Out of the Ashes (Ashes series)


Out of the Ashes is the first book in The Ashes series by William W. Johnstone.

Overview

The book depicts life after a nuclear and biological holocaust has wiped out most of the world, and follows main character Ben Raines, a former Hellhound and ex-mercenary, as he explores the remnants of the United States in an attempt to document the effects of the bombs and the chaos that ensues.
Along the way, he meets a number of people, and explores towns devastated by marauders, murderers, and thugs, and the lives of him and his companions are constantly at risk. As time passes, Ben Raines is eventually encouraged to lead a new community, and eventually enters into a battle for freedom with the now over-reaching Federal Government.

Major characters

; Ben Raines
; Hilton Logan

Minor characters

; Fran Piper
; Carl Raines
; Lamar Chase
; Salina Kyle
; Bull Dean
; Jerre Hunter
; Ignatious "Ike" McGowan
; Cecil Jeffreys