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Surviving the Fall #2

The Gathering Storm

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After narrowly surviving an escape from Los Angeles, Rick Waters heads east in an attempt to get home. When he reaches the outskirts of Las Vegas, though, he is faced with the sobering fact that the world is forever changed. Meanwhile, at home in Virginia, Dianne Waters and her three children work to prepare for the imminent arrival of winter while dealing with the fact that they may not be as alone as they think....

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.

Audible Audio

Published March 6, 2018

545 people are currently reading
178 people want to read

About the author

Mike Kraus

513 books320 followers

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5 stars
355 (43%)
4 stars
286 (35%)
3 stars
135 (16%)
2 stars
27 (3%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Louie the Mustache Matos.
1,427 reviews142 followers
January 13, 2023
The Gathering Storm is Part 2 of this serialized post-apocalyptic story: Surviving the Fall by Mike Kraus. This novella is equally as engaging as the first part. I like that as the world is collapsing, the reader is treated to a macro-cosmic view as to what is happening in the world at large, and then in microcosm, the complementary elements of a husband attempting to get back to his family, while his wife struggles to keep things together at home. In this episode, Rick escapes Los Angeles and finds that as he gets to the outskirts, Las Vegas is no better. His dilemma is exacerbated by the fact that as a societal collapse is occurring, he is as far as geographically possible from his family. In the meantime, Dianne must confront the reality that she has to independently use her experience as a survivalist to prepare for winter with her children on the East Coast. I'm hoping that there's a lot more like this, and with ten more books to go, I believe there will be MORE!
Profile Image for Henry.
877 reviews76 followers
November 11, 2023
The second installment in the continuing saga. Very good!
12.6k reviews189 followers
March 10, 2018
Amazing book by a superb author. Rick is trying to get home, but as he gets near Los Angeles realizes that the world is changed. Totally believable characters to make you feel a part of the story. Series should appeal to everyone.
89 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2017
I started with #1 in the series and bought all of them one after another, because I had to know what happened! They are delightful in that the usual junk wasn't there, just the story with it's complications and great subjects. Good character development, actions. Very believable characters. I enjoyed all of them.
Profile Image for Jeff Siegmund.
247 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2024
Rick Waters begins his journey east from LA to get home to his family. His journey begins with many interesting encounters.

Meanwhile, Diane, his wife, is at home hardening the homestead to prepare for what looks to be a long journey
137 reviews
May 21, 2019
Finally got around to reading the second book in the series! I listened to the first one last summer and never really downloaded the rest of the books, but now that I finally have them, I'll probably binge them all in the next couple of days.

I really love post-apocalyptic settings, and this was a really fun one to dive back into. I had a couple of problems with Rick's perspective since the things he did often didn't make sense and the conclusions he came to were usually dumb as shit. His chapters weren't really my favorite if I'm being honest; I much more preferred Dianne's as I like the more doomsday-prepper vibes they give off. I loved seeing her go through and prep the house and take care of the more mundane things.

Dianne and Rick conveniently took courses on basically everything which I find super unrealistic, but nonetheless, I'm not exactly reading this to get a realistic post-apocalyptic story. I want thrill, and this adds to that, so I'm going to excuse it.
1,187 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2021
While the devastation of the computer virus continues to progress, Rick continues his desperate attempt to reach his family. Dianne and the children begin to plan for long term survival.

This is the second book in the post apocalyptic series, Surviving the Fall. While containing less action, this instillation focuses on character development. As the story is told from both Rick and Dianne’s point of view, it allows the reader insight into their thought processes, personal motivations and rational for their actions. The personal struggles they face serve to help them come to terms with the tough decisions necessary for survival. I enjoyed the character interaction and great dialogue. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Bill Thibadeau.
503 reviews13 followers
September 23, 2017
A time to build

Book one was a fast paced tale of apocalyptic adventure but little about the characters and what makes them tick. Book 2 is just the opposite. We have characters that are developing into "persons of interest" (not like guilty criminals). I have Book 3 in hand and will start that in the near future when I finish a library book.
I am not a fan of episodic books but over half of this series has been written so there issues plenty for me to sink my teeth into. I like this author!!
141 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2017
Vegas ain't what it used to be

The story continues and Rick seems to be leveling off to a more realistic state of mind. His family in Virginia is dealing with the situation probably better than he is, but they aren't stranded 3000 miles from home. I hope Rick connects with someone who can survive long enough for them to help each other. So far he isn't having much luck with that.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
465 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2021
Keeps you turning the pages quickly!

Already this family has been through quite a bit of turmoil. Rick is fighting for his life trying to get through cities that are in ruin. And Diane is trying to harden their home while preparing for a long haul. All this while making sure her three children have good and shelter. All around them the world is exploding. Hope Rick makes it home soon.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,960 reviews65 followers
June 27, 2017
So far this has been a very good series though these books are awfully short. The scenario has become a bit more realistic. There are a few sentence structure issues and some repetitiveness but this generally flows well. Dianne is awesome and I hope Rick makes it home. I hope there is another book soon, too.
Profile Image for C-shaw.
852 reviews60 followers
July 11, 2017
Ditto my review of the first book, _Surviving the Fall_:
This book contained some unlikely scenarios and grievous grammatical errors, yet I was enthralled by the story. I do loves me a good disaster book or movie, and this one had thrills in spades. I couldn't wait to get to the next episode.
Can't wait to start Book 3 today.
Profile Image for Sandra Smith.
8 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2017
Things are changing for the everyone how we see ourselves.

The authors has a different out look now. As things change around his character's . There are so may bad things every were . This what it would be really like. Trying to survive is not easy .
More people do need to read books like this to understand if they are in a dangerous Situation to be prepared.
27 reviews
October 3, 2017
Great story

I'm enjoying the series very much. I hold my breath with Diane alone caring for her children while the world falls apart. The author though he is a man captures a woman's heart and her anxieties and fears quite well, while giving her strength and courage. On to book 3. I can't wait.
195 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2018
The Saga Continues

I am disappointed that the writers of these books feel they need to do a long series of short books. They make more money this way but I am tiring of the practice.
This series is well done and I will finish it. Dianne and Rick's story continues in an example of what could happen. It is scary but it never hurts to be prepared.
Profile Image for C.A. Moll.
Author 4 books
November 18, 2024
The 2nd book in an episodic novel, this short story will keep you riveted and wondering what’s next. The appropriate amount of details and character development keeps the reader interested. I suppose the only thing I’d like to see at this point in the saga is the introduction of a few more characters. Looking g forward to the 3rd episode!
Profile Image for vickie nelson.
12 reviews
June 14, 2017
Loving this one!

I am so glad I just happen to run across Kraus as a new author for me. I first read Final Dawn and was hooked. Loving this one too and can't get to the next fast enough.
Profile Image for Scott Nelson.
27 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2017
Another great edition

Really liking how the story lines are separate yet related. Lots of unexpected events. A more realistic post apocalyptic story. Read the first book to best understand this series.
285 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2017
Wow

Could not stop reading !!! The husband is in LA and the wife and kids in Virginia. It is not an EMP.
THINGS do not work. Society breaks down. The characters are well developed and their struggles are real. Can not wait for the next episode.
444 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2017
Very good

Very well written with few if any editing errors which helped the flow of the story tremendously. The character's are developing into people I am very curious about & whom I want to know more about. I learned a few things about aquaponics & want to know more.
Profile Image for Cheri.
416 reviews
August 19, 2017
short story with a cliffhanger, so really only 2.5 stars not 3. Each chapter is either about the husband who is in Las vegas trying to get to Virginia or about the wife and kids who are in Virginia waiting on him
51 reviews
October 9, 2017
Ok

Story was ok but, seriously, the characters were so dumb. Yes, in an apocalyptic situation it would take a moment to adjust but, a moment is all you might have. These characters are victims. Other than that the plot and backstory were good.
1 review
February 19, 2018
Quite a Ride

The book was written in such a way to keep the attention of the reader. It keep me wondering what was going to happen almost on page and quiet often on the edge of the seat. Keep up the great writing, I for one have enjoyed all your books. Take care.
340 reviews
March 6, 2018
Ricks make it out of LA and makes it to the military base who is taking people around the city of Las Vegas. Their bus is attacked and he and another women survive and now have to make their way alone among the gangs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristie hunter.
94 reviews
March 22, 2018
Love it

I am a Mike Kraus can because of The Final Dawn series. So this one was a delight. Very different twist on the apocalypse. Great characters, although the cliffhanger chapters leave me scared for them until the next chapter they are in starts! Highly recommended
216 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2018
Book two

Book two in the series about a family separated after a computer super-virus is released causing major havoc. Wonderful, believable characters. Start with book one. Read first two in one evening. Now on to book three.
293 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2018
Another....

.....fantastic book in the Surviving the Fall series. I especially like the way the author brings the characters to life, as well as the drama! Only 10 more books to go!!!!
3 reviews
December 1, 2019
Good read but why 75 pages

I enjoy the read and liked the story but it's a pain to get a book that is really only a couple chapters. I most likely will drift off to another series that I can buy all at once. Hope this experiment isn't repeated for an otherwise good author
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
June 21, 2021
Another great episode in this series where Rick and Dianne each respond to the 'world in disaster' mode, highlighting the dangers of relying on computers.

Fast-paced and good writing style except for a number of grammatical errors.

Worth reading, however. (I have the box set).
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
June 14, 2017
Book 2

Not a big fan of long series book. Maybe instead of 14 novellas the author does 4. The storyline is good. I just like reading the book at one time .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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