Blog Archives
To Try the Impossible
After the Fall: The Engineer and the Apocalypse centers around a woman in the wake of nuclear war who is trying desperately to reclaim her past. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted to take someone newly in love, that first time that everything really clicks with someone, and then break it apart. That is what gave Haley the driving force to try the impossible and get home.
Also, I didn’t want an end of the world, let’s fight everyone type of book. I wanted a smart protagonist, someone who could think her way out of situations, an engineer and a nerd who could survive.
What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was on a work trip and watching some disaster movie in a hotel and I thought that this would be the worst place to be at the end of the world. Not a nameless hotel near an airport, but an ocean away from home, knowing nobody and with no to get way home.
It became the idea for the novel which didn’t work, until I changed the protagonist to female engineering student. Once Haley arrived on the scene it all fell together.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
I tried to keep the science to mainly high school level, that everyone at some stage studied and could follow. Once I removed the computers and anything very high tech it became simple machines. For the end of the world survival, I relied a lot on what climate conscious people are trying. Solar, hydro and biofuels.
I still made mistakes and had test readers who corrected some errors. I’m no mechanic and had some big mistakes on the work Haley did, so having friends who knew these things helped me a lot.
What were some books or movies that you think were your main sources of inspiration for this novel?
MacGyver was a huge influence. I loved the television series growing up and I wanted Haley to be a female MacGyver at the end of the world.
I really liked Project Hail Mary and The Martian, where Weir made the science mainly simple enough for me to follow.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The second book in this trilogy follows Haley and Addy as they continue their journey home, fleeing from a war is breaking out behind them. Expected at the end of 2025.
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Four years later and she’s living in the ruins of Washinton State after the world ended in a cascade of nuclear bombs, computer viruses and human plagues.
When she is accused of her friend’s murder, she flees into the night, with one destination in mind. Home to Marley, the love she left behind.
To escape her pursuers, skip around the swathes of chemical and radioactive waste, avoid the Kings, a roaming gang of marauders, she will need to use every bit of engineering knowledge she has.
Can she make it across the continent and an uncrossable ocean to finally get home?
Does home still exist or did it perish in the Fall?
After the Fall: The Engineer and the Apocalypse
After The Fall is a gripping post-apocalyptic narrative that follows Haley, a woman on the run from her recent past, as she attempts to reclaim her distant past across the ocean in the wake of a devastating nuclear war. While the premise might seem like well-trodden territory, Gerry Gainford transforms it into something refreshingly original. His approach reinvigorates familiar themes, defying expectations and conventions with a bold creative flair that stands out, particularly when compared to the genre’s usual offerings.
What sets After The Fall apart is its understated portrayal of the apocalypse. Rather than relying on the exaggerated desolation common in similar tales, Gainford opts for a more subdued yet deeply unsettling aftermath. Civilization has indeed crumbled, and the environment bears the scars of catastrophe, but the world Gainford crafts is far from a clichéd wasteland. Instead, it’s layered, intricate, and vividly rendered, offering depth beyond what Haley’s perspective reveals.
Haley herself is a compelling protagonist. A flawed and deeply human character, she’s driven by a singular goal: to get home. Her journey is fraught with hardship, vividly chronicled in a way that’s both harrowing and rewarding to read. Gainford’s inclusion of a content warning at the outset is a thoughtful touch, ensuring readers are prepared for the more intense moments without feeling blindsided. This deliberate consideration prevents the book from veering into gratuitous territory, striking a balance that respects the reader.
It is worth noting that the novel’s use of non-linear storytelling and frequent flashbacks, though thematically significant, can sometimes disrupt the narrative’s momentum. These shifts in timeline pull the reader away from the immediacy of Haley’s current plight. While the flashbacks provide valuable context, I feel their placement occasionally hampers the story’s flow, creating moments where the pacing falters somewhat.
The overall execution of After The Fall is nothing short of impressive. Gainford’s ability to breathe new life into a genre often saturated with repetition is commendable. His nuanced world-building and rich character development make for an engaging read, even when the timeline hopping proves momentarily frustrating. The conclusion hints at a sequel, which is an exciting prospect. While timeline mechanics may not be my preference, they don’t overshadow the book’s many strengths. I’m eagerly looking forward to the continuation of Haley’s journey and the next chapter in Gainford’s enthralling series.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0D8RFJ1ML
The Voice of Reason
Taquoma follows a volcanologist on a perilous mission to prevent a catastrophic eruption in Yellowstone, racing against time to save humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of Taquoma is my fascination with volcanoes and the hazardous job of volcanologists. When Mount St. Helens exploded I was in awe of the sheer power of Mother Earth. While watching a documentary on volcanoes a terrifying thought crossed my mind: what if every major volcano on Earth starting with Yellowstone erupted at once? What would that look like? I set out to explore this intriguing idea. I also explored the idea of how the government might counter Yellowstone by fracking and pumping cold water into the caldera to cool it. I developed a complex plan to engineer that idea, then during my research, I coincidently stumbled across an actual plan by NASA to do almost exactly what I envisioned. It was a wonderful find and helped me fill in the blanks of my original plan.
Yara Del Rey is a woman with strength. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
Yara’s inner strength derives from her unconditional love of her daughter, Kalani, and the parents who raised her. She’s traditional and loyal and seeks to do what is right even though she fails miserably at times. What makes her most valuable is her fiery nature and determination to speak the truth, no matter the cost to her personally or professionally. She is the voice of reason in the story that the NASA scientists choose to ignore. She treats people with respect and respects the Earth, holding those values dear to her heart.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
Mainly by integrating character development and plot progression directly into the action sequences. I used the intensity of the moment to reveal key details about the characters and advance the narrative while keeping the writing focused on descriptions to maintain momentum. I set out to make every action scene a critical turning point in the story and ramp up the tension.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on my first book series called, THE TIMEPIECE SERIES. The first three books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble Nook and I am currently writing the fourth book. Book One, THE TIMEPIECE LEGACY, was recently reviewed by Literary Titan and it earned a Silver Book Award. Book Two is titled THE TIMEPIECE PARADOX, and Book Three is titled THE TEMPUS GLASS. Book Four will be out in early 2025 titled THE TIME TRINITY. You can find all my books and links to purchase on my website AuthorKevinMiller.com.
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At the base of Mount Rainier, twenty-six-year-old Yara Del Rey gathers data for her dissertation in geology. A talented and promising young volcanologist, Yara is alarmed by the recent rumblings of the legendary volcano.
When a team of NASA and USGS scientists kidnaps Yara off the side of Mount Rainier, she is whisked to Wyoming, where a greater threat stirs within the bowels of an ancient caldera. Yara is plunged into the politics and the greed of a multi-billion-dollar NASA plan to pump chilled water into the magma chambers of the Yellowstone volcano—something Yara warns could lead to an apocalyptic catastrophe.
Yara’s warnings go ignored and after she separates from the team of scientists, she hires ex-Navy pilot Clayton Red Sky, to fly her over Yellowstone in a hot-air balloon to assess the condition of the caldera. Before they can depart, disaster strikes and sends Yara and Clay on a desperate journey to escape the oncoming shock wave and billowing clouds of fiery ash.
A scorched earth and a race against time stand in the way of Yara and her six-year-old daughter Kalani, thousands of miles away in Tacoma, Washington.
“Taquoma” is international award-winning author Kevin D. Miller at his finest. His ability to bring a story to life in a cinematic fashion and create characters the reader immediately falls in love with is a hallmark of his writing. “Taquoma” is loaded with tension, thrills, and unexpected twists and turns. It is a unique disaster thriller and a love story that grabs the reader by the throat and sends them on a wild adventure and to the depths of human emotion.
Apocalyptic Adventures
Magic Revealed, Anarchy Reigns: Supernatural War Book 2 follows a community striving to rebuild after an EMP strike that has left the world in chaos and unrest, with crime, danger, and paranormal activity around every turn. What inspired the setup of your story?
I have read many different post-apocalyptic stories, and I felt that this idea had a little more relevance to what I like to read. I enjoy shooting and going on off-highway adventures with my Jeep and felt that including these into the story would help the storyline.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Ruffus is the most fun to write for, and trying to imagine things from a dog’s perspective has been great. Trying to mimic what a dog will do in different situations is the most fun, and after having a few dogs and watching how they react to different voices and people, it has helped in the character development of Ruffus.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
We did not want the supernatural powers to be the main focus, though we wanted people to relate to that writing in the book while also pulling in the apocalyptic adventures. Pulling in the supernatural powers really happened by circumstance; as Larisa was editing and writing about the women, she added their supernatural powers to give them more action in the book rather than leaving them far in the background. This has really helped give the story more life and made it relatable to a larger audience.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, book three is almost done and going through editing and beta and ARC readers at the moment. Book three expands the supernatural abilities of the team as they learn to accept these new abilities and learn how to harness these powers. TJ and the team are sent to Ely to rescue his parents, brother, and sister. Along the way, they have to engage in hostile threats to protect citizens of the towns along the way. Once they have saved the towns, they make new friends. The trip is not without sadness, and they lose one of their team members in the fight to save TJ’s family from a gang. The family members that return to Freedom Ranch also have an antagonist in the group that will test TJ and the group. There are multiple fights that highlight individual and group strengths in the story, and they learn how they all have to work together to be successful.
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At the end of book one, they receive distressing information from Kyle, revealing the catastrophic devastation across the country. They have a good stockpile of dried, canned, and long-term food to survive, though with each new individual that joins their community, the storage supplies dwindle. A question remains. Do they have the skills to survive what lies ahead?
The journey continues with TJ, his wife, Mel, and their beloved four-legged companion, Ruffus. They prepare a remembrance BBQ with the crew at the ranch for Memorial Day. But sometimes, the best-laid plans don’t work out as we hoped.
TJ and his team return to the Rubicon to rescue a friend and get more than they bargained for. Can they make it through the dangers and challenges that lie ahead? Will they make it back with no injuries or loss of life? Hostages? And who is holding people hostage?
While back at the ranch, Mel, Gail, and Shelly discover that everything they believe about their world is a lie. Magic explodes right along with the EMP, and the future is uncertain. How did this happen? What are they going to do? Does anyone else know what is going on?
There are no longer policing agencies. Gangs are taking over the local towns. No one is safe. How far will they go to maintain their rule?
This is our first venture into writing about a post-apocalyptic paranormal world. We combined our love of these two genres to write an amazing, fun-filled adventure.
Book three is in the works. It will introduce new characters and feature more magic, action, adventures, and fun surprises. We think there is something for everyone.
We wanted to expand Ruffus’s role in this post-apocalyptic, magical world, and we had so much fun with his chapters. We are looking forward to many more fun adventures with him.
There are big plans for this paranormal apocalyptic series. Hang on to your hats; it’s going to be a wild ride.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic adventures, paranormal magic, and midlife heroes and heroines, this series is for you. If you don’t, give it a try. You might love it.
One Is None
One is None, by Mark Nihlean, grabs readers from the start, weaving a dark tale of survival, mystery, and tragedy that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. It begins with Doug McCrae and his son Ben, moving through a post-apocalyptic landscape that reveals Doug as a cold and often cruel figure, a character as compelling as he is unsettling. This fractured family, including Ben’s sister Amy, his stepmother Dolores, and a newborn sibling, lives out a bleak existence in a bunker. By the second chapter, I was hooked, already invested in this family’s tragic backstory, and curious to uncover the secrets behind it.
The early pages introduce an eerie layer: Dolores begins to believe her infant son is speaking to her through visions, an impression only strengthened by a stranger’s similar story about his own child. The mystery here is just enough to keep the pages turning, especially as the tension builds. I found myself both repelled and fascinated by Doug’s character; he’s the embodiment of toxic masculinity, a figure of cruelty who somehow manages to keep me reading. Dolores’s wisdom and resolve make her the perfect counterpoint, though it’s hard to see her bound to someone like Doug, which only adds to the novel’s emotional charge.
As the story unfolds, the family encounters other survivor communities led by twisted leaders, casting an even darker shadow over the plot. This novel veers into some heavy psychological territory, and Nihlean’s writing meets the challenge, his sharp prose bringing every tense moment to life. Though I’ve always enjoyed thrillers and survival tales, this one pushed my limits. There is a warning about sensitive content up front, and it’s justified—the disturbing treatment of children is intense and difficult to read. While these moments deepened the stakes, I feel they also made the story harder to bear. That said, Nihlean’s writing is exceptional. His command of language and pacing pulled me in, making this an unforgettable, if emotionally challenging, read.
One is None is a haunting and skillfully crafted novel that leaves a lasting impact. Mark Nihlean’s storytelling dives deep into the human psyche, exploring the resilience, fears, and darkness that emerge in desperate times. For those who appreciate well-executed thrillers that challenge their emotions and perceptions, this book is a compelling, if harrowing, choice.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0DNKJCY6N
TAQUOMA
Kevin D. Miller’s Taquoma is an electrifying journey through a world on the brink of volcanic catastrophe. It follows Yara Del Rey, a committed volcanologist who finds herself entangled in a perilous mission to prevent a cataclysmic Yellowstone eruption. As the planet’s molten fury threatens to erupt, Yara fights against the clock to protect her daughter—and humanity—from certain devastation.
Miller excels at blending scientific realism with heart-pounding fiction. He paints a scenario so convincing it feels like a genuine threat, making you wonder just how fragile our world is. The characters are rich and relatable, each with their own emotional weight, drawing you deeper into the story. And the suspense? It’s relentless. Miller’s descriptions of volcanic chaos are breathtaking and terrifying, leaving you in awe of nature’s raw power.
The novel isn’t just about action and thrills, though. Beneath the explosive narrative, Miller explores crucial themes like environmental responsibility, the dangers of unchecked human ambition, and the unbreakable bonds of love and perseverance. It’s a fast-paced adventure, but it makes you think, too—about the world we live in and how precariously we treat it.
Taquoma is perfect for anyone who loves a high-stakes disaster thriller or simply enjoys a wild adventure with depth and meaning. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and will leave you on the edge of your seat, rooting for Yara until the very last page. If you’re in the mood for a gripping, explosive read that keeps you invested from start to finish, this one delivers in every way.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0BKTSN32S
Magic Revealed, Anarchy Reigns: Supernatural Apocalyptic War
Magic Revealed, Anarchy Reigns: Supernatural War Book 2, by Todd Ockert & Larisa Atkinson, takes us back to the post-apocalyptic landscape of Freedom Ranch, where TJ, Mel, and their loyal dog Rufus lead a community striving to rebuild after an EMP strike. But this isn’t the world they knew. Magic has crept into the shadows, outlaws roam freely, and danger lurks around every corner. As TJ and his fellow ranchers struggle to maintain balance and security, the question looms: will their efforts be enough to protect their fragile new world?
The novel offers a unique storytelling experience, alternating between multiple first-person perspectives, including those of TJ, Mel, Curtis, and even Rufus. This approach gives readers a panoramic view of the action and adds depth to the unfolding events. It’s easy to follow the story without feeling lost or overwhelmed, which is impressive given the complexity of a post-apocalyptic world mixed with elements of magic. But despite this clarity, I found that the sheer number of characters made it somewhat difficult to form deep emotional connections. I would like to have seen more detail regarding motivations and vulnerabilities.
The novel touches on several themes; romance, action, thriller, and magic but it never dives too deeply into any. Instead, the story leans heavily into adventure. The action is light, more of a complement to the narrative rather than a driving force. The subtle inclusion of magic keeps the plot intriguing, yet it doesn’t overshadow the core focus on survival and the tight-knit community of Freedom Ranch. For readers expecting intense battles or a deep dive into magical lore, the understated nature of these elements might feel underwhelming. Still, there’s a charm to this balance that makes the story feel approachable and enjoyable.
What stood out most were the everyday moments at Freedom Ranch. The scenes of daily life bring a sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the harshness of their world. The rebuilding efforts and community spirit are uplifting, showing resilience and the importance of human connection. Watching the characters nurture one another, share knowledge, and create a sense of family despite the dire circumstances offers a warmth that’s hard to resist. Even without modern conveniences, the sense of hope and camaraderie shines through, leaving a lasting impression.
Magic Revealed, Anarchy Reigns is a light-hearted adventure wrapped in the survival genre, with enough action and supernatural intrigue to keep the story moving. It’s an ideal read for those who enjoy post-apocalyptic tales that focus on community and resilience rather than heavy drama or nonstop action. While it stands on its own as the second installment in the series, I recommend starting with the first book for a richer understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit. For a story that balances heart and adventure, this book delivers a satisfying journey.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0D32WY6DD
Mixed-Genre Stories
Aftermath: Into the Unknown follows a woman in a post-apocalyptic world whose home is in danger from a biker gang that has invaded the city and must now make an 800-mile trip with a man she just met to get to safety. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story’s inspiration came from the first book of the series, The Edge of Life: Love and Survival During the Apocalypse, and my book, The Wish.
When I was writing The Edge of Life (Two acquaintances’ road trip from Seattle to South Dakota in the wake of an asteroid impact with Earth) I didn’t want to kill the characters of The Wish. Instead, they meet my Edge characters on the way to the bunker city in South Dakota. To make the timing work, since one group traveled by car and the other by bike and on foot, I created a delay for the car group mentioned in a line or two of conversation. They stopped in Idaho for a few days to convince someone’s father to join them. He refused because he was waiting for his granddaughters to cross the mountains from the coast.
Aftermath picks up three years later with the grandfather and one of the granddaughters. The biker who accompanies her on the journey seems to be Robin’s opposite, but in the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit, as survivors, they are more similar than different. I liked the idea of opposites being so much the same.
Your characters are interesting and unique, drawing readers into their lives. What things do you find interesting about the human condition that makes for great fiction?
Honestly, I borrow bits and pieces from people I know, add aspects of myself, and include something new to make characters. For example, my husband and I both love music (he’s the inspiration for an audiophile) even if our range of tastes are not the same, they overlap. My daughters are Swifties, as are millions of others and someone Robin’s age could have been one too. Reading is also something people could have in common, even if their tastes are very different. Having hobbies and interests makes characters relatable for readers because they feel more real.
Most people just want to be understood and not be alone.
You flawlessly blend Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian and Romance in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this and make the story stand out. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
Thank you. I appreciate that you thought I did this well. I didn’t think about blending the genres so much as, that WAS the story. From the beginning, I envisioned Aftermath as a love story in a post-apocalyptic setting. Each book in this series will be a stand-alone, apocalypse, or post-apocalypse romance. They will connect because I love to have my books linked, but each will feature a new couple who will fall in love while trying to survive in their harsh new world.
All of my books are mixed-genre stories, perhaps because I’ve been an avid reader of so many genres for my whole life.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The series will most definitely continue. There is a conflict coming between the Slains and those in Vita Xterra. I’ve written a short story called “Rat Girl,” a prequel for the third book in the series that will be posted on my website later this fall. The third book is in the planning stage and will include the Rat Girl, a man from the bunker complex, and the secondary characters include several from Edge and Aftermath. There will also be a Nick and Jake story (minor but important characters from Edge). Dozens of readers have reached out asking what happened to them when the asteroid hit, which got things swirling in my mind. They need their own book.
I may also write a book about some of the missing family members mentioned in both published books in the series. There could also be other stories, including one set in Canada.
I’m hoping to release one book in this series and one other book every year, though I have two different books written and being published in 2025. I’d love to see Love and Survival 3 published in 2026.
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Robin dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory lived on the streets of Seattle and relied on his brawn. Without the asteroid, they never would have met.
For three years, Robin and her grandfather have been hiding, trusting no one. When a biker gang moves into town, Robin can no longer scrounge or tend her garden. Because her grandfather is dying, he urges her to join her extended family—800 miles away in a bunker city in South Dakota, but she doesn’t want to leave.
Desperate, her grandfather disappears to force Robin into action and meets Kory, who’s with the bikers but disillusioned. Seeing a man who likes to read and could protect his granddaughter, he convinces Kory he can start over and accompany Robin on the long journey.
Unaware of her grandfather’s plan, Robin exposes her hiding place searching for him, and Kory saves her. On the run, they battle the elements and survivalists, learning to trust each other. If they can’t reach the safety of Vita xTerra, they won’t survive long enough to have a future together.
Prepare for another non-stop, post-apocalyptic road trip in Aftermath: Into the Unknown as they fight for love and survival.
LITERARY TITAN 