Audible Book Review: After It Happened Books 5 and 6 by Devon C. Ford

This is a good Post-Apocalyptic with struggles, defeats, and finally victories.
After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 3
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
Release date: 01-10-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
This publisher's pack contains Sanctuary (book 5) and Rebellion (book 6) of the After It Happened series.
Set in the UK in the immediate aftermath of a mysterious illness that swept the country and left millions dead, the series follows the trials facing a reluctant hero, Dan, and the group he forms around him. They must battle the elements, find sufficient supplies and equipment to survive, and protect themselves against the most destructive force on the planet: other people.
Sanctuary, book 5: Scattered, the group must come to terms with their new reality. They face more danger than they can deal with. They have no idea if they can win the race against time before one of them becomes critical. Meanwhile, back at home, a plan is hatched to overthrow a tyrannical rule.
Rebellion, book 6: Steve, now recovered from his horrific injuries, forms a plan to restore the balance of power in their camp, but his opposition is also playing a dangerous game. Meanwhile, Sanctuary reveals its secrets to Dan and the others, and they find safety and comfort behind the high walls. But safety is an illusion, and there are forces converging on them with a malevolence that they have not battled before.
©2017 Devon C. Ford (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
These two books continue to tell the stories of several groups of survivors. Dan and his group are traveling through Europe to get to Africa where Emma believes she can find a cure to help Melissa (Dan’s woman) safely deliver their baby. They face killing marauders, lose supplies and become separated along the way. Having heard a radio message, they seek a fortified town called Sanctuary. When some of the survivors reach Sanctuary they need to prepare the town for the evil that may follow them.

Meanwhile, the original home base has been taken over by a fascist military leader who controls his troops by fear. Steve and the remaining members of the group have been captured and the others are conscripted into various jobs while Steve recovers with a doctor who agrees secretly to help lead a rebellion coup.

There are four young people who escaped from the troops who head out to find Dan. At least one of them, Chris is angry and blames Dan for leaving the home base insufficiently protected. This group is captured by the vicious marauders who almost captured Dan. Two of them are horribly torture before they break free.

I found these books to be very realistic which includes danger, oppression, torture and other traumatic events. There was a point where I wanted to have a better result for the good guys, but I had to continue in hopes of victories. There is some swearing and, of course, brutality. I recommend this series to true fans of post-apocalyptic adventure.

Audio Notes: I always enjoy the narration of R.C. Bray. He conveys distinct voices and energy that fits the scenes of the story. His narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

Source: June 2021 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: After It Happened, Publisher's Pack 2, by Devon C. Ford

This is a well-paced post apocalyptic series full of interesting characters.
After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: After It Happened, Book 3-4
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
This publisher's pack contains Society (book three) and Hope (book four) of the After It Happened series.
Society, book three:
Set in the UK in the immediate aftermath of a mysterious illness which swept the country and left millions dead, the series follows the trials facing a reluctant hero, Dan, and the group he forms around him. They must battle the elements, find sufficient supplies and equipment to survive, and protect themselves against the most destructive force on the planet: other people.
The survivors have prospered, but their home is an enticing prospect for others to take. Besieged, they must respond with a savagery to dissuade further attempts.
Is this the end of society?
Hope, book four:
In the aftermath of the shocking revelations about the propagation of the human race, Dan latches on to a desperate chance to change the future which many have accepted. The group splits and Dan leads his closest allies on an uncertain journey to find a solution. They find themselves battling against the elements, against new foes, and above all, against time.
They must succeed.
They must have hope.
©2017 Devon C. Ford (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
Dan is the ‘military’ leader of his community of 70+ or so plague survivors who are thriving at a former prison facility. Each member finds or is assigned a task where he or she can contribute. There are those working as farmers and in animal husbandry. Some are mechanics helping to maintain and improve equipment. Others are cooks, housekeepers, and medical staff. The whole compound is protected by the “Rangers” under Dan’s guidance. He also heads the teams of scavengers who go out to gather more supplies.

The community has been successful by working together, keeping their location quiet, and seeking other wanderers while being cautious who they allow to become part of the ‘family’. When outsiders threaten their home, Dan is quick to gather his protégé, 13-year-old Leah, and other Rangers to eliminate the threats.

Dan, his dog Ash, Lexi, and Leah rescue a woman who was being followed on the highway. Emma is frightened but finally reveals that she is a scientist researching the scientific beginnings of the plague. She is trying to find a common connection for those who have survived. Steve, a former pilot, agrees to take Emma north to a specialized Scotland research lab. Along the way they are brought into a military compound and assigned an “escort”, Mitch. Through various events, Steve creates an enemy and Mitch  joins him returning 'home'.

Dan and Emma realize the common connection (which is a surprise) of survivors. Then they have a particular, special, reason to travel to Africa seeking a remedy. A significant group of the community decide to travel with Dan, seeking 'hope', but leaving the home community resentful and vulnerable.

I liked how this book picked up right where book 2 ended. There is not a lot of back story but there is deeper development of several of the characters, Dan being the most significant. I enjoyed being caught up in the dangers and trauma of the characters who end up divided into two groups. I recommend reading the series from the beginning and I look forward to the next bundle.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does a clear, emotionally fitting narration of these two stories. His presentation helps pull me into story. I will continue to listen to the series.

Source: May 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: After It Happened by Devon C. Ford

I enjoyed this post-apocalyptic (plague) story.

After It Happened
Publisher's Pack, Books 1 & 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: After It Happened, Book 1-2
Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-05-17
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
This omnibus edition contains Survival (book 1) and Humanity (book 2) of the After It Happened series.
Survival, book 1:
Set in the UK in the immediate aftermath of a mysterious illness which swept the country and left millions dead, the series follows the trials facing a reluctant hero, Dan, and the group he forms around him. They must battle the elements, find sufficient supplies and equipment to survive, and protect themselves against the most destructive force on the planet: other people.
Banding together those he found along the way, he has to fight to keep them safe.
To keep them alive. To survive.
Humanity, book 2:
The survivors have established a home, but they still have to face the brutality of human nature.
Not only do they have to survive, they must keep their humanity.
©2017 Devon C. Ford (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
Dan is a man with a military and/or law enforcement background. He tends to be a loner but when society is decimated by a plague, Dan finds it hard not to try to help the rare people he finds wandering the streets or stores. The first person he meets is Neil who is unimpressive in size and fitness but has his own set of survivalist skills. One becomes two and they travel along until two become four and more.

As the small group builds they realize they need to find a place they can defend and rebuild. Each new member is assigned to a task group: gardening, cooking, cleaning, scavenging, military, etc. Not every person is prepared to contribute their share of work and some might become disgruntled. Can Dan and the other leaders keep the group safe and provide for all needs?

There are other groups forming who are more interested in taking then building. And somewhere underground is a bunker of politicians expecting to emerge to take control. It is a dangerous time for survival.

I liked how this opened, capturing my interest, and holding it all the way through. I like Dan as a taciturn loner who becomes the quiet fierce protector of the slowly growing community. Another primary and interesting character is a ten-year-old Leah who becomes Dan’s shadow protégé. This has a good combination of survival and society rebuilding issues, defensive actions (with weapons explained), and a touch of romance. I will definitely be getting the next bundle (books 3 and 4) in the series soon. I recommend this to readers who enjoy the post-apocalyptic genre.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is an excellent narrator in this and other sci-fi genres. He brings the various characters to life and helps the listener become immersed in the story. I love listening to Bray and he adds to this story.

Source: 2017 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.