If you were captivated by Alex's struggle to survive in a ravaged world and her relentless journey through dangerous territory, you'll be drawn into The Road. McCarthy immerses you in the haunting trek of a father and son across a devastated landscape, where every step is a fight for survival and hope is scarce. The emotional drive and tight focus on the characters’ mission echo the tension and urgency you loved in Ashes.

If you appreciated Alex’s evolution and resilience as she navigated trauma and danger, you'll be hooked by Todd’s journey in The Knife of Never Letting Go. Forced to flee everything he knows, Todd grapples with harsh realities and moral dilemmas that force him to grow up fast. His personal development, shaped by loss and constant threat, will resonate strongly with the intense growth arc you enjoyed in Ashes.

If the grim, intense world of Ashes gripped you — complete with its threats from both monsters and desperate people — you'll find Feed just as compelling. Grant plunges you into a world devastated by a zombie outbreak, where danger is omnipresent and survival is never guaranteed. The bleak atmosphere and constant peril mirror the gritty tone you loved in Ashes.

If you were fascinated by the moral complexity in Ashes — where not all survivors are heroes and hard choices abound — you'll be riveted by Melanie's story. The Girl with All the Gifts explores humanity, empathy, and the blurred lines between good and evil as its characters navigate a world overrun by a fungal plague. Melanie’s journey forces you to question who the real monsters are, echoing the shades-of-grey ethics you found so compelling.

If you were moved by Alex’s struggle to adapt to a shattered world and the emotional highs and lows that came with it, you’ll be deeply affected by Miranda’s story in Life As We Knew It. Pfeffer’s novel immerses you in the psychological and emotional toll of survival when disaster strikes, delivering a realistic and powerful emotional journey reminiscent of Ashes.