Dive into the gritty, heart-pounding world of After It Happened, where a mysterious illness has swept the UK, leaving only a handful of survivors to rebuild in a lawless land! Devon C. Ford’s post-apocalyptic series follows Dan, a reluctant hero, and his eclectic group as they navigate survival, human nature, and the hope of a new society. With nine novels of raw emotion and thrilling action, this saga is a must-read for fans of dystopian adventures.
Unlike typical zombie-filled apocalypses, After It Happened offers a grounded, human-focused tale. Set in a vividly realized UK, the series captures the chaos and resilience of ordinary people facing extraordinary odds. Ready to join Dan and his crew? Let’s explore this gripping journey!
How After It Happened Began
Devon C. Ford, a former UK public servant turned full-time author, launched After It Happened in 2016 with Survival, inspired by his fascination with human behavior under pressure. Drawing from his experiences as a prison and police officer, Ford crafted a realistic post-apocalyptic world. His self-published debut soared into top 10 charts across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, leading to deals with Vulpine Press and Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray.
Ford’s vision was to create a zombie-free apocalypse, focusing on the raw struggle of survivors. The series’ UK setting, with familiar landmarks like Primark and Game of Thrones references, grounds the story in a relatable yet desolate reality, making it a standout in the genre.
The Heart of After It Happened
The series kicks off with Survival, where Dan, a grieving husband, stumbles upon other survivors after a virus wipes out 99.9% of humanity. They band together, scavenging supplies and facing hostile groups. Humanity (Book 2) sees their fledgling community grow, grappling with internal conflicts and external threats. Society (Book 3) explores the challenges of building a sustainable settlement, while Rebellion (Book 6) delivers a thrilling climax as survivors confront tyranny.
Themes of resilience, morality, and community shine throughout. Ford’s style blends fast-paced action with deep character development, portraying everyday people—like the sharpshooting teen Leah and loyal dog Ash—as complex heroes. The UK setting adds a unique flavor, with survivors navigating rural landscapes and urban ruins. Unlike tech-heavy dystopias, the series emphasizes human relationships, making each victory and loss deeply personal.
Ford’s writing avoids excessive technical jargon, focusing instead on emotional stakes. Readers praise the realistic dialogue and pacing, though some note occasional spelling hiccups in early self-published editions. Still, the series’ ability to balance heart and suspense keeps fans hooked.
Why After It Happened Resonates
After It Happened has carved a niche in post-apocalyptic fiction by offering a fresh, non-American perspective. Its focus on ordinary survivors resonates with readers who crave relatable heroes over superhuman protagonists. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ addictive pacing and emotional depth, with many calling it a top-tier apocalypse saga. Its audiobook, narrated by R.C. Bray, has also drawn Walking Dead fans for its immersive storytelling.
The series’ exploration of human nature—good and bad—feels timely, especially in a post-pandemic world. By showing survivors rebuilding not just society but their own humanity, Ford’s work inspires hope and reflection, ensuring its lasting appeal among dystopian enthusiasts.
- Publication Years: 2016–2018 (main series), plus spin-offs
- Number of Books: 9 (6 main, 3 spin-offs, including The Leah Chronicles)
- Narrator: R.C. Bray (Audible)
- Publisher: Vulpine Press
Grab Survival and dive into After It Happened’s thrilling post-apocalyptic UK! Join Dan, Leah, and Ash as they fight for a future worth living. Your next binge-read awaits!