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The End of All Things #1
The Collapse
When the end arrives, how far will you go to survive?
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic tale? Welcome to your new addiction .
The #1 best-selling and most prolific post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus brings a new gripping tale of destruction, survival and humanity like no one else can.
On a quiet evening like any other, virtually anything that uses fuel goes up in flames, killing billions in the first twenty-four hours alone. Remnants of governments reel as they try to deal with the destruction of their countries and decimation of their military infrastructure as their cities burn to the ground.
On a quiet beach in South Florida, Alice Burton and her two children have started the family vacation early - all that's left is for James to fly in from a conference in Colorado. When the small beach town they're staying in is consumed by fire, they're forced to seek help on foot - facing dangers both natural and manmade at every turn.
Meanwhile, at the Denver International Airport, James Burton hides beneath an overpass as cars and planes erupt in flame around him. His survival is not guaranteed, as a treacherous journey through the heart of Denver and beyond awaits him if he has any hope of reuniting with his family.
Back home, on their small farm outside East Lansing, Michigan, Alice's parents are house-sitting, and are about to experience the most intense test of their survival and homesteading skills that they could ever imagine.
*****
Mike Kraus & Muonic Press are the #1 producing and selling indie press publishing post-apocalyptic tales, for good reason. Since capturing audience’s attention with Final Dawn in 2012, Kraus has captivated and delighted his readers, both with his solo projects like Surviving the Fall and No Sanctuary, and with his co-authored projects with authors like Justin Bell, JJ Pike, Tara Ellis, Kenny Soward and others on titles such as Epoch's End, Zero Hour, MELT, Flashpoint and Weathering the Storm.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic tale? Welcome to your new addiction .
The #1 best-selling and most prolific post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus brings a new gripping tale of destruction, survival and humanity like no one else can.
On a quiet evening like any other, virtually anything that uses fuel goes up in flames, killing billions in the first twenty-four hours alone. Remnants of governments reel as they try to deal with the destruction of their countries and decimation of their military infrastructure as their cities burn to the ground.
On a quiet beach in South Florida, Alice Burton and her two children have started the family vacation early - all that's left is for James to fly in from a conference in Colorado. When the small beach town they're staying in is consumed by fire, they're forced to seek help on foot - facing dangers both natural and manmade at every turn.
Meanwhile, at the Denver International Airport, James Burton hides beneath an overpass as cars and planes erupt in flame around him. His survival is not guaranteed, as a treacherous journey through the heart of Denver and beyond awaits him if he has any hope of reuniting with his family.
Back home, on their small farm outside East Lansing, Michigan, Alice's parents are house-sitting, and are about to experience the most intense test of their survival and homesteading skills that they could ever imagine.
*****
Mike Kraus & Muonic Press are the #1 producing and selling indie press publishing post-apocalyptic tales, for good reason. Since capturing audience’s attention with Final Dawn in 2012, Kraus has captivated and delighted his readers, both with his solo projects like Surviving the Fall and No Sanctuary, and with his co-authored projects with authors like Justin Bell, JJ Pike, Tara Ellis, Kenny Soward and others on titles such as Epoch's End, Zero Hour, MELT, Flashpoint and Weathering the Storm.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 6, 2023
too many wrong and too many unimportant details
An amputee gets right out of bed and chases a bad guy. Then next morning: “With a sigh, he swung his legs out of bed and put his feet on the floor,…” which is a good trick for an amputee who finally puts his prosthesis on in the very next paragraph.
The author goes on for pages about unimportant details but can’t get something significant right about a main character.
Conflicts don’t build, they just appear then get resolved quickly with little initiative by the heroes.
Not sure if I’ll read the next one.
An amputee gets right out of bed and chases a bad guy. Then next morning: “With a sigh, he swung his legs out of bed and put his feet on the floor,…” which is a good trick for an amputee who finally puts his prosthesis on in the very next paragraph.
The author goes on for pages about unimportant details but can’t get something significant right about a main character.
Conflicts don’t build, they just appear then get resolved quickly with little initiative by the heroes.
Not sure if I’ll read the next one.
February 2, 2023
Punish the wise
Always have to take care of those that have because everyone owes them. It was a great book to read and I can't wait read the next one.
Always have to take care of those that have because everyone owes them. It was a great book to read and I can't wait read the next one.
January 20, 2023
The End of All Things - The Collapse - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The latest series opener by the incredibly prolific Mike Kraus, The Collapse is an all-too- horribly possible glimpse into a dystopian scenario, that will stun you with its realistic drama and warm you with its relatable, engaging characters, as you read on....
Stunned onlookers across the nation, including the President, struggle to get their heads around what their disbelieving eyes are showing them, when things go instantaneously crazy, as electronic circuits comprising cars, planes and much more, spontaneously explode, causing mass panic and many gruesome, yet unavoidable deaths. Who or what's done it?
Intertwined storylines tell of ordinary, yet uniquely courageous individuals and families, who somehow defy the odds and survive to selflessly help others, (who otherwise would not) while overcoming tremendous challenges of their own - to be reunited with their separated loved ones - comfort the dying and inspire acts of survival and feelings of hope, where none existed before.
A sensationally visceral epic, that will grip you firmly by the imagination throughout the unputdownable The End of All Things - The Collapse, by Mike Kraus. Get it now!
The latest series opener by the incredibly prolific Mike Kraus, The Collapse is an all-too- horribly possible glimpse into a dystopian scenario, that will stun you with its realistic drama and warm you with its relatable, engaging characters, as you read on....
Stunned onlookers across the nation, including the President, struggle to get their heads around what their disbelieving eyes are showing them, when things go instantaneously crazy, as electronic circuits comprising cars, planes and much more, spontaneously explode, causing mass panic and many gruesome, yet unavoidable deaths. Who or what's done it?
Intertwined storylines tell of ordinary, yet uniquely courageous individuals and families, who somehow defy the odds and survive to selflessly help others, (who otherwise would not) while overcoming tremendous challenges of their own - to be reunited with their separated loved ones - comfort the dying and inspire acts of survival and feelings of hope, where none existed before.
A sensationally visceral epic, that will grip you firmly by the imagination throughout the unputdownable The End of All Things - The Collapse, by Mike Kraus. Get it now!
March 29, 2026
A different and unique look at how the world as we know it could end. Love the characters. On to book #2.
April 17, 2025
slow
I enjoy sci-fi, and these apocalyptic books but this one really had a lot of fat on it. So much character development that I wasn’t interested in, I wanted to get to the nitty-gritty not read how much a 50 year married couple loved each other or what good people the parents were. That could have been said, without so much chatter.
I won’t be reading the second book. Sorry Mike Kraus and all the people who loved it.
I enjoy sci-fi, and these apocalyptic books but this one really had a lot of fat on it. So much character development that I wasn’t interested in, I wanted to get to the nitty-gritty not read how much a 50 year married couple loved each other or what good people the parents were. That could have been said, without so much chatter.
I won’t be reading the second book. Sorry Mike Kraus and all the people who loved it.
February 18, 2023
Oops, I had promised never to read this boring author again. I like this genre and didn’t remember how bad these books were. Here’s a paraphrase from about every other page, …breathing in the acrid scent of acid smoke and burning flash, Jim looked at the smoking ruins of the city and chuckled darkly, thinking,what a mess!…
April 17, 2023
This has a little different type of apocalyptic event, though not sure that it will end up being scientifically valid. It includes the mystery of who are the architects of this worldwide attack; given that fossil fuels were the focus, it suggests some suspects. A lot of the elements in the story are common to the genre with a family in different locations trying to get home, crazy people trying to take what they can and government in disarray. I will say that I generally like most of the people. Alice is well-focused on getting home and her kids are not brats and able to step up when needed. I found it a bit unrealistic that people not used to a lot of walking/hiking were able to go so far in the amount of time they were walking. Ryan and Helen were good people too, though how they could be expected to defend the farm alone is also unrealistic (especially with an ominous ending to book 1). James is weaker and has a hard time moving into action. As a side note, having been to the Denver area and airport many times, the airport is quite far from the city and if you are going east, you would not be in the city. Also it is mostly farmland nearby and not a lot of forest. I did like that for once, the military were not bad guys as this author has a tendency to cast them as such. At times the book bogged down a little with too much irrelevant detail. The story did interest me so I look forward to the next book.
September 18, 2026
Suddenly one day, everything and anything that uses fuel petrol, gasoline and such explodes in flames. World wide cars explode and planes fall from the skies creating fires and death and destruction in their wake. Governments are confused as infrastructure falls all around.
Alice Burton and her two children have just gone on holiday in Florida and are waiting for James, her husband who is on business in Denver, Colorado to join them. The small beach town becomes embroiled by fire and they have to seek a way back home by any means that they can with no way of being able to contact James who is having the same problems at Denver Airport. He knows that he has to try and make it home because he knows that, that is what his wife will do even though he doesn't know if she is safe or not. What he does know is that they will all be facing incredible dangers.
Meanwhile, Alice's parents are caretaking the farm but are about to experience a gruelling test of their survival skills as the world changes around them.
I found this an intriguing start to a post apocalyptic series of which I am sure the characters (I do like Alice's parents) are going to come under enormous dangers and strife whilst trying to achieve their individual goals.
It's a very good start and things are already boiling underneath. 4/5
Alice Burton and her two children have just gone on holiday in Florida and are waiting for James, her husband who is on business in Denver, Colorado to join them. The small beach town becomes embroiled by fire and they have to seek a way back home by any means that they can with no way of being able to contact James who is having the same problems at Denver Airport. He knows that he has to try and make it home because he knows that, that is what his wife will do even though he doesn't know if she is safe or not. What he does know is that they will all be facing incredible dangers.
Meanwhile, Alice's parents are caretaking the farm but are about to experience a gruelling test of their survival skills as the world changes around them.
I found this an intriguing start to a post apocalyptic series of which I am sure the characters (I do like Alice's parents) are going to come under enormous dangers and strife whilst trying to achieve their individual goals.
It's a very good start and things are already boiling underneath. 4/5
May 13, 2025
Wow!
This is not your typical apocalypse! Everything is fine and dandy, people on vacations, people away for work, people living their life when out of the blue life as they know it is gone. Someone has planned this out for some time, striking where the most damage would be done. No one could have been prepared for the carnage that ensued, not even the military.
We follow one family, Jack out in Denver for work, Alice and the two kids in Florida on vacation, and Alice’s parents in mid Michigan, house sitting for the kids.
They will be pushed beyond their limits trying to make their way back to Michigan and each other.
This promises to be a hair raising experience!!
This is not your typical apocalypse! Everything is fine and dandy, people on vacations, people away for work, people living their life when out of the blue life as they know it is gone. Someone has planned this out for some time, striking where the most damage would be done. No one could have been prepared for the carnage that ensued, not even the military.
We follow one family, Jack out in Denver for work, Alice and the two kids in Florida on vacation, and Alice’s parents in mid Michigan, house sitting for the kids.
They will be pushed beyond their limits trying to make their way back to Michigan and each other.
This promises to be a hair raising experience!!
June 1, 2026
When everything running on gas or diesel explodes and catches everything around on fire
A new apocalypse begins with fire, death and destruction. Few escape the devastation with no shelter, food or safety. Things are bleak for the few survivors. Desperation creates lawlessness, and just plain bad neighbors! The story follows a few families trying to get home across a ravaged landscape. Safety is found with caution and strong protection.
As people try to adjust to life without, some band together for safety while some band together to secure their needs at the expense of anyone who has what they need or want. This is a good read.
A new apocalypse begins with fire, death and destruction. Few escape the devastation with no shelter, food or safety. Things are bleak for the few survivors. Desperation creates lawlessness, and just plain bad neighbors! The story follows a few families trying to get home across a ravaged landscape. Safety is found with caution and strong protection.
As people try to adjust to life without, some band together for safety while some band together to secure their needs at the expense of anyone who has what they need or want. This is a good read.
January 22, 2026
I listened on audible. While I appreciate that the author decided to narrate his own book, I don’t think it was a great move. I found the voice monotone and not very captivating. The dialogue also isn’t very realistic. I don’t know anyone who who has a conversation with their partner or children in such full sentences etc.
Paraphrasing: “I think tomorrow will be a good day to plough the field as people may see the corn stalks and wander over to inspect them.”
“Yes dear, I agree.”
I will continue reading the second book for as long as I can as I’ve paid for it and am committed lol.
Paraphrasing: “I think tomorrow will be a good day to plough the field as people may see the corn stalks and wander over to inspect them.”
“Yes dear, I agree.”
I will continue reading the second book for as long as I can as I’ve paid for it and am committed lol.
February 5, 2023
Another Kraus winner
Where Mike gets his ideas from is beyond me! Considering the number of post apocalyptic series he's written or co-written, each new series does not disappoint. Generally well written, good character, scene and incident description which draws you in so you don't want to put the book down.
Where Mike gets his ideas from is beyond me! Considering the number of post apocalyptic series he's written or co-written, each new series does not disappoint. Generally well written, good character, scene and incident description which draws you in so you don't want to put the book down.
February 6, 2023
Gripping story
I gave a 5 star rating but I would of given more if I could. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story is fantastic and really well written. I enjoyed how the author describes the scenes and events throughout. I am looking forward to reading the second book of this series.
I gave a 5 star rating but I would of given more if I could. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story is fantastic and really well written. I enjoyed how the author describes the scenes and events throughout. I am looking forward to reading the second book of this series.
February 17, 2023
Excruciating detail
The most of the story is minute-by-minute dialogue or actions of the characters. This would be fine if it were pertinent to the story—rarely does it enrich the plot or pace. Unlikely to read the remaining books as I suspect this could have been on fast-moving book vs the two or more it will end up being….
The most of the story is minute-by-minute dialogue or actions of the characters. This would be fine if it were pertinent to the story—rarely does it enrich the plot or pace. Unlikely to read the remaining books as I suspect this could have been on fast-moving book vs the two or more it will end up being….
April 16, 2023
A gripping read.
Definitely a brilliant book and it starts just a few pages in of building the story and then it's all systems go. I truly loved The Collapse it's a totally different book and so realistic it's frightening. When Mike Kraus is at the helm we are guaranteed a fantastic book and a fantastic book it is thank you very much.
Definitely a brilliant book and it starts just a few pages in of building the story and then it's all systems go. I truly loved The Collapse it's a totally different book and so realistic it's frightening. When Mike Kraus is at the helm we are guaranteed a fantastic book and a fantastic book it is thank you very much.
July 31, 2023
Scarily realistic and worthy of a slow read.
The thought of traversing hundreds of miles of fire ravaged AMERICA is horrific enough. But add in the deprivation that survivors are experiencing and you have to ask yourself, "What would I do?".... can't wait to start the second book!
The thought of traversing hundreds of miles of fire ravaged AMERICA is horrific enough. But add in the deprivation that survivors are experiencing and you have to ask yourself, "What would I do?".... can't wait to start the second book!
January 23, 2024
Fire, ash and fear
The descriptions of the explosions and the burned bodies while graphic and disturbing were realistic. I like the ingenuity of many people to find solutions to their problems. The greed and cruelty of some selfish people was predictable.
A good fast read leaving you wanting to read the next book.
The descriptions of the explosions and the burned bodies while graphic and disturbing were realistic. I like the ingenuity of many people to find solutions to their problems. The greed and cruelty of some selfish people was predictable.
A good fast read leaving you wanting to read the next book.
February 4, 2024
full of action
This book grabs your attention and interests from first chapter to the next chapter. Has different characters of a family that are in different parts of the states when fuel explosions occur. The chapters just flows.will definitely read the next book. First time I read anything by this author
This book grabs your attention and interests from first chapter to the next chapter. Has different characters of a family that are in different parts of the states when fuel explosions occur. The chapters just flows.will definitely read the next book. First time I read anything by this author
January 26, 2023
different apocalypse cause
A new cause of the start of an apocalypse is something to really enjoy as long as it’s fiction and well written fiction. This novel has everything in at times graphic detail. A brilliant new series has begun!
A new cause of the start of an apocalypse is something to really enjoy as long as it’s fiction and well written fiction. This novel has everything in at times graphic detail. A brilliant new series has begun!
January 28, 2023
Loved it
Now that was a great book!! This was well written and kept my interest on the story. It wasn't like other books in this category. It describes what was going on across the country and had the twists and turns to make it a great book.
Now that was a great book!! This was well written and kept my interest on the story. It wasn't like other books in this category. It describes what was going on across the country and had the twists and turns to make it a great book.
March 14, 2023
celebrating selfishness
Apparently the way to survive an apocalypse and be the hero of a book like this is to help nobody except your immediate family and share nothing with the less well off.
I won’t be reading the rest of this series.
Apparently the way to survive an apocalypse and be the hero of a book like this is to help nobody except your immediate family and share nothing with the less well off.
I won’t be reading the rest of this series.
May 23, 2023
What an explosive start to this series, and it's go, go, go, all the way. Each chapter will have you riveted and you won't want to stop reading. A great new idea to how the Apocalypse started, great main characters, and all very descriptive. Onto book 2.
June 7, 2023
Great book
Another style of the apocalypse. You could almost guess that if it happened like this in real life the estimated 200 million deaths would be scary true. A great story with a great cast of characters. If you like reading about the apocalypse this is a book for you..
Another style of the apocalypse. You could almost guess that if it happened like this in real life the estimated 200 million deaths would be scary true. A great story with a great cast of characters. If you like reading about the apocalypse this is a book for you..
October 26, 2023
Riveting
Surreal. Apocalyptic. Riveting
This is a fantastic first book in the series! But than again, written by Mike Kraus , so of course it's brilliant....
Starting on Book 2......
Surreal. Apocalyptic. Riveting
This is a fantastic first book in the series! But than again, written by Mike Kraus , so of course it's brilliant....
Starting on Book 2......
November 17, 2023
Fascinating
A very interesting topic for an American novel; contaminated oil products. As much as we depend on it for transportation, commerce, and industry, having it blow up spontaneously would a disaster. But makes a great read.
A very interesting topic for an American novel; contaminated oil products. As much as we depend on it for transportation, commerce, and industry, having it blow up spontaneously would a disaster. But makes a great read.
March 12, 2024
Fantastic read
Intriguingly good read with new concepts. Keep me reading through the night. Looking forward to continuing the saga in the next book. Thank you for your ingenuity and writing skills.
Intriguingly good read with new concepts. Keep me reading through the night. Looking forward to continuing the saga in the next book. Thank you for your ingenuity and writing skills.
March 19, 2024
Survival thriller
The world is in chaos as the fuel supplies have been tampered with and everything has gone up in smoke. This story follows one family, separated at the time of the crisis and the government as they try to help.
The world is in chaos as the fuel supplies have been tampered with and everything has gone up in smoke. This story follows one family, separated at the time of the crisis and the government as they try to help.
November 14, 2024
The end of humanity
Great story. Suspenseful and anxiety provoking.
The story follows a family trying to get back home and the destruction they endure. I really liked their strength in the face of brutal destruction. How quickly those who are left descend into evil mob mentality.
Great story. Suspenseful and anxiety provoking.
The story follows a family trying to get back home and the destruction they endure. I really liked their strength in the face of brutal destruction. How quickly those who are left descend into evil mob mentality.
February 9, 2025
unique problem
A new take on the dystopian novel but the same dilemma for those affected. How each of far flung family members cope with trying to unite introduces some familiar twists but also some new challenges. I’m going to Book 2 to find out how.
A new take on the dystopian novel but the same dilemma for those affected. How each of far flung family members cope with trying to unite introduces some familiar twists but also some new challenges. I’m going to Book 2 to find out how.
April 25, 2025
I have been reading a lot of post-apocalyptic series recently, and this one is a version of the terror attack crisis vs. the other worldly magic takeover genre.I am finding it a refreshing change from a talented author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews