What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Days of the After #1
Dark Days of the After
In the near future, the Constitution is outlawed, the government is ceremonial at best and the country is about to lose her name. No one knows how this happened, or why America prostrated herself to the kind of foreign forces who would impose obedience through compliance. Resistors call the occupation “creeping death.” Those countries grabbing at the reins of power see it for what it is—a full scale invasion.
Security engineer, Logan Cahill, is part of the underground effort to reclaim America, but when he finds a cryptic message in the world's largest server room leading to a doomsday clock, everything changes. With the help of a local hacker, Logan traces the clock to its origins where he discovers a truth so horrific, so terrifying, the mere mention of it carries a death sentence. He now knows the enemies, the weapons and the time of America’s death, right down to the minute. If he wants to survive the apocalypse, he and the feisty Skylar Madigan have to bug out fast. This won’t be easy considering the surveillance grid in place, or the armed lock-down of all major cities.
The final defensive frontier for dedicated patriots is life on the land held by their ancestors, those men and women dug into their off-grid homes and operating a black market economy. But not everyone has what it takes to survive life outside the occupied cities, and precious few know how to defend themselves against the brutality of America’s captors. All that is about to change…
Security engineer, Logan Cahill, is part of the underground effort to reclaim America, but when he finds a cryptic message in the world's largest server room leading to a doomsday clock, everything changes. With the help of a local hacker, Logan traces the clock to its origins where he discovers a truth so horrific, so terrifying, the mere mention of it carries a death sentence. He now knows the enemies, the weapons and the time of America’s death, right down to the minute. If he wants to survive the apocalypse, he and the feisty Skylar Madigan have to bug out fast. This won’t be easy considering the surveillance grid in place, or the armed lock-down of all major cities.
The final defensive frontier for dedicated patriots is life on the land held by their ancestors, those men and women dug into their off-grid homes and operating a black market economy. But not everyone has what it takes to survive life outside the occupied cities, and precious few know how to defend themselves against the brutality of America’s captors. All that is about to change…
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2019
1104 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 9, 2019
Tomorrow he would wake up to a new world, a hostile world unlike any he’d ever known
California author Ryan Schow states on his website, ‘A writer writes not because he wants to, or because he’s trying to accomplish something; he writes because he has to, because the very act of it consumes him because he has things to say and stories to tell.’ His comment is refreshing and additive to the content of this novel.
The chosen cover of DARK DAYS OF THE AFTER sets the very disturbing tone of this prescient novel – a tale of what could possibly happen in the climate of today as we grapple with mass shootings, hate crimes, environmental disruption, and political unrest. In many ways, reading a story about what COULD happen helps us deal with the choices we must make at this time in our history.
But enough of philosophical meandering: Ryan’s ability to paint the bleakest of futures with inordinate credibility makes his novel terrifying – while capturing our rapt attention to the story as it unfolds. Part of that ability comes from the quality of his prose, as he opens the story – ‘’When you have something to hide, it feels like everyone is looking at you. When your face is proof positive that you’ve been up to no good, your chances of getting dragged into a dark room and beaten until you spill your guts go through the roof. Logan Cahill kept his head down and his eyes low as he walked through downtown San Francisco. The air was brisk, smelly, like the sweet and sour scents of Chinatown mixed with death. Pollute the air with a few ribbons of smoke from more than a few nearby fires and you get the picture.’ Scene painted, story opens.
Logan Hill is a security engineer whose mission is to reclaim a fallen America, and with that purpose we are subscribed to the exigencies of possibilities in this time of surveillance cameras, voice activated controls, police force facial recognition techniques, and all the paraphernalia that is frightening. The story is solid: the message is timely. Reading this book encourages the reader to further explore Ryan’s prodigious output of novels. Recommended.
California author Ryan Schow states on his website, ‘A writer writes not because he wants to, or because he’s trying to accomplish something; he writes because he has to, because the very act of it consumes him because he has things to say and stories to tell.’ His comment is refreshing and additive to the content of this novel.
The chosen cover of DARK DAYS OF THE AFTER sets the very disturbing tone of this prescient novel – a tale of what could possibly happen in the climate of today as we grapple with mass shootings, hate crimes, environmental disruption, and political unrest. In many ways, reading a story about what COULD happen helps us deal with the choices we must make at this time in our history.
But enough of philosophical meandering: Ryan’s ability to paint the bleakest of futures with inordinate credibility makes his novel terrifying – while capturing our rapt attention to the story as it unfolds. Part of that ability comes from the quality of his prose, as he opens the story – ‘’When you have something to hide, it feels like everyone is looking at you. When your face is proof positive that you’ve been up to no good, your chances of getting dragged into a dark room and beaten until you spill your guts go through the roof. Logan Cahill kept his head down and his eyes low as he walked through downtown San Francisco. The air was brisk, smelly, like the sweet and sour scents of Chinatown mixed with death. Pollute the air with a few ribbons of smoke from more than a few nearby fires and you get the picture.’ Scene painted, story opens.
Logan Hill is a security engineer whose mission is to reclaim a fallen America, and with that purpose we are subscribed to the exigencies of possibilities in this time of surveillance cameras, voice activated controls, police force facial recognition techniques, and all the paraphernalia that is frightening. The story is solid: the message is timely. Reading this book encourages the reader to further explore Ryan’s prodigious output of novels. Recommended.
December 30, 2019
I liked the somewhat unusual premise of this book. America has suffered a steep decline and parts are under occupation by a number of foreign entities. The Chinese have occupied the area where most of this story takes place. It is at its best when focusing on plight of Americans in and out of the occupation zone in the context of being dictated by a hostile force and under threat of an deliberate disaster. Unfortunately, it also gets into a lot of minutiae of the day to day existence, particularly of those outside of the occupation area and none of this minutiae added much to the story. There is a lot of who is having sex with whom, which townspeople need to die for the militia to get a foothold and fight back etc. The writing style is fairly good and flows well and there are not a lot of editing issues, but I wish it would not have digressed so much. I am a bit curious as to what happens next so will read the next book.
July 29, 2020
Awesome story about about a near future America where internal division weakened our country to an invasion from outside forces. The Chinese have taken over the west coast, creating a new communist hell where the Americans are subjugated, tracked, survielled, and treated like dirt. As things come to a head, with European, Mexican and African forces all moving in on various coasts a small pocket of resistance is doing what they can just to keep hope alive.
This was just a well written book all the way around. Narration on the audiobook was classic Kevin Pierce, as well. Can't wait for the rest of the series to hit audio.
This was just a well written book all the way around. Narration on the audiobook was classic Kevin Pierce, as well. Can't wait for the rest of the series to hit audio.
December 6, 2019
Great Read!
Another well written story by Ryan Schow! You should read the prequel "The Last Light Of Day" first so you're familiar with the characters and what is happening in this book. Once you start reading you can't stop. Very good start of another series with action, suspense, sadness, and some humor.
Another well written story by Ryan Schow! You should read the prequel "The Last Light Of Day" first so you're familiar with the characters and what is happening in this book. Once you start reading you can't stop. Very good start of another series with action, suspense, sadness, and some humor.
April 30, 2020
Definitely Dark
I enjoyed reading this book but I hope the next has more “light” in it. It seemed to have far more negative than positive in it - yet in a real world way, it lived up to it’s title. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely read more of his body of work! Very well written!
I enjoyed reading this book but I hope the next has more “light” in it. It seemed to have far more negative than positive in it - yet in a real world way, it lived up to it’s title. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely read more of his body of work! Very well written!
December 2, 2019
The rise of the resistance.
To start my review, I have to say this. In a couple of years I want to be Orbey. Harper? I love the words that come out of her mouth. Skyler is a bad ass. Okay. This is going to be a great series. Starting with the prequel and this book..... This story feels like a look into our future.
I can close my eyes and actually see the destruction of America. The college kids protesting that living in a communist regime is the future. Laws slowly taking our Constitutional rights away. People giving in to pressure to keep peace. Then reality kicks in.
I also enjoyed all of the references to computer nerds, software, the trans-humanist movement, implants in the brain, complete with GPS tracking and internet interface modules.... I wonder if facial recognition is the reason many heavily populated Asian countries wear face masks .......
Needless to say I loved this book. Can not wait until the next book comes out.
To start my review, I have to say this. In a couple of years I want to be Orbey. Harper? I love the words that come out of her mouth. Skyler is a bad ass. Okay. This is going to be a great series. Starting with the prequel and this book..... This story feels like a look into our future.
I can close my eyes and actually see the destruction of America. The college kids protesting that living in a communist regime is the future. Laws slowly taking our Constitutional rights away. People giving in to pressure to keep peace. Then reality kicks in.
I also enjoyed all of the references to computer nerds, software, the trans-humanist movement, implants in the brain, complete with GPS tracking and internet interface modules.... I wonder if facial recognition is the reason many heavily populated Asian countries wear face masks .......
Needless to say I loved this book. Can not wait until the next book comes out.
May 5, 2024
America has sold out to foreign powers. Social upheaval has resulted in an occupation of China in California, Washington, and Oregon. An alliance of south American nations has invaded the southern US border, and the African Union has invaded the East. The US President was publicly hung in China. Now there are just a few pockets of resistance and a stronghold in Oregon. Logan Cahill, has had about enough of playing nice with the Chinese overseers, and is racking up a healthy body count. Meanwhile his ex girlfriend is infiltrating the Chinese Minister of Propaganda, only to get caught. Resistance leader Harper is exfiltrated to Oregon.
December 12, 2019
What a different view on the end of the world. The enemy is fierce and unforgiving. It a gut wrenching horrible take on what the world could become under a different countries rule. Well written and the character portrayal of what they saw and what was happening, exceptional. I hope this never happens for real. There were some scenes that I felt, where not needed and that is why I only gave it a four star rating. But you can form your own opinion. Happy reading.
December 10, 2019
Great read but scary as I can see this happening. People don't realise what Communism and Socialism can do to ordinary citizens. Your freedom and rights are taken away from you and you can't confide in anyone as they may turn you into the government. There is more horrifying things can be done to you then death.
December 18, 2019
Amazing
What a gut wrenching, page turning, sit on the edge of your seat book. I couldn't put this book down. The author does an amazing job of making the characters come to life and you feel con acted to them in an emotional way. A great story and can't wait for the next book in the series.
What a gut wrenching, page turning, sit on the edge of your seat book. I couldn't put this book down. The author does an amazing job of making the characters come to life and you feel con acted to them in an emotional way. A great story and can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 3, 2020
Hard start, strong finish
I almost put it down & went onto something else like 20% of the way in, but I pushed through & it actually finished pretty strong. There are a lot of things that don’t make sense in the character building & general confusion. Push through it & just roll w/ it. It eventually comes together.
I almost put it down & went onto something else like 20% of the way in, but I pushed through & it actually finished pretty strong. There are a lot of things that don’t make sense in the character building & general confusion. Push through it & just roll w/ it. It eventually comes together.
January 12, 2021
I NEVER leave reviews (but always rate) the books I finish, but I had to comment on this series. It is absolutely eerie how true to life this series is as relates to what is happening in our country at this very moment. If you want to understand how a country falls from the inside, absolutely read this series.
December 6, 2019
Another disturbing view of our future you won't put down
I've been reading ryan schow for quite awhile now and he just gets better. Each of his series has a different and well thought out approach and this one raises the bar
I've been reading ryan schow for quite awhile now and he just gets better. Each of his series has a different and well thought out approach and this one raises the bar
December 10, 2019
Easy to read hard to put down.
One I started I could not put it down
. I have read every book that Ryan has written and this is his best work of all. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
One I started I could not put it down
. I have read every book that Ryan has written and this is his best work of all. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 20, 2019
Outstanding
The way the survivors are getting ready for the next battle is great. I hope that the next book in this series is going to be just as important as the previous one. Keep kicking ass and taking names!!
The way the survivors are getting ready for the next battle is great. I hope that the next book in this series is going to be just as important as the previous one. Keep kicking ass and taking names!!
December 24, 2019
Good read
I like the characters and the story, having read this and the prequel. I am not liking the idea of invaders, it hits me uncomfortably emotionally somewhere. Good story but makes me uncomfortable.
I like the characters and the story, having read this and the prequel. I am not liking the idea of invaders, it hits me uncomfortably emotionally somewhere. Good story but makes me uncomfortable.
December 29, 2019
Loved this book! Nonstop action, nothing dull to slow down the pacing. Rather creepy and unsettling as it draws on the dissonance going on in today's world. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series now too.
February 16, 2020
This is a must read
Ryan Schow is one of my favorite authors. He never fails to deliver. This story has everything you would expect - excitement, suspense, action, interesting characters. This is a must read. You won't regret it.
Ryan Schow is one of my favorite authors. He never fails to deliver. This story has everything you would expect - excitement, suspense, action, interesting characters. This is a must read. You won't regret it.
June 17, 2020
i felt like i started this book missing a book before or something. So the beginning was confusing. For me the story seemed muttled. I had more questions reading this book then what you should normally have. I will read the next book in hopes that for me it starts leveling out.
August 22, 2020
Darkening days
The sun is setting just as Logan is awakening to both the Resistance and his new found urge to resist. BlueLark & Ryder have each other’s backs. Where will all of these characters be when the lights go out? What will they do to survive?
The sun is setting just as Logan is awakening to both the Resistance and his new found urge to resist. BlueLark & Ryder have each other’s backs. Where will all of these characters be when the lights go out? What will they do to survive?
November 12, 2020
An excellent read
Very entertaining and fast moving story, and I loved the characters. What drew me to this title was how very plausible the world and plot are to our current political climate. Great job, buying the second novel right now.
Very entertaining and fast moving story, and I loved the characters. What drew me to this title was how very plausible the world and plot are to our current political climate. Great job, buying the second novel right now.
Read
December 16, 2020Spooky, thrilling
This book has me hooked! I have to go read the rest!
Spooky; because what IF something like this happened in real life?
Thrilling, the action starts on the very first page and continues throughout much of the story telling
This book has me hooked! I have to go read the rest!
Spooky; because what IF something like this happened in real life?
Thrilling, the action starts on the very first page and continues throughout much of the story telling
April 30, 2022
Dark Days Of the After
Really good story line. Good plot and likeable characters .Looking forward to the next book in the series. Would definitely recommend that you read this series.
Really good story line. Good plot and likeable characters .Looking forward to the next book in the series. Would definitely recommend that you read this series.
January 7, 2024
This is what corrupt politicians get you
Pray it doesn't happen. But with corrupt dementia Joe in there it has already probably started. What can you expect when we put people like that in office. It's not only him but 95% of all politicians.
Pray it doesn't happen. But with corrupt dementia Joe in there it has already probably started. What can you expect when we put people like that in office. It's not only him but 95% of all politicians.
December 8, 2019
Another home run from Ryan Schow
Great read and full of everything you've come to expect from Ryan Schow. I can't wait for the next one!
Great read and full of everything you've come to expect from Ryan Schow. I can't wait for the next one!
December 8, 2019
Gripping Story
Fast paced and nail biting. Such a scary thought, our country being invaded and torn apart. It seems we haven’t learned from our history very well.
Fast paced and nail biting. Such a scary thought, our country being invaded and torn apart. It seems we haven’t learned from our history very well.
December 20, 2019
Can't wait for number two!
Gripping and scary! America is under siege by cruel invaders who enslave and control every aspect of American life. Excellent characters!
Gripping and scary! America is under siege by cruel invaders who enslave and control every aspect of American life. Excellent characters!
December 24, 2019
Great story and well written. Cant wait for Book#2 to come out, already pre-ordered
March 1, 2020
not for me
March 13, 2020
Pass- improbable storyline and characters so undeveloped that I could not for the life of me understand why the book was written in the first place
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews