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Commune #5
Commune 5: Commune Series Book 5
The hit Commune Series is back with book 5! Rejoin some of your old favorites and plenty of unforgettable new ones on another deadly romp through post-apocalyptic America.
Books and Bug are polar opposites, despite their friendship. Rumors on the road speak of a hospital in Washington D.C. Leading a small group of survivors, including pregnant women, the two travel in earnest to provide the soon-to-be mothers a safe place to deliver.
Bug, a natural, charismatic leader, refuses to leave anyone behind while the other, Books is a pragmatic social outsider who wishes not to be responsible for the safety of others. Together, they're exactly what this group needs to survive.
But DC isn't exactly the safehaven they hoped for, having been divided into three major the Mall—which is controlled by a man named Knox and his lieutenants— Columbia Heights to the north, and Anacostia to the south.
On arrival, Books immediately recognizes that the people of the Mall are in a wartime posture. Uncomfortable with the idea of being pulled into someone else's war, he advises that the entire company should depart. Bug, upon realizing that the Mall is wonderfully organized with hydro-electric power, security, and a functioning hospital, refuses that advice, stating that it is more than fair that they should help their new benefactors defend their adopted territory.
Can their bond endure their conflicting points of view or will they be drawn against each other, and into a war that will consume everyone... leaving DC in Ashes?
Books and Bug are polar opposites, despite their friendship. Rumors on the road speak of a hospital in Washington D.C. Leading a small group of survivors, including pregnant women, the two travel in earnest to provide the soon-to-be mothers a safe place to deliver.
Bug, a natural, charismatic leader, refuses to leave anyone behind while the other, Books is a pragmatic social outsider who wishes not to be responsible for the safety of others. Together, they're exactly what this group needs to survive.
But DC isn't exactly the safehaven they hoped for, having been divided into three major the Mall—which is controlled by a man named Knox and his lieutenants— Columbia Heights to the north, and Anacostia to the south.
On arrival, Books immediately recognizes that the people of the Mall are in a wartime posture. Uncomfortable with the idea of being pulled into someone else's war, he advises that the entire company should depart. Bug, upon realizing that the Mall is wonderfully organized with hydro-electric power, security, and a functioning hospital, refuses that advice, stating that it is more than fair that they should help their new benefactors defend their adopted territory.
Can their bond endure their conflicting points of view or will they be drawn against each other, and into a war that will consume everyone... leaving DC in Ashes?
682 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2022
61 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 18, 2022
First of all, before all the nay sayers start proclaiming that this is not a Commune book, I can assure you it very much is. It’s just not of the same variety which we have seen from the previous 4. To keep this as spoiler free as I possibly can, we have to remember that this novel is set in the Far Eastern part of the United States in Washington DC, two thousand miles away from the folks and stories of the Bowl group. However, the constant reader will find a few nice surprises in this novel which I was pleasantly thankful for.
So this is a very good book. Good but not Great like the first four. I was even very prepared for this, knowing all too well that we wouldn’t probably see anyone from the Bowl in this novel. However… The characters are very like able, others not so much and I found myself of course, having my favorites. But then there were the moments when I simply just didn’t care about certain characters or certain story arcs because they sometimes just didn’t seem to have a lot of relevance and felt like filler characters or page makers if I may say so.
The authors leaned very heavily into the real world likely scenario of what real life may be in the real world given if it had fallen to the same circumstances as the world in Commune. Thus, you have a lot of factions, gangs and turf wars that are all trying to flesh out and feel like they belong. Which in fact they do and I suspect which of these you vie for will very much depend on which characters you relate to most.
The reason this is not a 5 star book for me, or even a 4 star is the simple fact that much of the novel feels unnecessary. The story could’ve been told in half its length and still had the very same story be told. And there were also a few things touched on very early that were clearly a crossover between Ford’s “After it Happened” novels and it had me thinking that we would get a bit more explanation of that and it just never happened. It was like it was never mentioned at all and completely forgotten.
On a whole, I think Commune 5 was necessary in the series as a stepping stone to evolve the story that will continue (hopefully in Commune 6) from the ending of Commune 4 with Gibs and the gang from the Bowl. So for that, I really found the necessary means to enjoy this book. It just wasn’t quite what I, as a constant reader of Gayou and this wonderful world he created, found to be filled with the characters that defined and made myself absolutely love the first 4.
Anyway, I’d like to thank the authors still for a good book and say that I enjoyed Commune 5 very much. It’s just simply after reading the first four novels in the Commune series by Gayou, and Ford’s After it Happened series that I know these guys are capable of greatness and we just sadly didn’t quite get that with this one.
So this is a very good book. Good but not Great like the first four. I was even very prepared for this, knowing all too well that we wouldn’t probably see anyone from the Bowl in this novel. However… The characters are very like able, others not so much and I found myself of course, having my favorites. But then there were the moments when I simply just didn’t care about certain characters or certain story arcs because they sometimes just didn’t seem to have a lot of relevance and felt like filler characters or page makers if I may say so.
The authors leaned very heavily into the real world likely scenario of what real life may be in the real world given if it had fallen to the same circumstances as the world in Commune. Thus, you have a lot of factions, gangs and turf wars that are all trying to flesh out and feel like they belong. Which in fact they do and I suspect which of these you vie for will very much depend on which characters you relate to most.
The reason this is not a 5 star book for me, or even a 4 star is the simple fact that much of the novel feels unnecessary. The story could’ve been told in half its length and still had the very same story be told. And there were also a few things touched on very early that were clearly a crossover between Ford’s “After it Happened” novels and it had me thinking that we would get a bit more explanation of that and it just never happened. It was like it was never mentioned at all and completely forgotten.
On a whole, I think Commune 5 was necessary in the series as a stepping stone to evolve the story that will continue (hopefully in Commune 6) from the ending of Commune 4 with Gibs and the gang from the Bowl. So for that, I really found the necessary means to enjoy this book. It just wasn’t quite what I, as a constant reader of Gayou and this wonderful world he created, found to be filled with the characters that defined and made myself absolutely love the first 4.
Anyway, I’d like to thank the authors still for a good book and say that I enjoyed Commune 5 very much. It’s just simply after reading the first four novels in the Commune series by Gayou, and Ford’s After it Happened series that I know these guys are capable of greatness and we just sadly didn’t quite get that with this one.
November 10, 2022
This is NOT Commune Book 5. Instead, it is Commune 1B, East Coast. I was fairly offended at the bait and switch, using the success of the Commune series to sell a new book with new characters. I would have bought the novel if it had been labeled fairly, but when you promote a book as a sequel, with all of the same characters, settings, motivation, etc., the reader brings with him or her certain expectations. To find out that none of the lead characters are in this book was a HUGE disappointment.
I listened to the Audible version of this book, though the Goodreads librarians do not have that version listed as an option. Kudos to RC Bray, who is fantastic, and who made the story pleasant to listen to in spite of the above issues I had with calling this Commune 5.
As for the story, it wasn't bad, but it was a bit disjointed. I liked Bug and Books, and found Knox to be an interesting character. The novel was about a 3/5 leading up to the conclusion, but then the last fight scene lasted way too long, and may have occupied 20% of the book. It was too much. Worse, though, was the ending. The characters (Book, Knox, Warren) went through monumental changes not consistent with the first 4/5 of the book. The changes were not 'advancement' either, except maybe for Warren. The ending of this book could have saved it and changed the novel from a 3 star book into a 4 star book, but unfortunately, it dropped the novel down a level.
I had hoped that this was a novel of Gibbs making his way out to Nebraska to find the little girl who became an orphan in the first novel. That would've been a bit of a disappointment too, since the ying and yang of Jake and Gibbs is what holds the commune together. Taking Gibbs away from the rest of the characters could have worked, but I would've missed Jake. Here, I missed everyone. As an aside, I still miss Billy and I wonder if the author regrets his loss. In fairness, the loss of Billy is a huge plot device so Gayou probably doesn't regret his death.
I listened to the Audible version of this book, though the Goodreads librarians do not have that version listed as an option. Kudos to RC Bray, who is fantastic, and who made the story pleasant to listen to in spite of the above issues I had with calling this Commune 5.
As for the story, it wasn't bad, but it was a bit disjointed. I liked Bug and Books, and found Knox to be an interesting character. The novel was about a 3/5 leading up to the conclusion, but then the last fight scene lasted way too long, and may have occupied 20% of the book. It was too much. Worse, though, was the ending. The characters (Book, Knox, Warren) went through monumental changes not consistent with the first 4/5 of the book. The changes were not 'advancement' either, except maybe for Warren. The ending of this book could have saved it and changed the novel from a 3 star book into a 4 star book, but unfortunately, it dropped the novel down a level.
I had hoped that this was a novel of Gibbs making his way out to Nebraska to find the little girl who became an orphan in the first novel. That would've been a bit of a disappointment too, since the ying and yang of Jake and Gibbs is what holds the commune together. Taking Gibbs away from the rest of the characters could have worked, but I would've missed Jake. Here, I missed everyone. As an aside, I still miss Billy and I wonder if the author regrets his loss. In fairness, the loss of Billy is a huge plot device so Gayou probably doesn't regret his death.
January 2, 2023
This book has a 3.8 rating
I am rating 1 star to counter that.
It should be around a 2.75.
I would wager most ratings 3 stars or below are previous fans from the first 4 books like myself.
As a stand alone book this is a 4.25 easily.
It was however ADVERTISED as a continuation of the series and many people pre purchased the book like I did.
I felt robbed and angry with the writers. Even though it was an excellent book. It was not “Commune 5” it was more like “Commune Bravo book 1”.
1 minor character returning from previous 4 books =
No Commune Book 5.
I would have totally bought this and been happy to rate it as a stand alone series had I not pre purchased it under the guise of “seeing your favorite characters again”
Honestly I enjoy the book.
I would like a whole east coast series. But don’t tell me I’m buying one thing and sell me another. I will never buy your books again.
I am rating 1 star to counter that.
It should be around a 2.75.
I would wager most ratings 3 stars or below are previous fans from the first 4 books like myself.
As a stand alone book this is a 4.25 easily.
It was however ADVERTISED as a continuation of the series and many people pre purchased the book like I did.
I felt robbed and angry with the writers. Even though it was an excellent book. It was not “Commune 5” it was more like “Commune Bravo book 1”.
1 minor character returning from previous 4 books =
No Commune Book 5.
I would have totally bought this and been happy to rate it as a stand alone series had I not pre purchased it under the guise of “seeing your favorite characters again”
Honestly I enjoy the book.
I would like a whole east coast series. But don’t tell me I’m buying one thing and sell me another. I will never buy your books again.
October 28, 2022
I didn't care for this much and was hugely disappointed after being very excited for a sequel/continuation of the Commune series.
The original Commune 1-4 series written by Gayou alone is probably my favorite SHTF series I've read, and I have read several dozens of them. It's just written very well, has interesting characters, and is quite gritty and brutal.
But book 5 was co-authored by another guy and I'm not sure it was a very wise decision to have him co-write Commune book 5. It didn't feel much at all like books 1-4 and didn't even feature the characters you came to know in books 1-4, save a single one. It was very apparent it was co-written with someone else (much less talented than Gayou, sorry).
It's an ok book I guess but I was incredibly disappointed by it.
The original Commune 1-4 series written by Gayou alone is probably my favorite SHTF series I've read, and I have read several dozens of them. It's just written very well, has interesting characters, and is quite gritty and brutal.
But book 5 was co-authored by another guy and I'm not sure it was a very wise decision to have him co-write Commune book 5. It didn't feel much at all like books 1-4 and didn't even feature the characters you came to know in books 1-4, save a single one. It was very apparent it was co-written with someone else (much less talented than Gayou, sorry).
It's an ok book I guess but I was incredibly disappointed by it.
November 23, 2022
Huge fan of the series, but could not make it through this and returned the audio book.
I believe this should have been titled differently because after 4 books it really isn’t a sequel by any means.
I would have understood a switch back and forth to at least one storyline of the first four to tie this in, but this is a completely different story, which would have made sense early on in the series but not at this point.
It did not keep me engaged to continue listening, which is rare since I love RC Bray’s performances.
I believe this should have been titled differently because after 4 books it really isn’t a sequel by any means.
I would have understood a switch back and forth to at least one storyline of the first four to tie this in, but this is a completely different story, which would have made sense early on in the series but not at this point.
It did not keep me engaged to continue listening, which is rare since I love RC Bray’s performances.
December 6, 2022
Really disappointed by this new book in the series. None of the same characters and I honestly didn't care about any of the characters in this story. Didn't matter to me why people were fighting or who would win.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2022
Quit. I'm not going to continue this and ruin what was a great series. It's bad, and totally unrelated to books 1-4 in my opinion.
March 12, 2023
Some of my friends didn't love this book b/c most of the characters are somewhat ... unlikeable. I suspect this was intentional, and the point was to present a scenario where the good guys and bad guys were all somewhat interchangeable. It works. But it leaves readers with no one to really root for. But, again, I think that's probably the point. Kind of a fun, experimental choice.
Gayou's writing is always good. Same here with the author pairing. The writing in this one is actually more disciplined than in Commune 4. The author(s) keep most metaphors and random thoughts to reasonable length. There are a few exceptions, but I've come to expect that in Gayou's chosen style of storytelling. I kind of like it. And the research of detail is impressive.
I'm less a fan of the storyteller's omniscience, which allows point of view to jump character to character wherever the action goes. I know this is intentional, maybe even helpful in a story with so many important characters; however I prefer tighter reins on the revelation of feelings, thoughts and motives. In this story, even minor characters are given direct POVS, and the switch-ups sometimes feel abrupt. When we perceive through everyone, it makes it hard to connect to anyone. My opinion.
Overall, a well-told, interesting story from a talented author who is willing to experiment and try new techniques. That's a good thing.
Gayou's writing is always good. Same here with the author pairing. The writing in this one is actually more disciplined than in Commune 4. The author(s) keep most metaphors and random thoughts to reasonable length. There are a few exceptions, but I've come to expect that in Gayou's chosen style of storytelling. I kind of like it. And the research of detail is impressive.
I'm less a fan of the storyteller's omniscience, which allows point of view to jump character to character wherever the action goes. I know this is intentional, maybe even helpful in a story with so many important characters; however I prefer tighter reins on the revelation of feelings, thoughts and motives. In this story, even minor characters are given direct POVS, and the switch-ups sometimes feel abrupt. When we perceive through everyone, it makes it hard to connect to anyone. My opinion.
Overall, a well-told, interesting story from a talented author who is willing to experiment and try new techniques. That's a good thing.
October 25, 2022
Necessary character development
This isn't the best of the series, but it's still a good read. It might be a better audio book. With a whole new "cast" of characters, quite a lot of development is needed, plus plot development. This means it's quite a ways into the book before anything really happens. I see the hand of another author here, which isn't good or bad. It's just noticeable. Eventually, the plot picks up speed, and I finally started to care about some of the characters. A few,, I just didn't understand. If you are a Bayou fan, I definitely recommend it. If you are a Commune fan, expect something quite different.
This isn't the best of the series, but it's still a good read. It might be a better audio book. With a whole new "cast" of characters, quite a lot of development is needed, plus plot development. This means it's quite a ways into the book before anything really happens. I see the hand of another author here, which isn't good or bad. It's just noticeable. Eventually, the plot picks up speed, and I finally started to care about some of the characters. A few,, I just didn't understand. If you are a Bayou fan, I definitely recommend it. If you are a Commune fan, expect something quite different.
August 29, 2023
It had to happen, and please, this is my opinion. The 4 book set prior to this book was awesome, I loved them. Obviously, I expected this one to be right up there with the rest. I didn't really want to buy it, because it was time for something different, but I went and bought it. I wish I hadn't because it felt like it detracted from the previous books in the series.
Maybe it is just me and I have spent too long with the rest of the series, but it just didn't cut it for me. It was a bit boring. I don't want to take anything away from the writer with the previous books because I did love them.
Maybe it is just me and I have spent too long with the rest of the series, but it just didn't cut it for me. It was a bit boring. I don't want to take anything away from the writer with the previous books because I did love them.
December 14, 2022
This is not a continuation of the previous book. Instead, we are treated to a new cast of characters with their own issues and situations. Part of me would have preferred to revisit the old crew, but I understand the author wanted to move on to new territory. Although this new crew didn’t immediately grab me like the old one, once you got to know them and the backstories, it was a fun ride.
Suffice it to say, Gayou can write and he knows how to create interesting characters and scenarios. Well worth the read and looking forward to the next one.
Suffice it to say, Gayou can write and he knows how to create interesting characters and scenarios. Well worth the read and looking forward to the next one.
October 18, 2022
Survival mode
We read these books to glean ideas because we have been prepping
for 22 years. Most dystopian books are America based. So in Europe there not availability of weapons for the civilians.
Well at least this book as finally incited to finally finish writing
our own with Europe survival in mind.
South for Survival to be published in 2023.
We read these books to glean ideas because we have been prepping
for 22 years. Most dystopian books are America based. So in Europe there not availability of weapons for the civilians.
Well at least this book as finally incited to finally finish writing
our own with Europe survival in mind.
South for Survival to be published in 2023.
November 30, 2022
Loving this series! Reading other reviews, I can see people are upset because this doesn't pick up where book 4 left off. Does it really need to? I felt this was a great side story set in the same world as the rest of the series with a few familiar characters. Very well written and narrated! Can't wait for book 6.
November 11, 2022
Still love this series but this was not my favorite. Still good but if this was the first book of the series I would likely not be in for the next. Unfortunately I am feeling this has run out of steam. Definitely read 1 through 4.
November 8, 2023
A little different than the rest of the books. New people, new place. 3 years later, things are still rough. Tribes are formed and battles are fought. Stuff comes to a head in DC and the Otter comes on in to smooth it out, or take advantage, depends on your perspective.
April 4, 2024
Commune Book Five
The series takes a jog to post Flare/Plague DC and its current state embroiled in warring factions. A familiar group appears helps level the playing field. Where do they all go from here?
The series takes a jog to post Flare/Plague DC and its current state embroiled in warring factions. A familiar group appears helps level the playing field. Where do they all go from here?
October 22, 2022
Not even close to the level of the first 4 books. It is ok, but totally unnecessary.
October 26, 2022
Not really what I was expecting. Felt just like an action movie. Books was the only character that really kept me going.
November 2, 2022
For me not as good as the commune books 1-4 but still a solid book
December 27, 2022
Of all of the commune books this is my least favorite. I guess I expected something better from Gayou and Ford. Both authors are fantastic on their own and apparently not so great together.
March 5, 2023
Different and unlike Books #1-#4. Meaningless cameo.
June 28, 2023
3.25/5 - audiobook
This book suffers from the same drawn out writing as the 4rd and 4th books. The beginning and end are great, the middle could have had 4 hours removed easily.
This book suffers from the same drawn out writing as the 4rd and 4th books. The beginning and end are great, the middle could have had 4 hours removed easily.
July 1, 2023
This book in comparison to the previous ones kinda wasnt very good. It seemed so disjointed and barely tied into the others.
July 25, 2023
One of the better post-apocalyptic series.
March 23, 2024
Different author, different characters, lots of filler
April 21, 2024
The series takes a jog to post Flare/Plague DC and its current state embroiled in warring factions. A familiar group appears helps level the playing field. Where do they all go from here?
November 15, 2022
This series is a fun dystopian saga. This book takes place in a different location with almost completely different cast than previous books. Sets up a bigger world.
July 6, 2023
I've really enjoyed this series but this book didn't quite hit the same mark for me.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews