Travelers Series by Alia Hess, Al Hess

Is happiness worth the risk when your life is the wager?In the depressing gray landscape of 2170 Moscow, Sasha Roborovskiy is fighting to make something of his life. Alcoholism, government-mandated medication, and a dead-end job create impossible hurdles, pushing Sasha into a daily routine of isolation, fatigue, and confusion. He dreams of a place free from the crushing thumb of Russia—blue skies, open roads, and a clear mind... moreIs happiness worth the risk when your life is the wager?In the depressing gray landscape of 2170 Moscow, Sasha Roborovskiy is fighting to make something of his life. Alcoholism, government-mandated medication, and a dead-end job create impossible hurdles, pushing Sasha into a daily routine of isolation, fatigue, and confusion. He dreams of a place free from the crushing thumb of Russia—blue skies, open roads, and a clear mind. When a bizarre website on the darknet offers him a chance at a new life with a research team in America, it seems too good to be true. But no one has set foot in the Americas in over a hundred and fifty years, after a devastating virus wiped out much of the continent. Even if the stories of monsters and roving gangs aren’t real, the risk of contracting the virus is, and the experimental vaccine needed to live there doesn’t always work. Freedom and a fresh start are just what Sasha needs, because he can’t survive his life of oppression much longer. But taking the trip to uncharted America is permanent—and fatal if the vaccine fails. less

Amid monsters, marauders, and mysterious drones, is there room for a place to call home? Owl Melonvine ended an abusive relationship and fled town, intent to start over somewhere new, only to lose her way in the barren deserts of post-apocalyptic America. After a terrifying cliff fall nearly claims her life, a fellow wanderer comes to her aid... moreAmid monsters, marauders, and mysterious drones, is there room for a place to call home? Owl Melonvine ended an abusive relationship and fled town, intent to start over somewhere new, only to lose her way in the barren deserts of post-apocalyptic America. After a terrifying cliff fall nearly claims her life, a fellow wanderer comes to her aid. The nameless Islander, imposing and aloof, isn’t an ideal traveling companion, let alone someone Owl wants to get close to after her last devastating relationship. But there are worse dangers around each bend of the road—putrid trashdogs, blood-thirsty highwaymen, and foreign drones—and inviting him along as protection is safer than going it alone. When an encroaching slaver army threatens to destroy not only Owl’s intended destination, but her childhood home, it seems there are no more places of comfort left in the wasteland… except the enigmatic man traveling with her. He’s offered to take her farther than intended, to a place the army can’t reach. Despite her growing feelings, the pain and mistrust from old wounds is hard to heal. Following him to somewhere as mysterious as he is could lead to danger. But there might be a chance at a new home and fresh shot at love, if Owl can break down the walls around her heart. Book I of the Travelers Series by Alia Hess. Fans of the cozy, optimistic apocalypse of Carrie Vaughn's Bannerless, the character-driven journeys in Station Eleven, and Fallout's Wild Wasteland perk, will love TRAVELERS. less

Sometimes it’s hard to make the right choices, even with a god whispering in your ear. Jack Daughter has been trying for years to find happiness, but no matter where he runs to, the memory of the little sister he abandoned haunts him. Terrified of her rejection, he follows a merchant caravan into the Southern post-apocalyptic wasteland instead of seeking her out. He hopes more distance between himself and America will help fade his guilt of past wrongs... moreSometimes it’s hard to make the right choices, even with a god whispering in your ear. Jack Daughter has been trying for years to find happiness, but no matter where he runs to, the memory of the little sister he abandoned haunts him. Terrified of her rejection, he follows a merchant caravan into the Southern post-apocalyptic wasteland instead of seeking her out. He hopes more distance between himself and America will help fade his guilt of past wrongs. Despite The South being a territory of fear and legend, his caravan is eager to capitalize on an unseized financial opportunity. Tempers flare and party members turn hostile, as the South’s fantastical—but deadly—flora and fauna tries to consume them all. If Jack doesn’t leave The South to find his sister soon, it might be too late. When a “god” of painted light arrives offering assistance to find Jack’s sister, it seems too good to be true. But no one else can see Jack’s god, and his messages are cryptic. Is this mysterious being Jack’s last chance at redemption? Or is it just another trick of The South, luring him into danger? Book IV of the Travelers Series by Alia Hess. Fans of the cozy, optimistic apocalypse of Carrie Vaughn's Bannerless, the character-driven journeys in Station Eleven, and Fallout's Wild Wasteland perk, will love SOUTHSAYER. less

A wasteland of deception, danger, and deadly cults stands in the way of a little girl's life.All Jack’s life, he’s yearned for family. But as suddenly as three-year-old Poppy came into his life, she might leave it. Her compromised immune system is grappling with an aggressive virus, and her symptoms are growing worse by the day.A treatment is waiting out in the wasteland. Armed with a truck, a few clues, and Corvin—his new traveling companion—Jack sets out to find the cure... moreA wasteland of deception, danger, and deadly cults stands in the way of a little girl's life.All Jack’s life, he’s yearned for family. But as suddenly as three-year-old Poppy came into his life, she might leave it. Her compromised immune system is grappling with an aggressive virus, and her symptoms are growing worse by the day.A treatment is waiting out in the wasteland. Armed with a truck, a few clues, and Corvin—his new traveling companion—Jack sets out to find the cure. But his survival skills are rusty, Corvin is keeping secrets, and the friendly bull terrier they pick up along the way is no ordinary dog.Problems compound when the treatment turns out to be in the hands of a mysterious order known for violence and kidnapping. Jack has just enough time to reach the cure and make it back to help Poppy… but he and Corvin will be heading into a certain trap. less