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Surviving the Fall #4

Death of Innocence

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Rick Waters has barely escaped a week inside a cell at the Nellis Air Force Base with his life intact. Back on the road he faces a daunting journey filled with dangers that have yet to be realized. In Virginia, Dianne Waters and her children have prepared their home, gathered their supplies and are about to face an incoming storm the likes of which they have never seen. Even if they prevail the cost may be far greater than any of them realized.

Surviving the Fall is a thrilling post-apocalyptic episodic series that focuses on Rick and Dianne Waters and how they each deal with the apocalypse. Stranded across the country away from his family, Rick must travel from California to Virginia to reunite with his wife and children, all while struggling to comprehend and deal with the horrors along the way.

At home with her three children when she experiences the beginning of the end in a dramatic and deadly fashion, Dianne Waters has experience as a prepper and survivalist, but not even years of training and preparation have readied her for the darkness that comes with the end of the world. Now she must draw upon those skills to protect her loved ones and fight back against those who come against her and her family.

Surviving the Fall will feature 14 episodic (25k-30k words in length) books that are full of action, suspense and drama as Rick and Dianne struggle to survive the end of days. Episodes will be published every 2-3 weeks.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2017

453 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

About the author

Mike Kraus

518 books320 followers

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5 stars
309 (44%)
4 stars
247 (35%)
3 stars
108 (15%)
2 stars
20 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Louie the Mustache Matos.
1,427 reviews141 followers
January 23, 2023
This serial, Surviving the Fall by Mike Kraus continues with a fast-paced story that builds the tension from one book (novella) to the next. It firmly confronts the reader with the challenges of a post-apocalyptic extinction level event and the unflinching response by characters we have been made to care about. It challenges the precepts of how we believe we might react in similar circumstance and the moral / ethical quandary of who and what we choose to be in the face of that challenge. In Death of Innocence, book 4, Rick has made it to the Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, while his wife, Dianne is preparing for an East Coast snowstorm. This is the best so far because the challenges of an apocalyptic event become more overt. Is it possible to remain a good person while all societal barriers around you collapse and everything that dictates normal action falls by the wayside? Every compulsion is to protect your family and other loved ones, but those that are innocent and not within your immediate sphere probably not.
Profile Image for Henry.
882 reviews78 followers
November 15, 2023
Much better installment than Book 3. The plot is becoming more intricate and the characters are acting more intelligently.
Profile Image for  ✰  Charlie  ✰ Chisholm.
1,984 reviews22 followers
February 5, 2018
I can’t get enough of Rick and Dianne story it is good. The story characters develop well. I am really into this series. I can’t get enough so many questions I have I am sure they will be answered. I loved Dianne in this one she is such a great character.
178 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2020
Lastly, this author seems to think that putting his two cents worth between each 70 PAGE book, as author's notes are actually appealing... they aren't neither are the in-between recaps in the boxed set... it is better to make each book stand alone and make each one at least 200 pages! This does not mean that i am sticking around for the rest of the books! I refuse to tolerate it anymore... i hardly get into the plot before here comes the end of another 70 page book, commentary between books and before and after each book to catch the reader up... the job is to entertain, not to thank your readers over and over for reading... have some self-respect... and keep the pages of the book inside the world of the book and leave your thanks to the end of it.
137 reviews
May 25, 2019
This installment of the series is probably my favorite after the first one. I complained about book 3, The Shattered Earth, not having a lot of Dianne chapters, but now with book 4, I got what I wanted! I enjoyed seeing them get ready and prep more, as I've mentioned in my reviews of the other books.

One thing that I've noticed about the series as a whole is the unrealistic reactions characters have towards certain situations. I mentioned this in my review of The Shattered Earth regarding Rick, but now I'm seeing it more with Dianne.

What I'm trying to say is that the reason I can't give this series 5 stars is because of the unnatural/unrealistic characters. They don't seem real, their reactions to things, their dialogue and some of their actions just kind of snap you out of the story, which is unfortunate. Other than that, I'm really enjoying the plot, so I'll be powering through the rest of the series!
1,187 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2021
Rick is finally making progress in his desperate attempt to get back to his wife and children. He is concerned with food and water and of course getting gas. At home, Dianne has increasing trouble and their family is in danger. The effects of the children begin to manifest.

This is the fourth book in the post apocalyptic series, Surviving the Fall. This is a very highly emotionally charged episode as the family deals with threats to their security and survival. The decisions that needed to be made by a parent on behalf of her family are difficult and far beyond what our society would usually need to be made. I found the highlighting of the impact of the increasing volatile situation on the children was extremely interesting. This aspect of surviving a disaster is often glossed over in other post apocalyptic series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to discovering more of the Water’s story.
Profile Image for James Ronan.
27 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2017
This series is written in serial format, short books easy to read on a lazy afternoon or plane ride. The story characters develop nicely, the perils are realistic and flow well, the premise works well. I recommend Kraus writing to those who enjoy apocalyptic fiction. although more character driven this reminds me somewhat of Earth Abides (one of the early versions of apocalyptic fiction from my childhood), as well as many others that are based on getting from point a to point B to reunite with family.
195 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2018
This Series is Good But for the Length

While the story of Rick and Dianne is interesting, this series should have been handled more like a true author. The books most people read have at least 30 chapters. Mike Kraus could have combined several of the series into larger books. That to me would have been more satisfying. I do not mind waiting to read a good book but it needs to be an appropriately sized book! Dianne and Rick are continuing in their separate quests to survive and Rick is getting nearer to Virginia. Onto #5.
215 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2017
Excellent

Excellent story telling. When the individual first approached the farm Diane hesitated to take action . He returned and may have given her location to the people he was scavenging for. When he became aggressive at the first contact was the time to eliminate him. Other than that it is as I imagine it would become should some huge disaster befall this country. All in all an exceptionally entertaining read. More please.
26 reviews
July 30, 2017
Awesome read fast paced and thrilling!!

Since I have read the prior 3 books, my opinion is that this entire series is stunning. The more you read the more it brings to mind this could actually happen. Our government is so screwed up that some idiot would try to do something like that. Way to go with characters you definitely have a real talent for this genre. I can't wait for the next installment of this series. Thank you sincerely Debora Seifert.
158 reviews
July 20, 2017
Couldn't put down my ARC copy! Great continuation of the story! I can't wait to see what happens next.

Being the apocalypse, you know everything is not going to go smoothly.

Will Rick make it home? Will Dianne and the kids survive all right? What will happen before the two reunite (... if they reunite)? Will Dr. Evans find a solution to Damocles?

So many questions without answers. I can't wait to find out!!
143 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2017
Rick and Dianne

Two solid characters although Rick took a lot longer to really come to terms with the situation than his wife 3,000 miles to the east. His response to the general in book 3 made me shake my head. I guess it geography was not his strong suit. Any way, I look forward to the next volume.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
June 23, 2021
I have the box set of this series, which is good because despite being in short episode format, I can carry on to the next part instantly.

Full of action and threat, it's a great instalment where Rick and Dianne continue to survive the 'event', humanity seemingly the worst problem.

Enjoyable storytelling.
Profile Image for Tricia Hungerford.
374 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2017
Hungry for more!

Book 4 was just as fantastic as all of Mike's other books! It carries the story in the series on like a letter from my family! Keep going Mike! I' m addicted to your writing!
Profile Image for Uncle  Dave Avis.
433 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2017
A really good story, but really short. I don't think there is a book 5 yet, which is unfortunate because I'll probably forget the thread of the story by the time another installment comes out. Mr. Kraus is a gifted wordcrafter and storyteller. Keep writing.
12 reviews
August 26, 2017
Another hit!

I can not get e enough of these stories. Mike Kraus needs to write faster, I am almost through the second set of books and I want to keep going. Great stories, love the details because they make sense in the story. not just arbitrary stuff to fill in blank space.
Profile Image for Dawn Taylor.
259 reviews
October 18, 2017
Awesome

This series is really moving forward. We need a little more excitement but I am sure it will come in an upcoming book in the series after all who can live through an apocalyptic event without lots of killing.
1 review
February 27, 2018
Very fast read - Kraus (or Amazon) has put out this series (or one book broken up) much like the Dark Tower series by King in the form of short quick books. Entertaining read, though I want him to raise the stakes a bit more.
340 reviews
March 6, 2018
Rick turns down a request to help the government so he is locked in a cell. The people have rushed the compound and Rick is let out and told by Captain Leslie to take a Hummer with supplies to make his way cross country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeff Siegmund.
248 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2024
As things continue to deteriorate, Diane has to do the unthinkable to protect her family and their propert.

Rick is finally in route trying to get back to Virginia.

Many twists and turns. Can't wait to see how things play out.
5 reviews
August 19, 2017
Great read hard to put down!

Interesting take on a apocolyptic event.. Strong female characters.. Gives a glimpse of how unprepared we all are for any event like this.
Profile Image for Wancket Enterprises.
632 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2017
Ok

I am really enjoyed these books although they are more short stories then novels. However they are interesting and the characters are believable.
13 reviews
September 20, 2017
Good book

All the books in this series have been exciting and interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who likes post-apocalyptic stoties.
Profile Image for Mitchell Blum56gmail.comap.
9 reviews
November 10, 2017
AWESOME!!!!!!

Keeps you reading page after page. Keep them coming. First 4 books are spellbinding! Hopefully Dianne can hold it together, as EVERYONE is looking up to her.
Profile Image for Phyllis Brett.
8 reviews
November 26, 2017
Excitement on every page

Excitement on every page, keeping me wanting to see what happens and losing sleep over it. I have all the sets of books.
Profile Image for Kristie hunter.
94 reviews
March 25, 2018
Loved it

This series makes me want the characters to be okay. You kind of hold your breath the entire time, waiting for a bad turn of events. Good job!
216 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2018
Book 4

Most of this book concerns Diane’s effort to protect and care for her children. Loved it and the characters even more! Must Read!
12.7k reviews189 followers
June 24, 2018
Perfectly short and to the point. Love Rick and Dianne, can’t get enough. Intriguing story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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