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The worst nightmares come from below!

Warning. This book contains graphic violence, profanity, and scenes of a sexual nature.

When the world ends on Halloween night, Jaz, a retired US Marine, thinks it’s all over. His friends, his family…they’re all gone. He’s alone and on the run.

He encounters Jennifer, a 19-year-old waitress hiding in her dad’s roadside diner, and together they begin a desperate dash to the desolation of North Dakota, as far away from the slaughterhouses of the cities as they can get.

Their imagined safety doesn’t last long, as Jaz and Jennifer realize the attack was just the first strike in a battle that has raged since the dawn of time.


232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2017

104 people are currently reading
275 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Rutherford

12 books80 followers
Science fiction, fantasy, and apocalyptic author. Kisser of the Blarney Stone...oh and proud host to my very own imaginary dragon, Claude, who lives in my head. Check out the blog for a brief introduction to our scaly friend.
Cj's first series, Tales of the Neverwar, combines magic with science in an ancient battle between good and evil. There's a kick-ass Irish heroine, a band of dimension skipping elite warriors, and dragons. Oh, they are there, even if they don't know it yet. Need to know more? Book TWO ;)
In a departure from his SFF roots, CJ has just released Treaters, a post-apocalyptic/dark fantasy in the realms of Stranger Things and The Walking Dead(but with no zombies). It's available now on Amazon and is free on Kindle Unlimited.
CJ has been pretty busy, and has just finished the first draft of his latest high fantasy epic, Companion of Darkness. This novel is book one in a new series set in the Neverwar universe, but goes way back in time to tell how the Darkness originally came to power.
Feel free to pop over and visit his website here: https://coljr3.wixsite.com/cj-rutherford
Or follow him on Twitter at @writerutherford

And, if you'd like to drop Claude a line just to tell him how magnificent he is, feel free to email him here: Claude@Talesoftheneverwar.com'
Just don't overdo the compliments. You know how dragons can be ;)

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5 stars
66 (43%)
4 stars
51 (33%)
3 stars
23 (15%)
2 stars
10 (6%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Thais.
Author 2 books12 followers
January 20, 2020
This is amazeballs. I was really curious to listen this story, it's difficult find an post-apocalyptic book with the beginning of the end AND with romance.

First, I got a say that even if the apocalypse part is very unique and well done. There is a lot of twists and turns, the mystery of what happened is always there and the answers are appearing slowly, the pace is very good. We know things with our MCs and that makes them likable and relatable.

The beings, the treaters, are yet to be identified, but they look like demons. There are other forces too, although it looks like a alien invasion, the beings look like demons, it's pretty amazing.

The romance is key to the story and it's well done. The sex scene was fade to black, but we get a lot of steam. Also, I like that this isn't erotica, this way the sex doesn't chop the flow of the story.

Be aware there is an huge Age Gap there though. I love it, but not everyone does.

When I saw the name Michael and Kelly Ables, I though it would be a Duet narration, but it was a Dual. Bummer. I like Michael Ables waaay more than Kelly Ables, his pacing is spot on, I could feel the emotions from the characters, the voices he makes are also distinct enough. Kelly Ables audio quality was off. Sometimes I couldn't even hear what she was saying, it was too faded. She was also really monotone and the characters didn't have distinct voices.

I was given this audiobook in exchange of a honest review.
Profile Image for Venky Iyer.
Author 3 books7 followers
November 2, 2017
I did not buy this book. I was given an advance review copy by the author, who also gave me the freedom to read the book or not to read it, to review it or not to review it, and if I did review it, to confine it to the gutters or raise it to the clouds.

I read it and deemed it worthy of a review.

This book is about a species of (aliens, demons, whatever—yet to be identified) beings that are out to destroy all life on earth, and the book’s definition of “all life” surprised me. As the book unfolds, these beings manage to destroy most of everything living on earth, as far as can be ascertained by the few survivors, who lose touch because all communication means are dead. Things are so desperate that….

Wait, no spoiler business here. You can read the book for yourself.

Does that mean you should? Yes.
Profile Image for Sherri Wingler.
Author 8 books131 followers
November 6, 2017
This book really was a Halloween treat. I love a good end of the world story as much as the next girl, and this one thoroughly delivered! It's got the perfect mix of apocalyptic devastation, absolutely horrific monsters in the Treaters, and enough tension to keep your nails bitten down to the quick. Combine all that with an achingly sweet love story between an ex-Marine and a young woman trying to survive while thrown together in Hell on earth.
I'm trying not to spoil the surprise, as I think that's the fun of reading, but I will say that the ending threw me for a loop in a good way. I didn't see it coming. Yes, there is a cliffhanger, but what good series doesn't have one on the first book these days? I highly recommend this book, especially to any Walking Dead fans. There aren't any zombies, but the story has a similar feel of people trying to survive and thrive in impossible circumstances. It was a pleasure to read.
Profile Image for David Collins.
Author 2 books10 followers
December 9, 2017
Treaters delivers on all fronts. A tense and emotional post-apocalyptic fantasy-horror. The characters are written so well, and with well thought out back stories, that have you rooting for them every step of the way. This was a wonderfully written story that will have you entranced. I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Amy Palafox.
16 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2017
I received a free copy of this book with a request to post a review on it. I would describe it as dark fantasy/horror romance. There is some graphic, inescapable violence, thus the horror. The romance part is vital to the story and is very well done. This book is just the beginning of the story...
Profile Image for Patricia Rose.
Author 2 books27 followers
November 27, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I am the editor of this novel and also a good friend of the author. Even so - *especially s0* - I can't let this go by without a review. I have watched CJ's writing grow and grow, EXPONENTIALLY. He is so much better at storytelling and plot/character development than he was two years ago! His early novels were imaginative and well-written, but unpolished, raw, in-the-rough versions of better things to come!

Treaters is a lot of things: horror novel, love story, survivalist fiction. The best thing, though, is it is a story about two PEOPLE (and a dawg!), characters who begin to feel as real as friends or family, who are doing what they can to survive impossible odds. It has elements/feels of The Walking Dead, but ... not. It has elements/feels of The Stand, but ... not. It has elements/feels of The Bible, but ... not.

There are some graphic elements to the story, but CJ moderates them well so that nothing is too explicit. I would consider this appropriate for ages 16+.
Profile Image for Sara.
492 reviews
January 20, 2020

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Treaters but was pleasantly surprised. The premise is unique, a cleverly composed demonic apocalypse. The storyline is entertaining, intense, exciting, action-packed, and utterly gratifying. The demons, aka Treaters, have turned Halloween into a frightening and unending nightmare.

I'm thoroughly impressed by CJ Rutherford's writing and creativity, he has built a compelling post-apocalyptic world. The characters are three-dimensional, genuine with vulnerabilities and depth.

Jaz, a badass retired Marine, Jennifer, a young woman, and Trey, the loyal dog cross paths, and join. They tread through death and destruction, to a cabin, their safe haven. They go from one violent situation into another and, at times surviving by the skin of their teeth. The connection and interaction between the characters are engaging, further immersing the audience.

The dual narration by Michael and Kelly Ables is outstanding. They hone on the characters' personalities, the animation, and suspense found in the pages, bringing the story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance. I can't wait to hear the rest of the series!
2 reviews
April 3, 2019
This book started out a little slow for me, but soon enough it grabbed my attention and I had several laughs throughout the book! Even though this is a post-apocalyptic setting, filled with horrors and nightmares, the wording made it feel cozy, and a good book to just sit and read (listen) without a whole lot of thinking involved. Which was the first book I have ever listened to that made me feel that way, so I say it's a win! At first I thought the male narrator was a big over dramatic, along with a few random spots throughout the book, but over all, both parts were done very well! Especially the ending and epilog!

My favorite thing about this book, is how emotions were showed within Jax. Too many books, movies and stories have the men "too tough" for emotions. CJ did a wonderful job bringing in real life emotions into the characters. I can't wait to see what adventures I am taken on in the next books! Will definitely be listening to this book again!
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
June 19, 2019
Audio book review
Wow what a story CJ wrote . It will have you on your seat from the first sentence right till the end . What will the world be like if it came to the end of mankind. What would life be like on earth when you think there is only one person left , you, a male think your alone.
Hero is Jaz, Heroine is Jennifer.
Jaz and his buddies are up north fishing, when they head back back they notice nobody is around. When Jaz decides to head back to his cabin he sees Jennifer hiding . Both of them with a dog is wondering what Treaters are . Why did they attack on Halloween. Are the Treaters stranded Aliens from another worth . What caused them to kill mankind

The team performed by Michale and Kelly were great. They did all the characters and tones great . Their voices are strong, clear .
1 review
November 12, 2017
I have to say i was pleasantly surprised with this book. I was given an Advance reader copy and was hooked from page one. While this genre is not my usual, I really got into it. The characters (human and canine), the story (both love and horror) really kept you hanging on. And i really loved when the author subtly puts another title of his into the story, Kudos CJ. And again while this is not my usual genre, i will be waiting with baited breath for book two.
Profile Image for Amber K.
1,229 reviews48 followers
October 18, 2020
Treaters by CJ Rutherford
This was a really great read and perfect for one of my October picks! I couldnt put it down. Had this War Of The Worlds vibe. Post-apocalyptic, dark fantasy, horror and romance. This story was well written, action packed and just had a bit of everything. Highly recommended!!
698 reviews
January 26, 2019
Excellent

Wow! Everyone dies in the first chapter and I could not put the book down. This was a real page turner from the start to the the last page, part horror story, part love story, and definitely edge of your seat survival story.
83 reviews
January 22, 2020
OMG!! What A Great Book!!
I was captured at the prologue!! Jazz, Jennifer and Trey have gone through HELL...Literally!!! I REALLY NEED THE NEXT BOOK!! Have to know how this ends!!!!!! Great narrating by Michael and Kelly Ables. Absolutely Fantastic story C.J. Rutherford!!!!! Keep Writing!!!!
Profile Image for Deborah thompson.
78 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2019
This book was kind of strange but kept with it It is a sci-fi and it was okay after you got into it
15 reviews
June 7, 2019
Great read

It was a good book. Slow in the beginning, but picks up after he realized his mistske. I enjoyed it. Recommend it to others. I look forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Bikram.
379 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2018
I received audiobook version of this book for free from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was a surprise success read for me. Even though I was interested in the book from it's cover and interesting synopsis, I hadn't expected it to be this good. I was expecting that this is going to be just another survival-horror story, with demons from hell. It is that, indeed, but so much more because of the way the story is told.

The book starts as most apocalyptic books start and you think this is going to just another usual ride. But as the story progresses and you take the journey with the characters and get to live their lives, you get more n more drawn into it. I have to give credit to C.J. Rutherford for writing the story so engagingly. Each of the characters are written so well and with so much compassion. I connect with them almost immediately and kept rooting for them. The dog is an adorable touch.

There are two narrators in this audiobook. Michael voiced the marine Jaz's character and Kelly Ables did Jennifer's voice. Both of them are equally well done and breath life into the storytelling.
Profile Image for Maureen Turner.
Author 17 books13 followers
November 17, 2017
Treaters - What an amazing read this is. It's one of those rare books that you want to gallop through but really don't want to reach the end. C.J. Rutherford has skillfully created an apocalyptic 'End of the World' novel that subjects the reader to one suspenseful scene after another. Despite the mayhem generated by the monsters known asTreaters, a love story also unfolds between Jaz an ex marine and Jennifer a young terrified girl he finds sheltering in a diner.
Now what amazed me was the fact that this story was written by an author born and living in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The novel is actually set in the U.S.A. Now any author will know that you write about what you know and it wasn't until I was well into the book that I realised that the writer was not an American. Full marks to Rutherford for his research and attention to detail.
I also have to mention the epilogue...OMG! I wasn't expecting this. To learn what the Treaters actually were, knocked me for a six. I can't wait for the next in the series. Get writing Mr. Rutherford.
A well earned FIVE BIG STARS
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,257 reviews45 followers
March 27, 2018
A very different look at a possible apocalypse. Instead of zombies or an EMP, this story explores what might happen when an alien (maybe) life form comes to Earth.

Jaz, a retired Marine, is with his buddies on their annual fishing trip in remote North Dakota. When they head back to civilization, they realize that something is terribly wrong. Nobody seems to be around and everywhere they go, they find evidence of death and destruction. The first encounter with the Treaters, so named because they attacked on Halloween, is truly horrific.

Fast forward to Jaz finding a young woman dead in a basement, guarded by her dog, Trey. Jaz quickly decides to try to get back to his remote cabin and Trey seems to be his only companion. The two find a young woman named Jennifer hiding out in her family's diner and the three head back the cabin.

This story was wonderfully written, full of humor, horror, sadness, hope and despair. The two main characters were very well developed and their friendship develops as they face the possible end of the world together. I enjoy reading apocalyptic stories and this one has to be the most unique one that I have read.

Of course, the addition of the faithful canine companion was a wonderful addition to the story. Trey became my favorite character and really added a lot to the story.

The ending will have you screaming and crying and ready to throw your book (or other reading device) across the room. I had to wait several days before I could even begin to write a review!

I listened to the Audible version of the book and the narrators did an excellent job. The use of two narrators enhanced the story a lot. Usually, you have one narrator just reading the book to you and I enjoyed this unique approach of using a man and woman as the voices of the characters.

My only complaint is that the Epilogue came WAY out of left field! It was so totally different from the rest of the book that I ended up being confused. I hope that Mr. Rutherford writes the next book in this series quickly because I really want to know what happened!
422 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2017
You know how you say, "I couldn't put it down?"

Well, it's 8:30 am and I'm just getting ready to go to bed! I don't remember ever connecting with a book like this...maybe To Kill a Mockingbird. The humanity, the humor and pathos, it's all so vivid. Throw in the horror and you have this incredibly gripping story. I literally cried several times, then the next chapter had me smiling and fist pumping.

I expect to sleep the sleep of the dead now. Thank you Mr. Rutherford, in advance, for the dreams I expect to be having soon. Actually I really want to re-read this one, so I may be up tonight as well!
Profile Image for Heather Osborne.
Author 29 books128 followers
November 1, 2017
I'm not always overly keen on horror, but I gave this novel a shot for a dear friend, and I was not disappointed. The story flows well, and the reader becomes more and more involved in the lives of the two main characters, Jaz and Jennifer. The ending is a surprise, but it sets it up for the next books in the series. You can tell the author put time and passion into his work, and this was not rushed, but a labor of love. Five stars.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,000 reviews14 followers
July 4, 2018
Different take on apocalypse.

This was a fast read. It had fairly believable characters and a fantastical storyline. A little bit of Night of the Living Dead and a bit of Constantine thrown together.
31 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2018
Omg when is the next book
2 reviews
July 5, 2018
Exciting

This book was exciting. Some of the twists I saw coming but others I didn't. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Amanda Gill.
224 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2018
Listened to the audiobook. Excellent narration. Engaging story. Awesome twist when you least expect it. Looking forward to book 2!!
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews39 followers
June 11, 2018
The world ends on Halloween.Two people survive and head to a mountain hide out.I loved it right up to the end!Michael and Kelly Ables were terrific narrators.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2017
A Must Read!

This is a GREAT book! I couldn't put it down.
It is dystopian, military, end of the world and a love story all rolled into a wonderfully written package.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
Profile Image for Allan.
187 reviews
June 8, 2018
Unlike most of the other reviewers, I enjoyed the book a lot until the ending. I thought the ending was horrible. It was a good read with three likable characters if you count the dog. The end, well lets just say meh.
Profile Image for Staci Black.
557 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2018
Not exactly what I was expecting!

Well, to be fair for some reason I thought this was a Dragon story. That said I really did appreciate the story. Interesting start to this one. Even better ending! Very glad I took the time to read.
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
March 21, 2018
This book turned out to be much more than I had anticipated. Thinking it might be a lightweight horror tale between good and evil I was pleasantly surprised. The building relationship between Jaz and Jennifer was amazing. I’m not into romance novels, but this was written so honestly, acceptable, and somewhat predictable that I enjoyed it immensely. This first book at least is more of a romance with some horror thrown in to hold it all together. The rest of the plot is there to be sure, but the relationship overshadowed it. I’m sure the following books of the series will follow more of the good versus evil aspect. BTW the ending is awesome! This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
Author 8 books51 followers
May 27, 2018
Really wanted to give this a 4* but I'm not a romance fan and that distracted from the apocalyptic plot, for me. The romance was done tastefully, but I wanted to brush over those parts and get back to the chase. All in all, this is a good plot and well worth a read if you like an end of the world story. The ending I did not like at all, it was totally off balance and came out of nowhere. Enough said, now off you go and enjoy a well-written book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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