A Path of Ashes

The Path of Ashes, Book 1

By: Brian Parker

Narrated by: Stephen Bel Davies

Evil doesn't become extinct; it evolves. Our world is a violent place. Murder, terrorism, racism, and social inequality are some of the forces that attempt to destroy our society while the state is forced to increase its response to these actions. Our own annihilation is barely held at bay by the belief that we've somehow evolved beyond our ancestors' base desires.

From this cesspool of emotions emerges a madman, intent on leading the world into anarchy. When his group of computer hackers infiltrate the Department of Defense network, they initiate a nuclear war that will irrevocably alter our world.

Aeric Gaines and his roommate, Tyler Nordgren, survive the devastation of the war, only to find that the quaint, politically correct world where they'd been raised was a lie. All humans have basic needs such as food, water, and shelter...and we haven't forgotten how to fight for what we desire.

A Path of Ashes is the first book in an exciting new series about life in post-apocalyptic America, a nation devoid of leadership, electricity, and human rights. The world as we know it may have burned, but humanity found a way to survive and this is their story.

©2015 Brian Parker (P)2015 Brian Parker

Was this book edited?

I'm quite amazed at the number of grammatical errors I encountered throughout this story. It's quite distracting, actually. Otherwise, the story is good with some rather compelling characters, made all the more vivid by the outstanding narration by Stephen Bel Davies. There are a couple of minor loose ends, left as setup for the next book I suspect, but the story does not end in a cliffhanger, thank goodness.

Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Saga

I love Brian Parker’s work. He always tells an interesting and entertaining story.
The characters are young and intelligent. I do think they take to killing a bit quickly and they definitely get lucky A LOT. Of course their luck runs out at one point but their journey seems so easy at times. I’d love to know how young J makes part of the trip alone without being abused or kidnapped. Maybe a short side story in on of the next books could give us some of those details. Seems unlikely she could navigate her way, take care of herself and her charge and stay safe for the time it took her to get to SA.
(Trying not to give anything away here)
I’ve already started book 2 and I have book 3 ready to go as well.
Stephen Davies did an excellent job narrating. I’m not certain I’ve heard much or anything from him before. I would listen to him again.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.

Great new story

If you could sum up A Path of Ashes in three words, what would they be?

Loss, Betrayal, Redemption

What other book might you compare A Path of Ashes to and why?

I am a big fan of the genre and this is a great story.

What does Stephen Bel Davies bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

These stories are not all sunshine and puppies and the characters have to determine within themselves what they are willing to do in order to live with their actions, or inaction..

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Nothing really, its funny how some narrators try to portray a female charactor.

Any additional comments?

This story reminds me of a Ken Follett novel, sometimes it takes decades before the main charactor gets a break and sometime they never do!

Good ole boys!

Aeric and Tyler, a couple of regular freshmen college students, find themselves at the beginning of a nuclear holocaust. These guys are not your typical military retirees, law enforcement, or outfitted preppers that are the usual fare for these type of stories. These guys are plain ole college students, although they do manage to catch on unusually quick. Leaving Texas after the initial attacks, they set out cross-country to make their way to Aeric's home in Missouri. This first book in the series chronicles their journey. Three.point.five for uniqueness.

Great book!

This was a well constructed story. It kept me engrossed from start to finish. A good amount of action and shocks. Looking forward to book 2!