What do you think?
Rate this book
The Abyss #2
Before Us
They came from below but were they also here Before Us?
Wyatt survived the initial destruction, but he’s lost someone important to him. While he fights to distract himself from harsh realities, he ventures for the rendezvous point, eager to reconnect with his past.
Blaze and his son, Luke, travel south, deeper into Mexico, in an effort to shut the remaining Rings off at the Nu-En facility. But Alan’s odd behavior and sordid past leave many questions unanswered.
Luna discovers just how strong she can be, and treks across the deadly country with her new friend. While reluctant to trust anyone, Luna finds she has no choice.
Wyatt survived the initial destruction, but he’s lost someone important to him. While he fights to distract himself from harsh realities, he ventures for the rendezvous point, eager to reconnect with his past.
Blaze and his son, Luke, travel south, deeper into Mexico, in an effort to shut the remaining Rings off at the Nu-En facility. But Alan’s odd behavior and sordid past leave many questions unanswered.
Luna discovers just how strong she can be, and treks across the deadly country with her new friend. While reluctant to trust anyone, Luna finds she has no choice.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
337 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 9, 2024
I had a nice, long review written, but then the Goodreads app crashed. I'll have to go back to writing my thoughts in my notes app and then transferring them here. But let's move on from my review of the Goodreads app...
Book 1 was good enough that I’m continued the series. This book was also pretty good. Big events happened, but there were a few slow spots. I do struggle to distinguish between all the characters; Wyatt and Blaze, in particular, sound exactly the same, except Blaze so often mentions his kid. I'm unsure how authors give a unique personality to characters on a page, but many do. This book falls short in that regard. I found it challenging to recall each character's backstory. Thankfully, there was a big "recap" section where they all shared their experiences during the apocalypse. I found that to be a good refresher!
Despite my gripes, the story is good enough that I've already started book 3.
Book 1 was good enough that I’m continued the series. This book was also pretty good. Big events happened, but there were a few slow spots. I do struggle to distinguish between all the characters; Wyatt and Blaze, in particular, sound exactly the same, except Blaze so often mentions his kid. I'm unsure how authors give a unique personality to characters on a page, but many do. This book falls short in that regard. I found it challenging to recall each character's backstory. Thankfully, there was a big "recap" section where they all shared their experiences during the apocalypse. I found that to be a good refresher!
Despite my gripes, the story is good enough that I've already started book 3.
September 28, 2023
All for the sake of a dead wife
When Garner Vikas flipped the switch to turn his project on, he expected free energy to be released from the deep abyss below the ocean, ready to be harnessed and used by the whole world. Instead, the world exploded with brilliant bursts of bright blue energy, like static, but on a scale never before witnessed! The surface of land shifted and craters appeared everywhere with huge lumbering creatures climbing out. 90% of the world's population turned into monsters, creatures that were suited more for the deep waters than the muddy surface of the Earth. Giant glowing mushrooms sprang up everywhere and the blue Static tightened, curled into giant balls of energy from which aliens walked. With backward bent legs and strange arms and faces, their weapons like lasers killing indiscriminately. Small pockets of survivors gathered and communicated their goal to meet in Boulder Colorado to make their way to a safe place developed by Vikas called The Preserve.
Three robots built by Vikas and his partner Anand Shaan and his wife Karla have been discovered and are assisting groups in their missions. Clark, missing an arm, is guiding Wyatt to the Mexican headquarters of Garner Vikas project, and the only place to turn off the rings which generate the Static tearing up the Earth. Alan is leading another group and his mission has been programmed to kill Garner Vikas. The third robot, Verne, has been disassembled, pieces scattered everywhere. The Mexico operation is also where the frozen body of Garner Vikas' wife Evelyn lies, where Garner intends to revive her. Alien mud has also begun to cover the ground. The mud has miraculous healing properties and Garner plans to use it to bring his wife from the dead!
Great characters follow an amazing storyline into the unknown, trying to reach safety in a world quickly becoming transformed into an alien landscape. Strange creatures appear from the Static, seemingly having once settled Earth millions of years before us. This is a great read! I can't wait to continue the story!
When Garner Vikas flipped the switch to turn his project on, he expected free energy to be released from the deep abyss below the ocean, ready to be harnessed and used by the whole world. Instead, the world exploded with brilliant bursts of bright blue energy, like static, but on a scale never before witnessed! The surface of land shifted and craters appeared everywhere with huge lumbering creatures climbing out. 90% of the world's population turned into monsters, creatures that were suited more for the deep waters than the muddy surface of the Earth. Giant glowing mushrooms sprang up everywhere and the blue Static tightened, curled into giant balls of energy from which aliens walked. With backward bent legs and strange arms and faces, their weapons like lasers killing indiscriminately. Small pockets of survivors gathered and communicated their goal to meet in Boulder Colorado to make their way to a safe place developed by Vikas called The Preserve.
Three robots built by Vikas and his partner Anand Shaan and his wife Karla have been discovered and are assisting groups in their missions. Clark, missing an arm, is guiding Wyatt to the Mexican headquarters of Garner Vikas project, and the only place to turn off the rings which generate the Static tearing up the Earth. Alan is leading another group and his mission has been programmed to kill Garner Vikas. The third robot, Verne, has been disassembled, pieces scattered everywhere. The Mexico operation is also where the frozen body of Garner Vikas' wife Evelyn lies, where Garner intends to revive her. Alien mud has also begun to cover the ground. The mud has miraculous healing properties and Garner plans to use it to bring his wife from the dead!
Great characters follow an amazing storyline into the unknown, trying to reach safety in a world quickly becoming transformed into an alien landscape. Strange creatures appear from the Static, seemingly having once settled Earth millions of years before us. This is a great read! I can't wait to continue the story!
September 21, 2023
Wyatt has managed to trek across the country headed toward Boulder CO. Of course nothing goes smoothly. Luna, who fell 100' down the side of the cliff, is becoming more resourceful, even hiding from the prehistoric monsters in the pit.
Meanwhile, Alan, Thor, Blaze & Luke seek shelter from the blue lightning as it crackles across the sky in a small Mexican town on their way to Nu-En hoping they can find answers. A giant crater of more than 49 miles is made in the ground and now they have to take a longer route. Luke wanders off and ends up on another planet and Blaze & Alan go after him. Isabel is making her way to Boulder with Verne until they are attacked by aliens & Verne is disassembled.
There is a lot going on in this book. I could not put it down until I was finished with it. It is amazing how the author kept all the groups separate, yet cohesive, as they all play a part in it. Cannot wait for Book 3!! This is a must read. One of Nathan Hystad's best series to date. OK. I say that about a lot of his books. Read this series!
Meanwhile, Alan, Thor, Blaze & Luke seek shelter from the blue lightning as it crackles across the sky in a small Mexican town on their way to Nu-En hoping they can find answers. A giant crater of more than 49 miles is made in the ground and now they have to take a longer route. Luke wanders off and ends up on another planet and Blaze & Alan go after him. Isabel is making her way to Boulder with Verne until they are attacked by aliens & Verne is disassembled.
There is a lot going on in this book. I could not put it down until I was finished with it. It is amazing how the author kept all the groups separate, yet cohesive, as they all play a part in it. Cannot wait for Book 3!! This is a must read. One of Nathan Hystad's best series to date. OK. I say that about a lot of his books. Read this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
In this second book, the three robots become much more than just sidekicks. They play a crucial role in the story, providing humor, emotional support, and even some unexpected twists. Their interactions with each other and the human characters are some of the most enjoyable parts of the book. For example, Albert seems much more autonomous and self-driven. The book is cleverly segmented into 4-6 mini-stories, each focusing on a different group and how they form and come together in surprising and organic ways. The ending might feel a bit abrupt for some readers, but it definitely leaves you wanting more and guessing about the dark turn things might take in book three.
A bit disappointing is that aliens are as in many books extremely nerfed, and have almost zero backstories.
Overall, I really enjoyed the increased focus on the robots in this sequel. Their stories added a lot of depth, and I'm eager to see what happens to them next. If you enjoyed the first book and are looking for more heartwarming robot antics with a touch of mystery, then I highly recommend this one!
A bit disappointing is that aliens are as in many books extremely nerfed, and have almost zero backstories.
Overall, I really enjoyed the increased focus on the robots in this sequel. Their stories added a lot of depth, and I'm eager to see what happens to them next. If you enjoyed the first book and are looking for more heartwarming robot antics with a touch of mystery, then I highly recommend this one!
July 11, 2023
This book hooked me from the start. Garner Vikes wants to create electricity for free for the world. His attempt does not go as planned. Suddenly there are monsters arising from the oceans. And they are mutating. Land animals are mutating, too. Then there are the humans. Snow coming down in the middle of a heat wave. Just so much happening and there are becoming fewer and fewer people around to help save the world. Luna, Wyatt, Darcy, Vikes, Isabel and others. And let's not forget the robots, Clarke, Verne and Alan. Something is going on and it all leads back to Vikes and his plans. Is there more than just the wish for free electricity going on? Nathan Hystad, you've created another series with a group of heroes that I can't wait to see how things develop in the next book. Well done.
September 2, 2023
❤️😲💀A FASCINATING READ!
Somewhere on the ocean, Trudy had seen land. She encouraged her husband Jack to go there, even if it meant swimming...
Jack stared in fear at the dark, dangerous depths of the ocean and remembered how he had saved every penny to pay for this surprise cruise for his wife...
But what had he done??...
------------------------
Personally it took me a long time to find back the thread of the story of volume 1.
I would also rather recommend reading this volume 2 quickly after volume 1, there are so many events, unforeseen events and characters.
What I love about this author is that all these stories are quite extraordinary, with a lot of unexpected, you never know how each volume will end...
This volume is for lovers of extraordinary, unthinkable, enigmatic and dangerous adventures!
Absolutely worth discovering !
Somewhere on the ocean, Trudy had seen land. She encouraged her husband Jack to go there, even if it meant swimming...
Jack stared in fear at the dark, dangerous depths of the ocean and remembered how he had saved every penny to pay for this surprise cruise for his wife...
But what had he done??...
------------------------
Personally it took me a long time to find back the thread of the story of volume 1.
I would also rather recommend reading this volume 2 quickly after volume 1, there are so many events, unforeseen events and characters.
What I love about this author is that all these stories are quite extraordinary, with a lot of unexpected, you never know how each volume will end...
This volume is for lovers of extraordinary, unthinkable, enigmatic and dangerous adventures!
Absolutely worth discovering !
September 9, 2023
This book is the second in a series of a journey into a different sort of apocalypse. The characters are from all walks of life and histories. They come and go as the needs of the plot demands but they all grow into either monsters or capable people. The storyline has multiple threads going along which separate the characters into different paths. I wish I could reveal a couple of specific sections but you really need to read it yourself. One thing I noticed was the smoothness of shifting between scenes. It was easy to follow when the story shifts between groups of characters which is something that doesn’t always happen in books. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend you read Below Us before this book if you haven’t already read it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2023
Book Two of Nathan Hystad's exciting new Series THE ABYSS continues the danger and the exciting, terrifying, adventure, maintaining human emotions and relationships, despite that the world has gone all haywire, including new portals to potentially other dimensions. Worse now is that the other side has noticed the portals to our Earth, so the Static brings across not just creatures akin to dinosaurs, not just the mutated humanity, but entities actually Alien to Earth. BEFORE US also introduces more new human characters, while maintaining the tension between unwary but well-intentioned humans and various robot Artificial Intelligences. I recommend reading Book 1, Below Us, immediately prior to Book Two, in order to maintain the story flow.
March 1, 2024
How do I describe this book?
There is a rich megalomaniac who appears to want to destroy earth and most of the people. There are intelligent AI robots. There are very few survivors of the earth collapse, most of whom are immune from the toxins aliens are using to transform earth to match their home planet. There is static, an energy source that is actually alive. And that is not all. The different groups of survivors come and go from each other, as they try to survive and help the remaining survivors. The megalomaniac appears to be practically immortal. The twists and turns, surprises and dangers are endless. This is a heartstopper of a story and I can't wait to read book 3, in hopes that at least a few humans survive this apocalypse.
There is a rich megalomaniac who appears to want to destroy earth and most of the people. There are intelligent AI robots. There are very few survivors of the earth collapse, most of whom are immune from the toxins aliens are using to transform earth to match their home planet. There is static, an energy source that is actually alive. And that is not all. The different groups of survivors come and go from each other, as they try to survive and help the remaining survivors. The megalomaniac appears to be practically immortal. The twists and turns, surprises and dangers are endless. This is a heartstopper of a story and I can't wait to read book 3, in hopes that at least a few humans survive this apocalypse.
October 22, 2023
Review of this book.
The book was very well written. The continuity was. spot on. The story was interesting and was incredibly interesting. The small stories about the individual people was well written and let the reader know what was happening with each individual. This was very helpful as the reader starts the next book. Now I know what is happening with each individual. This will make the next book much more interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
The book was very well written. The continuity was. spot on. The story was interesting and was incredibly interesting. The small stories about the individual people was well written and let the reader know what was happening with each individual. This was very helpful as the reader starts the next book. Now I know what is happening with each individual. This will make the next book much more interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 9, 2024
Before Us (Book 2) - thing get weird!
There are a lot of moving parts in Before Us, Book 2. I think it is very good sci-fi fiction, but I admit, I had to re-read portions of the book to keep the characters and relationships straight in my mind. That's probably more about me and not the book. I do recommend the book because author Nathan Hystad has created an amazing reality that will appeal to many readers. Also, I recommend the Audible book performed by the talented Marc Vietor. -Mr.Bill
There are a lot of moving parts in Before Us, Book 2. I think it is very good sci-fi fiction, but I admit, I had to re-read portions of the book to keep the characters and relationships straight in my mind. That's probably more about me and not the book. I do recommend the book because author Nathan Hystad has created an amazing reality that will appeal to many readers. Also, I recommend the Audible book performed by the talented Marc Vietor. -Mr.Bill
August 29, 2023
Out of Nowhere
Everyone returns, well most everyone but our heroes are back and are searching for the Preserve to start all over again after Garner Vickas’s almost total destruction of the planet and who had he inadvertently invited to Earth or from the depths of our planet. A page turner for sure with an ending I hadn’t seen coming at all. Can our hero’s Wyatt and Blaze save our planet, does our planet need saving or can those that survived rebuild our planet?
Everyone returns, well most everyone but our heroes are back and are searching for the Preserve to start all over again after Garner Vickas’s almost total destruction of the planet and who had he inadvertently invited to Earth or from the depths of our planet. A page turner for sure with an ending I hadn’t seen coming at all. Can our hero’s Wyatt and Blaze save our planet, does our planet need saving or can those that survived rebuild our planet?
Read
August 30, 2023Another chapter in this wild series that drew me in to see what everyone was up against and would have to overcome this time. And see what surprises would be uncovered this time. Everyone was on the move and kept me guessing what was around the next corner. Just a fin and entertaining read. Adventure and danger are in the air.
September 18, 2023
This is Book two of The Abyss Book Series
This was another great read and it seem that the next book will get a father and daughter villain duo . Can't wait to see if Alan will finally put the amack down on our evil rich dad vilian . Looking forward to seeing what the evil Alien race have in store for the survived.
This was another great read and it seem that the next book will get a father and daughter villain duo . Can't wait to see if Alan will finally put the amack down on our evil rich dad vilian . Looking forward to seeing what the evil Alien race have in store for the survived.
October 23, 2023
Nate the Great does it again...
With so many ancient alien, ancient civilization, and especially focusing around things like the pyramids, Stonehenge and of course Atlantis, Nathan goes a a different route.
Do you like Multiple dimensions? Kaijus? Advanced pre- civilization?
Then please start with the first, get here, and join me for book three!
With so many ancient alien, ancient civilization, and especially focusing around things like the pyramids, Stonehenge and of course Atlantis, Nathan goes a a different route.
Do you like Multiple dimensions? Kaijus? Advanced pre- civilization?
Then please start with the first, get here, and join me for book three!
December 5, 2024
It keeps getting better
There are so many pieces to this grand puzzle, but the author cleverly ties them together without anyone getting lost. Now we (think) we know what direction the cast is heading for but we know better. Hold on for the next chapter and let's see where the Rings take us
There are so many pieces to this grand puzzle, but the author cleverly ties them together without anyone getting lost. Now we (think) we know what direction the cast is heading for but we know better. Hold on for the next chapter and let's see where the Rings take us
August 29, 2023
This second instalment of the The Abyss's series is great. All the characters are back from book one plus some new ones.
Lots of exciting plot twists and even more sentient robot story lines.
I am definitely looking forward to book three.
Lots of exciting plot twists and even more sentient robot story lines.
I am definitely looking forward to book three.
September 2, 2023
excellent
I just love this story. the characters are interesting. it seems stressful to think they might be fighting a losing battle. look forward to the next book and hope they'll survive except for physcho boss and Evelyn..
I just love this story. the characters are interesting. it seems stressful to think they might be fighting a losing battle. look forward to the next book and hope they'll survive except for physcho boss and Evelyn..
October 29, 2023
Just too hectic
The first book was okay. But this one was just too much. All the switching fates, people dying and being revived and .....
I hope the next book is not as bad, but I don't have much faith.
The first book was okay. But this one was just too much. All the switching fates, people dying and being revived and .....
I hope the next book is not as bad, but I don't have much faith.
November 15, 2023
Very slow beginning but picked up
I enjoyed the first book a bit better. I found this one super slow until about the middle, and then it got really good! love the character and stroy development, especially towards the end!
I enjoyed the first book a bit better. I found this one super slow until about the middle, and then it got really good! love the character and stroy development, especially towards the end!
June 7, 2024
Great Part 2
The story and the characters continue on, each developing or… There story continues to unveil new layers, it gets a bit complicated to sort them out but it’s worth it. Can’t wait for Part 3.
The story and the characters continue on, each developing or… There story continues to unveil new layers, it gets a bit complicated to sort them out but it’s worth it. Can’t wait for Part 3.
November 9, 2024
Good read continues
I like sci-fi, especially when the theme includes invasion or apocalypse scenarios. This author does them well and this book and series prove it. I thought the story flowed smoothly despite multiple plots and many characters.
I like sci-fi, especially when the theme includes invasion or apocalypse scenarios. This author does them well and this book and series prove it. I thought the story flowed smoothly despite multiple plots and many characters.
August 31, 2023
I do love a NH book. Onto the next one in a month or so and then I think I'll do them all again.
September 6, 2023
Enjoying this series as its fast paced, lots of characters and the author has a great imagination! Can't wait until the net book comes out :-)
September 10, 2023
Way good!!
This story is rock solid interesting and provides a strong story line. Ordered the next one already. And I can't wait.
This story is rock solid interesting and provides a strong story line. Ordered the next one already. And I can't wait.
September 13, 2023
At times the many characters were hard to keep track of. But excellent audiobook.
October 9, 2023
Amazing second book, it tied into the first one super nicely. Can't wait to read the finale!
November 16, 2023
Great book enjoying the story
November 20, 2023
just as engrossing as the first
Picks right up after the first book and keeps moving. It's just as hard to put down, so be prepared fur a few late nights of reading!
Picks right up after the first book and keeps moving. It's just as hard to put down, so be prepared fur a few late nights of reading!
January 2, 2024
Interesting
Great imagination, lots of plot twists. Lots of characters to follow, occasional confusing. Then again, maybe it's just me. Interesting, and deserving if reading!!
Great imagination, lots of plot twists. Lots of characters to follow, occasional confusing. Then again, maybe it's just me. Interesting, and deserving if reading!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews