The Ruins Box Set: The Complete Series #1-4 by T.W. Piperbrook

The Ruins Box Set: The Complete Series #1-4 Reviews

• 
  Samyann

  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.
• 
  RJ

  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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• 
  Todd Oliver

  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!
• 
  Cheryl Moulton

  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.
• 
  Penny Bowden

  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.
• 
  Denise Parker

  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! 😇
• 
  Stella Whittingham

  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.
• 
  Jamie Mcclimon

  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!
• 
  Kerry Goodall

  Excellent series....
  
  I went straight from the first series to this one could not put them down ..loved them ..try them ..u will not regret it
• 
  debbie sharp

  Very enjoyable
  
  I read both series and enjoyed them very much. Loved the charters and the adventures they had. Loved how one series transitioned from one to the other.