What do you think?
Rate this book
As the World Dies #4
After Siege
This is the new world.
Not the old.
The dead walk, demand human flesh, and howl at the wall surrounding a Fort on a hill.
A group of Texans stand against the zombie hordes, fighting to create a new community in a dead world. Unknown to them, their legend is starting to spread far and wide.
Emma Valdez’s life was forever changed when the zombies destroyed the world. She spent all her time and energy systematically killing all the zombies in her town while searching for her missing son. After a yearlong search, she finally put him to rest, and planned to take her own exit from the zombie-infested world. But a dream about a mysterious woman with raven black hair wearing a red sweater compelled her to seek out a community of survivors in Ashley Oaks, Texas. Little did she realize this was the start of a new season in her life.
The Fort inhabitants, meanwhile, deal with the aftermath of the battle they fought against a massive horde of zombies and successfully redirected away from the town. Many mourn the loss of friends while helping repair and rebuild the Fort’s defenses. Danger still lurks on the outskirts of town as the horde continues its trek into the west. Emma arrives just in time for yet another harrowing battle outside the walls.
Guided by Juan De La Torre, who is nursing his own wounded heart, Emma finds her place among the Fort inhabitants and uses her excellent survival skills to help save others. It’s not easy being the newcomer among people who have formed a family since the rise of the zombies. She struggles with adjusting and is not always comfortable with the close proximity of so many other people. But the high walls promise safety, and the friendly smiles are welcoming.
When a zombie of a former Fort inhabitant shows up outside the wall, Emma is part of a team that is sent out to investigate what happened to the group that abandoned the Fort before the big battle. What happened to them might alter the course of the Fort forever.
Not the old.
The dead walk, demand human flesh, and howl at the wall surrounding a Fort on a hill.
A group of Texans stand against the zombie hordes, fighting to create a new community in a dead world. Unknown to them, their legend is starting to spread far and wide.
Emma Valdez’s life was forever changed when the zombies destroyed the world. She spent all her time and energy systematically killing all the zombies in her town while searching for her missing son. After a yearlong search, she finally put him to rest, and planned to take her own exit from the zombie-infested world. But a dream about a mysterious woman with raven black hair wearing a red sweater compelled her to seek out a community of survivors in Ashley Oaks, Texas. Little did she realize this was the start of a new season in her life.
The Fort inhabitants, meanwhile, deal with the aftermath of the battle they fought against a massive horde of zombies and successfully redirected away from the town. Many mourn the loss of friends while helping repair and rebuild the Fort’s defenses. Danger still lurks on the outskirts of town as the horde continues its trek into the west. Emma arrives just in time for yet another harrowing battle outside the walls.
Guided by Juan De La Torre, who is nursing his own wounded heart, Emma finds her place among the Fort inhabitants and uses her excellent survival skills to help save others. It’s not easy being the newcomer among people who have formed a family since the rise of the zombies. She struggles with adjusting and is not always comfortable with the close proximity of so many other people. But the high walls promise safety, and the friendly smiles are welcoming.
When a zombie of a former Fort inhabitant shows up outside the wall, Emma is part of a team that is sent out to investigate what happened to the group that abandoned the Fort before the big battle. What happened to them might alter the course of the Fort forever.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2020
34 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Rhiannon Frater
68 books1,660 followersRhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor) as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog).
She was born and raised in Texas where she currently resides with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).
She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.
She was born and raised in Texas where she currently resides with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).
She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 2, 2020
I loved the first 3 books in this series and I was interested to revisit the story but to be honest this was disappointing. It feels like a novella that's been padded and released as a full length novel. It ended and I didn't feel much of anything.
August 14, 2020
So I looked and I bought and read book 3 back in 2012. When I saw there was suddenly a book 4, I was both happy and a bit worried - would I be able to remember everything and pick up where I left off?
The answer was a resounding...nope! I didn't remember a thing. Luckily, however, this book works wonderfully as a standalone. While I didn't remember much (if anything) of the first three books, I really didn't need to. I was fully on board with Emma (our badass heroine) and a lot of zombie stomping.
Fabulous characters and an exciting world here - so much fun.
I'll admit that it did get a wee bit philosophical in the end - maybe a bit too much for me when I just wanted action and stomping chompy things - but I really enjoyed the book. Hope there's a next one coming...and that it won't take too long!
The answer was a resounding...nope! I didn't remember a thing. Luckily, however, this book works wonderfully as a standalone. While I didn't remember much (if anything) of the first three books, I really didn't need to. I was fully on board with Emma (our badass heroine) and a lot of zombie stomping.
Fabulous characters and an exciting world here - so much fun.
I'll admit that it did get a wee bit philosophical in the end - maybe a bit too much for me when I just wanted action and stomping chompy things - but I really enjoyed the book. Hope there's a next one coming...and that it won't take too long!
June 10, 2024
This was interesting with the change in point of view. Still think Juan was an idiot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2020
Great new book in series
Loved it so much finished it in a day. Now I will have to wait for another book in the series to be written. I am going to have a hard time waiting.
Loved it so much finished it in a day. Now I will have to wait for another book in the series to be written. I am going to have a hard time waiting.
October 9, 2020
I’m ready for book 5!!
August 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this latest installment of As The World Dies, especially As it has been so long and I didn't think we would get any more books! With the ending I'm fairly confident that there will be more books in the future. I certainly hope there is as I love this world and the characters and would love to spend more time there.
August 17, 2020
My excitement at finding a new book in my favourite zombie book was off the chart. It did not disappoint, I loved every page, and so hope this means we will see more to follow in the series.
December 21, 2020
I love this series of books. The stories are written so vividly that you can live each moment with the characters.
January 22, 2022
If you were a fan of the series, weren’t put off by the third book (ghosts continue to be a big part of the story) and just want more then this should satisfy. Characters that popped up in short stories will also pop up in this one. Old favorites will show up again too. It does feel like fan-service at times.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the third book. It felt rather abrupt with the reveal of ghosts and heavy handed. I’ve gathered that a lot was cut out and I think maybe to the third book's detriment. But since I liked a lot of the side stories I figured I’d give this a shot. I didn't hate it, but I can’t say I loved it.
It felt a little like Frater was trying to take what made the original three popular and put it into this book, but it made Emma feel less like her own person and more like a character mashed together with Jenni. Which is funny because there are two conversations in the book about how they don’t expect Emma to be another Jenni. And yet it does feel like Emma is Jenni lite. I'll also note that if you haven't read The Untold Tales: As The World Dies with its introduction to Emma then you'll likely be confused about the references to it.
Narration: The sample is a solid representation of the audio. So, do give that a listen before purchasing. I liked Cassandra Campbell's narration better, but I got over it. In Chapter 7, the line “wow that’s horrible”, doesn’t sound like it was recorded the same distance from the mic as the rest of the book. A few other times there were some weird audio issues.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the third book. It felt rather abrupt with the reveal of ghosts and heavy handed. I’ve gathered that a lot was cut out and I think maybe to the third book's detriment. But since I liked a lot of the side stories I figured I’d give this a shot. I didn't hate it, but I can’t say I loved it.
It felt a little like Frater was trying to take what made the original three popular and put it into this book, but it made Emma feel less like her own person and more like a character mashed together with Jenni. Which is funny because there are two conversations in the book about how they don’t expect Emma to be another Jenni. And yet it does feel like Emma is Jenni lite. I'll also note that if you haven't read The Untold Tales: As The World Dies with its introduction to Emma then you'll likely be confused about the references to it.
Narration: The sample is a solid representation of the audio. So, do give that a listen before purchasing. I liked Cassandra Campbell's narration better, but I got over it. In Chapter 7, the line “wow that’s horrible”, doesn’t sound like it was recorded the same distance from the mic as the rest of the book. A few other times there were some weird audio issues.
January 3, 2021
I read the first three books years ago. I was concerned I wouldn’t remember most the details but didn’t feel like re-reading them to remember. When I saw a 4th book I was excited! But why wait so long to create a sequel???
I appreciated the new character and how it followed her. The books timeline took place in like 3 days. The story follows Anna’s transition into this community and working to earn her place there after a dream led her there. Apart from some grammatical errors it was just as good as the others but different. I remember Jenni abs Katie were the main characters in the first 3 books and was worried when Katie didn’t appear until the last chapter! But it was left open ended so hopefully there’s a sequel in the nearer future!
I appreciated the new character and how it followed her. The books timeline took place in like 3 days. The story follows Anna’s transition into this community and working to earn her place there after a dream led her there. Apart from some grammatical errors it was just as good as the others but different. I remember Jenni abs Katie were the main characters in the first 3 books and was worried when Katie didn’t appear until the last chapter! But it was left open ended so hopefully there’s a sequel in the nearer future!
October 4, 2020
I saw this book on NetGalley and was so excited. I loved the trilogy and I was so happy to see another book set in the world. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t remember anything because it has been so long since book 3, but this book can be read as a standalone.
I loved being back in the fort, loved meeting Emma. The plot line was great. I’ve been getting a little bored of zombies lately and this book reignited my interest. I hope there are more books coming! Rhiannon Frater is one of my favourite zombie authors.
Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved being back in the fort, loved meeting Emma. The plot line was great. I’ve been getting a little bored of zombies lately and this book reignited my interest. I hope there are more books coming! Rhiannon Frater is one of my favourite zombie authors.
Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
October 27, 2021No rating. I DNF'd this book at around 25-30%. I just wasn't feeling Emma, and that whole Jenni ghost thing got old with the previous book.
This book felt superfluous. The story had already been told to a satisfying conclusion with the trilogy. Perhaps the goal was to introduce a new love interest in Emma, for Juan--which I didn't care even a little about. Also, the passage with Macy's intervention was waaay too long, strung out even further by Macy asking the same redundant questions over and over again. In fact, Emma, Rune and Juan kept repeating themselves in the effort to get through to Macy..
This book felt superfluous. The story had already been told to a satisfying conclusion with the trilogy. Perhaps the goal was to introduce a new love interest in Emma, for Juan--which I didn't care even a little about. Also, the passage with Macy's intervention was waaay too long, strung out even further by Macy asking the same redundant questions over and over again. In fact, Emma, Rune and Juan kept repeating themselves in the effort to get through to Macy..
March 28, 2022
Ruined the previous 3
To be honest I was very disappointed in what the author did yo rhe character of Juan she turned hik into a reckless liability for most of the book when by this point he should be a seasoned veteran and all for some unrequited love of a side character from long before he moved on, jt made no sense and it seemed the primary action event is more really something that is a build up event in other zombie books not the main thing and introducing a whole new villain character we've never heard of with ties to the previous books seemed a bit of a shoehorn moment at the end, not impressed with this one wish I'd left it at the previous 3 books
To be honest I was very disappointed in what the author did yo rhe character of Juan she turned hik into a reckless liability for most of the book when by this point he should be a seasoned veteran and all for some unrequited love of a side character from long before he moved on, jt made no sense and it seemed the primary action event is more really something that is a build up event in other zombie books not the main thing and introducing a whole new villain character we've never heard of with ties to the previous books seemed a bit of a shoehorn moment at the end, not impressed with this one wish I'd left it at the previous 3 books
August 2, 2021
I usually like Frater's writing style. Some things can be overlooked. If I took a shot for every time "cousin" was used, I'd have died of alcohol poisoning. Ok. Ok. So Juan and Monica are cousins. Mention it a few times & it should be good. There were so many mentions of their relationship though that it a distracting.
Ok. Off my soap box now. I was never much of a fan of the ghost thing but what the heck. It's Sci Fi so all is well. Decent pacing. Good action.
Ok. Off my soap box now. I was never much of a fan of the ghost thing but what the heck. It's Sci Fi so all is well. Decent pacing. Good action.
September 30, 2020
A great addition
I thought she was done with this world. And the original trilogy was amazing. Had to put down the books at 2 different times due to crying about what was happening. The short stories were great also. This is a nice jumping on point and hopefully sets up more books to come!
I thought she was done with this world. And the original trilogy was amazing. Had to put down the books at 2 different times due to crying about what was happening. The short stories were great also. This is a nice jumping on point and hopefully sets up more books to come!
May 17, 2021
I just couldn't put this book down once I started, and finished it in one sitting, I was hooked. Fast paced and action packed, it kept me on the edge of my seat, I really loved the characters, Ted was a real pain, I was hoping for some poetic justice! I can't wait for the next book to find out whats next, I'm loving this series. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 12, 2021
It's good to be back at the fort, I missed the characters and it was nice to catch up with them. However I needed more. The story just kinda stopped right in the middle. No closure was felt. Fingers crossed there will be a 5th book to finish what was started. Even if there is no book 5 I still love this series and it will remain being my all time favorite.
June 17, 2022
I’m totally hooked on this series now. I really enjoyed the focus on a new character but also enjoyed catching up with all the old ones. Another fast-paced, easy read about a group of Texans surviving and thriving in the Zombie Apocalypse. This one was a little shorter than the others in the series and I was a little surprised and disappointed by this. Will there be another?
November 26, 2025
Thrilling as always! A bit shorter than the other books but still packed with action and drama! I really enjoyed getting to see a different perspective from someone other than Katie or Jenni and I'd love to see more of Emma. It was so good that I actually can't believe how fast I read it. Highly recommend!
May 30, 2021
I liked seeing the continuation of our beloved characters, but from a different perspective. It was a good story, although there wasn't a big storyline and it left me wanting more. I still miss Jenny though!!!
August 18, 2020
Terrific follow up.
Hope this means there will be more Fort stories!!!
Good taught plotline, interesting new characters. I look forward to hearing more of Emma.
Hope this means there will be more Fort stories!!!
Good taught plotline, interesting new characters. I look forward to hearing more of Emma.
August 23, 2020
Once again incredible hope this means another one?
Her books are incredible but the siege have my heart! After reading the newest one it made me want to re-read them call again.
Her books are incredible but the siege have my heart! After reading the newest one it made me want to re-read them call again.
August 30, 2020
Amazing
Returning to the fort was amazing. I hope that this story will continue.
Rhiannon's style of writing has you hooked from the 1st word until the last.
Returning to the fort was amazing. I hope that this story will continue.
Rhiannon's style of writing has you hooked from the 1st word until the last.
November 8, 2020
3.5 stars
December 5, 2020
A real comedown from book 3.
Way too much teenage level soft porn and incredibly muscular physiques, feelings on inadequacy and fake humility
Way too much teenage level soft porn and incredibly muscular physiques, feelings on inadequacy and fake humility
August 6, 2021
The story doesn't end
I loved this book. Has different pacing than the others, but still a fun read.i can't wait for more developments.
I loved this book. Has different pacing than the others, but still a fun read.i can't wait for more developments.
November 23, 2022
The 4th book in the As the World Dies series. Adventure and zombies. Entertaining.
June 4, 2023
A decent addendum to the "As They World Dies" saga. Some familiar characters along with the introduction of others. The ending introduced possible storyline for future addition.
September 15, 2024
Great series
Even though it's like a lot of other zombie themes, the characters and visuals from this author will keep you reading.
Even though it's like a lot of other zombie themes, the characters and visuals from this author will keep you reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews