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After It's Over
In the world that is left behind after the pandemic and the worldwide collapse that followed, a lone traveler searches for hope and meaning in the aftermath, while dealing with each new day as he and other survivors struggle against the tide of all that was lost.
200 pages, ebook
Published November 1, 2021
30 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Chadwick
11 books23 followersAs a lifelong lover of books, I’ve always had a great appreciation for writers and their craft. Over the course of my 50+ years living in different places around the world, I’ve written a few things, but never took the time to sit and try to write down any of the books I’ve dreamed up. In 2021 that changed. A new opportunity to share stories, one episode at a time, prompted me to try my hand at it.
I never could have imagined the positive response my writing received and now I’m happy to expand those stories to a wider audience to build upon what I’ve already written. Nothing would make me happier than to know that you enjoy my stories. Please find me on social media @HunterCAuthor to send me your feedback.
About me: I grew up in the Midwest and went to a big state school known as much for their football team as anything else. I studied English Literature and History. It was there that I met my wife and we fell in love. We were married when I was in graduate school and during our first few years working after graduation, God showed us the opportunities to be involved in His work around the world.
Since 2000, we’ve lived outside of the United States, having many amazing experiences and meeting people from around the globe. My experiences traveling and my background in counseling are highly influential in my writing.
I never could have imagined the positive response my writing received and now I’m happy to expand those stories to a wider audience to build upon what I’ve already written. Nothing would make me happier than to know that you enjoy my stories. Please find me on social media @HunterCAuthor to send me your feedback.
About me: I grew up in the Midwest and went to a big state school known as much for their football team as anything else. I studied English Literature and History. It was there that I met my wife and we fell in love. We were married when I was in graduate school and during our first few years working after graduation, God showed us the opportunities to be involved in His work around the world.
Since 2000, we’ve lived outside of the United States, having many amazing experiences and meeting people from around the globe. My experiences traveling and my background in counseling are highly influential in my writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 22, 2023
Wow this really shows what could have happened with the pandemic and honestly I do believe that if society collapsed it’s true most people would not make it.. overall great characters really enjoyed that twist of sci-fi
January 9, 2023
It would have been more enjoyable in the hands of an author who used more description, more emotion, and transitioning between scenes.
There is a lot of action involved, but the writing style makes it fall completely flat.
The ending is completely off what the rest of the story was about: accepting and adapting to the new norms of post Covid chaos. When electricity stops, when food and medicines stop coming, when people get desperate and start to take what isn't theirs in order to survive; how will you get through?
Around 60% the book gets very religious and refers to bible verses, God, and other religious references which continue through the rest of the story.
I struggled to get through this after a promising beginning. There were a few very important facts within the final 10% that the world should be aware of in order to be stronger through the storm ahead, but in all honesty I'd be surprised if many people make it that far.
There is a lot of action involved, but the writing style makes it fall completely flat.
The ending is completely off what the rest of the story was about: accepting and adapting to the new norms of post Covid chaos. When electricity stops, when food and medicines stop coming, when people get desperate and start to take what isn't theirs in order to survive; how will you get through?
Around 60% the book gets very religious and refers to bible verses, God, and other religious references which continue through the rest of the story.
I struggled to get through this after a promising beginning. There were a few very important facts within the final 10% that the world should be aware of in order to be stronger through the storm ahead, but in all honesty I'd be surprised if many people make it that far.
October 18, 2022
After It's Over by Hunter Chadwick takes a dark look at what COULD happen as a result of the pandemic (fictional, thank goodness!) I was able to read this pretty quickly. In fact, there were several nights I read one chapter more than I should because I wanted to see what would happen next. One major plus though, the chapters are fairly short, so if you MUST stop, you can do so. (You probably won't won't want to, though). I truly would give this about 4 1/2 stars, but it's too good to only give 4 stars, hence the 5 star rating. I highly recommend you read this book!
February 12, 2023
So I really enjoyed this hotel it got to the ending.
The book was a different interpretation of what happened with lock downs and covid. It took it to the extreme.
I thought the start was a bit meh and the ending didn't do it for me and felt it took away from the rest of the book.
I did like the character development and the 'journey ' that each character goes with.
Reese's cabin situation intrigued me and I found the answer a bit unrealistic.
I was given a free copy by voracious readers but the review is entirely my own.
The book was a different interpretation of what happened with lock downs and covid. It took it to the extreme.
I thought the start was a bit meh and the ending didn't do it for me and felt it took away from the rest of the book.
I did like the character development and the 'journey ' that each character goes with.
Reese's cabin situation intrigued me and I found the answer a bit unrealistic.
I was given a free copy by voracious readers but the review is entirely my own.
November 6, 2022
Hmm the tittle and synopsis sounded amazing but the execution was somewhat lacking… I mean what was the point of Shelly? Why were Reese that important during the story, he wasn't military like Al, I felt like the story had dragged during the time in the small town, it got better when they traveled out to where Phineas had to go, but still it felt like it was really far fetched… and the ending left me lukewarm… it’s not bad but It wasn’t what I was expecting to get from this book.
I did like Big Al he reminded me of Abraham from walking dead, and since he had a thing for a girl named Juanita, well do I need to explain myself? That was my favorite of this book, Reese our main character I felt he was dwelling more in luck than in skill, and that was kind of a miss with me, but still people are trying to rebuild and survive, and that is a plus in the story.
Thank you voracious readers for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I did like Big Al he reminded me of Abraham from walking dead, and since he had a thing for a girl named Juanita, well do I need to explain myself? That was my favorite of this book, Reese our main character I felt he was dwelling more in luck than in skill, and that was kind of a miss with me, but still people are trying to rebuild and survive, and that is a plus in the story.
Thank you voracious readers for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
November 9, 2022
This is a dark look at the after effects of what a pandemic can do and the changes it can make to society. I enjoyed reading this novel. I thought it was good and fast paced, short chapters definitely meant I was reading late into the night. I did not see the ending coming and I am intrigued to see where the story goes next.
I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is written voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is written voluntarily.
November 15, 2022
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
Oh how fiction is a reflection of our reality....
Is there a movement or even one person who believes they know just how the world and the people in it should be?
The pandemic triggers worldwide deaths, the collapse of economies, the breakdown of countries and communities, the rise of evil, total chaos.
A tale of the happenings and the possibilities for mankind
Oh how fiction is a reflection of our reality....
Is there a movement or even one person who believes they know just how the world and the people in it should be?
The pandemic triggers worldwide deaths, the collapse of economies, the breakdown of countries and communities, the rise of evil, total chaos.
A tale of the happenings and the possibilities for mankind
January 11, 2023
An interesting and fast pace read. It started out a little too real if you know what I mean but I really enjoyed the thought process that went into developing the story. The author definitely took time to think about how society could actually collapse due to the numerous bad decisions by leadership during the pandemic. Our reliance, as a society, on unsustainable things and skills that have no true value in a post apocalyptic world could really be our downfall. I never saw the ending coming and hope to read more!
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy dystopian stories that hit pretty close to home and anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced read.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy dystopian stories that hit pretty close to home and anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced read.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only
May 6, 2025
After It's Over by Hunter Chadwick
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Thriller
#bookloungereviewteam
Hunter Chadwick's After It's Over delivers a gripping and thought-provoking take on an alternate reality where society crumbles in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. The novel presents a well-developed cast of characters, each contributing to the emotional depth of the story.
The book starts off with a fast-paced intensity, immediately immersing readers in the chaos following the collapse of modern civilization. However, as the characters settle into surviving colonies, the pacing slows, allowing space to explore how people attempt to rebuild a fragile sense of normalcy. The narrative then picks up again when Al, Phineas, and Reese embark on their journey to New Mexico to meet the scientist—bringing action, tension, and renewed urgency to the story.
Chadwick does an excellent job portraying society's reliance on modern technology and conveniences—electricity, the internet, food supply chains—all elements people take for granted. The book illustrates how quickly civilization can spiral into turmoil when these systems fail, forcing people to adapt to an unfamiliar and brutal reality. Watching the characters struggle to rebuild, facing both physical and moral dilemmas, serves as a stark reminder of how fragile modern society truly is.
However, the abrupt ending just before reaching the Hydrostation was unexpected, leaving a sense of unfinished business. Despite this, the novel serves as a fascinating exploration of what could have happened during the pandemic—an unsettling but eye-opening interpretation of survival in a fractured world.
Overall, After It's Over is a compelling read for those interested in dystopian fiction with strong character development and realistic societal struggles.
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Thriller
#bookloungereviewteam
Hunter Chadwick's After It's Over delivers a gripping and thought-provoking take on an alternate reality where society crumbles in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. The novel presents a well-developed cast of characters, each contributing to the emotional depth of the story.
The book starts off with a fast-paced intensity, immediately immersing readers in the chaos following the collapse of modern civilization. However, as the characters settle into surviving colonies, the pacing slows, allowing space to explore how people attempt to rebuild a fragile sense of normalcy. The narrative then picks up again when Al, Phineas, and Reese embark on their journey to New Mexico to meet the scientist—bringing action, tension, and renewed urgency to the story.
Chadwick does an excellent job portraying society's reliance on modern technology and conveniences—electricity, the internet, food supply chains—all elements people take for granted. The book illustrates how quickly civilization can spiral into turmoil when these systems fail, forcing people to adapt to an unfamiliar and brutal reality. Watching the characters struggle to rebuild, facing both physical and moral dilemmas, serves as a stark reminder of how fragile modern society truly is.
However, the abrupt ending just before reaching the Hydrostation was unexpected, leaving a sense of unfinished business. Despite this, the novel serves as a fascinating exploration of what could have happened during the pandemic—an unsettling but eye-opening interpretation of survival in a fractured world.
Overall, After It's Over is a compelling read for those interested in dystopian fiction with strong character development and realistic societal struggles.
November 14, 2022
Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth." - Albert Schweitzer.
We have all seen the destruction caused by the virus that stalled the entire world for almost two years. The horrifying, dangerous situation that we thought would never end. After It's over theme lingers on the concept of collapse caused by Covid and apocalyps caused as the aftermath.
Recce world collapsed after covid 19 pandemic, like most of us. His mother dies, and he is lonely until one day, his ex Shirley calls him to rescue her from her apartment in another city. There begins the journey of dark and dangerous adventure.
"It made Reece realize how unsustainable the life he lived was without the support of the millions of people who made it all work. He'd been completely dependent on all of that and never even thought about it. I'll never take that for granted again."
I found the story fast-paced. One would get engulfed in the story. The book focuses entirely on the altered world after the pandemic. With only 20% population and no communication with the outer world, the earth looks primitive and sad.
I found a few inconsistencies along the way. Some parts were prolonged and stretched. Recce seems to rely more on emotions than on skills. Sometimes I feel the writer makes the character do things for adventure solely with no logic. Shirly's character has no specific function. Her contribution to the story is almost non-existent.
You will enjoy this book if you are a dystopian and apocalypt fiction lover.
We have all seen the destruction caused by the virus that stalled the entire world for almost two years. The horrifying, dangerous situation that we thought would never end. After It's over theme lingers on the concept of collapse caused by Covid and apocalyps caused as the aftermath.
Recce world collapsed after covid 19 pandemic, like most of us. His mother dies, and he is lonely until one day, his ex Shirley calls him to rescue her from her apartment in another city. There begins the journey of dark and dangerous adventure.
"It made Reece realize how unsustainable the life he lived was without the support of the millions of people who made it all work. He'd been completely dependent on all of that and never even thought about it. I'll never take that for granted again."
I found the story fast-paced. One would get engulfed in the story. The book focuses entirely on the altered world after the pandemic. With only 20% population and no communication with the outer world, the earth looks primitive and sad.
I found a few inconsistencies along the way. Some parts were prolonged and stretched. Recce seems to rely more on emotions than on skills. Sometimes I feel the writer makes the character do things for adventure solely with no logic. Shirly's character has no specific function. Her contribution to the story is almost non-existent.
You will enjoy this book if you are a dystopian and apocalypt fiction lover.
November 28, 2022
An interesting read dealing with the what-if of a world gone wrong because of governments collapsing. Reese, the main character, has many back flashes that explain how things went wrong, while dealing with new, grim reality. He connects with neighbors in a small town where he hasn't lived very long. We see Reese develop as he purposely decides to make a positive difference in their lives as he struggles with man's existence when so many are obviously evil at heart. It's good to have a clean, non-zombie apocalyptic story that allows us to connect with the characters.
October 29, 2023
This book is amazing. I come from a small town, so the little community that came together with the main characters was reminiscent of home for me. It really helped me to visualize what they were going through. I smiled at the jokes, and I cried with them over the "years".
One thing I really enjoyed was the twist at the end. I was expecting a hopeful outcome, which I got, but I wasn't expecting how they planned to bring things back to normal.
It's sad, but even though the worst of COVID is at bay for now, there are a lot of truths in here that seem relevant to things that were happing during the worst of COVID, and sadly, I can see the devastating futures some of them lived being lived out in real life.
I 100% loved this. It had tension, love, community, science, and I especially loved the religious undertones that seemed to keep the little community hopeful and fighting for the good of everyone, not just "their people."
I definitely suggest giving this a read!
One thing I really enjoyed was the twist at the end. I was expecting a hopeful outcome, which I got, but I wasn't expecting how they planned to bring things back to normal.
It's sad, but even though the worst of COVID is at bay for now, there are a lot of truths in here that seem relevant to things that were happing during the worst of COVID, and sadly, I can see the devastating futures some of them lived being lived out in real life.
I 100% loved this. It had tension, love, community, science, and I especially loved the religious undertones that seemed to keep the little community hopeful and fighting for the good of everyone, not just "their people."
I definitely suggest giving this a read!
March 22, 2024
This dystopian novel starts with a traditional approach – something cataclysmic has occurred and the MC and associates have to find a way to survive. The author takes a unique approach of inserting actual dates that have already passed where our own reality doesn’t match the story, but the twist ending does its best to answer that dilemma.
A lot of people might struggle with more telling than showing throughout. As a reader of historical non-fiction, this method does not bother me. It is a common writing style of historical facts, and the author seems to mirror that style within this novel. Chadwick also takes a much more generous and optimistic approach to the conduct of the survivors of the apocalypse than I would think.
With rare exception, he shows the overall good behaviour of those left behind, leaving the reader with optimism in the better nature of most people.
If you are looking for an apocalypse story with hope for humanity, written more as a historical tale, this might be the read for you.
A lot of people might struggle with more telling than showing throughout. As a reader of historical non-fiction, this method does not bother me. It is a common writing style of historical facts, and the author seems to mirror that style within this novel. Chadwick also takes a much more generous and optimistic approach to the conduct of the survivors of the apocalypse than I would think.
With rare exception, he shows the overall good behaviour of those left behind, leaving the reader with optimism in the better nature of most people.
If you are looking for an apocalypse story with hope for humanity, written more as a historical tale, this might be the read for you.
November 12, 2022
“Maybe one ordinary man can change things for the better, just by being in the right time and place and by choosing to do the heroic thing."
"It made Reece realize how unsustainable the life he lived was without the support of the millions of people who made it all work. He’d been completely dependent on all of that and never even thought about it. I’ll never take that for granted again."
Blurb: In the world that is left behind after the pandemic and the worldwide collapse that followed, a lone traveler searches for hope and meaning in the aftermath, while dealing with each new day as he and other survivors struggle against the tide of all that was lost.
My thoughts: This book was centered on a completely new dystopian world after the COVID 19 pandemic only left 20% of mankind, Leaving them fending for themselves and bringing out the worst in everyone. This book was extremely detailed, but not as detailed as Stephen King's "The stand" which this book reminded me of (that's 1400 pages i'll never get back 🤣 j/k i loved the stand!) Just like the stand, I'm so grateful this didn't really happen after a world wide pandemic. I got this book from @katieandbreypa! And I think you should read it if you liked the stand!
"It made Reece realize how unsustainable the life he lived was without the support of the millions of people who made it all work. He’d been completely dependent on all of that and never even thought about it. I’ll never take that for granted again."
Blurb: In the world that is left behind after the pandemic and the worldwide collapse that followed, a lone traveler searches for hope and meaning in the aftermath, while dealing with each new day as he and other survivors struggle against the tide of all that was lost.
My thoughts: This book was centered on a completely new dystopian world after the COVID 19 pandemic only left 20% of mankind, Leaving them fending for themselves and bringing out the worst in everyone. This book was extremely detailed, but not as detailed as Stephen King's "The stand" which this book reminded me of (that's 1400 pages i'll never get back 🤣 j/k i loved the stand!) Just like the stand, I'm so grateful this didn't really happen after a world wide pandemic. I got this book from @katieandbreypa! And I think you should read it if you liked the stand!
November 14, 2022
In an alternate universe, society is left crumbling and devastated from a pandemic. With plot twists, suspense, and a story that could’ve easily been our own- Chadwick develops his characters smoothly and builds a world that is easy to imagine. This is a read that hits close to home and could be pretty intense given the past few years of the world experiencing Covid-19 and raises questions of how easy we could all slip into a similar situation. Marked as book one and with the ability to dive so much deeper- I’m curious where this might lead readers next.
This is a read for the dystopian lovers out there. Thank you to the author and Katie and Brey PA for my gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a read for the dystopian lovers out there. Thank you to the author and Katie and Brey PA for my gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2026
To me, this book is about hope. It is a recognition that our current society functions on the basis of numbing and compressing our instinctual desires. We are protected from the most horrific of evils through this numbing, but we are also numbed of our greatest sources of hope.
After It's Over imagines a world where such societal compressions no longer exist, while it explores the evil within that, my favorite moments and the most beautiful moments within the book are when we are able to see hope unrestrained.
After It's Over imagines a world where such societal compressions no longer exist, while it explores the evil within that, my favorite moments and the most beautiful moments within the book are when we are able to see hope unrestrained.
May 9, 2023
I haven’t read too many books that are written as a kind of alternate timeline that I’m currently living in. Sure, Back to the Future and other movies would be set in our time, but this one is fresh off the presses and deals with real world consequences of our recent decisions.
I enjoyed the character stylings and the small-town settings. There are some unexpected twists, for sure. I’m looking forward to what comes next!
I enjoyed the character stylings and the small-town settings. There are some unexpected twists, for sure. I’m looking forward to what comes next!
May 30, 2023
I did really enjoy this story! Really good ideas, well done! I liked all of the main characters & general feel for the adventure! A very unexpected fantasy, sci fi twist at the end, which I hope will be explored in the next part of this story! Great read & I do look forward to reading the next part!
July 2, 2023
Tense and emotional
Is an enthralling and well written page turner that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a captivating world of human trumps and survival. This action-packed book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats, whit its unexpected twists and turns that will leave them craving for more
Is an enthralling and well written page turner that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a captivating world of human trumps and survival. This action-packed book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats, whit its unexpected twists and turns that will leave them craving for more
June 8, 2023
After it’s over!
It could be hard these days to find a good story. One that captivate to you and keeps your attention. There’s so much out there they could be really difficult to know where to go. Well, if you’re willing to check out some thing, new, here it is! Read this book and share your thoughts!
It could be hard these days to find a good story. One that captivate to you and keeps your attention. There’s so much out there they could be really difficult to know where to go. Well, if you’re willing to check out some thing, new, here it is! Read this book and share your thoughts!
May 24, 2023
An honest look at the reality of what would happen if society were to collapse and how most people would not survive long. Would recommend.
December 15, 2022
Great story. Enjoyed it very much.
June 13, 2023
A Unique and Emotional Take on Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
As a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, I was drawn to *After It's Over* for its unique premise and hauntingly realistic portrayal of a world ravaged by a pandemic and societal collapse. Hunter Chadwick's writing is both beautiful and thought-provoking, creating a vivid picture of a world where hope is scarce and survival is a daily struggle.
The book's protagonist, Reece Daniels, is a relatable and complex character whose journey is both emotional and triumphant. I appreciated the way the author developed Reece's character over the course of the story, showing his growth and evolution as he navigates the challenges of a world without electricity, internet, and limited food.
The book deals with loss and the struggles of survival in a very realistic way, with a trigger warning for readers. However, for those who can bear the weight of this type of story, it is truly a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Overall, *After It's Over* is a well-written and engaging tale of survival and hope that stands out in the crowded post-apocalyptic genre. The book is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the big twist at the end left me reeling. I highly recommend this book to fans of the genre, and to anyone who enjoys a good story about the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
As a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, I was drawn to *After It's Over* for its unique premise and hauntingly realistic portrayal of a world ravaged by a pandemic and societal collapse. Hunter Chadwick's writing is both beautiful and thought-provoking, creating a vivid picture of a world where hope is scarce and survival is a daily struggle.
The book's protagonist, Reece Daniels, is a relatable and complex character whose journey is both emotional and triumphant. I appreciated the way the author developed Reece's character over the course of the story, showing his growth and evolution as he navigates the challenges of a world without electricity, internet, and limited food.
The book deals with loss and the struggles of survival in a very realistic way, with a trigger warning for readers. However, for those who can bear the weight of this type of story, it is truly a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Overall, *After It's Over* is a well-written and engaging tale of survival and hope that stands out in the crowded post-apocalyptic genre. The book is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the big twist at the end left me reeling. I highly recommend this book to fans of the genre, and to anyone who enjoys a good story about the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
January 31, 2023
I won this book through Librarything and discovered it started as a serial story on Amazon Vella. That's like an old radio show where you tuned in on a regular basis to hear what happens next. The book has over 50 short chapters so you know there's always something happening. It's about living in our post pandemic world if so many people had died that not only was there a supply chain disruption but slso a breakdown in the electrical, fuel and communications systems. Most people are just not prepared for problems on that scale. It's a good read and while I was worried that it would leave me with a cliff hanger, it stopped in a logical place where a new book would be a whole different story.
February 3, 2023
Different but good
I really got into this story. Time travel. Saving millions of lives. Just what a book should be, hard to put down. Now, will there be a book 2.
I really got into this story. Time travel. Saving millions of lives. Just what a book should be, hard to put down. Now, will there be a book 2.
December 10, 2022
Story of what could have happened if the Covid pandemic was worse. In this world, it caused a worldwide collapse that leaves people living with no electricity and no internet. The story centres on Reese, a basketball scout who used to travel the world. He returns to the US at the start of the pandemic and eventually moves to a cabin in a small, remote community. The community comes together as the supply chain breaks down and Reese learns how to survive in this new world.
I love post-apocalyptic novels so was eager to read this one. The author’s depiction of the collapse of society was all too realistic and I loved seeing how everyone responded. My favourite part of the book was the middle where we learned how the community organized and protected itself.
I did not like the way the book ended. The story changes course completely and I don’t think it was necessary. The set up was already interesting and didn’t require that kind of twist.
I also found myself thinking during the book that the author’s political opinions and mine were not the same. I am happy to read other points of view, but was a little uncomfortable with the definitive way the author blames government overreach for everything and suggests global conspiracies helped end society.
Overall, I liked the concept of the book and found Reese a compelling character. I wish the author had gone in a different direction though for the end.
I love post-apocalyptic novels so was eager to read this one. The author’s depiction of the collapse of society was all too realistic and I loved seeing how everyone responded. My favourite part of the book was the middle where we learned how the community organized and protected itself.
I did not like the way the book ended. The story changes course completely and I don’t think it was necessary. The set up was already interesting and didn’t require that kind of twist.
I also found myself thinking during the book that the author’s political opinions and mine were not the same. I am happy to read other points of view, but was a little uncomfortable with the definitive way the author blames government overreach for everything and suggests global conspiracies helped end society.
Overall, I liked the concept of the book and found Reese a compelling character. I wish the author had gone in a different direction though for the end.
November 17, 2022
The book was an enjoyable read, although when I first started reading it our electricity was going off almost every day and it was a little too real. As it went along it was easier in that respect but I was drawn in by the characters and felt their pain when suffering inevitably came their way. I am curious to read what happens in the next book.
November 19, 2022
Honestly a very refreshing dystopian that I really enjoyed. I loved the descriptions and the characters. The empotions run high here and the ending was something I didn’t see coming. 10/10!
April 5, 2024
Following the lock-down and shortages during COVID, this book takes the aftermath down a different path that forces mankind to make the decision to either help one another or take what they need by force.
Reece was able to escape the cities before things got bad and he found a place that he could live. As more and more of the modern amenities were lost, he found a true community. This group faces danger and choices, but through it all, they help each other. That is a major them in the book; choosing to help in whatever way you can so that others can benefit. Many characters in the story put aside personal comfort, and even safety, so that others get what they need.
Another theme that is prevalent is faith. Trusting others is something that Reece comes to grips with, but there is also faith that God is in control no matter what happens. It is done in a gentle way that won't turn people off from reading the book.
There is a big twist at the end of the story that I did not see coming, but makes me want to find out what happens next in the series.
I was given a free copy of the eBook from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Reece was able to escape the cities before things got bad and he found a place that he could live. As more and more of the modern amenities were lost, he found a true community. This group faces danger and choices, but through it all, they help each other. That is a major them in the book; choosing to help in whatever way you can so that others can benefit. Many characters in the story put aside personal comfort, and even safety, so that others get what they need.
Another theme that is prevalent is faith. Trusting others is something that Reece comes to grips with, but there is also faith that God is in control no matter what happens. It is done in a gentle way that won't turn people off from reading the book.
There is a big twist at the end of the story that I did not see coming, but makes me want to find out what happens next in the series.
I was given a free copy of the eBook from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
I really enjoyed the story. The premise is compelling - social collapse after economic collapse after the COVID-19 pandemic - and after a slightly confusing/slow start, a pretty believable story unfolds. I had actually reflected on our societal incapabilities to survive without modern trappings at the same time as the author (throughout the pandemic), so the premise, the mass chaos, formation of violent gangs, and death really aligned with my own ponderings. I had also heard other people talk about the agenda of the powerful organisation described in the book, so it was interesting to see that acknowledged here.
I found the beginning confusing because it wasn't clear at which time point we were meeting Reece, the main character, and a character is introduced who quickly departs again right at the beginning, which is confusing as the beginning usually introduces the cast of characters and relational dynamics that drive the rest of the story. I kept thinking the departed would come back - she must be important because she was introduced right at the start (she did not come back). Cast introductions came much later, with the building of community, and it really felt like the first part of the book could have been woven into a later part of the story as a couple of paragraphs of dialogue or reflection.
I liked the characters, and in contrast to other reviews I thought the dialogue was fine. The element that felt flat to me was the amount of telling (the old 'show, don't tell', rule). It's definitely not the worst example of telling, and the action still drives the plot well, but I did find myself skipping through scenes with no dialogue if there was a lot of telling going on. The story itself was compelling, but would be strengthened by a little more description that evokes empathy and engagement.
That said, I really enjoyed this book and stayed up past midnight to finish it. I didn't like the direction that the cliffhanger is going to take the next book, though. This book had been so thoroughly grounded in 'the real world' (the events described are plausible in our real world, with no magical thinking), but the twist at the end felt like a genre shift into science fantasy. The book has a strongly Christian worldview as its foundation, too, so the twist doesn't sit right with me. God permits consequences to fall upon individuals and nations, and always has; at the same time He offers redemption, salvation, and hope, but no undo button.
I found the beginning confusing because it wasn't clear at which time point we were meeting Reece, the main character, and a character is introduced who quickly departs again right at the beginning, which is confusing as the beginning usually introduces the cast of characters and relational dynamics that drive the rest of the story. I kept thinking the departed would come back - she must be important because she was introduced right at the start (she did not come back). Cast introductions came much later, with the building of community, and it really felt like the first part of the book could have been woven into a later part of the story as a couple of paragraphs of dialogue or reflection.
I liked the characters, and in contrast to other reviews I thought the dialogue was fine. The element that felt flat to me was the amount of telling (the old 'show, don't tell', rule). It's definitely not the worst example of telling, and the action still drives the plot well, but I did find myself skipping through scenes with no dialogue if there was a lot of telling going on. The story itself was compelling, but would be strengthened by a little more description that evokes empathy and engagement.
That said, I really enjoyed this book and stayed up past midnight to finish it. I didn't like the direction that the cliffhanger is going to take the next book, though. This book had been so thoroughly grounded in 'the real world' (the events described are plausible in our real world, with no magical thinking), but the twist at the end felt like a genre shift into science fantasy. The book has a strongly Christian worldview as its foundation, too, so the twist doesn't sit right with me. God permits consequences to fall upon individuals and nations, and always has; at the same time He offers redemption, salvation, and hope, but no undo button.
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