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The Ruins Box Set: The Complete Series #1-4
The Sequel Series to the Best-Selling Last Survivors Series - The Complete Series of Ruins Books, in one box set. Over 1,100 pages of reading, plus a BONUS NOVELLA The Ruins 2.5!
Danger Lurks In The Ruins
Three survivors travel the ruins of a collapsed society, sifting through the rusted relics of the Ancients' civilization as they search for a better future, hoping to escape the horrors of the past. But among those treasures lurks danger.
And what they discover might be worse than what they left behind.
The Complete Ruins Series plus BONUS NOVELLA "The Shadowed Wall" - All in this one, special edition
The Ruins Book 1
The Ruins Book 2
The Ruins Book 2.5 - BONUS NOVELLA
The Ruins Book 3
The Ruins Book 4
Danger Lurks In The Ruins
Three survivors travel the ruins of a collapsed society, sifting through the rusted relics of the Ancients' civilization as they search for a better future, hoping to escape the horrors of the past. But among those treasures lurks danger.
And what they discover might be worse than what they left behind.
The Complete Ruins Series plus BONUS NOVELLA "The Shadowed Wall" - All in this one, special edition
The Ruins Book 1
The Ruins Book 2
The Ruins Book 2.5 - BONUS NOVELLA
The Ruins Book 3
The Ruins Book 4
1273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2020
1429 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
T.W. Piperbrook
111 books394 followersT.W. Piperbrook lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. He is the author of the CONTAMINATION series, the OUTAGE series, and co-author of THE LAST SURVIVORS, as well as the author of THE RUINS. In his former lives, he has worked as as a claims adjuster, a touring musician, and a business systems analyst for a Fortune 500 company.
Now he spends his days fighting zombies, battling werewolves, and roaming Ancient cities.
For NEW RELEASE ALERTS AND A FREE STORY, sign up for the author's mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/qy_SH
LIKE him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/twpiperbrook
Now he spends his days fighting zombies, battling werewolves, and roaming Ancient cities.
For NEW RELEASE ALERTS AND A FREE STORY, sign up for the author's mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/qy_SH
LIKE him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/twpiperbrook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 8, 2022
This review addresses all 10 novels. The Last Survivors Box Set and The Ruins Box Set.
Plot. It's 300 years after a spore infected the human race killing all but a few thousand. Those remaining slaughter those with signs of infection, or who are believed to be infected. The stories are of the tribulations of a few of these survivors. It's ridiculously repetitive. We escape a tyrannical environment, travel through a forest of killers infected with the spore, and arrive at another tyrannical environment, escape again, travel and fight again, over and over. The author artfully traps the listener into believing that "this time will be different". Nope. just another bloody battle to escape a mess and fight off boogymen to arrive at the next mess, some bigger battles than others. Would have been good in two or three novels - fast-forwarded through 1/2, and if the mind wandered, didn't bother to rewind.
Liked. The main characters are likable. No gratuitous sex, and no offensive language inappropriate to the scene. The spore-infected people will bring to mind Quasimoto - no clicking knees, just deformities. Narration is fine, no trouble discerning who is speaking to who.
Not so hot. As indicated above, repetition...a ton of it. Lots of bloody gore, lovers of a grizzly or ghoulish genre will approve. Bumped the speed to 1.4 - that's not a criticism, just a preference.
Written by Bobby Adair, T.W. Piperbrook, narrated by Sean Runnette, about 85 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format, released in 2019-2020 by Ancient City Publishing, LLC.
Recommended for the apocalyptic ghouls among us.
Plot. It's 300 years after a spore infected the human race killing all but a few thousand. Those remaining slaughter those with signs of infection, or who are believed to be infected. The stories are of the tribulations of a few of these survivors. It's ridiculously repetitive. We escape a tyrannical environment, travel through a forest of killers infected with the spore, and arrive at another tyrannical environment, escape again, travel and fight again, over and over. The author artfully traps the listener into believing that "this time will be different". Nope. just another bloody battle to escape a mess and fight off boogymen to arrive at the next mess, some bigger battles than others. Would have been good in two or three novels - fast-forwarded through 1/2, and if the mind wandered, didn't bother to rewind.
Liked. The main characters are likable. No gratuitous sex, and no offensive language inappropriate to the scene. The spore-infected people will bring to mind Quasimoto - no clicking knees, just deformities. Narration is fine, no trouble discerning who is speaking to who.
Not so hot. As indicated above, repetition...a ton of it. Lots of bloody gore, lovers of a grizzly or ghoulish genre will approve. Bumped the speed to 1.4 - that's not a criticism, just a preference.
Written by Bobby Adair, T.W. Piperbrook, narrated by Sean Runnette, about 85 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format, released in 2019-2020 by Ancient City Publishing, LLC.
Recommended for the apocalyptic ghouls among us.
June 28, 2020
End(?) to a long series.
While not as good as the original 6 books, it has the same feel. Less characters made for a more focused story, but I ended up missing a lot of the original characters. Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of post apocalyptic books.
While not as good as the original 6 books, it has the same feel. Less characters made for a more focused story, but I ended up missing a lot of the original characters. Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of post apocalyptic books.
March 13, 2022
Bray, William, and Kirby continue their exploration of the ruins. First, they need weapons from Kirby’s settlement. Guns and ammunition were stored in one of the capsized ships. Unfortunately, the men from Halifax had been there already, everything was gone. Two young women hid within the settlement, one was killed by Halifax men, the other, Flora accompanied Bray, William, and Kirby as they headed north toward Halifax. Kirby and William are infected by the spores, causing warts and lumps under the skin. William was feeling ill, so they stopped at Flora’s settlement to rest. Kirby and Bray were hesitant, it could be a trap. After all, the weapons Kirby carried were very valuable and would be a game-changer in one’s settlement. Unexpectedly, resulting from treachery, Bray was introduced to the Halifax men and their leader, Enoch. This meeting expanded the story with the history of Halifax, establishing the war between the Islanders and Halifax. In the 2.5 Prequel is the first indication I noticed that Kirby had an accent and was of Scottish heritage. I knew she had sailed across the sea but that didn’t tell me much and I never noticed a hint of an accent from the narrator until 2.5. After the Island settlement, our wanderers came upon a large walled settlement called New City. Amazing surprises were in store for them, some good, some not so much. The remainder of the story took place here in New City. It’s a good story with unique twists that I enjoyed, although I think a bit drawn out. The characters were amazing, strong, and intelligent, even Bray. LoL. Sean Runnette is not one of my favorite narrators but he provided an excellent performance here.
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May 29, 2020
This is a continuation of the original series The Last Survivors. I highly recommend listening to that series first so you'll know more about these characters and the world they live in. I've already enjoyed this series before, but this box set includes an all new short story, book 2.5. I couldn't miss out on more of Kirby, Bray, and William! It felt like a nice reunion with old friends/characters. I always enjoy hearing Sean Runnette's narration! Book 2.5 is most definitely a nice addition to the series! Still sad to see this series had ended, but I look forward to more of what T.W. Piperbrook will write in the future!
August 8, 2023
Epic
This is a marvelously crafted epic tale that reminded me more than a little of Homer’s The Odyssey.
As a biologist, I was impressed by the mechanisms of the infection, the sub clinical infected states, and the enhanced longevity and intelligence of the rare and gifted. The technology of the post apocalyptic world was beautifully drawn, and the i fights into the social orders we met were insightful and fascinating.
I liked the very short chapters, with a new narrative point of view for each person. Many of the short chapters ended with a compelling dramatic crisis that compelled me to read on! Well done, Piperbrook!!
I have one minor criticism that caused my 4-star rating, as opposed to a 5-star. There are too many errors in diction and grammar to ignore: the use of the objective pronoun “whomever” when it should have been the subjective “whoever,” errors in past participles (“snuck”instead of “sneaked”, “weaved “instead of “wove”, etc), and many dangling participles were like squeaking chalk on a blackboard. Maybe my education was too traditional, but those broken rules seemed very out of place in such an exquisite work of fiction as “The Ruins.”
This is a marvelously crafted epic tale that reminded me more than a little of Homer’s The Odyssey.
As a biologist, I was impressed by the mechanisms of the infection, the sub clinical infected states, and the enhanced longevity and intelligence of the rare and gifted. The technology of the post apocalyptic world was beautifully drawn, and the i fights into the social orders we met were insightful and fascinating.
I liked the very short chapters, with a new narrative point of view for each person. Many of the short chapters ended with a compelling dramatic crisis that compelled me to read on! Well done, Piperbrook!!
I have one minor criticism that caused my 4-star rating, as opposed to a 5-star. There are too many errors in diction and grammar to ignore: the use of the objective pronoun “whomever” when it should have been the subjective “whoever,” errors in past participles (“snuck”instead of “sneaked”, “weaved “instead of “wove”, etc), and many dangling participles were like squeaking chalk on a blackboard. Maybe my education was too traditional, but those broken rules seemed very out of place in such an exquisite work of fiction as “The Ruins.”
September 24, 2020
Unfortunately, I did not read the earlier series and so only picked the tale up 300 odd years since the apocalypse, however, it was written so well, that I soon picked up the story and the characters.
I had trouble putting my book (kindle) down each night to sleep, I was so engrossed in the tale and the characters.
Loyalty and friendship are what shines throughout, and unexpected, surprises when a supposed enemy evolves into friendship and camaraderie.
A bittersweet ending but highly recommended.
I had trouble putting my book (kindle) down each night to sleep, I was so engrossed in the tale and the characters.
Loyalty and friendship are what shines throughout, and unexpected, surprises when a supposed enemy evolves into friendship and camaraderie.
A bittersweet ending but highly recommended.
November 3, 2025
An Absolute Must Read!!
I first read the series The Last Survivors and highly recommend reading it before reading this series because it just enriches the story and gives so much more depth to the characters.
I miss the characters as I am looking for my new series to read and it's hard to move on to a new story when you become so deeply involved in these character's lives as they fight for a better life and change.
I can guarantee you will not regret buying this series along with the Last Survivors and settle in for an awesome and adventurous journey!!
I first read the series The Last Survivors and highly recommend reading it before reading this series because it just enriches the story and gives so much more depth to the characters.
I miss the characters as I am looking for my new series to read and it's hard to move on to a new story when you become so deeply involved in these character's lives as they fight for a better life and change.
I can guarantee you will not regret buying this series along with the Last Survivors and settle in for an awesome and adventurous journey!!
June 14, 2020
Excellent series!
Loved this entire series from beginning to end. This is set 300 years after the apocalypse, following a band of people that I have come to love. I hope there will be more as would like to know how they are getting on in Brighton, as well as the continuing story of William and Kirby.
Loved this entire series from beginning to end. This is set 300 years after the apocalypse, following a band of people that I have come to love. I hope there will be more as would like to know how they are getting on in Brighton, as well as the continuing story of William and Kirby.
July 3, 2020
WOW
At this moment I'm so sad this sequel has come to an end. I have spent so much time with the characters from this and the previous set of books that I feel I know them personally. Such a fantastic set of books that have kept me up till the early hours as I just couldn't put them down. Absolutely fantastic
At this moment I'm so sad this sequel has come to an end. I have spent so much time with the characters from this and the previous set of books that I feel I know them personally. Such a fantastic set of books that have kept me up till the early hours as I just couldn't put them down. Absolutely fantastic
July 29, 2020
Enjoyed
meeting the characters again from the first boxed set. This was good, but first was better, imo. Disappointed that not all made it, but totally understand why at the same time.
There is a lesson to be learned from both stories. People are all different and yet the same, good, bad and indifferent.
meeting the characters again from the first boxed set. This was good, but first was better, imo. Disappointed that not all made it, but totally understand why at the same time.
There is a lesson to be learned from both stories. People are all different and yet the same, good, bad and indifferent.
August 19, 2020
comrades in arms
Just like in life people came together and people left. They were in each other’s memories. The human zest for life and freedom is strong. I would recommend this series of books to anyone that likes adventure. I gave this rating because I was drawn into the story like I was there.
Just like in life people came together and people left. They were in each other’s memories. The human zest for life and freedom is strong. I would recommend this series of books to anyone that likes adventure. I gave this rating because I was drawn into the story like I was there.
May 4, 2021
Both series of this saga are dramatic reading
After both series, the drama of the characters and the situations that develop are pleasant reading. It is noteworthy that so many of the prime characters are killed off during the story. The author left the ending on a poinient note, yet really primed for a new series for the two remaining prime characters.
After both series, the drama of the characters and the situations that develop are pleasant reading. It is noteworthy that so many of the prime characters are killed off during the story. The author left the ending on a poinient note, yet really primed for a new series for the two remaining prime characters.
July 30, 2021
Must read series
Well written set of books! Please read the first set before this as the characters are developed as we read. All characters are well developed and the stories flow nicely with a lot of action, and many turns of events to keep it interesting. Hopefully the author will bless us with a follow-up series
Well written set of books! Please read the first set before this as the characters are developed as we read. All characters are well developed and the stories flow nicely with a lot of action, and many turns of events to keep it interesting. Hopefully the author will bless us with a follow-up series
October 7, 2021
The Ruins
I loved this series which is the sequel set to the 6 book Survivor series. I really loved the realistic outcomes of many of the choices the characters had to make. Sometimes those choices made me sad. The books kept me wanting more, and I just kept on reading. Mr (or Ms) Piper took needs to revisit this world and our friends from both series as soon as possible! 😇
I loved this series which is the sequel set to the 6 book Survivor series. I really loved the realistic outcomes of many of the choices the characters had to make. Sometimes those choices made me sad. The books kept me wanting more, and I just kept on reading. Mr (or Ms) Piper took needs to revisit this world and our friends from both series as soon as possible! 😇
March 6, 2023
Excellent story. It hurt when Bray died but he did it with the style that he deserved. I really didn't like him at first because he robbed them, then in a totally arrogant way, he killed Williams Mother. But towards the end his good deeds out weighted the bad. All in All it was a great book! Thank You, Jerry W.
April 2, 2025
Good
A nice spin-off of The Last Survivors. Not as tight as when there were two authors working together, but nonetheless interesting. It was fun to follow Kirby, as she was appearing more in the end of the other series and she wasn't developed that much. I would have liked to know more about her previous life both across the ocean and in the new settlement, though.
A nice spin-off of The Last Survivors. Not as tight as when there were two authors working together, but nonetheless interesting. It was fun to follow Kirby, as she was appearing more in the end of the other series and she wasn't developed that much. I would have liked to know more about her previous life both across the ocean and in the new settlement, though.
June 4, 2020
In one word. BRILLIANT. I was hooked pretty much straight away. While a dystopian future is scary and none of us would want to live through it, Piperbrook's imagination in bringing this possible future to the page is page-turning.
July 16, 2020
Great read!
I loved the main characters and their devotion to one another. They were not blood related but very much a family. I recommend this set of books to from teen to senior citizens. They were hard to put down for me and I look forward to more works by T.W. Piperbrook.
I loved the main characters and their devotion to one another. They were not blood related but very much a family. I recommend this set of books to from teen to senior citizens. They were hard to put down for me and I look forward to more works by T.W. Piperbrook.
July 30, 2020
Very enjoyable reading. Look forward to more.
Truly loved the story line. The characters had unique personalities that showed both positive and negative attributes which showed their humanity.
Truly loved the story line. The characters had unique personalities that showed both positive and negative attributes which showed their humanity.
August 13, 2020
The Ruins
I really got into these books. I have not read the preceding book. The author told a great story and kept his characters true to the end. Lots of battle scenes. A description of slavery that made me sorrowful and angry. Read it.
I really got into these books. I have not read the preceding book. The author told a great story and kept his characters true to the end. Lots of battle scenes. A description of slavery that made me sorrowful and angry. Read it.
August 17, 2020
Read this next
If you read the Last Survivors, you should read this book, it's good to catch up on the lives of some the characters we met before and meet new ones, the ending was everything I hoped for in a finale, I really enjoyed the book and recommend reading it.
If you read the Last Survivors, you should read this book, it's good to catch up on the lives of some the characters we met before and meet new ones, the ending was everything I hoped for in a finale, I really enjoyed the book and recommend reading it.
August 26, 2020
Loved it!
I couldn't put this book down, darn the thousand pages! I'd recommend it to anyone interested in dystopian fantasy, though it was shocking as the author explained just how quickly knowledge was lost and the world descended into another dark age. It was a great story!
I couldn't put this book down, darn the thousand pages! I'd recommend it to anyone interested in dystopian fantasy, though it was shocking as the author explained just how quickly knowledge was lost and the world descended into another dark age. It was a great story!
October 16, 2020
Captivating
This sequel to The Last Survivors is a must read. Another great box set by TW Piperbrook. I strongly recommend this series. A great read that will keep your attention with all the twists and turns.
This sequel to The Last Survivors is a must read. Another great box set by TW Piperbrook. I strongly recommend this series. A great read that will keep your attention with all the twists and turns.
January 26, 2021
The sadness
I loved everything about the story , I will recommend both series, I am so sad its over and I will have a hard time finding my next read. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment
I loved everything about the story , I will recommend both series, I am so sad its over and I will have a hard time finding my next read. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment
October 5, 2021
I really enjoyed it
I highly recommend The Ruins. T.W.'s style really got you inside the heads of all the characters. Action packed. I really hated to see it end and what a surprise ending it was.
I highly recommend The Ruins. T.W.'s style really got you inside the heads of all the characters. Action packed. I really hated to see it end and what a surprise ending it was.
September 14, 2022
A Long Story
More action over different places. Dangerous wild men. Tyrants and traitors, and the ordinary people battling to survive. Deaths of the food and evil but the ordinary triumphing in the end. A good tale.
More action over different places. Dangerous wild men. Tyrants and traitors, and the ordinary people battling to survive. Deaths of the food and evil but the ordinary triumphing in the end. A good tale.
September 20, 2023
Bray
The better ending would have been for Bray to live…I see no reason to add tragedy to this story. Bray’s death doesn’t add to the story but detracts from the overall sense of enjoyment.
The better ending would have been for Bray to live…I see no reason to add tragedy to this story. Bray’s death doesn’t add to the story but detracts from the overall sense of enjoyment.
February 14, 2024
another great one, however....
Loved this series and following along more with characters I'm already familiar with. Wasn't super happy about the ending, but still a great read! Definitely recommend this book series set!
Loved this series and following along more with characters I'm already familiar with. Wasn't super happy about the ending, but still a great read! Definitely recommend this book series set!
October 2, 2024
Lots of adventures
Heroes living through loss, pain, and finding companionship amidst end of days.
Can't wait to read more stories!
I'd like to know what became of Brighton, Fitz, Oliver, Jingo and rest of characters.
Heroes living through loss, pain, and finding companionship amidst end of days.
Can't wait to read more stories!
I'd like to know what became of Brighton, Fitz, Oliver, Jingo and rest of characters.
July 2, 2025
Not as strong as the original series, but still a compelling journey with characters I grew to love even more through the series. The first two books were genuinely thrilling, but the 3rd book felt like filler and the 4th book dragged horribly despite having very interesting ideas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews