The World Without Flags by Ben Lyle Bedard

Ten years after the disease that brought the human race to its knees, the survivors are just about on an even keel. But the world outside their little haven is teetering on the edge of war and they can't ignore it forever.



First of all; this is the second in a series, but I haven't read the first and I didn't feel at all like I was missing anything. This book follows a character who would have been a small child during the first book, adopted by who I think was the main character of the first one. The background was given neatly without feeling like an exposition dump at any point.

However, don't read this on a full stomach. I promise your stomach won't be full for very long. I'm not going into more detail on that; you'll figure it out.

I did enjoy the read. Birdie is a very determined character, clever when she tries to be, impetuous like most teenagers. The rest of the characters were well drawn, and a couple of them surprised me here and there. I'll look out for the first in the series now; I'd like to know how everyone got to where they are now, although I don't feel like I'm missing vital information.

A great read if you like zombie or post apoc stories.


As we settle into our seats on the wooden benches, I have a strong feeling. It’s like today was the last day of something. Right up until now my life had been one thing and it’s about to be something else. I feel afraid. I feel sad. Life is pretty good here. I mean, it’s boring sometimes, but we’re safe, we’re together. I have a terrible feeling it’s all over, and I wish Eric was beside me. I wish I could make it stop.

 I don’t want this to end.

But in my heart I know it has. It’s gone already.  

The old world is gone. Ten years have passed since a parasitic Worm nearly drove humanity to extinction. When the Worm infected its human host, it crawled up into the brain, latching on and taking command. The result was shambling hordes of infected people called zombies. When the Worm vanished, bringing the majority of humans with it, it left a ravaged landscape. Small communities struggle to survive while bandits prey on the weak and hunger marches in through winter’s gate.

Across this landscape, a young woman must overcome terror and isolation to survive. Driven by determination and loyalty, she must leave the only safety she has ever known. Confronting both death and her own past, pushed to her uttermost limits, she will discover who she is and what she is willing to sacrifice.

The stand-alone sequel to the award-winning The World Without Crows, The World Without Flags is a story of survival, loyalty, and what we suffer for the ones we love.