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The Age of Embers #1
The Age of Embers
A high-tech nightmare. A crippling attack on America and her infrastructure. Are humans in their final days? When a sudden, unexplained spasm of violence rocks the country from coast to coast, when our military is hijacked and the President can’t be found, the survivors will be left to wonder if this is the start of a new world war, or if this is the last chapter of humanity itself.
Undercover DEA agent, Fire Dimas, is drowning in problems: a unrelenting job, a difficult marriage and a teenage daughter with suitors of the worst kind. Then there’s the cartel he double-crossed and the “incident” at the high school. To say he’s in way over his head is the understatement of the century. Rest assured though, for Fire and his family, it’s about to get much, much worse. The assault has already begun…
Eliana Gutierrez and her niece, Carolina, are stolen by the Guatemalan cartel and swallowed into the dark world of human trafficking until a brutal crime separates them. Eliana must now use the deadly trafficking lines to trek up through Mexico and into America in search of the only person she ever loved. Along the way, she’ll come face-to-face with a handsome, rancorous hitman who will either be her salvation or her bitter end. Under the cover of a post-apocalyptic nightmare, Eliana will risk life and limb for the child, but will it be enough?
The Age of Embers is a post-apocalyptic survival series written inside the universe of the best-selling The Last War series. This edge-of-your-seat thriller chronicles the harrowing journey of ordinary people trapped in an encroaching dark age. Get ready for characters you'll want to know in real life, big post-apocalyptic action and a no-holds-barred action/adventure series that just might hit a little too close to home.
Undercover DEA agent, Fire Dimas, is drowning in problems: a unrelenting job, a difficult marriage and a teenage daughter with suitors of the worst kind. Then there’s the cartel he double-crossed and the “incident” at the high school. To say he’s in way over his head is the understatement of the century. Rest assured though, for Fire and his family, it’s about to get much, much worse. The assault has already begun…
Eliana Gutierrez and her niece, Carolina, are stolen by the Guatemalan cartel and swallowed into the dark world of human trafficking until a brutal crime separates them. Eliana must now use the deadly trafficking lines to trek up through Mexico and into America in search of the only person she ever loved. Along the way, she’ll come face-to-face with a handsome, rancorous hitman who will either be her salvation or her bitter end. Under the cover of a post-apocalyptic nightmare, Eliana will risk life and limb for the child, but will it be enough?
The Age of Embers is a post-apocalyptic survival series written inside the universe of the best-selling The Last War series. This edge-of-your-seat thriller chronicles the harrowing journey of ordinary people trapped in an encroaching dark age. Get ready for characters you'll want to know in real life, big post-apocalyptic action and a no-holds-barred action/adventure series that just might hit a little too close to home.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2019
552 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 17, 2019
OMG!
This book is awesome! I love the back stories of the main characters, the way that they are connected, and how their lives intersect. I was not sure that I would enjoy this follow-up series with a new set of characters but I am hooked! The supporting characters are great too. I love Eudora!
akriddell
This book is awesome! I love the back stories of the main characters, the way that they are connected, and how their lives intersect. I was not sure that I would enjoy this follow-up series with a new set of characters but I am hooked! The supporting characters are great too. I love Eudora!
akriddell
November 20, 2025
I’m done getting 2-for-1 credit books on audible 😭 Ironically, this book sounds like it was written by AI. Just about every stereotypical trope you can think of is in here which just makes it boring and predictable. Despite its cheesiness, I hung in there. It was kinda like watching a shitty action movie that you cant turn off - a cringy, guilty pleasure. I considered stopping the first time a character called another “Miss Poopy Face” as a way of flirting (yes, he said it more than once). But my breaking point was the monologue about the USA being the strongest nation in ALL of history and if anything bad happens there the whole world will fall apart… This, alongside the various ramblings about immigration (spoiler alert: all the latin people in this book are either murderers, rapists, cartel members, or child traffickers), really made this feel like AI-generated conservative propaganda slop. It genuinely sounds like the author wrote the first couple chapters and then threw them into chatgpt to let it finish the rest. I think this was written before chatgpt was popular though so idk. I guess I could see it being entertaining to some but for me it was unbearable, sorry
March 22, 2019
Interesting overlay of the Last War Series
I really enjoyed The Last War Series and am so ready to forward that to this new overlay The Gentle of Embers. IDK; whether to live or hate these characters. There are definitely a couple of characters that I truly adore but for the most part all the other main stars in this series are delusional idiots. A family man that won't lift a finger to save his own family. A sex trafficker that is more honourable than the authorities. SMH.....I truly don't know what to think about this story. It's an enjoyable read for sure with some highly developed characters. However one so wants Reality to fit into their own affirmation. But you won't get that with this story. What you will get us a lot of cognitive impairment from the majority of the stories stars. I was halfway through the book and I asked myself. "Are primarily this stupid and so delusional ? " I then thought "Yes they are" .....Sad very Sad, world we live in where up is down and down is up. I surely hope that the next book doesn't confound me like this one did. And DARK.....is an understatement. This story starts off DARK. If you are or on to depression or PTSD. You might want to take your meds and he sure to have them handy. Lastly...this story epitomizes our current world. It sucks and folks it is getting worse by the day. Go ahead bury your head in your dissonance but you won't be able to do that while reading this story.
I really enjoyed The Last War Series and am so ready to forward that to this new overlay The Gentle of Embers. IDK; whether to live or hate these characters. There are definitely a couple of characters that I truly adore but for the most part all the other main stars in this series are delusional idiots. A family man that won't lift a finger to save his own family. A sex trafficker that is more honourable than the authorities. SMH.....I truly don't know what to think about this story. It's an enjoyable read for sure with some highly developed characters. However one so wants Reality to fit into their own affirmation. But you won't get that with this story. What you will get us a lot of cognitive impairment from the majority of the stories stars. I was halfway through the book and I asked myself. "Are primarily this stupid and so delusional ? " I then thought "Yes they are" .....Sad very Sad, world we live in where up is down and down is up. I surely hope that the next book doesn't confound me like this one did. And DARK.....is an understatement. This story starts off DARK. If you are or on to depression or PTSD. You might want to take your meds and he sure to have them handy. Lastly...this story epitomizes our current world. It sucks and folks it is getting worse by the day. Go ahead bury your head in your dissonance but you won't be able to do that while reading this story.
April 3, 2020
This first part of this book was a very gritty set of stories about some very gritty people. I actually thought that I had mistaken this for a post-apocalyptic book and it really wasn't but evenly we do get to the apocalypse. We did get a good intro to some of the key characters. There are a fair number of editing issues throughout the book, punctuation missing or incorrectly used and some odd sentence structure. The author's comments before the story indicated he wanted to make this apolitical yet he apparently couldn't help himself from doing the opposite at times with assertions about sanctuary cities, cows burping methane and causing climate change, white girls being kidnapped to service black Muslims in Africa and apparently gun laws are bad mmkay. The premise of an AI takeover is actually pretty interesting and Stephen Hawking tried to warn about this. However, it ended up being just a side obstruction to the personal dramas of everyone. Darn those pesky drones just killed two teenagers that I wanted to kill. Most of the characters are very hard to actually like, Draven and Eudora, excepted. After all of the news, destruction from the drones etc, the Dimas family and friends seemed puzzled when Eudora says they need to think about survival. The cliffhanger was actually pretty predictable and kind of lame that Fire didn't see that coming well enough to try to prevent it. I may read book 2 to see what happens, mostly for Eudora and Draven.
March 29, 2024
This series has a generally good storyline, but the storytelling gets progressively more incel-y, misogynistic, and transphobic. It’s states of as being able to be written off as a particular character’s views or actions, but by middle of the third book it’s casual comments about how one character is no longer attracted to his partner because she’s too masculine (former military), a teenage girl parroting older adult relatives comments about men being too soft these days, and something about how five your old boys are being told they can grow up to be girls. Between that and the bonkers number of references to sexual assault that are very rarely a vehicle to move the story forward, I stopped listening and returned the series.
September 5, 2019
Excellent read
I am starting my review with this. The end of Chapter 7, scared the dodo out of me. A sentence from it....." AI was already in home computers, cell phones, TVs and even things like refrigerators, dishwashers and your home’s smart meters. Everything normal humans were doing was being watched, monitored, stored.". We know this info...yet we close a blind eye.
Another good quote....especially for those who prepare for the worse: " “We have guns and ammo,” Orlando said. “So we can fortify the houses if need be.” “Guns won’t be enough,” Draven told the boy. “Those are defensive measures, not survival measures.” “Defense is survival,” Orlando said. “What if no one comes for you or your house?” Eudora said. “Are you going to eat your guns? Take a shower with your ammo? Drink your shell casings? Guns and ammo aren’t survival.”"
Loved the book. It is always a treat to read 'words of wisdom' hidden within the pages. The book is well written AND edited. The author did something not always seen in post apocalyptic fiction. The back story, the characters jobs and what they were doing as the event was occurring was in detail and incorporated into the plot throughout the book. This family wasn't prepping, planning to bug out to a secret compound, or gathering mass amount of supplies. They were living or trying to stay alive, do their job and find family Enjoy the book as much as I did.
I am starting my review with this. The end of Chapter 7, scared the dodo out of me. A sentence from it....." AI was already in home computers, cell phones, TVs and even things like refrigerators, dishwashers and your home’s smart meters. Everything normal humans were doing was being watched, monitored, stored.". We know this info...yet we close a blind eye.
Another good quote....especially for those who prepare for the worse: " “We have guns and ammo,” Orlando said. “So we can fortify the houses if need be.” “Guns won’t be enough,” Draven told the boy. “Those are defensive measures, not survival measures.” “Defense is survival,” Orlando said. “What if no one comes for you or your house?” Eudora said. “Are you going to eat your guns? Take a shower with your ammo? Drink your shell casings? Guns and ammo aren’t survival.”"
Loved the book. It is always a treat to read 'words of wisdom' hidden within the pages. The book is well written AND edited. The author did something not always seen in post apocalyptic fiction. The back story, the characters jobs and what they were doing as the event was occurring was in detail and incorporated into the plot throughout the book. This family wasn't prepping, planning to bug out to a secret compound, or gathering mass amount of supplies. They were living or trying to stay alive, do their job and find family Enjoy the book as much as I did.
November 21, 2019
Review by 2shay...............
In The Last War, Ryan Schow created a world that captured my attention and characters who captured my heart. (That Review is elsewhere on this blog.) When I saw that he has written a new series based in the same world, I couldn’t wait to get started. As of today, I am currently on book three in this new series, but those books are for another day, another review.
The Age Of Embers has all new characters experiencing the extinction of America as we know it from new points of view, new background and experiences. Fierro, Isadoro and Roque Dimas, known more commonly as Fire, Ice and Rock are handsome, capable brothers who have some pretty nasty, heartbreaking events in their past. Learning their history is an adventure in itself.
There isn’t much I can say about Eliana Gutierrez. Her story is so rough, hard, almost unthinkable that you nearly have to read for yourself to find out why and how she turns into one of the most capable, most deadly of them all. She’s rock hard and beautiful...though she tries to hide both.
This is an amazing story. As good as, possibly better than, the original. There are a few moments of hilarity woven in to some excruciating scenes, and it’s a good thing that the characters have retained a sense of humor in their terrifying struggles or the story could get too bleak. It’s a great combination. Pick up a copy now and...
Enjoy!
In The Last War, Ryan Schow created a world that captured my attention and characters who captured my heart. (That Review is elsewhere on this blog.) When I saw that he has written a new series based in the same world, I couldn’t wait to get started. As of today, I am currently on book three in this new series, but those books are for another day, another review.
The Age Of Embers has all new characters experiencing the extinction of America as we know it from new points of view, new background and experiences. Fierro, Isadoro and Roque Dimas, known more commonly as Fire, Ice and Rock are handsome, capable brothers who have some pretty nasty, heartbreaking events in their past. Learning their history is an adventure in itself.
There isn’t much I can say about Eliana Gutierrez. Her story is so rough, hard, almost unthinkable that you nearly have to read for yourself to find out why and how she turns into one of the most capable, most deadly of them all. She’s rock hard and beautiful...though she tries to hide both.
This is an amazing story. As good as, possibly better than, the original. There are a few moments of hilarity woven in to some excruciating scenes, and it’s a good thing that the characters have retained a sense of humor in their terrifying struggles or the story could get too bleak. It’s a great combination. Pick up a copy now and...
Enjoy!
August 22, 2019
The story begins rather slow, introducing and giving background on the main characters. Fiero (Fire) Dimas is an undercover DEA agent who has a love-hate relationship with his job and has been undercover way too long. Fiero has more problems than he knows what to do with; job trouble with the cartel and family trouble due to the job. Eliana Gutierrez has her own problems with the cartel. Eliana and her niece Carolina are taken by a cartel lieutenant over a blood debt. They will remain house servants to repay the debt. Later, opportunity allows them to escape, but they are separated. Eliana will et nothing or no one distract her from finding Carolina. Isidore (Ice), Fiero’s brother who has his own story to tell. Now, on to the real plot! Artificial intelligence, quantum computers, androids, and drones are the stars of this show. To get a perspective on this series, think about the premise of some old movies; The Terminator, Blade Runner and I, Robot. All these movies revolved around machines taking over the world. This is the story, and it’s an excellent story; full of action, courage, and emotion. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the continuation of the tale. Great job Mr. Pierce. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 24, 2020
This book was friggin amazing! I love end of the world kinda stuff. For most of the book, there is two stories going on at the same time, Fire and Ice. And then in the last few chapters, both stories come together. This book was so well written and was full of non stop action. If anyone reads this book and finds it boring, there is seriously something wrong with them. And the author set himself up for another amazing book after this one. I really hope I can score book 2. All the excitement makes it so much fun and interesting. Also, the narrator was amazing as well. His voice fits all the tough guy voices perfectly. And his girl voices weren't bad at all. Some narrators are almost funny when they try to hard to do the opposite sex's voice. He had no problems there, or anywhere else that I could see. I'm impressed. I think he brought a lot of life to this audio-book.
This book was given to me at my request. I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
This book was given to me at my request. I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
July 16, 2020
This story was completely off the chain every step of the way. I was taken off guard right from the beginning as Fiero's day goes from horrible to outright insanity as the minutes go by. I didn't even see the main event coming as his life was both so depressing that my mind was trapped listening to his plight, and escalating right at a time when he was less and less pschologically fit to deal with the chaos. And that was just the opening scenes. Then we get to the singularity event and a move I will forever love this author for: an AI who quotes Hal 9000 and tries to tell a dick joke. I burst out laughing in the middle of the shop at work listening to this. The rest of the time I was enrapped from moment to moment. The characters, the plot, the story events, action... all of it is Grade A high-octane fire fuel. I won't even get into the character arc coming up through the cartel lands of Central America. Can't wait for book 2.
September 1, 2019
Extremely Well Thought Out Premise
This book is a keeper as I’m assuming will be the upcoming books in the series. I base this on the foundation established by this first book. At first I was reluctant to keep reading but then the whole concept fell into place and I was hooked. This is an amazing tale and not one that far from future reality which makes the reading all that more interesting. Mixing an apocalyptic beginning with known cartel activities brings one close to home. The characters developed all become to real and latch onto you. The bad are extremely bad, the good a bit of both but with a decent purpose. The verbal interchanges are noteworthy and don’t waste any time. This is an exceptional well written book with something for everyone, one I’m sure I’ll be recommending to my friends.
This book is a keeper as I’m assuming will be the upcoming books in the series. I base this on the foundation established by this first book. At first I was reluctant to keep reading but then the whole concept fell into place and I was hooked. This is an amazing tale and not one that far from future reality which makes the reading all that more interesting. Mixing an apocalyptic beginning with known cartel activities brings one close to home. The characters developed all become to real and latch onto you. The bad are extremely bad, the good a bit of both but with a decent purpose. The verbal interchanges are noteworthy and don’t waste any time. This is an exceptional well written book with something for everyone, one I’m sure I’ll be recommending to my friends.
September 26, 2023
So ... thanks for the rape warning everyone... NOT.
Before the rant, if you have PTSD from any kind of SA trauma history skip this book.
*update* apparently there is even worse rape later on as I found from an Amazon review. I thought I could trust the reviews here. Smh.
I'm disgusted here. Any decency out there? No rape warnings? Screw anyone who read this and didn't dain to warn the rest of us. And the infidelity. I'd wait to see if the cheating hoe gets what she deserves but there's literally nothing redeemable when it comes to a rape story.
Some crappy spouse cheating on her hubby not doing her job and letting her daughter get raped while she sleeps around.
This is so disgusting and triggering.
So disgusted with everyone who read or wrote this without warning the rest of us.
Before the rant, if you have PTSD from any kind of SA trauma history skip this book.
*update* apparently there is even worse rape later on as I found from an Amazon review. I thought I could trust the reviews here. Smh.
I'm disgusted here. Any decency out there? No rape warnings? Screw anyone who read this and didn't dain to warn the rest of us. And the infidelity. I'd wait to see if the cheating hoe gets what she deserves but there's literally nothing redeemable when it comes to a rape story.
Some crappy spouse cheating on her hubby not doing her job and letting her daughter get raped while she sleeps around.
This is so disgusting and triggering.
So disgusted with everyone who read or wrote this without warning the rest of us.
January 25, 2021
There is a lot going on in this book. It's fast paced, very gritty, and super exciting. The story basically follows three story lines with three protagonists - 1) a deep cover DEA agent who has completely lost his shit while his life falls apart around him. 2) a young lady sucked into the world of human trafficking 3) a security guard at an extremely high tech company producing futuristic (and out of control) AI (think Skynet). The first two stories are have basically nothing to do with the coming apocalypse, but their stories take place with the world coming apart due to flocks of rogue military drones. The third story is about a cyborg who fancies herself as Marilyn Monroe and wants to destroy the earth.
Fun and exciting!
Fun and exciting!
July 26, 2024
Loved it! I am very busy and don't have time to sit down with a book.. so bought the series on audiobook. (Kevin Pierce did a good job as narrator as always.) The characters were built well and fleshed out to the point where I felt losses joy and hope for them all throughout the series. The writing was consistent all the way through and even though some of the themes were a bit fantastical at times it was still quite believable. A good value investment and just the right length. I would even like to see how some of the characters went down the track. If you are into the genre then I do recommend. Cheers.
January 4, 2021
I’m not sure how to describe this book, but I know it was good!
I couldn’t figure out if this was supposed to be a “man vs. machine” story or a post apocalyptic thriller. I feel like I was half way through the book before we really started getting into the “possible end of the world as we know it” scenario .... and even then, we never truly delved into that situation. I enjoyed the story and definitely plan to continue the series, but I don’t think this should be billed as a post apocalyptic thriller.
Nevertheless, it was definitely enjoyable.
I couldn’t figure out if this was supposed to be a “man vs. machine” story or a post apocalyptic thriller. I feel like I was half way through the book before we really started getting into the “possible end of the world as we know it” scenario .... and even then, we never truly delved into that situation. I enjoyed the story and definitely plan to continue the series, but I don’t think this should be billed as a post apocalyptic thriller.
Nevertheless, it was definitely enjoyable.
December 4, 2019
Surprisingly amazed
I haven't read anything from co-author before and I was slow getting into it. I wasn't sure if the direction of things. I gave it an honest go and once I was into it I couldn't stop reading. I really like the characters and I really liked how the story played out. If you're on the fence, go ahead and jump over and give this book a try
I haven't read anything from co-author before and I was slow getting into it. I wasn't sure if the direction of things. I gave it an honest go and once I was into it I couldn't stop reading. I really like the characters and I really liked how the story played out. If you're on the fence, go ahead and jump over and give this book a try
March 27, 2019
Loved this book....we follow the characters through their journey to find each other and to keep everyone safe from "bad people". Action packed, kept my interest....very good writing. Can't wait for the next book in the series....I will be counting the days (already re-ordered it).
March 31, 2019
WOW! Great start to a new series. Can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me. Ryan Schow is my newly found favourite writer. Loved The Last War series, and now this. Ryan sure knows how to keep me on the edge of my recliner.
April 11, 2019
Did not enjoy this book at all
Another book I wished I never bought. After reading the little intro on Amazon the story sounded like something I could enjoy, but that was mistake number one. Number two was reading for so long hoping that the story will get better. It did not.
Another book I wished I never bought. After reading the little intro on Amazon the story sounded like something I could enjoy, but that was mistake number one. Number two was reading for so long hoping that the story will get better. It did not.
April 21, 2019
Great story
For fans of The Last War series, this is another edge of your seat series. The author even throws in a few of the characters from the Last War to make cameos...always fun. Looking forward to the next instalment.
For fans of The Last War series, this is another edge of your seat series. The author even throws in a few of the characters from the Last War to make cameos...always fun. Looking forward to the next instalment.
May 2, 2019
Ugh
I really wanted to like this book. The blurb sounded great, a good story, strong characters, but it was just stagnant. I surrendered after only 12%. If, at some point I attempt it again I'll add to this review.
I really wanted to like this book. The blurb sounded great, a good story, strong characters, but it was just stagnant. I surrendered after only 12%. If, at some point I attempt it again I'll add to this review.
May 22, 2019
Liked it...
Good read... Liked the way it went from Chicago to Mexico to California and back again and again. Kinda knew all the characters would end up together eventually but how they got there made for a good read. Now off to book 2.
Good read... Liked the way it went from Chicago to Mexico to California and back again and again. Kinda knew all the characters would end up together eventually but how they got there made for a good read. Now off to book 2.
June 21, 2019
I liked this series. The characters were well developed and the story was plausible with just a few fantastical situations. All in all I was interested throughout the book. I would recommend this to friends. I read this in the Last War series.
August 3, 2019
...left me a bit unsettled
Just joking. With his exquisitely endearing use of the word 'whom', and his liberal use of the word 'poopy', Ryan Schow has zoomed to the top of my 'I love this writer' list. He should be at the top of yours, too.
Just joking. With his exquisitely endearing use of the word 'whom', and his liberal use of the word 'poopy', Ryan Schow has zoomed to the top of my 'I love this writer' list. He should be at the top of yours, too.
December 4, 2019
The excitement continues
The excitement continues and interweaving of so many story lines makes this a very interesting read. If you like lots of excitement and people taking action into their own hands then you will love this story.
The excitement continues and interweaving of so many story lines makes this a very interesting read. If you like lots of excitement and people taking action into their own hands then you will love this story.
August 17, 2020
Fire & Ice
First an eddy, a whirlwind, then an explosion of horror, turning everything into an age of embers. Characters struggle to unite across impossible distances, through terrible ordeals, and yet, they persist.
First an eddy, a whirlwind, then an explosion of horror, turning everything into an age of embers. Characters struggle to unite across impossible distances, through terrible ordeals, and yet, they persist.
August 7, 2022
Loved
I loved this book by Ryan Schow. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Ryan’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
I loved this book by Ryan Schow. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Ryan’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
August 25, 2025
I can’t believe I haven’t stumbled upon this author yet!! I love everything about this series so far plot, characters. I’m eating up the action and thrill it plays just like a movie in my head. I’ll be shocked if this isn’t picked up for tv soon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
November 19, 2025
Very good character development and story development. The premise is extremely scary and graphic. Sometimes feels as though the graphic descriptions of the destruction and depravity is over the top, but it definitely adds to the level of horror
April 12, 2019
Read this book
I couldn't put it down. It's only the best book I've read besides Ryan's first series. Keeps you on the edge of your seat through to its clifthanging end.
I couldn't put it down. It's only the best book I've read besides Ryan's first series. Keeps you on the edge of your seat through to its clifthanging end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews