Hell's Encore: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (This Dark Age)

This Dark Age #2

by John L. Monk

Jack extends his domain from the hills of Virginia to the waters of the Chesapeake in search of a more stable food supply. Unbeknownst to him, mechanized death under the control of a sadistic boy threatens what fragile progress he and the survivors at Big Timber have made. To protect the people he loves, Jack must ally with those he needs, and the line between savior and monster has never been blurrier.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Apocalyptic

332 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2017

About the author

John L. Monk lives in Virginia, USA, with his wife, Dorothy. A writer with a degree in cultural anthropology, he boldly does the dishes, roots out evil wherever it lurks, and writes his own stunts.

Reviews

[Teresa Miller]

Really enjoyed this series. I was hoping there was more. John Monk is a very good writer.

[Valerie]

Very good story

Well written story with believable characters who do what they must to survive. The bad guys are somewhat one dimensional with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I enjoyed it.

[P.R. Adams]

Fast-paced, toe-curling, pulse-pounding YA post-apocalyptic suspense.

What an encore!

Even though I'm not a fan of YA, I gave John L. Monk's "Hell's Children" a try. The premise sounded too good to pass on. That book showed how good YA can be, so when "Hell's Encore" came out, I grabbed it immediately. Could Monk duplicate what he'd done with the first book?

Yes, yes he could.

We pick up with Dylan, a new character with an important story, then we reconnect with Jack, Lisa, and Greg shortly after the conclusion of "Hell's Children." There's a masterful flow of building suspense as Monk develops the world of post-Sickness D.C./Maryland/Virginia. By maintaining a distance from the horrors of this post-apocalyptic world, Monk manages to make things even more terrifying. Kids behave every bit as horrifically as their predecessors. It feels far too real.

Kudos to Mr. Monk.

If you like fast-paced, toe-curling, pulse-pounding suspense soaked in dread and sprinkled with dark humor, you must give this series a try. You won't regret it.

[Beckimoody Moody]

Can’t wait for the next book

I finished this sequel in less than a day. After sickness kills all the adults, Jack and his friends need to figure out how to survive and maybe even thrive in this new world. While trying to figure out farming, animal husbandry, and how to find sufficient supplies from the dwindling resources, Jack and his friends face new threats from even stronger enemies.

This book was more violent than the first but also more action packed. I like apocalyptic novels and even if it isn’t a unique premise, these books are well-written. The characters and most situations are believable.

[Yami]

I think this is one of the best dystopian novels I read so far, especially that we were on the trend of such genere, what I most liked about is how real it was, like how an apocalypse would be and how scary it is, he didn't need to add zombies in it to feel like a scary novel, and the emphasis on how books might be the core survival when technology is gone.. I salut the author for it... Loved Jack and his gang, and how this novel kept building, how the characters get challenged emotionally more than any thing else... And a special thank you for the epic closure....
This is a simple diamond in the rough.. A well deserved dystopian novels.....

[India]

Jack is just trying to get by and as his colony grows so does his responsibility. Farming and food production is where he wants to divert his efforts but when a rival group comes calling everything is threatened. With his best friend MIA and the girl he likes dealing with her own problems he has to take back control and it’s not going to be pretty.
This story just gets darker as the innocent and vulnerable are dangled at the end of extinction over a sea of corruption. The book is thought provoking, and I had to stop reading several times to have an exciting debate over what I’d do under the circumstances. Needless to say, the post-apocalyptic novel explores the darkest places and with a fast pace, it keeps the reader in an uncomfortable state of nervousness.
I love this genre and Monk really pushes the boundaries. The novel is carefully researched and authentic which only adds to the readability. If this is your genre, then this is a must-read.

[JESS BYDONIE]

Awesome!!!!

A great book ....it's worth reading!!!!!
It would've been awesome if the author continued on with the series.
I would've like to know what the future hold for the kids and what accomplishments that they did to survive.

[MANDY MARIE BEER]

Awesome

Great book the first book and second were both very adventurous. Our makes you wonder if it would be like that if it really happened?? Jack's a great leader!! I recommend these books kept my attention!!!

[Hollie Gomes]

Phenomenal!!

I am constantly amazed at how these kids have survived. I loved this story and hope they'll be a third!!

[Karina Halt]

A very good read! Feels like this is how things could be if this happened for real, very 'gritty' at times!! Highly Recommended!!

[Linda7600]

I thoroughly enjoyed both books in the series. And in actuality, I wish that the series would continue as I’d like to know what happened. The writer is awesome, very easy to read, and never boring.

[Megan Murphy]

Loved it

I've read a lot of apocalypse books its so refreshing to see a male lead !!! Its a great story and pulls you in and makes you fall in live with the characters !!!!

[Pamela King]

Wanting more...

I liked this as much as the first book and hope that there will be more. I want to know that they succeed.

[Amanda]

I really liked it!!! Can't wait to see if there will be a third book, I sure hope there is!!!

[Brad Theado]

Very dark but a tale told well. I sure hope there is another book coming

[Farshid Houshmand]

The 2nd volume could have Zombies. :)
Just saying

[Nicky]

Good book, a little rushed on the ending and it would have been nice to have a further chapter, maybe there will be in the future. Overall enjoyable read though.

[Jennifer Smith]

Great reading

I couldn't put the book down. I want more. I want to know what happens to Jack and Lisa. Well written. Exciting from start to finish.