apocalypti and dystopian fiction Archives

MY REVIEW

After The Fall by Gerry Gainford is an apocalyptic, dystopian, science fiction novel that kept engrossed in the story of a Washington State that lies in ruins. Nuclear bombs, computer viruses and plagues run rampant. I love that Haley tools around on a motorcycle that she manages to keep running because of her engineering knowledge.

All hell breaks loose when she makes a run for it, after her friend, Jimmy, is murdered.

Haley had left her girlfriend in Dublin and is trying to get back to her. Made me think of Darryl in Walking Dead and I’m curious to see how she is going to cross the ocean to get home. It’s bad enough that she has to dodge those who want her dead, radiation sickness, and plagues. I love a strong, female protagonist that manages to keep her humanity, yet does what is necessary to protect herself, including killing those who would kill her first if she didn’t defend herself.

The world building created a desolate landscape and the pacing made it as hard for me to stop as it did for Haley. The characters run the gamut, but many have lost their humanity. They take what they want, with no regard for their actions. Much of the collusion was hidden from me and I love how Gerry Gainford was able to keep me in the dark. It made it all the more dangerous, not knowing who to trust (NO ONE).

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Haley left Dublin for a six-week internship in Seattle.

Four years later and she’s living in the ruins of Washington State after the world fell in a cascade of nuclear bombs, computer viruses and human plagues.

When she is accused of her friend’s murder, she flees into the night, with one destination in mind. Home to Marley, the love she left behind.

To escape her pursuers, skip around the swathes of chemical and radioactive waste, avoid the Kings, a roaming gang of marauders, she will need to use every bit of engineering knowledge she has.

Can she make it across the continent and an uncrossable ocean to finally get home?

Does home still exist, or did it perish in the Fall?

Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction, Science Fiction
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2024 by yodacats books
Series: The Engineer And The Apcalypse, Book I

ABOUT GERRY GAINFORD

Gerry Gainford is a nerd who spends the workday talking about computer security.

The rest of the time he lives in Los Angeles, with a wife and kids where he likes to go camping, ride motorcycles, do woodwork badly, tell bad jokes, drink good beer and write.

He’s originally from Ireland and hopes some day to know what he wants to be when he grows up.

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Alex Bueno came up with the idea for the series while talking to a friend. He wanted to make it as realistic as possible, and I think he did a great job of it. It could become one of my go to books, if I’m ever caught up in an apocalypse. The way current events are going, who knows.

The Long Night, Book I, was all about the cyberattack and the initial scramble to survive. This volume is about the aftermath. I love a book that has me asking myself, “What would I do?”

I do love a book that has a summary of the previous book. Sometimes there is a long lapse in between, but Alex had this one done pretty quick, while The Long Night was still fresh in my mind.

We will travel from The Polk correctional Facility in Polk City to Mount Weather, Virginia, where the President is being housed, to Harbour Island, to Lake Bueno Vista. I’m sure we will be hearing about the convicts and it won’t be good news.

John and Jack are still struggling to get back to Harbour Island. They are lucky to find a good Samaritan who is willing to share their resources. They will earn their keep before their visit is done.

President Lowell has found there is a traitor in their midst and they have to smoke them out.

The characters in the novels run the gamut, from the best to the worst. The action is nonstop as the characters struggle to survive. Not all will make it and some will be sorely missed. I found myself thinking things like, don’t go there, don’t do that, lay low, hit ’em NOW! At times my heart was in my throat, my hands clenching my reader, flipping the pages as fast as I can because I have to see what’s happening next.

Alex Bueno did a wonderful job keeping me engaged, from beginning to end.

We have cliffhangers, but I expected that, seeing it’s a trilogy. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the third book in the series, The Long Dawn.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Long Way Home by Alex Bueno.

GOODREADS BLURB

Survive the Impossible in ‘The Long Way Home’, the Electrifying Sequel to ‘The Long Night’

In the wake of a devastating cyber-attack followed by an electromagnetic pulse, the Winters’ fight for survival intensifies in ‘The Long Way Home’. As chaos consumes a technology-less nation, former military officer John Winter and his son, Jack, press on in their perilous 100-mile journey from Orlando to Harbour Island, Florida. Each step brings new dangers, from lawless lands to the desperate and ruthless, pushing their limits and testing their resolve. Their sole objective is to reunite with John’s wife, Emily, an esteemed electrical engineering specialist, and their daughter, Sarah, who are struggling to organize the community for even harder times ahead.

Meanwhile, US President Thomas Lowell grapples with a crisis that cuts to the core of American democracy. Surrounded by betrayal and an unseen adversary, his decisions are pivotal in steering a fragile nation through despair and fear.

‘The Long Way Home’ escalates the suspense and drama found in its predecessor, delivering an intense narrative filled with action, strategic challenges, and a deep exploration of the human spirit. Fans of gripping survival thrillers like William R. Forstchen’s ‘One Second After’, David Crawford’s ‘Lights Out’, and Emily St. John Mandel’s ‘Station Eleven’ will find this novel an unforgettable addition to their reading list.

Will the Winters overcome the seemingly impossible odds to find each other again? Will President Lowell manage to overcome internal and external threats to save the soul of America? The answers are in the pages of this thrilling sequel that will leave readers breathless and waiting for the next chapter of this captivating saga.

Grab your copy today and continue the journey into a world where the night has fallen, but the fight for the morning is just beginning.

Genre: Apocalyptic, Cyber Thriller, Dystopian, Fiction
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
Series: Long Night, Book II

ABOUT ALEX BUENO (from Amazon)

Trained as an engineer and driven by a passion for storytelling, Alex is a lifelong learner, with a background in tech product development. Yet, it’s not just the wonders of the digital age that fascinate him. His novels revolve around thrillers and adventures, consistently exploring the influence of technology on society. At the same time, he weaves in Christian values emphasizing family, community, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Inspired by renowned authors like Stephen King, James Patterson, Tom Clancy, and Michael Crichton, Alex’s stories captivate while also provoking deep thought.

Alex cherishes life alongside his wife and their 18-year-old son. Their journey is anchored by unwavering faith and a profound bond.

MY ALEX BUENO REVIEWS