The coming of age novel meets (as is often the case) the post-apocalyptic dystopia. I have to say that in this case the result did not entirely convince me. There are excellent moments in this book, which is well written and has a certain narrative tension, but some decisive moments are overcome with a certain haste and little depth. An example for all, the final confrontation between the two cousins protagonists, made in a very simplistic way. The ending winks a little too much at Stephen King.

I really enjoyed this book, the story was great and the characters were awesome. I think this would make a great television series..Great read!

The After War is set following an apocalyptic virus used as a weapon during war. The author does not go too in depth into the politics of this area but follows his characters Brian and Simon emergence from their bunker as well as Simon and Winston (the dog) leaving their cabin to venture out into this new world. Along with the intercut of a few flashbacks during the first half of the book we see the characters journey to their different destinations, encountering different people and obstacles of this new world.

Brandon Zenner’s strength is that this story is about his characters, even though I felt he should have given Brian’s story a few more passages in the book. This should not put anyone off. The After War is an exceptional book drawing different strands which slowly come together to provide a story of good and for anyone who knows their history, a very human evil. For anyone who wants a break from the zombie apocalypse stories and wants to read a good character driven story which also provides a well-planned epic battle should definitely pick this up. Mr Zenner is definitely one to keep an eye on.