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Wasteland #0.5
Addict of the Wasteland
A tale of survival and recovery in a post-apocalyptic world.
When a drug addict attempts to trade with a Christian settlement, its leader vows to help him get off the deadly and highly-addictive drug, plez.
Addict of the Wasteland is a story of hope and redemption set against a bleak dystopian world.
This is a prequel novella to Jon Cronshaw's Wasteland series.
When a drug addict attempts to trade with a Christian settlement, its leader vows to help him get off the deadly and highly-addictive drug, plez.
Addict of the Wasteland is a story of hope and redemption set against a bleak dystopian world.
This is a prequel novella to Jon Cronshaw's Wasteland series.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2017
36 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Jon Cronshaw
105 books140 followersJon Cronshaw is a British science fiction and fantasy author based in the north of England, just south of the wall.
As a freelance features writer, he has had work published in local and national newspapers across the UK, including the Yorkshire Post and the Guardian.
He earned his PhD in history of art from the University of Leeds in 2011, focusing on the life and work of Anglo-American sculptor, Jacob Epstein (1880-1959).
He's a voracious reader, guide dog owner, ex-gamer, and wrestling fan.
As a freelance features writer, he has had work published in local and national newspapers across the UK, including the Yorkshire Post and the Guardian.
He earned his PhD in history of art from the University of Leeds in 2011, focusing on the life and work of Anglo-American sculptor, Jacob Epstein (1880-1959).
He's a voracious reader, guide dog owner, ex-gamer, and wrestling fan.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 18, 2025
I happened on this prequel after I had finished all the other books in the series. I liked the prequel best of all the "Wasteland" books. At this point we are simply learning who the characters are, their back stories and there is still some hope things will turn out well. Later in the series I felt Cronshaw made too many bad decisions about the directions of his character's story arcs.
Throughout this book the character we later come to know as "Abel" is referred to only as "the addict." This confused me at first until I realized it was a rebirth story in which Abel has no separate identity from the highly addictive drug "Plez" that controls everything in his thoughts and life.
I've read other reviews during the series that complained the author never explains why there are bomb craters everywhere. Perhaps he thought readers wouldn't care. But, I have to agree that I would have liked a little more information about what happened in the "before times." I had assumed there was a nuclear war until this book explains the settlement of Trinity lies within a massive crater. It isn't clear how much time has gone by, but we learn later that lots of things from "before" still exist, e.g., firearms and other common items. If its been no longer than that the nuclear bomb craters would probably still be too radioactive to support life and crops. So, where did the craters come from? Alien bombardment from orbit? The mind runs wild and that is why I would have liked at least a vague reference to what happened.
In conclusion, if you are going to commit to reading the entire series, and you have the opportunity, then I recommend you read this prequel first. It provides background that would be helpful later in the story.
Throughout this book the character we later come to know as "Abel" is referred to only as "the addict." This confused me at first until I realized it was a rebirth story in which Abel has no separate identity from the highly addictive drug "Plez" that controls everything in his thoughts and life.
I've read other reviews during the series that complained the author never explains why there are bomb craters everywhere. Perhaps he thought readers wouldn't care. But, I have to agree that I would have liked a little more information about what happened in the "before times." I had assumed there was a nuclear war until this book explains the settlement of Trinity lies within a massive crater. It isn't clear how much time has gone by, but we learn later that lots of things from "before" still exist, e.g., firearms and other common items. If its been no longer than that the nuclear bomb craters would probably still be too radioactive to support life and crops. So, where did the craters come from? Alien bombardment from orbit? The mind runs wild and that is why I would have liked at least a vague reference to what happened.
In conclusion, if you are going to commit to reading the entire series, and you have the opportunity, then I recommend you read this prequel first. It provides background that would be helpful later in the story.
March 16, 2017
4 Stars
An excellent post-apocalyptic about a drug addict. This is a fairly short read, but it keeps you engaged throughout. I hope another book will be coming soon with Abel in it. I did feel that more description could have been added.
An excellent post-apocalyptic about a drug addict. This is a fairly short read, but it keeps you engaged throughout. I hope another book will be coming soon with Abel in it. I did feel that more description could have been added.
April 9, 2021
An interesting and unique post-apocalyptic story about a drug addict seeking a fix but quickly finds redemption and a new path in life.
The plot was fairly simple with a heavy religious feel to it. I guess that was expected though as the MC does get clean in a Christian settlement. Initially, this religious tone got annoying but by the end I was willing to overlook it. If this heavy Christian feel continues in the series I will be putting the series down as DNF.
The MC was interesting but nothing special or defining. Considering how short the story was there couldn’t be too much character development.
Nothing was explained about the cause of societal collapse. There are craters and a wasteland so I’m going to guess it was bombing or war of some sort. I really hope later in the series the cause of the end of the war is explained.
Overall this was an okay story. A good prequel that left me interested in continuing the series.
The plot was fairly simple with a heavy religious feel to it. I guess that was expected though as the MC does get clean in a Christian settlement. Initially, this religious tone got annoying but by the end I was willing to overlook it. If this heavy Christian feel continues in the series I will be putting the series down as DNF.
The MC was interesting but nothing special or defining. Considering how short the story was there couldn’t be too much character development.
Nothing was explained about the cause of societal collapse. There are craters and a wasteland so I’m going to guess it was bombing or war of some sort. I really hope later in the series the cause of the end of the war is explained.
Overall this was an okay story. A good prequel that left me interested in continuing the series.
August 14, 2018
Short story, short review.
Pretty good, the author writes a post-apocalyptic tale of an addict hunting the titular wasteland for booty to exchange for his drug of choice, plez. He comes across a settlement that offers to take him in if he gives up his old ways. Can he stay the course, or will his addict ways hold him back?
This is a prequel to the author's Wasteland series (which I haven't read) and is written well, but gives little information about world (likely by design). A good jumping off point for starters, but I can't honestly say if it adds anything to the overall plot of the series.
Pretty good, the author writes a post-apocalyptic tale of an addict hunting the titular wasteland for booty to exchange for his drug of choice, plez. He comes across a settlement that offers to take him in if he gives up his old ways. Can he stay the course, or will his addict ways hold him back?
This is a prequel to the author's Wasteland series (which I haven't read) and is written well, but gives little information about world (likely by design). A good jumping off point for starters, but I can't honestly say if it adds anything to the overall plot of the series.
September 1, 2018
Another short prequel to a series - this one somewhat more satisfying than The Fool, largely because it rounds out an episode and sets up for the next. Unspecified apocalypse but seemingly involving bombs (there are craters). Abl (the mostly anonymous protagonist is a plez addict, wandering to find stuff to trade for his next fix when he shelters at a Christian community who help him with his withdrawal. The least believable part is when he is encouraged to read again - with Moby Dick!
December 13, 2021
This unique short story grabbed my attention on page one and held it tightly to the very last words. It is a prequel to Jon Cronshaw’s Wasteland series and it’s purpose is to entertain and seduce the reader to want more. It definitely worked its magic on me, I am looking forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with Jon’s dystopian world.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
December 12, 2018
~IMO~ and NO SPOILERS!
I rarely give a prequel higher than three stars but this one deserves it. If for no other reason than it is meticulously edited, ADDICT OF THE WASTELAND earned its four stars. Cronshaw's writing is clear and concise which emphasizes the desperation of life in a post-apocalyptic world. I particularly like that he chose to tell this story in the third person present voice. The reader is enabled to feel an intimacy with the characters while the writer maintains his omniscience. I feel already that this is another dystopian series that will break my heart but I can't resist! On to Book 1, WIZARD OF THE WASTELAND.
I rarely give a prequel higher than three stars but this one deserves it. If for no other reason than it is meticulously edited, ADDICT OF THE WASTELAND earned its four stars. Cronshaw's writing is clear and concise which emphasizes the desperation of life in a post-apocalyptic world. I particularly like that he chose to tell this story in the third person present voice. The reader is enabled to feel an intimacy with the characters while the writer maintains his omniscience. I feel already that this is another dystopian series that will break my heart but I can't resist! On to Book 1, WIZARD OF THE WASTELAND.
December 15, 2017
This short story is a surprisingly hopeful one, given that it deals with a drug addict in a post-apocalyptic world. As a prequel to Cronshaw's longer series, Addict packs a powerful punch in a few short pages.
August 25, 2018
When an addict shows up at Trinity to bargain for drugs he is offered instead support for withdrawal. Withdrawal is painful but to stay on drugs will only lead to death. Can he find the will to go on living? Is God an answer?
A cut above most freebies I've been offered.
A cut above most freebies I've been offered.
September 11, 2018
This .....
....book is a great beginning for the Wasteland Series! The characters become real under the authors hand. I'm sure the rest of the series will be just as enjoyable as this book was!!!
....book is a great beginning for the Wasteland Series! The characters become real under the authors hand. I'm sure the rest of the series will be just as enjoyable as this book was!!!
January 22, 2019
A very well written novella that serves as the prequel to Jon Cronshaw's Wasteland series. This story will hook you from the first page and will get you cheering for the addict once you get to know him.
I reviewed a copy from the author for signing up for his email list and chose to post a review.
I reviewed a copy from the author for signing up for his email list and chose to post a review.
February 15, 2019
Alcohol annonomus
I chose this book because it was free and that was to much. The sad thing is that I read it ...well most of it till it made me sick. What makes this person think he can write a book. He should be preaching in some religious fanatical church.
I chose this book because it was free and that was to much. The sad thing is that I read it ...well most of it till it made me sick. What makes this person think he can write a book. He should be preaching in some religious fanatical church.
June 12, 2017
This is a good start for the series and I really look forward to reading the first book "Wizard of the Wasteland".
March 14, 2018
God, much?
June 9, 2018
This prequel was informative and somewhat true to form. I loved it.
September 15, 2018
Not sure how this short story got such a high average rating. A very religious description of a drug withdrawal in a destroyed city
February 7, 2019
Great read
I loved this mini book and what it shows from before the books. I can’t wait to dive into the series! Shows great promise!
I loved this mini book and what it shows from before the books. I can’t wait to dive into the series! Shows great promise!
August 14, 2021
An excellent introduction to the main characters.
It also deals with some of the issues we find in our current society.
Post apocalyptic this is a dystopian tale.
It also deals with some of the issues we find in our current society.
Post apocalyptic this is a dystopian tale.
August 14, 2021
A short book but I loved it.
October 25, 2021
I enjoyed this short story and am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
October 11, 2022
Good short story. Definitely keeps you interested.
Will look for more in this series.
Will look for more in this series.
February 23, 2023
Excellent introduction to the main character of the series. Reading 'the addict' over and over again was tough, but it's a short read.
July 21, 2020
Abel is one of many who are addicted to plez, willing to do anything in the wasteland in order to get more of it. After refusing to rob a pregnant woman of her food and water, he finds a Christian settlement, full of people determined to get him off of the plez. But no one gets off the plez without suffering, and Abel is not sure if he will be able to do it at all.
This novella truly delved into the horrors of drug addiction, even though the story takes place in a dystopian universe. It shows that even though someone may want to stop doing a drug, it is not as easy as simply quitting. Even though I have never known anyone going through rehab, nor have I gone through rehab myself, I could put myself in Abel’s shoes through this story. By telling it through his perspective, it was easy to see the depth and horrors of the wasteland.
I would recommend this novella to anyone who is looking to start a new dystopian adventure series that also discusses real issues such as drug addiction.
This novella truly delved into the horrors of drug addiction, even though the story takes place in a dystopian universe. It shows that even though someone may want to stop doing a drug, it is not as easy as simply quitting. Even though I have never known anyone going through rehab, nor have I gone through rehab myself, I could put myself in Abel’s shoes through this story. By telling it through his perspective, it was easy to see the depth and horrors of the wasteland.
I would recommend this novella to anyone who is looking to start a new dystopian adventure series that also discusses real issues such as drug addiction.
April 1, 2017
Uncaged Book Reviews:
This short story is a prequel to the upcoming novel, Wizard of the Wasteland, and it’s a free read by signing up for the newsletter. It’s a good short story – a dystopian world where many are addicted to a drug called plez. An addict finds temporary sanctuary but he’ll have to kick his addiction to stay.
A lot happens in a short amount of time, and the author does a good job with it. It also did a good job getting my interest up for the main novel coming in 2017. Reviewed by Cyrene
Full review at UncagedBooks.com
This short story is a prequel to the upcoming novel, Wizard of the Wasteland, and it’s a free read by signing up for the newsletter. It’s a good short story – a dystopian world where many are addicted to a drug called plez. An addict finds temporary sanctuary but he’ll have to kick his addiction to stay.
A lot happens in a short amount of time, and the author does a good job with it. It also did a good job getting my interest up for the main novel coming in 2017. Reviewed by Cyrene
Full review at UncagedBooks.com
April 3, 2017
Good short story
April 15, 2017
Good plot but a little disjointed
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews