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TRIBUNaL
HEaR TODaY …
It is one of the most devastating events in human history, a deadly virus that killed most of the world and deafened the few who survived. In the chaos of the aftermath, the city of Cathedral emerged, and with it, a brutal regime of oppression and violence.
Now, years later, the city is in ruins, and the scene is set for a reckoning. A tribunal seeks to make sense of what happened behind Cathedral’s walls, so it can exact justice on those who fostered atrocity. Imprisonment or a noose await those found guilty.
But things are not as they were before this quiet apocalypse. Testimony and statement will make clear that the lines between good and evil are no longer clear. Against a backdrop of ambiguity, a verdict must be reached, and justice served.
Yet this decision will affect more than the lives of those on trial. It is to be the defining moment in humanity’s willingness to learn lessons from its own near extinction. With all the evidence in place, there is no avoiding what must be done.
It’s time to choose …
(cover by Adrian Baldwin; central artwork by Roberto Segate)
It is one of the most devastating events in human history, a deadly virus that killed most of the world and deafened the few who survived. In the chaos of the aftermath, the city of Cathedral emerged, and with it, a brutal regime of oppression and violence.
Now, years later, the city is in ruins, and the scene is set for a reckoning. A tribunal seeks to make sense of what happened behind Cathedral’s walls, so it can exact justice on those who fostered atrocity. Imprisonment or a noose await those found guilty.
But things are not as they were before this quiet apocalypse. Testimony and statement will make clear that the lines between good and evil are no longer clear. Against a backdrop of ambiguity, a verdict must be reached, and justice served.
Yet this decision will affect more than the lives of those on trial. It is to be the defining moment in humanity’s willingness to learn lessons from its own near extinction. With all the evidence in place, there is no avoiding what must be done.
It’s time to choose …
(cover by Adrian Baldwin; central artwork by Roberto Segate)
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
7 people want to read
About the author
Dave Jeffery
75 books147 followers"Jeffery has a connoisseur's eye for the grotesque and mind-bending."—STEPHEN VOLK, writer of GHOSTWATCH and AFTERLIFE,
Dave Jeffery is a British Fantasy Award and The Bridport Prize Finalist. He is author of 19 novels, two collections, and numerous short stories. His Necropolis Rising series and yeti adventure Frostbite have both featured on the Amazon #1 bestseller list, while the A Quiet Apocalypse series continues to garner critical acclaim. His YA work includes the Beatrice Beecham supernatural mystery series and Finding Jericho. His screenwriting credits include award winning short films Ascension and Derelict.
Before retiring to write full-time, Jeffery worked in the NHS for 35 years specialising in the field of mental health nursing and risk management. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Health Studies. His novel Finding Jericho is an amalgamation of his experiences of working with service users who have experienced stigma and social exclusion due to their mental illness. As a novel, Finding Jericho (Demain Publishing) has featured on both the BBC Health and Independent Schools Entrance Examination Board's ‘Recommended Reading’ lists
Jeffery is a member of the Society of Authors, British Fantasy Society (also as a regular book reviewer), and actively involved in the Horror Writers Association where he is a mentor on the HWA Mentorship Scheme and recipient of the HWA Mentor of the Year Award, 2022. He was also co-chair of the HWA Wellness Committee for a three-year tenure.
Jeffery is married with two children and lives in Worcestershire, UK.
Forthcoming Releases:
SEPTEMBER 2025
False Prophet: A Novel (Eerie River Publishing)
This Way Lies Madness Anthology (co-edited with Lee Murray, Flame Tree Press)
MAY 2026
Screams & Whispers Collection (Horrorsmith Publishing)
Dave Jeffery is a British Fantasy Award and The Bridport Prize Finalist. He is author of 19 novels, two collections, and numerous short stories. His Necropolis Rising series and yeti adventure Frostbite have both featured on the Amazon #1 bestseller list, while the A Quiet Apocalypse series continues to garner critical acclaim. His YA work includes the Beatrice Beecham supernatural mystery series and Finding Jericho. His screenwriting credits include award winning short films Ascension and Derelict.
Before retiring to write full-time, Jeffery worked in the NHS for 35 years specialising in the field of mental health nursing and risk management. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Health Studies. His novel Finding Jericho is an amalgamation of his experiences of working with service users who have experienced stigma and social exclusion due to their mental illness. As a novel, Finding Jericho (Demain Publishing) has featured on both the BBC Health and Independent Schools Entrance Examination Board's ‘Recommended Reading’ lists
Jeffery is a member of the Society of Authors, British Fantasy Society (also as a regular book reviewer), and actively involved in the Horror Writers Association where he is a mentor on the HWA Mentorship Scheme and recipient of the HWA Mentor of the Year Award, 2022. He was also co-chair of the HWA Wellness Committee for a three-year tenure.
Jeffery is married with two children and lives in Worcestershire, UK.
Forthcoming Releases:
SEPTEMBER 2025
False Prophet: A Novel (Eerie River Publishing)
This Way Lies Madness Anthology (co-edited with Lee Murray, Flame Tree Press)
MAY 2026
Screams & Whispers Collection (Horrorsmith Publishing)
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 11 reviews
August 4, 2022
I was fortunate to read an early version of this terrific book, and what a fittingly unique end(?) to what has been a fascinating, compulsive series.
When I saw the planned format of a story told through documents, I wondered if it would be possible to maintain the sense of a narrative you simply can't put down which has pervaded the previous instalments. But as the 'case' unravels and we are reunited with characters from other tomes within the AQA world to hear their side of the story, it becomes apparent that this closure is essential. In some ways, this was the only way to bring the series to a close, though I'd never have conceived of it, as the reader.
Something that runs through every episode of AQA is this commentary on humanity and how we, as a species, might react to a seismic shock. The first book came before the covid pandemic, but foresaw many of the worst characteristics it brought about. These grotesque traits of human nature remain on display here but, also continuing from the other chapters is the element which provides perhaps the greatest emotional wounding - this fragile flame of hope. Often it's so fragile that you know it's a matter of when (or how?) it is extinguished, rather than if, but rather as I imagine it would in a real apocalypse event, it is the thing that drags you through the darkness.
I suspect this series will be looked back upon in years to come as a classic of the post-apocalyptic genre. It says as much about us as The Road, or films such as Mad Max, but in its own quieter (pun intended) way.
The only disappointment in Tribunal is that it really might be the end of the series.
When I saw the planned format of a story told through documents, I wondered if it would be possible to maintain the sense of a narrative you simply can't put down which has pervaded the previous instalments. But as the 'case' unravels and we are reunited with characters from other tomes within the AQA world to hear their side of the story, it becomes apparent that this closure is essential. In some ways, this was the only way to bring the series to a close, though I'd never have conceived of it, as the reader.
Something that runs through every episode of AQA is this commentary on humanity and how we, as a species, might react to a seismic shock. The first book came before the covid pandemic, but foresaw many of the worst characteristics it brought about. These grotesque traits of human nature remain on display here but, also continuing from the other chapters is the element which provides perhaps the greatest emotional wounding - this fragile flame of hope. Often it's so fragile that you know it's a matter of when (or how?) it is extinguished, rather than if, but rather as I imagine it would in a real apocalypse event, it is the thing that drags you through the darkness.
I suspect this series will be looked back upon in years to come as a classic of the post-apocalyptic genre. It says as much about us as The Road, or films such as Mad Max, but in its own quieter (pun intended) way.
The only disappointment in Tribunal is that it really might be the end of the series.
October 25, 2022
What a stunning read, really enjoyed where this one ends, and the payoff - just irresistibly sublime - if you’ve not discovered this series or Dave’s work, you really need to pick these up and devour every last morsel of it!
The writing is intrinsically written and the tension and dread brought to life with gorgeous prose; I’d highlighted many passages to re-read!
I enjoyed it, you might too!
The writing is intrinsically written and the tension and dread brought to life with gorgeous prose; I’d highlighted many passages to re-read!
I enjoyed it, you might too!
July 22, 2025
Brilliant conclusion to a fantastic series. Loved it.
July 11, 2022
Since I read the first book in the A Quiet Apocalypse series a year ago, I've been raving about them.
Lots of people have created dystopian worlds, and with each book in the series, Jeffrey has proved himself capable of creating one up there with the very best. The premise is simple: a virus, MNG-U has killed a huge percentage of the population. Those that survived the virus are left deafened. A few who avoided the virus altogether remain with the ability to hear.
With the collapse of the world came great savagery. Savagery lead to salvation in the form of Cathedral, a new society created in what remained of Birmingham. With the second book, we discovered more about Cathedral, how it indoctrinated its people and its cruel practices. In the third book, the Samaritans, those that travel outside of the city seeking supplies and survivors are developed further.
Each book introduced new characters, but each also ended with an awful sucker-punch that left me knocked for six.
Tribunal takes a novel approach to finishing the story. It begins many years later, the city of Cathedral finally overthrown, and some of those responsible forced to explain the atrocities committed in their name.
This approach allows us to revisit a number of the characters from the series and find out what happened after the awful events that ended each of the previous books.
There are a number of surprises, and, as I've come to expect from the series, there's another gut punch to come from a horrific revelation near the end.
What adds to the piece more are the author's notes at the end in which Jeffrey speaks of some of the difficulties of creating such a brutal world. As he says here, the process of this book was a cathartic one, a release from all of the horrible emotions the first three books stirred up. As a reader, I felt the same. I've loved every minute of reading this series, but damn, it was grim at times. Tribunal takes us back there one last time with the knowledge that we survived the horror.
Lots of people have created dystopian worlds, and with each book in the series, Jeffrey has proved himself capable of creating one up there with the very best. The premise is simple: a virus, MNG-U has killed a huge percentage of the population. Those that survived the virus are left deafened. A few who avoided the virus altogether remain with the ability to hear.
With the collapse of the world came great savagery. Savagery lead to salvation in the form of Cathedral, a new society created in what remained of Birmingham. With the second book, we discovered more about Cathedral, how it indoctrinated its people and its cruel practices. In the third book, the Samaritans, those that travel outside of the city seeking supplies and survivors are developed further.
Each book introduced new characters, but each also ended with an awful sucker-punch that left me knocked for six.
Tribunal takes a novel approach to finishing the story. It begins many years later, the city of Cathedral finally overthrown, and some of those responsible forced to explain the atrocities committed in their name.
This approach allows us to revisit a number of the characters from the series and find out what happened after the awful events that ended each of the previous books.
There are a number of surprises, and, as I've come to expect from the series, there's another gut punch to come from a horrific revelation near the end.
What adds to the piece more are the author's notes at the end in which Jeffrey speaks of some of the difficulties of creating such a brutal world. As he says here, the process of this book was a cathartic one, a release from all of the horrible emotions the first three books stirred up. As a reader, I felt the same. I've loved every minute of reading this series, but damn, it was grim at times. Tribunal takes us back there one last time with the knowledge that we survived the horror.
July 20, 2022
A fitting end to a brilliant series.
This reads very different from the preceding books, reading more like an epistolary novel, and interestingly making it feel more like a thought-provoking science fiction novel than an out and out horror.
I think this works well, and the different voices and viewpoints offer some real insight into the series as a whole and the thoughtful (yet horrific) themes behind. While at first this approach creates some distance, ultimately it invites the user to ponder the world of AQA in a different way. For me this eventually did lead to an impactful conclusion. It is hard not to reflect on our current times and the events we all witness, and compare them to Dave's creation, and take something from that.
Seen through that lens the book grabbed me strongly, and proved itself a worthy end to an incredible series.
This reads very different from the preceding books, reading more like an epistolary novel, and interestingly making it feel more like a thought-provoking science fiction novel than an out and out horror.
I think this works well, and the different voices and viewpoints offer some real insight into the series as a whole and the thoughtful (yet horrific) themes behind. While at first this approach creates some distance, ultimately it invites the user to ponder the world of AQA in a different way. For me this eventually did lead to an impactful conclusion. It is hard not to reflect on our current times and the events we all witness, and compare them to Dave's creation, and take something from that.
Seen through that lens the book grabbed me strongly, and proved itself a worthy end to an incredible series.
Read
October 10, 2022I've read some but not all of this series but that didn't stop me from following and enjoying this last book. Written in the style of statements submitted to court, it judges those for their actions in the 'sanctuary' of Cathedral. Yet this could easily be a reflection of the war crimes trials held in more recent human history. Having this awareness eases the reader into the history of events. Ultimately, this is a study of the psychology of man and the drivers behind decisions taken - a thought-provoking analysis.
July 3, 2024
Full review on Happy Goat Horror:
https://happygoathorror.com/2023/01/0...
This is the final book in the series and takes a different form to the three that preceeded it. It's an excellent series closer. I can't get into specifics because you need to have read the others for this one to make any sense, but as always, Jeffery handles the ever-shifting fabric of morality with empathy and understanding, and it's a truly compelling read.
I really can't recommend the entire series more - it's my favourite series.
https://happygoathorror.com/2023/01/0...
This is the final book in the series and takes a different form to the three that preceeded it. It's an excellent series closer. I can't get into specifics because you need to have read the others for this one to make any sense, but as always, Jeffery handles the ever-shifting fabric of morality with empathy and understanding, and it's a truly compelling read.
I really can't recommend the entire series more - it's my favourite series.
June 28, 2023
The conclusion to the Quiet Apocalypse series is perfect. It has been an emotional experience reading these books. Anger, revulsion, hope and a restoration of faith in humanity, it is all there. In its quiet, almost gentle, way this series has cast a penetrating light on the human condition in all its complexity. Cathedral is all of us, it’s like a physical manifestation of or own psyche, the animal need for survival at war with our higher functions and sense of responsibility to our fellow human beings.
January 29, 2024
A brilliant series
Really enjoyed these books , a unique story line and even the last installment ended with a twist. I will be reading more of Dave Jeffery's books in the future, well impresse.
Really enjoyed these books , a unique story line and even the last installment ended with a twist. I will be reading more of Dave Jeffery's books in the future, well impresse.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 11 reviews