The Bar at the End of the World (The Watchers #1)

A fair warning. I’m going to try my hardest to not spoil this book but I fear that will be impossible. Abrahams wrote a story that has something in the middle of it that really defines the book. And it’s really hard to write a review without talking about that point. I don’t even want to say what the story reminded me of because saying that sort of gives it away. The Bar At The End of the World will be both familiar and different for those of you who are used to Abrahams’ other stories. Sure, it’s a post-apocalyptic world. But it’s completely different than his other stories. The main issue in this apocalypse is water… or the lack of it. There are two rival factions who control, distribute, and bootleg water to the people left. That is where most of the similarities go out the window (though I will say that once we meet Uriel she did remind me a bit of a darker version of another character from another story that Abrahams wrote). So, here’s where I would talk about the part of the story that really shocked me, but I can’t without spoiling it. Let me say that it had one of those Fight Club-like reveals to it. Once you know that (spoiler alert for Fight Club) the narrator and Tyler Durden are the same person and you re-watch Fight Club it’s a completely different movie). Once I found out the big reveal that Abrahams wrote into The Bar At The End of the World I was like, well I probably should have seen it coming but I didn’t. The story itself is one about redemption, love, loss, and a bunch of other issues that make us human. Just know if you liked Abrahams’ other books, you’ll enjoy this one. But if you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic tale that’s unlike anything I’ve ever read (and I’ve read a lot of PA books) then this one will really be for you. Overall, I thought that Abrahams wrote a fantastic book that really provided me with tons of entertainment but also a fair amount of shock and awe. One that I won’t forget for some time. One that I can’t wait to see what else happens in this world.

Post apocalyptic fantasy is a genre I never knew I needed! Wow. Tom Abrahams is a great writer and this is my first intro to him. Will be seeking out more.

The problem with growing old, and loving to read, is that I keep running across stories that use the same, old, worn out formula. Bad boy wants to do right and save the girl. Again. The writing was good, the characters were realistic and believable, the author did a great job of putting me inside each characters head so I could really understand their motivations and beliefs, and I liked the fantasy/supernatural twist and the mysteries the main character was slowly unraveling, but I\’m tired of the whole, \”Yes, I was a bad boy who did bad things for bad people, but it wasn\’t my fault, and I\’m really a good guy inside.\” theme. And the ending really disappointed me, The prologue is all about one of the main characters in the story. All through the story, this guy is sort of the bad guy, but the author makes it clear, he\’s not all bad, he just has his own view on how to do \”the right thing\”. The prologue is about what happens to this character. As it progresses, it seems like the author is setting up this guy to return in the next story. I\’m thinking we will get to learn more about this guy and see him grow and develop. Will he change and \”see the light\”, or will he go all in to the \”dark side\”? I\’m looking forward to this story. Then the author takes the easy way out and goes for the cheap vengeance thrill. SO DISAPPOINTING! The story has a few chapters of torturing the damsel in distress, which I totally skipped over. Doesn\’t seem like I missed anything important. And there are plenty of fights, gun battles, explosions, car chases, etc., which I sometimes skipped over, I\’m just more interested in the characters and the mysteries, than the action. Did I mention I\’m old and jaded? I think I did. So, I like the author, I like the world building, I like the way he lets me get inside each character\’s head and I like the way he sets up and slowly reveals the mysteries. I absolutely love Jonathan Davis narration. I just feel like I\’ve read this story too many time already. I\’m still going to get the rest of this series, because I want to learn more about these characters and hopefully find out more about some of the supporting characters, like the bartender- there\’s a lot more to know about this guy.

This book has a Mad Max feel to it, which I really enjoy. The author does a great job blending fantasy with dystopian in this book. There are awesome car chases and epic fight scenes. The character development is great in this book. You can never say which characters are truly good or evil, because most of them often find themselves on both sides of the same coin. The narrator has a kind of raspy voice that really fits this book. He does a great job with all of the characters\’ voices, and his narration voice really helps bring the environment to life. Overall, an enjoyable listen and I’m looking forward to book two. I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Running from water bootleggers and wastelanders you come upon a Bar with your last gasp of life. You are offered assistance and aid, the catch, you have to go back and take care of finished business. This was a great story of redemption, the end times, and maybe a little divine intervention. There are so many layers here and I can\’t wait for the sequel. If you liked Mad Max and Good Omens I think you will enjoy this story.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member