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Duck & Cover Adventures #3
Pursuit of the Apocalypse
The end of the world as you've never known it. The bounty hunter Mr. Christopher has kidnapped Erica and The Librarian and his dog, Chewy are desperate to get her back.
Willie and Coy like money and they are after The Librarian to collect the price on his head. Hawk and his gang of wasteland raiders are after Willie and Coy for a breach of contact.
In the powerful city of Alasis, a movement is growing and the people consider The Librarian a hero. Lord Invictus wants the movement stopped and has sent the fearsome and mysterious Skinners to finish what Mr. Christopher started.
In the middle of it all is a city where the citizens prize freedom and equality above all other things, or else.
And, of course, there are bears.
Be a part of the greatest chase the apocalypse has ever known in this exciting sequel to the best-selling Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors and Knights of the Apocalypse.
Willie and Coy like money and they are after The Librarian to collect the price on his head. Hawk and his gang of wasteland raiders are after Willie and Coy for a breach of contact.
In the powerful city of Alasis, a movement is growing and the people consider The Librarian a hero. Lord Invictus wants the movement stopped and has sent the fearsome and mysterious Skinners to finish what Mr. Christopher started.
In the middle of it all is a city where the citizens prize freedom and equality above all other things, or else.
And, of course, there are bears.
Be a part of the greatest chase the apocalypse has ever known in this exciting sequel to the best-selling Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors and Knights of the Apocalypse.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2016
278 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Wallace
67 books394 followersBenjamin Wallace lives in Dallas, Texas where he complains about the heat—a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 17, 2017
#3 of 3. I really enjoyed the entire series and HATED the ending. I felt like I found an author who was a good fit for me and he went and did that. I still recommend this series -it was a fun ride. I will most likely read more from him.
December 23, 2016
That escalated quickly.
May 6, 2016
The Librarian, an innocuous name for such a man of honour in the Apocalypse.
I loved this book, it had great characters and was full of adventure and excitement. There were lots of surprises, some good, some bad, and the ending was the biggest shock of all. Well deserving of the full five stars, even if I did shed a tear or two. The best in the series so far.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
I loved this book, it had great characters and was full of adventure and excitement. There were lots of surprises, some good, some bad, and the ending was the biggest shock of all. Well deserving of the full five stars, even if I did shed a tear or two. The best in the series so far.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
March 15, 2017
Next book please.
Funny moments and fun and interesting elements. Felt a bit more like the first book's second half, a bit more serious than the second book. Leaves you wanting to continue reading, alas at the moment you can't...
Funny moments and fun and interesting elements. Felt a bit more like the first book's second half, a bit more serious than the second book. Leaves you wanting to continue reading, alas at the moment you can't...
August 14, 2016
Moderately funny. Entertaining enough that I read all three books. But nothing close to Pratchett or Adams and I hate when authors compare themselves to them. Also it's written by someone who clearly complains about things like "PC police" and "social justice warriors" and I'm not into that.
March 8, 2023
This will be added to my favorites list! A hilarious poke at our modern-day "society."
September 25, 2025
(2.5 Stars)
I liked it, I didn't love it.
Don't get me wrong, after the third book, I'm somewhat invested in the story and main characters (I'm including the dog).
However, I think the humor feels forced, (although this book was the best so far in that category). And I also feel like the humor is "punching down" on a lot of people and maybe more mean-spirited than "funny".
On the plus side: I think the minor characters are given interesting backstories and developed nicely. Phil Thron is an excellent narrator. The world is descriptive, but also physics-defying, so there is that too.
I liked it, I didn't love it.
Don't get me wrong, after the third book, I'm somewhat invested in the story and main characters (I'm including the dog).
However, I think the humor feels forced, (although this book was the best so far in that category). And I also feel like the humor is "punching down" on a lot of people and maybe more mean-spirited than "funny".
On the plus side: I think the minor characters are given interesting backstories and developed nicely. Phil Thron is an excellent narrator. The world is descriptive, but also physics-defying, so there is that too.
June 12, 2017
I love post apocalyptic fiction. Like seriously, not counting anything that includes a speculative dystopian future, PA fiction is probably my favorite sub genre of fiction. As I've stated in my previous reviews of books of this type, the more bleak, brutal, and dark, the better, but even I would admit that sometimes these tales get a little too depressing and I need a break.
Enter Benjamin Wallace and his quite surprisingly well written Duck & Cover series. I would wager that there are plenty of authors out there who don't always take themselves very seriously (here's looking at you JA Konrath), but I doubt there are as many who can do that, and still write a book that flows along and reads as well as Pursuit of the Apocalypse and the other 2 books in this (so far written) trilogy.
PotA is pretty much like the other 2, although I would go as far as to say it's probably the most serious and mature of them. Of course, it still gets bogged down here and there with some slightly unnecessary humor, but I know that's Wallace's schtick, and I'm not exactly complaining. Plus, this particular book has one of the best commentaries on the whole "snowflake" culture in his parody of the town of Tolerance, where everyone is supposed to be tolerant of one another, but cant say, do, or even think of anything because all it'll do is offend someone else. I think this quote from the book sums it up best:
"So you're saying a woman might get upset if she sees me looking at her boobs. But the same woman might get mad if she sees me not looking at her boobs?" .
Honestly though, Benjamin Wallace is slowly becoming one of those authors I can turn to for both a good read and a simple, humorous story, and that, in and of itself, is a nice breath of fresh air in a world populated by stuffy, far too serious authors.
Enter Benjamin Wallace and his quite surprisingly well written Duck & Cover series. I would wager that there are plenty of authors out there who don't always take themselves very seriously (here's looking at you JA Konrath), but I doubt there are as many who can do that, and still write a book that flows along and reads as well as Pursuit of the Apocalypse and the other 2 books in this (so far written) trilogy.
PotA is pretty much like the other 2, although I would go as far as to say it's probably the most serious and mature of them. Of course, it still gets bogged down here and there with some slightly unnecessary humor, but I know that's Wallace's schtick, and I'm not exactly complaining. Plus, this particular book has one of the best commentaries on the whole "snowflake" culture in his parody of the town of Tolerance, where everyone is supposed to be tolerant of one another, but cant say, do, or even think of anything because all it'll do is offend someone else. I think this quote from the book sums it up best:
"So you're saying a woman might get upset if she sees me looking at her boobs. But the same woman might get mad if she sees me not looking at her boobs?" .
Honestly though, Benjamin Wallace is slowly becoming one of those authors I can turn to for both a good read and a simple, humorous story, and that, in and of itself, is a nice breath of fresh air in a world populated by stuffy, far too serious authors.
April 18, 2017
I didn't know what to expect when I first started this series. I never thought I would care for this characters as much as I do. I even rooted for Willie and Coy, who somehow found a place in my heart. I wanted Jerry and Erica to have their happily ever after, especially after everything they have been through in these books. I wanted the villains dead, so they could finally be happy
Despite a certain moment - AKA the ending - in this book, this is a great conclusion.
Despite a certain moment - AKA the ending - in this book, this is a great conclusion.
November 26, 2024
Man I love this series. This volume had some twists and turns that made it exciting and a fast read. It also had plenty of the author's trademark dry humor. For those of you who don't get the humor in this series I am genuinely sorry. Wallace shows us how even in a straight up SHTF apocalypse there will still be humor because, well, humans do damn funny stuff and if any of us survive Doomsday I'm pretty sure we will continue to do stupid sh*t and that will be pretty funny. In closing, I hope we continue to see more "super smart" bears and thank you Mr. Wallace for both Coy and Willie. Those two remind me so much of the legendary Beavis and Butthead who probably would blunder their way into surviving the "Crappening" while the rest of us burn 😂.
December 1, 2024
These get better and better. This one is my favorite so far. I love the humor and analogies to pre and post of “The Crappening” and the end of the world. It’s almost as if he knew COVID was on the horizon. I am curious to continue in the series as this one was published 2018. I recently purchased the signed set for my son. Such a fun read!
June 10, 2024
Definitely my least favorite of the first 3 books, but still worth reading. The series seems to be shifting from more humor to more action, as the books have progressed. Some of the humor in this one (around the town of Tolerance) was too on the nose for me and I didn't find it all that funny, at least compared to the first 2 books. While the first book was an amazing combo of humor and action, that is a tall order to consistently deliver. The action in this one is possibly the best so far and there's some good plot lines that the story bounces between. But the darker tone and gross nature of a few parts in this one were not particularly appealing to me. All in all it's a decent series.
I actually think that the last chapter of this book is pretty darn terrible. It's finely written and could be good... in a different series. I think it breaks the contract with the reader of being a light action comedy series, under the guise of being a twist. This is pretty terrible. But I still enjoyed the book quite a bit, so my 4 star rating does not include this final chapter.
I actually think that the last chapter of this book is pretty darn terrible. It's finely written and could be good... in a different series. I think it breaks the contract with the reader of being a light action comedy series, under the guise of being a twist. This is pretty terrible. But I still enjoyed the book quite a bit, so my 4 star rating does not include this final chapter.
February 5, 2019
The world has ended, Mr. Christopher has Erika, and the Librarian is pissed!
Let me start off by saying I was blown away by the first book, I loved every minute of it. The second book, not as much. I found Knights of the Apocalypse to be predictable and frustrating.
Pursuit of the Apocalypse was a return to the enjoyment of the first book. The characters were interesting, the plot moved forward, without being rushed or lagging. The things that seemed predictable, sometimes were, and sometimes were not.
We are given some new adversaries, in Willie and Coy, and while they add some mild annoyances to the Librarian, mainly act as comic relief.
A new setting is added, Tolerance, the most stereotypical Millennial place on Earth. A ironic place where they actually have very little tolerance for any action. A place where you can be arrested for turning someone down for a date, because you may hurt their feelings.
And we have a new set of real enemies, The Skinner's. The name says it all, and rumors of their deeds travel through the wasteland like a virus.
This was an enthralling story, and I enjoyed it very much. It could have been a bit longer, and a few more things added or lengthened to develop the world a bit more. But very good, none the less.
Let me start off by saying I was blown away by the first book, I loved every minute of it. The second book, not as much. I found Knights of the Apocalypse to be predictable and frustrating.
Pursuit of the Apocalypse was a return to the enjoyment of the first book. The characters were interesting, the plot moved forward, without being rushed or lagging. The things that seemed predictable, sometimes were, and sometimes were not.
We are given some new adversaries, in Willie and Coy, and while they add some mild annoyances to the Librarian, mainly act as comic relief.
A new setting is added, Tolerance, the most stereotypical Millennial place on Earth. A ironic place where they actually have very little tolerance for any action. A place where you can be arrested for turning someone down for a date, because you may hurt their feelings.
And we have a new set of real enemies, The Skinner's. The name says it all, and rumors of their deeds travel through the wasteland like a virus.
This was an enthralling story, and I enjoyed it very much. It could have been a bit longer, and a few more things added or lengthened to develop the world a bit more. But very good, none the less.
June 7, 2024
Pursuit of the Apocalypse by Benjamin Wallace receives four stars from me. The four stars is because I enjoyed the reader of this audiobook. Without it, I would have given it three stars.
To be brief: I found this less engaging as the previous two. It is plot driven. I don't see much character development. I think some might say that the Librarian has changed, and I would agree. However, I feel like the change happened quickly. So quickly, I'm not sure there was a change. One might say that at the end of the book he is a different person. however, I feel that it is because of the final events that cause that change and one we don't get to experience.
I feel that this is still a good book and worth the time to read or listen too. I just didn't find it as strong as the others.
To be brief: I found this less engaging as the previous two. It is plot driven. I don't see much character development. I think some might say that the Librarian has changed, and I would agree. However, I feel like the change happened quickly. So quickly, I'm not sure there was a change. One might say that at the end of the book he is a different person. however, I feel that it is because of the final events that cause that change and one we don't get to experience.
I feel that this is still a good book and worth the time to read or listen too. I just didn't find it as strong as the others.
July 26, 2021
Great read!
I love apocalyptic and dystopian stories but my favorites include a bit of humor. The Duck & Cover series has the best kind of humor. You know, it sneaks in and could, hypothetically, make you snort drink out of your nose, LOL. There is plenty of danger, terror and crazy, also. The male protagonist is amazing in his abilities and the story of how those abilities came to be. There is an extremely upsetting scenario at the end of book 3, so prepare yourself. I highly recommend the entire series.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
I love apocalyptic and dystopian stories but my favorites include a bit of humor. The Duck & Cover series has the best kind of humor. You know, it sneaks in and could, hypothetically, make you snort drink out of your nose, LOL. There is plenty of danger, terror and crazy, also. The male protagonist is amazing in his abilities and the story of how those abilities came to be. There is an extremely upsetting scenario at the end of book 3, so prepare yourself. I highly recommend the entire series.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
January 17, 2020
I thought this seriously is an area in which the series has taken a super sharp turn and in it's path managed to crush and electrically burn a number of innocent sweet bunny rabbits. The story is a frantic time ticking adventure in which hits a number of areas that you feel are at cliffs edge.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the new characters introduced but did feel that our main character had stepped back a little.
Not going to mention the ending but..... O Shit....
I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the new characters introduced but did feel that our main character had stepped back a little.
Not going to mention the ending but..... O Shit....
December 9, 2020
Pursuit of the Apocalypse, book 3 of the series, gets more serious, more satirical, and funnier at the same time. There are some funny biker henchmen right out of a Hiaasen novel, some truly blood-curdling bad guys, and a town where everyone is free to do or say whatever they want, as long as it doesn’t offend anyone else. Yeah, it’s a satire. Warning, the ending is dark. Story 4, Craft 5, Humor 5.
February 7, 2025
The masterful bounty hunter Mr. Christopher has the Librarian's wife. He flees east to gain at least some of the reward and maybe lure the most wanted nomadic warrior into Alasis and his death. But Invictus has unleashed his Skinners as it has been one year since he sent Christopher out and is tired of waiting. It all comes to clash in a small college town where a smile is often an insult and saying no could lead to fighting the bear.
March 19, 2019
Solid and fun. Then abruptly sad.
Solid and fun. Then abruptly sad. Three is good rating from me. It means I enjoyed the read. Four means it is so good that I am already planning to read it again. And five means this is a book that changed me, or did something new, something novel in the novel, and it clearly loves language, that's a five.
Solid and fun. Then abruptly sad. Three is good rating from me. It means I enjoyed the read. Four means it is so good that I am already planning to read it again. And five means this is a book that changed me, or did something new, something novel in the novel, and it clearly loves language, that's a five.
January 27, 2022
Even though I told my husband, who got me into these books, that I was giving it zero stars for the ending.... the overall book was well developed. The town of Tolerance was SO spot on it almost hurt how relevant those fools were to today's society. I really wanted to give it 5 stars... but in a HEA chaser and this... ain't it!
December 12, 2023
This book picks up right where book 2 left off. Jerry is after Mr. Christopher, who still has Erica. Willie and Coy are after Jerry, who has a hefty price on his head. Hawk is after Willie and Coy who "accidentally" wiped out a bunch of his men. Everybody's chasing everybody. And then there's the Skinners...
Hated how this one ended, but it was a fun ride.
Hated how this one ended, but it was a fun ride.
September 9, 2025
This and the previous book should have been a single book. It’s a great conclusion to the previous but still only a partial ending. Don’t think you’ll get any closure on this book. It does make me sad after the tightness of the first one that the author felt that serializing with “cliffhangers” has necessary.
March 17, 2017
An end i was not expecting
This was one of the best series I've read in a while. While saying that I was a little bummed with the ending but it is the apocalypse so it can't always end happy and that's all I'll say to not spoil it for anyone else.
This was one of the best series I've read in a while. While saying that I was a little bummed with the ending but it is the apocalypse so it can't always end happy and that's all I'll say to not spoil it for anyone else.
June 19, 2017
Sadder then before but still great
This book wasn't as laugh out loud funny as the second book but the story is just as great. Some very exciting surprises as well. Can't wait for the next one.
This book wasn't as laugh out loud funny as the second book but the story is just as great. Some very exciting surprises as well. Can't wait for the next one.
October 15, 2019
The chase is on!
Jerry is on the run looking for Erica. In pursuit of Mr. Christopher. From desolate towns to places where PC has run amok. Running towards an inevitable confrontation with evil.
Jerry is on the run looking for Erica. In pursuit of Mr. Christopher. From desolate towns to places where PC has run amok. Running towards an inevitable confrontation with evil.
April 14, 2020
I love Wallace and his books. But the end of this book sucks. I absolutely hate it. Of all the types of cliffhangers there are, this one is one of the worst. Absolutely terrible. Thanks for messing up my day, Ben.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
Phil Thron is a spectacular narrator and this third instalment in The Librarian franchise is full of amazing action…but the end is rushed. A little disappointing, but I will definitely continue on the journey.
January 20, 2025
This is a gap book for me where I read it when I am waiting on a library book or I am stuck waiting somewhere and I don't have a book with me. I had sort of forgotten what was going on during the story but I finally got caught up again. Overall it was a decent story.
June 18, 2017
What a great series. A lot of fun but the last books ending left me wanting more.
July 22, 2017
Bad ending
Good books. Ending ruined the whole series. I won't read this author again. If you enjoyed the series so far, stop before you read this book.
Good books. Ending ruined the whole series. I won't read this author again. If you enjoyed the series so far, stop before you read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews