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After the Crash #1
After the Crash: After the Crash Book 1:
When a new nationwide city-planning program goes online, the results are more than disastrous. They’re apocalyptic.
As tens of millions die across the country, the world’s technology, power grids and infrastructure collapse, effectively throwing the planet back into the Stone Age.
In one of the few towns that escape the worst of the crash, a small-knit community called Redemption struggles to survive as others seek refuge behind their walls - including those who know more about the disaster than they let on….
As tens of millions die across the country, the world’s technology, power grids and infrastructure collapse, effectively throwing the planet back into the Stone Age.
In one of the few towns that escape the worst of the crash, a small-knit community called Redemption struggles to survive as others seek refuge behind their walls - including those who know more about the disaster than they let on….
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2022
About the author
Tara Ellis
69 books260 followersWith over 50 published books across ten genres, author Tara Ellis is best known for her heart-pounding post-apocalyptic and thriller series. A heavy dose of mystery often underscores her character-driven plots, heralding back to what fueled her desire to tell stories from an early age.
A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.
Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.
*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books
*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers
*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Coming this year, in 2025:
*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April
*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!
*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer
*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.
Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.
*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books
*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers
*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Coming this year, in 2025:
*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April
*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!
*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer
*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 18, 2022
After
The Crash: After The Crash Book
One
I am enjoying this new series. Mikes books never disappoint, they are an action packed good read. I can’t wait for the next one.
The Crash: After The Crash Book
One
I am enjoying this new series. Mikes books never disappoint, they are an action packed good read. I can’t wait for the next one.
December 8, 2023
After the Crash book 1. Purchased this set of six books on December 6, 2023, from Amazon for free. Super computer sabotages electrical systems all over the world. Secret group is responsible. West holds the. 'helix' that may reverse some of the continued interference. Good characters ... Much death.
December 12, 2022
Riveting
Loved the plot and multiple characters that seamlessly intertwined keeping the reader in suspense. The cliffhanger ending is effective guiding readers to book two. Any novel bearing the author name of Kraus, promises to be an exciting read. This novel series Crash, with the combined authors Ellis and Kraus, readers will enjoy.
Loved the plot and multiple characters that seamlessly intertwined keeping the reader in suspense. The cliffhanger ending is effective guiding readers to book two. Any novel bearing the author name of Kraus, promises to be an exciting read. This novel series Crash, with the combined authors Ellis and Kraus, readers will enjoy.
December 9, 2022
Interesting
I like this new take! I can’t wait to find out what else Marsh is hiding and how the people of Redemption pull together to survive.
I like this new take! I can’t wait to find out what else Marsh is hiding and how the people of Redemption pull together to survive.
November 23, 2022
It’s all about redemption…
Pretty good read.
For sure falls in the more “docile” range of the genre. (More on this below…)
You have your noble guys & girls, & your dastardly dudes. The wicked ones, in the way they are written, are satisfactorily repugnant on all levels.
Here in Book 1, After the Crash, there is quite a bit of action & intrigue. As well as in-depth character development, world building, & overall setting the foundation for the rest of the series of books.
The backstories of the characters are original & creatively thought out. And these tales are shared through especially well crafted use of emotional language within the character’s inner thoughts & via dialogue.
Hmmm… how to say the following without a spoiler? Because no one likes a story ruined!
Ok — the, “environmental trouble,” that occurs after & separate from the actual event which causes society to collapse in the 1st place ;) — is an intriguing & exciting subplot.
All I’ll say about that! Lol
Overall, After the Crash is an enjoyable read. I whipped through it in one overnight.
That said, I wonder if the story will contain enough thrill to keep my attention through the entirety of even the completion of Book 2, however? Which is surprising as Mike Kraus is one of the authors.
Unless the pace, violence, adrenaline…. something (?) picks up, I know I’ll be feeling bored sooner than later, unfortunately.
But that’s just my preference.
If you like your TEOTWAWKI books to be more on the “tame” side (zero swearing, no real violence thus far at least, my heart rate remained at resting, & I cannot imagine there being any slavers or cannibals ahead in this tale- but one can hope! Ha! ;) … then this is likely right up your alley.
On to Book 2, to see what just MIGHT surprise me in the extremely sleepy town of Redemption, SD….
Pretty good read.
For sure falls in the more “docile” range of the genre. (More on this below…)
You have your noble guys & girls, & your dastardly dudes. The wicked ones, in the way they are written, are satisfactorily repugnant on all levels.
Here in Book 1, After the Crash, there is quite a bit of action & intrigue. As well as in-depth character development, world building, & overall setting the foundation for the rest of the series of books.
The backstories of the characters are original & creatively thought out. And these tales are shared through especially well crafted use of emotional language within the character’s inner thoughts & via dialogue.
Hmmm… how to say the following without a spoiler? Because no one likes a story ruined!
Ok — the, “environmental trouble,” that occurs after & separate from the actual event which causes society to collapse in the 1st place ;) — is an intriguing & exciting subplot.
All I’ll say about that! Lol
Overall, After the Crash is an enjoyable read. I whipped through it in one overnight.
That said, I wonder if the story will contain enough thrill to keep my attention through the entirety of even the completion of Book 2, however? Which is surprising as Mike Kraus is one of the authors.
Unless the pace, violence, adrenaline…. something (?) picks up, I know I’ll be feeling bored sooner than later, unfortunately.
But that’s just my preference.
If you like your TEOTWAWKI books to be more on the “tame” side (zero swearing, no real violence thus far at least, my heart rate remained at resting, & I cannot imagine there being any slavers or cannibals ahead in this tale- but one can hope! Ha! ;) … then this is likely right up your alley.
On to Book 2, to see what just MIGHT surprise me in the extremely sleepy town of Redemption, SD….
August 14, 2022
After the Crash
I had a hard time following the plot.There a lot of different places. The characters were boring.If you like simple books you might enjoy it.
I had a hard time following the plot.There a lot of different places. The characters were boring.If you like simple books you might enjoy it.
May 22, 2022
This novel does a great job of portraying just how dependent we are on technology in our daily lives. It is a good read and I shall read the sequels.
July 25, 2022
Great storyline
Really enjoying the storyline. Not like the other apocalyptic books. No savage killings, assaults etc. I'm hoping the other books, are just as good.
Really enjoying the storyline. Not like the other apocalyptic books. No savage killings, assaults etc. I'm hoping the other books, are just as good.
May 15, 2022
scary to think it possible
In this story there’s more than one seriously nasty piece of humanity. From Trojan horses to those who finish off loose ends, the permanent way and much in between, it was a scary kind of read. Cliffhanger is a good one.
In this story there’s more than one seriously nasty piece of humanity. From Trojan horses to those who finish off loose ends, the permanent way and much in between, it was a scary kind of read. Cliffhanger is a good one.
May 15, 2022
Quantum
Another great read by the author. Showing us what happens when we blindly accept what technology gives us when we depend on it .
Another great read by the author. Showing us what happens when we blindly accept what technology gives us when we depend on it .
July 11, 2022
great book
I really enjoyed reading this book the plot was awesome makes you want to keep reading I look forward to more in this series
I really enjoyed reading this book the plot was awesome makes you want to keep reading I look forward to more in this series
December 31, 2022
No spoilers here.
Great story, adding this author to my list of favorites, looking forward to the next book in the series.
Great story, adding this author to my list of favorites, looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 1, 2022
UNIQUE STORY - Crime During Post Apocalypse
Most books about the post apocalypse talk about how individuals rise above their challenges. This also discusses rising above challenges but has a serious crime to deal with that has the potential to make the post apocalypse worse, much worse.
This is a series that grabbed me is a different way because the crime is so horrible! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!
Most books about the post apocalypse talk about how individuals rise above their challenges. This also discusses rising above challenges but has a serious crime to deal with that has the potential to make the post apocalypse worse, much worse.
This is a series that grabbed me is a different way because the crime is so horrible! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!
February 12, 2025
There once was a day, back in the day, when every writer had to travel the traditional publishing route to become a published author. The day when he/she wrote his/her book and then struggled to find an agent who was willing to represent him or her, an agent willing to find a publisher willing to work with an unknown author. With the advent of eBooks and self-publishing, it became easy for any writer to become a published writer. In the day of traditional publishing, a reader was pretty much assured that any book that made it into print had been written by a competent writer. Today, it’s pretty much a crapshoot in a market where there are just as many mediocre writers as there are exceptional wordsmiths. Mike Kraus is one of those formidable wordsmiths.
F. Scott Fitzgerald was noted for saying, “Character is plot, the plot is character,” although I believe that it was Henry James who originated that dictum. Peter LaSalle, the notable fiction writer and teacher, explained that this way, “…out of character, plot easily grows, but out of plot a character doesn’t necessarily follow.” There aren’t any new plots or storylines; they’ve all been used over and over again. What are new are the characters that a writer creates to populate their story worlds, and Mike Kraus creates a cast of characters that make this story come alive. Characters that are so memorable, so lifelike that they might have been our friends, neighbors, or relatives. There are no flawless heroes or heroines in After the Crash; there are just everyday people, flawed human beings struggling to survive the best way they can. That’s what makes this book a page-turner.
After the Crash is an adrenaline-fueled, rollercoaster thrill ride that every adrenaline jockey will love, but be forewarned that this is an episodic thriller series. After the Crash is a cliffhanger, and you will need to keep reading all the other books in the series to find out what happens to all the people you have come to love and/or hate. I’ve already rushed on over to Amazon to grab the next book in the series.
F. Scott Fitzgerald was noted for saying, “Character is plot, the plot is character,” although I believe that it was Henry James who originated that dictum. Peter LaSalle, the notable fiction writer and teacher, explained that this way, “…out of character, plot easily grows, but out of plot a character doesn’t necessarily follow.” There aren’t any new plots or storylines; they’ve all been used over and over again. What are new are the characters that a writer creates to populate their story worlds, and Mike Kraus creates a cast of characters that make this story come alive. Characters that are so memorable, so lifelike that they might have been our friends, neighbors, or relatives. There are no flawless heroes or heroines in After the Crash; there are just everyday people, flawed human beings struggling to survive the best way they can. That’s what makes this book a page-turner.
After the Crash is an adrenaline-fueled, rollercoaster thrill ride that every adrenaline jockey will love, but be forewarned that this is an episodic thriller series. After the Crash is a cliffhanger, and you will need to keep reading all the other books in the series to find out what happens to all the people you have come to love and/or hate. I’ve already rushed on over to Amazon to grab the next book in the series.
July 5, 2022
A good read
This is a good book. It really explains what kind of chaos may irrupt if we suffer a massive cyber attack in our country. Read it and see this group of characters as they tackle life as it could be if a cyber attack hits.
This is a good book. It really explains what kind of chaos may irrupt if we suffer a massive cyber attack in our country. Read it and see this group of characters as they tackle life as it could be if a cyber attack hits.
April 25, 2022
Wow, once again, M Kraus has done it again along with Tara Ellis. How will this all end. Can the people survive this disaster. Kept trying to guess what happened next. Kept me gripped and wanting the next book.
July 19, 2022
Be every sure for who you work for…. Wes is a student at MIT and when the computer crash happens and effects the whole world, he just needs to get back home to Redemption. Sage is the owner of the diner in Redemption and is suddenly thrust into survival and leadership mode when the crash happens. The whole town must come to terms with the fact that nobody is going to come to help every quickly and everyone’s survival is dependent on working together. Mike Kraus is a brilliant author and when he co-writes with other authors the books are every better. Please read the start of the series and get the rest as they come out.
September 8, 2022
Awesome
As usual, Mike Kraus has hit another home run with this book. All of his books are worth reading, no matter who he writes with! Tara Ellis, this is the first time I have ever read a book you've written, but if this is how you consistently write, I'm a fan of yours forever! I highly recommend this series.
As usual, Mike Kraus has hit another home run with this book. All of his books are worth reading, no matter who he writes with! Tara Ellis, this is the first time I have ever read a book you've written, but if this is how you consistently write, I'm a fan of yours forever! I highly recommend this series.
September 12, 2022
Nice start for a series
Kind of hard to grasp the lines on all of the beginning intros for the variety of characters but once you get past that it all starts to gel nicely. Good foundation for the forthcoming challenges they face. Looking forward to continuing this series.
Kind of hard to grasp the lines on all of the beginning intros for the variety of characters but once you get past that it all starts to gel nicely. Good foundation for the forthcoming challenges they face. Looking forward to continuing this series.
September 18, 2022
It's actually pretty good post-apocalyptic book
I was very into this book from the beginning to the end. There are a ton of pov's in this book that can get confusing but overall pretty good book with a good cliffhanger at the end.
I was very into this book from the beginning to the end. There are a ton of pov's in this book that can get confusing but overall pretty good book with a good cliffhanger at the end.
October 12, 2022
With the potential dangers inherent in fracking exposed as well as the complete collapse of all worldwide electrical grids, transportation, communication, etc. the world is in a state of chaotic collapse and unable to communicate to formulate any recovery plans.... Is there any hope?
October 20, 2022
Great Read
I really enjoyed this different take on apocalypse novels and can't wait to start the next one. Great characters and a well done flow instead of jumping around and introducing more scenarios and characters then you can keep track of. Very,very enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this different take on apocalypse novels and can't wait to start the next one. Great characters and a well done flow instead of jumping around and introducing more scenarios and characters then you can keep track of. Very,very enjoyable.
August 31, 2022
What a crash! Its starting to come together. Fast read. You don't want to stop. And what a cliffhanger! On to book 2.
September 21, 2022
Wow!
I’ve heard of page turners, but this book was word for word gripping! Tense, frightening, a reality check. I could not put it down! A must read!
I’ve heard of page turners, but this book was word for word gripping! Tense, frightening, a reality check. I could not put it down! A must read!
October 16, 2022
after the crash book 1
Wow. From start to finish a page turner. A Quantum Big Bang and the world grinds to a halt. With death, fires, all technology gone.
Wow. From start to finish a page turner. A Quantum Big Bang and the world grinds to a halt. With death, fires, all technology gone.
August 17, 2023
I absolutely love to read books of this genre, And when I started it, I could not put it down to save my life.
I look forward to reading the rest of her books since she is so good!!
I look forward to reading the rest of her books since she is so good!!
September 9, 2025
I have read several apocalyptic series and this one was not a favorite. I really wanted to like it and there were moments that I found interesting but overall, I did not connect or even really care about any of the characters. They all seemed too similar in voice both in the writing style and their inner voices. Their situations were unique but their personalities were not. Most of the side characters were cliche and the dialogue did not feel natural. The writing was repetitive and just bogged down for me. Too much thinking and not enough doing. I know this was just the first book in a series but that also annoyed me. It was like the author decided from the beginning that this wouldn't be a complete book so she didn't even try to make it a complete book. There were concepts that started and I am guessing that they will be addressed in the next book, but I just didn't care enough for the first book to keep going.
May 27, 2022
This was a very interesting premise for an apocalypse and one all to easy to imagine. I like having strong female characters, and Sage has the potential to be a very good one. However, all but one of the main characters is female and the one that is not was part of causing the disaster. We've gone from a macho-all male post apocalyptic genre to all female. The men tend to get marginalized, even the deputy and Sage's brilliant dad, so there is a lot of imbalance. The child who went looking for a UFO was just annoying. I liked Kathy, though, and her kindness to Hunter Looking forward to the next book.
June 21, 2022
Disappointed
This could have been a magnificent story, but proofreading and editing are shoddy at best. I enjoy both these writers, so I was anxious to read the book because I'm absolutely interested in clean water supply. I grew up on the Columbia River and understand the implications of water pollution, from nuclear waste, farming waste, paper mill waste, and petroleum spills. This book has, obviously, more than one writer. Characters and events don't seem to be in any order. At 75% I was ready to dump the book, but the last 25% was better. I'm not sure if I'm willing to put time into book 2. It could have been so much better.
This could have been a magnificent story, but proofreading and editing are shoddy at best. I enjoy both these writers, so I was anxious to read the book because I'm absolutely interested in clean water supply. I grew up on the Columbia River and understand the implications of water pollution, from nuclear waste, farming waste, paper mill waste, and petroleum spills. This book has, obviously, more than one writer. Characters and events don't seem to be in any order. At 75% I was ready to dump the book, but the last 25% was better. I'm not sure if I'm willing to put time into book 2. It could have been so much better.
November 2, 2025
How did I miss this series?!
After The Crash, book 1 in the After The Crash series, tells the story of the failure of a new system to link all connected devices with a quantum computer and the immediate aftermath. The writing is immaculate, not surprising given Ellis and Kraus are the authors, with superb characters and narrative quality. I don't know how I missed this series, but I'm thrilled to have had I'd pop up in my recommendations! 5/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of apocalyptic survival thrillers!
After The Crash, book 1 in the After The Crash series, tells the story of the failure of a new system to link all connected devices with a quantum computer and the immediate aftermath. The writing is immaculate, not surprising given Ellis and Kraus are the authors, with superb characters and narrative quality. I don't know how I missed this series, but I'm thrilled to have had I'd pop up in my recommendations! 5/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of apocalyptic survival thrillers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews