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Final Dawn

Final Dawn: The Complete 16-Book Saga:

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#1 Best-Selling author Mike Kraus's quarter-million bestseller is now available in its definitive edition! When the end of the world arrived, it came not with a bang, as most expected, but with more of a "pfft" instead. Humanity has been torn asunder and brought to the edge of total annihilation in less than an hour. For those who died, it was a quick death, so fast that their brains didn't have time to process the pain signals from their nerves. For those who survived, the true horror is about to begin as they struggle to not only stay alive, but come to grips with the shocking realization about what - and who - was responsible. Final Dawn is a thrilling post-apocalyptic series that follows the journey of four people who survived the end of days. Leonard McComb - A grizzled veteran of the New York City sanitation department, trapped underground in the city's vast sewer system when the world ended. Nancy Sims - An accountant, traveling across the plains of the Midwest towards a new job, caught in the middle of nowhere, destruction all around her. Marcus Warden - A self-made millionaire from New York, vacationing in a national forest of West Virginia when the bombs fell. Rachel Walsh - A wife and mother whose family is swept away in the blink of an eye, struggling with her loss and the dawning realization of what may have truly transpired to bring about the end of the world. Final Dawn is a thrilling post-apocalyptic series by long time author Mike Kraus. If you like fast paced action, edge of your seat suspense and impossible odds, you will love this, the Final Dawn Complete Series! Contains the following - Final Dawn Episodes 1-12 - The Brazilian Queen short story - The Arkhangelsk Trilogy (Books 1-3) Nearly 500,000 words long!

1526 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2020

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Mike Kraus

529 books329 followers

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5 stars
303 (65%)
4 stars
114 (24%)
3 stars
30 (6%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
20 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2025
Although I wasn't too keen at the start of listening (Mine is the audible collection), I did persevere as I was interested in the characters and its uniqueness. I was also not a fan of the narration until The Arkhangelsk Trilogy (Mike Kraus, Apologies). Through the first twelve books I would drift off not really paying attention, but then some event would happen and grab it again. As I progressed through Brazilian Queen, I really started to enjoy the books. My Favourite though all the series was The Arkhangelsk Trilogy. I loved all the characters. I was so happy listening to the authors notes after how he loved his characters and especially the Russians, (He really did great on the accent). I'm a big fan of Metro 2033,34 and 35. So was very happy to hear a different version of the Metro. I gave four stars because although I wasn't feeling the book at the start, I did very much get drawn in later on. Definitely worth a read. It is very long, but worth it.
Profile Image for Vance Knox.
Author 3 books2 followers
August 29, 2025
A Gritty and Gripping Post-Apocalyptic Journey

Mike Kraus’ Final Dawn: The Complete Saga is an intense and immersive look at what happens when the world as we know it is suddenly destroyed. Spanning all four books in the series, this collection takes readers through a world devastated by nuclear and biological attacks, following four survivors as they fight to stay alive in the chaos.

What makes this story stand out is how it follows multiple characters—Leonard, Nancy, Marcus, and Rachel—each dealing with the disaster in their own way. Their stories start separately, gradually weaving together in unexpected ways. This shifting perspective keeps things interesting and gives a fuller picture of the catastrophe, but at times, the pacing does slow down, especially during long stretches of inner monologue or survival details that don’t always move the plot forward.

Despite this, Kraus keeps the tension high, and the sense of realism is strong. The book does a great job of portraying the physical and emotional toll of survival—whether it’s the struggle for food and shelter or the weight of isolation and fear. The world he builds is dark and unforgiving, with vivid descriptions that make the devastation feel real.

The characters are flawed and human, which makes their journeys engaging. Some are more compelling than others, but they all bring something unique to the story. As the book progresses, their paths begin to cross in ways that add excitement and depth.

For fans of post-apocalyptic survival stories, Final Dawn delivers plenty of action, tension, and thought-provoking moments. While some sections drag a little, the overall journey is gripping and worth the read. If you enjoy a mix of survival, suspense, and human resilience, this saga is a solid pick.
Profile Image for jboyg.
425 reviews3 followers
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August 28, 2020
Final Dawn Finally ends!

16 book saga my aunt Mary! Yeah, it's long all right but dividing it into sixteen books seems to me to be an arbitrary marketing gimmick. Pretty standard end of the world tale but quite well done with strong, relatable characters, a fast-moving plot told from multiple viewpoints, and plenty of rockem sockem action as the few survivors of an A.I. Nanobot plague try to Wrest back control of their planet from evil robot overload named Bob! Can't believe I read the whole thing but I did, so kudos to Mr. Kraus,, and, no, I am not interested in more stories set in this universe. Drop it, Mike, and move on. Put that talent to work on something totally new.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books326 followers
July 30, 2021
Well, I finally finished this action-packed saga, where humans take on an AI (built by foolish humans).

I have reviewed each part separately so this is just an overview. The writing style was great apart from a few errors and some poor grammar. It was fast-paced with good characters and plot.

The omnibus edition was worth the wait and I bought it at a bargain price (99p)…otherwise, I wouldn't have the funds.

The concept was scary, especially knowing how technology is thriving and fools run the world.

Cleverly done and worth reading.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
470 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2021
Wow what a series!

What an imagination! I love the idea of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. Now that's a combination that can give rise to real adventure. Everyone of the characters are real and come across as someone you might know. I really loved the Russian cousins. They were in the Final Dawn series but really come to life in the trilogy. Keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. More please.
383 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2021
Overall, an interesting book once I got into it. I got the audiobook version, and the author did the narration- which was cool, for a while, but then the accents that were put on for various characters began to grate after a while. It's the only major complaint I have about the version I got. The characters were interesting, and the interactions were believable, under the circumstances presented. Four out of five stars.
72 reviews
December 14, 2021
Amazing

This book was hard to put down. I read late into the night to many times. I felt like I was right there with the character’s. Running to the end knowing that the more I read the quicker it would end. Not being able to stop anyhow. I would recommend this to anyone that likes fast paced adventure. I gave it four stars because I don’t like giving five stars to any book, my bad! I look forward to more of your books in the future. Thanks keep writing I will keep reading.
43 reviews
September 5, 2020
Riveting!

I don't usually care for science fiction type of books, but this series is so well written that it held my attention to the end. The characters are well fleshed out and their actions fit their personalities so well that even the most unbelievable scenes become believable.
Profile Image for Lora Tenenbaum.
8 reviews
October 1, 2020
Boring, tedious, lacks credibility

I have read many a post-apocalyptic novel...I like the genre. But this one lost me early on. I started to skip...reading the first sentence in each paragraph...sorely needs massive pruning. I finally gave up. For me, that is a very rare thing.
288 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2020
Very different “zombie apocalypse “

Many stories start with “us” people being the cause in one way shape or form but this is the first with an evil AI that I have read there are plenty of sick evil people out there butI love this whole world and the people in it I would love to hear more about their adventures and maybe a new robotic arm? Please write more!
Profile Image for Rbjumbob.
271 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2020
Very creative and an excellent story Teller. The things I liked the most was the story was somewhat unpredictable but was with good character development. Also the actions were very realistic. It’s such a turn off when an author has his characters do stupid or dumb things. This was well thought out a good read for sure.
Profile Image for Natalie.
9 reviews
February 17, 2021
Just love these characters!

I just finished final dawn and the submarine trilogy with the same characters. I love the closeness and love the characters have with each other, though I’d like Nancy and Leonard or Krylov to become a couple, hint hint hint Mike. Great story line and reads quick. I hated it to end.
100 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2021
Exciting and Fun

This series just was a continuous cartwheel of adventure. It was at times suspenseful, sad, chaotic and laughable. It was never dull. I love that Mike gives just enough detail to make it believable but not a drudgery. Loved all of the characters - even the villains. Thank you so much Mike for your incredible imagination and for your hard work.
1 review
May 4, 2022
Keeps you intrested

It was a continual guessing game about which way things would twist and a few of them I didn't see coming. Once started the first episode had to keep reading through to the end. Definitely recommend to anyone who likes end of world of sci-fi and even some horror readers
Profile Image for Niki.
182 reviews
March 14, 2023
Glitchy and Unedited

Very interesting story, but I cannot get past the editing errors. One example, the dog puts his head in the human's lap and then the human sits down. Lap implies already sitting!! Repeated words in one sentence. Thesaurus! Sorry, I really am a book snob. If you are not, you will enjoy this series.
534 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2024
Survival Thriller with a sci-fi twist

The government has been working in a hidden lab trying to create the ultimate weapon, nanobots that have an AI component. They succeed too well and end up destroying the earth. There are very few isolated survivors but they come together to fight for humanity.
Profile Image for Cindi.
96 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2020
One of the best series out there!

This is one of my all time favorite series! I absolutely love the characters and the storyline. Definitely recommend to those who love TEOTWAWKI series!!
Profile Image for Carol Murphy.
67 reviews
August 14, 2020
AI nanobots destroy mankind. 2038

Fast moving, entertaining, long book. Few survivors fight against difficult odds. Great character developement. Would make great TV series. Enjoyed.
Profile Image for William.
147 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2020
Another knockout Mike has a very vivid imagination, and an uncanny way of putting it in a book. I recommend this entire series (all in one book). A page turner, action packed from beginning to end.
I have read a lot of his stuff and have yet to find one i did not like.
Profile Image for Delores Fisher.
105 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2020
Excellent series!

This is the second time I’ve read this series and b I found things I missed the first time. If you like this type of book you will love this series! It was a great read the second time around!
5 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2020
I really enjoyed the archangelsk trilogy. Unfortunately for some reason I didn't get episodes 1 thru 12 or the Brazilian queen. I hate reading the conclusion 1st. Going to try to download the the rest again.
Profile Image for Bill Thibadeau.
504 reviews13 followers
October 2, 2020
Great ride

I enjoyed the. Characters and their interactions. I did not really enjoy the more space opera creatures in a post apocalyptic setting. Just not my cup of tea and the reason for four stars.
Profile Image for Jackie Snyder.
30 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2020
Attack of the AI's

I'd give this series a 10 if I could. Destroying another Nexus. An unlikely group bring the action, adventure, and, edge of your seat scenarios. Clear concise and so well written, you can vision the story unfolding as you read. Sorry to see it in!
6 reviews
February 25, 2021
Action Packed!!

I am always on the lookout for a new author & this one is a keeper! The series Final Dawn has given me hours of entertainment! I am looking forward to reading the next series by Mike Kraus.
Thank you Mike for sharing your incredible talent with us all!
Profile Image for Shelee Whitaker.
81 reviews1 follower
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March 1, 2021
Interesting story, maybe medical nanobots who help humanity?

I gave the book 5 stars because it kept my interest. There were not to many spelling errors.
And if we dont watch out we could realy have this kind of problem.
43 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2021
Really…?

This was so far fetched. At about 360 pages thank god I skipped to the end which was simplistic and implausible. I’m glad this universe has ended but in warning the threat of grey death from nano-bites remains real.
Profile Image for Rhonda Taylor.
560 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2021
Excellent

Original and excellent. Meet Leonard ,Nancy ,Marcus and Rachel. Then Krylov, Sergei, Roman and Andrey .Meet many survivors of nuclear annihilation as they battle a nightmare formulated by a narcissistic madman.
107 reviews
June 29, 2021
Couldn’t put it down.

Immensely enjoyed this novel.
The storyline was wonderful and well written.
It is science fiction and has some doubtful areas but it flows and is conceptually believable.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
792 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2021
Words fail me.

This was one of the best, most well written post apocalyptic series that I have had the pleasure of reading. Gripping from the first chapter to the very ending of the included trilogy, I fought against putting it down every day until I was done.
13 reviews
July 4, 2022
What a wonderful journey

This series has it all mystery,a slight love affair and intrigue. By far best book I have read the whole year. Nancy Lenord were my favors characters.Why you might ask? Read and you will know why!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews