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After It Happened #5
Sanctuary
Set in the UK in the immediate aftermath of a mysterious illness which swept the country and left millions dead, the series follows the trials facing a reluctant hero, Dan, and the group he forms around him. They must battle the elements, find sufficient supplies and equipment to survive, and protect themselves against the most destructive force on the planet: other people.
Scattered, the group must come to terms with their new reality. They face more danger than they can deal with. They have no idea if they can win the race against time before one of them becomes critical. Meanwhile, back at home a plan is hatched to overthrow a tyrannical rule.
Scattered, the group must come to terms with their new reality. They face more danger than they can deal with. They have no idea if they can win the race against time before one of them becomes critical. Meanwhile, back at home a plan is hatched to overthrow a tyrannical rule.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2016
365 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Devon C. Ford
80 books430 followersDevon is from the UK, having lived in many places until finally settling in the Midlands. His career in public services started in his teens and has provided a wealth of experiences, both good and some very bad, which form the basis of the book ideas that cause regular insomnia.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
dnf-for-good
June 27, 2019DNF things started getting boring, not even R.C. Bray's talented and delicious voice could make me push through.
March 29, 2019
Nooooo..... Only one more book after this....
February 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this but it was not as good as the others in the series. It did pick up again at the end where you are left wondering how Dan (who is in France) and Steve (In England) are going to progress in the final book
January 29, 2020
This book was just so exciting! I hope Lexi and co. catch up to Dan and co, and that Steve takes down the Major!! I must read the next book now. Got it on Amazon dot com dot au... six books in one courtesy of Unlimited Kindle. I LOVE IT!
May 31, 2017
I love this series! Great characters, feels like family! One thing that I like with this series is to see Leah mature and grow up. Looking forward to the last book! Is there a cure for the pregnant women?
Recommended!!
Recommended!!
March 14, 2017
This book seemed to meander a bit. Our group of intrepid survivors is now fractured into 3 groups and by necessity the story jumps between their different plot lines. It will be interesting to see how they all get together again (which I assume will happen). Dan was starting to get annoying but the big revelation at the end was worth a whole star bump.
October 29, 2019
This finishes the last of the immediate recounting, it seems further volumes will focus on a generational development as well as a time sequencing. I'm going to read because I simply have to know how it all pans out.
I had some serious doubts about the series, beginning with the standard, "Oh crap. Now what"? type of introductory event of surviving in the post-apocalyptic UK.
Book 5 has a great deal of continuity which is often missing in serial adventures. But these characters stay true to previous situations. They grow pretty much by trial and error, but they pay attention to what works and what doesn't. They don't demand familiarity with technical issues, and they don't bog down with over-simplifying the crises. It didn't hurt that most of them had garnered skills beyond their past levels, with qualities both of mercy and loyalty, with a fierce determination never to give up. Or give in. Not without a fight.
Mr. Hall drew a nice shout out to American author Eleanor Bergstein, whose 1987 "Dirty Dancing" hands the nod to the dumbest line, ever: "I carried a watermelon", as blurted out by the lead character, Baby Housman, (Jennifer Grey) in that film. It was an odd comment but I knew the source immediately, one of my favorite films of that time.
But for this last in the After It Happened set, I enjoyed books 3 and 5 most of all. Book one set the stage, book 2 continued the development of the crisis and book 4 created the bridge for the remainder of the saga. Books 3 and 5 just opened more of the strong points and also gave a lot of interesting dialogue and nice preview of just how determined these survivors were to keep society on target to support common human decency and strength in numbers to show how many can often make the impossible not just happen, but happen in a spectacular way.
I recommend these books to anyone who likes a good action story with some genuinely likeable and admirable people refusing to give up so anarchy takes over. Impressive and highly enjoyable.
I'm looking forward now to the next pre-quel/sequel of Leah's story, set a bit further into the future. I'm absolutely hooked.
I had some serious doubts about the series, beginning with the standard, "Oh crap. Now what"? type of introductory event of surviving in the post-apocalyptic UK.
Book 5 has a great deal of continuity which is often missing in serial adventures. But these characters stay true to previous situations. They grow pretty much by trial and error, but they pay attention to what works and what doesn't. They don't demand familiarity with technical issues, and they don't bog down with over-simplifying the crises. It didn't hurt that most of them had garnered skills beyond their past levels, with qualities both of mercy and loyalty, with a fierce determination never to give up. Or give in. Not without a fight.
Mr. Hall drew a nice shout out to American author Eleanor Bergstein, whose 1987 "Dirty Dancing" hands the nod to the dumbest line, ever: "I carried a watermelon", as blurted out by the lead character, Baby Housman, (Jennifer Grey) in that film. It was an odd comment but I knew the source immediately, one of my favorite films of that time.
But for this last in the After It Happened set, I enjoyed books 3 and 5 most of all. Book one set the stage, book 2 continued the development of the crisis and book 4 created the bridge for the remainder of the saga. Books 3 and 5 just opened more of the strong points and also gave a lot of interesting dialogue and nice preview of just how determined these survivors were to keep society on target to support common human decency and strength in numbers to show how many can often make the impossible not just happen, but happen in a spectacular way.
I recommend these books to anyone who likes a good action story with some genuinely likeable and admirable people refusing to give up so anarchy takes over. Impressive and highly enjoyable.
I'm looking forward now to the next pre-quel/sequel of Leah's story, set a bit further into the future. I'm absolutely hooked.
September 27, 2021
I'm making my way through these books, mainly because the story keeps me engaged. There is constantly something new. But the characters!
Dan is truly awful. Initially when he was being fair and against slavery, all was OK. We knew he was a flawed human being doing the best he can. But when he destroyed Kyle, that was unforgivable. Why is Leah worthy of being trained, but kyle isn't? And now he is doing the same with Henry. Why? And Why doesn't anyone else do anything? They are all traipsing off to Africa to save Maries baby, but no one seems to have any cares for the kids they currently have. What happened to the 3 year old who didnt speak? Or was she just a ot point to showcase how awful vegans are? Or the french teenager they find, why cant he translate for them? Again, he seems to be simply a point to pretend that Dan is magnanimous.
Its all about guns and eating out of tins, scavenging for leftovers. Getting the hot water running. Where is the school? The acknowedgement that society is going to become simpler so let's try and find some books on how to live a simpler life? Nothing. Nada.
Yet despite all these annoyances, I seem to be listening my way through them at a steady pace. Its good story telling.
Dan is truly awful. Initially when he was being fair and against slavery, all was OK. We knew he was a flawed human being doing the best he can. But when he destroyed Kyle, that was unforgivable. Why is Leah worthy of being trained, but kyle isn't? And now he is doing the same with Henry. Why? And Why doesn't anyone else do anything? They are all traipsing off to Africa to save Maries baby, but no one seems to have any cares for the kids they currently have. What happened to the 3 year old who didnt speak? Or was she just a ot point to showcase how awful vegans are? Or the french teenager they find, why cant he translate for them? Again, he seems to be simply a point to pretend that Dan is magnanimous.
Its all about guns and eating out of tins, scavenging for leftovers. Getting the hot water running. Where is the school? The acknowedgement that society is going to become simpler so let's try and find some books on how to live a simpler life? Nothing. Nada.
Yet despite all these annoyances, I seem to be listening my way through them at a steady pace. Its good story telling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2020
Still an awesome series. The stress of the characters' various groups is reaching a tipping point. Dan and his group are road weary, injured, stressed to the max when they finally catch their first big break since scavenging the NATO base. Lexi and her group are doing quite the same, but unfortunately their weariness left them vulnerable. And, as for those back home... life in the fold isn't great, but isn't terrible, either. Steve is finally recovering creates a whole new climactic drama with his new friend.
The series is very hard to put down. It's like binge watching a TV show where you're not constantly left on small cliffhangers every episode; but, the next big move is always just in sight. And Ford gives you enough to imagine where it's going next, but crave to see how it works out.
The series is very hard to put down. It's like binge watching a TV show where you're not constantly left on small cliffhangers every episode; but, the next big move is always just in sight. And Ford gives you enough to imagine where it's going next, but crave to see how it works out.
July 9, 2024
All action all of the way.
Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better, it’s incredibly realistic and well written. It’s also a little bit depressing if you allow yourself to think about it too deeply. Only because you can rely on humanity to be absolutely appalling towards each other and for no good reason. In a world where the population is down to the last one percent is it a warped need for human interaction that brings conflict or are some people just that easily manipulated?
Regardless of my musings this is a stunning series, time to follow our favourite characters and hope they prevail. Bring on book 6.
Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better, it’s incredibly realistic and well written. It’s also a little bit depressing if you allow yourself to think about it too deeply. Only because you can rely on humanity to be absolutely appalling towards each other and for no good reason. In a world where the population is down to the last one percent is it a warped need for human interaction that brings conflict or are some people just that easily manipulated?
Regardless of my musings this is a stunning series, time to follow our favourite characters and hope they prevail. Bring on book 6.
May 16, 2019
A DCF. SYFY. Novel (AIHB. - 5)
DCF. has. penned the fifth installment of the After It Happened series, which contains the departure from their protected area into the unknown circumstances of a world gone mad. Not only do they have to watch out for normal human killers they are now in guard for killers that look like monsters and who do not hesitate to kill. One made the comment of. "They look like the living dead and act worse." This is an excellent read for the genre. ...DEHS
DCF. has. penned the fifth installment of the After It Happened series, which contains the departure from their protected area into the unknown circumstances of a world gone mad. Not only do they have to watch out for normal human killers they are now in guard for killers that look like monsters and who do not hesitate to kill. One made the comment of. "They look like the living dead and act worse." This is an excellent read for the genre. ...DEHS
November 5, 2019
I read this book as part of a boxset. This part travelling through France was like having a movie running along with the storyline as I had travelled the peage over the bridge of Millau just a forthnight prior. I however could not understand why Dan is waiting where he waits as it is so unprotected and there is a parking at the end.
The first thing what I thought was when they reached Sanctuary was "Why had no one thought of settling in a place like that back in England?"
The first thing what I thought was when they reached Sanctuary was "Why had no one thought of settling in a place like that back in England?"
December 25, 2016
Awesome and a continued stream of excitement and relevance to the times we are facing as a human race. Also, a good read for enjoyment
Awesome and a continued stream of excitement and relevance to the times we are facing as a human race. Also, a good read for enjoyment and the acquisition of knowing and learning the strength of humanity to survive.
Awesome and a continued stream of excitement and relevance to the times we are facing as a human race. Also, a good read for enjoyment and the acquisition of knowing and learning the strength of humanity to survive.
February 24, 2017
I loved it. I was hoping they would go back for his truck, but oh well. I can't wait for the next book. It just keeps getting better and better. Thanks fme. s
I loved it. When is the next book...I can't wait. Would have loved for him misbegotten his truck back..but oh well..
I loved it. When is the next book...I can't wait. Would have loved for him misbegotten his truck back..but oh well..
October 9, 2018
Darker
This outing is much more dark and pessimistic than previous novels in the series. Everyone who is still alive has a gun and is either coming to kill anyone else they find alive, assault them or something else horrible to them. One question why do the author continually spell fetal with the spelling feotal. Is that the European spelling?
This outing is much more dark and pessimistic than previous novels in the series. Everyone who is still alive has a gun and is either coming to kill anyone else they find alive, assault them or something else horrible to them. One question why do the author continually spell fetal with the spelling feotal. Is that the European spelling?
October 5, 2023
Dan has reached his destination with some difficulty along the way. Now, he has to decide whether he wants to continue on. Lexi and her small group are on their quest to find Dan, encountering problems on their journey. Meanwhile, Steve is busy plotting his coup d'état. There are plenty of threads to keep you entertained
October 6, 2024
This is similar to Commune, but probably targeted at a slightly younger audience. It's less dark for sure, but enjoyable and you don't need to use many braincells to listen to it. Its well written and the reviews are great. Definitely worth a read if you like survivalist/dystopian books that are 'realistic'.
December 16, 2016
Excellent
This is a brilliant continuation of this great writers other books in this series. Well written, with great characters and storylines. I highly recommend this series to all.
This is a brilliant continuation of this great writers other books in this series. Well written, with great characters and storylines. I highly recommend this series to all.
September 7, 2018
Absolutely Wonderful
This fifth book is as good as the first. The world this author had built is so realistic that he puts you right into the story.
This series is the best of TEOTWAWKI. And no zombies to muck it up.
This fifth book is as good as the first. The world this author had built is so realistic that he puts you right into the story.
This series is the best of TEOTWAWKI. And no zombies to muck it up.
April 7, 2024
This series is very exciting
I started a way back before covid, I enjoyed every book as it contains the tales of hope in the mist of apocalypse. No more as I don't like to offer spoilers.
I started a way back before covid, I enjoyed every book as it contains the tales of hope in the mist of apocalypse. No more as I don't like to offer spoilers.
April 26, 2024
The saga continues in France
More nomadic groups attacking the harrassed group of survivors as they seek answers to the loss of babies before birth and to save Dan and Marie's unborn child.
More nomadic groups attacking the harrassed group of survivors as they seek answers to the loss of babies before birth and to save Dan and Marie's unborn child.
May 28, 2017
Awesome
Great story telling. The split narrative was really effective. The story keeps building and you are sucked into it deeper and deeper
Great story telling. The split narrative was really effective. The story keeps building and you are sucked into it deeper and deeper
August 31, 2017
Great Book
Book brings the story along in France and puts the main characters through lots of trials putting them against a new enemy
Book brings the story along in France and puts the main characters through lots of trials putting them against a new enemy
April 4, 2018
Fantastic series. Can't say enough good things about it.
August 10, 2018
Another good instalment in the series. Characters have grown and there are favourites among them. Looking forward to the last? instalment.
October 7, 2018
The story is going from strength to strength.
October 22, 2018
Sanctuary review
Sanctuary is the fifth fast paced post apocalyptic book in the After It Happened series written by author Devon C. Ford.
Sanctuary is the fifth fast paced post apocalyptic book in the After It Happened series written by author Devon C. Ford.
December 1, 2018
Excellent series
I enjoy the character developments
the stories in each book make me want to read the next book. It is very fun and exciting.
I enjoy the character developments
the stories in each book make me want to read the next book. It is very fun and exciting.
February 22, 2019
Sanctuary at last! But so many threads yet to tie!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews