Life sucks. Gabe Harris has been clued into this fact for a long time now. In his mid-twenties, life has been nothing but low paying jobs, petty power-tripping bosses, and the worst roommates mankind has to offer. Bills, debt, and misery have haunted him for his entire adult life and, to make matters worse, it feels like his dream of being a writer is dead on arrival. One fateful night, he decides to take control of his life and make his dream a reality.

Marion Baldwin, Mars to his friends, has built a nice, safe life that guarantees a slow path to moderate wealth, two-point-five kids, a house in the suburbs, and a wife on the PTA. In other words, he’s bored beyond reason and has no idea how to turn away from his dismal future. Life changes dramatically for Mars when one fateful Saturday morning, a messenger delivers a book entitled Familiar Magic, a Guide.

Two years ago, the end began. In 2036, a rapidly destabilizing climate culminated in a worldwide snowstorm that froze the entire planet. Billions are now dead due to starvation, disease, civil unrest, and the plummeting temperatures. What remains of humanity now live in small settlements or isolated makeshift villages, carving out miserable lives in this grim new reality. Some, like Chris Weston, choose to travel among the vast winter wastelands between the bastions of civilization. In the aftermath of the great collapse, Chris finds himself strangely suited for this new world.

Listen to the uber-hot, fun-in-the-sun, coming-of-age book that started it all! Ronnie, now a college freshman, has been babysitting for the Baumgartners so long, she's practically a member of the family. When Mrs. Baumgartner - who insists on calling her Veronica - invites Ronnie along on their yearly vacation, the nanny jumps at the chance.

William “Lockpick” Sorling, a former apprentice member of the heroic Crimson Five, returns home to the affectionate women of his mentor team after serving time as a convicted supervillain.