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Life by the Red Oak: A Story in the Apocalypse
He didn't know he had it in him to be a hero. She didn't know she had this much courage.
Nine days before the first wave of infections, NASA had released images of the largest ice shelf — three times the size of Texas — to ever break off Antarctica. The fracture itself should have been enough to occupy newsrooms from around the world for many cycles. The media and the science community, however, were more baffled by the now exposed black hole estimated to be dozens of miles long and up to three hundred feet high. Infrared stills captured via satellites showed vapors, a gas of some sort perhaps, pouring out of the seemingly hollow strip in massive quantities.
At the onset of the pandemic, Jonathan Foster seeks refuge in a warehouse his boss Mr. Dean has recently purchased a few miles south of the City's downtown core. The old man joins Jonathan and, while the two men mourn those they have lost, they transform the warehouse into a home in anticipation of what they believe will be a long stay.
Anna Cobb, a patient at a rehabilitation center located seventy miles east of the City, is nearing the conclusion of a painful rehabilitation following a devastating car crash that robbed her of the use of her legs. After the initial strike of the virus, the few survivors among patients and staff are left with little resources and no news from the outside world. When the center is attacked by thugs, and after a second wave of infections, Anna is forced to flee. On her own, she undertakes a long and dangerous journey to the City in her wheelchair. Upon her arrival there, her path crosses Jonathan's and the two join forces in their attempt to survive in the new world.
In the months that will follow, the escalation in what Jonathan and Anna will be forced to do to ensure their survival will become the source of a powerful bond and change them for as long as they live.
Humanity has been lost. Anna and Jonathan will pay a high price to preserve theirs.
Life by the Red Oak offers a random, yet compelling story in the apocalypse in which the end of the world serves as the backdrop of a play starring two involuntary and reluctant heroes.
Nine days before the first wave of infections, NASA had released images of the largest ice shelf — three times the size of Texas — to ever break off Antarctica. The fracture itself should have been enough to occupy newsrooms from around the world for many cycles. The media and the science community, however, were more baffled by the now exposed black hole estimated to be dozens of miles long and up to three hundred feet high. Infrared stills captured via satellites showed vapors, a gas of some sort perhaps, pouring out of the seemingly hollow strip in massive quantities.
At the onset of the pandemic, Jonathan Foster seeks refuge in a warehouse his boss Mr. Dean has recently purchased a few miles south of the City's downtown core. The old man joins Jonathan and, while the two men mourn those they have lost, they transform the warehouse into a home in anticipation of what they believe will be a long stay.
Anna Cobb, a patient at a rehabilitation center located seventy miles east of the City, is nearing the conclusion of a painful rehabilitation following a devastating car crash that robbed her of the use of her legs. After the initial strike of the virus, the few survivors among patients and staff are left with little resources and no news from the outside world. When the center is attacked by thugs, and after a second wave of infections, Anna is forced to flee. On her own, she undertakes a long and dangerous journey to the City in her wheelchair. Upon her arrival there, her path crosses Jonathan's and the two join forces in their attempt to survive in the new world.
In the months that will follow, the escalation in what Jonathan and Anna will be forced to do to ensure their survival will become the source of a powerful bond and change them for as long as they live.
Humanity has been lost. Anna and Jonathan will pay a high price to preserve theirs.
Life by the Red Oak offers a random, yet compelling story in the apocalypse in which the end of the world serves as the backdrop of a play starring two involuntary and reluctant heroes.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2020
37 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 23, 2021
4 Star Story
What Will humanity do when faced with catastrophe? Sadly, I think it will get just as ugly as most do in this story. But even then, love finds a way. This is a story of not only physical survival, but how to hang on to humanity in a world where you have to redefine who you are. This was a good tale of the apocalypse with interesting characters and I would have given it four stars, but it really needs a good edit. Not just things like typos and punctuation, but the writing. There are many issues with point of view floating, but even more glaring, things like the random insertion of a private conversation of the protagonist's former girlfriend that no one would be aware of. So a good story, but needs some editing.
What Will humanity do when faced with catastrophe? Sadly, I think it will get just as ugly as most do in this story. But even then, love finds a way. This is a story of not only physical survival, but how to hang on to humanity in a world where you have to redefine who you are. This was a good tale of the apocalypse with interesting characters and I would have given it four stars, but it really needs a good edit. Not just things like typos and punctuation, but the writing. There are many issues with point of view floating, but even more glaring, things like the random insertion of a private conversation of the protagonist's former girlfriend that no one would be aware of. So a good story, but needs some editing.
April 17, 2022
The most I've been moved by a book in a long time
This book moved me more than any book in a very long time. I became so involved with the characters, who were very well developed by the author, that I felt as if I knew them. I would give this book ten stars if it were possible. If you get the chance to read this book and don't do so you will have suffered a loss you didn't realize. Mr. Marchard, you have a fan for life. Please write many more books. You are an awesome story teller.
This book moved me more than any book in a very long time. I became so involved with the characters, who were very well developed by the author, that I felt as if I knew them. I would give this book ten stars if it were possible. If you get the chance to read this book and don't do so you will have suffered a loss you didn't realize. Mr. Marchard, you have a fan for life. Please write many more books. You are an awesome story teller.
March 28, 2021
Excellent and enjoyable read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development made me feel like I knew each person and felt the pain and challenges encountered along with the joy of love and family. I will certainly put this author on my favorites list.
knew each person and share in the pain and challenges encount
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development made me feel like I knew each person and felt the pain and challenges encountered along with the joy of love and family. I will certainly put this author on my favorites list.
knew each person and share in the pain and challenges encount
May 18, 2021
Crying my eyes
What a emotional book. I absolutely loved it. I have read my share of apocalyptic books, but this one just took my breath away, especially the latter half of it. I loved that I didn't have to read a whole series to get to the end. The title of the book is perfect!
What a emotional book. I absolutely loved it. I have read my share of apocalyptic books, but this one just took my breath away, especially the latter half of it. I loved that I didn't have to read a whole series to get to the end. The title of the book is perfect!
May 1, 2022
Good heartfelt story
Not your typical post-apocalyptic survival book but a good heartfelt story. One of hope and persistence. Probably somewhat realistic for most people if they are going to survive an apocalyptic event. Some people will survive because of preparedness but Jonathan survived on true grit.
Not your typical post-apocalyptic survival book but a good heartfelt story. One of hope and persistence. Probably somewhat realistic for most people if they are going to survive an apocalyptic event. Some people will survive because of preparedness but Jonathan survived on true grit.
July 31, 2022
New author - Superb
Excellent prose, character development and likeability. A sad tale set at the end of humanity as we know it, but beautifully to!d. Thank you Steve, added to my list of authors to follow
Excellent prose, character development and likeability. A sad tale set at the end of humanity as we know it, but beautifully to!d. Thank you Steve, added to my list of authors to follow
November 16, 2022
A must read
I read a lot, and maybe because of the times we live in, I Read a lot of dystopian novels. They have the same theme, inhumanity. This story is different, it shows humanity, love and heart. Best thing I've read in a while.
I read a lot, and maybe because of the times we live in, I Read a lot of dystopian novels. They have the same theme, inhumanity. This story is different, it shows humanity, love and heart. Best thing I've read in a while.
January 23, 2023
A post apocalyptic story with a difference
Life affirming and heartbreaking, the story of Jonathan, Anna and Charlie takes a slightly different tack to the usual ‘End of the World’ scenario. Recommended.
Life affirming and heartbreaking, the story of Jonathan, Anna and Charlie takes a slightly different tack to the usual ‘End of the World’ scenario. Recommended.
April 16, 2023
Wow
Such an amazing story without any hyperbole or facile storylines. I can't believe how deeply I got to know the characters. A book I will read again, and there are few that I read twice.
Such an amazing story without any hyperbole or facile storylines. I can't believe how deeply I got to know the characters. A book I will read again, and there are few that I read twice.
May 22, 2021
A good read
A good read, and probably a good guess at how humanity would become post apocalypse. There are quite a few grammar missteps but who else would notice?
A good read, and probably a good guess at how humanity would become post apocalypse. There are quite a few grammar missteps but who else would notice?
September 5, 2021
Great book
Loved this, highly recommended if you like apocalyptic reads, felt very invested in the characters, was sad to finish it
Loved this, highly recommended if you like apocalyptic reads, felt very invested in the characters, was sad to finish it
September 19, 2021
very well written
I loved this book from beginning to end. Jonathan is the kind of men I want to be with if the world as we know it comes to an end.
I loved this book from beginning to end. Jonathan is the kind of men I want to be with if the world as we know it comes to an end.
November 10, 2021
Highly recommend
Although the virus and how it took its victims was a bit unusual, the story was heartfelt and beautiful. Worth the read.
Although the virus and how it took its victims was a bit unusual, the story was heartfelt and beautiful. Worth the read.
Read
May 13, 2022Different
Very interesting book different take on the apocalypse
. Seemed like it was going the same way as many similar books but it didn't it had a much more real feel to it.
Very interesting book different take on the apocalypse
. Seemed like it was going the same way as many similar books but it didn't it had a much more real feel to it.
June 19, 2024
So good. I could read it all over again.
January 4, 2023
This was my favourite book that I read in 2022! I felt like I got to know the characters really well and it was a new take on the apocalyptic genre. I read this book in less than 2 days as I couldn’t put it down. I laughed and cried and felt very connected to the characters and their story. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading it again.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews