Brandon Zenner’s The After War is a dystopian novel about Americans who survive a cataclysmic world war and subsequent species-exterminating illness. Brian Rhodes and his cousin, Steve Driscoll, survive the ravages of the disease by hiding in a well-provisioned underground bunker. Far to the north, survivalist and adventurer Simon Kalispell takes refuge in an isolated family cabin on the Canadian frontier. After being on their own for two years, these men venture into the war and disease-ravaged world and begin their journeys in search of family and home. The men discover disturbing remnants of civilization in a shattered landscape, but eventually reconnect with a measure of civilization. But all is not as it seems and because of the depravity and insatiable power-hungriness of men, there remains one great battle to be waged.

I am a huge fan of the dystopian genre. Zenner’s description of the post-disease world captivated me. I appreciated how the author described the modest, believable ways that ordinary people prepared and managed to survive their world’s apocalypse. Many other books in the genre become so engrossed in military jargon and acronyms that they become too frustrating and troublesome to read. Such was not the case in this novel. It was very conversational and readable. The author delivered on his unique view of the post-calamity world that he constructed in his imagination. His creativity and attention to detail were excellent. All in all, Brandon Zenner's The After War is a solid effort. It kept my interest. And the ending definitely left the door open for future installments in the story.

Unputdownable! Wow just WOW!!!
Outstanding!!! Wow just wow! Action packed thrill ride for sure. Excellent series with characters you love and some... that are absolutely horrifying. Highly recommend 5 Wonderfully Frightening Stars!