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The Fortress #1
The Fortress
We are the fortress, and the fortress is us.
Sim was a teacher in his old life. Now he's the savior of orphans.
He isn't their father. God knows he has already failed in that role. But he is their guide. And the kids? They are his penance. His redemption.
For three years Sim has prepared his orphans for the hard realities of life after the plague that wiped out most of the global population. Theirs is a life without laws or creature comforts. He has trained them to forage and grow their own food, to be vigilant, and to protect themselves and each other by any means necessary. In building a fortress of brick and mortar, they've become a fortress of flesh and blood.
These allegiances and ideals are put to the test when a man named Zagan, who believes himself to be on a mission for the devil to bring about the destruction of civilization's remains, gathers hundreds of marauders and confronts Sim and his orphans in a merciless siege.
Will the fortress hold... Or will it collapse under the pressure of evil?
Sim was a teacher in his old life. Now he's the savior of orphans.
He isn't their father. God knows he has already failed in that role. But he is their guide. And the kids? They are his penance. His redemption.
For three years Sim has prepared his orphans for the hard realities of life after the plague that wiped out most of the global population. Theirs is a life without laws or creature comforts. He has trained them to forage and grow their own food, to be vigilant, and to protect themselves and each other by any means necessary. In building a fortress of brick and mortar, they've become a fortress of flesh and blood.
These allegiances and ideals are put to the test when a man named Zagan, who believes himself to be on a mission for the devil to bring about the destruction of civilization's remains, gathers hundreds of marauders and confronts Sim and his orphans in a merciless siege.
Will the fortress hold... Or will it collapse under the pressure of evil?
306 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2023
168 people are currently reading
3401 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Styles
11 books39 followersT.A. Styles earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and Mathematics and his M.S. in Developmental Reading. He taught in elementary and junior high schools for twelve years before launching his own childcare enterprise, TSL Kids Crew, which he has operated since 2009. He has had a passion for writing stories since he was a teenager, as it was a hobby and skill for which he realized at a young age he had a knack for and loved. He has two grown children and has traveled extensively around the world and throughout the nation.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 18, 2024
In T A Styles' gripping debut novel "The Fortress," humanity's remnants navigate a world devastated by a deadly plague. At its heart stands Sim, a former teacher haunted by his past, who finds purpose in protecting and training orphaned children in a fortified home. This masterfully crafted tale weaves together themes of redemption, survival, and the unbreakable bonds formed in the crucible of adversity.
Story and Plot Analysis
Setting: A World in Ruins
The story unfolds three years after a catastrophic virus has decimated the global population. The fortress, a former Catholic parsonage, serves as both sanctuary and stronghold for Sim and his adopted family of orphans. Styles expertly crafts an atmospheric setting where everyday survival requires constant vigilance and where the remnants of civilization exist in precarious balance.
Character Development
Sim emerges as a complex protagonist, carrying the weight of having mercy-killed his wife Amanda and daughter Sara during the plague's onset. His journey from despair to finding renewed purpose through protecting orphaned children forms the emotional core of the narrative. Each child in his care - from the strategic Ace to the fierce Baby, the observant Shark to the maternal Sky - is distinctly drawn with their own compelling backstories and character arcs.
The antagonist, Zagan, represents a darker reflection of survival, embracing chaos and destruction rather than preservation and hope. His character serves as a fascinating counterpoint to Sim, both men shaped by trauma but choosing radically different paths forward.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
Styles demonstrates remarkable skill in maintaining tension throughout the novel. The story builds from smaller conflicts to an explosive siege, interwoven with flashbacks that reveal how each child came to join the fortress. This structure allows readers to invest deeply in the characters while the threat of Zagan's impending attack looms ever larger.
Thematic Analysis
The Nature of Family
The novel explores how family transcends blood relations, especially in times of crisis. The motto "We are the fortress, and the fortress is us" encapsulates how these disparate individuals forge themselves into a cohesive unit, bound by loyalty and shared purpose rather than genetics.
Redemption Through Service
Sim's mission to protect and nurture the orphans serves as his path to redemption for his perceived failures as a father. The novel thoughtfully examines how purpose can emerge from tragedy and how protecting others can heal personal wounds.
The Price of Survival
The story unfolds in a morally complex world where survival often requires violence, yet the characters strive to maintain their humanity. The children's training in combat and self-defense is balanced against lessons in cooperation, compassion, and community.
Literary Merit
Writing Style
Styles employs a direct yet evocative prose style that serves the story well. The action sequences are taut and visceral, while quieter moments allow for deeper character exploration. The author particularly excels at depicting the children's perspectives, capturing their resilience and vulnerability without sentimentality.
World-Building
The post-apocalyptic setting is convincingly realized through careful attention to practical details of survival - from food cultivation to weapons training. The author creates a believable ecosystem of surviving communities, including the contrasting society at the Heights.
Impact and Significance
Genre Contribution
While "The Fortress" operates within familiar post-apocalyptic tropes, it distinguishes itself through its focus on found family and redemption rather than mere survival. The incorporation of children as capable survivors rather than mere victims adds fresh perspective to the genre.
Emotional Resonance
The novel's greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity. The relationships between characters feel earned and genuine, making the stakes of their survival all the more compelling. The loss of characters hits hard because Styles has made us care deeply about this makeshift family.
Conclusion
"The Fortress" stands as a remarkable achievement in post-apocalyptic fiction. T A Styles has crafted a story that balances intense action with deep emotional resonance, exploring how humanity might preserve not just its existence but its essential humanity in the face of catastrophic change. The novel leaves readers eagerly anticipating its sequel, "Revenant," while delivering a complete and satisfying narrative in its own right.
Story and Plot Analysis
Setting: A World in Ruins
The story unfolds three years after a catastrophic virus has decimated the global population. The fortress, a former Catholic parsonage, serves as both sanctuary and stronghold for Sim and his adopted family of orphans. Styles expertly crafts an atmospheric setting where everyday survival requires constant vigilance and where the remnants of civilization exist in precarious balance.
Character Development
Sim emerges as a complex protagonist, carrying the weight of having mercy-killed his wife Amanda and daughter Sara during the plague's onset. His journey from despair to finding renewed purpose through protecting orphaned children forms the emotional core of the narrative. Each child in his care - from the strategic Ace to the fierce Baby, the observant Shark to the maternal Sky - is distinctly drawn with their own compelling backstories and character arcs.
The antagonist, Zagan, represents a darker reflection of survival, embracing chaos and destruction rather than preservation and hope. His character serves as a fascinating counterpoint to Sim, both men shaped by trauma but choosing radically different paths forward.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
Styles demonstrates remarkable skill in maintaining tension throughout the novel. The story builds from smaller conflicts to an explosive siege, interwoven with flashbacks that reveal how each child came to join the fortress. This structure allows readers to invest deeply in the characters while the threat of Zagan's impending attack looms ever larger.
Thematic Analysis
The Nature of Family
The novel explores how family transcends blood relations, especially in times of crisis. The motto "We are the fortress, and the fortress is us" encapsulates how these disparate individuals forge themselves into a cohesive unit, bound by loyalty and shared purpose rather than genetics.
Redemption Through Service
Sim's mission to protect and nurture the orphans serves as his path to redemption for his perceived failures as a father. The novel thoughtfully examines how purpose can emerge from tragedy and how protecting others can heal personal wounds.
The Price of Survival
The story unfolds in a morally complex world where survival often requires violence, yet the characters strive to maintain their humanity. The children's training in combat and self-defense is balanced against lessons in cooperation, compassion, and community.
Literary Merit
Writing Style
Styles employs a direct yet evocative prose style that serves the story well. The action sequences are taut and visceral, while quieter moments allow for deeper character exploration. The author particularly excels at depicting the children's perspectives, capturing their resilience and vulnerability without sentimentality.
World-Building
The post-apocalyptic setting is convincingly realized through careful attention to practical details of survival - from food cultivation to weapons training. The author creates a believable ecosystem of surviving communities, including the contrasting society at the Heights.
Impact and Significance
Genre Contribution
While "The Fortress" operates within familiar post-apocalyptic tropes, it distinguishes itself through its focus on found family and redemption rather than mere survival. The incorporation of children as capable survivors rather than mere victims adds fresh perspective to the genre.
Emotional Resonance
The novel's greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity. The relationships between characters feel earned and genuine, making the stakes of their survival all the more compelling. The loss of characters hits hard because Styles has made us care deeply about this makeshift family.
Conclusion
"The Fortress" stands as a remarkable achievement in post-apocalyptic fiction. T A Styles has crafted a story that balances intense action with deep emotional resonance, exploring how humanity might preserve not just its existence but its essential humanity in the face of catastrophic change. The novel leaves readers eagerly anticipating its sequel, "Revenant," while delivering a complete and satisfying narrative in its own right.
January 10, 2025
"The Fortress" is a gripping post-apocalyptic tale that masterfully blends the raw intensity of survival with profound themes of redemption, family, and human connection. At its heart is Sim, a former teacher haunted by his past who finds new purpose in protecting orphaned children in a world devastated by a deadly virus.
What sets this novel apart is how it transforms a familiar post-apocalyptic premise into something deeply personal and emotionally resonant. The fortress itself becomes more than just a shelter – it's a symbol of hope, community, and the possibility of rebuilding something meaningful from the ashes of civilization. The children's handprints on the banner, each representing a life saved and a soul welcomed into their unconventional family, perfectly captures this sentiment.
The author excels at character development, particularly in showing how the children maintain their humanity while learning to survive in a harsh world. From Baby's unexpected strength to Shark's vigilant dedication, each character feels authentic and compelling. The relationship between Sim and his orphans evolves beautifully, especially as the older ones begin to assert their independence.
The arrival of Zagan introduces a fascinating antagonist whose motivations go beyond simple survival or power. His conflict with Sim becomes a philosophical battle about how to exist in a broken world – whether to embrace hope and community or surrender to darkness and chaos.
The action sequences are intense and well-crafted, particularly during the climactic siege. However, these moments never overshadow the book's emotional core. The loss of characters like Flip and Ace hits hard precisely because Styles has made us care so deeply about this makeshift family.
"The Fortress" succeeds brilliantly as both a thrilling survival story and a thoughtful meditation on family, redemption, and what it means to rebuild in the aftermath of catastrophe. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there's power in choosing to protect and nurture rather than destroy.
This is a deeply human story that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
What sets this novel apart is how it transforms a familiar post-apocalyptic premise into something deeply personal and emotionally resonant. The fortress itself becomes more than just a shelter – it's a symbol of hope, community, and the possibility of rebuilding something meaningful from the ashes of civilization. The children's handprints on the banner, each representing a life saved and a soul welcomed into their unconventional family, perfectly captures this sentiment.
The author excels at character development, particularly in showing how the children maintain their humanity while learning to survive in a harsh world. From Baby's unexpected strength to Shark's vigilant dedication, each character feels authentic and compelling. The relationship between Sim and his orphans evolves beautifully, especially as the older ones begin to assert their independence.
The arrival of Zagan introduces a fascinating antagonist whose motivations go beyond simple survival or power. His conflict with Sim becomes a philosophical battle about how to exist in a broken world – whether to embrace hope and community or surrender to darkness and chaos.
The action sequences are intense and well-crafted, particularly during the climactic siege. However, these moments never overshadow the book's emotional core. The loss of characters like Flip and Ace hits hard precisely because Styles has made us care so deeply about this makeshift family.
"The Fortress" succeeds brilliantly as both a thrilling survival story and a thoughtful meditation on family, redemption, and what it means to rebuild in the aftermath of catastrophe. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there's power in choosing to protect and nurture rather than destroy.
This is a deeply human story that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
January 10, 2025
They say civilization is only three meals away from anarchy. But in T.A. Styles' gripping dystopian masterwork "The Fortress," it's a virus called 'Getgone' that finally shatters society's fragile veneer. From these shards emerges a story that redefines what it means to rebuild when everything has been lost.
Within a fortress carved from the bones of a Catholic parsonage, Styles crafts an intimate portrait of survival that transcends typical post-collapse narratives. Here, beneath Saint Michael's watchful gaze, former teacher Sim transforms guilt into purpose, gathering orphaned children and forging them into something extraordinary—not just survivors, but guardians of humanity's remaining light.
The novel's innovative "vetting" system, where each child must prove themselves worthy of adding their handprint to the fortress banner, creates a brutal yet necessary ritual of belonging. These children—Sky with her fierce wisdom, Shark with his sniper's patience, Baby with her lethal grace—become living embodiments of adaptation in a world where childhood itself seems an obsolete concept.
When the antagonist Zagan emerges with his army of 150 desperate souls, the story evolves into a masterclass of tactical and psychological warfare. But beneath the surface-level conflict lies a deeper battle between two philosophies of post-apocalyptic existence: Sim's vision of preservation and renewal versus Zagan's nihilistic embrace of chaos.
Styles excels at world-building through small, devastating details: the walkies that no longer work, the battery-operated lights carefully rationed, the underground tunnel that represents both escape route and vulnerability. The fortress itself becomes a character, its brick walls and hidden passages holding secrets that could mean salvation or doom.
In the genre's crowded landscape, "The Fortress" stands apart by suggesting that humanity's salvation lies not in individual survival but in collective protection of our most vulnerable. Through the orphans' pledge—"We are the fortress, and the fortress is us"—Styles reminds us that even in our darkest possible future, the choices we make about who we protect define not just who we are, but what kind of world we'll rebuild from the ashes.
Within a fortress carved from the bones of a Catholic parsonage, Styles crafts an intimate portrait of survival that transcends typical post-collapse narratives. Here, beneath Saint Michael's watchful gaze, former teacher Sim transforms guilt into purpose, gathering orphaned children and forging them into something extraordinary—not just survivors, but guardians of humanity's remaining light.
The novel's innovative "vetting" system, where each child must prove themselves worthy of adding their handprint to the fortress banner, creates a brutal yet necessary ritual of belonging. These children—Sky with her fierce wisdom, Shark with his sniper's patience, Baby with her lethal grace—become living embodiments of adaptation in a world where childhood itself seems an obsolete concept.
When the antagonist Zagan emerges with his army of 150 desperate souls, the story evolves into a masterclass of tactical and psychological warfare. But beneath the surface-level conflict lies a deeper battle between two philosophies of post-apocalyptic existence: Sim's vision of preservation and renewal versus Zagan's nihilistic embrace of chaos.
Styles excels at world-building through small, devastating details: the walkies that no longer work, the battery-operated lights carefully rationed, the underground tunnel that represents both escape route and vulnerability. The fortress itself becomes a character, its brick walls and hidden passages holding secrets that could mean salvation or doom.
In the genre's crowded landscape, "The Fortress" stands apart by suggesting that humanity's salvation lies not in individual survival but in collective protection of our most vulnerable. Through the orphans' pledge—"We are the fortress, and the fortress is us"—Styles reminds us that even in our darkest possible future, the choices we make about who we protect define not just who we are, but what kind of world we'll rebuild from the ashes.
November 9, 2023
I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Make a child safe, save a life.”
Right from the jump we find out that our MC Sim is a flawed man who has made mistakes. However, in taking in, protecting and preparing his orphan turned warrior children for the likelihood of a siege upon their stronghold; their fortress, and the inevitability of cruelty in this new world, he has found renewed purpose if not his much sought after salvation.
When evil comes knocking, Sim and company are determined to protect what they’ve built— at all costs. Will their efforts pay off? Read for yourself to find out!
This was a pulse pounding page turning thriller set in a post apocalyptic dystopia, with compelling characters and an intriguing plot. I found it thoroughly engrossing, and actually read cover to cover in one sitting! I did also notice that it’s listed as the first book in a series, of which the next two books have already released—so I’ll definitely be returning to this universe to see what else the author has up his sleeve!
Thank you so much to the author and R&R Book Tours for my gifted copy!
“Make a child safe, save a life.”
Right from the jump we find out that our MC Sim is a flawed man who has made mistakes. However, in taking in, protecting and preparing his orphan turned warrior children for the likelihood of a siege upon their stronghold; their fortress, and the inevitability of cruelty in this new world, he has found renewed purpose if not his much sought after salvation.
When evil comes knocking, Sim and company are determined to protect what they’ve built— at all costs. Will their efforts pay off? Read for yourself to find out!
This was a pulse pounding page turning thriller set in a post apocalyptic dystopia, with compelling characters and an intriguing plot. I found it thoroughly engrossing, and actually read cover to cover in one sitting! I did also notice that it’s listed as the first book in a series, of which the next two books have already released—so I’ll definitely be returning to this universe to see what else the author has up his sleeve!
Thank you so much to the author and R&R Book Tours for my gifted copy!
November 2, 2023
The Fortress by T.A. Styles is a dystopian novel that features Sim and his band of fearsome kids. He has made it his mission in the apocalypse to save as many kids as he can and make them self-sufficient warriors in the new normal.
Working together against the villains who deem themselves more worthy to rule the new world this book will leave the reader turning the pages faster and faster. Highly recommend.
Working together against the villains who deem themselves more worthy to rule the new world this book will leave the reader turning the pages faster and faster. Highly recommend.
October 7, 2023
This is my first post apocalyptic read and this is not my usual genre. However, I found that I could not stop reading it as the author created characters that were interesting and believable. Definitely a must read.
November 10, 2023
Definitely a tear jerker. The very first page sucks you in in a wtf just happened kinda way. Check your mental health before reading if you can’t handle books with kids and trauma don’t go for this one
January 10, 2025
In the shadows of a devastated world, where civilization has crumbled like autumn leaves, T.A. Styles crafts a haunting masterpiece that will grip your soul and refuse to let go. "The Fortress" isn't just another post-apocalyptic tale—it's a pulse-pounding exploration of redemption wrapped in layers of raw survival and primal human instinct.
At the story's dark heart stands Sim, a man whose past bleeds with the weight of impossible choices. But in the fortress—a three-story brick sanctuary perched like a sentinel above a dead city—he discovers his true calling: protecting orphaned children in a world that has forgotten mercy. Each child arrives with their own shadows, their own demons, but under Sim's guidance, they become something extraordinary—they become the fortress itself.
The tension ratchets up with the emergence of Zagan, a figure whose darkness mirrors Sim's own past. Their deadly game of cat and mouse builds to a crescendo that will leave readers breathless. The siege sequence is a masterclass in sustained suspense, where every bullet fired could mean the difference between survival and oblivion.
Styles weaves a tapestry of interconnected lives with the precision of a master craftsman. The children—from sharp-shooting Shark to the deceptively lethal Baby—aren't just survivors; they're warriors forged in the crucible of necessity. Yet beneath their hardened exteriors, their humanity shines through like starlight piercing storm clouds.
The fortress itself becomes a character, its brick walls and hidden tunnels holding secrets that could mean salvation or destruction. The handprint banner hanging above the fireplace tells a story all its own—each print a testament to lives saved, souls redeemed.
In the end, "The Fortress" stands as a testament to the power of chosen family and the strength found in unity. It's a reminder that even in our darkest hours, hope can be as impenetrable as brick walls and as fierce as children defending their home.
This isn't just a story—it's a thriller that will haunt your thoughts long after the final page, like shadows lingering at twilight.
At the story's dark heart stands Sim, a man whose past bleeds with the weight of impossible choices. But in the fortress—a three-story brick sanctuary perched like a sentinel above a dead city—he discovers his true calling: protecting orphaned children in a world that has forgotten mercy. Each child arrives with their own shadows, their own demons, but under Sim's guidance, they become something extraordinary—they become the fortress itself.
The tension ratchets up with the emergence of Zagan, a figure whose darkness mirrors Sim's own past. Their deadly game of cat and mouse builds to a crescendo that will leave readers breathless. The siege sequence is a masterclass in sustained suspense, where every bullet fired could mean the difference between survival and oblivion.
Styles weaves a tapestry of interconnected lives with the precision of a master craftsman. The children—from sharp-shooting Shark to the deceptively lethal Baby—aren't just survivors; they're warriors forged in the crucible of necessity. Yet beneath their hardened exteriors, their humanity shines through like starlight piercing storm clouds.
The fortress itself becomes a character, its brick walls and hidden tunnels holding secrets that could mean salvation or destruction. The handprint banner hanging above the fireplace tells a story all its own—each print a testament to lives saved, souls redeemed.
In the end, "The Fortress" stands as a testament to the power of chosen family and the strength found in unity. It's a reminder that even in our darkest hours, hope can be as impenetrable as brick walls and as fierce as children defending their home.
This isn't just a story—it's a thriller that will haunt your thoughts long after the final page, like shadows lingering at twilight.
October 10, 2024
A story about a man who takes in little kids during the apocalypse. All of the children’s parents, brothers, and sisters got sick and died and they were left to take care of themselves. Sim takes the kids in gives them a place to live and be safe while teaching them how to take care of themselves by teaching them out use weapons.
What a great introduction to a great story and a great introduction to the children and their introduction into the story.
What a great introduction to a great story and a great introduction to the children and their introduction into the story.
November 7, 2023
T.A. Styles has created a world of genuine terror filled with the most lovable pack of kids. They are ferocious but they are precious, and Sim is the champion of them all. The children are asked to name themselves when they join the fortress, and having that meaning behind each name adds so much depth to every character. This book is a fortress in itself and is a riveting read that is perfect for those who love post-apocalyptic novels.
March 12, 2025
First, what the hell kind of name for a city is USLAND?!
Second, why is there another book coming after this travesty?
Second, why is there another book coming after this travesty?
January 10, 2024
Exciting Post-Appocalyptic Struggle For Survival!!!
Intense action in this post-apocalyptic tale!!! The fortress is incredible and the characters so memorable!!! Lots of challenges and victories as everyone struggles to survive in this new and frightening, but hope-filled world!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
Intense action in this post-apocalyptic tale!!! The fortress is incredible and the characters so memorable!!! Lots of challenges and victories as everyone struggles to survive in this new and frightening, but hope-filled world!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
July 14, 2025
The Fortress is a gripping post-apocalyptic tale centered on Sim, a guilt-ridden man trying to atone for his past by rescuing children in a collapsed world. After the death of his wife and daughter, one by sickness, the other by his own hand, Sim finds unexpected redemption in a young girl named Elizabeth. What begins as a chance encounter grows into a mission of purpose: to build a refuge, a literal fortress, for orphans who have survived the mysterious virus that decimated humanity. As the years pass, the house grows into a home for a tribe of children, trained to survive and protect each other against an increasingly dangerous and lawless world. The story weaves through the children’s lives, their rites of passage, and the constant threat from outsiders, all while exploring the emotional weight of survival, community, and chosen family.
The writing hit a strange and effective balance between gritty realism and deep emotional tenderness. Author T.A. Styles doesn’t pull punches, there’s blood, there’s death, and the violence is raw, but somehow, he keeps the soul of the story grounded in the kids’ humanity. It’s not just about survival. It’s about protecting what little innocence they have left. The pacing is wild in places, calm, even warm, and then suddenly you’re neck-deep in a knife fight. The narrative felt unpredictable, and that worked. There’s a messiness to the structure that actually made it feel more real to me. And Sim is a complicated character. A man haunted by unbearable guilt, trying to forge a future from the ruins of his worst mistake.
The action scenes were intense and well-paced. There are a lot of action scenes by the end. I found myself more drawn to the quieter parts, the handprints on the flag, the porch talks, the moments when the kids reminded me they were still kids. Styles clearly poured a lot into Sim, but the supporting cast, while likable, sometimes blurred together. Still, I kept turning the pages. It’s a story that sticks.
I walked away thinking hard about the cost of survival and what it really means to build something good in a broken world. This book made me feel a lot of sadness, tension, hope, and even joy. I’d recommend The Fortress to readers who like their dystopias with a heavy emotional core. If you appreciated The Road by Cormac McCarthy or Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, this book might speak to you too. It’s brutal at times, but it’s also strangely beautiful.
The writing hit a strange and effective balance between gritty realism and deep emotional tenderness. Author T.A. Styles doesn’t pull punches, there’s blood, there’s death, and the violence is raw, but somehow, he keeps the soul of the story grounded in the kids’ humanity. It’s not just about survival. It’s about protecting what little innocence they have left. The pacing is wild in places, calm, even warm, and then suddenly you’re neck-deep in a knife fight. The narrative felt unpredictable, and that worked. There’s a messiness to the structure that actually made it feel more real to me. And Sim is a complicated character. A man haunted by unbearable guilt, trying to forge a future from the ruins of his worst mistake.
The action scenes were intense and well-paced. There are a lot of action scenes by the end. I found myself more drawn to the quieter parts, the handprints on the flag, the porch talks, the moments when the kids reminded me they were still kids. Styles clearly poured a lot into Sim, but the supporting cast, while likable, sometimes blurred together. Still, I kept turning the pages. It’s a story that sticks.
I walked away thinking hard about the cost of survival and what it really means to build something good in a broken world. This book made me feel a lot of sadness, tension, hope, and even joy. I’d recommend The Fortress to readers who like their dystopias with a heavy emotional core. If you appreciated The Road by Cormac McCarthy or Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, this book might speak to you too. It’s brutal at times, but it’s also strangely beautiful.
November 10, 2023
4.5 Stars
This post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction is spectacular. I love this genre and the many takes on it, and this book fits perfectly. After a disease/infection has swept the world, the human population has been decimated. One man, Sim, after the deaths of his wife and daughter, is seeking redemption and finds an orphaned girl, Elizabeth, and decides from then on, "Make a child safe. Save a life." Three years post-decimation, he houses over a dozen children in a house known as The Fortress. While he and the kids have adjusted to this new way of life and are protecting themselves, as expected, there are others out there who want what they have and will stop at nothing to take it.
This is a world where kids have to grow up too fast and become something more just to survive. Sim does his best to teach the kids how to survive and work together, and as a team, they work well to protect themselves and the fortress.
The main villain, Zagan, is a piece of work, an absolute psycho with a 'my way or the highway', a.k.a. my people vs. everyone else, personality. He relishes in pain and death and wants the Fortress so he can be King; he leads a group of people to lay siege on the fortress.
The writing is good, as is the pace - it's a fast-paced story that is hard to put down once you start. The characters a well written given the situation and as unbelievable as it could be, the children are written believably given their new circumstances and what they face. I like the variety of personalities in the group as it has the more hardened souls as well as the softer ones and those in between. I also enjoyed the interactions between the two warring groups and how each situation is handled.
Overall, this was a great read that was, in a manner, reminiscent of The Walking Dead, just without the zombies and featuring a lot more kids. I'll be keeping Styles on my list of authors to check in on now and then and see what they've got going on.
A big thank you to T.A. Styles and R&R Book Tours for a digital copy of this to read and review.
This post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction is spectacular. I love this genre and the many takes on it, and this book fits perfectly. After a disease/infection has swept the world, the human population has been decimated. One man, Sim, after the deaths of his wife and daughter, is seeking redemption and finds an orphaned girl, Elizabeth, and decides from then on, "Make a child safe. Save a life." Three years post-decimation, he houses over a dozen children in a house known as The Fortress. While he and the kids have adjusted to this new way of life and are protecting themselves, as expected, there are others out there who want what they have and will stop at nothing to take it.
This is a world where kids have to grow up too fast and become something more just to survive. Sim does his best to teach the kids how to survive and work together, and as a team, they work well to protect themselves and the fortress.
The main villain, Zagan, is a piece of work, an absolute psycho with a 'my way or the highway', a.k.a. my people vs. everyone else, personality. He relishes in pain and death and wants the Fortress so he can be King; he leads a group of people to lay siege on the fortress.
The writing is good, as is the pace - it's a fast-paced story that is hard to put down once you start. The characters a well written given the situation and as unbelievable as it could be, the children are written believably given their new circumstances and what they face. I like the variety of personalities in the group as it has the more hardened souls as well as the softer ones and those in between. I also enjoyed the interactions between the two warring groups and how each situation is handled.
Overall, this was a great read that was, in a manner, reminiscent of The Walking Dead, just without the zombies and featuring a lot more kids. I'll be keeping Styles on my list of authors to check in on now and then and see what they've got going on.
A big thank you to T.A. Styles and R&R Book Tours for a digital copy of this to read and review.
January 10, 2025
In a world where the plague called 'Getgone' wiped out most of humanity, T.A. Styles builds something remarkable from the ashes. "The Fortress" rises like a brick beacon in the wasteland, housing a story that's as much about rebuilding humanity as it is about survival.
Among the ruins of civilization stands Sim, a man carrying the weight of having shot his own wife and daughter when the virus struck. But fate—or perhaps penance—brings him Elizabeth, the first orphan, and through her, a new purpose emerges: "Make a child safe. Save a life." This mantra becomes the foundation of a sanctuary that defies the savage new world order.
The fortress itself looms as both shelter and symbol, its three stories of brick and determination sheltering children who become warriors by necessity. Each orphan marks their initiation with a handprint on the banner above the fireplace, a ritual that transforms them from survivors into defenders. They train with weapons scavenged from the dead city, but more importantly, they learn to be human in an inhuman world.
When Zagan emerges from the wasteland with his army of marauders, the story shifts into a desperate siege tale. But this isn't just about defending walls—it's about protecting the last fragments of civilization itself. The children, from rooftop sniper Shark to the deadly Baby with her crossed knives, fight not just for survival but for the right to build something new from the ruins of the old.
Styles writes with the raw authenticity of someone who understands that in the apocalypse, it's not the strongest who survive, but those who maintain their humanity while learning to be strong. The relationships between the orphans, their fierce loyalty to each other and to Sim, feel as solid as the fortress walls themselves.
In a genre littered with tales of mere survival, "The Fortress" stands apart by showing us that even after the end of everything, there's still room for family, redemption, and hope. It's a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who choose to rebuild rather than merely endure.
Among the ruins of civilization stands Sim, a man carrying the weight of having shot his own wife and daughter when the virus struck. But fate—or perhaps penance—brings him Elizabeth, the first orphan, and through her, a new purpose emerges: "Make a child safe. Save a life." This mantra becomes the foundation of a sanctuary that defies the savage new world order.
The fortress itself looms as both shelter and symbol, its three stories of brick and determination sheltering children who become warriors by necessity. Each orphan marks their initiation with a handprint on the banner above the fireplace, a ritual that transforms them from survivors into defenders. They train with weapons scavenged from the dead city, but more importantly, they learn to be human in an inhuman world.
When Zagan emerges from the wasteland with his army of marauders, the story shifts into a desperate siege tale. But this isn't just about defending walls—it's about protecting the last fragments of civilization itself. The children, from rooftop sniper Shark to the deadly Baby with her crossed knives, fight not just for survival but for the right to build something new from the ruins of the old.
Styles writes with the raw authenticity of someone who understands that in the apocalypse, it's not the strongest who survive, but those who maintain their humanity while learning to be strong. The relationships between the orphans, their fierce loyalty to each other and to Sim, feel as solid as the fortress walls themselves.
In a genre littered with tales of mere survival, "The Fortress" stands apart by showing us that even after the end of everything, there's still room for family, redemption, and hope. It's a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who choose to rebuild rather than merely endure.
November 8, 2023
⭐️: 5 of 5
📖: 315 pages
💬: ''Make a child safe. Save a life”
Read it if you like:
✔️ Post-apocalyptic
✔️ Strong kids
✔️ Protective father
✔️ Found family
✔️ Bad guy vs Good guy
✔️ Action packed story
Blurb: Sim (MMC) is the savior of orphans. He isn't their father. God knows he has already failed in that role. But he is their guide. And the kids? They are his penance. His redemption. For three years Sim has prepared his orphans for the hard realities of life after the plague that wiped out most of the global population. Theirs is a life without laws or creature comforts. He has trained them to forage and grow their own food, to be vigilant, and to protect themselves and each other by any means necessary. In building a fortress of brick and mortar, they've become a fortress of flesh and blood. A man named Zagan, confronts Sim and his orphans in a merciless siege. Will the fortress hold... Or will it collapse under the pressure of evil?
🖤 This book is so wild! I read it in one day because it's so action packed and at the same time emotionally charged! It's so interesting to see how flawed and pure humanity is when everything goes wrong and how a new sense of family can be found when you trust others and they trust you back. This book is a thriller with so much depth and I loved it, it's so riveting and emotional!
📖: 315 pages
💬: ''Make a child safe. Save a life”
Read it if you like:
✔️ Post-apocalyptic
✔️ Strong kids
✔️ Protective father
✔️ Found family
✔️ Bad guy vs Good guy
✔️ Action packed story
Blurb: Sim (MMC) is the savior of orphans. He isn't their father. God knows he has already failed in that role. But he is their guide. And the kids? They are his penance. His redemption. For three years Sim has prepared his orphans for the hard realities of life after the plague that wiped out most of the global population. Theirs is a life without laws or creature comforts. He has trained them to forage and grow their own food, to be vigilant, and to protect themselves and each other by any means necessary. In building a fortress of brick and mortar, they've become a fortress of flesh and blood. A man named Zagan, confronts Sim and his orphans in a merciless siege. Will the fortress hold... Or will it collapse under the pressure of evil?
🖤 This book is so wild! I read it in one day because it's so action packed and at the same time emotionally charged! It's so interesting to see how flawed and pure humanity is when everything goes wrong and how a new sense of family can be found when you trust others and they trust you back. This book is a thriller with so much depth and I loved it, it's so riveting and emotional!
January 3, 2024
It wasnt to bad of a book being that I did'nt know that it was about the apocalyptic . If I would have known before I would'nt have started to read it at all. Sim a man who had a place he called The Fortress had lived in this building since the world changed and people were in a unknow world with an apocalyptic going on. He started saving young kids whose parents have died in it. Soon he had a safe place for them to stay in. They also were trained in using weapons if other people came to harm them. But the new world now had Zagan,a man who killed just to kill. Then a war between them and Sim group started.
December 28, 2024
To atone for the past, he vowed to keep children safe and save their lives.
The Fortress is the first book in author T.A. Styles's post-apocalyptic series featuring a former teacher and the children left behind after a deadly virus ravages the world. With its large cast of child characters trying to eke out an existence in the chaotic, lawless remnants of society and the evil adults who want to take everything from them, I was completely drawn into this exciting and horrifying survival story.
Sim is the only one left of his small family, but his survivor's guilt has a twist: he killed his daughter and near-death wife so they could all die together. However, his resolve failed when he turned the gun on himself, and he was left to cope on his own with the knowledge of what he had done. His self-imposed penance was to collect any children left behind and care for them in his large, fortified, and now well-supplied home on the hill. Saving the children from the streets was a two-edged sword, though. He was saving a life, but each one reminded him of the daughter that should have been at his side. A growing troop of lost or orphaned children of all ages eventually surrounds him. I enjoyed their backstories and how they had come to "The Fortress," their name changes, and their preparations to ensure their continued safety.Sim leads The Fortress with a firm grip, and while he takes input from the kids, he mostly discards it. As the young survivors age, they form a formidable team. But will it be enough to fight off those who want what they've built with Sim?
I really enjoy post-apocalyptic tales, and this was one of the best; I was delighted to see that there are two more books available in the series. The children have a wide range of personalities, even the youngest ones who are still forming theirs. The story gets started quickly, taking just a little time for bare bones, upfront exposition. The danger presented by wandering adult survivors is immediately established, and the kids' fight for survival becomes critical early on. The suspense mounted as the little group inside The Fortress waited for the next assault on their safety. I didn't want to put this book down!I recommend THE FORTRESS to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic tales that prominently feature children.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.
September 25, 2023
A page turning thriller set in post apocalypse world with truly three D hero trying to develop survivor students to lead the next generation into a better world. They are forced to deal with a very powerful antgonist Zagan who is determined to wipe them all out. You will not be dissapointed in this story.
May 17, 2025
Redemption
One man's redemption left a footprint in so many lives. The losses were great but the legacy lived on. Holy cow I was not ready for the tears that were shed
One man's redemption left a footprint in so many lives. The losses were great but the legacy lived on. Holy cow I was not ready for the tears that were shed
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