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Ashfall Apocalypse #1
Ashfall Apocalypse
Volcanoes erupt around the globe. Cities are leveled. No one is left untouched.
Ronald Ash and his small Texas town experience the effects firsthand when an enormous dam breaks and wipes away everything in its path, including Ron's wife.
Nan Thompson is already at her lowest point in life when the wave destroys all that she owns.
As suffocating ash falls and temperatures plummet, strangers must band together quickly if they hope to survive another day.
But as supplies dwindle, something more threatening looms ahead. The lawless have taken over and they want what the survivors have.
If you're a fan of The Day After Tomorrow, The Postman or Snowpiercer, then you'll love this explosive action-thriller about survival and hope when all looks hopeless, from USA Today Bestseller, ML Banner.
Rated PG-13 for violence.
Ronald Ash and his small Texas town experience the effects firsthand when an enormous dam breaks and wipes away everything in its path, including Ron's wife.
Nan Thompson is already at her lowest point in life when the wave destroys all that she owns.
As suffocating ash falls and temperatures plummet, strangers must band together quickly if they hope to survive another day.
But as supplies dwindle, something more threatening looms ahead. The lawless have taken over and they want what the survivors have.
If you're a fan of The Day After Tomorrow, The Postman or Snowpiercer, then you'll love this explosive action-thriller about survival and hope when all looks hopeless, from USA Today Bestseller, ML Banner.
Rated PG-13 for violence.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2020
790 people are currently reading
4018 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Banner
46 books159 followersHello lovers of apocalyptic thrillers!
I devour the same books I enjoy writing: science fiction, set in an apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic or dystopian world. I love stories about regular people being thrust into extra ordinary circumstances, and having to rely on their own cunning and that of others to survive. And I love a twist at the end.
My just released Ashfall Apocalypse, as well as previous series Madness, Highway and Stone Age are those kind of stories. They're fast moving, have some regular (and amazing) characters who must make life changing decisions, all while the world is experiencing an apocalypse.
Besides writing, my wife and I travel the world (often to research the next book). But often you can find me on a beach, Kindle in hand, with my Toes in the Water (name of my publishing company).
I devour the same books I enjoy writing: science fiction, set in an apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic or dystopian world. I love stories about regular people being thrust into extra ordinary circumstances, and having to rely on their own cunning and that of others to survive. And I love a twist at the end.
My just released Ashfall Apocalypse, as well as previous series Madness, Highway and Stone Age are those kind of stories. They're fast moving, have some regular (and amazing) characters who must make life changing decisions, all while the world is experiencing an apocalypse.
Besides writing, my wife and I travel the world (often to research the next book). But often you can find me on a beach, Kindle in hand, with my Toes in the Water (name of my publishing company).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 30, 2024
It was an okay read. The pace is fast with a lot of action and it is a page-turner. I am going to read the rest of the series because I have the books and I hope I like them more.
August 10, 2021
The start of this is an eruption of Mount Erebus in Antarctica. While it is an active volcano, I am dubious that ash would fall in North America. Looking at models of ash distribution from the eruption of a super-volcano like Yellowstone, it would impact a great deal of the planet, but not as far south as Antarctica, and southern parts of Africa and South America, so I don't see how this would happen with Erebus, not a super-volcano. That aside, though the disaster causes devastation in the Texas locale of the main characters, it is mostly a setup to allow local bad guys to flourish. This ends up primarily a tale of baddies vs the good guys. Ron is a good character as he is clever and dogged in trying to help his small group of neighbors and friends survive, but just not enough to hold my interest. There is a lot of violence, some of it very grim. As I am more interested in how people survive a disaster rather than being hunted by a mob boss, I will likely not continue.
January 22, 2022
Worst book I ever read.
Will not be reading book 2. Not much of a story, or what the disaster was. Just a volcano and a random flood. How did this flood kill the whole town when it was only described as going down main st. No depth to this story for me at all.
Will not be reading book 2. Not much of a story, or what the disaster was. Just a volcano and a random flood. How did this flood kill the whole town when it was only described as going down main st. No depth to this story for me at all.
July 24, 2024
I get it's fiction, BUT the premise is based on something that COULD happen, so make it seem realistic...how does a massive wave hit, along with a dam breaking, and there is no standing water??? This was SO similar to Kayla Stone novels, but there was no depth.
November 9, 2023
This was an interesting story. Approaching a new ice age. Ashfall was interesting because it was all about Ash falling in a small town in Texas, where there are no volcanos nearby. We learn that the Ash is indeed from Volcanos but from other countries from far, far away. We meet Ron, he is looking for his wife, he saw his wife's car being dragged away with her inside when a wave of water hit it, another Apocalyptic event. Then the earthquakes killed a lot of people. We meet Sarah and her husband. Her husband doesn't make it and Sarah becomes very important to the survival of Ron and Lynette, a woman that is in love with Ron but obviously nothing can happen because he is married and loves his wife. We also meet the bandits I guess, bad guys, kidnap Lynette and Latisha? I can't recall the little black girl's name. It is brutal, Sarah gets killed during the kidnap, Lynette gets abused badly by many man in that gang group let by "buster" I'm glad buster gets killed by the little girl, I guess the story of that little girl is an important one and she had met buster before, he was guilty of killing her parents. The story ends in a cliffhanger that actually is pretty good. Ron has a new enemy in the horizon! I hope they ALL make it, I am liking all the characters now. Yes Even hooker Chloe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2020
I've been a fan of ML Banner's books since stumbling upon his Stone Age series. Now I'm adding JJ Falconer's books to my list of favorite authors. The collaboration of these two great authors leads to a book that is both believable and unique. Main characters Ron, Nanette, and Sarah find themselves together after a series of volcanic eruptions send grey ash spewing into the air that causes their warm, Texas climate to turn frigid. The characters are well developed and compelling. Told from each person's point of view, you immediately relate to their struggles and root for them to survive as they face daunting challenges in a fast changing world several of them seem ill equipped to face. Making matters worse, they are being targeted by a gang of thugs, led by Buster, a nasty (perhaps, slightly insane?) criminal who is out for revenge. The story kept me hanging on every turn of the page, and there are several plot twists that I won't reveal that you just don't see coming. Given what's going on in the world right now, I wasn't sure I was up for this book when I started to read it. That sentiment was gone before the end of the first chapter and I raced through the book to its conclusion. Please tell me I won't have to wait too long for the sequel!!
September 16, 2020
I've been a fan of ML Banner and Jay Falconer since the beginning and they've improved their craft with each new novel. For this one I especially liked how Ronald Ash wasn't some ex-Navy Seal or Recon Marine, or even a Prepper, but was just a regular guy suddenly thrust into a environmental and societal horror show of epic proportions. This book was all but impossible to put down and, like other reviewers, I ended up losing some sleep to finish it.
Unlike many of these authors earlier efforts, this book is a complete novel, albeit with a looming threat at the end to get you interested in the sequel. I have no problem with that as it's a device I use in my own novels.
I eagerly await Book 2 in this series.
Unlike many of these authors earlier efforts, this book is a complete novel, albeit with a looming threat at the end to get you interested in the sequel. I have no problem with that as it's a device I use in my own novels.
I eagerly await Book 2 in this series.
August 4, 2023
I listened to the audio book - The story follows a man named Ronald. The story starts with Ron waiting at a diner for his wife to arrive for dinner. Nan, a customer at the diner, is having the worst day of her life after she caught her husband cheating on her. Little did they know that the day would get worse, an only be the start of a bunch of really bad days. The writer does a good job painting a picture of a post apocalyptic world and problems they would encounter, using nature as a major catalyst for the apocalyptic world. The story keeps your attention and I will definitely be continuing the series. I love the character development as the story progresses, and you connect to them. Drawback on the audio was Nans voice by the narrator is annoying.
July 29, 2022
This was a very entertaining book about the Apocalypse. I am not exactly sure how it all came about, but disasters were taking place all over the world and volcanos were raining down ash everywhere. This story covers a very small group of people who came together to try to survive and other people, as there are everywhere, who wanted to survive at the cost of others lives.
There were characters you could care about.
Warning, there is violence and with that said, all of this story was believable, in fact, probably much milder than we would see if this happened today.
There were characters you could care about.
Warning, there is violence and with that said, all of this story was believable, in fact, probably much milder than we would see if this happened today.
September 13, 2024
To be fair, moderately gripping
I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. This genre is hot now, in these scary days of weird politics and future uncertainties. Reading about people surviving catastrophe is a great escape.
And obviously, Banner is a best-selling author. However, his writing occasionally drifts to the puerile and pretentious, and these moments threw me right out of the story. I did get right back into it, though, and I wanted to know what happened to the "good guys". Worth a read.
I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. This genre is hot now, in these scary days of weird politics and future uncertainties. Reading about people surviving catastrophe is a great escape.
And obviously, Banner is a best-selling author. However, his writing occasionally drifts to the puerile and pretentious, and these moments threw me right out of the story. I did get right back into it, though, and I wanted to know what happened to the "good guys". Worth a read.
March 30, 2022
harsh survival
When the world is heavily covered with falling volcanic ash that causes an ice age, the cold should be the worst you’ll face. But this is when evil pounces. This story pulls no punches, drawing a harsh and inhumane world and inhabiting it with characters of all kinds. Sarah and her found family are such a good example of decent compassionate people forced to fight for their lives. I enjoyed the reading.
When the world is heavily covered with falling volcanic ash that causes an ice age, the cold should be the worst you’ll face. But this is when evil pounces. This story pulls no punches, drawing a harsh and inhumane world and inhabiting it with characters of all kinds. Sarah and her found family are such a good example of decent compassionate people forced to fight for their lives. I enjoyed the reading.
April 23, 2022
What's Next?
The story kept me guessing. I enjoyed that the characters were interesting and their outcomes weren't always what I expected. Sometimes it felt bogged down by too much description of circumstances, but then you would learn why. I found myself thinking about my own survival in a similar situation. Just when you thought things were calm and it would work out, another situation would launch. I kept thinking, what's next?
The story kept me guessing. I enjoyed that the characters were interesting and their outcomes weren't always what I expected. Sometimes it felt bogged down by too much description of circumstances, but then you would learn why. I found myself thinking about my own survival in a similar situation. Just when you thought things were calm and it would work out, another situation would launch. I kept thinking, what's next?
November 26, 2023
This wasn’t bad but not really good either. The sudden weather changes cause death and destruction in this area. Not sure why there was no warnings before power outages but suddenly everyone is in the dark covered in water with earthquakes thrown in for good measure. Cars still work it seems. Of course there is one evil man with a crew chasing down an innocent man and his group of survivors which turns into shoot outs while they steal food and supplies back and forth from each other. Nothing really new or different in this apocalypse tale for me but others may find it entertaining.
January 3, 2024
Ashfall Apocalypse book 1
I really enjoy Apocalypse Thrillers, and this
book did not disappoint. The end of the world for many started with several Volcanic Eruptions that cause all kinds of disasters, fires, temperature dropping, Ash falling like snow. If the severe weather doesn't kill you the crazy power hungry people just might. But, neighbors group together to survive and live like family.
I really enjoy Apocalypse Thrillers, and this
book did not disappoint. The end of the world for many started with several Volcanic Eruptions that cause all kinds of disasters, fires, temperature dropping, Ash falling like snow. If the severe weather doesn't kill you the crazy power hungry people just might. But, neighbors group together to survive and live like family.
February 9, 2022
Entertaining, but lacks character development. A lot of action, but as a reader I didn't really care about the characters because they seemed superfluous to the action. They were there to drive the action, but not much more. I won't be reading the sequels. Nothing was explained as to why the natural disasters occurred.
May 13, 2022
an interesting exciting read
This was a good book. It gives an idea of how the world could be if there were a tsunami or if volcanoes irrupt. There is a high possibility that some volcanoes could irrupt soon. Read this book and see how things could be if such an event occurs. An interesting exciting readAn interesting exciting read
This was a good book. It gives an idea of how the world could be if there were a tsunami or if volcanoes irrupt. There is a high possibility that some volcanoes could irrupt soon. Read this book and see how things could be if such an event occurs. An interesting exciting readAn interesting exciting read
July 6, 2022
While I enjoyed this quick read I knew what was coming and what to expect. It was a shorter read and I did notice a couple editing errors that took away from it. I liked the storyline and thought it was fun to follow. I’m interested in reading the series and am considering buying the other two books.
July 10, 2022
Ashfall Apocalypse book 1
It’s been a while since I have read an apocalyptic thriller. This one grabs you by the seat of your pants and doesn’t let go until you’re done with the book. It has it all. Great cast of characters both good and bad. Surprises at every corner. I highly recommend this book. Book 2 is right around the corner
It’s been a while since I have read an apocalyptic thriller. This one grabs you by the seat of your pants and doesn’t let go until you’re done with the book. It has it all. Great cast of characters both good and bad. Surprises at every corner. I highly recommend this book. Book 2 is right around the corner
August 2, 2022
I want to read series!
They banded together and are surviving but what comes next? Their start to a new world is coming into jeopardy, problems are looming on the horizon! What are Ron, Nan and the others to do? Like the radio broadcast said they're on their own! Exciting and anxious to see what comes next!
They banded together and are surviving but what comes next? Their start to a new world is coming into jeopardy, problems are looming on the horizon! What are Ron, Nan and the others to do? Like the radio broadcast said they're on their own! Exciting and anxious to see what comes next!
September 21, 2020
Interesting
A good story. Although I liked the story, I wasn't crazy about how the author goes back and forth from the 2 main characters viewpoint. Plenty of action and I liked the characters.
A good story. Although I liked the story, I wasn't crazy about how the author goes back and forth from the 2 main characters viewpoint. Plenty of action and I liked the characters.
January 5, 2021
The end?
A bleak outlook for one ending of society as we know it. Characters are strong and watch out to see if a young girl and a dog are the. star s of this'll series. This was a difficult book for me because of all the violence.
A bleak outlook for one ending of society as we know it. Characters are strong and watch out to see if a young girl and a dog are the. star s of this'll series. This was a difficult book for me because of all the violence.
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January 22, 2022M. L. Banner an author to read and enjoy
He never fails me. Always intrigued by his approach. Same problem with all authors. They just don't write fast enough. Just keep em coming! Great books.
He never fails me. Always intrigued by his approach. Same problem with all authors. They just don't write fast enough. Just keep em coming! Great books.
April 25, 2022
Enjoyable story
It started out slow to me as I was learning about the characters but then the characters came to life and I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
It started out slow to me as I was learning about the characters but then the characters came to life and I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 29, 2022
Not my typical read
I'm not sure if I like this or not. I can't decide if its supposed to be funny or serious. I didn't like the beginning, and almost put it down about halfway through. It got better in the end.
I'm not sure if I like this or not. I can't decide if its supposed to be funny or serious. I didn't like the beginning, and almost put it down about halfway through. It got better in the end.
November 4, 2022
Have your snacks or whatever comforts you!
This is thrilling and compelling! It’s different take on the apocalypse, but totally believable. The characters are believable and likable. I am glad I read this book, now on to book two!
This is thrilling and compelling! It’s different take on the apocalypse, but totally believable. The characters are believable and likable. I am glad I read this book, now on to book two!
March 31, 2024
A Great Story
This is my first book from this author and I was really impressed. The story is well-written and fast paced. It quickly pulls you in and weaves a tale that keeps you wanting to read more. I absolutely recommend this book and I plan to read the sequels too.
This is my first book from this author and I was really impressed. The story is well-written and fast paced. It quickly pulls you in and weaves a tale that keeps you wanting to read more. I absolutely recommend this book and I plan to read the sequels too.
June 8, 2024
Lame
Characters are too stupid to survive. From opening the door to your warehouse for your ex husband whose wounded. Turns out it was ketchup and getting captured. Really. Couldn't even finish. And I try to at least finish everything.
Characters are too stupid to survive. From opening the door to your warehouse for your ex husband whose wounded. Turns out it was ketchup and getting captured. Really. Couldn't even finish. And I try to at least finish everything.
October 6, 2024
I cannot believe how bad it was.
Seems to be written by a high school student. Really badly written, crappy plot, juvenile dialog, and really predictable. Did not enjoy is an understatement.
Seems to be written by a high school student. Really badly written, crappy plot, juvenile dialog, and really predictable. Did not enjoy is an understatement.
October 10, 2020
Survival thriller
At first l wasn't sure about this ,but l kept reading and it did improve as it went along, so l will read the next one.
At first l wasn't sure about this ,but l kept reading and it did improve as it went along, so l will read the next one.
December 4, 2020
Frightening
I found it be both interesting and frightening as it could be happening in our future. I question how well I would be able to say it myself in same circumstances.
I found it be both interesting and frightening as it could be happening in our future. I question how well I would be able to say it myself in same circumstances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews