Tag: post apocalyptic novels

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction with Heart and Roots

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’ is the new novel by J.P.S. Stalder

📚 Review: Sentinels in the Oakwood by J.P.S. Stalder

J.P.S. Stalder’s Sentinels in the Oakwood is a richly imagined post-apocalyptic novel set in the Missouri Ozarks, more than 100 years after a devastating nuclear war. Nature has reclaimed much of what was destroyed, and the region has become a vast wilderness of woodlands, lakes, and caves.

Two Ways of Life, One Fragile Balance

The novel presents a vivid contrast between two types of survivors:

  • The Oakwood people, who have returned to a life of simplicity and harmony with the land
  • The underground dwellers of Fort Leonard Wood, descendants of those who took refuge in high-tech subterranean shelters

Their coexistence is uneasy, and a new threat from the north—intent on domination—forces both groups to confront their differences and unite for survival.

More Than a Survival Story

This is not just a story of endurance. Sentinels in the Oakwood is a deep examination of human resilience, community, and the tension between tradition and technology. Stadler’s lyrical, atmospheric prose paints a vivid picture of a world rewilded:

“The fallen slabs of weathered grey concrete jutted out from the edges of the shoreline like giant teeth waiting to swallow those foolish enough to pass through its mouth in a small canoe.”

Multiple Perspectives, Complex Themes

The story unfolds through three compelling narratives:

  • Jimson, a young Oakwood native connected to the natural world
  • Sarah, from the underground facility, apprehensive but curious about life above
  • BOB-e, a sentinel robot beginning to evolve beyond his programming

BOB-e’s storyline is particularly moving. When his fellow sentinel KYLE-e is critically damaged in battle, BOB-e scours the area for parts, driven by an emerging sense of loyalty and grief. His actions—and Sarah’s eventual recognition of sentient rights—raise profound questions about identity, free will, and the definition of life.

A Thoughtful, Gripping Read

Themes of survival, moral complexity, artificial intelligence, and ecological balance run deep. Stadler crafts a story that is not only thrilling but also introspective. The growing threat from the outside world pushes these disparate communities to confront hard truths and seek common ground.

“The future, it occurred to her, would always be the product of those who were courageous enough to stand for what they had grown to believe in, and that courage mattered most when everything was at stake.”

Final Thoughts

Sentinels in the Oakwood is a gripping and thought-provoking blend of speculative fiction and ecological storytelling. For readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic narratives with emotional depth and philosophical weight, this novel is a must-read.

Recommended for fans of: Station Eleven, The Overstory, The Broken Earth trilogy

*The author of this post received an ARC for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Ascendant’ by Susy Smith

‘Ascendant’ is Susy Smith’s new dystopian science fiction novel and the second in The Asylum Series. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Susy Smith is a celebrated dystopian storyteller, author, and curriculum specialist for the Kanza Tribe in Oklahoma. Armed with a deep understanding of language, the resilience of the human spirit, and a bachelor’s degree in English, she weaves captivating, award-winning stories that leave readers wanting more. In addition to her novels, Smith occasionally crafts poetry, adding a unique dimension to her diverse repertoire. Her authentic writing style echoes her experiences living in a small Oklahoma town with her husband, four grown children, and two furry dog-children. Smith’s literary journey commenced with “Asylum,” a gripping novel that clinched the 2020 Writer Con contest in the novel category. She continues to engage audiences with “Ascendant,” the second installment in the “Asylum” series, further probing the intricacies of survival, freedom, and the dark side of human nature. Susy Smith is set to captivate readers once again with her highly anticipated novel, “Ascendant,” the second book in the Asylum series. Scheduled for release on August 8, 2023, “Ascendant” will be available in paperback, and all e-book formats. (Black Château, 2023)

“Ascendant” – Packed with adventure and suspense and blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopia, it transports readers to a disintegrated world where civilization has collapsed, and chaos is the new normal. With her previous work garnering rave reviews and a devoted readership, Ascendant is poised to become a must-read for fans seeking an enthralling escape into a fast-paced dystopian world.

I, Lacy Monroe, intend to survive. My lover Jace and I can’t escape my corrupt uncle, Senator Thomas Monroe. He captures and separates us, forcing us to work for him. He sends me to Mexico City to secure an army to overthrow what remains of the US government. He sends Jace on a suicide mission to conquer New Mexico, the only remaining free state in the Southwest. I was captured. Beaten. Groomed for a sex-trafficking ring. But my brother is looking for me. Jace plays a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, pretending to help my uncle while secretly sabotaging him. But if his deception is discovered…I want to become the Ascendant, the one who risks it all and defeats my uncle, then finds some measure of peace. But time is running out for us and this treacherous world we now inhabit. (Amazon, 2023)

“Book 2, Ascendant, is more intense. I’m curious what readers will say because of where Lacy ends up. And what happens to Jace leaves a mark on your soul. It’s about what people have to go through to survive, and its aftermath.” – Susy Smith

Movie adaptation: ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ by James Dashner

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The movie adaptation of the ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ by James Dashner will be out on Friday January 26.

James Dashner is The New York Times’ best-selling author of young adult fantasy novels and best known for the Maze Runner trilogy and 13th Reality series. His first book ‘A Door in the Woods’ was published in 2003 and since then he has written other books dealing with fantasy, adventure and science fiction. His work is often compared to The Hunger Games and Divergent. The Maze Runner trilogy is a post-apocalyptic science fiction series that consists of ‘Maze Runner,’ ‘The Scorch Trials’ and ‘The Death Cure.’ The movie adaptation of the ‘The Death Cure’ is due out in theaters on Friday January 26 and stars Dylan O’Bryan, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Dexter Darden.

According to Amazon, Thomas is back in ‘The Maze Runner,’ after WICKED has taken everything from him, his life, his memories and his friends. He completed the trials but what WICKED does not know is that Thomas remembers more than they realize. After beating the Maze and surviving the Scorch, he proved that he would do anything to save his friends, but the truth could be what ends it all.

Book review: ‘Ninth City Burning’ by J Patrick Black

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Before turning to fiction writing, J Patrick Black worked as a bartender, a small town lawyer, a home builder and a costumed theme-park character. “Ninth City Burning” is his debut science fiction/fantasy novel for young adults about a post-apocalyptic Earth still dealing with centuries of war with aliens.

In “Ninth City Burning,” cities have vanished due to world-wide destruction caused by aliens known as Valentines. These aliens were named after the day in which the attacks began when they brought with them a weapon so strong it was considered magical. It is known as ‘thelemity’ and it is a universe altering force. Some humans developed the ability to control this weapon and have used it to fight back and are trained in elite military academies. Those who do not support the war effort are exiled to the wilds of a ruined Earth. The war has been going on for five centuries but now the enemy’s tactics have changed and humans are in for a new attack. Jax is one of those cadets training for future military action and him, along with other fighters, have to work together one last time before the aliens completely destroy what is left of their homes.

Young readers are the target audience for “Ninth City Burning” but anyone interested in science fiction and fantasy novels will find it interesting. The action is fast paced and character driven since it is told in the first person view of multiple young characters who are well developed. The author did an exceptional job of giving them each a backstory so that the reader can identify and empathize with them as they struggle to survive. His version of the futuristic Earth is detailed and intriguing and even though it is 485 pages long it should appeal to fans of “The Hunger Games,” “Ender’s Game” and similar books.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.