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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.
In the aftermath of the shocking revelations about the propagation of the human race, Dan latches on to a desperate chance to change the future which many have accepted. The group splits and Dan leads his closest allies on an uncertain journey to find a solution. They find themselves battling against the elements, against new foes, and above all, against time.
They must succeed.
They must have hope.
In the aftermath of the shocking revelations about the propagation of the human race, Dan latches on to a desperate chance to change the future which many have accepted. The group splits and Dan leads his closest allies on an uncertain journey to find a solution. They find themselves battling against the elements, against new foes, and above all, against time.
They must succeed.
They must have hope.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2016
350 people are currently reading
244 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 81 reviews
March 28, 2019
Hell is other people, we all know that. Or do we? If you think you did, wait until apocalypse make people show their true colours.
December 3, 2016
Nowhere near as good as the first 3 books. They were believable, in this one the author skipped the research in the expansion of the story line. Maps on boats are charts, marines are trained boat operators. Don't treat your readers as idiots. Research before writing. The easy way from Poole to Calais is left until Dover then straight a cross. Only a fool would go south to Cherbourg and add many mile and hours to journey. Go up river from Rotterdam not Antwerp.
Enjoy books 1,2,3. Don't waste your money on this one. Not a credible tale, author didn't do enough research I won't buy any further ones in series.
Enjoy books 1,2,3. Don't waste your money on this one. Not a credible tale, author didn't do enough research I won't buy any further ones in series.
November 5, 2019
I read this book as a part of a box containing book 1-6. The series is very entertaining and well written but I do not understand Dan's decisions in this novel. He more or less leaves the others undefended. Why had he not taken steps for a defence and a training of a militia. No sentries. No wall? And he abandons a mode of transportation and goes north instead of south. Is that due to lack of knowledge? Why not kling to the coastline and use the ship to sail to Africa. A lot safer and faster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2020
I'm rolling my eyes at the men in this book who cause hardship on others due to their tiny little man child egos. Devon C Ford really knows how to create amazing characters - both good and bad! Leah's still my favourite though... and Ash. I'm gonna have a kid like Leah one day hahaha.
February 10, 2017
A story about what you hope you would do.
Great story for someone who might be wondering. What if it all went down. What could you do. Would you be a survivor?
Great story for someone who might be wondering. What if it all went down. What could you do. Would you be a survivor?
August 29, 2018
Such an awesome series!!! Whats going to happen next?!!
November 27, 2017
i'll keep going but I'm pretty sure I know what's going to happen and I don't mind.
February 25, 2017
The fast paced an unexpected twists and turns in Book 4 are mind boggling, resulting in a deep divide within this group. The group splits with the strongest members leaving to gather more information about the apparent and devastating "side effect" of the disease.
Again the smoothly written, well developed story is gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat! Character development continues to expand and deepen, involving even more individuals. I rated the story 4.49. I am so hooked on this series!
Again the smoothly written, well developed story is gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat! Character development continues to expand and deepen, involving even more individuals. I rated the story 4.49. I am so hooked on this series!
August 16, 2020
One thing I liked about this series, is that the people were doing things that made sense. That all goes out the window for this one. They embark on a journey that I can't believe a single one of them would ever of thought possible -- especially with the problems they have encountered within a few miles of home. Even the motivation behind the trip seems poorly reasoned. I don't want to get in to spoilers, but I just don't think any reasonable person would have looked at the same evidence, and drawn the same conclusions.
December 17, 2021
The series changes a bit in this book.
Honestly, I'm not really sure if I understand why the group decided to go to Africa.
What EXACTLY were they trying to accomplish? I mean, I get the underlying reason....Dan and Marie's child. But, I'm not sure I ever really GOT it. I kind of felt like this was more of a plot point.
Regardless, it moved the story along and definitely created more conflict and more drama.
Still.....I'm still invested.
What is going to happen next?
Honestly, I'm not really sure if I understand why the group decided to go to Africa.
What EXACTLY were they trying to accomplish? I mean, I get the underlying reason....Dan and Marie's child. But, I'm not sure I ever really GOT it. I kind of felt like this was more of a plot point.
Regardless, it moved the story along and definitely created more conflict and more drama.
Still.....I'm still invested.
What is going to happen next?
June 22, 2017
Super good
I've read many post apocalyptic books in the past 5 years and this is in the top two! The strong lead character is a good man who ties all the books together. One thing I particularly enjoy is the addition of humorous animals. The story is realistic but ever hopeful, in part due to the lead guy and the everyday human beings that refuse to give up.
I've read many post apocalyptic books in the past 5 years and this is in the top two! The strong lead character is a good man who ties all the books together. One thing I particularly enjoy is the addition of humorous animals. The story is realistic but ever hopeful, in part due to the lead guy and the everyday human beings that refuse to give up.
January 27, 2019
listened to on youtube
December 12, 2023
Oh, wow! Did the epilogue to Society, book 3 in this explosive series send me rushing pell-mell down the wrong rabbit hole. The epilogue perfectly foreshadowed what was about to happen in this episode, without revealing a single clue as to how it would happen.
If you haven’t read the first three books in this series, you really need to go back and read them now in order the order Ford wrote them before reading this episode in order to fully understand and appreciate what’s happening in “Hope.” These episodes are explosively unpredictable, with more twists than a rattlesnakes path across the desert sands.
Like all the episodes that went before it, Hope ends in a cliffhanger. Ford is the new master of the cliffhanger. Back in the day when they ran episodic serials between the feature films at the movies, each episode ended in a cliffhanger designed to have the patrons coming back week after week to see what was going to happen next. Ford ends each episode with a cliffhanger guaranteed to have the reader rushing off to download the next book in the series out of a need to find out what happens next to the character(s) that they have come to know and love. With that said, I’m off to read Sanctuary, book 5 in the series.
If you haven’t read the first three books in this series, you really need to go back and read them now in order the order Ford wrote them before reading this episode in order to fully understand and appreciate what’s happening in “Hope.” These episodes are explosively unpredictable, with more twists than a rattlesnakes path across the desert sands.
Like all the episodes that went before it, Hope ends in a cliffhanger. Ford is the new master of the cliffhanger. Back in the day when they ran episodic serials between the feature films at the movies, each episode ended in a cliffhanger designed to have the patrons coming back week after week to see what was going to happen next. Ford ends each episode with a cliffhanger guaranteed to have the reader rushing off to download the next book in the series out of a need to find out what happens next to the character(s) that they have come to know and love. With that said, I’m off to read Sanctuary, book 5 in the series.
April 3, 2018
Getting Thin...
This series hit fast and hard with story lines and characters that all continued to grow with equal strength. Sadly though as the series progresses and inevitably adds to the characters to try to meet the needs of the ongoing main storyline as well as the multiple sub plots each story and character appears to either become less than they were or less than earlier characters were allowed to grow into. This same watered down effect seems to also be causing all levels of the current stories to also feel like they're wearing thin and as a result my pseudo wavering attention in book 3 hit fruition in book 4 when I had no issue with putting this book down to pursue other reading options. I much preferred the momentum of the first 2 books in this series that engrossed me to the point of loss of sleep and ignoring other things I probably should have been doing with no sense of regret as I was so enjoying the journey I was vicariously tagging along with. I will give the next book a try but unless the author regains that original enthusiasm that made this series have such a grip on it's readers I don't know if all "Hope" has already been lost.
This series hit fast and hard with story lines and characters that all continued to grow with equal strength. Sadly though as the series progresses and inevitably adds to the characters to try to meet the needs of the ongoing main storyline as well as the multiple sub plots each story and character appears to either become less than they were or less than earlier characters were allowed to grow into. This same watered down effect seems to also be causing all levels of the current stories to also feel like they're wearing thin and as a result my pseudo wavering attention in book 3 hit fruition in book 4 when I had no issue with putting this book down to pursue other reading options. I much preferred the momentum of the first 2 books in this series that engrossed me to the point of loss of sleep and ignoring other things I probably should have been doing with no sense of regret as I was so enjoying the journey I was vicariously tagging along with. I will give the next book a try but unless the author regains that original enthusiasm that made this series have such a grip on it's readers I don't know if all "Hope" has already been lost.
October 23, 2019
Hope: book 4
The ago s!Lee down a little from forward movement while taking some interesting side trips and allowing some new, some old, and some relatively unexamined but original members of the New order to bring themselves into closer focus. Surprisingly, a few generally hardened and proficient characters meet with death but I'm not going to reveal any spoilers. I'm sort of committed to the process and content of this series the .more I read. I wasn't planning to read the entire series at first, but now that I'm this far along, it's a waste of my time to stop my progress and begin something else. For better or worse I have to know how it all plays out. On to the next one.
The ago s!Lee down a little from forward movement while taking some interesting side trips and allowing some new, some old, and some relatively unexamined but original members of the New order to bring themselves into closer focus. Surprisingly, a few generally hardened and proficient characters meet with death but I'm not going to reveal any spoilers. I'm sort of committed to the process and content of this series the .more I read. I wasn't planning to read the entire series at first, but now that I'm this far along, it's a waste of my time to stop my progress and begin something else. For better or worse I have to know how it all plays out. On to the next one.
September 15, 2019
Hope!
What a twist to the story!!!!!! I NEVER saw the direction Devon took our crew in this installment of After It Happened. I was scratching my head when Africa came into the picture. And Lexi...what a disappointment! And what is to become of poor Steve? The story continues to be well planned out, no dull or boring sections, which I am grateful for. Keep up the good work!
I'm so glad I started this series when I did...I don't have to wait for the next book, I can roll right along. You all need to join me as I follow Dan, Marie, Leah and the others find their way.
On to book 5
What a twist to the story!!!!!! I NEVER saw the direction Devon took our crew in this installment of After It Happened. I was scratching my head when Africa came into the picture. And Lexi...what a disappointment! And what is to become of poor Steve? The story continues to be well planned out, no dull or boring sections, which I am grateful for. Keep up the good work!
I'm so glad I started this series when I did...I don't have to wait for the next book, I can roll right along. You all need to join me as I follow Dan, Marie, Leah and the others find their way.
On to book 5
January 4, 2018
Africa?
Major changes have transpired regarding Dan and the farm community.
The origins of the mysterious illness have since been revealed and it has become evident as to what after effects now plague those who managed to survive the initial wave of the illness. Now, a small crew, in search for answers, hope, and a possible cure are venturing to Africa. The lead-in for the next installment: just imagine a road trip through the Middle East.
Major changes have transpired regarding Dan and the farm community.
The origins of the mysterious illness have since been revealed and it has become evident as to what after effects now plague those who managed to survive the initial wave of the illness. Now, a small crew, in search for answers, hope, and a possible cure are venturing to Africa. The lead-in for the next installment: just imagine a road trip through the Middle East.
August 2, 2018
Another good instalment of this character based story after an apocalypse happened. We see the break up of the group, with most of the main cast of characters heading towards Africa, in the hope of finding an answer to their issue - otherwise, it could be the human extinction.
Those left behind start to fall apart, once the heads have moved on. The bickering threatens to bring into light the end of the previous book.
Those left behind start to fall apart, once the heads have moved on. The bickering threatens to bring into light the end of the previous book.
May 15, 2019
A DCF. SYFY. Novel (AIHB - 4)/Limited Life Goes On
DCF. has. penned. A SYFY. Adventure Mystery Novel which continues where Number 3 left off. Life has spiraled into the place of no plenty. There are nasty rumors that cause the settlement grief, plus the dangerous people continue to show up and their attempts at taking over the camp continue to harass the older community. His is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
DCF. has. penned. A SYFY. Adventure Mystery Novel which continues where Number 3 left off. Life has spiraled into the place of no plenty. There are nasty rumors that cause the settlement grief, plus the dangerous people continue to show up and their attempts at taking over the camp continue to harass the older community. His is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
February 26, 2017
Human weakness and strength continue to war within this story. It amazes me that even in the midst of struggling to survive selfishness and power struggles dominate the lives of so many. Makes me wonder when mankind will grow up! A hypothesis has been tendered that will send a group in search of the results while the majority remain behind to be overcome by a power hungry man fro their past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2019
Nope
OK, I tried really hard with this series. Started at a generous 4 stars book 1, ended with 1 star. Ridiculous story, bland characters who change from chapter to chapter, and so male orientated, lmao he actually calls Lexi broody at one point, honestly not worth bothering with
OK, I tried really hard with this series. Started at a generous 4 stars book 1, ended with 1 star. Ridiculous story, bland characters who change from chapter to chapter, and so male orientated, lmao he actually calls Lexi broody at one point, honestly not worth bothering with
April 19, 2024
A continuing story of devastation and the struggle to flourish again mans worst enemy other men
Good continuation from the first books with new characters added and expanded. Inner struggles and betrayals along with infiltration on one hand and a band struggling to make their way to hopefully save the last of the human race.
Good continuation from the first books with new characters added and expanded. Inner struggles and betrayals along with infiltration on one hand and a band struggling to make their way to hopefully save the last of the human race.
July 7, 2024
Just Wow!
That pretty much covers the content of book 4. Brilliant addition to the series. In lots of ways it’s heartbreaking, who will prevail and who will fall?
Plus a whole lot of angst!
Straight onto the next book for me. It’s at times like this that I’m grateful that I subscribed to KU.
That pretty much covers the content of book 4. Brilliant addition to the series. In lots of ways it’s heartbreaking, who will prevail and who will fall?
Plus a whole lot of angst!
Straight onto the next book for me. It’s at times like this that I’m grateful that I subscribed to KU.
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 17, 2017
Listened to this on Audible. Excellent, excellent story. Sad that books 3 & 4 are finished because books 5 & 6 not yet available from Audible so don’t know how long I will have to wait to see how it all ends.
October 1, 2018
Another good addition to the series
I'm hooked. Still enjoying the series as it moves through one crisis after another. I like how no one is a perfect cookie cutter character. All flawed and just trying to survive. Heroes and villains alike.
I'm hooked. Still enjoying the series as it moves through one crisis after another. I like how no one is a perfect cookie cutter character. All flawed and just trying to survive. Heroes and villains alike.
October 7, 2018
The story continues
Without giving anything away the story takes a bold new turn ushering in uncertainty, tension,loss, betrayal and suspension. I will say however I was slightly disappointed to see an ending I saw coming earlier in the book.
Without giving anything away the story takes a bold new turn ushering in uncertainty, tension,loss, betrayal and suspension. I will say however I was slightly disappointed to see an ending I saw coming earlier in the book.
November 19, 2019
Next part. Still getting the benefit of rounding.
Struggles and challenges, sometimes met well, others not so much.
I shouldn't be surprised at this point. It's akin to The Walking Dead without the zombies. That actually could make it more interesting.
Still keeping on.
Struggles and challenges, sometimes met well, others not so much.
I shouldn't be surprised at this point. It's akin to The Walking Dead without the zombies. That actually could make it more interesting.
Still keeping on.
November 15, 2024
Yeah....so there certainly has to be some element of acceptance for the fantastic, but this chapter of the series veers off into that place where the whole plot line becomes ridiculous. I'll try book 5, since the first three were decent enough, but it's on a short leash.
August 23, 2025
Good continuation of the series. This book is almost a short story and felt like the author took a full novel and split it into 2 books. At least the story lines are good and I am looking forward to reading book 5 of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews