The Afters

O’Connell’s postapocalyptic horror sequel centers on survivors of a zombie apocalypse who band together as battles with the undead rage on.

In a world full of virally infected flesh-eaters, Charlie Billingsworth finds temporary refuge at sea. He and fellow survivors Kalila Trout and kids Trey and Ellie sail south along the East Coast or the United States. They can’t stay offshore forever, though, and they ultimately settle in Fort Morgan, where hundreds of people live in presumed safety. The culture there is akin to the military, with people bunking in tents, a colonel at the helm, and recruits for scavenging groups undergoing serious training. However, Fort Morgan isn’t as secure as many believe, which is especially evident after someone inexplicably goes missing. Regardless, Kalila wants it to be a new, stable home for herself, Trey, and Ellie; she’d like Charlie to stay, too, but he’d rather keep moving. A scientist’s all-channels radio message, claiming that she has a cure for the virus, may be Charlie’s excuse to leave—but will he ever return to his new family? O’Connell sets an impressive pace in this sophomore series installment, with scenes that zero in on developing his distinctive characters; Charlie drinks heavily after losing someone close, for instance, and Ellie smartly uses her “mindpowers” (which include telepathy) as little as possible. Quieter scenes are mixed with frenzied attacks of the “Infected,” who could easily cause major trouble if they assembled in force outside the fort walls. Exhilarating zombie fights ensue, with Charlie and Kalila showcasing skills they’ve honed; meanwhile, Trey itches to prove himself, and some members of the vibrant cast sadly fall. The story connects seamlessly to the events of the preceding book, including further signs of frighteningly intelligent zombies. Although there’s some resolution at the end, it’s clear that more sequels are in the works.

Dynamic characters and a consistently brisk plot energize this ongoing series.