The Fortress

The Fortress series, #1

by

T.A. Styles

To atone for the past, he vowed to keep children safe and save their lives.

The Fortress is the first book in author T.A. Styles's post-apocalyptic series featuring a former teacher and the children left behind after a deadly virus ravages the world. With its large cast of child characters trying to eke out an existence in the chaotic, lawless remnants of society and the evil adults who want to take everything from them, I was completely drawn into this exciting and horrifying survival story. 

Sim is the only one left of his small family, but his survivor's guilt has a twist: he killed his daughter and near-death wife so they could all die together. However, his resolve failed when he turned the gun on himself, and he was left to cope on his own with the knowledge of what he had done. His self-imposed penance was to collect any children left behind and care for them in his large, fortified, and now well-supplied home on the hill. Saving the children from the streets was a two-edged sword, though. He was saving a life, but each one reminded him of the daughter that should have been at his side. A growing troop of lost or orphaned children of all ages eventually surrounds him. I enjoyed their backstories and how they had come to "The Fortress," their name changes, and their preparations to ensure their continued safety. 

Sim leads The Fortress with a firm grip, and while he takes input from the kids, he mostly discards it. As the young survivors age, they form a formidable team. But will it be enough to fight off those who want what they've built with Sim? 

I enjoy post-apocalyptic tales, and this was one of the best; I was delighted to see that there are two more books available in the series. The children have a wide range of personalities, even the youngest ones who are still forming theirs. The story gets started quickly, taking just a little time for bare bones, upfront exposition. The danger presented by wandering adult survivors is immediately established, and the kids' fight for survival becomes critical early on. The suspense mounted as the little group inside The Fortress waited for the next assault on their safety. I didn't want to put this book down! 

I recommend THE FORTRESS to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic tales that prominently feature children.

 I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.