Last Hope

The Brother's Creed #5

by Joshua C. Chadd

The epic conclusion to the Wolf Pack's journey!

Leaving the border town behind, the group continues their trek to Alaska. They don't make it far before the Reclaimers attack. The losses are heavy and James is separated from the group and in a desperate game of cat and mouse with Jezz as she hounds him every step of the way. Connor, unwilling to continue without his brother, leaves in search of him as the rest go north. 

With people missing, wounded, or dead, Tank must step up and do something he never thought he would—lead a group of survivors through an apocalyptic Canada as they drive the ALCAN. As the miles pass, their destination closes in but the losses make it unclear if they'll survive with their faith and humanity intact. Despite the resistance, they push onward because this… is their last hope.

The Brother's Creed (Completed Series): Book 5 of 5
This is a post-apocalyptic novel of approximately 78,000 words.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Christian Fiction, Dystopia, Audiobook

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2019

About the author

I'm a Jesus Freak and adventurous nerd, who loves the outdoors. I'm the award-winning and best-selling author of the zombie apocalypse series, The Brother's Creed. When I'm not escaping into the mountains, I can be observed living in Northern Wisconsin with my wife, two sons, guns and katanas. I have a love for all things imaginary and find inspiration in the wilderness, away from the distractions of life. I'm currently pursuing a career as an indie author and writing coach. Some of my other passions include hunting, shooting, board & video games, hard rock, reading, and anything fantasy & sci-fi.

If you'd like to receive a complimentary prequel story to The Brother's Creed series, click here: BookHip.com/DAKVKJ

Check me out on my social media!
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoshua...
amazon.com/author/joshuacchadd

Reviews

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! In a word, wow! This book continues the forward momentum at a rapid pace with intense action and powerful zombie apocalypse devastation and yet never loses the heartbeat of the characters. The mix of dialogue and narrative is spot on. I was sucked in at the beginning since I had already connected with the characters in the previous four books, and as tears flowed from my eyes, I didn’t want it to end. I felt as if I knew the characters personally and wished to spend more time with them.

The Christianity presented here feels real and raw under the devastating consequences of the catastrophe. All pretenses are stripped away as Connor, James, Alexis, Tank, Chloe, and their fellow travelers press onward to sanctuary in Alaska.

The Brother’s Creed is an exciting and heart wrenching read. I highly recommend the entire series, most especially the epic conclusion: Last Hope.

Warning: There is some profanity, but it is not gratuitous, just an appropriate amount considering the circumstances and the temperaments of the characters. There is graphic violence, as expected in a zombie apocalypse story.

[Angela R. Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

STORY

Goodreads: you've finished Last Hope! What's next?
Me: time to die

*deep breath* I usually don't get emotional or "fangirly" in reviews, but, why not? Let's freak out a bit.


I literally am struggling for words right now.

Joshua, what did you DO.

The story was absolutely KILLER. I mean, the BEST book out of the series, absolute best. Nonstop action, edge of your seat thrills, heart wrenching scenes... this had it ALL. A TRUE epitome of what a zombie, apoc novel SHOULD be.

The story literally grabs you from page one and repeatedly STABS YOU A BILLION TIMES TILL THE END. What more do you want?

Basically, almost ALL of my greatest fears came true! I loved it! (That was sarcasm!)

Anyway, yes. Truly a moving novel with a thrilling story as the cast races against time, desperate to reach Alaska, with emotions finally breaking and snapping in all directions. Stories are meant to be this bold.

THEMES


That's it that's all I have to say.

SIKE. I'm dead inside with LOTS OF THOUGHTS.

The themes were STELLAR. I JUST. CANNOT EXPLAIN TO YOU.

BEST THEMES:

-brotherhood
-loyalty
-faith!!
-hope!!!
-loveee
-courAGE
-doubting so much and being so afraid because WHO KNOWS WHAT IS TRULY GOOD?? but pushing on anyway
-DOING! HARD! HELLISH! FREAKING! THINGS! as a Christian
-choosing to push forward even when everything is broken
-SELF SACRIFICE IN A CHRISTIAN POV THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOU GAG!
-being better than you were before and not letting demons rule you
-EVERY THEME PRESENT

Seriously, the themes in this novel were raw, profound, realistic, moving... just, so, so good. All of them. God's faithfulness... the miracles... absolutely fantastic.

CHARACTERS


GUYS MY FAVORITE DIED? I'M?

Anywayyyy.

The character growth in this series was some of the BEST I've seen in independently published novels in my life.

The arcs, the depth, the growth, the lessons learned, the hearts, the spirits, the courage... the characters were amazing. James, Connor, Tank, Chloe, Alexis, Ana, the KIDS, EVERYONEEEE. EVERYONE came to life SO well.

The antagonists were TERRIBLE but in the best way--still human, you understood them, even the demonic ones... so stunning.

As I mentioned, the emotions were HIGH in this novel and I literally adored it. It hurt so much. All of it. It was an even DEEPER look into a dysto apoc disease stricken America, like digging to the heart of the thing, and DIGGING DEEP. Not just action, violence, ooh zombies kill it! But legit downright realistic "hey, this hurts like hell, but we'll get through, we always do, so freaking let the pain hurt right now but get ready to go forward" AND IT WAS JUST SO RAW AND REAL.

ALSO the kids are just *smothers them in hugs*

Loved the characters basically! Spoilers below!

Emmett. I knew he was gonna die. I knew it after book 1. I knew. The dad character always has to die, it seems, in a dysto or war novel, minus The Patriot, because who can kill Mel Freakin Gibson? ANYWAY like I WAS NOT READY!? EMMETT WaS MY fAVORite DAd ChARacteR and!!! But yes anyway his death... from that point... the writing, prose, depth... literally blew me away, like the trigger literally just shoved everything into overdrive. Wow. I adored Emmett. I miss him. Oof.

Troy/Greg. Vine voice: moTHerTrUCkeR duDE thaT HuRt lIke A ButtCheEk on A StiCk!!!

Y'all I SCREAMED!!!!??? GREG JUST!! TURNS AND BITES TROY AND I LIKE!!! hbdhbhAS! ANYWAY! I LOVED THEM! PRECIOUS SONS! STUPID BUT GOOD!

Connor/Ana. proof that every dysto must end with eVERYONE FINDING LOVE AND PROCREATING

Tank. best for last? Worst for last? Help me? I adored Tank. I started this series by HESITANTLY trying the short freebie, Tanked, and I WAS HOOKED, all thanks to our jerk son, Tank. AND THEN HE JUST!!! YEETS HIMSELF TO JESUS!!!! Anyway, as upset as I am, it was a great death scene, and he saved his bro, and HECK CHLOE IS PREGNANT so okay then

Overall, amazingggg characters. RIP Max though.

CONTENT

Gore, violence, nothing toooo bad? Mild swearing. Mild descriptions of sexual content, nothing major at all. Pretty clean for a zombie series honestly. Tbh? Not sure why I do these content warnings and pretty soon I won't be doing 'em anymore haha.

OVERALL

I! LOVED! THIS! SERIES!

HELP ME.

I am a messssss I loveddddd it. My childrennnn.

If you guys have cold feet, seriously, EVERYTHING pays off for a BANGER of a final novel. I'm reeling.

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying ending that wasn’t without its hardships and tears. I devoured the majority of this book in a single day because I just HAD to know and it did not disappoint. I was shocked by several twists I didn’t see coming, though I will admit to strongly suspecting one due to all the hints and kept hoping it was a red herring to be proven woefully wrong. 😭

This book made me cry, had one of the most powerful sacrifices I’ve ever read in fiction, and made me want a character to be pregnant so bad by the end it surprised me, lol.

I loved this journey, I love these characters, I love this author’s writing, and I cannot wait for whatever he writes next. This has definitely set my standard for zombie apocalypse stories and I highly doubt any others will surpass it anytime soon, if ever.


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a zombie baby is found and shot; PTSD; a character points a gun at their head and pulls the trigger (it doesn’t work); in the past a mother was physically abusive to her daughter and nearly murdered her husband to be shot to death by her daughter (not detailed)

Language: helluva; sucks; friggin’; hell; screwed; crap; damned; damn; ass; bastards; pissed; sh*t (8); bloody hell; bitchin’; kickass; badass; assholes; screwed; piss; bitch; smartass; what the hell; dick; damndest; freaking; sucked; hella

Violence: shooting and stabbing/slashing zombies and humans (not to semi detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); lots of spraying blood; zombie flesh is often trapped/ripped off on objects/weapons (not to semi detailed); cars are blown up and kill those inside; in the past a mother was physically abusive to her daughter and nearly murdered her husband to be shot to death by her daughter (not detailed); a character points a gun at their head and pulls the trigger (it doesn’t work); “brain matter splattered”; a combine is driven through zombies with lots of blood and bodies spraying and being turned into pulp (semi detailed); a zombie bites a guy’s arm; a character falls in a river and nearly drowns; a woman stabs and guts another with a knife with the phrase “blood and part of her intestines spilled out” (semi detailed); a car hits a deer and rolls over it; a character’s arm is amputated (not shown or detailed); a zombie baby is found and shot

Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a girl is called smokin’ hot; an unmarried couple have sex (not shown only mentioned)

Drugs/Alcohol: guys smoke cigars and drink alcohol

Other: zombies and zombie-body-horror (not to semi detailed); death and grief; a cult led by an insane woman; dead rotting bodies (not to semi detailed); a character is kidnapped and tied up; PTSD

[Donny Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Hope picks up where the  Woolf Pack last left off, leaving Coutts and hitting the road to continue to Alaska. This book is bittersweet since it is the last in the series, but an awesome read as well. As the world is continuing to change, the Brother's plans continue to change due to unknown factors, known enemies, and just plain old prayer. Some in the Woolf Pack are still struggling with their faith and trying to find balance in this new world where the dead walk. I am excited to say I have been on this journey very near since the beginning and Joshua Chadd is an excellent spinner of tales. I recommend Last Hope for anyone that enjoys action and suspense mixed in with zombies, you don't want to miss this! I also hope for more spinoff books?

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book five sees them off with a bang but still too much telling and not enough showing.

[Ann Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other books in this series - YET, but I loved this book. It is strong enough to be read as a stand-alone with no prior knowledge needed of the previous books. And because I enjoyed it so much, I fully intend to read the other four books in the series. I want to find out everything that has happened to James, Connor and Tank prior to Last Hope.
Humans are a strange species; while some band together and do everything in their power to survive and help one another, others do everything they can to destroy and dominate. Logically, all survivors should join together to overcome a common enemy but ........
This book has everything; zombies, good guys, very bad guys, lighthearted moments, tragic moments and inspiring moments.
I wish there was a sixth book as I don't want this story to end, I want to see how all the survivors cope and make their new world work, how the community grows and how their trials are overcome, I want to know more about their triumphs and future setbacks.
This book was amazing and I strongly recommend it to anyone that likes stories that are post-apocalyptic, has loads of action and a strong theme of faith and belief overcoming adversary.

[Craig Wakefield]

Book Five. So here's my preview of what I said in Book 1. What do you do when you are hunkering down to avoid COVID-19 that, who knows, may have the potential at some future time turn those that die into Zombies? Well, you read a series about a Pandemic and Zombies or in this case listen to it. The first of five books we learn about two brothers, a father and daughter and other hanger-on's who may or may not live to the end of Book 5. It has kept we walking real fast because who know who or what is out there lurking behind a bush as I get some exercise. So far I have learned that I need plenty of ammo and guns plus a hide-away all the way in Alaska.

I have also learned that you need a few friends and tunes to help with the trip.

I have also learned that there can be bad people out there besides the Zombies so watch out.

I have also learned that there is a great conspiracy and that these Zombies were created by a really bad corporation that just happens to be owned by the grandfather of one of the main characters.

In the end some of the good guys live and some of the good guys die.

[Daniel Kuhnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to an epic series!

For me, this book was bittersweet, but only because it closes a chapter on characters I've grown to love. Even if you know how this story ends, it will still leave you breathless and devastated at times. But, as the title suggests, there is still hope for the brothers and their friends. Embark on the final leg of the brothers' journey to Alaska and discover different sides and details of characters as they struggle with faith, hope, and love. This end doesn't disappoint!

[Sarah Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end to an epic adventure... When I started off reading the Brothers' Creed books I never expected to enjoy them as much as I ended up doing. Josh writes in such a way that you really come to care for these characters, and in Last Hope, there are several heartbreaking scenes where we say good bye to characters we've travelled long with. It's hard to read, but the send offs are fitting and extremely well written. Last Hope is very fast paced, packed with suspenseful chase and escape scenes, and Josh manages to draw out the adventure and keep you just tantalized enough. The themes of loyalty, courage, honor, and forbearance are intertwined with self-sacrifice and love woven in to create a beautiful tapestry of story. I'm so glad I was encouraged to read these books, the series took a little while to get going, but there were times in this last book I was genuinely moved to tears. Thanks for sharing your talents and story vision with us, Josh.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Ride!

This is a fabulous series and this last book was filled with suspense, action, and loss. One of the members learns the true meaning of giving his life for his family or pack. It was a moving and sad moment but filled with the inspiration of doing what is needed for the ones you love. I hate to see the series end! James's faith throughout the series was a huge part of separating this series from others in the genre. It is not forced on the reader, but instead written in a way that makes the reader see the good in others and how their believes can affect the ones they love. The characters had a strong sense of honor, which made this series one of my favorites! Family is not defined by blood, but instead by honor and the desire for the people you love to survive. I look forward to more books from this very talented author!

[JustinTaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a huge fan of this series since being introduced to it last spring. I tore through the first four books of the Brothers Creed series and found myself impatiently waiting for more! After many months of waiting, all I can say is WOW! What a great conclusion to the story! The emotions definitely ran high and I couldn't put it down until I knew how it all came to an end. If you enjoyed the series thus far, you won't be disappointed! If you are thinking about giving the series a try, go pick up Outbreak and buckle up!

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the entire book, from start to finish. There is nothing to dislike at all. Last Hope is a beautifully balanced story of apocalyptic fear and loss, of the evil that grows from it, of humanity and the struggle to do the right thing. It is about love and hate, about family and relationships and about love, forgiveness and faith. All punctuated by some fierce battles. Prepare to have your emotions touched! Last Hope is all of this and so much more. Even after I read it without reading the books that came before. Oops!!

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The writing is great and the characters are easy to love (or hate) but, sometimes it’s difficult to decide because there are a ton of twists! FYI- I cried near the end, I did not want it to be over anyway, then the ultimate shock occurred. Want to know what happened? Well, it took me less than a week to read the entire series. So, get started. You’ll be glad you did. Enjoy!

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Michelle L. Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars! Fast paced and full of action. This is the last book in a great series. If you love zombies and post-apocalyptic books I recommend this series. This book wraps up what happens with the characters we have grown to love. It’s poignant, sad, happy, and all the rest all rolled up into one book. Joshua Chadd is one of my favorite authors!

[Asiaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote a review of Last Hope as an ARC reader and today I read it again. The second time was even better. This is an amazing book with a gut-wrenching ending and yet a good ending. I have to admit that it brought tears to my eyes. Do not miss this writer. He has a way of connecting you to the characters that is great. I promise you will love this book.

[Candy Robosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Hope is probably one of the best books in this series. The relationships finally come to fruition and it has just enough action for a zombie book. This installment sent me through the range of emotions from sadness to happiness to laughter and content. I would love to see what happens even further down the road for our characters.

[Vicky Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect wind up for a fabulous series. I loved the entire series. It's jam packed with edge of the seat action, heartbreaking lose and very real heroes.
I can't wait to see where the author does next.

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite all odds.

The Last Hope follows through. Many impossible hurdles to overcome. Not with heartache and loss. Great inspiration to persevere. Faith inspired much against seemingly impossible odds.

[Robin Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new beginning

I started this book on Friday and finished it by Saturday, I just had to find out what was going to happen. The ending was perfect. I loved this series and will be reading again.

[Anonymous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great final book

Although I don't know from experience, finishing a series well must be difficult. This one was done well. Each book was better than the previous as the author matured in his craft. I look forward to his future work.
God bless.

[Kisha Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story

I'm a zombie fan and I loved this series. But this last book had me crying and cheering I couldn't put it down . This is a must read for the zombie apocalypse lovers.

[J Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid series

I enjoyed this series. Great zombie novels. I’m an Aussie so the God thing isn’t so big here, though I do believe, just not so much religion but he doesn’t bang on about it. The characters are good.

[Hollie chAimowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best apocalypse series I've read in years!

Two brothers struggle to survive a zombie apocalypse and get home to Alaska. Great characters, not all of whom survive their adventure to the end of the journey, but people you can like and respect. Well worth the read.

[Lisa Sandberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, amazing series!!
This was a great final book. I won't spoil anything, but there was happiness and tears.
This series was completely different than any other zombie series I've read. I highly recommend it.
5 solid stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Amazing series. Great end to the series.

[Mry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a great a great series! If you haven't read the Brother's Creed series, you have to, you won't be disappointed! Great job Joshua!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book,,this story is filled with action and superb characters. The group is making its way to Alaska and gets separated. Will they find each other? Had to keep reading to find out.

[Don Hinckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting story. There is a lot of action. It is a fitting end to the series.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Hope review

Last Hope is the fifth and final post apocalyptic book in The Brother's Creed series written by author Joshua C. Chadd.

[Georgie Lisoway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good series

A little mix of zombie apocalypse and Christian family values rolled up into a group coming to grips with teotwawki