Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sunset on America #5

A Cold Reckoning

Rate this book
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR & #1 POST-APOCALYPTIC FICTION AUTHOR

“Book five was riveting and breath stopping, frightening and heartwarming. If you are just scanning reviews let me tell you, you have to, HAVE TO, read this series. Absolutely the best series I have read yet.” – Lori, Amazon Reviewer

With resources dwindling, the death toll mounting, and foreign troops laying waste to the East Coast, a strike team comprised of Burning Hollow’s and Smoky Hills’ fiercest defenders will attempt the they will wade into the apocalyptic wasteland to attack the enemy stronghold.

The most ferocious warriors are forged in the hottest fires, exposed to extreme pressure, and forced into tactical positions with nothing left to lose and no pathway to victory. Rowdy, Cody, and Taylor are about to become those warriors, putting them closer to their deaths than ever before. But, in the end, will everyone survive? Will Burning Hollow survive?

In matters of life and death, especially in a post-apocalyptic war zone, nothing is guaranteed. But fortune doesn’t always favor the bold; sometimes the bold die fastest, and sometimes they die hardest.

Experience USA Today Bestselling Author and #1 Post-Apocalyptic Fiction Author, Ryan Schow, at his very best in the series readers are calling “Suspenseful, heart wrenching, and humorous.” Perfect for fans of Kyla Stone, Franklin Horton, Jack Hunt, T.L. Payne, Grace Hamilton, Bobby Akart, and The October Fall series.


WHAT READERS ARE

“Each book in the series is better than the last, which seems hard, but is absolutely true!” – Layne Reed, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

★★★★★“I love these characters, and the story-line is second to none. What a literary journey!” – Shireenj, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

“I’ve read this entire series and frankly after each book I think the next book can’t possibly be better than the last. Boy was I wrong!” – Kwalk, Amazon Reviewer, ★★★★★

“Couldn't put it down it was that good. The dialogue was superb. The characters were real. The story keeps getting better and better.” – John Riotto, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

“This series, so far, is mind-blowing action, never a dull moment. I've laughed and I've got teary eyed, I've missed so many hours of sleep because I couldn't stop reading.” – Lady Colt, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

467 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Ryan Schow

60 books107 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
713 (68%)
4 stars
257 (24%)
3 stars
58 (5%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Michael Paul Whitbeck.
16 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2023
war with Russia at last

Ryan Schow keeps bringing it on with more wicked and gritty mayhem. I’m beginning to like Taylor more since she got in to the action. And Rowdy and Cody are just vicious and well as Paxton and Bridget when to action gets hot. Really loving this wild and wickedly fun ride into and EMP attack on America and how certain groups react and act. Some for family, friends, loved ones and their way of life and how some people will do anything to keep it all together. Mr. Schow keep up the interesting story with incredible characters but especially with regards to Catrick Swayze. Looking forward to book six in the series.
75 reviews
March 7, 2023
A Cold Reckoning

As with all of his novels, Ryan Schow leaves nothing on the table when it comes to story telling. This story continues on in a theme that somehow seems all to familiar with today's current events. Seems he must have an inside look at the manner our government is slowly but surely selling out the people of this nation. Hopefully his stories will help the 'masses' see what is happening and we can stop it. Keep writing Mr Schow !!!
Profile Image for Tina Hubbard.
27 reviews
November 9, 2023
You will laugh till you cry!!

I am absolutely loving this series. The initial story is terrifying and so close to reality, it really makes you think. I have never laughed this much reading post apocalyptic (somewhat fiction) before. You will love it. I am kinda scared to see where we go next but I can't help myself. Everyone needs a Rowdy, Bartholomew, Hicks, Ruth, Tanner (gotta have the plum hooch) and of course Catrick!!!
1 review
June 29, 2025
Hard to put down.

I never heard of an EMP until I read this book. If it truly exists, this gives this series immense credibility. My only hope is our military is capable of defending us before something like this happens. The story is believable beyond measure. Is it graphic? Yes, but it's what one would expect in a society that has diminished to this extreme. I pray it never comes to this.
64 reviews
March 4, 2023
strengths outweigh weaknesses

This author’s strength is dialogue, which is excellent. Weaknesses include characters acting out of character and lack of knowledge about medicine and ham radio, among others. Discussing important intel over the radio is just naive. Occupiers would certainly monitor all transmissions.
Profile Image for Tammy.
40 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2023
Great read!

This series is a great read! Keeps you turning page after page. The author doesn't disappoint with making us wait long for next book and I can hardly wait! This series is suspenseful, heart wrenching, and humorous. All the emotions included. Highly recommend reading this series!
17 reviews
April 17, 2023
this should be a movie!

I have read a lot of Ryan’s books, but this series was probably the best one so far. It encapsulates everything that is happening in the USA Today, and the story line in this thriller series could actually happen here! Please, if any movie director ever reads this, it could be an Oscar winning movie!
102 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2024
Better and Better

In this series of books, each book seems to be better than the one before. I find myself staying up reading until the wee hours of the morning, trying to find a good stopping place before I go sleep. The only good stopping place is the end of the book and then I am ready for the next one!
Profile Image for Calysta Queener.
15 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2025
War!!

Again, I am drawn to these characters. The world we live in right now is scary. This is possible fiction with a big dose of real. I hope for the best,but am learning what happens when America is led by lunatics. Thanks for a story with a dark possibility. Read with all your senses alert and your mind open.
Profile Image for Deborah Buckley.
35 reviews1 follower
Read
March 16, 2023
Yes!!!

Fast! Fierce! Fabulous and extremely funny! Now is not the time to take a break from this series. Ryan Schow shines extremely bright in the PA genre. He always leaves me breathless and wanting more more more!
Profile Image for Teri Persona Non Grata.
31 reviews
March 19, 2023
Exciting

Raw and all to real of what could happen if America was occupied by a hostile nation. A possibility if two or more are working together. The author doesn't hold your hand in describing human savagery. Not for the faint of heart.
78 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2023
Can We Hold?

This tale draws you into the story invoking that feeling of ‘Being there’ alongside the characters. It brings home the unrest of today’s world with a horrible possibility of where the world could be headed. Makes one think….
6 reviews4 followers
January 1, 2024
A Series To Make You Think

A Series To Make You Think! It took me on a roller-coaster ride. I fell in love with the characters, hated what was happening and all the humans that caused it and yes I cried.
300 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2024
A Cold Reckoning

Burning Hollow receives intel that a high-level Russian military man is coming to head up the Tennessee assault. A three-pronged attack is planned. Will the Americans be successful?
105 reviews
April 24, 2024
The Saga Continues

It rolls on, current book is better then the previous, and it just keeps going. Awesome story line and some very unexpected twists. If he keeps writing I'll keep buying and reading.
1 review
October 17, 2024
Love this series

There have been so many times that I've laughed out loud in this series which is great. Also love the characters and nicknames. The hairless cat is a gem. I'd recommend this book to anyone that like survival books and patriotism.
18 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2025
5th book

Took a little longer to read this one. While it was good it definitely was not a page turner like the previous ones. I'm hoping book 6 is a lot better or I may not get finished
Profile Image for Mary Navarro.
4 reviews
May 11, 2023
Glad I stuck around for book 5.

Almost gave up this series after a slow book 4 but I was rewarded with a fast paced gut wrenching fight for the very life of America. I’m all in.
17 reviews
July 31, 2023
too much military

I enjoyed this book but found it was too militaristic. More people story. I’m sure not everyone agrees. It’s just my preference.
1 review
October 29, 2023
Good series

Very good series. I gave it a 4 because nothing is perfect. Keep them coming and I'll read them all. Thanks
5 reviews
December 20, 2023
Some will like it. I did for awhile. Most with critical thinking skills will tire of the premise.
3 reviews
February 29, 2024
Excellent read

Just like the other books in the series, this was an awesome read. Full of excitement, fear, humor. Still scary as this could happen. Loved it!
Profile Image for J.L. Huffman.
Author 3 books7 followers
March 4, 2024
Burning Hollow receives intel that a high-level Russian military man is coming to head up the Tennessee assault. A three-pronged attack is planned. Will the Americans be successful?
13 reviews
May 4, 2024
Good read

This series of books are so good that it could possibly be true. I
am sure that the next book will be even better. They should make this a series.
25 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2024
Loved it

Great book! Couldn't stop reading it. Very exciting! Have been reading the series and have enjoyed every book so far.
62 reviews
June 10, 2024
Good Read

I love this series. Every book is great. You will love the characters and the story. Sadly you may miss some sleep when you can't put it down.
15 reviews
August 13, 2024
Bloody

I like the books, but too bloody and gory . It is sad how the people are killed. I can understand the shooting, but not all the suffering before the death.
2 reviews
January 13, 2025
Awesome through out!

Love your work. It just gets better and better!!!! You have made the characters so real. I look forward to meeting them again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.