteland. When an enigmatic young woman enters his life with a desperate plea, Lucas must face impossible odds and battle an adversary who will stop at nothing to destroy them. Lightning-paced and gritty, Blood Honor, the debut novel in The Day After Never trilogy, is a non-stop adrenaline rush set in a chillingly plausible dystopian future.
Fans of Jack Reacher, The Hunger Games, and Road Warrior are sure to enjoy this post-collapse epic.
From The NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of the JET, Assassin, BLACK, and Fatal series, and co-author with Clive Cussler of The Eye of Heaven and The Solomon Curse.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2016
5731 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
January 19, 2025
Day After Never is a supreme beginning to this (Blood Honor) apocalyptic series.
Usually, I am engrossed in the Zombie Apocalypse and was hesitant to give books focused on an apocalypse without them (my endeared, stinky flesh eating creepers) a try.
Glad I got over that mindset because Russell Blake brings it. The main protagonist, Lucas, is like no other and I really like his attitude, soft spoken demeanor and the fact that his is also one tough hombre. His downplayed, dry humor is just bonus.
Downloaded book #2 and looking forward to continuing this journey.
Usually, I am engrossed in the Zombie Apocalypse and was hesitant to give books focused on an apocalypse without them (my endeared, stinky flesh eating creepers) a try.
Glad I got over that mindset because Russell Blake brings it. The main protagonist, Lucas, is like no other and I really like his attitude, soft spoken demeanor and the fact that his is also one tough hombre. His downplayed, dry humor is just bonus.
Downloaded book #2 and looking forward to continuing this journey.
January 27, 2018
I read this book a while back and mostly forgot about it until it came up in a thriller compilation. Before going on about this particular book, let me say I generally like Russell Blake's books. I've read and enjoyed all of his Jet series.
So, why only two stars? Really two big reasons amidst several smaller issues. The biggest is the whole thing feels like a set up to get the reader to buy the next book - basically nothing in it satisfies. That brings the next big thing. The main character is wooden at best. He reluctantly helps and only after he's put in a have-to situation. It may be after society had disintegrated, but as a reader, I need to feel the main character is someone I want to root for - not this guy.
Overall it wasn't believable - The believable part was the break down of society and what caused it. The unbelievable was the self-righteous non-sexually active, stick up his butt, hero. Don't get that last comment wrong, I don't want to read explicit sex. But really? It's the end of the world as we know it. The guy is young, strong, widowed, not a religious fanatic, basically normal and pushes away the advances of a willing, attractive, woman that is coming to his bed just for comfort in a crazy world. The hero is often too smart and savvy with his world, then immensely stupid.
I won't read any of the rest of this series.
So, why only two stars? Really two big reasons amidst several smaller issues. The biggest is the whole thing feels like a set up to get the reader to buy the next book - basically nothing in it satisfies. That brings the next big thing. The main character is wooden at best. He reluctantly helps and only after he's put in a have-to situation. It may be after society had disintegrated, but as a reader, I need to feel the main character is someone I want to root for - not this guy.
Overall it wasn't believable - The believable part was the break down of society and what caused it. The unbelievable was the self-righteous non-sexually active, stick up his butt, hero. Don't get that last comment wrong, I don't want to read explicit sex. But really? It's the end of the world as we know it. The guy is young, strong, widowed, not a religious fanatic, basically normal and pushes away the advances of a willing, attractive, woman that is coming to his bed just for comfort in a crazy world. The hero is often too smart and savvy with his world, then immensely stupid.
I won't read any of the rest of this series.
March 18, 2025
Excellent first installment in this series. Very good writing and character development. Although this is a post-apocalyptic story it reads like an old fashioned western: good guy vs. bad guys. Very enjoyable.
May 17, 2016
I liked the note at the beginning that explained how the world fell, because as much as I like reading about the world after it went to hell I like knowing the how and why.
Sadly this book fell flat for me, not sure if I can pin point what didn't work for me, just that it didn't. Part of me liked Lucas, but another part of me didn't like how he held himself apart. Yes he helped people, but very reluctantly, which made it hard to root for him.
Not sure if I'll check out any other books in the series, maybe if they show up at my library.
Sadly this book fell flat for me, not sure if I can pin point what didn't work for me, just that it didn't. Part of me liked Lucas, but another part of me didn't like how he held himself apart. Yes he helped people, but very reluctantly, which made it hard to root for him.
Not sure if I'll check out any other books in the series, maybe if they show up at my library.
June 10, 2017
Well written
After most the world is killed in an extreme flu pandemic, the survivors and set themselves up in little towns, surviving anyway they can. Of course there's the usual gangs who will slaughter anyone who puts up a fight.
Enter a woman and her niece who the Cartel want back no matter the consequences and chaos ensures.
Well written with likeable characters
After most the world is killed in an extreme flu pandemic, the survivors and set themselves up in little towns, surviving anyway they can. Of course there's the usual gangs who will slaughter anyone who puts up a fight.
Enter a woman and her niece who the Cartel want back no matter the consequences and chaos ensures.
Well written with likeable characters
May 3, 2020
I was standing outside in line at the bank 2 meters from the person in front and behind me and I pulled out my Kindle to pass the time. This book was downloaded and the Author’s note starts with “civilization has broken down after a confluence of remarkable events - a deadly global pandemic and the resultant collapse of the monetary system”. So our monetary system hasn’t collapsed but global recession (close enough), I was hooked. Not as good as the Jet series, I love a kick ass woman but a good entertaining read nevertheless. I was pleased to see that this is another series so I happily downloaded the next in the series.
February 24, 2019
WARNING: Spoilers.
It's difficult to make a post-apocalyptic world dull, but Blake pulls it off.
Oh, the world is terrible and cruel, as expected, but it's a paint-by-numbers cruelty. The bad guys are generic bad guys, really the only difference between the various factions being competency.
Blake is also fond of reminding us that humans are scumbags at heart. He stuffs his own personal monologues into normally tight-lipped characters to drive the point home. Even Lucas – your standard taciturn cowboy – delivers a lecture on mankind's follies.
Speaking of Lucas: he's lame. His dialogue is – mostly – clipped, his demeanor is thorny, and he undergoes no real character arc – unless you count awakening his innate bad-ass killing spree superpowers a character arc.
The other characters are forgettable. Ruby pops up from somewhere, and she has a bunch of cool, useful stuff. Allegedly an “eccentric old lady,” I didn't notice any entertaining eccentricity.
Sierra is a woman. Eve is a special little girl. That about sums them up.
Duke is probably the best character in the novel, with his mix of penny-pinching scoundrel (or ammo-pinching, in this world) and reluctantly sympathetic ally.
Several bad guys get POVs, for mystifying reasons.
Garret is once such bad guy. He does bad things, sometimes even to other bad guys, because he's BAD...then Lucas kills him.
That's it. No character arc. No epiphany. He doesn't divulge important information to Lucas and Sierra. He just does bad things – including killing one important bad guy, which I suppose is worth something – then is killed. It makes no sense. Why do we follow this character around for so long, when he ends up as vulture food?
The sheriff (or police chief; I forget his title) is another character who dies needlessly. There promised to be tension between him and Lucas, due to their differences in ability, and the fact that Lucas was the town's first choice for sheriff – then that subplot is whisked away.
The writing is sharp, which keeps this novel from dropping into the abyss. But strong writing doesn't guarantee a strong story. Nothing here is gripping enough to make me want to purchase the next book in the series.
It's difficult to make a post-apocalyptic world dull, but Blake pulls it off.
Oh, the world is terrible and cruel, as expected, but it's a paint-by-numbers cruelty. The bad guys are generic bad guys, really the only difference between the various factions being competency.
Blake is also fond of reminding us that humans are scumbags at heart. He stuffs his own personal monologues into normally tight-lipped characters to drive the point home. Even Lucas – your standard taciturn cowboy – delivers a lecture on mankind's follies.
Speaking of Lucas: he's lame. His dialogue is – mostly – clipped, his demeanor is thorny, and he undergoes no real character arc – unless you count awakening his innate bad-ass killing spree superpowers a character arc.
The other characters are forgettable. Ruby pops up from somewhere, and she has a bunch of cool, useful stuff. Allegedly an “eccentric old lady,” I didn't notice any entertaining eccentricity.
Sierra is a woman. Eve is a special little girl. That about sums them up.
Duke is probably the best character in the novel, with his mix of penny-pinching scoundrel (or ammo-pinching, in this world) and reluctantly sympathetic ally.
Several bad guys get POVs, for mystifying reasons.
Garret is once such bad guy. He does bad things, sometimes even to other bad guys, because he's BAD...then Lucas kills him.
That's it. No character arc. No epiphany. He doesn't divulge important information to Lucas and Sierra. He just does bad things – including killing one important bad guy, which I suppose is worth something – then is killed. It makes no sense. Why do we follow this character around for so long, when he ends up as vulture food?
The sheriff (or police chief; I forget his title) is another character who dies needlessly. There promised to be tension between him and Lucas, due to their differences in ability, and the fact that Lucas was the town's first choice for sheriff – then that subplot is whisked away.
The writing is sharp, which keeps this novel from dropping into the abyss. But strong writing doesn't guarantee a strong story. Nothing here is gripping enough to make me want to purchase the next book in the series.
November 19, 2019
3.5 stars
After reading Blood Honor, you can tell that Russell Blake has done a tremendous amount of research before writing this book. Yes, a lot of the gun and ammo information was over my head (and I honestly didn't care about it), but seeing as those things were one of the main sources of trade in this world, it was necessary. I loved the detailed information of the defenses set up at the houses, towns, and bunkers.
The main things that annoyed me were the lack of decent female characters, and the role of females in this post-apocalyptic world. I get that the towns were taken over by the gangs and cartels, but there are plenty of females in gangs and cartels these days, and I'm not sure why that wouldn't carry over. The fact that women became slaves to be used by the men took away from the story to me.
That leads me to lack of decent female characters. Sierra is a moronic twit. She has been living in this world since the crash, protecting this little girl. And she thinks that just because something doesn't go her way immediately, she should run off with the girl, creating a trail that a blind man could follow (which of course leads the enemy directly to her). It wouldn't hurt my feelings if she got killed in one of the future books, but I'm assuming that won't happen (but a girl can dream.....)
After reading Blood Honor, you can tell that Russell Blake has done a tremendous amount of research before writing this book. Yes, a lot of the gun and ammo information was over my head (and I honestly didn't care about it), but seeing as those things were one of the main sources of trade in this world, it was necessary. I loved the detailed information of the defenses set up at the houses, towns, and bunkers.
The main things that annoyed me were the lack of decent female characters, and the role of females in this post-apocalyptic world. I get that the towns were taken over by the gangs and cartels, but there are plenty of females in gangs and cartels these days, and I'm not sure why that wouldn't carry over. The fact that women became slaves to be used by the men took away from the story to me.
That leads me to lack of decent female characters. Sierra is a moronic twit. She has been living in this world since the crash, protecting this little girl. And she thinks that just because something doesn't go her way immediately, she should run off with the girl, creating a trail that a blind man could follow (which of course leads the enemy directly to her). It wouldn't hurt my feelings if she got killed in one of the future books, but I'm assuming that won't happen (but a girl can dream.....)
April 27, 2022
Can't keep family
Just loved this book. The author is really great writing in this genre along with his other books. Can't wait to continue the story.
Just loved this book. The author is really great writing in this genre along with his other books. Can't wait to continue the story.
January 7, 2019
As a self-relience enthusiast I'm drawn to post-apocalyptic stories, but not many are written as well as this one from Russell Blake. Then there is the added bonus that because the story takes place in Texas and the main character, Lucas, was a Texas Ranger before the plague hit, you also get a modern day western as well! Horses and guns a blazing - yeah, it's all there. Being a woman of a certain age I especially enjoyed the fact a mature woman (who knows how to take care of herself) is a strong character in the story. Lots of action, and yet depth and humanity as well. I actually read this book within a couple of days, but finished it during the holidays so getting my review written and posted got delayed. Yeah, I wished the book was longer, but I realize this series has lots of books so I'm willing to go with the shorter stories. This was a win-win book for me and an easy 5 stars. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 9, 2019
Ok book, not the best I have read of this kind, not the worst either. Guess I will have to read the next one in the series to see where it goes from here.
November 1, 2025
Good
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this book and how they had to mmm let go BB of the past
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this book and how they had to mmm let go BB of the past
September 15, 2025
Reads more like a Western than anything else
>> This is an entertaining thriller with a post-apocalypse setting, but there’s not even a pretense of telling a story that has an ending of its own. Instead, it just leads into the next book in the series.
>> This is an entertaining thriller with a post-apocalypse setting, but there’s not even a pretense of telling a story that has an ending of its own. Instead, it just leads into the next book in the series.
August 27, 2019
Intriguing, reminiscent of an old Western
I enjoyed this book. The author was creative and witty. I look forward to reading more written by this author.
I enjoyed this book. The author was creative and witty. I look forward to reading more written by this author.
November 24, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed. Already moved on to book #2
Read
July 25, 2016Always nice to read a non-zombie apocalypse. I liked that we knew early in the story what caused the apocalypse and how the main character survived. He's your typical macho post-apocalypse survivor with the skills to stay one step ahead of the grim reaper, even when he does dumb shit like
The storyline and pace are great. It's a page turner. But this book definitely plays into right-leaning paranoia... I think the term "nanny state" is even used once. Lots of gun porn anytime they kill attackers and loot their bodies, which is often. Women tend to have a special status of either wife, matron, or potential love interest, not fighters.
Overall it's your typical disaster survival story, with little hope of a back to normal state. I wouldn't even really call it science fiction other than the details around what type of pandemic it is. It feels pretty hopeless and pointless except for a glimmer of hope around the girl.
The storyline and pace are great. It's a page turner. But this book definitely plays into right-leaning paranoia... I think the term "nanny state" is even used once. Lots of gun porn anytime they kill attackers and loot their bodies, which is often. Women tend to have a special status of either wife, matron, or potential love interest, not fighters.
Overall it's your typical disaster survival story, with little hope of a back to normal state. I wouldn't even really call it science fiction other than the details around what type of pandemic it is. It feels pretty hopeless and pointless except for a glimmer of hope around the girl.
February 16, 2019
Garrett Never Had A Chance Against Lucas- A Must Read
When an author can make you feel dirty, gritty, sweaty, hungry and thirsty- it’s a good read. The story takes place in one of the most hostile places to live the Southwest (Texas and New Mexico) and the hero of the book is not your typical ex-military type who has all these MacGyver tactics up his sleeve, he’s just a normal guy who unwittingly gets involved with a woman trying to save a child. There are the typical bad guys and bullies to contend with and fight scenes- humor and banter with good guys. The book has it all. I’m glad to see that there are more books in the series to satiate my appetite of the apocalypse. Overall this is a great read- the story line, the characters and the location make it a 5 star book.
When an author can make you feel dirty, gritty, sweaty, hungry and thirsty- it’s a good read. The story takes place in one of the most hostile places to live the Southwest (Texas and New Mexico) and the hero of the book is not your typical ex-military type who has all these MacGyver tactics up his sleeve, he’s just a normal guy who unwittingly gets involved with a woman trying to save a child. There are the typical bad guys and bullies to contend with and fight scenes- humor and banter with good guys. The book has it all. I’m glad to see that there are more books in the series to satiate my appetite of the apocalypse. Overall this is a great read- the story line, the characters and the location make it a 5 star book.
August 7, 2016
It has been a while since I read a Russell Blake novel. I had forgotten just how smooth his writing was. A real pleasure.
For the first half of this story, take away the weapons being used and the dystopian theme, I could have just as easily been reading something by Louis L'Amour. The descriptions of the western Texas, eastern New Mexico landscape, and a former Texas Ranger fighting for what is right, are right out of his style.
As this is the first of a series there is no suspense on whether or not the protagonist is going to survive the situations. But it's a fun read anyway.
For the first half of this story, take away the weapons being used and the dystopian theme, I could have just as easily been reading something by Louis L'Amour. The descriptions of the western Texas, eastern New Mexico landscape, and a former Texas Ranger fighting for what is right, are right out of his style.
As this is the first of a series there is no suspense on whether or not the protagonist is going to survive the situations. But it's a fun read anyway.
May 13, 2016
A very intense read. Hope this never really happens. I know this is a book, but hey, you never really know for sure. I also hope that Lucas and Ruby make it through this mess. As for Sierra, not so sure about her. Something fishy about her. And poor little Eve caught up in it all. Now its a matter of waiting till the next one is out later this month.
April 20, 2016
Scary story.
One thing for sure, won't be reading the next book. Five-year after apocalypse, Texas under the control of Mexican cartel and inmates from the prisons. What's left of humanity struggling to survive.
One thing for sure, won't be reading the next book. Five-year after apocalypse, Texas under the control of Mexican cartel and inmates from the prisons. What's left of humanity struggling to survive.
November 17, 2021
Too much God
A good read, with the exception of all the references to God. Especially the phrase “God fearing”, which is when I stopped reading.
A good read, with the exception of all the references to God. Especially the phrase “God fearing”, which is when I stopped reading.
December 29, 2024
This is the first book in The Day After Never series. It is an apocalyptic novel that is based in the US. It takes place after super flu has swept across the world and wiped out the vast majority of people. There are small groups still alive
The story focuses on ex-Texas Ranger Luke Shaw. He is a loner who drifts between the trading posts and the ranch he lives at with his grandfather, Hal. Horses provide the main transport as there is no fuel for machines or vehicles, there are solar panels and batteries that give some basic power for lighting, radios and some very low-powered items.
The Texas border has always been in contention and it still is in this author's story, some main gangs and crews have forged out bases. The larger cities are violent and brutal places where only the most hardened or brutal can take and remain in charge. There is no government, no law, no anything.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a great intro to the series, it is also a great intro for me to this author.
The author has laid out the basics of his landscape, the people, what happened and the way they live now. There is a sense of loneliness as basically, everyone does look out for themselves, but there is still a sense of those who want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, these are few and far between. Luke is respected as is Hal, they do what they can to help people and this shows when Luke comes across a badly injured woman who he decides to help. A good turn soon turns into a much larger and the story takes a more suspense-filled thriller style of story.
I like the way the author has brought the bleakness to the landscape and explains how people have lived as well as relating the way a superbug all but wiped out the human population. This was first published in 2016 and as we have lived through a pandemic, I think it changes the way we now read apocalyptic and dystopian novels, well for me I think it has. It makes things more believable and possible.
The author creates a slightly slower pace a the beginning and this gradually builds up as tensions and tempers rise. There is quite a lot going on this story considering it 251 pages and it is laid out well to keep the story and the plot moving. Some good characters and some interesting twists and I am looking forward to continuing this series.
This is a good book for those who are looking to start a series, there are 11 books in the series and having a quick glance at the ratings, they are well received. This is ideal for those who like end of days style stories and one I would be very happy to recommend.
The story focuses on ex-Texas Ranger Luke Shaw. He is a loner who drifts between the trading posts and the ranch he lives at with his grandfather, Hal. Horses provide the main transport as there is no fuel for machines or vehicles, there are solar panels and batteries that give some basic power for lighting, radios and some very low-powered items.
The Texas border has always been in contention and it still is in this author's story, some main gangs and crews have forged out bases. The larger cities are violent and brutal places where only the most hardened or brutal can take and remain in charge. There is no government, no law, no anything.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a great intro to the series, it is also a great intro for me to this author.
The author has laid out the basics of his landscape, the people, what happened and the way they live now. There is a sense of loneliness as basically, everyone does look out for themselves, but there is still a sense of those who want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, these are few and far between. Luke is respected as is Hal, they do what they can to help people and this shows when Luke comes across a badly injured woman who he decides to help. A good turn soon turns into a much larger and the story takes a more suspense-filled thriller style of story.
I like the way the author has brought the bleakness to the landscape and explains how people have lived as well as relating the way a superbug all but wiped out the human population. This was first published in 2016 and as we have lived through a pandemic, I think it changes the way we now read apocalyptic and dystopian novels, well for me I think it has. It makes things more believable and possible.
The author creates a slightly slower pace a the beginning and this gradually builds up as tensions and tempers rise. There is quite a lot going on this story considering it 251 pages and it is laid out well to keep the story and the plot moving. Some good characters and some interesting twists and I am looking forward to continuing this series.
This is a good book for those who are looking to start a series, there are 11 books in the series and having a quick glance at the ratings, they are well received. This is ideal for those who like end of days style stories and one I would be very happy to recommend.
January 16, 2018
I love the apocalypse genre and found "The Day After Never - Blood Honor" quite different from others. In fact, it's the first dystopian story that read like a western with drug cartels playing the roles of the bad guys. It's been years since gasoline was available and horses have become the vehicle of transportation. Hunting, farming and bartering have become staples for survival...everything, including your life, had a price.
Cartels took over cities and treated its citizens like slaves...saying or doing something against the rules resulted in a bullet between the eyes. There was a pandemic that killed much of the population and now, a new strain has evolved, and it was killing everyone else. It has stalled and is positioned in the eastern part of the country - lack of transportation out of the hot zone has prevented its spread.
The main character was chasing a group of Mustangs to be used as bartering when he sees a group of people ambushed by one of the local cartels. By the time he arrived to render aid, he is too late, but does find a woman who was badly wounded but still alive. He manages to get her back to town where she gets treatment and finally awakens two days later. She is in a panic over a five-year-old girl who was still hiding at the ambush site. He agrees to help and by doing so risks everything and then loses everything he holds dear.
There are many twists and turns and the main character finds himself in dire straits more than once. It's the first book in a series and leaves the story open ended which I didn't like but expected. It's a good read with some slow parts...all that was missing was a rodeo and injuns.
Cartels took over cities and treated its citizens like slaves...saying or doing something against the rules resulted in a bullet between the eyes. There was a pandemic that killed much of the population and now, a new strain has evolved, and it was killing everyone else. It has stalled and is positioned in the eastern part of the country - lack of transportation out of the hot zone has prevented its spread.
The main character was chasing a group of Mustangs to be used as bartering when he sees a group of people ambushed by one of the local cartels. By the time he arrived to render aid, he is too late, but does find a woman who was badly wounded but still alive. He manages to get her back to town where she gets treatment and finally awakens two days later. She is in a panic over a five-year-old girl who was still hiding at the ambush site. He agrees to help and by doing so risks everything and then loses everything he holds dear.
There are many twists and turns and the main character finds himself in dire straits more than once. It's the first book in a series and leaves the story open ended which I didn't like but expected. It's a good read with some slow parts...all that was missing was a rodeo and injuns.
July 23, 2019
This is one of the few books of the post-apocalypse genre where I cared about the characters as more that force vectors firing small arms into one-dimensional bad guys. The whole idea that having a well stocked bugout bag and an AR-15 with a variable power scope (and a 1911) is going to be a solution to the end of civilization as we know it is starting to wear thin. That is why I stopped reading this genre. I was pleasantly surprised by Mr. Blake’s powers of description about the southwest, his much better than average gift for dialogue and his character development. What usually passes for dialogue are descriptions about muzzle velocity and ballistics. I think he is on the right track. If I, the reader really has the desire to go down the rabbit hole and examine the depressing end of civilization, what are the real questions that deserve well reasoned answers? Why even go on living? Who can you trust, and how do you determine this? How can you find hope for the future? What does this experience say about the human race in the broadest sense and our ability to govern ourselves, now, and in the future? Mr. Blake is heading in the right direction, but I am not sure I want to follow. I read “The Road”, and I was depressed for weeks.
January 20, 2025
Book 1 proved real good!
Lucas and Ray, his grandfather, had life pretty good even five years after the pandemic that killed most of the world. Ray had bought a ranch a few years before and Lucas joined him after he lost his wife. The few survivors had bound together in small towns and traded for food and essentials. Rumors of gangs and cartels out of Mexico were scary but so far they had left the small community of Loving alone.
Lucas eventually meets Sierra and her five year old niece Eve and trouble begins. The world had turned ugly and brutal. Lucas helped to defend his friends and Sierra and Eve. The question becomes how far will he go to protect these two? Has Sierra really told him the whole truth? Did Lucas want to get back in the fight or not. We the readers are left wondering what will happen next in this dangerous world or will he just let Sierra and Eve go on their own. That’s another story for Book 2.
Lucas and Ray, his grandfather, had life pretty good even five years after the pandemic that killed most of the world. Ray had bought a ranch a few years before and Lucas joined him after he lost his wife. The few survivors had bound together in small towns and traded for food and essentials. Rumors of gangs and cartels out of Mexico were scary but so far they had left the small community of Loving alone.
Lucas eventually meets Sierra and her five year old niece Eve and trouble begins. The world had turned ugly and brutal. Lucas helped to defend his friends and Sierra and Eve. The question becomes how far will he go to protect these two? Has Sierra really told him the whole truth? Did Lucas want to get back in the fight or not. We the readers are left wondering what will happen next in this dangerous world or will he just let Sierra and Eve go on their own. That’s another story for Book 2.
October 23, 2017
A fast paced exciting western about former Texas Ranger Lucas Shaw, living in rural southwest after the end of the modern world (thanks to a massive influenza pandemic) and doing what he can to survive without compromising himself too much.
The Crew, a Tx based criminal cartel that controls most of central and northern Texas, is pursuing a young woman, Sierra, and her niece, Eve. Lucas, along with his friend former computer tech Ruby, get pulled into helping them evade the Crew.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a believable fallen world, where criminals are the new elites, and what's left of the population is exploited, raped, robbed and ruled by gangs. Gangs like the crew, which is led by career criminal and psychopath Magnus, whose leadership style is to kill and dominate.
This is a good book, a good post apocalyptic thriller, dystopian but not without light or hope, and a good western. Highly recommended.
The Crew, a Tx based criminal cartel that controls most of central and northern Texas, is pursuing a young woman, Sierra, and her niece, Eve. Lucas, along with his friend former computer tech Ruby, get pulled into helping them evade the Crew.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a believable fallen world, where criminals are the new elites, and what's left of the population is exploited, raped, robbed and ruled by gangs. Gangs like the crew, which is led by career criminal and psychopath Magnus, whose leadership style is to kill and dominate.
This is a good book, a good post apocalyptic thriller, dystopian but not without light or hope, and a good western. Highly recommended.
July 20, 2019
A post apocalyptic western in disguise
I loved the main character, Lucas. He reminded me A LOT of Llewellyn Moss from No Country For Old Men, one of my favorites. A simple man of few words and confident actions, a truly well written character without being a Mary Sue which is all too common. The plot an interesting adventure and I will be reading on with the series. The only thing I didn't like is some of the supporting characters dialog is a bit thin (occasionally) and I don't think it's necessary to give all the gunplay details like Brand names of guns or model numbers, all that fluff. And I'm a gun guy! I just think it feels odd when a more generic description is probably better suited. But that's a minor complaint, it was a good read I definitely enjoyed it and looking forward to more.
I loved the main character, Lucas. He reminded me A LOT of Llewellyn Moss from No Country For Old Men, one of my favorites. A simple man of few words and confident actions, a truly well written character without being a Mary Sue which is all too common. The plot an interesting adventure and I will be reading on with the series. The only thing I didn't like is some of the supporting characters dialog is a bit thin (occasionally) and I don't think it's necessary to give all the gunplay details like Brand names of guns or model numbers, all that fluff. And I'm a gun guy! I just think it feels odd when a more generic description is probably better suited. But that's a minor complaint, it was a good read I definitely enjoyed it and looking forward to more.
August 6, 2024
This one had potential, but it was almost reminded me of Stephen King the way he goes on and on and on… he spend too much time describing things IMO, do the point where I would lose interest and skim until the plot picked back up.
I also didn’t care for his character transitions, it got confusing because they seemed to change in paragraphs with no indicators of changing perspectives (i.e., chapters or asterisks).
I really liked the story line, I liked the MC, I saw that others didn’t like him because he didn’t want to go out of his way for others. But, to me, I could see that happening if you lived in an environment as described; you would look out for you and yours and take as few risks as needed to survive. All in all the characters and the story line seemed believable for a post post apocalyptic backdrop
I also didn’t care for his character transitions, it got confusing because they seemed to change in paragraphs with no indicators of changing perspectives (i.e., chapters or asterisks).
I really liked the story line, I liked the MC, I saw that others didn’t like him because he didn’t want to go out of his way for others. But, to me, I could see that happening if you lived in an environment as described; you would look out for you and yours and take as few risks as needed to survive. All in all the characters and the story line seemed believable for a post post apocalyptic backdrop
February 6, 2025
OK, so I went back on my intentions for this year. I decided I was going to make a major departure in my reading and only read non-fiction books this year. That lasted about two weeks. I missed my fiction!
So, here I am. The premise, or setting, of this story is plausible. In this book, there are no zombies after a post-apocalyptic plague. Just really power hungry, unspeakably bad people. The only part of that, that I hoped was implausible, is that I would hope some equally powerful good people would also rise up in those circumstances and fight back. I mean, c’mon—there’s a lot of good people out there who would not allow evil people to take control, right? Not just one guy on his horse, right? Anyway, if you are one of those good people, it makes you think and wonder what you would do.
So, here I am. The premise, or setting, of this story is plausible. In this book, there are no zombies after a post-apocalyptic plague. Just really power hungry, unspeakably bad people. The only part of that, that I hoped was implausible, is that I would hope some equally powerful good people would also rise up in those circumstances and fight back. I mean, c’mon—there’s a lot of good people out there who would not allow evil people to take control, right? Not just one guy on his horse, right? Anyway, if you are one of those good people, it makes you think and wonder what you would do.
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