After the Fire

After The Fire #1

by John Lockley, Brian Maunders (Illustrator)

Genres: Dystopia, Fiction

436 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Andy Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A virus is accidentally released from a lab due to a set of unrelated, but believable, chance events. The virus is deadly and soon spreads throughout the UK, and it appears throughout the world. The majority of the population become victims of the disease, with small numbers of people surviving through isolation, natural immunity or by taking doses of a particular antibiotic. The book follows a variety of survivors and the community they build once they all meet.

This in itself isn't a hugely original concept (it reminded me a lot of 'Survivors' for example) but the story is written extremely well. The style of the writing is not as dark as some apocalyptic fiction, and the characters are interesting (albeit slightly stereotypical in some cases). The survivors struggle with the usual problems of adjusting to life without electricity, gas and a limited source of food, fuel and clothing. Although there isn't a massive amount of action, there are enough events to keep things interesting, and the story is as much about the changing attitudes of the characters as what happens to them.

Altogether an enjoyable read. Just be aware that this is the first book of three, and they aren't necessarily easy to find. It does stand as a story in its own right though.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many decades ago, and wanted to re-read it after having lived through a pandemic. I still find the beginning of this book to be the most gripping. The author, who I believe was originally a doctor, does such an amazing job depicting the world of television news. Especially in its hunt for the truth of what is happening. As the settlement of Ampthill develops, there were some storylines I found more compelling than others. Some characters who were more flushed out. But perhaps this is intentional and they will have more voice in the next two books. Overall, this is a book that stayed with me for years which is why I read it again. It is one that has more of an impact now given how disease has struck the world.

[Merry Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this a quite a few years ago, before Covid. I remember feeling quite scared about the prospect of a pandemic and often reflected on this book when we were in the thick of our own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s out of print and I’ve hunted the charity shops for years in the hope I see a copy but I might buy online, as I would love to read it again.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant book, but perhaps not one to read during the midst of a pandemic!!
Would highly recommend to those living in and around Bedfordshire that will know Ampthill well.

[Judi Mckay]

Brenda Webb recommended it.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one especially as it's set in my local area - nice to see place names I know. Probably not the best post-apoc fiction I've read or will read but I'll track down the two sequels and work through the story.