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Commune #2
Commune: Book Two
Survival doesn't have to be lonely...
Jake, Billy, and the other survivors have come to settle in the mountains of Wyoming, fighting day in and out to establish a home for themselves in a near-empty world. Things are good at first—well, as good as they can be after the apocalypse.
Scavenging is a workable, short-term solution, but they know it's only a matter of time before the food runs out. A sustainable solution must be found and for a handful of people up in the mountains, the odds don't seem favorable.
They get even worse when a new band of survivors migrates to the very same mountains, desperate for a place to settle. Jake can't refuse them a home and shelter, but a growing commune means more hungry mouths, which means more sacrifices, and more people to learn to trust.
As resources run thin, the world grows colder and more brutal. Survival might just depend on how violent they're willing to get...
Don't miss the chilling, 2nd book in the Commune Series. You can also pick it up on Audible performed by the award-winning RC Bray.
Jake, Billy, and the other survivors have come to settle in the mountains of Wyoming, fighting day in and out to establish a home for themselves in a near-empty world. Things are good at first—well, as good as they can be after the apocalypse.
Scavenging is a workable, short-term solution, but they know it's only a matter of time before the food runs out. A sustainable solution must be found and for a handful of people up in the mountains, the odds don't seem favorable.
They get even worse when a new band of survivors migrates to the very same mountains, desperate for a place to settle. Jake can't refuse them a home and shelter, but a growing commune means more hungry mouths, which means more sacrifices, and more people to learn to trust.
As resources run thin, the world grows colder and more brutal. Survival might just depend on how violent they're willing to get...
Don't miss the chilling, 2nd book in the Commune Series. You can also pick it up on Audible performed by the award-winning RC Bray.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2017
209 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
April 12, 2018
This Will Have You Belly Laughing, Crying, and Everywhere In Between.
Sweet, sweet Gibbs. You might easily be one of the most enjoyable characters I’ve ever had the chance of listening to. You magnificent son of a… I realize now that I can’t write a review anywhere near where I want to AND still have it postable on anywhere outside of my blog. Audible and Amazon would take the review I want to write down in a heartbeat if I wrote it the way that I wanted to. There’s a warning in the opening of this book and I’ll give a similar one here. If you are offended by cursing, especially creative and often hilarious outbursts by an ex-Marine – this book is NOT for you.
Commune Book 2 had me howling in my car with laughter on numerous occasions. I curse and have no issues with it. But Gibbs made me have a new-found appreciation for cursing in new and unique ways. Seriously, the effort and research that Gayou put into writing a character as ‘colorful’ as Gibbs deserves a standing ovation.
The story in this was damn near perfection. Seriously, Gayou is able to tell about four different stories (that in some worlds would have been split up into four separate books) and he does it darn well. The opening story recounts the start of the Super Fun Time… Explitive Bus. Even the story about how the bus got its name is hilarious and perfect. That story was utterly fascinating and had me wishing my three-hour drive was longer. Jump from that to the scene in Denver (I won’t spoil it, but it was intense and heartfelt in a way that had me in actual tears while listening). Now the group on the bus meets a stranger – this leads into yet another story and more “retelling” through the eyes of interviews and the book of the Commune. I won’t even get into the final two stories because that would ruin the slow build that Gayou has throughout.
Seriously, Gayou has this way of sucking you in to his story by making you laugh your face off – then all of a sudden you’re crying actual tears because something happens – then not a few chapters later you’re not sure what’s going to happen to the gang. And then we go back to laughing and anywhere in between. The number of emotions that Commune Book 2 had me go through should win some sort of award.
And speaking of Awards – R.C. effing Bray deserves one for the telling of this story. Holy, you know what. (Trying not to swear in a review of a book where swearing is nearly a comma is harder than I thought. I feel like a foul-mouthed grandma around her grandkids after stabbing herself with a knitting needle). I loved the first Commune book and I don’t think that I would have ever read it had Bray not narrated it. Now I was prepped and ready for Book 2. I thought for sure it would let me down a little because of how much I loved the first book. The combo of Gayou’s writing style and Bray’s delivery absolutely seals this book for me. Commune Book Two’s narration needs to win some sort of award. Even if it’s the Fun Time Bus Award. I think Bray stepped it up a notch in this story. I don’t know if it was Gayou’s writing or just the passion in the story. This one will be one I don’t forget for a long time.
Sweet, sweet Gibbs. You might easily be one of the most enjoyable characters I’ve ever had the chance of listening to. You magnificent son of a… I realize now that I can’t write a review anywhere near where I want to AND still have it postable on anywhere outside of my blog. Audible and Amazon would take the review I want to write down in a heartbeat if I wrote it the way that I wanted to. There’s a warning in the opening of this book and I’ll give a similar one here. If you are offended by cursing, especially creative and often hilarious outbursts by an ex-Marine – this book is NOT for you.
Commune Book 2 had me howling in my car with laughter on numerous occasions. I curse and have no issues with it. But Gibbs made me have a new-found appreciation for cursing in new and unique ways. Seriously, the effort and research that Gayou put into writing a character as ‘colorful’ as Gibbs deserves a standing ovation.
The story in this was damn near perfection. Seriously, Gayou is able to tell about four different stories (that in some worlds would have been split up into four separate books) and he does it darn well. The opening story recounts the start of the Super Fun Time… Explitive Bus. Even the story about how the bus got its name is hilarious and perfect. That story was utterly fascinating and had me wishing my three-hour drive was longer. Jump from that to the scene in Denver (I won’t spoil it, but it was intense and heartfelt in a way that had me in actual tears while listening). Now the group on the bus meets a stranger – this leads into yet another story and more “retelling” through the eyes of interviews and the book of the Commune. I won’t even get into the final two stories because that would ruin the slow build that Gayou has throughout.
Seriously, Gayou has this way of sucking you in to his story by making you laugh your face off – then all of a sudden you’re crying actual tears because something happens – then not a few chapters later you’re not sure what’s going to happen to the gang. And then we go back to laughing and anywhere in between. The number of emotions that Commune Book 2 had me go through should win some sort of award.
And speaking of Awards – R.C. effing Bray deserves one for the telling of this story. Holy, you know what. (Trying not to swear in a review of a book where swearing is nearly a comma is harder than I thought. I feel like a foul-mouthed grandma around her grandkids after stabbing herself with a knitting needle). I loved the first Commune book and I don’t think that I would have ever read it had Bray not narrated it. Now I was prepped and ready for Book 2. I thought for sure it would let me down a little because of how much I loved the first book. The combo of Gayou’s writing style and Bray’s delivery absolutely seals this book for me. Commune Book Two’s narration needs to win some sort of award. Even if it’s the Fun Time Bus Award. I think Bray stepped it up a notch in this story. I don’t know if it was Gayou’s writing or just the passion in the story. This one will be one I don’t forget for a long time.
May 18, 2019
5 awesome super talented audio stars!!
5 OMG!! Fucking love this series and the characters and relationship development stars story!!!
5 OMG!! Fucking love this series and the characters and relationship development stars story!!!
September 1, 2017
Commune: Book 2 is a remarkable read, and even manages to improve on the solid first book in the series. And that's a tall order, as that one came charging out of the gates as a fresh, thoughtful take on the post-apaclyptic theme by rookie author Joshua Gayou. With his sophomore effort, Gayou ratchets up the storyline by digging us deeper into the personalities of several of the main characters, while continuing to advance the overall narrative of the "history" of this fictional community of survivors.
Book 2 primarily expands the story of another of the commune's main characters, who was briefly introduced in the epilogue to the first book. Gibs is a former Marine, and we meet him and his hapless band of misfits as they struggle to survive amid the ruined cities of Colorado. There are several tense, violent, defining moments where hope seems all but lost, but under Gibs' will and perseverence they manage to press on. Eventually they make their way to the Jackson, Wyoming, and are taken in by the original settlers of the commune (whose establishment was the subject of the first book). Here, the narrative switches from run-and-gun survival against other groups of more ill intent, and settles into a procedural of planning and working toward their long term survival in a more secure, permanent place. There are some interesting solutions to the problems of housing, food, security, and yes even waste disposal. Gayou has thought of everything.
This is where Book 2 continues with the satisfying breadth of theme and subject matter that was initiated in the first installment. Yes, we get plenty of action, plenty of Road Warrior style confrontations with the bad guys. But mixing in a healthy dose of real-world problems, and the clever solutions to them, helps with the immersion into the story. It lends a level of believability that is absent in the more cartoonish, all-gore-and-grim examples in the genre. And, gratefully for this reader, it also infuses an underlying sense of hope to the story. Yes, disasters happen, the group is fraught with setbacks, but ultimately we can see that they're laying down the groundwork for long term success. We're rooting for them.
Which isn't to say the violence and action take a back seat. The story climaxes in an epic road-borne battle that rivals any I've read in the genre. This is the set piece that Gibs' entire story arc has laid the groundwork for. His colorful personality is matched by his battle-toughness, as he leads his ragtag group of scavengers against an overwhelming force of bad guys. Here is the red meat for hard core fans of the genre.
But Gayou's talent is in weaving the id and the ego. It's not all just gunfire and explosions. He's put some real thought into many of the more basic questions of a post-apaclyptic world, and handled those subjects with skill. The aforementioned survival needs, and their solutions, are a case in point. But Gayou throws subjects into the mix that you'd never even think of, then forces his characters to figure out a solution. One such episode features a member of their own group, who goes off the rails in a way that I've never seen addressed in a story of this genre. Several themes come together in that one small corner of the story, such as the subject matter itself, the idea that the monsters a group of survivors must face can come from within as well as without, and also the moral struggle to figure out a just solution.
Commune: Book 2, ultimately becomes more than just a post-apocalyptic narrative. It studies themes that break the norms of the genre, and therefore would be a satisfying read for even those who don't usually read such books. We see deep character studies, watch them grow and develop, some for the good and some not so. Gayou stress-tests them in a wide variety of situations to see what they do. And its fun to watch.
Disclaimer: I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy by the author at no cost. I was only asked for initial feedback, though there was no requirement to post an official review in exchange for the ARC. However, I enjoyed the book so much that I gladly purchased it anyhow, and am proud to offer my thoughts in this review as a verified customer of the book.
Book 2 primarily expands the story of another of the commune's main characters, who was briefly introduced in the epilogue to the first book. Gibs is a former Marine, and we meet him and his hapless band of misfits as they struggle to survive amid the ruined cities of Colorado. There are several tense, violent, defining moments where hope seems all but lost, but under Gibs' will and perseverence they manage to press on. Eventually they make their way to the Jackson, Wyoming, and are taken in by the original settlers of the commune (whose establishment was the subject of the first book). Here, the narrative switches from run-and-gun survival against other groups of more ill intent, and settles into a procedural of planning and working toward their long term survival in a more secure, permanent place. There are some interesting solutions to the problems of housing, food, security, and yes even waste disposal. Gayou has thought of everything.
This is where Book 2 continues with the satisfying breadth of theme and subject matter that was initiated in the first installment. Yes, we get plenty of action, plenty of Road Warrior style confrontations with the bad guys. But mixing in a healthy dose of real-world problems, and the clever solutions to them, helps with the immersion into the story. It lends a level of believability that is absent in the more cartoonish, all-gore-and-grim examples in the genre. And, gratefully for this reader, it also infuses an underlying sense of hope to the story. Yes, disasters happen, the group is fraught with setbacks, but ultimately we can see that they're laying down the groundwork for long term success. We're rooting for them.
Which isn't to say the violence and action take a back seat. The story climaxes in an epic road-borne battle that rivals any I've read in the genre. This is the set piece that Gibs' entire story arc has laid the groundwork for. His colorful personality is matched by his battle-toughness, as he leads his ragtag group of scavengers against an overwhelming force of bad guys. Here is the red meat for hard core fans of the genre.
But Gayou's talent is in weaving the id and the ego. It's not all just gunfire and explosions. He's put some real thought into many of the more basic questions of a post-apaclyptic world, and handled those subjects with skill. The aforementioned survival needs, and their solutions, are a case in point. But Gayou throws subjects into the mix that you'd never even think of, then forces his characters to figure out a solution. One such episode features a member of their own group, who goes off the rails in a way that I've never seen addressed in a story of this genre. Several themes come together in that one small corner of the story, such as the subject matter itself, the idea that the monsters a group of survivors must face can come from within as well as without, and also the moral struggle to figure out a just solution.
Commune: Book 2, ultimately becomes more than just a post-apocalyptic narrative. It studies themes that break the norms of the genre, and therefore would be a satisfying read for even those who don't usually read such books. We see deep character studies, watch them grow and develop, some for the good and some not so. Gayou stress-tests them in a wide variety of situations to see what they do. And its fun to watch.
Disclaimer: I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy by the author at no cost. I was only asked for initial feedback, though there was no requirement to post an official review in exchange for the ARC. However, I enjoyed the book so much that I gladly purchased it anyhow, and am proud to offer my thoughts in this review as a verified customer of the book.
January 22, 2019
Couldn’t finish although I really wanted to. I had enjoyed the first book I found this second book much mired in details details details. Do we really need to know so much about Jake’s reading disorder? In such detail? And so on.
And what happened to all the animals in the world. Did they all die? There’s no cows no dogs, no chickens, nothing? Wouldn’t you rather shoot and eat a feral dog than go on a long journey and shoot a whole bunch of people? In Wyoming and Colorado there’s lots of farms and gardens. What happened to going around and harvesting all those places? Anyways the combination of too much detail and lack of practicality (which the book really seems to focus on in great detail in certain areas) made the story slow and eventually too boring.
And what happened to all the animals in the world. Did they all die? There’s no cows no dogs, no chickens, nothing? Wouldn’t you rather shoot and eat a feral dog than go on a long journey and shoot a whole bunch of people? In Wyoming and Colorado there’s lots of farms and gardens. What happened to going around and harvesting all those places? Anyways the combination of too much detail and lack of practicality (which the book really seems to focus on in great detail in certain areas) made the story slow and eventually too boring.
June 6, 2020
I really liked the first part of these post-apocalyptic adventures.
As it should be, this second volume combines the usual faults in this kind of series:
- This second part is much longer than the first.
- The author does not resist the temptation to give us long technical presentations which are of very little interest.
- The rhythm is weighed down by all these details.
- Certain shortcomings in the actions of the characters (in fact in the author's thinking) reduce the feeling of veracity of the story. (For example nobody has the idea to go hunting, fishing or to get their hands on live hens, all the characters look for canned goods and crackers in the ruins. Nobody has the idea to look for the correct addresses in the Yellow Pages instead of relying on chance in looting. No one has the idea of going to look for wheat in a grain silo to make bread, etc.)
- And where are the animals? The story is located on Jackson, Wyoming. Grand Teton and Yellowstone are very near, and no ranchs, no cattle, no dogs, no horses, no deers, no big game, nothing!
However, this second part remains pleasant to read, despite its faults and lengths. The characters are well drawn, the group dynamics are rather well rendered, and the rare action scenes are very well done.
The construction is the same as in the first part, and is rather successful, despite some small blunders.
Note:
1st part: 272 pages
2nd part: 426 pages
3rd part: 490 pages
4th part: 1164 pages!
As classic as it is hopeless.
As it should be, this second volume combines the usual faults in this kind of series:
- This second part is much longer than the first.
- The author does not resist the temptation to give us long technical presentations which are of very little interest.
- The rhythm is weighed down by all these details.
- Certain shortcomings in the actions of the characters (in fact in the author's thinking) reduce the feeling of veracity of the story. (For example nobody has the idea to go hunting, fishing or to get their hands on live hens, all the characters look for canned goods and crackers in the ruins. Nobody has the idea to look for the correct addresses in the Yellow Pages instead of relying on chance in looting. No one has the idea of going to look for wheat in a grain silo to make bread, etc.)
- And where are the animals? The story is located on Jackson, Wyoming. Grand Teton and Yellowstone are very near, and no ranchs, no cattle, no dogs, no horses, no deers, no big game, nothing!
However, this second part remains pleasant to read, despite its faults and lengths. The characters are well drawn, the group dynamics are rather well rendered, and the rare action scenes are very well done.
The construction is the same as in the first part, and is rather successful, despite some small blunders.
Note:
1st part: 272 pages
2nd part: 426 pages
3rd part: 490 pages
4th part: 1164 pages!
As classic as it is hopeless.
September 12, 2019
Holy guacamole, Batman, this book rocked and could be my favorite of 2019!
The story is a plausible scary future of a flare that kills all of the newer electronics followed immediately by a plague that kills 99% of the population. There are no zombies, or monsters, in this apocalypse (except for the evil human dregs of society that survived). This story is about survival and the “good ones” that I truly believe are out there.
My absolute favorite character ever is introduced in Commune Book 2 by the name of Gibs. He’s a potty mouthed ex-marine with a heart of gold.
Jake and Amanda are back and we meet a few new awesome characters. Together they start to build a new community in Wyoming.
What made this book even better was the audiobook as performed by R.C. Bray. Brilliant!!!
I couldn’t get Book 3 loaded fast enough!!
The story is a plausible scary future of a flare that kills all of the newer electronics followed immediately by a plague that kills 99% of the population. There are no zombies, or monsters, in this apocalypse (except for the evil human dregs of society that survived). This story is about survival and the “good ones” that I truly believe are out there.
My absolute favorite character ever is introduced in Commune Book 2 by the name of Gibs. He’s a potty mouthed ex-marine with a heart of gold.
Jake and Amanda are back and we meet a few new awesome characters. Together they start to build a new community in Wyoming.
What made this book even better was the audiobook as performed by R.C. Bray. Brilliant!!!
I couldn’t get Book 3 loaded fast enough!!
March 8, 2019
5 stars
Outstanding second book in the series...even better than book 1 which I adored. This author breathes life into each character and I can visualize and hear them speak. His descriptions of people are spot on, show true depth and the author seems to have a great grasp of human psychology. Highly recommend this author. He has such a way with words.
Outstanding second book in the series...even better than book 1 which I adored. This author breathes life into each character and I can visualize and hear them speak. His descriptions of people are spot on, show true depth and the author seems to have a great grasp of human psychology. Highly recommend this author. He has such a way with words.
June 2, 2018
This is a great follow up to book one. An excellent story of survival for a small, but growing group. Gibs, a retired Marine, is quite the character! His language can be a bit much for younger listeners lol. As a former soldier myself, I enjoyed his character very much. Reminds me a lot of some of the guys I served with. The author certainly did his research and made Gibs into a very believable Marine! In this book, Gibs and his small group run into some hostiles which doesn't end well for some members of the group. Shortly after they meet a man who seemed to appear out of nowhere. He didn't appear to be a threat, but they were still cautious due to what they had recently experienced. The man, Jake, was there to offer assistance and had apparently been watching them for a while. After taking them back to give them fuel and a meal, he offers to let them stay. Gibs and his group agree to stay and start making living arrangements for the group. As with any survival story, man is always the greatest threat. Sometimes it's closer than you'd think!
R. C. Bray does an amazing job as usual with his narration. I had just finished another book with him as the narrator and worried I'd be listening and hearing the characters from the last book. That wasn't the case at all. Bray has different voices and personalities for each character. That is one of the many reasons he's the best!
Can't wait for book 3!
R. C. Bray does an amazing job as usual with his narration. I had just finished another book with him as the narrator and worried I'd be listening and hearing the characters from the last book. That wasn't the case at all. Bray has different voices and personalities for each character. That is one of the many reasons he's the best!
Can't wait for book 3!
September 17, 2019
Gibbs. I laughed more at this guy than I've laughed at any character in a long time.
That said, this second book in the series has a lot of detail about stuff I could care less about. I can appreciate the fact that a shipping container needs to be gotten off the back of a truck, but I really don't need all the detail about how they did it. I think Gayou gets stuck sometimes in these details. I'm sure a lot of it gets edited out, but I find myself just glossing over much of it. The action scenes are way better.
Jake continues to be a mystery and fascinates me. RC Bray is amazing in his performance. All in all, this is the kind of series I like to get lost in. While this second book wasn't my favorite, it's still way up there in my list of good p/a series.
That said, this second book in the series has a lot of detail about stuff I could care less about. I can appreciate the fact that a shipping container needs to be gotten off the back of a truck, but I really don't need all the detail about how they did it. I think Gayou gets stuck sometimes in these details. I'm sure a lot of it gets edited out, but I find myself just glossing over much of it. The action scenes are way better.
Jake continues to be a mystery and fascinates me. RC Bray is amazing in his performance. All in all, this is the kind of series I like to get lost in. While this second book wasn't my favorite, it's still way up there in my list of good p/a series.
September 19, 2023
GIBBS made this book! RC Bray killed it with the narration!
That x-marine’s foul mouth and demeanor is so funny I couldn’t help but LOL at work repeatedly!
It’s dystopian with a side of humor … 2 or 3 sides …
It’s a fun fiction book with some hard choices and heroes that WIN! I’m so tired of books super highlighting the evil!
Don’t get me wrong … There’s plenty of evil here and death but it’s as if The Road by Cormac McCarthy had a baby with the TV show MASH and creative cursing was a thing!
Love it and having a difficult time NOT kicking my TBR to the side & starting the 3rd book a month early!
I love Gibbs.
⭐️😆⭐️😆⭐️😆⭐️😆⭐️
That x-marine’s foul mouth and demeanor is so funny I couldn’t help but LOL at work repeatedly!
It’s dystopian with a side of humor … 2 or 3 sides …
It’s a fun fiction book with some hard choices and heroes that WIN! I’m so tired of books super highlighting the evil!
Don’t get me wrong … There’s plenty of evil here and death but it’s as if The Road by Cormac McCarthy had a baby with the TV show MASH and creative cursing was a thing!
Love it and having a difficult time NOT kicking my TBR to the side & starting the 3rd book a month early!
I love Gibbs.
⭐️😆⭐️😆⭐️😆⭐️😆⭐️
October 11, 2024
Tā par otrās Komūnas grāmata galveno varoni drīzāk saucams jūras kājnieks Bleiks ‘’Gibss’’ Gibsons. Cik mazrunīgs un sevī vairāk noslēgts ir Džeiks, tik pretējs un ar lamuvārdiem savu runu papildinošs, bet ne pārspīlēti, ir Gibss. Viņam pat ne uz sekundi neienāk prātā, ka būtu varējis uzsākt veidot kaut kādu tur savu dzelzs dūres pārvaldīšanu, bet aiz pienākumu principa maz pamazām kopā savāc teju divdesmit izdzīvojušos.
https://poseidons99.com/2024/10/11/jo...
https://poseidons99.com/2024/10/11/jo...
August 16, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. I’ve read many in this genre but this is now a new favorite. I love the characters, the various situations, and the humor too! Moving on to Book Three now
November 27, 2024
This book somehow outdoes the first. Gayou focuses more on Gibbs' recollection and experiences which really expands on the struggles those face in the Commune universe. You may be a little hesitant at first, especially if you appreciated the characters from the first book. However, Gayou releases information and character development in a way that will only draw you in. You will easily fall in love with each and every new character. Gayou really makes you feel like you know them personally. The last few chapters will have you up on the end of your seat wanting more. This is definitely the best in the series! 5/5
October 24, 2018
The story continues with the addition of an entertaining and profane ex-Marine named Gibs who is a nice addition to the crew. However, I thought Book 2 would get more into the survival and community building aspects of surviving. Apparently, Mr. Gayou has a long series planned and is taking his time because much of this book is the story of how Gibs and his crew made it to Wyoming. So, more gun play.It is an enjoyable and entertaining read and I will go to Book 3 at some point. SPOILERS FOLLOW: In the meantime I need to critique this one a bit because there's a little too much road warrior action at the end of the book. It's actually quite derivative of the Road Warrior films with our heroes being chased by a horde of miscreants. And by horde I mean 50 or more vehicles chasing through a dessert location trying to catch our guys. This raised many questions for me. 1) Why are so many people trying to survive in the bone dry Nevada dessert (Gibs and crew had taken a road trip to Vegas and loaded up on supplies and were heading back to Jackson)? 2) Weren't the road warriors worried about burning up so much fuel in a long, high speed, gas guzzling chase. If they ran out, how would they get back to their base? 3) How did they know the prize was worth the effort? 4) Why didn't they get discouraged when Gibs using a sniper rifle of large caliber was able to disable multiple vehicles and when so many of their band were killed or blown up? 5) And if remnants of the 101st Airborne with a Black Hawk helicopter were nearby, why didn't they intervene. The finale is well-written and exciting but not as believable as the other, small events in the book. And, I'm dubious about the set up for Book 3 which will involve one of the road warrior survivors trying to make his way to Jackson to extract revenge.
December 7, 2018
Some "end of the civilized world" formulas are used, but I love Gibbs and his foul-mouthed, marine no-nonsense ways. He is likely my favorite character so far. I like that Gayou tells the backstory (in the first 2 books) about the characters we should have some connection to by the 3rd book - which, per his forward in the 3rd book that I'm now on - is the original story he wanted to write, but felt we needed to get more of a background on some of the characters before things escalated. Great series so far. I especially recommend getting the audio version since RC Bray narrates. He is, as always, fantastic for these sorts of books.
December 4, 2017
I listened to the first book in audio format and couldn't wait for book 2 so I purchased it on Kindle and glad I did! What an amazing continuation. The author has an incredible knack for bringing his characters to life and staying true to their personalities (something that tends to be lacking with many authors). I still love the format of the books, moving between first person points of view in each chapter and am enjoying the new characters brought in immensely. I cannot wait for book 3!
March 18, 2019
I write very few reviews, this is my second. I do, however, read a lot. Specifically, I read a lot of science fiction. It seems I am always in search of a book that has a great premise, great character development, and is realistic. I read the first book in this series and was hooked. I liked the storyline and the character writing really pulled me in. The thing I liked most is how Gayou really has done his homework and makes everything so believable, especially when it comes to weapon use and things of that nature. Also, he really makes you think about what survival might realistically look like in a situation such as this. As good as the first book was, Gayou has really outdone himself with the second book in the series. I simply cannot get enough of the Gibs character. Being former military myself, I was thoroughly entertained by this character. He was extremely authentic. This brought back so many memories of NCOs I severed with. Anyway, I devoured this book and have already pre-ordered the next one. The good news, Mr. Gayou, is your books are simply great writing. The bad news is that there is absolutely no way you are going to be able to keep up with my need for your books. Gonna have to write faster.
November 16, 2018
I read the first volume and enjoyed it, but found the violence to be somewhat gratuitous. I'd hoped the community building aspect of the story would take precedence in the second volume, and found that content lacking. There were some touching scenes where it seemed this could eventually be the focus, but that was not the case by the end of this volume. The action scene that finishes this book was in my opinion, unredeemed and unrealistic, and reads like a poor made-for-tv movie on the USA network. If violence is your thing, you'll probably like it (this seems to be the case based upon the 4.2+ rating this book shows here on GoodReads).
The audible preview for volume 3 was an extreme disappointment. Rather than focusing on our favorite characters, it delves into even more extreme violence and set about putting the reader on notice that book 3 would be about revenge, rather than building a community. I'm going to pass on that *violence for its own sake* story line and find something more pleasant to enjoy.
The audible preview for volume 3 was an extreme disappointment. Rather than focusing on our favorite characters, it delves into even more extreme violence and set about putting the reader on notice that book 3 would be about revenge, rather than building a community. I'm going to pass on that *violence for its own sake* story line and find something more pleasant to enjoy.
April 17, 2019
Really enjoyed this book its sett in Wyoming and Utah which are places I have never been to, I found that looking at the locations using google maps really brought the story alive, there were also some interesting facts within the story that I had never read in any other apocalypse story ie that Petrol will go off after a short time but Diesel will stay usable for a lot longer. The character's are described in great detail so by the end of the book it leaves you wanting to know more about each character.
November 12, 2017
An absolute five-star-story. As much as I enjoyed Book 1, Book 2 was amazing. Getting into the head of a character hinted at in the first book was a real highlight. Again, I find Joshua's portrayal of military personnel being pretty spot-on. This is a man who's done his research. Awesome storytelling.
This is just a really great story and certainly one of my favorite postapoc stories of 2017. I can't wait to read the third book!
This is just a really great story and certainly one of my favorite postapoc stories of 2017. I can't wait to read the third book!
May 8, 2018
Where to begin with this long-anticipated sequel. To say that I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. Gibbs has to be the single most accurate character I have encountered since I started listening to audiobooks. As a soldier, I have come to know many marines and can say that a handful of them have absolutely fit this mold. Gibbs is a clear leader in the absence of such, and he showcased that throughout this book. His crass nature definitely highlights the very nature of military service, the bottom-line-up-front mentality. It was great to be able to directly relate to such a character.
Carrying on from book one, it was great to be reunited with Amanda, Lizzy, and Jake, even if that meant it had to be done without Billy. Jake brought with him a certain level of mystery, i.e. creepiness, that played out as this story went along. New characters were brought into the story only to have them taken away just as you were getting used to their role. One particular character that piqued my interest was Jessica, specifically her interactions with the group in Denver.
Watching as some of these scenes played out spawned memories from my own time in the military. The urine scene was one which brought a great chuckle to me as I could completely visualize this scene playing out knowing some of the folks I have had the pleasure of serving with.
As with any book that draws me in, there is usually one characteristic they all share and that is the realistic depiction of the various aspects of humanity. In this book, we get to see a fine example of the difference between justice and vengeance. This came to the forefront later on in the story and was just one of many aspects to this story which drew me in. I love realism when it relates to how different folks would react to a given scenario dependent upon their upbringing. Jake, as creepy as he is, was able to bring about many different ways of looking at a situation. Jake was also able to demonstrate how a simple act, done when it is needed most, can change the mood for an entire group of people (Jake playing the bass).
As with every audiobook I’ve listened to narrated by R.C. Bray, he did not disappoint with this reading. As a self-defined Bray-niac, I truly enjoy the dynamic nature of his narrations which help bring awesome works, such as this masterpiece by Josh Gayou, to life.
This was a sequel that was well worth the wait and now I begin the wait for book three. 5/5
Carrying on from book one, it was great to be reunited with Amanda, Lizzy, and Jake, even if that meant it had to be done without Billy. Jake brought with him a certain level of mystery, i.e. creepiness, that played out as this story went along. New characters were brought into the story only to have them taken away just as you were getting used to their role. One particular character that piqued my interest was Jessica, specifically her interactions with the group in Denver.
Watching as some of these scenes played out spawned memories from my own time in the military. The urine scene was one which brought a great chuckle to me as I could completely visualize this scene playing out knowing some of the folks I have had the pleasure of serving with.
As with any book that draws me in, there is usually one characteristic they all share and that is the realistic depiction of the various aspects of humanity. In this book, we get to see a fine example of the difference between justice and vengeance. This came to the forefront later on in the story and was just one of many aspects to this story which drew me in. I love realism when it relates to how different folks would react to a given scenario dependent upon their upbringing. Jake, as creepy as he is, was able to bring about many different ways of looking at a situation. Jake was also able to demonstrate how a simple act, done when it is needed most, can change the mood for an entire group of people (Jake playing the bass).
As with every audiobook I’ve listened to narrated by R.C. Bray, he did not disappoint with this reading. As a self-defined Bray-niac, I truly enjoy the dynamic nature of his narrations which help bring awesome works, such as this masterpiece by Josh Gayou, to life.
This was a sequel that was well worth the wait and now I begin the wait for book three. 5/5
September 18, 2018
Overall, it's a great read (or listen for me on audiobook). I enjoyed the story and especially the original characters development from Book 1. Jake continues to grow as an awesome strong character, and Amanda along with him.
What i didn't like (only 1 star worth), is the overall character development of everyone else. I just found myself not really caring for any of the characters introduced in Book 2, even Gibs really, even though he is written well. The survival aspect is frequently discussed (which i liked). However, when it comes to the resource gathering and supply runs, there is often little detail.
Whilst the overall plot in this series is more solid, i prefer the character development from a similar series 'After It Happened', and i slightly prefer that series in general.
Still looking forward to Book 3! As i said, it's a great read overall in conjunction with Book 1.
What i didn't like (only 1 star worth), is the overall character development of everyone else. I just found myself not really caring for any of the characters introduced in Book 2, even Gibs really, even though he is written well. The survival aspect is frequently discussed (which i liked). However, when it comes to the resource gathering and supply runs, there is often little detail.
Whilst the overall plot in this series is more solid, i prefer the character development from a similar series 'After It Happened', and i slightly prefer that series in general.
Still looking forward to Book 3! As i said, it's a great read overall in conjunction with Book 1.
November 6, 2018
Joshua Gayou writes great characters. I really enjoyed reading the first Commune book for the character Billy. In this second book Gibson is just incredible. I love some of the phrases he uses. We're warned in the forward that his vocabulary is coarse, but he uses that brush to paint some fantastic imagery.
Book Two introduces us to Gibson (Gibs) and his bus load of survivors he has picked up on his way to no where in particular. Gibs is a marine with a strong belief that he has a duty to protect the people in his care. He is surrounded by a hodge podge of folks from a variety of walks of life. We learn how the group manages to make their way to meet with Jake and Amanda in Wyoming, and how this large addition to the cabin is handled.
If you read the first book and enjoyed it, you'll certainly enjoy this one. There are wonderful, fully rendered characters with plenty of action and quite a bit of humor. I can easily recommend this series to anyone. In this case, I chose to listen to the audio version of the book. The narrator has a marvelous ability to switch between voices, lending further depth and nuance to the conversations between the characters. This is important as the story is told as a series of stories told by the survivors themselves to an interviewer. I'll likely be looking to read the third book in the series in this same format.
Book Two introduces us to Gibson (Gibs) and his bus load of survivors he has picked up on his way to no where in particular. Gibs is a marine with a strong belief that he has a duty to protect the people in his care. He is surrounded by a hodge podge of folks from a variety of walks of life. We learn how the group manages to make their way to meet with Jake and Amanda in Wyoming, and how this large addition to the cabin is handled.
If you read the first book and enjoyed it, you'll certainly enjoy this one. There are wonderful, fully rendered characters with plenty of action and quite a bit of humor. I can easily recommend this series to anyone. In this case, I chose to listen to the audio version of the book. The narrator has a marvelous ability to switch between voices, lending further depth and nuance to the conversations between the characters. This is important as the story is told as a series of stories told by the survivors themselves to an interviewer. I'll likely be looking to read the third book in the series in this same format.
January 6, 2019
I love this series! It’s so hard to stop listening when it’s time to do something else…like go to sleep. The author has some great characters. I was sad that Billy died in book 1, but I love Gibbs even more. He’s a tough, sarcastic, hilarious good guy. I’m a big fan of Jake as well. I can’t wait to learn more about his character, what he’s been through, and why he’s so secretive about his past whenever one of the other characters ask him a personal question. Some of the “speeches” he tells his “followers” are really thought-provoking. For example, the one in which he explains why killing the pedo guy is a bad idea.
And R.C. Bray only adds to the series. He's a great narrator. He does a great job with the character voices especially when there's a group of guys talking with each other. It's easy to tell who is who.
One of the funniest parts in book 2 was when Gibbs and Jake encounter each other. Jake’s robotic impression was hilarious. I could easily see that scene play out especially when it came to imagining the look on Gibbs' face when dealing with Jake.
I’m an animal lover. The most important question for me is regarding whether there are animals still around. After reading through book 1, I’m assuming there are, but that makes me curious as to why no one has encountered a stray cat or dog.
On to book 3.
And R.C. Bray only adds to the series. He's a great narrator. He does a great job with the character voices especially when there's a group of guys talking with each other. It's easy to tell who is who.
One of the funniest parts in book 2 was when Gibbs and Jake encounter each other. Jake’s robotic impression was hilarious. I could easily see that scene play out especially when it came to imagining the look on Gibbs' face when dealing with Jake.
I’m an animal lover. The most important question for me is regarding whether there are animals still around. After reading through book 1, I’m assuming there are, but that makes me curious as to why no one has encountered a stray cat or dog.
On to book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2023
Some Quibbles
I loved most of this book, although it was a little pedantic at times, which slowed the narrative. The characters were engaging and mysterious. Mr. Gayou seems to really know his guns. I had a few bones to pick though. Jake and Amanda have been in this valley since at least early summer. They seem to never even consider foraging for wild plants to eat, or planting cool weather or short season crops. When they do talk about crops they never mention the most obvious crops: peas, beans, carrots, parsnips. Lettuce, chard. Why only beets and potatoes? Where is their root cellar, since there is no refrigeration? Some of those crops can survive actual snow, and if Billy is a prepper he would know this. Also, digging pit latrines is not so sustainable. Composting toilets have been around for decades. I saw a version of outdoor low tech toilets in a public place . They were painted, with the standard bench with holes and toilet lids, but the bench covered a space accessible from the outside, and there are buckets or small garbage cans in the space. After you use it, you put a scoop of peat or compost over the mess so it won't smell. When the pail is full it is removed and dumped on a dedicated compost pile.
I loved most of this book, although it was a little pedantic at times, which slowed the narrative. The characters were engaging and mysterious. Mr. Gayou seems to really know his guns. I had a few bones to pick though. Jake and Amanda have been in this valley since at least early summer. They seem to never even consider foraging for wild plants to eat, or planting cool weather or short season crops. When they do talk about crops they never mention the most obvious crops: peas, beans, carrots, parsnips. Lettuce, chard. Why only beets and potatoes? Where is their root cellar, since there is no refrigeration? Some of those crops can survive actual snow, and if Billy is a prepper he would know this. Also, digging pit latrines is not so sustainable. Composting toilets have been around for decades. I saw a version of outdoor low tech toilets in a public place . They were painted, with the standard bench with holes and toilet lids, but the bench covered a space accessible from the outside, and there are buckets or small garbage cans in the space. After you use it, you put a scoop of peat or compost over the mess so it won't smell. When the pail is full it is removed and dumped on a dedicated compost pile.
October 2, 2019
I picked up Book 2 in the series immediately after I finished Book 1. The series overall is a solid character-driven post-plague apocalypse story, and R C Bray's nuanced and easy narration add to the appeal. This book was a little tougher to listen to than the first, mostly due to the character of Gibbs. He's a tough (but big-hearted) Marine, gruff and with a blue streak vocabulary. I admit some of the phrases that he uses are pretty offensive, so I appreciated that the author had a note at the start of the book warning readers/listeners. There are incidents of sexual assault, common and predictable in post-apocalyptic fiction, but they are kept to a respectful minimum in description and treated non-salaciously. Gibbs gets a little weapon-happy, and especially the end of the book leans a little toward gun-porn. There's a lot of violence, though almost all gun-related, so it's doesn't go over the edge into horror/gore territory. Mostly the book is about fully-fleshed out characters trying to do the right thing and still survive, knowing how seemingly impossible that task is. There are threads of humor, respect, and friendship in our merry band that keep the reader's hopes up.
October 27, 2021
It's been a while since I read book 1, so I kinda thought this was going to be in sequence to the first book. Rather, this book was about a different small band of survivors led by former Marine, Gibs. Gibs and his small band are working their way through the ravaged frontier in a beat up schoolbus, when Jake (main character from Book 1) finds them in Jackson, WY. Jake invites them into the valley with him, Amanda, and Elizabeth. There, both groups must learn to become one solid family.
A note about the book, also mentioned by the author, is that the language is more than colorful. I spent almost 3 decades in the Army and can vouch for the realism. In fact, I was belly laughing more than I should have been (because I am a mature adult - sort of) at some of the things Gibs came up with.
This was a rather exciting book, but left a bit of mystery about the mysterious Jake. I really enjoyed the action, the character interaction, and the clever solutions to the plethora of problems. Great read!
A note about the book, also mentioned by the author, is that the language is more than colorful. I spent almost 3 decades in the Army and can vouch for the realism. In fact, I was belly laughing more than I should have been (because I am a mature adult - sort of) at some of the things Gibs came up with.
This was a rather exciting book, but left a bit of mystery about the mysterious Jake. I really enjoyed the action, the character interaction, and the clever solutions to the plethora of problems. Great read!
March 16, 2024
In the aftermath of a plague that has decimated the world, a group of survivors band together to start a new settlement.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first, mostly because the main protagonist, an ex-Marine named Gibs, is a misogynist asshole who regularly assesses women’s “racks” and “turd cutters” (yes, that’s actually how he refers to a woman’s ass), only judges women on their looks and is rather shocked when they turn out to be competent. There’s actually a ‘warning’ at the beginning of the book about Gibs’ language, apparently because the author doesn’t realize that he could simply choose to have his MC just *not be an asshole*.
The story is slow going as well. I don’t need several pages describing how they removed cargo containers from a flatbed or how to lay a cabin floor. An issue they have with one of the settlers is telegraphed pretty strongly from the start. But there is a good long action scene toward the end and I like some of the other characters, so I will continue with Book 3 and just hope that Gibs is not the prominent storyteller.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first, mostly because the main protagonist, an ex-Marine named Gibs, is a misogynist asshole who regularly assesses women’s “racks” and “turd cutters” (yes, that’s actually how he refers to a woman’s ass), only judges women on their looks and is rather shocked when they turn out to be competent. There’s actually a ‘warning’ at the beginning of the book about Gibs’ language, apparently because the author doesn’t realize that he could simply choose to have his MC just *not be an asshole*.
The story is slow going as well. I don’t need several pages describing how they removed cargo containers from a flatbed or how to lay a cabin floor. An issue they have with one of the settlers is telegraphed pretty strongly from the start. But there is a good long action scene toward the end and I like some of the other characters, so I will continue with Book 3 and just hope that Gibs is not the prominent storyteller.
September 20, 2018
I liked the first book in this series, which focuses on how a few survivors find their way to a refuge in Wyoming after the world is decimated by a plague. This book is even better, focusing on how a group of people can build and sustain a lasting community and set their own rules for the society they want to live in. At times reminiscent of the problem-solving aspects of the Martian, this book covers the realities of sustainable food sources, scavenging, housing, and sanitation, all of which needs to be resolved before winter arrives. But the well-drawn characters, as well as exploration of how near-strangers relate as moral dilemmas arise, are what make these books so good.
Incidentally, Gibbs is a character new to this book and as a former marine he has some of the most colorful, creative and hilarious cursing I've ever encountered - the book is worth it for some of his passages alone, but not for the faint of heart.
Incidentally, Gibbs is a character new to this book and as a former marine he has some of the most colorful, creative and hilarious cursing I've ever encountered - the book is worth it for some of his passages alone, but not for the faint of heart.
July 25, 2019
Probably the best book out of the 4 book series. Our band of characters has grown from Book 1, and thank God it has... because we meet Gibbs.
Easily one of the most creatively foul-mouthed, brilliantly hysterical characters I've ever encountered in any novel, he absolutely steals the show in this book (and honestly I wish the 3rd and 4th books had more of him)!
The menace picks up some in this book, too, as our heroes begin to truly establish and grow a community, getting used to one another, learning the challenges of rebuilding society, and facing the threat of other groups who might upend those plans.
The Audiobook edition of this novel would be nothing if not for the TRULY exceptional narration of RC Bray, who somehow manages to give a unique voice and personality to each of the (growing) cast members in this story, and who's delivery of some of Gibb's saltiest and funniest lines is absolutely perfect.
Easily one of the most creatively foul-mouthed, brilliantly hysterical characters I've ever encountered in any novel, he absolutely steals the show in this book (and honestly I wish the 3rd and 4th books had more of him)!
The menace picks up some in this book, too, as our heroes begin to truly establish and grow a community, getting used to one another, learning the challenges of rebuilding society, and facing the threat of other groups who might upend those plans.
The Audiobook edition of this novel would be nothing if not for the TRULY exceptional narration of RC Bray, who somehow manages to give a unique voice and personality to each of the (growing) cast members in this story, and who's delivery of some of Gibb's saltiest and funniest lines is absolutely perfect.
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