The Ozarks - Big Springs - the Future

An unnamed madman orchestrated the fall of civilization...a monumentally evil deed that took only two weeks to accomplish and resulted in the loss of millions of lives and a break down in all that made life relatively safe. But as long as even a handful of humans survives, there will be those who rise up to rebuild...

John Trent is old enough to remember life before the Fall. He is a courier for what is left of the standing U.S. Army in the Ozarks, what was once Arkansas. Life is precarious at best, and settlements closely resemble those of the Old West. There are hardy souls who are trying to remember things like social graces and sharing as they slowly rebuild. There are mercenaries and soldiers. But the most dangerous are raiders who have no respect for the rights of others. John, who was once a soldier, has been known to hunt and eliminate dangerous raiders.

On his way to meet with Colonel Frank Bonham, John meets Katherine Stephens. She is not a damsel in distress but a self-sufficient woman from the settlement of Big Springs. Since they are on their way to the same place -- she to obtain supplies -- they agree to travel together.

But their trip is interrupted by the discovery of a mutilated young woman, and John fears even more for Katherine's safety. Even more bad news awaits them at Army headquarters.

With the raiders growing bolder and trust hard to come by, John accepts the position of U.S. Marshall and agrees to nursemaid a green group of soldiers along with Katherine and her pack train back to Big Springs. It won't be easy.

AFTER THE FALL is a somber, but hopeful tale. I was very much reminded, in a very good way, of every western I have ever seen with hints of The Twilight Zone. John is a worthy successor to Matt Dillon and Wyatt Earp, but Katherine is no Miss Kitty. She more than holds her own and is a perfect mate for John.

Other characters include Gunnery Sergeant Melbourne Thomas; Chico Cruz; Consuelo, who runs her own cattle ranch; Amazon Saloon owner, Murdoch; Ben Hobbs; and horrible Pagan Reeves. They hinder and help John and Katherine in sometimes unexpected ways.

This is also a scary story. It could all-so-easily become a reality. Darrel Sparkman mixes elements of fear and hope with struggles and cowardice and heroism in a speculative fiction setting. Also well-depicted are people with morals and determination who know about sacrifice and are willing to stand up for what they know to be the best for what they are trying to build again.

AFTER THE FALL is not your usual romance, but John and Katherine do find each other, love each other, and work together to achieve peace. It is very good. The narrative is spare but catches the reader up enough to really care about the tough situations and the safety of the good guys. The terrain is so well described that I felt as if I were on a horse, riding alongside John and Katherine. I recommend AFTER THE FALL.

Vi Janaway