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Seasons of Man #1
End of Summer
When a viral apocalypse kills 97% percent of the people on the planet, the survivor's humanity is hanging by a thread. Fighting over the leftovers of civilization, what's needed is a hero that's more killer than saint. The people he finds become family and that is very bad news for those who think they are running things. This is the first book in new series from the author of the Eden Chronicle's "A Bright Shore" and "Come and Take it." The author is a former CIA operations officer who has decided that his lifelong writing habit/hobby/obsession is more fun than "real" work.
412 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2019
2577 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Anderson
9 books208 followersSmall town kid born in Idaho, raised in Eastern Oregon. I left the Northwest for the CIA. Twenty eight years and a ton of travel mileage later, I am living in Northern Virginia with my wonderful family and still writing. You can follow my progress and blog at www.smanderson-author.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
May 24, 2021
***5 stars***
Read this book for the second time. Loved it just the same. Rtc soon, I hope.
Read this book for the second time. Loved it just the same. Rtc soon, I hope.
October 26, 2024
A virus escapes a research facility and decimates the population of the world. Ninety-seven percent of the world died and many of the three percent who survived are power hungry thugs and murderers. Jason lost his wife in the first days and he has all but given up. But after saving a group of teenagers from the evil people who have taken over he finds a reason to continue. His small band turn their sights on the despots just down the road.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It really is quite good and an entertaining story. Parts of it lacked research, the author didn't seem to understand how suppressors worked, but that sort of stuff didn't detract from the story and shall I say 97% (on a whim) won't care about it.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It really is quite good and an entertaining story. Parts of it lacked research, the author didn't seem to understand how suppressors worked, but that sort of stuff didn't detract from the story and shall I say 97% (on a whim) won't care about it.
September 16, 2019
Well written viral end of the world storyline. The characters are well fleshed out and, more importantly, smart. The scenarios are plausible, character reactions are probable, and events are likely.
I enjoyed the main character, Jason. He was wonderfully written, a husband who loses his pregnant wife early in the story. I cried with him over his loss, applauded his efforts at rescuing others, and cheered him on when he attempted to take on the criminal goons. The others in the book where just as well written.
I would suggest to the author that he write a more thorough blurb, as this one tells readers pretty much nothing. I had to read the reviews to find out what it was really about, other than a virus decimating the population. I gave this 4 stars because of the numerous typos, repeated words, missed words, errors, etc... it wasn't enough to pull you out of the story too much, but enough to wrankle. An editor would benefit him.
I'm excited for book 2 in this new series.
I enjoyed the main character, Jason. He was wonderfully written, a husband who loses his pregnant wife early in the story. I cried with him over his loss, applauded his efforts at rescuing others, and cheered him on when he attempted to take on the criminal goons. The others in the book where just as well written.
I would suggest to the author that he write a more thorough blurb, as this one tells readers pretty much nothing. I had to read the reviews to find out what it was really about, other than a virus decimating the population. I gave this 4 stars because of the numerous typos, repeated words, missed words, errors, etc... it wasn't enough to pull you out of the story too much, but enough to wrankle. An editor would benefit him.
I'm excited for book 2 in this new series.
March 14, 2020
Very very well written
I don’t know if reading this during the recent outbreak and current escalation of the covid19 is the best choice I made. Because gosh, did the author do a really good portrayal of how bad things can get. But thank God for small mercies that Covid19 isn’t airborne nor as deadly as this fictional virus.
I couldn’t put this book down. The author did a very good job at portraying the emotional toll of victims and survivors. Very very well written.
It’s lonely, painful, and dark at times. But there’s always that glimmer of hope that something can be done about it. I love that it wasn’t a hero who was just saving the world but a motley crew of unexpected people helping each other. I especially liked that Jason learned just as much from Pro as he was meant to teach Pro.
I can’t wait for the next book. I don’t know what to expect!
I don’t know if reading this during the recent outbreak and current escalation of the covid19 is the best choice I made. Because gosh, did the author do a really good portrayal of how bad things can get. But thank God for small mercies that Covid19 isn’t airborne nor as deadly as this fictional virus.
I couldn’t put this book down. The author did a very good job at portraying the emotional toll of victims and survivors. Very very well written.
It’s lonely, painful, and dark at times. But there’s always that glimmer of hope that something can be done about it. I love that it wasn’t a hero who was just saving the world but a motley crew of unexpected people helping each other. I especially liked that Jason learned just as much from Pro as he was meant to teach Pro.
I can’t wait for the next book. I don’t know what to expect!
March 3, 2020
This book is a good read, although at times it lacked suspense for me.
I was invested in the characters, I liked Jason and I am interested in reading more about his story and where it might go.
Yet, there were a few things i absolutely disliked and found most of all irritating.
One amongst other things was that the author deemed it important to constantly point out what race the characters were as part of their characterisation and not in a good way. I found that pretty odd and completely unnecessary.
Sentences like this one:
...”You speak English really good,” the woman said, “but what was the address, sweetie?”...
Why she assumed he wouldn’t be able to speak English I probably will never understand. There was no logic to be found.
Another thing that I missed was the emotional connection between the characters. The dialogues were too sparse to even glimpse behind the curtain.
It started out early on with Sam and Jason. From the short dialogue between those two I didn’t perceive the emotional depth of the connection and deep love they felt for each other. It was only clear for me after I watched how deep Jason suffered with the loss. The same can be said for Rachel. It was just suddenly stated that she loved him. There were no interactions or dialogues between them to even remotely back up such a strong development. I felt those important interactions, were just overlooked or neglected.
The author can write, so that is a disappointment.
I was invested in the characters, I liked Jason and I am interested in reading more about his story and where it might go.
Yet, there were a few things i absolutely disliked and found most of all irritating.
One amongst other things was that the author deemed it important to constantly point out what race the characters were as part of their characterisation and not in a good way. I found that pretty odd and completely unnecessary.
Sentences like this one:
...”You speak English really good,” the woman said, “but what was the address, sweetie?”...
Why she assumed he wouldn’t be able to speak English I probably will never understand. There was no logic to be found.
Another thing that I missed was the emotional connection between the characters. The dialogues were too sparse to even glimpse behind the curtain.
It started out early on with Sam and Jason. From the short dialogue between those two I didn’t perceive the emotional depth of the connection and deep love they felt for each other. It was only clear for me after I watched how deep Jason suffered with the loss. The same can be said for Rachel. It was just suddenly stated that she loved him. There were no interactions or dialogues between them to even remotely back up such a strong development. I felt those important interactions, were just overlooked or neglected.
The author can write, so that is a disappointment.
July 24, 2020
I really liked this one. Overall, I'm rating it as excellent.
It's fairly typical of the apocalyptic genre but well written and edited, good character development, excellent action segments, and utilizes multiple story lines without too many confusing jumps. And most important: entirely plausible. No super-heroes who can hit a golf ball at 700 yards with a Colt .44. No one shot or beat up, and then up the next day as if it never happened. No "just happened to find a case of C3 mistakenly sent to CostCo." End of Summer definitely passed my credibility test.
I can't write a review without any constructive suggestions. As well as Mr. Anderson writes, I would like to have seen him eschew the "prepper neighbor", "unusual capabilities" cliches so often found in TEOTWAWKI tales like this. I'd love to see the hero start with one or two quality weapons, find things he/she finds interesting but basically unusable like collector-quality but highly uncommon caliber rifles. Sorting out what to keep and what to toss as he/she goes along would be an interesting exercise. Also, having a supporting character who was team captain on a shooting team in school is a bit of uncommonly good luck. There are other ways to get there.
But these are really minor points that don't overly detract from the quality of the work. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
It's fairly typical of the apocalyptic genre but well written and edited, good character development, excellent action segments, and utilizes multiple story lines without too many confusing jumps. And most important: entirely plausible. No super-heroes who can hit a golf ball at 700 yards with a Colt .44. No one shot or beat up, and then up the next day as if it never happened. No "just happened to find a case of C3 mistakenly sent to CostCo." End of Summer definitely passed my credibility test.
I can't write a review without any constructive suggestions. As well as Mr. Anderson writes, I would like to have seen him eschew the "prepper neighbor", "unusual capabilities" cliches so often found in TEOTWAWKI tales like this. I'd love to see the hero start with one or two quality weapons, find things he/she finds interesting but basically unusable like collector-quality but highly uncommon caliber rifles. Sorting out what to keep and what to toss as he/she goes along would be an interesting exercise. Also, having a supporting character who was team captain on a shooting team in school is a bit of uncommonly good luck. There are other ways to get there.
But these are really minor points that don't overly detract from the quality of the work. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
February 25, 2020
Excellent, Realistic, and Frightening Tale
Most post apocalypse stories tend to play on the baser natures of humans in their drive to rape, pillage, and show their nastiness toward the weaker survivors. This story approaches the premise from another angle. Instead of crazed loonies running loose, a bunch of military wannabes under the guidance of a sheriff with delusions of grandeur attempts to preserve civilization as he perceives it. Of course there is a “have and have not” structure to his vision. So much so that they garner the attention of a very adept military trained loner who must carry out his dying wife’s wish to live should he survive the viral apocalypse facing the rest of the world. This story is about that man’s approach to dealing with the fallout from the deluded sheriff. I loved the way it was written and the way it was rich is descriptive situations. The author’s colorful character building had me liking the good and hating the bad in no time. After reading this first book it isn’t hard to imagine how such situations could occur, what they would be like, and hopefully what would need to be accomplished. I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
Most post apocalypse stories tend to play on the baser natures of humans in their drive to rape, pillage, and show their nastiness toward the weaker survivors. This story approaches the premise from another angle. Instead of crazed loonies running loose, a bunch of military wannabes under the guidance of a sheriff with delusions of grandeur attempts to preserve civilization as he perceives it. Of course there is a “have and have not” structure to his vision. So much so that they garner the attention of a very adept military trained loner who must carry out his dying wife’s wish to live should he survive the viral apocalypse facing the rest of the world. This story is about that man’s approach to dealing with the fallout from the deluded sheriff. I loved the way it was written and the way it was rich is descriptive situations. The author’s colorful character building had me liking the good and hating the bad in no time. After reading this first book it isn’t hard to imagine how such situations could occur, what they would be like, and hopefully what would need to be accomplished. I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
Read
November 16, 2020I am doing a review for the first book it the series, End Of Summer by S.M. Anderson. End Of Summer is a book about a pandemic that has wiped out 97% of the population named the suck. After the pandemic ends a ex army ranger goes out looking for survivors to take into mys home but finds out that there is a organization that is already searching for and killing the survivors. I feel like the author did an amazing job in expressing the terror of the situation as he talks about the bodies piled in the street and the vultures eating them. The book was published before the Covid pandemic but started getting traction at the start of it due to the similar situation. I think that the book was amazing and everyone should get a chance to read it as it shows just how much worse the current pandemic could be. 4.5/5
January 10, 2020
Check this one out
Although I typically withhold 5 star ratings for a select group of titles, I find that End of Summer easily qualifies.
The plot is plausible, the characters are likable, and the storyline is by times thought provoking.
A very enjoyable reading experience, and I'm definitely looking forward to the second book!
Although I typically withhold 5 star ratings for a select group of titles, I find that End of Summer easily qualifies.
The plot is plausible, the characters are likable, and the storyline is by times thought provoking.
A very enjoyable reading experience, and I'm definitely looking forward to the second book!
June 12, 2020
A well written and gripping book.
It's an excellent read, very well written with no typos I noticed and a gripping story. I think for me personally I could have done with a little less action and more character building/interaction, but it was still really good. The author would insert little details very well that would tell you a lot about a characters personality and how they reacted. I especially liked Howard setting up a dog door for Loki and the detailed instructions. The romance aspect sprung out of basically nothing at all imo, but there's time to flesh that out in the next book I think, just definitely needs time put into it. Thanks for the great read and looking forward to the next one.
It's an excellent read, very well written with no typos I noticed and a gripping story. I think for me personally I could have done with a little less action and more character building/interaction, but it was still really good. The author would insert little details very well that would tell you a lot about a characters personality and how they reacted. I especially liked Howard setting up a dog door for Loki and the detailed instructions. The romance aspect sprung out of basically nothing at all imo, but there's time to flesh that out in the next book I think, just definitely needs time put into it. Thanks for the great read and looking forward to the next one.
August 15, 2020
didn't like: the thrown together "love story" that seemed to instantaneously show up in the third act?? and I was like "wth is this??", the second and third act seemed to fall short for me in comparison to the first act. not sure the two female characters were worth throwing into the mix, as in the added drama/growth/evolution they added or thereby didn't add to the story.
liked: clever idea to throw these two particular characters together in made this much more interesting but the follow through of cleverness failed for me in acts 2 and three.
liked: clever idea to throw these two particular characters together in made this much more interesting but the follow through of cleverness failed for me in acts 2 and three.
July 9, 2021
The story was decent enough but the grammatical issues were a major pain. I don’t think anyone edited this book or even performed basic proofreading. I could barely get through it because of the many technical errors. Missing words, repetitious words/phrases, etc. Very poorly executed
May 16, 2020
Really good book with great characters... bring on the next one!
November 21, 2022
Wow! What a great story!
December 18, 2024
The plot is realistic and feasible. Author establishes characters and scenarios in detail. Accurate knowledge of combat mechanics. Man. Definitely feels like you’re on the ground with the characters in this post-apocalyptic world. Includes graphic descriptions of horrific actions, but honestly, it allows you to reflect on how good life really is right now and instills gratefulness inside you. Even tosses a little bit of love at the end.
Read this book in less than 24 hours. Fantastic.
Read this book in less than 24 hours. Fantastic.
September 10, 2024
This book was written much better (and more realistic) than other kindle unlimited titles. The characters did feel a little flat to me, but the author clearly had a lot of military knowledge, which really helped add to the immersion.
I'd give this a solid 3.5 stars.
I'd give this a solid 3.5 stars.
December 13, 2022
nicely done
This is the first one of this authors books I have read. He does a great job of character development. I will start the second book in about 5 minutes. Highly recommend
This is the first one of this authors books I have read. He does a great job of character development. I will start the second book in about 5 minutes. Highly recommend
April 9, 2024
DNF due to frequent grammatical errors. An author should know the difference between your/you're.
December 6, 2022
Great Story
I really like the authors style of character development. Not too much, not too little…just right! Very good plot. I like how it is not all violence, gore and despicable examples of surviving humans like so many other books in this genre. There is justice and hope. Can’t wait to dive into the next book.
I really like the authors style of character development. Not too much, not too little…just right! Very good plot. I like how it is not all violence, gore and despicable examples of surviving humans like so many other books in this genre. There is justice and hope. Can’t wait to dive into the next book.
July 18, 2023
97% Of people gone, but ...
... there are still assholes in the world. A fairly typical pandemic novel in which 97% of the world's population is wiped out by a virus. Those remaining are faced with the loss, but also with trying to survive those who think the world is theirs and they can do what they want.
This book is well written and definitely a page-turner. The plot is a bit contrived in that the main protagonist (Jason) is former military (aren't they usually?) and his dead neighbor has a military prepper's stash that would put the local national guard to shame. With food, experience, and military means, Jason is able to rescue some folks from the clutches of bad men.
Predictably, a bunch of men has taken over a former FEMA center in a hotel and have enslaved the survivors. The women are sexually exploited while the rest are used on scavenger runs. Jason sets out to gradually undermine the oppressors but struggles internally with the acts he must commit. A teenage boy he rescues adapts more quickly and is less conflicted with having to kill.
This is a quick read, well-written, realistic dialog, and decent character development. Unsurprisingly, the women who are quickly relegated to satisfying the sexual needs of the men, have no problem striking back to the male oppressors. What is surprising (or maybe it isn't) is how willingly other men are to step up to the role of "soldier" allowing them to partake in the spoils.
The book has a satisfying ending but leaves it open to future adventures.
... there are still assholes in the world. A fairly typical pandemic novel in which 97% of the world's population is wiped out by a virus. Those remaining are faced with the loss, but also with trying to survive those who think the world is theirs and they can do what they want.
This book is well written and definitely a page-turner. The plot is a bit contrived in that the main protagonist (Jason) is former military (aren't they usually?) and his dead neighbor has a military prepper's stash that would put the local national guard to shame. With food, experience, and military means, Jason is able to rescue some folks from the clutches of bad men.
Predictably, a bunch of men has taken over a former FEMA center in a hotel and have enslaved the survivors. The women are sexually exploited while the rest are used on scavenger runs. Jason sets out to gradually undermine the oppressors but struggles internally with the acts he must commit. A teenage boy he rescues adapts more quickly and is less conflicted with having to kill.
This is a quick read, well-written, realistic dialog, and decent character development. Unsurprisingly, the women who are quickly relegated to satisfying the sexual needs of the men, have no problem striking back to the male oppressors. What is surprising (or maybe it isn't) is how willingly other men are to step up to the role of "soldier" allowing them to partake in the spoils.
The book has a satisfying ending but leaves it open to future adventures.
April 21, 2021
WOW! In a genre swamped with countless titles, most with exciting covers, and provoking titles, its becoming harder to find quality writing beneath that gloss. But i've read enough top shelf PA fiction to know there are many more gems yet to be uncovered. I start many books, but finish few. Audible has a very understanding return policy. After a while you can sense very quickly if you are reading something worth completing. For me the first concern is the narrator. This is your vehicle through the dead landscape. The author chose one of the best in the business. Jay Snyder.
I believe i paused End of Summer after about 10 minutes, excited in the knowledge i'd struck lucky. Big time!
End of Summer is quite frankly one of the best PA stories i've heard\read in quite a while. The characters, and dialogue was flowing, and incredibly authentic. The storyline was riveting, and the concept terrifying. The author pulled me in to his bleak, and hostile world, and i was exposed to the fear and hopelessness, and also rallied with the heroes.
And the best part! I've got book 2 waiting for me.
I believe i paused End of Summer after about 10 minutes, excited in the knowledge i'd struck lucky. Big time!
End of Summer is quite frankly one of the best PA stories i've heard\read in quite a while. The characters, and dialogue was flowing, and incredibly authentic. The storyline was riveting, and the concept terrifying. The author pulled me in to his bleak, and hostile world, and i was exposed to the fear and hopelessness, and also rallied with the heroes.
And the best part! I've got book 2 waiting for me.
June 16, 2020
Great start to a series
In the midst of a global pandemic, what better time to read a viral-apocalypse book.... I am glad that this is the one I chose-sure the hero is one with expected experience with a strong sense of morality in a rapidly degenerating society, this is almost a cliche stereotype for books in this niche...but, what is not the usual is the strength of the writing, the way the environment is created for the story to be told. What also comes out is the author's own experience, there is a fair amount of military tradecraft that gets put into the story - authors without the personal background cannot seem to add the little details that end up making for an excellent story. Really looking forward to more from S.M.
In the midst of a global pandemic, what better time to read a viral-apocalypse book.... I am glad that this is the one I chose-sure the hero is one with expected experience with a strong sense of morality in a rapidly degenerating society, this is almost a cliche stereotype for books in this niche...but, what is not the usual is the strength of the writing, the way the environment is created for the story to be told. What also comes out is the author's own experience, there is a fair amount of military tradecraft that gets put into the story - authors without the personal background cannot seem to add the little details that end up making for an excellent story. Really looking forward to more from S.M.
May 22, 2022
Great book!
Standard concept for a post apocalyptic story. Virus escapes a lab and ravages the world. No zombies and nothing supernatural but the characters are great. Jason is a conflicted man trying to do the right thing in a very harsh new world. Reed and Daniel are the same. They are characters that you really want to get to know. There’s just enough real military jargon to make you realize the author knows his stuff without getting bogged down in it all. And let’s all hope we have a neighbor like Howard when the SHTF.
Standard concept for a post apocalyptic story. Virus escapes a lab and ravages the world. No zombies and nothing supernatural but the characters are great. Jason is a conflicted man trying to do the right thing in a very harsh new world. Reed and Daniel are the same. They are characters that you really want to get to know. There’s just enough real military jargon to make you realize the author knows his stuff without getting bogged down in it all. And let’s all hope we have a neighbor like Howard when the SHTF.
April 17, 2020
Very few survive, some good, some bad, and some very ugly. Who will continue to live.
Don't fool yourself! There are plenty of stupid and mean people in the world and if we were destroyed by a pandemic, this is an excellent book to read to prepare yourself - if you survive!! Really this was written before the coronavirus and is a very interesting story. I definitely plan to continue reading this series.
Don't fool yourself! There are plenty of stupid and mean people in the world and if we were destroyed by a pandemic, this is an excellent book to read to prepare yourself - if you survive!! Really this was written before the coronavirus and is a very interesting story. I definitely plan to continue reading this series.
June 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this post apocalyptic story.
One of the better realistic stories if this were to happen. Good storyline. Well written. I’ve seen how our world has changed just in my adult life and it’s very sad the evil we see daily. If this was real only the names would change. The book was hard to put down for me and I had to check to see if there was a second book before I finished the first. Very happy to say there is.
One of the better realistic stories if this were to happen. Good storyline. Well written. I’ve seen how our world has changed just in my adult life and it’s very sad the evil we see daily. If this was real only the names would change. The book was hard to put down for me and I had to check to see if there was a second book before I finished the first. Very happy to say there is.
May 11, 2022
The Stand, reincarnated
A less literary (yes, that's definitely a compliment) version of the first part of The Stand. It's accessible, relatable, and terrifying. It's incredibly believable without being supernatural or allegorical and I enjoyed every damn minute of it. I'm quite eager to keep reading.
A less literary (yes, that's definitely a compliment) version of the first part of The Stand. It's accessible, relatable, and terrifying. It's incredibly believable without being supernatural or allegorical and I enjoyed every damn minute of it. I'm quite eager to keep reading.
August 14, 2022
Totally believable and realistic apocalyptic tale!
Great read with great characters and excellent storyline. A lapse in following correct lab procedures results in a mutation of a virus that is 90+% fatal and spreads rapidly worldwide. The struggle for survival and rebuilding has only just begun.... Great storyline!
Great read with great characters and excellent storyline. A lapse in following correct lab procedures results in a mutation of a virus that is 90+% fatal and spreads rapidly worldwide. The struggle for survival and rebuilding has only just begun.... Great storyline!
October 5, 2022
exciting & fast paced
Great post apocalyptic story, hard to believe this was written pre-Covid given the plot. For folks in Northern Virginia, you will recognize landmarks/areas.
I enjoyed the fast pace and could not put the book down. I’m looking forward to the second installment.
Great post apocalyptic story, hard to believe this was written pre-Covid given the plot. For folks in Northern Virginia, you will recognize landmarks/areas.
I enjoyed the fast pace and could not put the book down. I’m looking forward to the second installment.
October 29, 2022
seasons book 1
Very engaging story with characters you root for and hate. I’ve read a lot of this genre and this is one of the top.
Very engaging story with characters you root for and hate. I’ve read a lot of this genre and this is one of the top.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews