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The End of Things as He Knew Them
A post-apocalyptic epistolary novel. When unforeseen circumstances sees Jeremy in England with his mother-in-law while his wife, Abbie, is forced to remain back in the US with their kids, he tries to make the best of it until suddenly things start going wrong. People acting aggressive towards themselves and others, there is talk of an unknown mutation of Covid, strange lights in the sky, the government denying everything...
And to make matters worse, Jeremy's mother-in-law, already dying from cancer, starts acting weird, Abbie recalls long-buried memories of a cult-like following her mother was involved in. Soon, Jeremy is not only trying to avoid falling victim to whatever is causing the chaos, he has to watch his mother and somehow try and find a desperate way back home to his wife and kids. The odds are stacked against him, but Jeremy will stop at nothing to get back to his family. Unless his mother-in-law has other plans...
And to make matters worse, Jeremy's mother-in-law, already dying from cancer, starts acting weird, Abbie recalls long-buried memories of a cult-like following her mother was involved in. Soon, Jeremy is not only trying to avoid falling victim to whatever is causing the chaos, he has to watch his mother and somehow try and find a desperate way back home to his wife and kids. The odds are stacked against him, but Jeremy will stop at nothing to get back to his family. Unless his mother-in-law has other plans...
- GenresHorror
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2023
7 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 21, 2024
It’s been a long time since I read a whole book one day, but this was a book that I couldn’t put down.
Written a book as a series of emails and journal entries is rather tricky task in the hard undertaking. Call a book with another person also offers many challenges that most people don’t have experience in. So I think the fact that both these offers were able to pull office a test story that read smoothly despite these challenges really shows how sick they are as writers.
You really get a good sense of environment and emotion through these entries, so much is said in between the lines it is done way that is clear and easy to follow. Even in the early chapters when everything is still a big cluster of confusion. You are confused alongside of the characters, and you know that what you’re supposed to be feeling in that moment.
There are so many twist and turn, and all of the sudden changes felt earned, it never felt like a twist was put in just to confuse the reader or cheat them, it all made sense from the confusing start to the speculations to the conclusions and the mistakes, so many mistakes, by all the characters. But that’s what made them human. And it was the characters that really made the story so enjoyable. They’re panicked and rash actions may not I’ve always been the smartest decisions could make in that situation, but it was a very realistic choice especially once you get to know the personalities of the care just making these choices. It’s amazing what people would do in extreme circumstances and distressed, and this book really highlights that and the most ways are best and worse qualities.
This was a quick read of good, strong rating and a lot of horrifying fun. I can’t wait to read the other version of the story.
Written a book as a series of emails and journal entries is rather tricky task in the hard undertaking. Call a book with another person also offers many challenges that most people don’t have experience in. So I think the fact that both these offers were able to pull office a test story that read smoothly despite these challenges really shows how sick they are as writers.
You really get a good sense of environment and emotion through these entries, so much is said in between the lines it is done way that is clear and easy to follow. Even in the early chapters when everything is still a big cluster of confusion. You are confused alongside of the characters, and you know that what you’re supposed to be feeling in that moment.
There are so many twist and turn, and all of the sudden changes felt earned, it never felt like a twist was put in just to confuse the reader or cheat them, it all made sense from the confusing start to the speculations to the conclusions and the mistakes, so many mistakes, by all the characters. But that’s what made them human. And it was the characters that really made the story so enjoyable. They’re panicked and rash actions may not I’ve always been the smartest decisions could make in that situation, but it was a very realistic choice especially once you get to know the personalities of the care just making these choices. It’s amazing what people would do in extreme circumstances and distressed, and this book really highlights that and the most ways are best and worse qualities.
This was a quick read of good, strong rating and a lot of horrifying fun. I can’t wait to read the other version of the story.
September 28, 2023
This was an interesting and funny read!
I just realized today (28th of September 2023), that I have forgotten to write my full review!
I'm so sorry, because not only was it promised as I received ARC, but also because the story deserves it, it was such a fun and entertaining read!
At first I felt the email correspondence seemed a bit forced and outdated these days of sms, WhatsApp, Skype, Discord, and tons of other direct message services. But I honestly have no clue if emails are still a common non-formal communication choice. Furthermore it quickly begins to make sense with the emails, as the story more or less is the beginning of an apocalypse and the issue with overseas communication is handled in the storyline.
I never spoil content, but embrace yourself for a no-fucks-given experiment of a collaborative between two authors, who apparently didn't plan the plot up front before writing in turns from their own character. I will definitely call it a success, and though it can be improved here and there, it's such an entertaining experience to read, I don't really care! And I'm sure they (the authors) will grow with their hopefully continuing cooperation).
I did feel sometimes the story felt a bit like it wasn't sure itself where it was heading, but in all honesty, I'm not sure if that's more because I KNEW in beforehand it's written by 2 authors in turns. It's always easier to see stuff, when you know it's there. But as the characters don't know shit about what's going on either, it actually fits well with the plot.
There are plenty of controversial subjects being touched lightly (or I'm just desensitized to controversy). In the end it leaves me with a desire for more closure. I'm personally not the biggest fan of not getting the explanation in the end (looking a bit unamused at Justin Boote and the third story in Northgate trilogy 🙄). That said; it's not something that ruins my reading experience through the story, it just leaves me wanting that bit more. And I'm sure that's not entirely unintended.
The story is fast pacing, balancing the grotesque, the funny, the horrifying, and the scaring in a way that made me blast through it.
I haven't yet read the wife's diary entries included in Angel's edition, but I'll definitely buy it soon and get that insight too (sneaky bastards you two! That was truly brilliant lol ❤️)
Anyone mind me saying I keep thinking of Peter Jackson's Braindead movie? (I believe it was released under s second title too) 😂
I just realized today (28th of September 2023), that I have forgotten to write my full review!
I'm so sorry, because not only was it promised as I received ARC, but also because the story deserves it, it was such a fun and entertaining read!
At first I felt the email correspondence seemed a bit forced and outdated these days of sms, WhatsApp, Skype, Discord, and tons of other direct message services. But I honestly have no clue if emails are still a common non-formal communication choice. Furthermore it quickly begins to make sense with the emails, as the story more or less is the beginning of an apocalypse and the issue with overseas communication is handled in the storyline.
I never spoil content, but embrace yourself for a no-fucks-given experiment of a collaborative between two authors, who apparently didn't plan the plot up front before writing in turns from their own character. I will definitely call it a success, and though it can be improved here and there, it's such an entertaining experience to read, I don't really care! And I'm sure they (the authors) will grow with their hopefully continuing cooperation).
I did feel sometimes the story felt a bit like it wasn't sure itself where it was heading, but in all honesty, I'm not sure if that's more because I KNEW in beforehand it's written by 2 authors in turns. It's always easier to see stuff, when you know it's there. But as the characters don't know shit about what's going on either, it actually fits well with the plot.
There are plenty of controversial subjects being touched lightly (or I'm just desensitized to controversy). In the end it leaves me with a desire for more closure. I'm personally not the biggest fan of not getting the explanation in the end (looking a bit unamused at Justin Boote and the third story in Northgate trilogy 🙄). That said; it's not something that ruins my reading experience through the story, it just leaves me wanting that bit more. And I'm sure that's not entirely unintended.
The story is fast pacing, balancing the grotesque, the funny, the horrifying, and the scaring in a way that made me blast through it.
I haven't yet read the wife's diary entries included in Angel's edition, but I'll definitely buy it soon and get that insight too (sneaky bastards you two! That was truly brilliant lol ❤️)
Anyone mind me saying I keep thinking of Peter Jackson's Braindead movie? (I believe it was released under s second title too) 😂
February 15, 2024
so, this is the story from the husbands view. You get to read the same emails back and forth between them, but instead of her diary entrees, you get to read his journal entrees. If you have no clue what I am talking about, read this one and "The End of Things as She knew them". Which is written from the wife's perspective.
Love it! Great concept, great characters, and I love "end-of-times" stories.
I have been reading books and stories from both of the authors and I love their stuff! This one is no exception.
Love it! Great concept, great characters, and I love "end-of-times" stories.
I have been reading books and stories from both of the authors and I love their stuff! This one is no exception.
June 29, 2023
Without a doubt, these two books by Angel VanAtta and Justin Boote stand on their own level altogether! The authors collaborated to write a single story, yet each book tells its own tale: you get two survivor stories, told through e-mail exchanges mostly between a husband and his wife (plus some journal and diary entries by each), everything taking place during an utterly mysterious worldwide apocalypse. The story pulls you in from the start, and on top of the suspense, the thrill and the fear, there’s an abundance of human elements forming the basis of each individual narrative (the husband is stranded in the UK with his... mother-in-law – ughhh! while the wife is in the States with the rest of the family, who are rather a handful!).
You read “apocalypse” and you think, oh another zombie book, and lots of people love zombie books, but this is NOT at all a zombie horror story: VanAtta and Boote have certainly not written your average end-of-the-world books, since they’ve chosen to hold back, as far as possible, revealing what’s going on, opting instead to emphasize relationships and only indicating the reasons for society’s collapsing. In fact, for the first ten long email exchanges or so, you have no idea where this apocalypse is going, what exactly happens when the pandemic begins, you’re not even told where exactly it originated (Is it aliens? A new COVID strain? A mother-in-law’s revenge? Could it be ... demon possession?); you never know who is going to survive; actually, you’re never sure whose voice you’re going to hear next. Since the books do not read like a standard account of a fictional event (as mentioned, they’re written in the so-called “epistolary style,’ with both long and short e-mail exchanges), each book needs some getting used to. There are some really gory descriptions (especially when the husband hits the motorway; well, these emails are written by Boote!) and some rather hectic ones (mainly on the mother-son relationship, as the son starts acting very strangely and the daughter, who’s three days away, starts posting on social media the same photo all day – VanAtta wrote those excellent creepy parts and it shows!) You might be forgiven for thinking these books narrate a family’s descent into madness, as the world disintegrates around them: the ending, however, will utterly surprise you and you WILL question everything. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing what other people think of this!
Many thanks to Angel VanAtta for offering ARCs of these books and allowing me to snag them!
You read “apocalypse” and you think, oh another zombie book, and lots of people love zombie books, but this is NOT at all a zombie horror story: VanAtta and Boote have certainly not written your average end-of-the-world books, since they’ve chosen to hold back, as far as possible, revealing what’s going on, opting instead to emphasize relationships and only indicating the reasons for society’s collapsing. In fact, for the first ten long email exchanges or so, you have no idea where this apocalypse is going, what exactly happens when the pandemic begins, you’re not even told where exactly it originated (Is it aliens? A new COVID strain? A mother-in-law’s revenge? Could it be ... demon possession?); you never know who is going to survive; actually, you’re never sure whose voice you’re going to hear next. Since the books do not read like a standard account of a fictional event (as mentioned, they’re written in the so-called “epistolary style,’ with both long and short e-mail exchanges), each book needs some getting used to. There are some really gory descriptions (especially when the husband hits the motorway; well, these emails are written by Boote!) and some rather hectic ones (mainly on the mother-son relationship, as the son starts acting very strangely and the daughter, who’s three days away, starts posting on social media the same photo all day – VanAtta wrote those excellent creepy parts and it shows!) You might be forgiven for thinking these books narrate a family’s descent into madness, as the world disintegrates around them: the ending, however, will utterly surprise you and you WILL question everything. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing what other people think of this!
Many thanks to Angel VanAtta for offering ARCs of these books and allowing me to snag them!
June 24, 2023
The End of Things As She knew them &
The End of Things As He knew them
These books are a collaboration of Angel Vanatta and Justin Boote.
The writing is absolutely fantastic. The books are told between 2 characters Abbie and Jeremy, thru emails to each other. Separated from each other when the world goes to shit. There is mass chaos, people are killing each other, and people are disappearing. Jeremy is in England while Abbie is in the US. Is it a virus, aliens, war, or a fight of the demons? These books will creep you out in so many ways. It's bloody and horrifying.. If you like the walking dead... you will absolutely love this ...plus it has a little twist.
The end of things as she knew them...includes the journal Abbie.
The end of things as he knew them...includes the journal of Jeremy.
Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the demons bite . Or was it a virus??
Ps... Pickles belong in potato salad.. I'm just saying .
The End of Things As He knew them
These books are a collaboration of Angel Vanatta and Justin Boote.
The writing is absolutely fantastic. The books are told between 2 characters Abbie and Jeremy, thru emails to each other. Separated from each other when the world goes to shit. There is mass chaos, people are killing each other, and people are disappearing. Jeremy is in England while Abbie is in the US. Is it a virus, aliens, war, or a fight of the demons? These books will creep you out in so many ways. It's bloody and horrifying.. If you like the walking dead... you will absolutely love this ...plus it has a little twist.
The end of things as she knew them...includes the journal Abbie.
The end of things as he knew them...includes the journal of Jeremy.
Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the demons bite . Or was it a virus??
Ps... Pickles belong in potato salad.. I'm just saying .
June 21, 2023
This story is The walking dead meets The exorcist meets creepy cult venerating demons. What else can you really ask?
Blood - check
Gorey scenes and more blood - double check
Families torn apart - check
Apocalypse setting - check
Evil wins - big time
Original view of the story through a series of emails back and forth and with bonus scenes reflecting the inner feelings of one side of the story.
Absolutely smashing story!
Blood - check
Gorey scenes and more blood - double check
Families torn apart - check
Apocalypse setting - check
Evil wins - big time
Original view of the story through a series of emails back and forth and with bonus scenes reflecting the inner feelings of one side of the story.
Absolutely smashing story!
August 1, 2023
When my friend and fellow author, Justin Boote, gave me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for his new book, The End Of Things As He Knew Them, I knew I would be in for a treat. I've been fortunate to ARC read for Justin on previous occasions and have enjoyed every single one of his books.
I found myself intrigued when I realized that The End Of Things As He Knew Them was written as an epistolary novel, whereas the entire book is told via emails, as well as the main male character's private journal entries.
What a delicious concept for a book of horror. I could hardly wait to get started.
But then I discovered that, not only had Justin collaborated with the very talented Angel Van Atta, but there were in fact two books, rather than one. The second being The End of Things As She Knew Them, which is comprised of the exact same main story and the exact same emails, but featuring the main female's diary entries rather than the male's.
Shortly after diving into Justin's ARC, I made a comment on Facebook about how I could hardly wait until release day so I could read the female's private journal entries. It was then that Angel, who I didn't know except by reputation, generously offered to send me a copy of her ARC, which I, of course, excitedly accepted. Thank you, Angel!
From that point on, I read both books at the same time, switching back and forth so that I was always up-to-date with the main storyline as well as the private inner thoughts of both main characters.
It's important to note that these books can be read individually. You can't go wrong with choosing one or the other.
But… since this is my review for both books, I feel I must strongly recommend that readers purchase both books in order to get the most enjoyment out of them.
Here is my 5-star review.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Abbie and Jeremy have made plans to go to England for a romantic second honeymoon. But at the last minute, Abbie isn't able to ditch an important work meeting and can't take her vacation as planned. Rather than canceling, Abbie suggests that her sick, cancer-ridden mother take her place, and join Jeremy on the trip to England while she stays home to work. Also at home is their teenage son, Paul, who rarely leaves the basement and has a seemingly endless fascination with conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, their daughter, Claire, is away at college.
It doesn't take long before Jeremy's mother-in-law, Jennifer, starts acting strangely, and he recalls a very disturbing incident that took place on his and Abbie's wedding night that he will never, ever forget. In the present, Jeremy wonders if Jennifer's odd behavior is due to her illness, the history between them, or something else. Because she is not the only person acting differently than expected. Jeremy begins to notice an increase in violence by individuals to others, as well as to themselves.
Back in the US, Abbie realizes that Paul's behavior seems more and more out of character. He's been staring into space, as if in a trace, and doing dangerous things that he would never normally do. After confronting him, he agrees that something is definitely wrong. But what? Abbie also wonders about Claire and how she's doing, but is unable to reach her. She is relieved when she finds a totally normal-looking post on Claire's Instagram account… until her frequent posts start becoming anything but normal.
Both Jeremy and Abbie begin sharing with one another episodes of the dark, unusual circumstances they encounter. But the most gory and specific details of these terrifying occurrences are written by each in his and her private journals.
Something bad is happening. Not just in the US and England, but worldwide, according to horrifying and explicit online videos and certain news stations. Strange lights have been reported in the sky, individuals displaying violent and aggressive behavior are becoming more and more frequent and out of control, and people are dying in the most gruesome ways…
Are these occurrences a result of a Covid mutation that attacks the brain and neurological system? Some other new and deadly virus? A government conspiracy? The apocalypse? Or something else?
As Jeremy deals with the ever-increasing worrisome and terrifying behavior of his mother-in-law, combined with very real threats of harm or even death outside his hotel room, he realizes he needs to get home. It's easier said than done in this strange new world, but he will do whatever it takes to reunite with his wife and children.
Abbie begins recalling memories from her childhood that have a cult-like feel to them, with her mother and a mysterious and dangerous man at the center of it all. Fire, chanting, dancing, sacrifice, and a cousin who disappeared without a trace all come to mind as she tries to determine if what she remembers is real or a figment of her tortured and confused imagination.
As Claire's Instagram posts become more and more alarming, Abbie and Paul decide to go to her. At the same time, Jeremy makes plans to go home with the help of a powerful friend, despite the fact that planes are no longer flying. And both Abbie and Jeremy encounter almost impassable destruction and carnage on the highways to their respective destinations… Jeremy to his friend's house, and Abbie, with Paul by her side, to Claire's college dorm.
Will Jeremy and Abbie be successful in completing what each needs to accomplish in order for their family to reunite? Will whatever it is that's transforming normal people into violent, ravenous beings bypass them? Or will they, like so many others, succumb to its power?
Why not pick up your copies of these fast-paced, delightfully gory, horror gems today? You will not be disappointed!
You can find them at:
The End Of Things As He Knew Them:
https://mybook.to/teotahkt
The End Of Things As She Knew Them:
https://mybook.to/teofaskt
I found myself intrigued when I realized that The End Of Things As He Knew Them was written as an epistolary novel, whereas the entire book is told via emails, as well as the main male character's private journal entries.
What a delicious concept for a book of horror. I could hardly wait to get started.
But then I discovered that, not only had Justin collaborated with the very talented Angel Van Atta, but there were in fact two books, rather than one. The second being The End of Things As She Knew Them, which is comprised of the exact same main story and the exact same emails, but featuring the main female's diary entries rather than the male's.
Shortly after diving into Justin's ARC, I made a comment on Facebook about how I could hardly wait until release day so I could read the female's private journal entries. It was then that Angel, who I didn't know except by reputation, generously offered to send me a copy of her ARC, which I, of course, excitedly accepted. Thank you, Angel!
From that point on, I read both books at the same time, switching back and forth so that I was always up-to-date with the main storyline as well as the private inner thoughts of both main characters.
It's important to note that these books can be read individually. You can't go wrong with choosing one or the other.
But… since this is my review for both books, I feel I must strongly recommend that readers purchase both books in order to get the most enjoyment out of them.
Here is my 5-star review.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Abbie and Jeremy have made plans to go to England for a romantic second honeymoon. But at the last minute, Abbie isn't able to ditch an important work meeting and can't take her vacation as planned. Rather than canceling, Abbie suggests that her sick, cancer-ridden mother take her place, and join Jeremy on the trip to England while she stays home to work. Also at home is their teenage son, Paul, who rarely leaves the basement and has a seemingly endless fascination with conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, their daughter, Claire, is away at college.
It doesn't take long before Jeremy's mother-in-law, Jennifer, starts acting strangely, and he recalls a very disturbing incident that took place on his and Abbie's wedding night that he will never, ever forget. In the present, Jeremy wonders if Jennifer's odd behavior is due to her illness, the history between them, or something else. Because she is not the only person acting differently than expected. Jeremy begins to notice an increase in violence by individuals to others, as well as to themselves.
Back in the US, Abbie realizes that Paul's behavior seems more and more out of character. He's been staring into space, as if in a trace, and doing dangerous things that he would never normally do. After confronting him, he agrees that something is definitely wrong. But what? Abbie also wonders about Claire and how she's doing, but is unable to reach her. She is relieved when she finds a totally normal-looking post on Claire's Instagram account… until her frequent posts start becoming anything but normal.
Both Jeremy and Abbie begin sharing with one another episodes of the dark, unusual circumstances they encounter. But the most gory and specific details of these terrifying occurrences are written by each in his and her private journals.
Something bad is happening. Not just in the US and England, but worldwide, according to horrifying and explicit online videos and certain news stations. Strange lights have been reported in the sky, individuals displaying violent and aggressive behavior are becoming more and more frequent and out of control, and people are dying in the most gruesome ways…
Are these occurrences a result of a Covid mutation that attacks the brain and neurological system? Some other new and deadly virus? A government conspiracy? The apocalypse? Or something else?
As Jeremy deals with the ever-increasing worrisome and terrifying behavior of his mother-in-law, combined with very real threats of harm or even death outside his hotel room, he realizes he needs to get home. It's easier said than done in this strange new world, but he will do whatever it takes to reunite with his wife and children.
Abbie begins recalling memories from her childhood that have a cult-like feel to them, with her mother and a mysterious and dangerous man at the center of it all. Fire, chanting, dancing, sacrifice, and a cousin who disappeared without a trace all come to mind as she tries to determine if what she remembers is real or a figment of her tortured and confused imagination.
As Claire's Instagram posts become more and more alarming, Abbie and Paul decide to go to her. At the same time, Jeremy makes plans to go home with the help of a powerful friend, despite the fact that planes are no longer flying. And both Abbie and Jeremy encounter almost impassable destruction and carnage on the highways to their respective destinations… Jeremy to his friend's house, and Abbie, with Paul by her side, to Claire's college dorm.
Will Jeremy and Abbie be successful in completing what each needs to accomplish in order for their family to reunite? Will whatever it is that's transforming normal people into violent, ravenous beings bypass them? Or will they, like so many others, succumb to its power?
Why not pick up your copies of these fast-paced, delightfully gory, horror gems today? You will not be disappointed!
You can find them at:
The End Of Things As He Knew Them:
https://mybook.to/teotahkt
The End Of Things As She Knew Them:
https://mybook.to/teofaskt
July 13, 2023
Through odd circumstances, Jeremy ends up in England with his mother-in-law while his wife is back in the US with the kids. Bizarre things are happening in both countries and are only getting worse by the day. Jeremy is focused on getting home to his family while the world is in utter chaos, and nobody seems to know what is behind this nightmare.
I was a bit excited to dive into this one since the whole book is written epistolary style. It had an interesting layout and made the story very easy to read and to get lost in. Not only are things in the world deteriorating rapidly, but you see the same happening to the characters. Once full of hope, now they are grasping for any bit of normalcy. Actions change, words change and as you read through the emails you wonder what is real and what isn’t. One thing that is real is the tension in this story. Not much room for breathing, only reading to see what’s coming next. Some scenes made me think of The Happening, while another one made me think of Legion. It’s crazy, gory, and the ending was a shock.
I was a bit excited to dive into this one since the whole book is written epistolary style. It had an interesting layout and made the story very easy to read and to get lost in. Not only are things in the world deteriorating rapidly, but you see the same happening to the characters. Once full of hope, now they are grasping for any bit of normalcy. Actions change, words change and as you read through the emails you wonder what is real and what isn’t. One thing that is real is the tension in this story. Not much room for breathing, only reading to see what’s coming next. Some scenes made me think of The Happening, while another one made me think of Legion. It’s crazy, gory, and the ending was a shock.
July 6, 2023
A must read and add to your tbr
This is Jeremy’s POV
A postapocalyptic setting (the world has we know it is crashing/burning down) filled with aliens, zombies, crazy animals, sex addict maniacs and a weirdass cult. Two lovers (Jeremy and Abbie) separated by an ocean with only form to communicate with each other is through emails (of all the communication methods we have in today’s world).
Written in a format of email exchanges I wasn’t sure how this story would go or evolve but was I surprised. Both authors (Booth and Van Atta) created a masterpiece of a story. Both books are the same and not with each being a POV of either Jeremy or Abbie. This book being Jeremy’s POV felt for some reason more eerie while reading. The best part of both books are the journal entries.
These were my first books from both authors and they did not disappoint. Both Booth and Van Atta jave become my top favorite authors and while definitely read their entire books collection.
If you’re looking for a different vibe (style of writting) but also want to start reading mild extreme horror (there’s still lots of gruesome scenes-check trigger warnings) these books are for you
This is Jeremy’s POV
A postapocalyptic setting (the world has we know it is crashing/burning down) filled with aliens, zombies, crazy animals, sex addict maniacs and a weirdass cult. Two lovers (Jeremy and Abbie) separated by an ocean with only form to communicate with each other is through emails (of all the communication methods we have in today’s world).
Written in a format of email exchanges I wasn’t sure how this story would go or evolve but was I surprised. Both authors (Booth and Van Atta) created a masterpiece of a story. Both books are the same and not with each being a POV of either Jeremy or Abbie. This book being Jeremy’s POV felt for some reason more eerie while reading. The best part of both books are the journal entries.
These were my first books from both authors and they did not disappoint. Both Booth and Van Atta jave become my top favorite authors and while definitely read their entire books collection.
If you’re looking for a different vibe (style of writting) but also want to start reading mild extreme horror (there’s still lots of gruesome scenes-check trigger warnings) these books are for you
July 11, 2023
This is very similar to the review I wrote for the other book in this collaboration, but I just need everyone to know how much I loved them!!! I was SO excited to see that Justin collaborated with one of my favorite horror writers, and this did not disappoint!!!! This story will legit haunt my dreams, and yet somehow I can't wait to read these again. I read both books in this colab, and I absolutely recommend not skipping on either one!!!
July 3, 2023
I have read many of Justin’s books and they never fail. This starts out relatively normally and then the way the tension gets ramped up when things start happening genuinely took my breath away and I felt the same way all the way through the story.
We are not sure all the way through what is true and what is really happening and this doesn’t let up. I had to speed though this book to find out what happened and I will have to read the other side of the story in Angel’s book.
I know it’s a cliche to say it but this book really did keep me on the edge of my seat the entire time. While it wasn’t as extreme as some of Justin’s other works there is still a good few chunks of gore and gruesome goings on. I’d be happy to read it again now.
We are not sure all the way through what is true and what is really happening and this doesn’t let up. I had to speed though this book to find out what happened and I will have to read the other side of the story in Angel’s book.
I know it’s a cliche to say it but this book really did keep me on the edge of my seat the entire time. While it wasn’t as extreme as some of Justin’s other works there is still a good few chunks of gore and gruesome goings on. I’d be happy to read it again now.
July 4, 2023
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book early!
** Possible mild spoilers**
I started this collaborative effort with a little trepidation. Although I am a huge fan of both Mr. Boote's and Ms. Van Atta's work (and have read almost all of their previous books) I wondered how this was going to fuse together. Written in an "epistolary" format of emails and journal entries we follow the apocalyptic tale back and forth, continent to continent. This is far from an ordinary tale of the end of the world as we know it today- enter aliens, zombies, crazed s3x maniacs, vicious animals and a deranged cult!
I can't wait to read the "sister" story by Angel Van Atta!
** Possible mild spoilers**
I started this collaborative effort with a little trepidation. Although I am a huge fan of both Mr. Boote's and Ms. Van Atta's work (and have read almost all of their previous books) I wondered how this was going to fuse together. Written in an "epistolary" format of emails and journal entries we follow the apocalyptic tale back and forth, continent to continent. This is far from an ordinary tale of the end of the world as we know it today- enter aliens, zombies, crazed s3x maniacs, vicious animals and a deranged cult!
I can't wait to read the "sister" story by Angel Van Atta!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2023
“Sent from one of the circles of Hell, though I’m not sure which yet.”
I feel like I was just viciously dragged through every circle of hell right now …
I read this and it’s companion, quite literally, in one sitting, tonight, just now.
My hair is sticking up, my eyes are glassy and I’m fighting the urge to clear out my local grocers supply of non-perishable foods.
This book is unlike any other I’ve ever read.. It is fashioned in epistolary style, in the form of e-mails and diary entries. I’ll be honest, I was intrigued, but I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this style of prose. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised to note the level of connection I ended up feeling for the characters was deep and almost instantaneous.
Those characters are a family who, whilst off on their own individual pursuits, are suddenly separated by a global crisis of unknown origin. Unable to get back to each-other, as the world as they knew it, fell into madness… Their emails tell the story’s they feel the recipient wants to hear. Their journals are their truths.
Resplendent with bloody madness and gore, I absolutely had a few of those abject physical, “oof” cringe moments that adeptly balanced out the emotional tugs on the strings of my dark little heart.
I’ll be honest, I’m still processing what I read. It was intense, raw, brutal and unprecedented for me.
The plot is engaging and nuanced just enough to make sure you are still questioning if you truly know what’s going on…
It clipped along at a fantastic cadence, in step with the evolving madness of the world, themselves and each-other.
The individual books with the differing diary entries, surrounding the same email exchanges, give the feeling of being inside our protagonists souls, poking at their insides, as they are torn apart.
“Once you’ve eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the answer.”
The improbable is not the answer you’d expect.
You need to nab this book to find out!
I feel like I was just viciously dragged through every circle of hell right now …
I read this and it’s companion, quite literally, in one sitting, tonight, just now.
My hair is sticking up, my eyes are glassy and I’m fighting the urge to clear out my local grocers supply of non-perishable foods.
This book is unlike any other I’ve ever read.. It is fashioned in epistolary style, in the form of e-mails and diary entries. I’ll be honest, I was intrigued, but I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this style of prose. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised to note the level of connection I ended up feeling for the characters was deep and almost instantaneous.
Those characters are a family who, whilst off on their own individual pursuits, are suddenly separated by a global crisis of unknown origin. Unable to get back to each-other, as the world as they knew it, fell into madness… Their emails tell the story’s they feel the recipient wants to hear. Their journals are their truths.
Resplendent with bloody madness and gore, I absolutely had a few of those abject physical, “oof” cringe moments that adeptly balanced out the emotional tugs on the strings of my dark little heart.
I’ll be honest, I’m still processing what I read. It was intense, raw, brutal and unprecedented for me.
The plot is engaging and nuanced just enough to make sure you are still questioning if you truly know what’s going on…
It clipped along at a fantastic cadence, in step with the evolving madness of the world, themselves and each-other.
The individual books with the differing diary entries, surrounding the same email exchanges, give the feeling of being inside our protagonists souls, poking at their insides, as they are torn apart.
“Once you’ve eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the answer.”
The improbable is not the answer you’d expect.
You need to nab this book to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2023
After reading the first book, I was not sure how the second book would compare. The main story is the same but told from his point of view. This version was just as good as the other. Being told from Jeremy’s POV made to story that more terrifying. Reading his journal entries was just as awful as hers. The world is falling apart and they are continents away from each other. Each person was feeling denial on how bad the situation really was becoming. The end made me feel so sad!
June 26, 2023
The End of Things As She Knew Them and The End of Things As He Knew Them is a genius collaboration between the wonderful Justin Boote and Angel VanAtta. Both books are written in the form of emails between the husband/wife, husband/son, & wife/her mom because he and his mother in law are in London and wife and kids are in U.S. Something is happening worldwide and we are just not quite sure what it is! Another virus, a plague, demons rising - who knows…but it’s wreaking havoc! Both Angel and Justin’s books are the same, but Justin’s has journal entries from the husbands POV scattered throughout and Angel’s has the same but from the wife’s POV. Read one or read both. I read one and then read the journal entries in the other so I could see the difference in the thoughts of of the husband and wife. These books did not disappoint and I hope they collaborate for a sequel so grab copies and support Justin and Angel!
July 28, 2023
Not only are these two brilliant amazing stories from my two favorite authors, BUT they’re two different books, as well as being the same book! You heard me right! These books are perfectly unique in just that way! This is a story of a husband and wife that are supposed to be on vacation together but, due to certain circumstances get separated in two different countries of the world. The wife, stuck home in the States with their children and the husband, stuck overseas, now on vacation with his mother in law. As if that doesn’t sound unfortunate enough, the world decides to take a plunge off the deep end and everyone, in both sides of the world, goes crazy! Zombies?? Aliens?? Cults?? The end of the world?? What is going on? And why are people dying?? The End of Things as She Knew Them is written by Angel Van Atta and is the “wife’s side” of the story and The End of Things as He Knew Them is written by Justin Boote and is the “husband’s side” of the story. What they share are the emails between each other as this story/diary plays out. I’ve never read a story based on emails exchanged between characters that are in separate places of the world, so this was a first experience for me. And, it weaves itself together so easily and brilliantly, it was as if you were reading and experiencing both views of the world’s events at the same time. The adventure of this family during the chaos of being separated will have you on the edge of your seat! It, obviously, took a lot of planning and brainstorming between both authors to get this story so perfect and they reached that goal a million times over. So, don’t let the uniqueness of these two books turn you off. I know it’s new for a lot of readers, but it’s fun and you will not be disappointed. Buckle up, buttercups!
February 5, 2024
Reading two books simultaneously was a very new thing for me. Seeing as these books are the same in every aspect except the characters personal journal/diary entries it really allowed the reader to get into each characters headspace that much easier. They were a refreshing read, seeing as it's all email correspondence. It was absolutely mind boggling how accurate they depicted how the occurrences would and could unflold, almost had a sense of familiarity to it...
I am giving these books a five star rating because of how I was personally affected while reading this book. I felt so much dread and anxiety as for the events mentioned actually had happened at some point, one inparticular at a fraction of the extent depicted in the books... but still enough to really make you really think.
I am giving these books a five star rating because of how I was personally affected while reading this book. I felt so much dread and anxiety as for the events mentioned actually had happened at some point, one inparticular at a fraction of the extent depicted in the books... but still enough to really make you really think.
July 23, 2023
A unique and immersive novel, written in collaboration through epistolary exchanges. Both novels - as She Knew Them and As He Knew Them can be read on their own. But read together they offer unique perspectives from the diary entries.
I’m glad I read as She Knew Them First; it made the reveals in as He Knew Them all the more shocking.
Strongly recommend.
I’m glad I read as She Knew Them First; it made the reveals in as He Knew Them all the more shocking.
Strongly recommend.
August 16, 2023
Good read
Good read close to the first book. Justin kept the characters together perfectly. It was nice to read jermerey's journal. Crazy mother inlaw. I didn't like the ending or the email format lol I'm just old. This is a great read still and I did enjoy it. I don't like spoiling books so just read it and judge for yourself.
Good read close to the first book. Justin kept the characters together perfectly. It was nice to read jermerey's journal. Crazy mother inlaw. I didn't like the ending or the email format lol I'm just old. This is a great read still and I did enjoy it. I don't like spoiling books so just read it and judge for yourself.
September 19, 2023
Loved it! Creepy. Poor guy got humped by his mother-in-law. What could be worse?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
The End of Things as He Knew Them is a collaboration between Justin Boote and Angel Van Atta. I am a huge fan of Justin’s books, so reading this was a given. I was unsure what to expect because he mentioned it wasn’t like the other books I read of his. I essentially went in blind.
The book has an unusual format that I really enjoyed and helped me fly through the chapters. The book was written through a series of emails and journal entries. I felt like a total voyeur snooping on personal family emails. This book focuses on Jeremy’s perspective during this post-apocalyptic mind fuck.
Jeremy is in England with his mother-in-law while his wife, Abbie, and their two kids are back in the states. Strange things begin to happen rather quickly. People begin acting out aggressively toward one another, murdering one another and even sometimes themselves. Could this possibly be a variant of the covid virus, or is it something new? What about the reports of unidentified lights and unknown objects in the sky?! Is it aliens? The government and news stations are acting like nothing is wrong!
Jeremy’s emails to his family become more frantic while things begin to spiral into chaos. His mother-in-law is showing signs of being infected and saying a lot of weird things, sometimes gibberish. He makes the decision to try to go home, but most flights are canceled, and he can’t leave her behind. His son begins to act weird, scaring Abbie. Then Abbie herself begins to act differently.
With each email I read, my anxiety rose a bit more. Are there demons? What the hell was going on? Was Jeremy going to make it home in time to save his family? Is he infected now too?! I was on the edge of my set with this book, and I will be reading the companion book The End of Things as She Knew Them as well. I must get Abbie’s point of view!! That ending, though….
Thank you to Justin Boote for gifting me an eARC of The End of Things as He Knew Them. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book has an unusual format that I really enjoyed and helped me fly through the chapters. The book was written through a series of emails and journal entries. I felt like a total voyeur snooping on personal family emails. This book focuses on Jeremy’s perspective during this post-apocalyptic mind fuck.
Jeremy is in England with his mother-in-law while his wife, Abbie, and their two kids are back in the states. Strange things begin to happen rather quickly. People begin acting out aggressively toward one another, murdering one another and even sometimes themselves. Could this possibly be a variant of the covid virus, or is it something new? What about the reports of unidentified lights and unknown objects in the sky?! Is it aliens? The government and news stations are acting like nothing is wrong!
Jeremy’s emails to his family become more frantic while things begin to spiral into chaos. His mother-in-law is showing signs of being infected and saying a lot of weird things, sometimes gibberish. He makes the decision to try to go home, but most flights are canceled, and he can’t leave her behind. His son begins to act weird, scaring Abbie. Then Abbie herself begins to act differently.
With each email I read, my anxiety rose a bit more. Are there demons? What the hell was going on? Was Jeremy going to make it home in time to save his family? Is he infected now too?! I was on the edge of my set with this book, and I will be reading the companion book The End of Things as She Knew Them as well. I must get Abbie’s point of view!! That ending, though….
Thank you to Justin Boote for gifting me an eARC of The End of Things as He Knew Them. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2023
Of the few books in this style that I have read, only a handful worked. Fortunately for us readers, the two books from Justin Boote and Angel VanAtta, work perfectly. To add to the awesomeness of this story, the apocalypse that happens is not your usual end of the world doom and outcome. With some fantastic character relationships and scene settings, the reader is along for a crazy story. I love that we can read about Jeremy and Abbie’s personal story, their own version of what they are going through and what is happening.
Angel VanAtta’s version of The End of Things As She Knew It has the emails and journals from Abbie’s journals and perspective.
Justin Boote’s version called The End of Things As He Knew It, has the same emails but with Jeremy’s journals and viewpoint.
The way these two wrote the story is just as fascinating as the story itself. Angel wrote the first email in the story… to Justin’s character, Jeremy. When Justin (a.k.a. Jeremy) received the email. He then replied to Angel’s character, Abbie. The ending of the story is Justin’s chapter. The ending was nothing I was prepared for.
Throughout the entire writing of this book, in actual real time, Abbie (Angel) and Jeremy (Justin) emailed back and forth and kept a journal about what they experienced, their fears and wishes, and all that they witnessed.
In my opinion, I think having these two books separate was a good idea. It would have been hard to follow the story if both of the characters’ journals were in one book. Angel and Justin have their own unique voices in writing that come together in harmony. I hope they will collaborate again in the future.
Angel VanAtta’s version of The End of Things As She Knew It has the emails and journals from Abbie’s journals and perspective.
Justin Boote’s version called The End of Things As He Knew It, has the same emails but with Jeremy’s journals and viewpoint.
The way these two wrote the story is just as fascinating as the story itself. Angel wrote the first email in the story… to Justin’s character, Jeremy. When Justin (a.k.a. Jeremy) received the email. He then replied to Angel’s character, Abbie. The ending of the story is Justin’s chapter. The ending was nothing I was prepared for.
Throughout the entire writing of this book, in actual real time, Abbie (Angel) and Jeremy (Justin) emailed back and forth and kept a journal about what they experienced, their fears and wishes, and all that they witnessed.
In my opinion, I think having these two books separate was a good idea. It would have been hard to follow the story if both of the characters’ journals were in one book. Angel and Justin have their own unique voices in writing that come together in harmony. I hope they will collaborate again in the future.
July 16, 2023
First let me say I’ve never read anything by either of these authors, but that changes today after finishing these 2 books. I was very lucky to score arc’s, thank you both by the way.
I highly recommend getting a copy of both and tandem reading. Though I’m sure you would get a majority of the story of you chose just one, you will definitely miss large parts without the second. These are written through email and journal entries through the pov of husband and wife (sometimes other family members). With each entry there is a building sense of anxiety, dread, fear, and confusion. I love the way these 2 wrote together and the way this book slowly built up and eventually ended. Definitely 5 star reading for me!
Both available now (I also see that the are on KU).
The End of Things as She/He Knew Them by Angel Van Atta and Justin Boote
Thank you both so much, I can’t wait to read more by both of you 😁
I highly recommend getting a copy of both and tandem reading. Though I’m sure you would get a majority of the story of you chose just one, you will definitely miss large parts without the second. These are written through email and journal entries through the pov of husband and wife (sometimes other family members). With each entry there is a building sense of anxiety, dread, fear, and confusion. I love the way these 2 wrote together and the way this book slowly built up and eventually ended. Definitely 5 star reading for me!
Both available now (I also see that the are on KU).
The End of Things as She/He Knew Them by Angel Van Atta and Justin Boote
Thank you both so much, I can’t wait to read more by both of you 😁
July 5, 2023
Wow – just wow! This is one heck of a ride! Definitely a must-read!
The world was fine until Jer Bear and Abbie were separated by an entire ocean. Then, the $h!t hit the fan! But what’s exactly going on? Is it another COVID-type virus? Is it The Apocalypse? Is there a war starting? Have the aliens infiltrated the Earth? Or is it something more ominous like witches or demons? Why won’t the Government or media report any information?
I absolutely love how this book was written. Because an entire ocean separated the couple in this book, their only form of communication being e-mail, the book is written as a series of back-and-forth e-mails.
I am left with ohhhh so many questions. So many bloody questions! I hope Justin Boote and Angel VanAtta are working on a follow-up!
The world was fine until Jer Bear and Abbie were separated by an entire ocean. Then, the $h!t hit the fan! But what’s exactly going on? Is it another COVID-type virus? Is it The Apocalypse? Is there a war starting? Have the aliens infiltrated the Earth? Or is it something more ominous like witches or demons? Why won’t the Government or media report any information?
I absolutely love how this book was written. Because an entire ocean separated the couple in this book, their only form of communication being e-mail, the book is written as a series of back-and-forth e-mails.
I am left with ohhhh so many questions. So many bloody questions! I hope Justin Boote and Angel VanAtta are working on a follow-up!
January 7, 2024
If you like post apocalyptic horror, then this is for you. If you like cult horror, then this is for you. If you just like straight up creepy, then this is also for you. I enjoyed the way that the story was told through a series of emails and journal entries between the two MC. This is definitely not your typical zombie apocalypse story at all! I have yet to read the second book in this series yet, but it is the next one on my TBR list.
September 24, 2024
Another absolute banger from Justin Boote! The whole idea behind this book and its companion is so unique and brings a fun perspective to the horror genre. I can’t wait to read Angel’s book and get the wife’s personal thoughts!
July 10, 2023
This is my first experience with the non-traditional format of storytelling in this book. I’ve read a book or two where email correspondence has been a minor part and I really liked the idea of it, so I knew a read set entirely in this narrative wasn’t likely to bother me. I loved the fact that the characters are having the same general experience, but at the same time a completely different one. They compare and contrast their experiences through email as the ever increasing instability of the internet threatens to cut them off from each other completely. I liked that each character had their own additional “problem” to deal with, Abbie with her daughter and Jeremy with his MIL 😬.
And then there’s that twist that shows up early. The reader is still wondering WTF is going on, even with the wrench in the plot already revealed. I’m not really sure how Justin and Angel made it work, but they made it work. As the story flows, the completely out of left field twist interweaves itself flawlessly into the story. Somewhere along the line, I went from where the hell did that come from to accepting that maybe it was always meant to happen this way. My main question now became, are these two occurrences related or just randomly happening together?
Sound confusing? It is. Sound intriguing? It is. As always Justin puts out a good story here and I’m glad J. Boote stayed on the sidelines for this one (that guy and his cat have been hogging a lot of the lime light lately). And although I’ve had interactions with Angel, this is my first time experiencing her work as an author. I apologize for that Angel and will look to rectify that in the near future.
In the meantime, go experience this unique, one of a kind story for yourself.
October 25, 2023
‘The End of Things as He Knew Them,” by Justin Boote and Angel Van Atta was terrific. I haven’t read many epistolary stories but this was frightening realistic. The author did a great job making true to life characters. A very fast and fun read. It has a a sibling book where the events are told from a different perspective that I haven’t read yet, but I can’t wait to dig in!
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