Children of the After: Awakening, Revelation, Evolution Book #1 #2 #3 by Jeremy Laszlo Book Reviews

Children of the After: Awakening
Children of the After: Revelation #2
Children of the After: Evolution #3
by Jeremy Laszlo

I was lucky to get book 1 when it was free on Amazon UK and have been hooked on this series ever since; plus I thought Id keep the whole series together in one large review as they are so quick to read being novellas.

Children of the After: Awakening

Blurb

It has been six months since their father locked them in the security vault with a promise to return. But he never came back. With supplies running out and vital life support systems failing, Jack, Samantha, and Will have no choice but to ignore their father’s warnings and leave the vault. With no knowledge of what befell the world outside, or what they might expect once the door is opened, they find themselves in a world they do not recognize.

Thrust into the remains of the world they remember, how will they survive on their own, not knowing what or who else remains amongst the ruins?

I dont often read Young adult books but there was something about the blurb that caught my imagination and attention and the book was FREE what had I to lose.

I read this book in one sitting as its in between a novel and novella and I simply couldn't put it down. Its perfect for the teens but some adults may enjoy this too. I loved the 3 separate characters of the kids and showing so clearly the different ages. Its well written and has brilliant character development as the kids have to to start fending for themselves. We watch them grow as scared children to becoming pretty sensible when needed even the youngest Will whose 14 year old sister Sam has taken to her "Mum" role perfectly and Jack is the brilliant older brother we all want to have.

I love the extremely close bond they have between them and Jeremy most certainly has experience with kids to write with such detailed and childhood understanding. The childlike terminology brings this book together and kids will love this read....all wanting to be Jack Im sure.

Locked in their home's vault by their Dad for safety, running out of food they have to leave before they starve; and to their shock discover utter devastation; their home and city destroyed but who is following them; who is the older man on a horse and the even stranger monkey-like beings?

I would have loved for this to have been much longer as I prefer novels and getting completely immersed into a read. I finished this compelling read within 2.5 hours and went onto buy the second immediately as I simply NEED to know what happens next as it ends on a sort of cliffhanger.

A good start to this series and I'm now off to download book 2...watch this space!

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Children of the after revelation # 2

Blurb

Having learned of the destruction of their world, Jack, Sam, and Will are forced to flee the security of their Grandparent’s home with blood thirsty beasts hot on their trail. Leaving the dark rider and the answers he likely had behind, they again are forced to fend for themselves as they are pursued relentlessly.

It isn't until they begin to see signs of life that hope is rekindled, but with the beasts gaining on them, will they reach what surely must be salvation, or will they fall victim to the creatures that destroyed the world they once knew.
Book 2 of this series is an even faster paced read than the first which I actually enjoyed more.
Will Jack Sammy find Tammy a mute friend who saves their lives several times.
Finding the safety of a resistance camp they discover more about her and the aliens attacking.

Despite being a teen read I actually enjoyed this more than the first book and I whisked through this read in under 3 hours thoroughly enjoying the unexpected twists and turns although like other reviewers I wish it were longer.
The story has really grown on me and is so intriguing. Its been written with such a realistic child's point of view which will really appeal to the kids out there. I would say its definitely a teen read but some adults may still enjoy it like me as Jeremy has created a good balance between teen and adult reads.
I'm loving the realistic character development of the three kids; especially Will who is having to grow up fast. The author is clearly a parent as he's nailed the different reactions from the kids and how they deal with things slightly differently according to age.
Tammy is a fab new character and not only is she great for girl power; the author is making a valid point that just because someone is different it doesn't mean they are bad...showing humans can be cruel with things they don't understand....high five Mr Laszlo.

What makes this read slightly different from other alien reads is the fact they are dealing with a variety of aliens not just the one; plus you don't know if its an alien standing next to you.....
The gore and horror is toned down quite a bit as a teen read; but the excellent storyline makes up for this. I hope Mr Laszlo will turn to more adult novels as I personally prefer more horror and gore but I love his writing style. I did however chose to download these books already knowing it was YA.
Overall another compelling, engaging read and I cant wait for book 3.

Now off to checkout Book 3!

Buy yours from
Amazon UK
US
Goodreads

Children of the after: Evolution #3
by Jeremy Laszlo

Blurb

Having stolen the pickup, Ole Bessy, from the Resistance, Jack, Samantha, and Will find themselves on the run once again. Pursued by those who had once kept them as captives, they are forced to flee into the unknown.

Now that Tammy’s secret has been exposed, she reveals to her friends a prophecy of her people, further complicating the web of fate the siblings find themselves in.

Finding both new allies and new foes, revealed secrets will lead them all to ‘The City of Angels’ to face the ultimate threat by the invaders themselves.

Being a complete apocalypse junkie I powered through Evolution book 3 after enjoying the other 2 so much; but annoyingly didn't find it as compelling as the first two in the series. But Im sure this is just a slight slow down maybe ready for book 4? I understand you cant keep up the fast pace or it could get too samely.

Saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the three kids practicing their new superpowers and I'm really loving little Will's brilliantly developing character. Its wonderful to see him becoming a huge part in keeping the group safe especially his new pet....!

Just to say Im well above the age group of this series...eeep...young at heart though...but still enjoyed this read and will be reading book 4 ASAP hoping its picked up!

Author Bio

First and foremost I am a father and a husband. I work full time as a civilian employed by the US army, and have also been known as a welder, electrician, carpenter, roofer, writer, painter, CNC machinist, and amongst many other things a romantic. I also belong to the eternal fraternal brotherhood of the United States Marine Corps, having served 8 years that showed me a much broader perspective of the world at large serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, The war on Terrorism, and the humanitarian effort in Liberia.

I currently live in southern Louisiana with my wife and children, though I grew up in Michigan, graduating high school in Mason MI. I also spent time living in North Carolina, Florida, and California during my time in the United States Marine Corps. I have always dreamed of publishing my work, and seeing it on a bookshelf in a store, however with the huge shift to digital media I finally realized that the dream was in my own hands. I tell my children that they can live their dreams, and I believe in leading by example.

I enjoy writing across several different genres from poetry, to children's stories, to full epic fantasies. Creating new characters for my readers to connect with, new worlds for them to immerse themselves in, and new ideas to wrap their minds around is an amazing if not humbling experience. I hope that all my readers can take something away from each of my books, and enjoy reading them just as much as I have enjoyed putting them in print.

Prior to writing this novel, I hadn't published a single thing my own girls could read. It was with that in mind that this new series was created, and I couldn't write this first novel fast enough for them. They were ravenous in its consumption, reading each chapter right after I had it completed. It feels like a wonderful achievement to create something your children appreciate and enjoy. Inspiring a child's imagination is the most humbling thing in the entire world, for they are unrestrained and can see what others miss. Thank you all for your wonderful support and feedback. I hope you have all enjoyed reading this first installment as much as I have in writing it.

Jeremy Laszlo