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Innocence Ends
Six friends meet together in an isolated mountain town in Northern Idaho to commemorate the fifth anniversary of a close friend's suicide. A week of hiking, spending time in nature, and bittersweet reunion soon takes a sinister turn as the friends find themselves fighting for their lives and struggling to survive. A seemingly tranquil community bombarded by late spring storms becomes a trap filled with monsters and threats everywhere they turn. Terrifying secrets are revealed and the survivors are left to wonder what will be left of the world outside if they can find a way to come through the gauntlet alive.
- GenresZombies
185 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2020
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Nikolas P. Robinson
34 books101 followersI am a grandfather (seven times over), a Splatterpunk Award-nominated and 666 (Sixie) Award-winning horror author, a photographer and videographer, a (former) musician, a News Producer, and an avid consumer of media.
Originally from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, I spent most of my life in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
In September of 2022, I moved from my long-time home in South Dakota to the Pacific Northwest, where I'm working as a morning News Producer for Good Day Oregon on KPTV/KPDX.
It's a pleasure to meet you, maybe you could find the time to check out some of the things I've written.
There's more on the way.
There's always more!
It never ends.
Originally from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, I spent most of my life in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
In September of 2022, I moved from my long-time home in South Dakota to the Pacific Northwest, where I'm working as a morning News Producer for Good Day Oregon on KPTV/KPDX.
It's a pleasure to meet you, maybe you could find the time to check out some of the things I've written.
There's more on the way.
There's always more!
It never ends.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 14, 2024
My thanks to RDS Publishing, Nicolas P. Robinson and Netgalley.
I was immediately drawn into this story. I thought the location was perfect. Having lived for 6 or more years in Northern Idaho, I was down with the setting. I adore N. Idaho. Beautiful country. Except for all those nutzo republicans.
Still, the story was damn near perfect....until the end. What the neck happened? I don't know.
Honestly, I'm not sure if Mr. Robinson is one of those authors who can't stick the landing, or if he just decided he was done. Either way, this story ended like it had more to tell. And really? Yeah, there was more, I just couldn't find it.
If this is a series to be continued, then he's already lost me. I'm seriously done with episodic storytelling. This is a 4 star book, but because of that open ending, I've reduced it to 3*.
I was immediately drawn into this story. I thought the location was perfect. Having lived for 6 or more years in Northern Idaho, I was down with the setting. I adore N. Idaho. Beautiful country. Except for all those nutzo republicans.
Still, the story was damn near perfect....until the end. What the neck happened? I don't know.
Honestly, I'm not sure if Mr. Robinson is one of those authors who can't stick the landing, or if he just decided he was done. Either way, this story ended like it had more to tell. And really? Yeah, there was more, I just couldn't find it.
If this is a series to be continued, then he's already lost me. I'm seriously done with episodic storytelling. This is a 4 star book, but because of that open ending, I've reduced it to 3*.
dnfed
January 15, 2025No rating because of DNF adjacent finish (I finished it but I skimmed a lot).
The action scenes were pretty good, there's one vignette about a character that's not part of the main ensemble in particular which I really liked.
But the more "introspective" moments, character exposition and dialogues needed to be trimmed down. Per example, did I really need to know about a character who's 's 3rd culture upbringing which had already been alluded to before à propos of nothing really? No, I did not and that's really the point where I just lost interest.
The action scenes were pretty good, there's one vignette about a character that's not part of the main ensemble in particular which I really liked.
But the more "introspective" moments, character exposition and dialogues needed to be trimmed down. Per example, did I really need to know about a character who's 's 3rd culture upbringing which had already been alluded to before à propos of nothing really? No, I did not and that's really the point where I just lost interest.
June 21, 2024
The zombie apocalypse tale has been told many times, and in many different ways. Nikolas Robinson still found a way to tell a tension-filled story about zombies in a way that is fresh, scary, and original. The story revolves around a group of 30 somethings that have been friends since childhood. Some have remained closer than others, but they have all stayed in touch since going their separate ways after high school and college.
On the anniversary of one of their own dying by his own hands, the group heads to the remote home of scientist Gale in a secluded part of Idaho. Their relaxing week in the isolated wilderness around Gale's home is cut short by a severe storm. The sudden influx of rain floods the only road into and out of the small town. That's when all hell breaks loose, and the friends are forced into survival mode. No help is coming, and not only are there monsters on the hunt, the townspeople themselves don't seem to want the outsiders to stay alive, either.
Filled with action and suspense, Innocence Ends was an excellent introduction to the work of Nikolas Robinson for me. I really enjoyed his style, and had a very hard time putting this one down once it got ramped up. I was not 100% pleased with the ending, simply because I was left with many questions. If Nikolas would be so kind as to give me a sequel, that would be phenomenal. He left it wide open for this to be possible!
Highly recommend for readers that love apocalyptic stories, zombies, tales of friendship, and survival tales!
On the anniversary of one of their own dying by his own hands, the group heads to the remote home of scientist Gale in a secluded part of Idaho. Their relaxing week in the isolated wilderness around Gale's home is cut short by a severe storm. The sudden influx of rain floods the only road into and out of the small town. That's when all hell breaks loose, and the friends are forced into survival mode. No help is coming, and not only are there monsters on the hunt, the townspeople themselves don't seem to want the outsiders to stay alive, either.
Filled with action and suspense, Innocence Ends was an excellent introduction to the work of Nikolas Robinson for me. I really enjoyed his style, and had a very hard time putting this one down once it got ramped up. I was not 100% pleased with the ending, simply because I was left with many questions. If Nikolas would be so kind as to give me a sequel, that would be phenomenal. He left it wide open for this to be possible!
Highly recommend for readers that love apocalyptic stories, zombies, tales of friendship, and survival tales!
June 15, 2024
Robinson’s re-released apocalyptic story is certainly more unique than many others within the genre.
The reader follows a group of friends as they navigate the loss of a brother, the challenges of growing up and apart, and now, the end of the world. Brought together as part of a twisted plot, the characters enjoy a few days in a mountainous paradise before bloodshed ensues.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this zombie-esque tale, but the author definitely keeps the reader on their toes! Expect harrowing fight/flight scenes, complete madness, and total chaos!
The ending felt a little too ambiguous, so I’m wondering if the author has a sequel in the works. Loved the author’s note at the end detailing inspirations and how the story transformed from an idea to actual existing.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Uncomfortably Dark/RDS Publishing for a copy!
The reader follows a group of friends as they navigate the loss of a brother, the challenges of growing up and apart, and now, the end of the world. Brought together as part of a twisted plot, the characters enjoy a few days in a mountainous paradise before bloodshed ensues.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this zombie-esque tale, but the author definitely keeps the reader on their toes! Expect harrowing fight/flight scenes, complete madness, and total chaos!
The ending felt a little too ambiguous, so I’m wondering if the author has a sequel in the works. Loved the author’s note at the end detailing inspirations and how the story transformed from an idea to actual existing.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Uncomfortably Dark/RDS Publishing for a copy!
July 3, 2024
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Innocence Ends by Nikolas Robinson
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
To commemorate the anniversary of a death, six friends come together in their honor. Five years later a mysterious invitation to memorialize and celebrate life arrives to all involved. Once arriving at the secluded mountainous location, an unexpected storm wipes out any kind of transportation and communication to the outside world. The horrific truth is soon revealed as to why they have been gathered.
Innocence Ends is an end-of-times post-apocalyptic look into an unfolding man-made biological horror. Seeking shelter and survival from a shuffling and shambling threat becomes a priority from an inhuman sinister evil. Amid the uneven surface of writing horror, Nikolas Robinson has an impressive way of creating his characters, storylines and plots. With that being said, his true talent resides within the unexpected horrors he bestows upon his characters as well as his readers. Obstacles of zombies and deranged locals is truly the meat and bones of this nightmarish novel.
Partnering up with Uncomfortably Dark, Robinson’s love of horror emerges from the pages and holds an unsettling ambiance that we all love. Hence, this is the reason why Mr. Nikolas Robinson needs to keep putting that pen to paper…pretty please.
Hell has somehow poured over into the real world. Homicidal maniacs and zombies are taking over the living, one human at a time. Are you down with the sickness? A Five Star Decline Of Civilization ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
Innocence Ends by Nikolas Robinson
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
To commemorate the anniversary of a death, six friends come together in their honor. Five years later a mysterious invitation to memorialize and celebrate life arrives to all involved. Once arriving at the secluded mountainous location, an unexpected storm wipes out any kind of transportation and communication to the outside world. The horrific truth is soon revealed as to why they have been gathered.
Innocence Ends is an end-of-times post-apocalyptic look into an unfolding man-made biological horror. Seeking shelter and survival from a shuffling and shambling threat becomes a priority from an inhuman sinister evil. Amid the uneven surface of writing horror, Nikolas Robinson has an impressive way of creating his characters, storylines and plots. With that being said, his true talent resides within the unexpected horrors he bestows upon his characters as well as his readers. Obstacles of zombies and deranged locals is truly the meat and bones of this nightmarish novel.
Partnering up with Uncomfortably Dark, Robinson’s love of horror emerges from the pages and holds an unsettling ambiance that we all love. Hence, this is the reason why Mr. Nikolas Robinson needs to keep putting that pen to paper…pretty please.
Hell has somehow poured over into the real world. Homicidal maniacs and zombies are taking over the living, one human at a time. Are you down with the sickness? A Five Star Decline Of Civilization ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
July 29, 2024
It's been a bit since I've read a zombie book.
This is...a basic zombie book.
The ensemble cast is good for the most part, but there's not a lot new here.
It's definitely readable, but the ending was a little unsatisfying.
Solid enough read, though.
This is...a basic zombie book.
The ensemble cast is good for the most part, but there's not a lot new here.
It's definitely readable, but the ending was a little unsatisfying.
Solid enough read, though.
July 6, 2024
A very refreshing, fast paced take on the Zombie trope. I enjoyed this one!
July 1, 2024
I really wish I could have given this book more than three stars, but taking into account its length, its large cast, and the hype about its author I expected more and ended up disappointed. At the start, I felt the story was awesome, and I had a hard time putting the book aside. 'Innocence Ends' is the kind of novel thriving on atmosphere and dialogue; Robinson is very skilled at both and it's not hard to feel you're massively enjoying the story, the characters, their predicament, and the (few) twists coming their way. The book brims with great characterization, dread, and a formidable sense of build-up! But towards the end it gives the impression the author got tired and had to end the book as soon as possible. Ultimately, there's no climax, no cashing-out of the skillfully built atmosphere of threat, just a hurried need for closure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an early read of the book, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an early read of the book, and all opinions expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
I liked the description of this book, but I knew within a few chapters that I was going to be disappointed. You know the old writer's adage "show, don't tell"? Well, apparently Nikolas Robinson doesn't. The reader is told about the characters by the author, not the characters themselves. I use the term "characters" loosely, because they are really just a lazy collection of stereotypes.
One character, Abraham, brought his son, Ben, on this little vacation. Do you know how old Ben is? Neither do I. It's never specified. He could have been anywhere from 10 to 16. Argh!
The editing was not sufficient to the needs of the book.
I give it three stars because I finished it, but it's a very grudging 3 stars.
One character, Abraham, brought his son, Ben, on this little vacation. Do you know how old Ben is? Neither do I. It's never specified. He could have been anywhere from 10 to 16. Argh!
The editing was not sufficient to the needs of the book.
I give it three stars because I finished it, but it's a very grudging 3 stars.
December 17, 2022
I always enjoy when a writer takes a common trope and does something a little different with it. Robinson did this well with this novel by focusing more on the character development than the actual monsters themselves. This, along with the pacing leaves more of a sense of dread while reading this story than most of its kind. I really enjoyed this one.
June 13, 2024
If you know me, you know I love a good zombie movie or book. For some reason, it absolutely fascinates me. The idea that we are our own worst enemy as we fight to survive. Sadly, this trope isn’t exactly popular within the literary realm. I’ve actually recently searched specifically for this trope to not true eval. I did not find anything that I hadn’t already read (Red Hill), that peaked my interest.
I didn’t immediately know this book was about zombies, but I guessed based off of the premise and was audibly enthusiastic when I did in fact confirm this was what I thought it was. Having finished the book and read the acknowledgements, the author had the exact thoughts of a perfect book for me personally. Zombies, vacations gone wrong, friend group, small town feels.
So let’s get into it. Let’s start with the pros:
-Zombies
-Edge of your seat action
-Detailed scenes
- Decent characters that are likeable and relatable.
As much as it pains me to do so, cons:
-The overuse of “It’s going to get worse before it gets better..”
- The lack of true emotion from any of the characters. It felt a bit hollow and procedural.
-Third person point of view. This was the worst of them all. I think it played a big part in making everything feel emotionless and procedural.
I am someone who loves to read what the narrators are thinking, the true inner workings of their thoughts and feelings. This just didn’t have that. With that said, the lack of first person lead to the lack of rambling inner monologues that can sometimes happen. It did leave more time for ZOMBIES and violent locals.
All in all, it is clear the author is talented. It seems like my cons are purely due to my own personal preferences while reading, so this book is 100% worth a read!
July 31, 2024
Phenomenally well written novella dealing with 6 friends during an apocalyptic event. Robinson does an extraordinarily good job on building the characters and their lives before the event. In fact, unlike most zombie or apocalyptic novels, the event doesn't occur until over halfway through. It is a different style of zombie, which I enjoy immensely.
I look forward to a continuation of the story..
Highly recommend!!
I look forward to a continuation of the story..
Highly recommend!!
November 16, 2020
I've found this novel very engaging but was disappointed with its ending. Innocence Ends is a promising mix of psychological and zombie horror, a story about a group of friends going on a vacation in an isolated town in Northern Idaho. Robinson does a great job of describing how the relaxing vacation gradually turns into a nightmare. The suspense builds as the friends are trapped within the town by torrential rains and the locals, driven by irrational hatred, are determined to kill all newcomers. The gloomy atmosphere of impending doom created in the first half of this novel reminded me strongly of Dean Koontz's Midnight. Unfortunately, the author doesn't manage to sustain that intensity, and the sense of drama and suspense dwindles toward the end of the book instead of building towards a climax. I think there are at least two interconnected reasons for this. First, the local mob that slowly turns into a zombie hoard doesn't seem menacing enough. If they had a nefarious leader like the Raggedy Man in Stephen King's Cell or The Red Man in Joe McKinney's Mutated, someone who orchestrated their atrocities and signalled out the group of friends as a target, then the tension would have been maintained and built to the point of the final reckoning. Secondly, the actual villain in the novel, although described as a mad psychopath, doesn't do anything to directly endanger the group of heroes. In consequence, the novel tappers off to little more than shooting range practice with zombies as targets. However, despite these failings, Robinson shows real skill as a horror writer and I look forward to his future releases.
October 10, 2020
Innocence Ends is a subgenre defying horror novel boldly written in present tense with organically diverse and relatable characters, suspense, and numerous horrors. Nikolas P Robinson doesn’t just combine subgenres, he smears subgenres together under his thumb to create a unique and evocative story.
The attention to factual terminology and superior characterization are especially impressive in this intellectually written tale. The story has layers of depth to go along with the horrors therein, and I found the present tense presentation made for disturbing visuals and immersion. But the author doesn’t stop there.
Robinson dips down into the dark well of the human psyche and produces realistic validity with which he rips your guts out when the truth is revealed. Even more horrifying is the scientific reflection of our current reality, the parasitic question left in the back of your mind: could this happen?
This is not a light read.
But this is a must read.
The attention to factual terminology and superior characterization are especially impressive in this intellectually written tale. The story has layers of depth to go along with the horrors therein, and I found the present tense presentation made for disturbing visuals and immersion. But the author doesn’t stop there.
Robinson dips down into the dark well of the human psyche and produces realistic validity with which he rips your guts out when the truth is revealed. Even more horrifying is the scientific reflection of our current reality, the parasitic question left in the back of your mind: could this happen?
This is not a light read.
But this is a must read.
July 12, 2024
Just when you believe the zombie/end-of-the-world trope has reached its peak, Nikolas arrives to revitalize it. Deep character development amidst the backdrop of the end of the world. This story draws you in from start to finish. He crafts a story that is filled with tension, chaos, and emotion. Full of twists and turns, Nikolas keeps you on your toes.
I hope there's more to this story in the future. He is an author you should definitely give a try. Check it out!
4 severed fingers out of 5
I hope there's more to this story in the future. He is an author you should definitely give a try. Check it out!
4 severed fingers out of 5
September 12, 2024
I could not put this book down!! “Innocence Ends” is a thrilling novel with skillful character development and storytelling. Nikolas P. Robinson masterfully crafts a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The dynamic and diverse group of friends facing unimaginable horrors adds depth to the narrative, while the big twist delivers an unexpected punch that will leave readers wanting more. A must-read for fans of action-packed zombie horror with a psychological twist!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
I want to start my review by saying, that I probably wasn't the intended reader for this book, I do love an ending of the world story, and I enjoy zombies as much as the next apocalyptical reader, but I had so many things rubbing me the wrong way… I will explain further what I mean without giving the story too much away… I started reading this book with really high expectations, and I was curious why the book started 5 years early in the funeral of a friend, and to be honest there’s no real answer to that… I mean this friend is used as an excuse for what takes place in the center of the action of this book, but not really relevant to the story to be honest…
I got distracted too much with the going back to the past to explain something about the characters, but while I like books that focus more about characters grow and story I felt it was a bit too much in this book case… it didn’t really explain why the characters where how they were in the first place or why they took the decisions that they took… the way the book was written was distracting for me as well, it didn’t help me feel connected to the story nor to the characters… it didn’t really help that they “voices”, with this I mean the way each character talked was the same, so it was another way to feel disconnected with the story… the ending also felt rushed and not really revealing anything new… for me this book was 2,5 stars, I will round it to 3 stars, but to be honest I felt this was more like a chore than an enjoyable task.
Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocialRDS Publishing | Uncomfortably Dark, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I got distracted too much with the going back to the past to explain something about the characters, but while I like books that focus more about characters grow and story I felt it was a bit too much in this book case… it didn’t really explain why the characters where how they were in the first place or why they took the decisions that they took… the way the book was written was distracting for me as well, it didn’t help me feel connected to the story nor to the characters… it didn’t really help that they “voices”, with this I mean the way each character talked was the same, so it was another way to feel disconnected with the story… the ending also felt rushed and not really revealing anything new… for me this book was 2,5 stars, I will round it to 3 stars, but to be honest I felt this was more like a chore than an enjoyable task.
Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocialRDS Publishing | Uncomfortably Dark, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
July 6, 2024
An ARC Book Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Horror
Tropes: Zombies, Childhood Friends, Post Apocalyptic Story
Spice: No
Triggers: Yes: Suicide, Mental Health, Gore, Murder, Torture
Review
Innocence Ends was such a great little read. It's shorter than most books I pick up, and I would have liked it to be longer to enjoy more of the post apocalyptic event, but it still definitely packed a punch with the storyline, characters, plot twists and gore.
Each character was unique and filled with story, personality and backstory. I loved the versatility in race and sexuality in the friendship group, making it was super enjoyable reading a horror story where the stereotypical character tropes don't come true (like the black person dying first).
It felt like I was watching a zombie movie while reading, and those close to me know that I have a little fascination with apocalypse movies, so I connected with the characters really well on their love of films!
The only thing holding this book back from a 5 star review for me is that the plot twist was a little predictable. I don't know if it was just the fact that I have watched so many zombie shows and movies or if my autism is really good at picking up various patterns from previous books with similar plot twists/betrayals. But I definitely saw this one coming from a mile away, and it made the book only slightly less shocking. However it didn't spoil the entire story for me, and I still enjoyed it thoroughly!
I was given this eARC through NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Horror
Tropes: Zombies, Childhood Friends, Post Apocalyptic Story
Spice: No
Triggers: Yes: Suicide, Mental Health, Gore, Murder, Torture
Review
Innocence Ends was such a great little read. It's shorter than most books I pick up, and I would have liked it to be longer to enjoy more of the post apocalyptic event, but it still definitely packed a punch with the storyline, characters, plot twists and gore.
Each character was unique and filled with story, personality and backstory. I loved the versatility in race and sexuality in the friendship group, making it was super enjoyable reading a horror story where the stereotypical character tropes don't come true (like the black person dying first).
It felt like I was watching a zombie movie while reading, and those close to me know that I have a little fascination with apocalypse movies, so I connected with the characters really well on their love of films!
The only thing holding this book back from a 5 star review for me is that the plot twist was a little predictable. I don't know if it was just the fact that I have watched so many zombie shows and movies or if my autism is really good at picking up various patterns from previous books with similar plot twists/betrayals. But I definitely saw this one coming from a mile away, and it made the book only slightly less shocking. However it didn't spoil the entire story for me, and I still enjoyed it thoroughly!
I was given this eARC through NetGalley.
July 14, 2024
2.5 ⭐
Genre: action/dystopian
3rd person POV
Length: short
I'm sorry but this one didn't end up working for me. I really liked the overall idea and the setting but..
Very slow to start. We start with introductions of all the friends and some scenes of them together, supposedly to try and get to know them before the action starts but it didn't work for me.
I liked the idea of the group of friends but I missed the banter, the comradery.. they just felt very generic. I didn't care about any of them. Aside from the couples, they are basically strangers and that's what it felt like.
I enjoyed the suspense of not knowing what was going on and why there were 2 types of monsters. The best scene was the little girl in the street.. definitely creepy!
The highlight was finding out that
So, a few good elements, but ultimately not for me.
Genre: action/dystopian
3rd person POV
Length: short
I'm sorry but this one didn't end up working for me. I really liked the overall idea and the setting but..
Very slow to start. We start with introductions of all the friends and some scenes of them together, supposedly to try and get to know them before the action starts but it didn't work for me.
I liked the idea of the group of friends but I missed the banter, the comradery.. they just felt very generic. I didn't care about any of them. Aside from the couples, they are basically strangers and that's what it felt like.
I enjoyed the suspense of not knowing what was going on and why there were 2 types of monsters. The best scene was the little girl in the street.. definitely creepy!
The highlight was finding out that
So, a few good elements, but ultimately not for me.
October 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
I do love an apocalyptic zombie book, and this was a good one. A great premise, with an engaging core group of characters, really start the story off well. I did hope for a more definitive ending, but I get that it can be hard to do with books of this type.
I do love an apocalyptic zombie book, and this was a good one. A great premise, with an engaging core group of characters, really start the story off well. I did hope for a more definitive ending, but I get that it can be hard to do with books of this type.
July 4, 2024
Nikolas P. Robinson just made another huge fan.
Innocence Ends is my favorite book I’ve read this year.
Scary and unsettling, this book is the perfect fix for Horror junkies..
Innocence Ends is my favorite book I’ve read this year.
Scary and unsettling, this book is the perfect fix for Horror junkies..
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews