Brett McBean’s short novel “Neighbourhood Jungle” is packaged in the same way as its predecessor “Concrete Jungle” (see my review). My review copy is one of 180 signed and limited soft covers including the title work and two bonus stories by Kealan Patrick Burke and R Frederick Hamilton.

   My prediction in the review of the first book that there would be sequels was correct. This novel takes place six months after the events of the first novel and will be concluded in the forthcoming “Suburban Jungle.” This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would suggest reading “Concrete Jungle” for the full effect.

   The events of “Neighbourhood Jungle” take place six months after the bizarre natural catastrophe chronicled in the first novel. The sudden inexplicable appearance of vegetation from beneath the surface of civilization has transformed the world into a vast jungle that has destroyed much of society’s infrastructure.

   Bill and Mark were originally part of the last breath of law enforcement in this new savage world. Once partners and friends, now they are enemies, reacting in opposite ways to the freedom created by this post-apocalyptic landscape. Bill built a fortress in a supermarket where society continues fair humane practices—across the river in the ruins of a Blockbuster Video store, Mark’s group of survivors have turned savage. The novel tells the story of the night their stalemate ends as Mark attacks the supermarket.

   Just like the first installment, McBean creates realistic characters with believable reactions to apocalypse. He does not pull punches in describing the fallout from the first six months of this catastrophe, especially in the descriptions of the decay of the video store, literally and as a symbol of the chaos.

   The climax is action-packed, brutal and tragic—the ending even wider open than the first time around. McBean’s writing is fast-paced and exciting while also evocative of the details needed to relate to the characters.

   In both volumes, the guest writers explore this bizarre new world with their own shorter stories. All four have been well written, disturbing tales in their own right.

   I highly recommend this ongoing series of apocalyptic horror and am anxious myself to read the conclusion.