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Surviving the Fall #1-12
The Complete Surviving the Fall Series Box Set:
The Critically Acclaimed Surviving the Fall Series, Now in One Complete Edition! Surviving the Fall is an epic survival/thriller post-apocalyptic series that asks the "what if" question that lurks in the back of everyone's mind.
When a devastating attack cripples and destroys every Internet-connected device in the country, Rick Waters is stranded a thousand miles from his wife, Dianne, and their children. To get back home he'll have to draw on every survival instinct he has as he's pulled into a web of lies and conspiracy that threaten not just his survival but that of the entire world.
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.
This complete edition of Surviving the Fall features all twelve books in the series, each one full of action, suspense and drama as Rick and Dianne struggle to survive the end of days.
When a devastating attack cripples and destroys every Internet-connected device in the country, Rick Waters is stranded a thousand miles from his wife, Dianne, and their children. To get back home he'll have to draw on every survival instinct he has as he's pulled into a web of lies and conspiracy that threaten not just his survival but that of the entire world.
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.
This complete edition of Surviving the Fall features all twelve books in the series, each one full of action, suspense and drama as Rick and Dianne struggle to survive the end of days.
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Published January 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
January 15, 2023
I had never read anything by Mike Kraus, but Kindle makes curating content so easy that your only limitation is the memory on your device. For that reason, I generally delete what I have read, to keep the TBR demons at bay especially since at my age I expect to read things just once through unless something is really really special. Of course, there are exceptions. Surviving the Fall is an excellent post-apocalyptic series that is innovative, anxiety-inducing, suspenseful, well-crafted and an exception. Kraus tells the story from the points of view of a husband and a wife separated by the cataclysmic event on two opposite sides of the United States. One of the best aspects of the stories being told in this manner is that we get the claustrophobic qualities of a survival horror that requires preparing and sheltering in place while also getting a panoramic perspective of the crisis by the person trying to get home. Sheltering at home means recognizing that you might have to defend your home in the most pragmatic and socially unacceptable ways. Trying to get home means that you have to choose which battles to fight and which are best avoided. Because of the constant cliffhangers, I was especially happy to have purchased the entire series in one swoop so that I would not have to wait at the end of each book for the next one. I enjoyed this so much that I have kept a copy on my Kindle library regardless of everything else I eliminate, this one stays on so that I might re-read in the future. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend.
August 26, 2024
Title: Surviving the Fall (Books 1 - 12)
Author: Mike Kraus
Genre: Apocalyptic
Publishing Year: 2019
Review: The Boxed Set is a collection of the twelve novellas that comprise the full Surviving the Fall apocalyptic series. I originally received the first book for free and when I finished it and realized that I had enjoyed it, decided to purchase the next eleven chapters for 99 cents. It was a fantastic deal that brought me a vast well of satisfaction.
The series begins with Rick Waters arriving in Los Angeles just In time to watch planes dropping from the sky as a consequence of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP.) Now he is stranded in California while his family is back home in Virginia.
The story is told from the alternating perspective of Rick while he tries to make his way home and Dianne, his wife, who must protect the homestead, their children, and the less fortunate neighbors who were not as prepared as the Waters were. There are numerous difficult situations that must be managed by savvy people, but even they sometimes err by behaving too humane in a world that no longer has rules.
Author: Mike Kraus
Genre: Apocalyptic
Publishing Year: 2019
Review: The Boxed Set is a collection of the twelve novellas that comprise the full Surviving the Fall apocalyptic series. I originally received the first book for free and when I finished it and realized that I had enjoyed it, decided to purchase the next eleven chapters for 99 cents. It was a fantastic deal that brought me a vast well of satisfaction.
The series begins with Rick Waters arriving in Los Angeles just In time to watch planes dropping from the sky as a consequence of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP.) Now he is stranded in California while his family is back home in Virginia.
The story is told from the alternating perspective of Rick while he tries to make his way home and Dianne, his wife, who must protect the homestead, their children, and the less fortunate neighbors who were not as prepared as the Waters were. There are numerous difficult situations that must be managed by savvy people, but even they sometimes err by behaving too humane in a world that no longer has rules.
April 16, 2019
Fun, fast series. . . Glad I discovered Mike Kraus!
February 26, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this... I couldn't put it down. Binge read on my day off :) Going to look for more by the same author now!
March 19, 2023
When I originally started reading this series there were a few books not released so it was nice to go back start from beginning and finish through to end
August 16, 2020
Great read, a real page turner for me. I’m so glad that I’d bought the 12 books all at once, as together they make one book, each short book feeling like a regular chapter so I’d have felt so frustrated having to wait for the next one.
October 4, 2020
This series was unbelievably well-developed. Each episode started off with a bang, and the ride was anything but smooth.
The apocalyptic ending of the world scenario in the time of COVID-19 was probably not my best choice, but once I began, I just wanted to keep going, to see if the intrepid warriors would triumph over incredible odds, horrific opponents, system failures, and other assorted tragedies and circumstances of total societal disarray. The theory of a computer virus being let loose upon the world is not really too out of the ordinary person's fears. We have developed weapons of mass destruction that mostly seem to activate only by bombs, missiles, famine, disease, or global warming. It feels like we have been hovering on that potential for millenium, each generation becoming more effective at finding ways to destroy each other. Our knowledge has only made us more effective in predicting how much life we can destroy before we ultimately destroy ourselves as well.
This story was really well developed, and the characters were both decent and depraved. It was a battle to stop the threat and restore some balance to the world. I was deeply interested from the first episodes, and only finished it today because my eyes became too blurry to read anymore. So, for content, storylines, heroes, hellhounds, situations, and strategies, this series is a winner. No issues with this book at all, from that standpoint.
But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't mention the ONE thing that almost made me delete this from my device and find something else to read.
I understand the author's enthusiasm for his work. I appreciate his knowledge base and his pride in the work.
BUT, when I am reading a story that hinges one part to another and another, I really want my pleasure to be uninterrupted. In this case, I quickly became annoyed with the "page-breaks" narrative the author stuck in between each episode. Not only were these comments intrusive, after the third one, I just skipped over the rest so I didn't feel I was losing track of the stories. In each of these intrusions, the tension of the story was totally destroyed. My mind wandered and I found I had to page back a few times to grab hold of the last few paragraphs as the story advanced. Ironically, the author kept repeating how much he loved the comments of his audience, so readers should feel free to reach out with comments and suggestions, provide feedback, and keep abreast of his large body of work.
I understand all that. It's nice to be able to read how much people enjoy your work, and it flatters the ego of any authors, (I myself am also published, but my work is academic in nature, not fictional or otherwise invented).
So my one comment or suggestion is for Mr. Kraus to stop inserting himself in-between his stories and his readers attention span. I really didn't care for the "Now, wow, you're still here" cheerleader stance, and I thought the "So, here's what to look for next" strategy of ' "You ain't seen nothing yet" point of view quite unattractive as a marketing device. It's intrusive, annoying, and it spoils the overall success of the series, because readers want to be entertained, not preached to or set up for disappointment.
So I would ask Mr. Kraus to think in terms of his audience, and give us a break. Our lives are all busy, some more than others. I am able to form my own opinions of the stories I read. I don't really care what the real-life author thinks his readers need to know about his work, we are capable of forming our own opinions.
This tactic is dismaying to me, because now I am not sure I will read anymore of his work. The interruption-gig takes my review down by 2 stars. The story is a 5 star read, but because I resist being told what to think, the entire omnibus only takes 3 stars. Sorry, but I don't have time to read all the books I want to, so my attention will naturally go to the best books, the greatest stories, rather than more self-praise and all the "Boy-Howdy" comments. The work should stand alone. Not in this case. Not for me.
The apocalyptic ending of the world scenario in the time of COVID-19 was probably not my best choice, but once I began, I just wanted to keep going, to see if the intrepid warriors would triumph over incredible odds, horrific opponents, system failures, and other assorted tragedies and circumstances of total societal disarray. The theory of a computer virus being let loose upon the world is not really too out of the ordinary person's fears. We have developed weapons of mass destruction that mostly seem to activate only by bombs, missiles, famine, disease, or global warming. It feels like we have been hovering on that potential for millenium, each generation becoming more effective at finding ways to destroy each other. Our knowledge has only made us more effective in predicting how much life we can destroy before we ultimately destroy ourselves as well.
This story was really well developed, and the characters were both decent and depraved. It was a battle to stop the threat and restore some balance to the world. I was deeply interested from the first episodes, and only finished it today because my eyes became too blurry to read anymore. So, for content, storylines, heroes, hellhounds, situations, and strategies, this series is a winner. No issues with this book at all, from that standpoint.
But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't mention the ONE thing that almost made me delete this from my device and find something else to read.
I understand the author's enthusiasm for his work. I appreciate his knowledge base and his pride in the work.
BUT, when I am reading a story that hinges one part to another and another, I really want my pleasure to be uninterrupted. In this case, I quickly became annoyed with the "page-breaks" narrative the author stuck in between each episode. Not only were these comments intrusive, after the third one, I just skipped over the rest so I didn't feel I was losing track of the stories. In each of these intrusions, the tension of the story was totally destroyed. My mind wandered and I found I had to page back a few times to grab hold of the last few paragraphs as the story advanced. Ironically, the author kept repeating how much he loved the comments of his audience, so readers should feel free to reach out with comments and suggestions, provide feedback, and keep abreast of his large body of work.
I understand all that. It's nice to be able to read how much people enjoy your work, and it flatters the ego of any authors, (I myself am also published, but my work is academic in nature, not fictional or otherwise invented).
So my one comment or suggestion is for Mr. Kraus to stop inserting himself in-between his stories and his readers attention span. I really didn't care for the "Now, wow, you're still here" cheerleader stance, and I thought the "So, here's what to look for next" strategy of ' "You ain't seen nothing yet" point of view quite unattractive as a marketing device. It's intrusive, annoying, and it spoils the overall success of the series, because readers want to be entertained, not preached to or set up for disappointment.
So I would ask Mr. Kraus to think in terms of his audience, and give us a break. Our lives are all busy, some more than others. I am able to form my own opinions of the stories I read. I don't really care what the real-life author thinks his readers need to know about his work, we are capable of forming our own opinions.
This tactic is dismaying to me, because now I am not sure I will read anymore of his work. The interruption-gig takes my review down by 2 stars. The story is a 5 star read, but because I resist being told what to think, the entire omnibus only takes 3 stars. Sorry, but I don't have time to read all the books I want to, so my attention will naturally go to the best books, the greatest stories, rather than more self-praise and all the "Boy-Howdy" comments. The work should stand alone. Not in this case. Not for me.
August 25, 2019
Laborious
I bought the first book in this series as I live an apocalyptic thriller and this sounded like an original take on this genre. I found it a little hard going at times, although the concept was great there was not much character depth. I was surprised to reach the end so soon and almost reluctantly bought the second as I wanted to know more...this set the pattern for the next few books, each time I felt I owed it to myself to persevere as I’d invested so much time already! I have to say though, the complete lack of any character development or personality meant the whole series fell very flat for me and it felt like a real effort to get to the end. Disappointing really and I only kept going as I’d put so many hours into it I felt I had to continue 🤣
I bought the first book in this series as I live an apocalyptic thriller and this sounded like an original take on this genre. I found it a little hard going at times, although the concept was great there was not much character depth. I was surprised to reach the end so soon and almost reluctantly bought the second as I wanted to know more...this set the pattern for the next few books, each time I felt I owed it to myself to persevere as I’d invested so much time already! I have to say though, the complete lack of any character development or personality meant the whole series fell very flat for me and it felt like a real effort to get to the end. Disappointing really and I only kept going as I’d put so many hours into it I felt I had to continue 🤣
March 22, 2019
An outstanding work of fiction
If you enjoy Post Apocalyptic fiction, this box set is a must. Mike Kraus has penned an Loyd with this work. I could hardly put it down. Get this series and enjoy some great action.
If you enjoy Post Apocalyptic fiction, this box set is a must. Mike Kraus has penned an Loyd with this work. I could hardly put it down. Get this series and enjoy some great action.
May 15, 2019
Surviving the Fall box set review
The Surviving the Fall Box Set contains all twelve books in this post apocalyptic series written by author Mike Kraus.
The Surviving the Fall Box Set contains all twelve books in this post apocalyptic series written by author Mike Kraus.
February 12, 2019
I think this should just be ONE book rather than 12... so I’m glad I read the omnibus version rather than stand alone. Would’ve driven me a little nutty 😬
I kind of go through phases of reading and I’m in a End of the world/apocalyptic kindle unlimited phase. Not in a dispensational/bible theology sense; just if the world started falling apart. Not zombies but EMP thriller types.
I enjoyed this creative twist on the genre. Not a full blown EMP but a techy computer virus disabling and wreaking havoc on internet integrated systems. I was wondering if or how it would be taken down. I liked the Authors notes at the end of each book, I liked peaking in his head. These originally came out periodically so it had recaps and such, I skipped over those. Two viewpoints of the husband and wife and where they were when the virus went kablooey. I’ve read some where these moms turn into super war generals (lol) in a short span of time, so I liked the personal small feel of what this mom does to defend her children at all cost.
It got slow toward the latter half of the books but wondering how it would all be tied together kept me going. Mike Kraus did a good job tying everything together. People died, not everyone gets a perfect get away without any pain and sorrow. It has an imperfect feel. Even the main characters make mistakes which is easy for this genre to make them out to be super people making the right decisions all the time. But Kraus wrote interesting characters with growth along with the flaws.
A smattering of language but nothing too heavy. Wouldn’t recommend for younger readers bc there are also some graphic depictions of violence.
This is available on kindle unlimited.
I kind of go through phases of reading and I’m in a End of the world/apocalyptic kindle unlimited phase. Not in a dispensational/bible theology sense; just if the world started falling apart. Not zombies but EMP thriller types.
I enjoyed this creative twist on the genre. Not a full blown EMP but a techy computer virus disabling and wreaking havoc on internet integrated systems. I was wondering if or how it would be taken down. I liked the Authors notes at the end of each book, I liked peaking in his head. These originally came out periodically so it had recaps and such, I skipped over those. Two viewpoints of the husband and wife and where they were when the virus went kablooey. I’ve read some where these moms turn into super war generals (lol) in a short span of time, so I liked the personal small feel of what this mom does to defend her children at all cost.
It got slow toward the latter half of the books but wondering how it would all be tied together kept me going. Mike Kraus did a good job tying everything together. People died, not everyone gets a perfect get away without any pain and sorrow. It has an imperfect feel. Even the main characters make mistakes which is easy for this genre to make them out to be super people making the right decisions all the time. But Kraus wrote interesting characters with growth along with the flaws.
A smattering of language but nothing too heavy. Wouldn’t recommend for younger readers bc there are also some graphic depictions of violence.
This is available on kindle unlimited.
February 15, 2019
3.5 *
Entertaining read with great characters in a unique premise. THIS end of world storyline isn't the typical EMP, nuclear war, or zombie apocalypse. This one was created by a viral AI, named Damocles, that determined what/who was dangerous. All because someone didn't air-gap their program correctly- eventually causing problems as the virus spread worldwide.
As it begins we meet a semi-prepper family divided by the husband's business trip. He, Rick, is in California while his wife, Dianne, and 3 children are at home in Virginia. And, let me say, I WISH my children were half as well-behaved as theirs seem to be. These angelic children are too good to be true!
It was good, but could have great. This is the box set contains the completed series, because of that every book's preface should have been removed because it only highlights what happened in the segment you'd just read - which is totally unnecessary. Then, at the end of each book you get the Author's Notes where he discusses the impetus of why he wrote whatever he wrote in the manner he wrote it. Yeah, we didn't need that either. Both the preface and author notes really pull you from the storyline. It was probably a good idea when each book was issued separately though. Also, thrown in sporadically, are side descriptions of other countries and cities destruction - some of which have no bearing on the characters.
As we progress through the books in the series there are some neighbors and awful gang members added to Dianne's segments and, for Rick, there are a few people we meet along the way as they journey through some rather improbable events, while trying to figure out how to shut down Damocles.
While not the be all and end all of apocalyptic literature, it was a fun read - as long as you can suspend your disbelief. And, for $1, not bad at all.
Entertaining read with great characters in a unique premise. THIS end of world storyline isn't the typical EMP, nuclear war, or zombie apocalypse. This one was created by a viral AI, named Damocles, that determined what/who was dangerous. All because someone didn't air-gap their program correctly- eventually causing problems as the virus spread worldwide.
As it begins we meet a semi-prepper family divided by the husband's business trip. He, Rick, is in California while his wife, Dianne, and 3 children are at home in Virginia. And, let me say, I WISH my children were half as well-behaved as theirs seem to be. These angelic children are too good to be true!
It was good, but could have great. This is the box set contains the completed series, because of that every book's preface should have been removed because it only highlights what happened in the segment you'd just read - which is totally unnecessary. Then, at the end of each book you get the Author's Notes where he discusses the impetus of why he wrote whatever he wrote in the manner he wrote it. Yeah, we didn't need that either. Both the preface and author notes really pull you from the storyline. It was probably a good idea when each book was issued separately though. Also, thrown in sporadically, are side descriptions of other countries and cities destruction - some of which have no bearing on the characters.
As we progress through the books in the series there are some neighbors and awful gang members added to Dianne's segments and, for Rick, there are a few people we meet along the way as they journey through some rather improbable events, while trying to figure out how to shut down Damocles.
While not the be all and end all of apocalyptic literature, it was a fun read - as long as you can suspend your disbelief. And, for $1, not bad at all.
January 30, 2020
Story Good. Needs Editing
The plot pulled me in. So grateful it wasn't another cheap first person narrative that so many newer writers go for. Lots of research must have gone into the story, which helped to authenticate it. Especially enjoyed the family back home in Ellisville defending the family, the farm, and friends. Great, strong characters there. The character of Jane, who accompanied the husband and father (Rick) trying to make it home across a broken world, could have been done better. Enjoyed the first part where he found her, a stranger, wounded and helpless and not abandoning her, was very good. But was irritated at her squeamisness when he saved their lives with the Molotov cocktail. Then, later on, when they get separated, she comes back into the story as a gung-ho, let's go character still clinging to him. It was too big a flip in character to be able to accept. The editing problem was obvious with too many superfluous and unnecessary words, which were irritating. Like for example, getting into the car they shut the door to the car, put the car in gear and backed the car out the driveway. I made that sentence up but you get my drift. Also, the ends of some sentences were totally unnecessary to understanding the meaning. Tight writing, which keeps the flow, is not possible in these cases. Otherwise, it's a great story and I enjoyed it to the end.
The plot pulled me in. So grateful it wasn't another cheap first person narrative that so many newer writers go for. Lots of research must have gone into the story, which helped to authenticate it. Especially enjoyed the family back home in Ellisville defending the family, the farm, and friends. Great, strong characters there. The character of Jane, who accompanied the husband and father (Rick) trying to make it home across a broken world, could have been done better. Enjoyed the first part where he found her, a stranger, wounded and helpless and not abandoning her, was very good. But was irritated at her squeamisness when he saved their lives with the Molotov cocktail. Then, later on, when they get separated, she comes back into the story as a gung-ho, let's go character still clinging to him. It was too big a flip in character to be able to accept. The editing problem was obvious with too many superfluous and unnecessary words, which were irritating. Like for example, getting into the car they shut the door to the car, put the car in gear and backed the car out the driveway. I made that sentence up but you get my drift. Also, the ends of some sentences were totally unnecessary to understanding the meaning. Tight writing, which keeps the flow, is not possible in these cases. Otherwise, it's a great story and I enjoyed it to the end.
April 9, 2024
I'm glad Audible had this whole box set as one purchase. The books were relatively short.
Surviving the Fall is an epic survival/thriller post-apocalyptic series that asks the "what if" question that lurks in the back of everyone's mind.
When a devastating attack cripples and destroys every Internet-connected device in the country, Rick Waters is stranded a thousand miles from his wife, Dianne, and their children. To get back home he'll have to draw on every survival instinct he has as he's pulled into a web of lies and conspiracy that threaten not just his survival but that of the entire world.
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 is an epic survival/thriller post-apocalyptic series that asks the "what if" question that lurks in the back of everyone's mind.
When a devastating attack cripples and destroys every Internet-connected device in the country, Rick Waters is stranded a thousand miles from his wife, Dianne, and their children. To get back home he'll have to draw on every survival instinct he has as he's pulled into a web of lies and conspiracy that threaten not just his survival but that of the entire world.
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.
February 9, 2019
I was able to purchase the omnibus edition which offered all twelve individual books as one volume. The post-apocalyptic saga details the Waters family struggle to survive the “end times”. A virus unleashed on the internet cripples every electronic device connected to it. This produces the same results as an EMP or CME. Husband Rick is trapped in California and must make his way back home in Virginia. Wife Dianne and the three children are home alone, left to their own devices and intelligence to survive the chaos. The perilous thousand-mile journey Rick undertook left much to be desired. The minimal amount of contact and violence Rick encountered is almost unbelievable. The coverage Dianne and the children received is more thorough, but not without its issues. Dianne’s shooting of the trespasser seemed out-of-character for her, but in her defense, it was after two prior attempts to breach the families security. The quest to halt the advance of the virus is another sub-plot for Rick as is the Red Shirt Gang for Dianne. On the surface, “Surviving the Fall” is an enjoyable account; if you don’t dig too deep.
September 25, 2023
Spoilers.
Decent enough drama and action to keep the book moving forward. If you can overlook the preaching of why everyone should be a prepper and how irresponsible it is if you are not. And overlook the many ridiculous action scenarios and choices characters make as if they have no choice. And overlook the implausibility and just wrong IT aspects. And overlook the idea that after the fall people are either good, bad, or just stupid… and overlook the fact the author made it a 12 book series that easily could have been 1 or… maaaaybe 3 books - and that he has to insert himself between the books to explain context and why what he writes is true…
then you may like the book.
That is if you aren’t a woman.
Bad ass woman in book slays an entire gang of 20+ evil men. At the very last man, the embodiment of evil, her husband FINALLY shows up and “saves” her with the glory shot? AYFKM? As if it wasn’t bad enough he was egotistical enough to think he was the only one who could save the world and so abandoned his family in a world he KNEW was violent, unsafe, and ending… I can’t remember a book that made me so damn angry at the author for being a misogynistic assclown.
Decent enough drama and action to keep the book moving forward. If you can overlook the preaching of why everyone should be a prepper and how irresponsible it is if you are not. And overlook the many ridiculous action scenarios and choices characters make as if they have no choice. And overlook the implausibility and just wrong IT aspects. And overlook the idea that after the fall people are either good, bad, or just stupid… and overlook the fact the author made it a 12 book series that easily could have been 1 or… maaaaybe 3 books - and that he has to insert himself between the books to explain context and why what he writes is true…
then you may like the book.
That is if you aren’t a woman.
Bad ass woman in book slays an entire gang of 20+ evil men. At the very last man, the embodiment of evil, her husband FINALLY shows up and “saves” her with the glory shot? AYFKM? As if it wasn’t bad enough he was egotistical enough to think he was the only one who could save the world and so abandoned his family in a world he KNEW was violent, unsafe, and ending… I can’t remember a book that made me so damn angry at the author for being a misogynistic assclown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
The plot is solid and the story is a good page turner but there are a lot of components with, shall we say, massive plot holes or inconsistencies. I liked the idea behind the series, a super virus accidentally or intentionally released upon our increasingly interconnected world. I also found many of the characters compelling and well written. That being said, and perhaps this was due to the narrator more than anything else, the dialogue often felt cringy or false. There were also a lot of situations into which Kraus inserted his characters from which he had to fabricate far too convenient escapes from. While a good spetsnaz cameo is integral to most post apocalyptic hell scapes, the fight scenes involving them were downright illogical and unbelievable, detracting from what could have been a well thought out storyline.
If your looking for a decent apocalypse novel to pass the time, you might find what you are looking for, but for me personally, it wasn’t anything I hadn’t read before and it had a lot of inconsistencies which bothered me throughout the story.
If your looking for a decent apocalypse novel to pass the time, you might find what you are looking for, but for me personally, it wasn’t anything I hadn’t read before and it had a lot of inconsistencies which bothered me throughout the story.
February 21, 2020
I enjoyed book number one, but wish he had tied things up there because Really didn’t enjoy the next 11 books, and yo be honest, i skimmed through much of it, and stopped reading the authors comments at the end of each book, here he tells you things like, and I’m paraphrasing:
“ i didn’t write much about Diane in that last book but in the next one, its mostly about her and how after just getting things done with her kids, now shell have to deal with attacks and evil people trying to attack them”
I dislike books where everything is set up ridiculously and this is one.
They are not preppers, but have completely prepped having 2 years of food on hand for their chickens, pigs, goats, cows, horses and whatever else. Plus they have 8 months of food, even if the get nothing else , full solar capabilities, 8 night vision cameras, kids who are snipers and took classes in self defence from the marines.
Ridiculousness.
“ i didn’t write much about Diane in that last book but in the next one, its mostly about her and how after just getting things done with her kids, now shell have to deal with attacks and evil people trying to attack them”
I dislike books where everything is set up ridiculously and this is one.
They are not preppers, but have completely prepped having 2 years of food on hand for their chickens, pigs, goats, cows, horses and whatever else. Plus they have 8 months of food, even if the get nothing else , full solar capabilities, 8 night vision cameras, kids who are snipers and took classes in self defence from the marines.
Ridiculousness.
May 17, 2024
The story itself was well written and engaging. My review is based on the way the book was published and marketed.
Lessor known authors typically sell their kindle book copies at $3 to $4 per novel. So when I saw “the 12 book series” at $33, i decided to give the author a chance. Little did I know that the total 12 book series only contained about the same number of pages as is typically found in 2 to 2.5 normal novels. Add to that the authors commentary between each “book” and you have very little reading spread out over 12 books.
In essence, you have one continuous story in which every few chapters a complete book is declared. Everything could have been written as two sequential novels. But then again, the author likely would not have been able to sell those two books for $16 each!
Lessor known authors typically sell their kindle book copies at $3 to $4 per novel. So when I saw “the 12 book series” at $33, i decided to give the author a chance. Little did I know that the total 12 book series only contained about the same number of pages as is typically found in 2 to 2.5 normal novels. Add to that the authors commentary between each “book” and you have very little reading spread out over 12 books.
In essence, you have one continuous story in which every few chapters a complete book is declared. Everything could have been written as two sequential novels. But then again, the author likely would not have been able to sell those two books for $16 each!
July 21, 2023
Terrific Story
I ran across "Surviving the Fall" because I had read other books by the author and liked them. I read the first book and was hooked, so purchased the whole series. I have not been disappointed. This has been a fun, albeit tense ride. Character development was slow but steady, the plot is fascinating, and I just couldn't put the story down. From start to finish, reading three times a day, I completed the series in about a week. Although I don't normally read stories this quickly, this one has had several plotinus that pull you in and you have to keep reading to find out what is happening next.
If you like a good, dramatic, SHTF story, "Surviving the Fall" is for you.
I ran across "Surviving the Fall" because I had read other books by the author and liked them. I read the first book and was hooked, so purchased the whole series. I have not been disappointed. This has been a fun, albeit tense ride. Character development was slow but steady, the plot is fascinating, and I just couldn't put the story down. From start to finish, reading three times a day, I completed the series in about a week. Although I don't normally read stories this quickly, this one has had several plotinus that pull you in and you have to keep reading to find out what is happening next.
If you like a good, dramatic, SHTF story, "Surviving the Fall" is for you.
March 3, 2019
Couldn't put it down!
I have such mixed feelings when I reach the end of a book (or a series, in this case) like this. But to avoid any inadvertent spoilers I will only address the sadness I feel. Sadness that I won't be able to hear from my new friends Dianne and Rick any more! Or Jane or the doctor, Tina, Jason, Mark... I will miss them all.
To me that is the most valuable part of any book, the love I end up having for the characters. Not many authors are able to create such a depth of character in their, well, characters.
I am in awe, Mike. Can I call you Mike? Because I think we are friends now too.
I have such mixed feelings when I reach the end of a book (or a series, in this case) like this. But to avoid any inadvertent spoilers I will only address the sadness I feel. Sadness that I won't be able to hear from my new friends Dianne and Rick any more! Or Jane or the doctor, Tina, Jason, Mark... I will miss them all.
To me that is the most valuable part of any book, the love I end up having for the characters. Not many authors are able to create such a depth of character in their, well, characters.
I am in awe, Mike. Can I call you Mike? Because I think we are friends now too.
May 18, 2019
A masterfully told straightforward story of perseverance
This was my first time reading any of Mike Kraus work, but you can bet I'm going to read everything else is written. While the overarching trope, man trying to get home to family during the Apocalypse, has been done many times before, Mike Kraus makes use of a very original antagonist to power his plot. Best of all though is the highly detailed writing and character development. Mike really puts you in the headspace of his characters and includes enough technical details to make the whole thing seem plausible. A fast-paced, great read.
This was my first time reading any of Mike Kraus work, but you can bet I'm going to read everything else is written. While the overarching trope, man trying to get home to family during the Apocalypse, has been done many times before, Mike Kraus makes use of a very original antagonist to power his plot. Best of all though is the highly detailed writing and character development. Mike really puts you in the headspace of his characters and includes enough technical details to make the whole thing seem plausible. A fast-paced, great read.
June 7, 2019
Prepare to Lose Sleep
I am an avid reader. I read across multiple genres. I tend to read books by a few authors, opposed to reading works from unfamiluar authors. After finding this series I think through a Bookbub deal, I am so impressed with this story. Gripping, intense action, well developed characters. I love disaster stories, especially ones that expose humanity in crisis. I found myself reading early into the morning multiple times. Totally worth losing sleep. My goodness I am hooked.
I need some solar panels, a farm, plenty of ammo, and more books.
Mike Kraus, you have a new fan.
I am an avid reader. I read across multiple genres. I tend to read books by a few authors, opposed to reading works from unfamiluar authors. After finding this series I think through a Bookbub deal, I am so impressed with this story. Gripping, intense action, well developed characters. I love disaster stories, especially ones that expose humanity in crisis. I found myself reading early into the morning multiple times. Totally worth losing sleep. My goodness I am hooked.
I need some solar panels, a farm, plenty of ammo, and more books.
Mike Kraus, you have a new fan.
July 30, 2019
Surviving the Fall Box Set
This was a really, really good series that I would give a 4.5 if that was an option available to me. As the reader follows Rick as he tries to get back to his family against all odds and as he tries to help stop the virus that is destroying the world; we also see his prepper family back home trying to survive the brutality of a lawless world.
There are a few things that suspend belief even in the context of a apocalyptic scenario as we have Jason, an elderly man (with cancer and after receiving a serious gunshot wound), running around like a teenage athlete... but that is minor compared to the overall quality of the story and characters.
This was a really, really good series that I would give a 4.5 if that was an option available to me. As the reader follows Rick as he tries to get back to his family against all odds and as he tries to help stop the virus that is destroying the world; we also see his prepper family back home trying to survive the brutality of a lawless world.
There are a few things that suspend belief even in the context of a apocalyptic scenario as we have Jason, an elderly man (with cancer and after receiving a serious gunshot wound), running around like a teenage athlete... but that is minor compared to the overall quality of the story and characters.
October 5, 2020
Outstandingly captivating from start to finish of this series. Many more thoughts about SHTF scenarios and the many dangers.
I loved the entire series, from start to finish. Learning as I read about the many dangers one would face in a SHTF scenario, things I had not thought about brought to my attention. Gangs, criminals, will present many dangers, then there are those human beings who live within our societal norms at present, who would become monsters without any constraints to stop them in a SHTF scenario, only caring about themselves and enslaving others! Outstanding read!
I loved the entire series, from start to finish. Learning as I read about the many dangers one would face in a SHTF scenario, things I had not thought about brought to my attention. Gangs, criminals, will present many dangers, then there are those human beings who live within our societal norms at present, who would become monsters without any constraints to stop them in a SHTF scenario, only caring about themselves and enslaving others! Outstanding read!
December 30, 2021
Not bad as far as apocalyptic novels go. Could have been more detailed in parts and characters could have been developed a bit further, but entertaining nonetheless. Although it's described as twelve books- maybe the author meant books like in the Bible(?)- I think it would be better organised as a trilogy with four parts each (the total page count for the whole series is only 816 pages which is the approximate length of three standard novels).
The author's interjections were rather odd but okay if you need a recap after each part and a few comments of different topics of interest to the author along the way. Worth a read or listen if you're interested in this type of fiction.
The author's interjections were rather odd but okay if you need a recap after each part and a few comments of different topics of interest to the author along the way. Worth a read or listen if you're interested in this type of fiction.
July 18, 2024
I am of two minds on the series. First I did get this as a set of 12 books but audio books from audible. It was entertaining and kept my attention and I would have given it a 4 stars. However, after each "book" the author would go on and on about how great he was etc. Very annoying when you are busy and can't fast forward. I almost gave it ZERO stars because the Books were so short the really were no more than a couple of chapters! As a bookseller in an Indy store this was one of my pet peeves. Stephen King started this little money grabbing trick. This author is no King. So it's a three star. Sorry.
February 10, 2019
Well written, Adventurous and great reading
Exciting is just one word that describes this book but many others such as astounding, thrilling, compelling and entertaining also apply. The pages can’t turn fast enough in this gripping story of determination to survive, of family, and of the changes in people brought on by a cataclysmic event. There is truth in here about how people will react if it ever comes down to survival. One is left asking “What wouldn’t I do for my survival and that of my family ?”
Exciting is just one word that describes this book but many others such as astounding, thrilling, compelling and entertaining also apply. The pages can’t turn fast enough in this gripping story of determination to survive, of family, and of the changes in people brought on by a cataclysmic event. There is truth in here about how people will react if it ever comes down to survival. One is left asking “What wouldn’t I do for my survival and that of my family ?”
March 14, 2019
A different spin on an end of the world apocalypse tale. Entirely believable based on our current reliance on technology and all that comes with it. (computers are great when they work properly)
I’m not one for short stories so I’m glad I read the omnibus instead. I loved that the author put so much time into Diane and her children. I could have quite happily skipped over Rick’s parts (not that I disliked him). I think in its entirety it could be split into two books one all about Rick and the other about Diane.
I’m not one for short stories so I’m glad I read the omnibus instead. I loved that the author put so much time into Diane and her children. I could have quite happily skipped over Rick’s parts (not that I disliked him). I think in its entirety it could be split into two books one all about Rick and the other about Diane.
April 6, 2019
Riveting!
This 12 book set interfered with my life!! I was unable to put it down for more than short periods of time for sleep and nourishment, until I had read it from beginning to end. While much of the technical discussion was over my head, I decided it was over the heads of others in the books so it didn't matter. I liked the way the chapters moved from one character situation to another so that I could keep up with all within the same time period, more or less. Recommend this book for anyone, whether survivorists or not.
This 12 book set interfered with my life!! I was unable to put it down for more than short periods of time for sleep and nourishment, until I had read it from beginning to end. While much of the technical discussion was over my head, I decided it was over the heads of others in the books so it didn't matter. I liked the way the chapters moved from one character situation to another so that I could keep up with all within the same time period, more or less. Recommend this book for anyone, whether survivorists or not.
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