The Bitter Earth

Graham's Resolution #5

by A.R. Shaw

"I sit by the campfire, reminiscing about the past as I watch the flames dance. It's been eight long years since the world as we knew it ended, and things have changed a lot. Our group of survivors has dwindled down, but we've managed to make a life for ourselves out here in the wilderness. I can't even let my mind wander to Tala now, as I hold our daughter in my arms...

Sheriff, our loyal companion, lies at my feet, and I can't help but wonder about his original owner. How did he end up alone on that deserted highway? It's a mystery we'll likely never solve.

I looked over at Bang, who is now a man. It's hard to believe that he was once just a scared little boy."

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Fiction

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2018

About the author

Author of Unfortunate Peril

Reviews

[Marcy Evick]

This book is an interesting contribution to the series. The first half is a prequel and the second half picks up 8 years from where the previous book ended. What I really found distracting were all the typos, words of wrong tense, and a myriad of other editing errors. Well, I don’t know if error is the right word. I suspect the book was never edited properly. It possibly wasn’t even proofread and I found that extremely distracting because I’m not talking about one or two errors, but dozens, throughout the entire book.

[LitLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sooooo incredibly disappointed . . . I actually stopped reading at the break point, when it said, "8 Years Later" ~ because I'd read it's a cliff-hanger. NOWHERE did it SAY it was a cliff-hanger, of course, except in some comments, but I'm just not ready to wait for a resolution ~ so I read the 'before' part ~ almost a prequel ~ and stopped.

I'm quite happy with the learning about where they all came from, and how it all came about, but . . . . it's pretty easy to see that if Ms Shaw DOES continue this with another book, the 'new' characters we're meeting now will 'show up' and somehow become part of Graham's Clan: perhaps the sister will become involved with Sam? The girls would be about the same age to be friends, at least, if not sisters . . . if she writes another one, I'll probably come back and read the "8 Years Later" part before the next book ~ probably . . . . maybe . . . . possibly . . . .

[Gillian Fewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compulsive reading

I couldn't wait to turn the next page, read the next chapter. A must-read, exciting rollercoaster. Roll on book 7.

[Cathy Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, from page one of book one I have been hooked. Most post apocalyptic novels stop after the survivors have settled somewhere. This series has followed their lives and we have discovered the cause of the pandemic and explored human nature when faced with imminent death. Our small group has grown over the series but we have also lost some favourite characters.

This book is in 2 halves, 2 short stories if you like. The first half is a prequel to the whole series. In it we learn a bit more about the preppers and also are presented with some new names that I am sure we will be hearing more about in future books.

The second half catches up with our survivors and we find out how they have developed over the 8 years following the attacks. But once again they find themselves running for their lives but to where, and who will make it out alive, we will have to wait until book 6 to find out.

Great read well worth 5 stars.

[Denise Fournier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am literally hooked on this series. I read the kindle version of this book and it was horrendous! It was loaded with misspellings, grammar errors and incorrect usage of words! It was like it was totally unedited! It was so tough to read I nearly put it down several times, despite the compelling storyline. The other books until now we’re not like this.

[Debra Piller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did anyone proofread this book?

I have never read a book with so many typos and errors. Completely spoiled the book for me , I feel cheated out of the over £4 it cost. when the first 4 in the series were included in kindle unlimited I decided to buy this to carry on the story but I won’t be paying for any more

[Chessy The Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaw’s fifth installment in the Graham's Resolution series, The Bitter Earth: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller masterfully blends the past and the future with a prequel and a sequel of the beloved tale into one novel. The prequel introduces us to some new characters as well as gives us insight into some of our old favorites. We meet Officer Lincoln Archer, Sheriff’s partner before the pandemic. Clarisse’s character is fleshed out even more. And, of course, the ever lovable Sheriff has his backstory brought to life.

The sequel continues eight years after book four with our intrepid cast of characters still struggling to survive in the new world. A lot has happened and we are quickly brought up to speed. Without the pre-pandemic world conveniences, life is much harsher and sometimes deadlier. Just when it looks like things have settled down in this new way of life an old/new nemesis rears their ugly head.

Shaw delivers another blockbuster story with The Bitter Earth. She leaves us chomping at the bit for even more.

5 out of 5 stars.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting dichotomy. The first half is a prequel that provides backstory of several major characters when the global pandemic that killed 80+% of humanity hit.

The second half is set eight years after book #4 ended. Some characters are now grown up, some have married, some have had children, some have moved etc. Meanwhile, survivors are piecing together low technology lives in what's left of the infrastructure.

Character development is good. The book could use a better editor (wrong words, misspelling, etc).

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read.

I haven't read a lot of A.R. Shaw books but after reading the first four books of Graham's Resolution series which were amazing I decided to treat myself to a few of her books and by a few, I mean all of her books that are serialized and they were also a fantastic price. This is an amazing story I just got hooked so quickly that I don't want to talk to anyone. Anyway, this is a brilliant story and once you start I bet you will just keep reading on and on. I truly recommend this author and this series.

[Bill Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing. The rest of the series builds well; This is mere connective tissue Between the beginning of the series and what, one hopes, will be continued story development. Alas you won’t find much of that here.

All in all, this reads as if the author had some leftover material and decided to stitch it together and sell it as the latest addition too the series. Not worth the price of admission.

[Pamela Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Earth

A highly recommended read. The journey continues, with old and new characters in place to help the reader keep track of their challenges and learn how to grow, teach and learn old and new.
A definite must read in the Series Grahms Resolution,book 5 is as moving and addictive as 1 through book 4.
Do your self a favor Read them all. Happy reading
Great great author A R Shaw

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way that it was spilt into two and it did provide a lot more background and answered a lot of questions that I had. I kept trying to guess how the characters fitted in.

I am currently just devouring this series and this book is a return to the form of the previous books so book 4 felt a blip.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written too fast?

I am a huge fan of Grahams Resolution. This one seemed to be written without as much thought as the others. Rather disappointing. The promise of book 6 leaves this fan hoping for more.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

T he discontinued...

So glad I came across this book. I read the series & enjoyed it very much.
Nice to see what's going on with the characters from earlier.
Also have new character! I can't wait to follow these guys too!

[Sherry P. Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, book 5

I am so happy that the author has continued with this series. I have read all previous books and I must say that this story has been one of my favorites. Thanks to the author i feel that I know all of the characters personally. I would recommend these books.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok not much New and I'm glad I didn't spend much on this feeling like I was taken

And not feeling very good about it . Only writing more to get this review to meet the minimalist of words . Not happy

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bitter Earth review

The Bitter Earth is the fifth post apocalyptic survival book in the Graham's Resolution series written by author A. R. Shaw. Looking forward to reading book six.

[Vivian Byfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

A really good read. A very good storyteller, all to believable. I recommend the series, you must read from book one to get the complete story. I also enjoyed the strong female characters.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series!

This series is one that you cannot wait for the next chapter. Awesome characters that make you believe you've known them forever. Cannot wait for the next book in the series!

[Sandy Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting read!

I liked how this book went back to the beginning and then caught up where they left off after Malefic Nation. The imagery and emotions make me feel like I’m there, and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Carol Cuthbert]

Great read

Another great instalment in the Graham's Resolution series. I live post apocalyptic fiction and this series does not disappoint. My only teeny issue is I feel I just started this book and too soon it finished- I want more!

[Steve Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

resolved to finish the book

I have to admit I found the format of this book a mite tiresome so five stars might seem odd. However, it seems a lot was resolved toward the end and five stars are worthy of the writing and the research

[paula ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confused at start

Started book and it was like a confusing flashback, but then you are reintroduced to our friends eight years later. This book went fast. I liked it. Now, onward....

[paul potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

Yet another good read, from the master of post apocalyptic writing. Once again, it was a book I couldn't put down once I'd started, my only disappointment was it ended so quickly. Keep up the great work.

[scott Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Another great book in the series! Can't wait for the next one! A.R. Shaw never lets you down in her writing ability.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #5

At first I thought this should be book #1. Fooled me. Great background on the beginning. It flowed to the next direction of the story. Loving it.

[LYNDA CONLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham resolution series

I enjoyed the series,can't wait for book 6 in the series. I glad the series was not another zombie apocalypse.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Only problem was it left me hanging. I can't wait for book 6!

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series

This has been one of the best and most enjoyable post-apocalyptic series I've read in a long time. I highly recommend it!

[Joe Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Had read the 4 books before this one and enjoyed them all. This did not disappoint..looking forward to the next in the series.