Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Stone Age #3

Hell's Requiem

Rate this book
Don't just survive the apocalypse... Live!

His son died, and his wife left him.

Then the world ended.

It was about to get much worse.

Tom was already prepared for society’s collapse when the nonstop solar storms arrived. He just hadn’t planned on the loneliness, and those never-ending memories.

When a woman and a little boy show up, they bring with them much more than Tom had bargained for. He’ll not only have to battle for his life; he’ll need to fight for a reason to live, as he recalls the painful memories and the songs linked to them in Hell’s Requiem .

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2017

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

M.L. Banner

28 books125 followers
Hello lovers of apocalyptic thrillers!

I devour the same books I enjoy writing: science fiction, set in an apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic or dystopian world. I love stories about regular people being thrust into extra ordinary circumstances, and having to rely on their own cunning and that of others to survive. And I love a twist at the end.

My just released Ashfall Apocalypse, as well as previous series Madness, Highway and Stone Age are those kind of stories. They're fast moving, have some regular (and amazing) characters who must make life changing decisions, all while the world is experiencing an apocalypse.

Besides writing, my wife and I travel the world (often to research the next book). But often you can find me on a beach, Kindle in hand, with my Toes in the Water (name of my publishing company).

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
73 (47%)
4 stars
52 (33%)
3 stars
19 (12%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
4,715 reviews2,304 followers
July 30, 2017
Hell's Requiem: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller by M.L. Banner narrated by Kevin Pierce is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. I am really saturated with zombies and apocalyptic books but I am always on the look out for new authors, new to me, their books may have that new twist that is needed in this flooded market. This book has a bit of a twist I needed. In the start of this book, these things could happen to any of us, sadly so. The rest is a very big possibility so this isn't one of those very fanciful stories, this could be real. The worst real parts come when you throw in the cruelty of everyday people living in a world falling apart. This book has lots of emotion, action, chills, and danger. The narrator is great showing these powerful emotions, I think it added a lot that maybe I wouldn't have read into the story. The extra feeling and the right time, it was perfect. This voice is just what this book needed. I can't picture a different voice to this story. This was a powerful apocalyptic story and I am one who usually shy away from them.
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
779 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2017
OArmy veteran Tom Rogers built a home for his family on a good, defensible plot of land with no neighbors closer than a mile.

Tom is a prepper, always ready for an emergency, whatever comes. So he was ready when the sun began to fry the earth. Electronic devices were worthless, burned out by the EMP the sun's fury induced in circuits. Tom was ready, but not prepared for the loneliness without his family. There had been a terrible accident and Tom lost his wife, Mimi, and their son Drew. Tom was prepared, but he wasn't ready for what was headed his way!

The story is incredible! The characters are flawless, each a real-life person we know. We've seen them, or lived next to them, or fought with a couple of them. Each is described in exquisite detail by thoughts, words or actions. This is Tom's story. It takes place before Cicada (which you should read if you haven't already), where we meet Tom again. The tale is wound in unexpected threads, weaving a tapestry of delight for our imagination.

I heartily recommend this book to lovers of dystopian futures, peppers, action adventure, sci-fi, well just about anyone can enjoy the read! Don't miss this one!

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of the book to review, and as soon as it was available I bought a copy! I love this story!
Profile Image for Brian's Book Blog.
788 reviews59 followers
August 28, 2017
An Interesting Take On A Post-Apocalyptic Tale

3.5 out of 5 stars

Hell's Requiem tells the story of Tom and his fight for survival after a solar storm takes the lights and seemingly peoples sanity from them. He was prepared but he still lost everything. His son is dead and his wife left him. How much does he have to live for?

I wrote that this is an interesting take on a post-apocalyptic tale because Banner wrote it from the point of view where each chapter was a new song on an apocalyptic playlist. Tom lives out his life to the themes that are presented in different songs. This felt like a really cool and different idea. (It reminded me a little bit of I Am Legend where Will Smith's character has a playlist that is really the only way that he gets through life alone in a world that is out to get him.

Tom as a character was hard to like. Not that he was unlikable -- I just didn't feel like I was given enough reason to be following him until the story was almost over. Honestly, the last 50ish pages were where Tom became a tolerable main character. That frustrated me a bit since I'd followed him for the other 200 already. I actually took a break from Hell's Requiem because I found myself getting frustrated and asking "but, why?" I just couldn't figure out why Tom was the main character.

This isn't the first time that I felt like I was thrown into a story without some back story. The first time was with Banner's main series -- of course, I started with book two there, so I assumed that I just jumped into the story too late. I just think that this book (and any future books) could benefit from some more backstory or character building in the opening chapters. I appreciate that Banner throws us into the action in this story quickly (especially because I hate books that drag on). I just wanted a little more!

The story itself (especially after figuring out why we were following Tom) was a conglomeration of lots of other post-apocalyptic stories with some new ideas and thoughts sprinkled in. Banner is able to write an enjoyable story that just fell a little short for me. That being said, I still finished it and by the end, I was glad that I did. The ending was kinda a mind-eff. I was like, "Wait, seriously?!" by the last chapter. So, the book definitely redeemed itself in the final pages.

Overall, Hell's Requiem was a new take on a genre that I read a lot of! I think if I wasn't a PA veteran this book would have rated higher -- but being someone who reads 1 PA book a week this one wasn't my all-time favorite. That being said, the ending was worth getting too and since the book itself isn't too long I'm glad that I got there.

Kevin Pierce narrating it didn't hurt either. Pierce could narrate me the instructions on the back of my shampoo and I'd be riveted to my chair. Pierce definitely shined in this story.

I received a free copy of this book. It has not affected my review of my opinion.

If you enjoyed this review, please vote for it! Every vote helps. If you'd like to see more books like this please check out BriansBookBlog DOT com.
Profile Image for Elena Alvarez Dosil.
740 reviews12 followers
September 1, 2017
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...

When the end of the world came, Tom was already prepared. He had moved with his family to a house in a remote area and had everything ready. But bad luck got in the way, and their son got killed while shoot practicing with Tom. His wife blamed him and left. Some time after the EMP that triggered the end of the world, Tom receives the visit of some strange people. Although suspicious at first, he lets them in, but he maybe should have been more cautious.

The structure of this story is quite original, every chapter starting with a song from a post apocalyptic playing list. It really helped to set the mood and I have to say that most of the songs are quite well known.

What I had issues with were the characters. None of them was very likable. Tom decided to move to a remote area without the real consent of his wife, she was resentful all the time, and finally abandoned him after their kid’s death. I also did not understand very well their motivations and actions: One of the members of the group visiting Tom’s place is a woman, and despite feeling in his gut that he should not trust them, not only he does but also watches her while she takes a shower (and she knows that he is watching). Another example is Tom threatening his wife’s lover instead of facing her. All this part did not make a lot of sense, and it prevented me from connecting to the characters.

The ending helped to make things fall in place, but that did not make me like the characters better than before. It was a clever story but something in its execution did not work for me.

There are several flashbacks in the book, and I found strange that all but one contain relative time references. I did not understand why just in one occasion Banner used an absolute time reference (2004).

Kevin Pierce’s narration was very good,delivering great character interpretations and exhibiting an ample range of voices. I had issues with his British accent though, but for the rest it was a superb narration.

It was an okay book, but not my favorite within the genre. The great narration helped to enjoy it.

I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Wendy.
2,356 reviews42 followers
May 11, 2018
After apocalyptic solar storms have caused perpetual summer fueling society’s collapse and people’s inhumanity “Hell’s Requiem” begins with a shattered Tom Rogers living alone in the house he built after the accidental death of his son and the loss of his marriage. Broken and clinging to memories of the past when a woman and nine-year-old boy show up on his land little does he expect that in his fight to survive he will find a new purpose for his life.

In a prelude to“Cicada” Banner’s fourth book in his “Stone Age” series Tom Rogers takes a journey into the past as he remembers not only his guilt, paranoia and self-hatred after the accidental death of his son and the fracturing of his marriage to Mimi, but the events that led up to his being shot, the destruction of his home and the rescue of a mysterious young boy and the assassin guarding him. In this short but exciting novella the action and intensity heat up quickly as Tom leaves his old life behind to walk to Cicada hoping to find purpose and safety behind the giant walls of a community a thousand miles away.

Imaginatively set against the playlist of Hell’s Requiem with key words that reflect the mood and actions in the story, the suspense escalates when his son’s soldiers lead him temporarily away from his goal and on a path to saving the young boy and his protector from a bully and a corrupt sheriff Tom remembers all too vividly. Well-developed, with a couple of twists and turns this short story keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Revolving around a captivating plot rather than character development, individuals like bitter, angry, guilt-ridden ex-soldier Tom Rogers never-the-less bring the story to life as he leaves the loneliness of his life behind and discovers his faith in God rekindled as well as hope for the future.

Filled with betrayal, deception and the inhumanity of man, the story does offer a light in the darkness as Tom Rogers finds redemption and purpose at the end of his journey. I enjoyed this post-apocalyptic adventure and can’t wait to see what Banner has in store for his fans next.
Profile Image for Lori.
529 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2017
Good start to a series. Overall a very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable story. This isn't a nice neighbor helping neighbor type of apocalypse, this is the watch your back, people are ruthless everyman for himself scenario.

It did take me a bit to be pulled into the story. It felt a bit disjointed at times with the back and forth between the past and present.

While I like the idea of having a playlist for the apocalypse, the title of the song was enough, the "key words" just took away from the song title for the chapter.

There are couple of twists in the story that are unusual, interesting and a little different. It gives the story a bit of extra mystery. Tom wasn't just "stumbled upon" they were looking for him. I had a feeling about the boy and who he would be. Now that the story and characters connection has been established a bit it will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.

Kevin Pierce once again does a great job with the narration. He has one of those voices that just makes a story and characters come to life through his narration. Great character voices and accents. Clearly spoken with a nice smooth pace. Easy to listen to his voice for long periods of time. It's always enjoyable listening to a book he narrates.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily provided this review.
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews10 followers
July 30, 2017
This is an interesting story to be sure. A bit off the beaten path of apocalyptic survival stories; this tale focuses on one man’s sorrow and guilt. Guilt for a tragedy he could neither avoid nor claim responsibility for. But he did feel responsible and it ruled his life. The unique twist here is the importance music played in this man’s life. His memories, both good and bad, along with major events are anchored in his mind with music. Each memory wrapped in its own song according to the time it played over the air. I think most, if not all of us, can relate. I know certain songs bring up memories for me. The story follows our protagonist Tom as he leaves his home heading for Cicada. An interesting story with well-developed characters, but more suited as background to Banner’s Cicada series, which I have not read. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
Profile Image for Annie.
938 reviews31 followers
August 9, 2017
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

I was confused with this story at times, it jumps around a bit, and once you listen to the whole thing, you will go... hmmmm? I loved the playlist, and it is a very realistic take on the end of the world... when his wife cries because there is no wifi in the beginning.. I totally lol'd, because that would be me! I felt bad for Tom at times, because he never stopped grieving his son.. and I can totally relate with that. Kevin Pierce does End of the world/Apocalypse/Prepper like no other... I really like listening to him... he rocks this genre!
Profile Image for Shanna Tidwell.
643 reviews5 followers
December 25, 2018
First, I have to admit that I would probably listen to Kevin Pierce reciting a phone book. He is that good!
Second, he does read my absolute favorite genre post apocalyptic and prepper fiction.
I like to think that he gets a say in what he narrates as I have never been disappointed in a single book that he has narrated.
Is this a game plan story but it does have its dark moments. (As all SHTF books do)
I am very interested in the boy and where his story will lead.
Thank goodness for bad asses who have big hearts!

I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
549 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2017
This story is just weird. It's too dependent on the supernatural and the songs don't work for me. I can't relate to the music or see their relationship to the story. I can't relate to the characters either. None are likable or believable. Kevin Pierce delivers his customary excellent performance, but it's just not enough. This story simply does not deliver what I expect from dystopian fiction.

NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
4 reviews
September 28, 2019
This was a really good read. The only reason I gave it a 4 star rating is because I thought the character went on and on and on about him being responsible for the accidental death of their son and blaming himself. I know the guy felt bad but it was ridiculously brought up time and time and time again, I swear it could have filled 2 ful chapters in this book if put all together. Other then this great read,
17 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2017
Awesome read. Another winner in the Stone Age saga that quickly grabs your attention. I loved the back-story on Tom as it lets you understand and connect with this man on a much more personal level. The ending of the story blew me away! I did not see that coming! If you haven't read this series, do so now!
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,864 reviews29 followers
November 17, 2017
I found this to be a good prepper/end of the world book.It had a lot of different things going on in it.The back story of the main character was sad but very real.Kevin Pierce is the perfect narrator for this book.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
14 reviews
April 24, 2018
Fantastic

I was concerned where the series was going, after book two seemed to jump generations. And I certainly my did not see The Teacher coming back into the story in such a big way. As I excitedly raised ed through this installment, I realized it may be the best of the series so far! I look forward to diving into Cicada.
550 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2019
Different but just as good

While this story had a different tilt to it, it was just as interesting as the other books in the series. It tied in nicely and I enjoyed the use of some of my favorite songs. No spoilers, you will have to read it to see what I am talking about. Go ahead and do it, it's a fantastic read!
Profile Image for Marcie Pfeifer.
107 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2019
I enjoyed it

I liked the story and where it's going. My one small complaint is that there are far too many grammatical errors. Yes, it's just been a few, less than a dozen, in the books I've read so far but it really bugs me. Otherwise, I enjoy where it's going and from where it has come.
Profile Image for Todd Oliver.
686 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2021
I grabbed this book for it's narrator. Kevin Pierce is one of my favorite post-apocalyptic narrators. As always he did a fantastic job. I did not realize this book is part of a series since audible didn't note it and it wasn't in the description. Not to worry though, this book is great as a stand alone.
632 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2022
Interesting

I thought this book dragged . It took a while to find the relationship to the first books. Tom Rogers mental anguish is well described . I loved the music. Tom obviously had a mission , however it was forced by meeting with a young boy with crazy ideas .
June 4, 2018
Good reading

I love reading these type of books(not what I normally would read). I would love to see these as a four or five part movie of the week. The characters are relatable,what you would see in the news or just real life.
115 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2018
A great follow-up to this series

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It brought me through a myriad of emotions. I was happy to see it finally intertwine with the previous books in this series. I would highly recommend this book after reading the first three if you enjoy this genre.
4,416 reviews25 followers
June 25, 2017
Hell's Requiem review

Hell's Requiem is a back story to the Cicada series written by author M. L. Banner. The flow of the story didn't work for me.
629 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2017
Same stone age world with some new characters introduced. Enjoyable series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.