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Five Roads to Texas #2
After the Roads: Sidney’s Way, Volume 1
The survivors learned how to fight the infected, but not how to defeat the virus.
The Texas Safe Zone is home to four million refugees, trapped behind the walls of Fort Bliss – too many people and not enough food.
In a desperate gamble, the Army unit responsible for securing the walls begins to cast its net far and wide for pre-outbreak food storage locations. Not everyone will make it home.
For Sidney Bannister, the Safe Zone has become a nightmare that she can no longer endure. She must find a way to leave before her baby is born, or risk never experiencing freedom again.
Follow Sidney’s story from the Phalanx Press collaborative novel Five Roads to Texas.
The Texas Safe Zone is home to four million refugees, trapped behind the walls of Fort Bliss – too many people and not enough food.
In a desperate gamble, the Army unit responsible for securing the walls begins to cast its net far and wide for pre-outbreak food storage locations. Not everyone will make it home.
For Sidney Bannister, the Safe Zone has become a nightmare that she can no longer endure. She must find a way to leave before her baby is born, or risk never experiencing freedom again.
Follow Sidney’s story from the Phalanx Press collaborative novel Five Roads to Texas.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2018
247 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 18, 2021
Whew! This is the second book in the Five Roads to Texas series. It continues a few months after the first book, and you’d definitely want to listen to that one first and this review may have some spoilers to that one.
Things have started to degrade in society and Parker doesn’t pull any punches with the grim reality of mass warehousing of refugees, low food/resources, unchecked criminals, and hoards of infected. Sydney’s pregnancy is progressing and she’s concerned about staying in the military run camps vs out on her own. Without Lincoln and with her abrasive personality - it’s difficult to find allies.
Parker introduces new military and civilian characters as well as different locations. Various compelling stories converge in a particularly suspenseful & brutal confrontation. As with the previous books - even beloved characters aren’t safe. It was a sit on the edge of my seat listen.
I can’t wait for Ian’s story in For Which We Stand by Joseph Hansen.
I wish I could say something more unique about Andrew B Wehrlen’s narration for each book in the series - but it’s the same as last time: he’s a great fit for the series and I truly enjoy listening to his performance. He does a good job with all the voices & emotions.
Things have started to degrade in society and Parker doesn’t pull any punches with the grim reality of mass warehousing of refugees, low food/resources, unchecked criminals, and hoards of infected. Sydney’s pregnancy is progressing and she’s concerned about staying in the military run camps vs out on her own. Without Lincoln and with her abrasive personality - it’s difficult to find allies.
Parker introduces new military and civilian characters as well as different locations. Various compelling stories converge in a particularly suspenseful & brutal confrontation. As with the previous books - even beloved characters aren’t safe. It was a sit on the edge of my seat listen.
I can’t wait for Ian’s story in For Which We Stand by Joseph Hansen.
I wish I could say something more unique about Andrew B Wehrlen’s narration for each book in the series - but it’s the same as last time: he’s a great fit for the series and I truly enjoy listening to his performance. He does a good job with all the voices & emotions.
September 13, 2018
Sidney (Wagner) Bannister senses a great need to leave the shelter of Fort Bliss. Tensions are high among the refugees. Food is being rationed but won’t last much longer without bringing in supplies from far away warehouses. The land around the El Paso base isn’t suitable for growing crops. This isn’t the place where she wants to have her baby.
Parker’s novel, After the Roads: Sidney’s Way is the second book in the Five Roads to Texas series. The first novel was a compilation of stories by five different authors. Parkers book follows one path and that is of Sidney. It is very well written and edited. The story is riveting.
As with any story in this genre you expect to have blood, guts, and gore. This book goes beyond that and adds gross, nasty, and disgusting. It is most definitely for the mature of audiences. Areas of the most vile are brought to life. You have been forewarned.
There wasn’t as much Sidney as I expected. Sure, she’s scattered about here and there. But, the story goes into more depth with the other characters. The biggest complaint that I have is the stereotypical depiction of Carmen, a Puerto Rican woman.
Overall, it is a good book, and I am happy to endorse it.
5 out of 5 stars.
Parker’s novel, After the Roads: Sidney’s Way is the second book in the Five Roads to Texas series. The first novel was a compilation of stories by five different authors. Parkers book follows one path and that is of Sidney. It is very well written and edited. The story is riveting.
As with any story in this genre you expect to have blood, guts, and gore. This book goes beyond that and adds gross, nasty, and disgusting. It is most definitely for the mature of audiences. Areas of the most vile are brought to life. You have been forewarned.
There wasn’t as much Sidney as I expected. Sure, she’s scattered about here and there. But, the story goes into more depth with the other characters. The biggest complaint that I have is the stereotypical depiction of Carmen, a Puerto Rican woman.
Overall, it is a good book, and I am happy to endorse it.
5 out of 5 stars.
August 22, 2018
Great Follow Up to Five Roads To Texas
This one picks up where the impressive Five Roads collaboration ended. Great story, moves along quickly. I’m a fan of Brian Parker’s works and this belongs beside any of them!
This one picks up where the impressive Five Roads collaboration ended. Great story, moves along quickly. I’m a fan of Brian Parker’s works and this belongs beside any of them!
September 6, 2018
After the Roads is the story of Sidney Wagner, one of the survivors of the collapse of mankind when the apocalypse occurred. She was traveling from Washington, D.C. with her companion, Lincoln Bannister to Texas where they had heard safe places has been set up by the US Army. Unfortunately, Lincoln died after succumbing to the deadly virus after saving Sidney from one of the infected. Now all alone and pregnant, she traveled to Fort Bliss, Texas. Her story is one of horror as more and more of the undead come together in search of food. They will stop at nothing to turn all of the survivors into one of them. As Sidney finds out. Not all of those who are still alive have good intentions and she must fight to survive in this crazy…collapsing world not only for herself but for that of the unborn child she was carrying.
This is one helluva a story! Brian Parker brought this to life and painted a grim picture for the future of mankind, with all hope running out as the masses of infected surge forward and safe places disappear. I found this book very hard to put down once I started. I when I reached the ending I was so disappointed! NOT at the story or how it ended but because it did end! I am so looking forward to the next book about Sidney and those who are with her to continue her story. It is definitely one worth reading about. I do suggest reading Five Roads To Texas first though so you get the whole picture of how everything began and you can learn just what makes Sidney tick.
This is one helluva a story! Brian Parker brought this to life and painted a grim picture for the future of mankind, with all hope running out as the masses of infected surge forward and safe places disappear. I found this book very hard to put down once I started. I when I reached the ending I was so disappointed! NOT at the story or how it ended but because it did end! I am so looking forward to the next book about Sidney and those who are with her to continue her story. It is definitely one worth reading about. I do suggest reading Five Roads To Texas first though so you get the whole picture of how everything began and you can learn just what makes Sidney tick.
August 24, 2019
This book follows the further adventures of Sidney Bannister, one of the main characters in the first book "Five Roads to Texas". Sidney is 6 months pregnant and living in the severely overcrowded refugee camp near Fort Bliss, Texas. Sidney is alone (except for her intrepid cat, Rick James) because most in the camp think she is crazy (or just wildly antisocial). When she discovers that her pregnancy has left her with nothing to wear, she ventures to the edge of camp to try to find some clothes to cover her growing belly.
Fortunately for Sidney, she meets a sympathetic Army Sergeant and is able to get the supplies she needs. Unfortunately, a riot breaks out in the camp shortly after her return and the conditions become even more horrific. Caitlyn, the Sergeant, is able to get Sidney a job in the soldier's part of the Fort and her lot greatly improves. The differences between the refugee's situation and the soldier's is very apparent to anybody who bothers to look.
Lt. Jake Murphy is your typical soldier, just doing his job in the SHTF days of this apocalypse. After a bad decision, he is punished by being sent to the refugee camp. Doesn't that tell you something about the conditions in the camp? Soon, our main characters decide they have to get out of this situation, even if it means going out to fight the infected on their own.
There is also a side story of a Grandfather and his two granddaughters trying to survive on his farm in Kansas. Some truly unlikeable villains are introduced and the truth of trying to live in this post-apoc America is well described by the author. Once again, I realize that just when you really start to care about some of the characters, they die. I have come to expect this from the genre, but it is still heartbreaking.
The narrator, Andrew Wehrlen, is one of my favorites for this type of book. His pacing is perfect and keeps your attention throughout the book. The author, Brian Parker, does a great job with his descriptions of the conditions, the areas that the characters visit and the battles with the infected. But, he doesn't go over the top with military descriptions or unnecessary blood and gore (but it is a zombie book, after all!).
Even though this is a continuation of the first book, you really don't have to read it in that order. But, it is much more enjoyable if you do. I look forward to reading more books in this series because they are wildly entertaining. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book through Audiobook Boom! and chose to review it.
Fortunately for Sidney, she meets a sympathetic Army Sergeant and is able to get the supplies she needs. Unfortunately, a riot breaks out in the camp shortly after her return and the conditions become even more horrific. Caitlyn, the Sergeant, is able to get Sidney a job in the soldier's part of the Fort and her lot greatly improves. The differences between the refugee's situation and the soldier's is very apparent to anybody who bothers to look.
Lt. Jake Murphy is your typical soldier, just doing his job in the SHTF days of this apocalypse. After a bad decision, he is punished by being sent to the refugee camp. Doesn't that tell you something about the conditions in the camp? Soon, our main characters decide they have to get out of this situation, even if it means going out to fight the infected on their own.
There is also a side story of a Grandfather and his two granddaughters trying to survive on his farm in Kansas. Some truly unlikeable villains are introduced and the truth of trying to live in this post-apoc America is well described by the author. Once again, I realize that just when you really start to care about some of the characters, they die. I have come to expect this from the genre, but it is still heartbreaking.
The narrator, Andrew Wehrlen, is one of my favorites for this type of book. His pacing is perfect and keeps your attention throughout the book. The author, Brian Parker, does a great job with his descriptions of the conditions, the areas that the characters visit and the battles with the infected. But, he doesn't go over the top with military descriptions or unnecessary blood and gore (but it is a zombie book, after all!).
Even though this is a continuation of the first book, you really don't have to read it in that order. But, it is much more enjoyable if you do. I look forward to reading more books in this series because they are wildly entertaining. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book through Audiobook Boom! and chose to review it.
November 13, 2018
FRTT - the BEST New Series in the Genre!!
The FRTT series continues to rock the zombie apocalypse world with Sidney’s tale! It is everything the first (and third book) is. Action packed and fast-paced. With the most creative and surprising writing around. The best part — rich characters who keep you invested in the stories. And of course the infected. Just unique enough to keep you interested and consistently entertained. Although Sidney’s story is sort of light on the infected. Yes, they are definitely there, and there are more than enough infected scenes. But they take more of a backseat in lieu of the human story; they are supporting characters. There are surprisingly emotional moments built into the book as well.
((((((((Could maybe be sort of a spoiler, kind of.))))))))
**************
Now let’s talk about Sidney’s cat. This poor cat. Left the realm of realism in two ways. First - a cat living in a tent, 24/7, for MONTHSSSS. ??? Also, this point was never addressed. Second - for a woman that’s so incredibly disliked, well, on many of her forays away from her tent it seems MORE than plausible that something horrible would happen to Mr. Kitty. About a dozen disgusting possibilities immediately pop to mind. On one hand I’m kinda glad it didn’t happen as it would be horrible to read about, on the other hand it would have made perfect sense that it did.
**************
((((((((Over.))))))))
I’m so disappointed in the end. It seems to make no sense in regard to the quality of the FRTT series?? This is no spoiler at all. The very end is just so unbelievable within the realm of an apocalyptic world. It pulls you right out of the story. I have no clue what the author was thinking?? I’ll let you decide what you think....
That said, I’ll still be anxiously awaiting the next installment of Sidney’s tale. Even though I may be rolling my eyes through the first chunk of it. Once that bridge between the two books is crossed, I’m sure we’ll get back on track to all that is great within the story.
Wait... Sidney’s baby. We don’t know the baby’s name yet, do we??? Hmmmm..... interesting...... :)
The FRTT series continues to rock the zombie apocalypse world with Sidney’s tale! It is everything the first (and third book) is. Action packed and fast-paced. With the most creative and surprising writing around. The best part — rich characters who keep you invested in the stories. And of course the infected. Just unique enough to keep you interested and consistently entertained. Although Sidney’s story is sort of light on the infected. Yes, they are definitely there, and there are more than enough infected scenes. But they take more of a backseat in lieu of the human story; they are supporting characters. There are surprisingly emotional moments built into the book as well.
((((((((Could maybe be sort of a spoiler, kind of.))))))))
**************
Now let’s talk about Sidney’s cat. This poor cat. Left the realm of realism in two ways. First - a cat living in a tent, 24/7, for MONTHSSSS. ??? Also, this point was never addressed. Second - for a woman that’s so incredibly disliked, well, on many of her forays away from her tent it seems MORE than plausible that something horrible would happen to Mr. Kitty. About a dozen disgusting possibilities immediately pop to mind. On one hand I’m kinda glad it didn’t happen as it would be horrible to read about, on the other hand it would have made perfect sense that it did.
**************
((((((((Over.))))))))
I’m so disappointed in the end. It seems to make no sense in regard to the quality of the FRTT series?? This is no spoiler at all. The very end is just so unbelievable within the realm of an apocalyptic world. It pulls you right out of the story. I have no clue what the author was thinking?? I’ll let you decide what you think....
That said, I’ll still be anxiously awaiting the next installment of Sidney’s tale. Even though I may be rolling my eyes through the first chunk of it. Once that bridge between the two books is crossed, I’m sure we’ll get back on track to all that is great within the story.
Wait... Sidney’s baby. We don’t know the baby’s name yet, do we??? Hmmmm..... interesting...... :)
September 30, 2018
After the Roads focuses on the refugee camp at Fort Bliss, Texas. Initially the camp was designed to hold a maximum of one million people with additional camps outside the wire to handle any overflow. The camp now houses four million refugees! Food is running low, supplies non-existent. Our gal Sydney is six months pregnant and manages to maintain her reputation as an obstinate biatch. The soldiers live in barracks outside the camp maintaining a minimal supply of food and materials. Should the refugees discover this biased treatment, all hell would break loose. The military is aware of the issues and is at a loss on how or if the situation can be remedied. Where to acquire more food and how to make what remains last longer? In the meantime Sydney considers getting out of Dodge. Will she make it? This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
January 2, 2023
Action packed romp through a zombie apocalypse
This is an action packed romp through a zombie apocalypse. A great cast of characters and an action pack storyline. Following different groups of survivors as they make your way towards El Paso Texas. He supposed safe place for survivors. Yet is it truly safe. Nearly 4,000,000 survivors are hold up Inside the base with food running short and tempers flaring up. Read on and follow the action as we find out how our survivors are getting by. As in any apocalypse it’s not only the zombies you have to watch out for. It’s the vile humans and the corrupt people still running around out there. Oh and by the way don’t get too attached to any one character as they may not make it. Read on and enjoy.
This is an action packed romp through a zombie apocalypse. A great cast of characters and an action pack storyline. Following different groups of survivors as they make your way towards El Paso Texas. He supposed safe place for survivors. Yet is it truly safe. Nearly 4,000,000 survivors are hold up Inside the base with food running short and tempers flaring up. Read on and follow the action as we find out how our survivors are getting by. As in any apocalypse it’s not only the zombies you have to watch out for. It’s the vile humans and the corrupt people still running around out there. Oh and by the way don’t get too attached to any one character as they may not make it. Read on and enjoy.
September 16, 2018
After the Roads A Five Roads to Texas Novel
: Brian Parker
This is a continuation of A Five Roads to Texas. Unfortunately I didn't read that first. I might of had a better perspective if I had. Thus being said.....
the listener is taken on a journey of survival after the apocalypse. Lots of action, drama, suspense, and a touch of romance keeps the listener engaged. When I find time I will go back and listen to the first book.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Andrew B. Wehrlen brought the story to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Brian Parker
This is a continuation of A Five Roads to Texas. Unfortunately I didn't read that first. I might of had a better perspective if I had. Thus being said.....
the listener is taken on a journey of survival after the apocalypse. Lots of action, drama, suspense, and a touch of romance keeps the listener engaged. When I find time I will go back and listen to the first book.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Andrew B. Wehrlen brought the story to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 3, 2019
Sharp characters that you care about = even in the masses of the Apocalypse!
The main character was well sketched out in the original tome, Five Roads to Texas. Now we learn about life behind steel container walls, while everything outside wants to just literally tear her apart & almost everyone inside hates her. But it's not everyone, and those very few will quickly become the family that she needs to entrust with not only her life, but the life of her soon to be born child. When the Primals are tearing the world apart, it's amazing the impact a few good men (and women) can have in the neighborhood.
The main character was well sketched out in the original tome, Five Roads to Texas. Now we learn about life behind steel container walls, while everything outside wants to just literally tear her apart & almost everyone inside hates her. But it's not everyone, and those very few will quickly become the family that she needs to entrust with not only her life, but the life of her soon to be born child. When the Primals are tearing the world apart, it's amazing the impact a few good men (and women) can have in the neighborhood.
June 28, 2021
Read : June 29, 2021
Rating : 2,5 Stars
I had such high hopes for the rest of this series and thought we'd be following the survivors the same as the first book.
This is obviously not the case and we started of with the character that I had no connection with in book 1.
I still read and finished it but I didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much as book 1.
Sidney annoyed me to no end and the rest of the characters featured here are little better.
I might read another one in this series but definitely not one about Sidney.
Rating : 2,5 Stars
I had such high hopes for the rest of this series and thought we'd be following the survivors the same as the first book.
This is obviously not the case and we started of with the character that I had no connection with in book 1.
I still read and finished it but I didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much as book 1.
Sidney annoyed me to no end and the rest of the characters featured here are little better.
I might read another one in this series but definitely not one about Sidney.
September 12, 2018
With 4 million survivors packed in Fort Bliss and dwindling supplies, Sidney decides it's time to risk surviving outside the walls. Gaining some aid a small group decide to leave and strike out on their own with the hopes of finding somewhere safe to survive. All the characters were great in the five road novels and Sidney is one tough woman. Great story, I am looking forward to the rest of this series. This is a must read series.
October 1, 2018
Yeah more Sidney.... but not enough of her. We did get to meet many new characters. We got to experience life outside of & within the walls of the safe zone. We lost a few people we began to really care about and the fate of some are unknown. Ready for the next chapter in this series.
Andrew did and excellent job narrating as usual.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher/author but voluntarily give my honest review.
Andrew did and excellent job narrating as usual.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher/author but voluntarily give my honest review.
October 19, 2018
A fitting sequel to Five Roads to Texas! Outstanding
I found this second book very much to my liking, it blended in seamlessly with book one and the characters are outstanding, I really felt like I was watch the scenes unfold in my head as I read the story. This is the first book I read by this author and I’m sure it’s not going to be my last as he is a true wordsmith in the best way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys zombies with a military flare
I found this second book very much to my liking, it blended in seamlessly with book one and the characters are outstanding, I really felt like I was watch the scenes unfold in my head as I read the story. This is the first book I read by this author and I’m sure it’s not going to be my last as he is a true wordsmith in the best way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys zombies with a military flare
July 21, 2019
Another fine read
This book follows Sydney with Lt.Jake and his little group of survivors as they make decisions that some of them will not come back from. This fast paced story will continue to evolve from the beginning to the end.. just don’t expect any one to be safe in this world of death and deviance.
This book follows Sydney with Lt.Jake and his little group of survivors as they make decisions that some of them will not come back from. This fast paced story will continue to evolve from the beginning to the end.. just don’t expect any one to be safe in this world of death and deviance.
November 16, 2019
I want to be clear, I like this series (so far). It has pretty interesting and varied enough characters to keep me coming back. It's handling of the zombie tropes is also pretty good, with the "flu" variation which isn't strictly speaking reanimation of the dead, but a dying of the system such that the lizard brain is the only remnant.
Plus it's in Texas.
Plus it's in Texas.
August 17, 2018
Loved it
So excited to read more about Sidney. This book was great. It was well written with great characters that we first met in Five Roads to Texas. What this group of authors are doing with this series is amazing and I look forward to reading more!
So excited to read more about Sidney. This book was great. It was well written with great characters that we first met in Five Roads to Texas. What this group of authors are doing with this series is amazing and I look forward to reading more!
August 29, 2018
Excellent installment
Hard hitting and fast paced LTC Parker brings you a view of the darker side leaving questions about obligations of duty versus humanity. Book 2 of the saga keeps the intrigue alive.
Hard hitting and fast paced LTC Parker brings you a view of the darker side leaving questions about obligations of duty versus humanity. Book 2 of the saga keeps the intrigue alive.
August 31, 2018
Outstanding
A follow up book to Five Roads To Texas, I loved it! Well written fast paced action from beginning to end! The zombie apocalypse has occurred what do you do? Brian Parker has done an excellent job with this follow up
A follow up book to Five Roads To Texas, I loved it! Well written fast paced action from beginning to end! The zombie apocalypse has occurred what do you do? Brian Parker has done an excellent job with this follow up
September 5, 2018
Sydney's Way
I have really enjoyed reading this second book in this series.....except for the list of two lives that I really liked. The roads led into Texas and out again! I can't wait to read more about Sidney and the baby. Now I'm to the third book.
I have really enjoyed reading this second book in this series.....except for the list of two lives that I really liked. The roads led into Texas and out again! I can't wait to read more about Sidney and the baby. Now I'm to the third book.
March 20, 2022
Great read
I loved this book. It captures your attention right away. I can't wait to see what happens next. I hope they all survive even though one of my favorite characters didn't make it.
I loved this book. It captures your attention right away. I can't wait to see what happens next. I hope they all survive even though one of my favorite characters didn't make it.
December 8, 2025
Great beginning for a new Apocalypse series!
Fresh hand exciting action driven series that shows excellent character development and relevant.and timely addressing of social issues now and in the coming future....
Fresh hand exciting action driven series that shows excellent character development and relevant.and timely addressing of social issues now and in the coming future....
August 24, 2018
I liked it.
Interesting characters who are survivors in a very difficult situation doing the best they can to survive & doing whatever is necessary to ensure their survival.
Interesting characters who are survivors in a very difficult situation doing the best they can to survive & doing whatever is necessary to ensure their survival.
August 20, 2018
Interesting Read
Not really into zombies, but this was totally different. Good characters. Great storyline. Interesting twist using a man's oath to his country vs morally right.
Not really into zombies, but this was totally different. Good characters. Great storyline. Interesting twist using a man's oath to his country vs morally right.
November 10, 2018
Loved it! I really like Sidney and am looking forward to more of her story. Andrew B Wehrlen was a fine narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
November 27, 2018
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
January 2, 2019
A great read
Love the 1st one and the second book was just as exciting as book 1 ,Jake And Sydney's adventure keeps on keeping on.
Love the 1st one and the second book was just as exciting as book 1 ,Jake And Sydney's adventure keeps on keeping on.
May 23, 2019
Well Done
It's a great follow up to the first book. Don't get attached to any character, you'll need a tissue. I really enjoyed the flow of the book, very well written.
It's a great follow up to the first book. Don't get attached to any character, you'll need a tissue. I really enjoyed the flow of the book, very well written.
March 15, 2020
Great read
I was not sure if I was going to like this series but I have to say so far it's been great,
I was not sure if I was going to like this series but I have to say so far it's been great,
March 9, 2022
Meh. Still short some character development which could make the book a lot better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews