Descent

A perfectly woven post-apocalyptic tale

The first book in this series was my top audiobook of 2016. It just felt so much different than all of the other post-apocalyptic books I'd read (and I read a lot of them). The space aspect was a new one that I'd honestly never considered -- mostly because the reason for the apocalypse in other books relate to something happening on Earth caused by us. This wasn't your typical everyday run-of-the-mill EMP. It was a CME Coronal Mass Ejection that causes all of the power to go out.

After crash landing on Earth -- Clayton has to find out where he is and is instantly thrown into surviving. Clayton's wife and child are back home, also trying to adjust to this new way of living. The story flips between them and a few other characters. Some bad guys and some government people who are setting the stage for book 3.

I was really worried about this book because of how much I enjoyed the first one. I rarely ever get that tingly sensation from a book -- so Descent had a lot to live up to. I knew that Abrahams couldn't continue to write about space and Clayton's struggle aboard the failing ISS. So, with that in my head, I dove into this head first hoping not to smack my head on the bottom.

I didn't, and this book was just as enjoyable as the first one. The action has moved from space down to Earth, but Clayton is in an almost as inhospitable place as before and has to find his way to safety before he can even consider heading home.

Abrahams sprinkles a lot of different things in this book that if I were to list here would make it sound completely disjointed and unorganized -- but he makes it work. He was able to weave these separate stories into one cohesive unit, making Descent an enjoyable post-apocalyptic thriller.

PA fans will find a lot of elements that they are used to in this, and a few that they aren't (I think). Abrahams is one of the best writers in this genre, and I will continue to buy his post-apocalyptic stories if he continues to weave stories like this one.

The saddest part of my review is that I basically can't write any details about this book without spoiling things. There were a lot of parts that I wanted to bring up while writing this, and I knew it would either spoil the first story a little or definitely spoil some of the surprises in this one.

Kevin Pierce voiced SpaceMan and is back for Descent. Providing the perfect voice for the main character and the perfect tone for this novel is just part of a Kevin Pierce narration.

Overall, Descent wasn't jaw-dropping amazing like SpaceMan, but it weaves a great post-apocalyptic story that you'll be upset if you miss.

I was given a free copy of this book, it has not affected my review.

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6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Just another bad day eh!

This was a very well written and performed continuation of the Spaceman series. It picks up right where book 1 leaves off and it is great all the way through. We are introduced to some new characters while the others still are struggling to make their living in this new powerless world. The very best part about this book is the subtle Canadian humour hidden throughout the book, such as the quote :...drinking Molson Golden". Not to mention the laughing out loud montage of jokes our main character provides us while actually being in Canada. The first book of the series provided the back story and the second provided an ever adventurous post apocalyptic cross country roadtrip. Our main character and his other new partner in crime introduced in this book mesh well together and make a great team. The performance was very solid and kept consistent with book one's characters. Great job all around and cannot wait for the release of book 3 to find out what's in store for our characters next. Also, Canada is not all that bad with our politeness and the endless amount of jokes we provide. Ehhhhhhhhh!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Out of this world !!

Tom Abrahams again creates a gripping down to earth tale of survival. What a great follow-up to book one. My only complaint is it was over too fast. Definitely leaves the listener wanting more.
Outstanding performance by Kevin Pierce.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

What? It's Over?

Again, a riveting book. My only complaint is that it ended with a cliffhanger. When is the next book coming out?

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

New World Order and Masons

did not appear in the first volume but without warning they show up here. Can't explain how or why without a plot spoiler (actually, I can't really explain how or why PERIOD). It's not the alt-rightish screed of some of these post-Event books ; it's prepper stuff. Anyway, the first volume had the interesting and fairly well executed premise of a destructive solar event stranding an astronaut on the ISS with typical dystopian chaos back on earth. But this one takes stereotypes in character, speech,behavior and entropy just a bit too far. A bit irritating that the narrator does not distinguish between long and short A article. Bonus points for typically kind Canadians. How do you get a Canadian to apologize? Step on his foot.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Realistic and interesting apocalyptic story

A very realistic present day apocalyptic story without gory detaisl or zombies. What would we do if a CME hit. Interesting perspectives that begin to play out in a world without power & technology.

Outstanding read/listen.

Just Listened/read book 2 The SpaceMan Chronicles. Loved it the characters were believable and likeable. The story " a when it happens, not an if it happens ". And sadly yes people will behave very much like those in the book.
So do yourself a favor Read and enjoy the series. Also Mr Abraham's is rare among most writers. He does what he said he would even though he is extremely busy,a kind caring person whom I respect very much.

Good story gone wrong.

Book 1 was great. Book 2 started well enough but suddenly took a wrong turn. What was a good storyline but got tied up in cliche ridden and tired tales of government plots aided by Freemason conspiracies. What was an adventurous post EMP book slowly sank on under its own morass of anti go trump intrigue. Sad. I had to put it down.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

The sequel was better than the first

More time on Earth this time can't wait to listen to book 3. I almost want to go to Denver.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Smart people make wilfully stupid decisions

Yeah the first book was pretty good. Second book (this one) - suddenly every character is intellectually handicapped.

This is one of those books where the plot only works if every single character acts consistently stupid, makes poor emotional choices and even worse logical choices.

It's like an episode of Lost (the TV show). The drama only works because no one acts like a normal human being. Instead of talking to each other the characters choose to run through the jungle, trip over things, and shoot at each other. That's Lost, and that's this novel.

Descent is a disappointing follow up to Spaceman and only works as "theater of the mind" if you shut off your mind and punch yourself in the head.. several times.

2 of 5 people found this review helpful