After the Sky

Spirits of the Earth, Book 1

By: Milo James Fowler

Narrated by: Steve Campbell

Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

The meek have not inherited the earth.

The world isn't how they left it. When the bunker airlocks release them after 20 years in hibernation, the survivors find a silent, barren world outside. But they are not alone. There is a presence here, alive in the dust - spirits of the earth, benevolent and malicious as they interact with the human remnant.

Milton is haunted by a violent past he's unable to escape, despite the superhuman speed the spirits give him.

Not interested in bearing the next generation, Daiyna is determined to destroy the flesh-eating mutants lurking in the dark, pierced by her night-vision.

Luther is a man of conviction who believes the Creator has offered humankind a second chance, yet he's uncertain they deserve it - and he's perplexed by the talons that flex out of his fingers.

Willard is a brilliant engineer-turned-soldier who refuses to leave his bunker, afraid of becoming infected and willing to destroy any obstacle in his way.

As their lives collide, the mysteries of this strange new world start unraveling, culminating in the ultimate life-or-death decision one survivor will make for them all.

Don't miss this post-apocalyptic adventure with a paranormal fantasy twist! It's perfect for fans of Stephen King, T. W. Piperbrook, and The Walking Dead.

©2020 Aethon Books (P)2020 Aethon Audio

Masterfully written and performed!

Wow. Three letters that can’t even begin to express the depth and breadth of this book. From Campbell’s performance of Milton to the emotional heart-wrench that continually drags you through the series (sometimes, like me, sleeplessly for 15 hours), I can’t recommend it enough.

I’d only read Fowler one other time and it was a short story. It was well-written, but I was not expecting such a well-executed long-form from him.

I’ve listened to the narrator before, but I honestly think this might be his magnum opus.

I Fell In Love With This Book

4.5 out of 5 stars

Normally when a book is this long I hesitate before picking it up.  Thankfully, I knew going into this that I already liked the narrator, so when I saw that it was a post-apocalyptic book with a bit of a twist... I was in. I didn't know what kind of twist and I didn't know just how in I was going to be, but Milo James Fowler's After The Sky sucked me in and wouldn't let me go.

Without diving into the plot, this book seemed to be a mash up of a post-apocalyptic thriller and a fantasy novel.  The Earth is basically decimated almost beyond recognition. People were put into vaults (very Fallout-like) to hopefully come out on the other side. It seems that some of the vaults weren't what they seemed (also Fallout-like) while others caused people to come out... different.

The story itself was a good one. Winding its way between different characters. Showing their points of view, how they thought and felt. And just going through how life was for them. Things weren't slow or boring though. Things keep happening so even if the book as a whole was a bit of a slow-burn that doesn't mean that it wasn't action-packed. Fowler took his time telling a methodical story about the survivors, the fantasy elements (trying not to spoil it here), and the Earth.

After The Sky was a book that I didn't know how I was going to feel about in the opening few chapters. But once I got into the meat and potatoes of the story I fell in love with it. Fowler's character building is top notch and this story really took me to another world (even though it's on a near-future Earth). It's rare that I find a book that surprises me as much as this one did, but I'm happy when it happens.

I couldn't finish my review without chatting about Campbell's narration. He does a great job.  In the beginning each character has their own voice and speech pattern and that doesn't really affect you, but as the story progresses there are scenes when two male characters are together and you wouldn't be able to tell them apart without his differentiation (that he set up chapters before). It was a great performance and took a good book and made it great. I'm interesting to see where the story goes and I hope that Campbell is along for the ride.

It was a nice jaunt into a different genre for me.

This particular book was not the norm for me. That said, it was enjoyable. I found the storyline was not a predictable one, and it kept me listening to see what would happen to the characters next. I have to say that I was surprised a few times. An apocalyptic survivors book of sorts, and kinda mystical at the same time. It's unique enough for folks like me to enjoy who are not inclined to read survivors stories, and I think it would also give diehard fans of the genre an interesting spin as well.

Reminds me a lot of Fallout

This was a pretty interesting read, reminiscent of Fallout and the book series "Wool", with a little X-men thrown in for good measure. When I got the book, I expected something else more akin to Apocolypse/survivor fiction based in a world similar to our own. This book departs from that and adds more science/magic to the world than I normally would have liked. However, all-in-all it was a good read and I look forward to listening to more books by Milo Fowler.

good but frustrating

the story is great, but for some reason the author tries to make almost every character unlikable in some way
one is brash beyond belief, another arrogant and disregards others, a third is do weighed down by guilt it is his only real motivation and so on...
That is a very personal read though so you might have a very different experience.
the world and the lore surrounding it, the entire setting is fascinating and wonderful.
honestly if the blurb was even remotely interesting to you I would get this book.

the narration is on point and amazing.
it's a wide cast of characters, but Steve makes them each his own and give them all life.
when you can sense the characters emotions in the tone of voice, you know you got a great Narrator

Fallout with xmen

This is a whole new post apocalyptic world. Not at all what I was expecting, but that is a good thing. After a couple of chapters I really started to get into the book. Milo James Fowler really did a great job in the character creations. The book flows really well together. I found I couldn't stop listening to the book. Steve Campbell did a great job bringing the characters to life.

This book exceeds my expectations. This was my first book by Mr Fowler, but it won't be my last.

Interesting and different

I don't follow a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction, but of the ones I've read/listened to this was probably the most unusual. Kind of a mash up of Book of Eli meets X-Men with a little The Shining thrown in. Took a little getting used to, but once I got further into the story, it really started to grow on me. At times, I wondered where it was going, but it all came together and I ended up really liking it. Will definitely get the next in the series when it comes out.

New and different - very interesting!

(I received a copy of this book for review)
I read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy. This is post-apocalyptic, with an element of the supernatural. Very well done, and not overly graphic. I'll be looking for the next book.

Sheesh!

This story was absolutely AMAZING!

So much intensity, so much adventure, such a wild ride!

The only thing I can use to describe it is, Fallout meets Heroes.

This was such an epic story, and the perfect narration by Steve Campbell made it a 10/10 listen for me. Can’t wait until the next one!

Not what I had expected

I didn't care for the confusing timeline. I found it hard to get the characters straight. I think this is a book better suited to the printed page so you can flip back.

excellent book

Got this one from the team at Atheon Books so huge thanks to them!

this book really surprised me and was a really refreshing take on the genre!
i enjoyed the story and just when i thought i was going to hear more of the same it took on a whole new twist
Some parts were very out there for me but all in all it was a great story and worth the listen

great narration also made it very easy to follow the jumping time line and kept me engaged.

my only draw back was the characters were maybe over developed or just too many of them with huge baggage
cant really put my finger on it. it felt like they all had points that made you hate or get annoyed by each of them.

that said i will definetly pick up book 2!

Erm, where do I even start?

Erm, where do I even start? So many questions, so many different paths it could go. Do I want to write my own story in this world? Hell yes. Gods? Angels? Demons? I think you get my point.

Always keeps you guessing

My first Audiobook. I had no idea what to expect and will admit to feeling a little intimidated by the almost 15 hours running time. The story is told in the first person by several of the main characters, each of whose names is used as part of the chapter title to hep you know who is speaking, and tells of a post-apocalyptic north America shut off from the rest of the world. Milo Fowler writes well, but you'll need to remember who's telling each part of the story or you'll get lost, and I'm not sure I followed the dream/vision sequence in the final third. However, the author pulls the plot together in time to leave you guessing right at the end. This is described as "Book 1", which suggests there is a Book 2 and I will look out for that.

Steve Campbell narrates clearly and at a measured pace which allows you to absorb the story without constantly needing to rewind. He adds recognisable vocal inflexions to each character so you know who is speaking, even when they have been absent from the plot for a while. I'd happily pick up further books narrated by him.

Great post apocalyptic book with a supernatural twist

This is a great post apocalyptic book with a supernatural twist that is told from a multi person perspective. The way that the story jumps between characters allows you to see the story from multiple aspects meaning that each individual thread entwine together in different interesting ways to tell the whole story. The narration is great on this audiobook , and the narrator brings individuality to each character. This is an excellent read and am looking forward to reading the sequel.

Not Enjoyable

*Recieved for Free*

I really tried to go into this with an open mind, but alas I just cannot get on with Steve Campbells narrations. Theres something that doesnt click with me, a lot of the time he sounds like he is dubbing anime, and not an Audiobook.

The book is also just not well written. The dialogue comes across as if its coming from the mind of a young teenager, considering the setting this could actually be deemed thematically accurate, but I doubt it. There may be a good story here, but I cannot get through the brick wall of subpar narration.

I may try reading the book version instead, but Im seriously giving this one a hard pass

Not what I was expecting

This was a new and different take what would happen in the apocalyptic world.
How would you cope in a bunker for 20 years?
What about those on the outside?
What would happen when you came out?
Looking forward to the next book.

You have nothing to fear.

This post apocalyptic story is unexpectedly different from most others in this genre. The United Government had made careful preparation to ensure the survival of the human race in the event of overwhelming catastrophe. Deep bunkers were built, provisioned, and inhabitants selected to keep safe assorted groups for twenty years, after which time it was anticipated that the world would again be fit for those survivors to emerge and rebuild the earth. Then the unthinkable occured: countless nuclear weapons were deployed and the bunkers duly filled and sealed. But when the All Clear rang out twenty years later, the emerging survivors found that things had not quite gone to plan.

The book essentially sees the post nuclear happenings from the points of view of four disparate survivors, told in the first person and moving not only between them but also over a limited period of time. This could be confusing but is not, instead building each section on the one which went before and giving a greater depth and sense of suspense than would have been achieved by a straightforward narrative. As well as the text being intriguing and well written, After the Sky is also narrated with skill by Steve Campbell. His voice has a pleasant, easy on the ear, timbre, his pacing is well timed and his excellent performance helps draw the reader into the story and hold their attention.

My deep thanks to the rights holder at Aethon, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of After the Sky. This is the first of a new series by Milo James Fowler which can be read as a satisfying stand alone but also piques the reader's desire for more. I personally am very much looking forward to the next in series and can definitely recommend this unusual post apocalyptic tale to all who enjoy a good S.F. story, especially dystopian tales, unusual characters, and with just a touch of the paranormal.

good but frustrating

the story is great, but for some reason the author tries to make almost every character unlikable in some way
one is brash beyond belief, another arrogant and disregards others, a third is do weighed down by guilt it is his only real motivation and so on...
That is a very personal read though so you might have a very different experience.
the world and the lore surrounding it, the entire setting is fascinating and wonderful.
honestly if the blurb was even remotely interesting to you I would get this book.

the narration is on point and amazing.
it's a wide cast of characters, but Steve makes them each his own and give them all life.
when you can sense the characters emotions in the tone of voice, you know you got a great Narrator

Wow favourite book for a long time

I received this for free on the promise of an honest review.

Wow this book was great to the point I was gutted when it finished. It’s a bit confusing at first but when you get used to how it is structured and the various stories happening at the same time it is great.
The narrator was really good with both the male and female voices and easy to listen to.
I hope this is part of a future series as I have a credit on standby for the next one.

Very imaginative story. Good listen

Great story and characters. Imaginative story of a post appocoliptic earth. Has sort of a pre Marvel Avengers feel