Nothing seems capable of disturbing their lives when the final school bell rings — until everything changes.

After years of silence, Mother Nature strikes back with brutal force. A disaster of unprecedented scale destroys their world. Without technology, without certainty, without the comforts they grew up with, they must learn to survive in a new, hostile landscape.
As Max, Tess, Sem, Emma, and Jordan journey through a shattered Europe, they encounter others. Some appear to be allies. Others force them to question everything. Who can they trust — and who trusts them? Their relationships are pushed to the breaking point.
Will love survive these trials? Will Sem ever confront his own feelings? Can they — and will they — fight for their place in this new world? One thing is certain: their world is gone.
What comes next, no one could have predicted.

“Ashes On Broken Ground is the first part of an atmospheric, cinematic, and compelling adventure full of intriguing characters, set in a new world created by disaster and prosperity.

The book was originally published under the Dutch title "Nergens Behalve Hier", but is now widely released as the first part of the "Ashes" series.

Meet Our Main Characters

As the brother, Sem moves through life almost unnoticed. Until the great disaster forces him out of his shell, compelling him to step forward more and more. But more importantly—will he be able to face, and dare to confront, his own doubts and feelings…?

Max may be Sem’s younger brother, but he carries the confidence and leadership of an elder. He takes the lead in their new world, striving to guide them safely through all the dangers that lie ahead.

As Max’s girlfriend, she forms the foundation of their clique—the one who can keep an overview when others lose it. As the glue between her father, the group, and Max, will she be strong enough to hold everything together?

As Max’s best friend, Jordan tries to hold his ground as the group’s neutral anchor. Cautiously, he moves among them, offering support where he can and gently steering when needed.

As the son of a pastor, all eyes are on Abel. In their new world, he struggles to hold his ground and live up to everything the church expects of him. Until Sem steps into this world. Could there be a way for these two worlds to coexist…?

Left behind during the disaster, Emma managed to survive in a shopping mall. Afterwards, she meets the others—where Jordan, in particular, catches her attention. Will she be able to hold her own within the group and make a constructive contribution?

About the author Erik de Reus

Erik de Reus (1983) is an author with a love for fiction, making his debut with “Ashes On Broken Ground”. Suspense, adventure, family, and love are the hallmarks of his elaborate ideas, which he recounts in a compelling and cinematic manner. His book allows you to experience the adventures of his main characters in a fascinating and imaginative way.