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After-Skirmish #0.5
The No-Zone: A Post-Apocalyptic Anthology
A mercenary unit with shaky unity prepares to make their last stand in a hostile mission area.
An ambitious politician takes desperate measures to assume power.
And a young derby driver navigates the chaotic, competitive society he lives in.
Set 3 years before the events of 'The Big Waste' the No-Zone is a 3 short-story anthology set in the 'After-Skirmish' world. This is an essential complementary material for those who have read The Big Waste but also a great starting point for those who are new to the multi-layered post-apocalyptic universe. Action, Intrigue, Violence, Ambition, Romance, Betrayal, and Terror can be found in this trio of tales.
Disclaimer:
This book contains moderate violence, threat, explicit sexual activity (both M/F and F/F), strong language, and morally ambiguous decisions in the context of a post-apocalyptic world.
An ambitious politician takes desperate measures to assume power.
And a young derby driver navigates the chaotic, competitive society he lives in.
Set 3 years before the events of 'The Big Waste' the No-Zone is a 3 short-story anthology set in the 'After-Skirmish' world. This is an essential complementary material for those who have read The Big Waste but also a great starting point for those who are new to the multi-layered post-apocalyptic universe. Action, Intrigue, Violence, Ambition, Romance, Betrayal, and Terror can be found in this trio of tales.
Disclaimer:
This book contains moderate violence, threat, explicit sexual activity (both M/F and F/F), strong language, and morally ambiguous decisions in the context of a post-apocalyptic world.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2020
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20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 27, 2020
"Do it for the right reasons. Don't stop moving forward, find the goals that make sense".
In a world full of problems, hesitations, hallucinations, pandemic and drama, we need something that can help us to move forward and think of something positive.
The three short stories built the foundation of the Big Waste. It answer some questions that tickles my mind when I was reading the book. This book will transport you in "fast and the furious" world but with an apocalyptic background. The world building is incredible good. And with some great s*x and lgbt combi... This is a great treat for you.
A prequel that is out of ordinary. Maybe the lack of the white wolf is amiss. But the future is something to look forward to...
The book was provided by the author for review but everything written is my own point of view. God bless and stay safe everyone.
In a world full of problems, hesitations, hallucinations, pandemic and drama, we need something that can help us to move forward and think of something positive.
The three short stories built the foundation of the Big Waste. It answer some questions that tickles my mind when I was reading the book. This book will transport you in "fast and the furious" world but with an apocalyptic background. The world building is incredible good. And with some great s*x and lgbt combi... This is a great treat for you.
A prequel that is out of ordinary. Maybe the lack of the white wolf is amiss. But the future is something to look forward to...
The book was provided by the author for review but everything written is my own point of view. God bless and stay safe everyone.
September 23, 2020
The prequel to 18+ dystopian The Big Waste comprising short stories of mutant politics and Iggy's rise to the Demolition Derby. A quick-read, gruesome and sexually-explicit, great for fans of The Big Waste or those wanting a taste of what the series is about.
May 18, 2020
I promise I'm not biased in anyway...
But I find this to be a really good companion piece to the After-Skirmish series, 3 short stories which build upon the lore of the world established in the Big-Waste! Once again very proud of the artwork provided by Martin Sobr!
5 stars from me!
But I find this to be a really good companion piece to the After-Skirmish series, 3 short stories which build upon the lore of the world established in the Big-Waste! Once again very proud of the artwork provided by Martin Sobr!
5 stars from me!
July 30, 2020
I was so fortunate to be able to get an early copy of this anthology! I have not read book 1 of the After-Skirmish series, yet, but after reading this, I definitely will!! This was so well written and there was never a dull moment! I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happens to the characters in the stories. I recommend The No-Zone to anyone! :)
April 10, 2021
A good start to this exciting end of the world adventure! Strong female characters & an interesting storyline! An enjoyable quick read! I will look forward to more by this writer & do recommend to those that like this genre!
March 30, 2021
Thank you to VRO for this free review copy. It was an unusual format. Enjoyed the 3 different story lines.
July 11, 2021
You know what I love the most about this series thus far? The fact that the characters are believable. One of the biggest issues that I have with most books these days is the fact that the MC is always someone or something out of this world. I get that Sci-Fi and Fantasy books are supposed to have fantasy elements, but I hate when the MC is a doof their entire life and now all of a sudden they are a savant in everything. With that said, that's not an issue with this book or this series.
Anyway, moving on.
This book is a prelude to what happened in the first book and it does a great job of fleshing out some of the back story of the characters without a huge data dump. The way that the characters are written make them human and not a lamp. The characters in this book all seem like real people you'd meet IRL, including the one's that have very little page time. C.W. Ashley also does a great job of continuing what they did in the first book with being on point with descriptions. From the way people fight to the way they tango in bed, there is enough of a description to give you a visual without having TOO much being depicted. I feel that some authors tend to have diarrhea of the pen and go overboard with details. Too often have I've seen what felt like a small poem which doubles as a ode when describing something as simple as a punch, or how fair a maiden is, or how chiseled the hero's jawline was, or the time bending speed at which someone was moving, or the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious way someone swung a sword. Get my point? Not a problem here in this book. Lastly, the pacing of the story(ies) were well done. Not too fast and Not too slow. Right in the sweet spot. With this, I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
Anyway, moving on.
This book is a prelude to what happened in the first book and it does a great job of fleshing out some of the back story of the characters without a huge data dump. The way that the characters are written make them human and not a lamp. The characters in this book all seem like real people you'd meet IRL, including the one's that have very little page time. C.W. Ashley also does a great job of continuing what they did in the first book with being on point with descriptions. From the way people fight to the way they tango in bed, there is enough of a description to give you a visual without having TOO much being depicted. I feel that some authors tend to have diarrhea of the pen and go overboard with details. Too often have I've seen what felt like a small poem which doubles as a ode when describing something as simple as a punch, or how fair a maiden is, or how chiseled the hero's jawline was, or the time bending speed at which someone was moving, or the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious way someone swung a sword. Get my point? Not a problem here in this book. Lastly, the pacing of the story(ies) were well done. Not too fast and Not too slow. Right in the sweet spot. With this, I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2020
I was fortunate to get an early copy of The No-Zone: A Post-Apocalyptic Anthology (After Skirmish Book 0) from the author. Regrettably due to Gmail’s idiocy, the email went to my junk folder.
If you have read The Big Waste (TBW) some of the characters in that book are in The No-Zone (TNZ). if you have not read TBW, then this is a good prequel and world-building read. I like the world-building done in TNZ filling in some of the gaps and enriching the author’s world.
The combat scenes are excellent; my only complaint is that there were not enough of them. I have always had a soft spot for hard-up mercs, and TNZ contains some of the sorriest mercs ever. The world is definitely dark and the result is gritty fiction – there is no HEA, if you seek that you need to read something else.
The sex is graphic and includes lesbian as well as hetero sex (not at the same time). In this case, I felt the sex was a little bit gratuitous or could have been replaced with a FTB rather than the more graphic sex portrayed in TNZ. The prostitute Dahlia explains how she got her information (ala Mata Hari) which could have let the author replace the earlier graphic sex scene.
Unfortunately my favorite female werewolf does not appear in TNZ. Perhaps the author will write more short stories that will feature the werewolf.
I enjoyed TNZ and TBW enough that I will buy the next book.
If you have read The Big Waste (TBW) some of the characters in that book are in The No-Zone (TNZ). if you have not read TBW, then this is a good prequel and world-building read. I like the world-building done in TNZ filling in some of the gaps and enriching the author’s world.
The combat scenes are excellent; my only complaint is that there were not enough of them. I have always had a soft spot for hard-up mercs, and TNZ contains some of the sorriest mercs ever. The world is definitely dark and the result is gritty fiction – there is no HEA, if you seek that you need to read something else.
The sex is graphic and includes lesbian as well as hetero sex (not at the same time). In this case, I felt the sex was a little bit gratuitous or could have been replaced with a FTB rather than the more graphic sex portrayed in TNZ. The prostitute Dahlia explains how she got her information (ala Mata Hari) which could have let the author replace the earlier graphic sex scene.
Unfortunately my favorite female werewolf does not appear in TNZ. Perhaps the author will write more short stories that will feature the werewolf.
I enjoyed TNZ and TBW enough that I will buy the next book.
July 12, 2020
A solid foundation for the story.
The author has done what I was hoping in that he provided more backstory for the MC. The 3 short stories helped explain more about the world and why Iggy was out in the waste. Overall it was a satisfying book.
The author has done what I was hoping in that he provided more backstory for the MC. The 3 short stories helped explain more about the world and why Iggy was out in the waste. Overall it was a satisfying book.
March 18, 2021
Firstly, this book would benefit greatly from a good editor, or even a proof-reader. There are several instances of words missing, sentences with confused syntax, or punctuation being missed or misused.
Secondly, the female characters are underdeveloped and frequently reduced to how attractive they are to the male characters. In 'It's a Job' there's a naive teenage bomb expert named Xiao who is described in great detail, far more than any other character. Xiao dresses inappropriately for her job; "she didn't wear a blast suit or even technical fatigues" instead "A form-fitting white tank top, tan cargo jeans, and fashionable black heavy duty boots" as though Lara Croft was her wardrobe inspiration. This leathally sexy get-up does allow a male character to describe her figure and beauty in great detail needlessly. I couldn't tell you what colour hair a single male character has, but Xiao's skin was described multiple times. Her "dainty" hands are mentioned repeatedly too, and Her love interest, luckily, is a Strong Independent Women, who as captain of the mercenary squad, must surely be a representation of women that doesn't rely on outdated stereotypes? Oh no, she's an ice queen who is only able to care about Xiao, before also becoming just a silly girl who gets overwhelmed and bursts into tears during the climactic fight of that sub plot. A note: not one of the male characters cry at any point, despite them having life-threatening wounds.
Speaking of climaxes, there's also (in Bread and Circuses) a femme fatale prositute named Dahlia who does nothing but smoulder, scheme with politicians, and perform fellatio. None of the dialogue written for the female characters is natural or believable, possibly best exemplified by the second sentence spoken by Dahlia, "But it's sexy! I love screaming 'Killer' when I'm being fucked. Who wouldn't?" Most people wouldn't love that, Dahlia, possibly all people. Also in Bread and Circuses, there's another naive young woman who gets leered at, needlessly sexualised, and eventually asked if she had ever considered a job in politics... She is a secretary to a councilman. That is a job in politics.
I don’t want to be unfair, and I’ve somehow spoken about all of the other notable female characters so finally in The Maverick, there is an almost redeeming female character, Burn. She has more than a one dimensional character and is skilled in a male-dominated activity without being reduced to a bitch stereotype. She does abruptly throw herself at the protagonist before gifting him a supercar and pedalling away on a fold-up bicycle but she’s still the best female representation we get in The No-Zone.
Finally, I want to say this book has good bones, it really does. There’s fun subplots, a really intriguing world built, and the clear set up for future long term development. The variety of monsters and their treatment is cool, the discussion of the socio-political aspects is good, and even the pacing is good. It’s just the treatment of women, the stilted dialogue, and the excruciating sex scenes that make it a difficult read.
I received this book for free from Voracious Readers Only, and have given my honest review.
Secondly, the female characters are underdeveloped and frequently reduced to how attractive they are to the male characters. In 'It's a Job' there's a naive teenage bomb expert named Xiao who is described in great detail, far more than any other character. Xiao dresses inappropriately for her job; "she didn't wear a blast suit or even technical fatigues" instead "A form-fitting white tank top, tan cargo jeans, and fashionable black heavy duty boots" as though Lara Croft was her wardrobe inspiration. This leathally sexy get-up does allow a male character to describe her figure and beauty in great detail needlessly. I couldn't tell you what colour hair a single male character has, but Xiao's skin was described multiple times. Her "dainty" hands are mentioned repeatedly too, and Her love interest, luckily, is a Strong Independent Women, who as captain of the mercenary squad, must surely be a representation of women that doesn't rely on outdated stereotypes? Oh no, she's an ice queen who is only able to care about Xiao, before also becoming just a silly girl who gets overwhelmed and bursts into tears during the climactic fight of that sub plot. A note: not one of the male characters cry at any point, despite them having life-threatening wounds.
Speaking of climaxes, there's also (in Bread and Circuses) a femme fatale prositute named Dahlia who does nothing but smoulder, scheme with politicians, and perform fellatio. None of the dialogue written for the female characters is natural or believable, possibly best exemplified by the second sentence spoken by Dahlia, "But it's sexy! I love screaming 'Killer' when I'm being fucked. Who wouldn't?" Most people wouldn't love that, Dahlia, possibly all people. Also in Bread and Circuses, there's another naive young woman who gets leered at, needlessly sexualised, and eventually asked if she had ever considered a job in politics... She is a secretary to a councilman. That is a job in politics.
I don’t want to be unfair, and I’ve somehow spoken about all of the other notable female characters so finally in The Maverick, there is an almost redeeming female character, Burn. She has more than a one dimensional character and is skilled in a male-dominated activity without being reduced to a bitch stereotype. She does abruptly throw herself at the protagonist before gifting him a supercar and pedalling away on a fold-up bicycle but she’s still the best female representation we get in The No-Zone.
Finally, I want to say this book has good bones, it really does. There’s fun subplots, a really intriguing world built, and the clear set up for future long term development. The variety of monsters and their treatment is cool, the discussion of the socio-political aspects is good, and even the pacing is good. It’s just the treatment of women, the stilted dialogue, and the excruciating sex scenes that make it a difficult read.
I received this book for free from Voracious Readers Only, and have given my honest review.
June 5, 2020
If you have already read:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
You owe it to yourself to read this. Not only will you love the additional backstory for 'Ignition', the "After Skirmish" world is nicely filled in with backstory and detail by this anthology.
I read book 1 first, and liked it. However, I can honestly say I would have liked it MORE, if I had read this world starter anthology first.
If you like an adult story with plenty of action, of *both* kinds wink wink, nudge nudge, this is a great introduction to the "After Skirmish" world.
Without giving too much in the way of spoilers, you've got some lightly interconnected stories set in the After Skirmish universe. They flesh out the world, and if you read #1 you need to read this one. If you haven't read #1, read this one first, and then #1 is even better.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
You owe it to yourself to read this. Not only will you love the additional backstory for 'Ignition', the "After Skirmish" world is nicely filled in with backstory and detail by this anthology.
I read book 1 first, and liked it. However, I can honestly say I would have liked it MORE, if I had read this world starter anthology first.
If you like an adult story with plenty of action, of *both* kinds wink wink, nudge nudge, this is a great introduction to the "After Skirmish" world.
Without giving too much in the way of spoilers, you've got some lightly interconnected stories set in the After Skirmish universe. They flesh out the world, and if you read #1 you need to read this one. If you haven't read #1, read this one first, and then #1 is even better.
June 11, 2020
After-Skirmish Appetizer
The No-Zone is a brief introduction to the After-Skirmish world. There are three separate short stories, each split into two parts. "The Maverick" is the story most directly related to "The Big Waste", giving some insight into Iggy's motivation for getting out of the derbies and into the big waste.
"It's a Job" and "Bread and Circuses" introduce some new characters but also include some of the characters from "The Big Waste". I have no inside information, but I'd bet future books in the series will be revisiting some of the areas exposed in these two stories.
"The No-Zone" isn't required reading for the "After-Skirmish" series (in fact, I'd suggest reading it after "The Big Waste) but it makes a nice appetizer or palate cleanser.
The No-Zone is a brief introduction to the After-Skirmish world. There are three separate short stories, each split into two parts. "The Maverick" is the story most directly related to "The Big Waste", giving some insight into Iggy's motivation for getting out of the derbies and into the big waste.
"It's a Job" and "Bread and Circuses" introduce some new characters but also include some of the characters from "The Big Waste". I have no inside information, but I'd bet future books in the series will be revisiting some of the areas exposed in these two stories.
"The No-Zone" isn't required reading for the "After-Skirmish" series (in fact, I'd suggest reading it after "The Big Waste) but it makes a nice appetizer or palate cleanser.
August 30, 2020
I read this before reading The Big Waste. It is a very cool prequel and I'm glad i read it first (although you can read in any order). It was cool to get that little bit of backstory on Iggy, as well as a couple other stories from different character points of view. It really sets the tone for the rest of the series. The only issue i had were some proofreading issues which can be a little distracting. Definitely worth the read and I'm excited to read the next book in the series!
March 14, 2021
What I was expecting for this book and what I got were two slightly different things but either way, I did enjoy this.
Often when you read something with different storylines or perspectives, there's a section or person that you don't like which is what I found here. It made the book feel longer than it was while I was skimming through sections to try and finish.
Despite this, I felt attached to the characters I did like and very satisfied with the ending each story offered. It felt like a small insight into this world which I have not been a part of before, and that I did enjoy.
I got a good sense of what this world was like, while still getting a deep sense of the characters in a short amount of time. Overall I would recommend it as a quick and fast-paced book.
Often when you read something with different storylines or perspectives, there's a section or person that you don't like which is what I found here. It made the book feel longer than it was while I was skimming through sections to try and finish.
Despite this, I felt attached to the characters I did like and very satisfied with the ending each story offered. It felt like a small insight into this world which I have not been a part of before, and that I did enjoy.
I got a good sense of what this world was like, while still getting a deep sense of the characters in a short amount of time. Overall I would recommend it as a quick and fast-paced book.
May 19, 2020
The settings in this book is clear and defined. The world this story has, in my opinion, is good and well-thought of. I like the society that the author built, along with the activity that they do for entertainment (like the driving competition).
The book features 3 short stories with different characters, each enjoyable to follow. The book was a good read for me.
The book features 3 short stories with different characters, each enjoyable to follow. The book was a good read for me.
May 24, 2020
This 'prequel' was a great way to introduce the world that will be showing in book 1 of the After Skirmish series. I enjoyed the short stories that explore different characters. It was a different experience considering I read book 1 beforehand. I look forward to book 2 of the series.
I'm loving the world the author has developed. Wasteland? Yes, but it's well-created!
I'm loving the world the author has developed. Wasteland? Yes, but it's well-created!
July 8, 2020
Written as three separate stories that finally meld to cohesion by the end of this prequel, it is very cleverly done. I'm into Book 1 now which is more linear and very much enjoying it as well. This dystopian world is brutal, both in the Citadel and in The Waste. Let's see how our protagonists fair in it...
July 12, 2020
3 short stories. Clearly defined world building with fast cars, action, great fun characters, and plenty of adult mayhem. I’ve been told this is a prequel to the first book The Big Waste and a part of the After-Skirmish series. I’ve since purchased The Big Waste and look forward to exploring all their is in this universe.
January 25, 2021
My first thought was that I was missing something but now that I know this was just a short story pack I now know I need the other ones! It was a quick read and I need to know more of how these characters got to this place and what happens next. This left me wanting more for this author! I got my complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only.
May 24, 2020
Kinda neat to switch up the order of the story. Prequels can be terrible, but this one worked for me. Gave us a deeper view of the world. Setting was great and love the multiple characters. Solid hit for me.
February 1, 2021
I don’t typically read fantasy but this book changed my mind. Ashley builds really great atmosphere in his writing and I was hooked from the first chapter.
Read
December 8, 2020Complimentary copy recieved for review
I thought this little number would be a great start into my adventure into reading distopian novels again. The last time I had read anything distopian was the YA books that I would spent countless sleepless nights reading during high school days when I was in my teens so I was looking forward to my first "adult" distopian (did I mention it was distopian?) story. Turns out it's not my cup of tea and I'm glad I know that now. It was a DNF for me mostly because I just felt so out of the loop and the story wasn't clicking with me. Those who love these genre will probably dig it but it's a skip from me.
I thought this little number would be a great start into my adventure into reading distopian novels again. The last time I had read anything distopian was the YA books that I would spent countless sleepless nights reading during high school days when I was in my teens so I was looking forward to my first "adult" distopian (did I mention it was distopian?) story. Turns out it's not my cup of tea and I'm glad I know that now. It was a DNF for me mostly because I just felt so out of the loop and the story wasn't clicking with me. Those who love these genre will probably dig it but it's a skip from me.
May 1, 2022
Something about the writing felt off and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but I did not enjoy it.
I don’t feel like this is well written. I couldn’t even get into the story, it was just awkward. As a lesbian, I was really looking forward to some wlw representation in an apocalyptic setting but I was sorely disappointed.
I don’t feel like this is well written. I couldn’t even get into the story, it was just awkward. As a lesbian, I was really looking forward to some wlw representation in an apocalyptic setting but I was sorely disappointed.
February 11, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers.
I had no idea what to expect with this book and refrained from reading any reviews or summary before I embarked on the journey. It was such a quick and easy read, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters (and the strong female characters were a plus) and the dystopian, monsters and gruesome scenes. While I didn't expect some of the more sexually-explicit 18+ scenes, it was still a really cool little world build that I'd love to learn more of.
I haven't read the first book of this series, but do intend to seek it out to see how the world build progresses. Hopefully there's more to come by C.W. Ashley.
I had no idea what to expect with this book and refrained from reading any reviews or summary before I embarked on the journey. It was such a quick and easy read, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters (and the strong female characters were a plus) and the dystopian, monsters and gruesome scenes. While I didn't expect some of the more sexually-explicit 18+ scenes, it was still a really cool little world build that I'd love to learn more of.
I haven't read the first book of this series, but do intend to seek it out to see how the world build progresses. Hopefully there's more to come by C.W. Ashley.
April 19, 2021
I loved reading The No-Zone, I wasn't sure what to expect but I really enjoyed the different perspectives from the three short stories. The characterisation is brilliant, I was drawn in by all of the main characters wanting to know what they would do next. The No-Zone has been my introduction to the After Skirmish series and I can't wait to read the other books in this series and see how the story develops.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
June 13, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. It is one of several anthology series I have opted to read and review to get in the swing of things. Although the story lines seem to be unconnected you find at the end there are elements linking them together. A head scratcher in many ways and very face paced so you have to keep your head in the game so you didn't lose the thread that ultimately ties them all together.
September 20, 2021
To be honest I wasn’t sure about this one I wouldn’t normally read this genre…however I was pleasantly surprised! The book was short but a great read there’s so many unanswered questions that have me hoping for another! Highly recommend you give it a try (I found the second parts to the stories better so just wait it out you’ll see)
May 1, 2021
Set 3 years before the events of 'The Big Waste' the No-Zone is a 3 short-story anthology set in the 'After-Skirmish' world. I have enjoyed this book and it is better to read all three books in this series. This book offers action, intrigue, violence, ambition, romance, betrayal and terror can be found in this trio of tales. I received this complementary copy from Voracious Readers Only.
March 26, 2022
I have absolutely adored this series! The characters are great and what I loved about this book was how each "chapter" was about a different group of people.
Was easy to follow and not scrappy and thrown together like some other books I have read. Definitely keep up the good work! X
Was easy to follow and not scrappy and thrown together like some other books I have read. Definitely keep up the good work! X
August 10, 2021
This book not in a genre I would normally read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews