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The Badlands #3
Homeland
Months have passed since General Turner’s attack on Rapid City, and Dani’s group of resistance fighters are still grieving the loss of one of their own. Through tragedy and inner turmoil, Dani and Kate have finally found themselves on the same side of the war and fighting for control of the wasteland.
When the rumor of a traitor among Dani’s inner circle is revealed and information about the past threatens to completely derail Kate, it makes staying hidden from the general and Simon all but impossible.
With the help of an unexpected ally within the National Armed Forces, and a final showdown imminent, Dani and Kate must push past their grief and rely on each other more than ever if they have any chance of a future together.
When the rumor of a traitor among Dani’s inner circle is revealed and information about the past threatens to completely derail Kate, it makes staying hidden from the general and Simon all but impossible.
With the help of an unexpected ally within the National Armed Forces, and a final showdown imminent, Dani and Kate must push past their grief and rely on each other more than ever if they have any chance of a future together.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2023
8 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Keppler
6 books44 followersKristin is married and lives with her family and their two dogs in the suburbs of Washington, DC. A lifelong sci-fi and film nerd, she spends most of her time chauffeuring her two sons to their many obligations, and planning their next trip to Disney. She enjoys video games, concerts, and cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies. If only she could find time to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 9, 2024
Compelling read!
Such an impressive, action packed book #3 to this the conclusion of 'The Badlands' series. It's a really really good, well told storyline with great characters, great dialogue and an even great plotline. Plus this is for sure -- a reread kind of series.
Highly and i mean highly recommended book and series!
Such an impressive, action packed book #3 to this the conclusion of 'The Badlands' series. It's a really really good, well told storyline with great characters, great dialogue and an even great plotline. Plus this is for sure -- a reread kind of series.
Highly and i mean highly recommended book and series!
June 26, 2023
Homeland by Kristin Keppler and Allisa Bahney is the third and I believe the final book in ‘The Badlands’ series. This is a wonderful chain of books that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading, and Homeland is a fitting and very satisfying conclusion to the story.
Homeland is not a standalone novel. To really understand what is going on in this book, you need to read Wasteland and Outland first.
Homeland takes place several months after the attack on Rapid City. Dani, Kate and the resistance group with them are moving from place to place, hiding from the enemy and grieving for their lost member who died in the Rapid City attack. Then Dani is told by her superiors that one of her group is a possible traitor. On top of that, Kate finds out information about her past that completely shocks her.
This dystopian, speculative fiction romance novel is intriguing and full of heart stopping adventure. It takes our main characters and puts them through the meat grinder of the war both physically and emotionally. Kate and Dani’s love is tested as they have to work through all the hurdles thrown their way. The post-apocalyptic setting of the American Midwest is a fitting backdrop to this story.
I’m so glad I got the chance to read this entire series. I highly recommend all three books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Homeland is not a standalone novel. To really understand what is going on in this book, you need to read Wasteland and Outland first.
Homeland takes place several months after the attack on Rapid City. Dani, Kate and the resistance group with them are moving from place to place, hiding from the enemy and grieving for their lost member who died in the Rapid City attack. Then Dani is told by her superiors that one of her group is a possible traitor. On top of that, Kate finds out information about her past that completely shocks her.
This dystopian, speculative fiction romance novel is intriguing and full of heart stopping adventure. It takes our main characters and puts them through the meat grinder of the war both physically and emotionally. Kate and Dani’s love is tested as they have to work through all the hurdles thrown their way. The post-apocalyptic setting of the American Midwest is a fitting backdrop to this story.
I’m so glad I got the chance to read this entire series. I highly recommend all three books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
The Badlands series as been a awesome read, really recommend the series, it's action-packed, and a page-turner that just keeps you gripped.
Really do recommend this series. It's not your normal go-to story, which I think is what makes the book very appealing. It's unusual, and not very many dystopian books have been written.
4 out of 5.
Really do recommend this series. It's not your normal go-to story, which I think is what makes the book very appealing. It's unusual, and not very many dystopian books have been written.
4 out of 5.
June 8, 2023
The Badlands Series has been a delight to read. It’s the sort of dystopian reads we don’t usually find in adult fiction, let alone sapphic fiction, and I’m here for all of it.
As with all books in series I feel like I could have done with a quick summary of the previous two books to get right back into it. What this book does really well is to mention events in the previous books, circle back to certain events, let emotions over the events play out. I guess that’s also because these books all take place in a short time span. At least that’s what I think.
You should definitely read the two other books before going into this one. I will not say anything about the story other than it continues where Outland left off.
As I mentioned in reviews of the previous installments I feel like the two authors each wrote one of the main characters. You can see distinctive differences between Kate’s and Dani’s POV chapters. While I find Kate’s story more interesting to read, I prefer reading Dani’s POV because I like that writing style better.
Overall this is a fitting ending to this trilogy. Would I have loved a little more, sure. But it's good to stop here as well. Highly recommend this entertaining dystopian story.
ARC received from the publisher (Bold Stroke Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
As with all books in series I feel like I could have done with a quick summary of the previous two books to get right back into it. What this book does really well is to mention events in the previous books, circle back to certain events, let emotions over the events play out. I guess that’s also because these books all take place in a short time span. At least that’s what I think.
You should definitely read the two other books before going into this one. I will not say anything about the story other than it continues where Outland left off.
As I mentioned in reviews of the previous installments I feel like the two authors each wrote one of the main characters. You can see distinctive differences between Kate’s and Dani’s POV chapters. While I find Kate’s story more interesting to read, I prefer reading Dani’s POV because I like that writing style better.
Overall this is a fitting ending to this trilogy. Would I have loved a little more, sure. But it's good to stop here as well. Highly recommend this entertaining dystopian story.
ARC received from the publisher (Bold Stroke Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 30, 2023
This is the third and final chapter in the Badlands trilogy. In this book Dani is trying to keep her resistance team together after losing several people. She works with her leaders to find the two traitors to the Resistance. Kate is rocked to the core by big discoveries from her past with the NAF and her parents.
There is a lot of action and fighting with Dani and Kate and their team going up against the NAF for a final showdown. Both Dani and Kate are bad ass fighters.
I really enjoyed the action and adventure in this series and wished there was more of it in sapphic lit. Dani and Kate have a wonderful relationship that we get to see more of in this book.
I am hoping for more cowrites between Kepler and Bahney in the future. Keep up the good writing.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.
There is a lot of action and fighting with Dani and Kate and their team going up against the NAF for a final showdown. Both Dani and Kate are bad ass fighters.
I really enjoyed the action and adventure in this series and wished there was more of it in sapphic lit. Dani and Kate have a wonderful relationship that we get to see more of in this book.
I am hoping for more cowrites between Kepler and Bahney in the future. Keep up the good writing.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.
May 28, 2023
Grand final showdown rebels vs. invaders
This is the long-awaited final installment of the Badlands series: all those story threads and developments and well-laid plans of the first two books come to a riveting culmination. That was the showdown I was hoping for and I was not disappointed. I couldn‘t turn the pages quick enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists, turns, revelations and intricacies the authors brought to the reader. Wow, there sure were some turns I didn‘t expect at all. The world building is again excellent. The authors manage brilliantly to convey the stress and pressure the continuous warfare and uncertainty of guerrilla life exact on the focal group of found family. There is no sugarcoating: the grief, the constant flight, the cold, the lack of creature comforts, the constant vigilance and the excitement-fear pre-battle.
The end is hopeful and well-earned but the war before is a reminder to all readers to help avoid such dire warfare and civil war.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
This is the long-awaited final installment of the Badlands series: all those story threads and developments and well-laid plans of the first two books come to a riveting culmination. That was the showdown I was hoping for and I was not disappointed. I couldn‘t turn the pages quick enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists, turns, revelations and intricacies the authors brought to the reader. Wow, there sure were some turns I didn‘t expect at all. The world building is again excellent. The authors manage brilliantly to convey the stress and pressure the continuous warfare and uncertainty of guerrilla life exact on the focal group of found family. There is no sugarcoating: the grief, the constant flight, the cold, the lack of creature comforts, the constant vigilance and the excitement-fear pre-battle.
The end is hopeful and well-earned but the war before is a reminder to all readers to help avoid such dire warfare and civil war.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
December 14, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exciting book
its the 3rd book in the trilogy and unfortunately i havent read the other two but i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was drawn into the war right away
the characters once i got to know them were very well written and the highs and lows of war really came across...
this seems to have been a very exciting series and i have to admit to really enjoying this book even if its the end of the series but not the end of keeping up with what these authors bring out next
its the 3rd book in the trilogy and unfortunately i havent read the other two but i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was drawn into the war right away
the characters once i got to know them were very well written and the highs and lows of war really came across...
this seems to have been a very exciting series and i have to admit to really enjoying this book even if its the end of the series but not the end of keeping up with what these authors bring out next
June 8, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
This was a great finale of this series.
Dani and Kate and company are still mourning one of their own when they realize theirs a mole in there’s circle as they deal with that betrayal they get help from someone they didn’t expect. As they tries to rebuild the world they learn things about their parents that have them reeling this had great twist and turns that give you hope that no matter how hard war is there is hope at the end that you can band together to make the world a better place. I like that all the characters got a chance to shine. A great end. Can’t wait to read more books from this author.
This was a great finale of this series.
Dani and Kate and company are still mourning one of their own when they realize theirs a mole in there’s circle as they deal with that betrayal they get help from someone they didn’t expect. As they tries to rebuild the world they learn things about their parents that have them reeling this had great twist and turns that give you hope that no matter how hard war is there is hope at the end that you can band together to make the world a better place. I like that all the characters got a chance to shine. A great end. Can’t wait to read more books from this author.
June 9, 2023
What a ride! This final book definitely makes you feel all the emotions. A rollercoaster that just keeps going higher and higher. I couldn’t put the book down- it read smoothly and it was a page turner! Highly recommend reading the first two before you dive into the last one. Wish we would have had more of a showdown between the NAF and the Resistance but overall, a great book to end the trilogy!
August 8, 2023
The battle for the wastelands reaches boiling point in the final book of the Badlands trilogy. Set a few months after the tragic events of Rapid City tensions between the Resistance and the NAF couldn't be any higher as Dani and the Resistance fighters use their communal grief to fuel their fight for freedom.
For the first time in the war Dani and Kate are finally together and fighting on the same side, but their union is bittersweet when the rumour of a traitor amongst Dani's inner circle casts aspersions on Kate's loyalties. The revelation of a ghost from the past does little to assuage Kate's doubters. But if the Resistance are to stand a chance at victory, bridges will need to be built and leaps of faith taken to ensure success for everyone.
It has been such a pleasure to have had the opportunity to read and review this series, particularly as the stories sit within one of my favourite genres; dystopian. It's worth noting that Homeland isn't a standalone story and as such if you want to get the most from Dani and Kate's journey, you'll want to read Wasteland and Outland first.
I liked that as a third book in a trilogy and thus readers are aware the overall story is reaching its conclusion, the authors still did a really great job of keeping the plot fresh right until the end. There were twists and turns that I truly didn't see coming and these were incorporated extremely well to enhance what has been a fantastic dystopian series.
Even in this last book of the series, character development has continued to be on point. As the events of Homeland unfold the story really questions how far one would go to keep loved ones safe and protect (in the long term) the greater good for the whole of society. Are there lines that shouldn't be crossed, and if they are, can one come back from that?
I love Dani and Kate's dynamic and so I'm glad that we get to see their journey right through to fruition by the end. And it's so nice to be back with Lucas and his Maelstrom comics, he's such a breathe of fresh air and a fantastic supporting character across the series.
This series has been an epic pleasure to dig into and I'm equal parts happy and sad to have reached the end of Dani and Kate's journey toward each other, as they've strived to save their homeland.
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the first time in the war Dani and Kate are finally together and fighting on the same side, but their union is bittersweet when the rumour of a traitor amongst Dani's inner circle casts aspersions on Kate's loyalties. The revelation of a ghost from the past does little to assuage Kate's doubters. But if the Resistance are to stand a chance at victory, bridges will need to be built and leaps of faith taken to ensure success for everyone.
It has been such a pleasure to have had the opportunity to read and review this series, particularly as the stories sit within one of my favourite genres; dystopian. It's worth noting that Homeland isn't a standalone story and as such if you want to get the most from Dani and Kate's journey, you'll want to read Wasteland and Outland first.
I liked that as a third book in a trilogy and thus readers are aware the overall story is reaching its conclusion, the authors still did a really great job of keeping the plot fresh right until the end. There were twists and turns that I truly didn't see coming and these were incorporated extremely well to enhance what has been a fantastic dystopian series.
Even in this last book of the series, character development has continued to be on point. As the events of Homeland unfold the story really questions how far one would go to keep loved ones safe and protect (in the long term) the greater good for the whole of society. Are there lines that shouldn't be crossed, and if they are, can one come back from that?
I love Dani and Kate's dynamic and so I'm glad that we get to see their journey right through to fruition by the end. And it's so nice to be back with Lucas and his Maelstrom comics, he's such a breathe of fresh air and a fantastic supporting character across the series.
This series has been an epic pleasure to dig into and I'm equal parts happy and sad to have reached the end of Dani and Kate's journey toward each other, as they've strived to save their homeland.
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2023
Thank you, Bold Stroke Books, Inc., Kristin Keppler, Allisa Bahney, and NetGalley, for the ARC.
This is mostly my fault; I did not realize this book was the final book in a trilogy. I was very confused throughout the book. It will probably make more sense once I read the first two books.
The writing was well done. It did suck me in the story, even though I did not know what was happening. The characters are well-developed and likable. The relationship between Kate and Dani works so well together. I loved how the story ended.
The story is interesting, and I will probably read the whole trilogy..
This is mostly my fault; I did not realize this book was the final book in a trilogy. I was very confused throughout the book. It will probably make more sense once I read the first two books.
The writing was well done. It did suck me in the story, even though I did not know what was happening. The characters are well-developed and likable. The relationship between Kate and Dani works so well together. I loved how the story ended.
The story is interesting, and I will probably read the whole trilogy..
June 17, 2023
The final book in the trilogy and it was an amazing read. Kristin and Allisa don't disappoint as usual. The characters are still lovable. Well done, I recommend 4 stars.
Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley.
Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley.
June 15, 2023
Phew!
You know what..if you haven’t read this series you don’t know what you are missing and I’m not giving out any free spoilers. These wonderful authors have created a gem and please keep up the good work.
You know what..if you haven’t read this series you don’t know what you are missing and I’m not giving out any free spoilers. These wonderful authors have created a gem and please keep up the good work.
June 1, 2023
The final book in this trilogy. I’ve been looking forward to it being published and was not disappointed with the story. A few secrets revealed about Dani’s and Kate’s parents. Never a dull moment in it. Good read.
June 27, 2023
"Homeland" is the final installment in the Badlands Books Series, and it did not disappoint.
I love dystopian novels like this one. And it has undoubtedly become one of my favorite dystopian book series. I had been eagerly anticipating the last book in this trilogy for a long time and was thrilled to finally be able to read it.
"Homeland" takes place several months after the NAF's attack on Rapid City. Dani, Kate, and their friends are in hiding from the NAF and carry out missions for the Resistance to overthrow General Turner and the NAF. Finally, we get to see Dani and Kate fighting on the same side.
In "Homeland," we learn new information and twists about the past, as well as encounter new allies and reunite with old friends.
The relationship between Dani and Kate has been beautifully portrayed and developed over the course of the three books. Their moments together were delightful to witness, and their open communication has paved the way for a strong bond of trust and a stable, healthy relationship. Additionally, I found myself adoring the supporting characters in the story.
Allisa and Kristin have done a fantastic job of making the book impossible to put down.
By the end, I felt sad that the journey in the Badlands had come to an end.
I highly recommend this trilogy.
I love dystopian novels like this one. And it has undoubtedly become one of my favorite dystopian book series. I had been eagerly anticipating the last book in this trilogy for a long time and was thrilled to finally be able to read it.
"Homeland" takes place several months after the NAF's attack on Rapid City. Dani, Kate, and their friends are in hiding from the NAF and carry out missions for the Resistance to overthrow General Turner and the NAF. Finally, we get to see Dani and Kate fighting on the same side.
In "Homeland," we learn new information and twists about the past, as well as encounter new allies and reunite with old friends.
The relationship between Dani and Kate has been beautifully portrayed and developed over the course of the three books. Their moments together were delightful to witness, and their open communication has paved the way for a strong bond of trust and a stable, healthy relationship. Additionally, I found myself adoring the supporting characters in the story.
Allisa and Kristin have done a fantastic job of making the book impossible to put down.
By the end, I felt sad that the journey in the Badlands had come to an end.
I highly recommend this trilogy.
March 30, 2025
Another good read from The Badlands Series.
There was much more backstory/background for the MCs and ensemble. Kate's internal conflict with the NAF and rebel missions came to an extreme and she made the final decision about where she wanted to go in life. More rebel lives were lost, one in particular, impacting the ensemble.
Again, there was significant subordination that not only went unpunished, it got the worst enemy promoted. I can't speak for the Army or Air Force, but it never would have happened in the Navy or Marines. A low enlisted rank would NEVER be allowed to disrespect officers, nor be allowed to go to the general/admiral to tattle on anyone. There's a chain of command for a reason. As a military veteran, I had issues with that in this and the last book.
There was much more backstory/background for the MCs and ensemble. Kate's internal conflict with the NAF and rebel missions came to an extreme and she made the final decision about where she wanted to go in life. More rebel lives were lost, one in particular, impacting the ensemble.
Again, there was significant subordination that not only went unpunished, it got the worst enemy promoted. I can't speak for the Army or Air Force, but it never would have happened in the Navy or Marines. A low enlisted rank would NEVER be allowed to disrespect officers, nor be allowed to go to the general/admiral to tattle on anyone. There's a chain of command for a reason. As a military veteran, I had issues with that in this and the last book.
July 6, 2023
Excellent final book of this series. There was nonstop action and drama throughout this story. Trying to figure out who the traitor was in the group was mind blowing there's so many twists and turns throughout this story and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the relationship between the main characters, they never let anything come between, even though what was happening could have had them turning on each other , but they never did. This was such a fun read I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from these authors.
February 11, 2025
There were action, romance, found family, betrayal, all combining to create a great ending! Dani and Kate were so cute as a couple and their moments together brought some much needed levity to a story filled with tension and grief. It was very nice seeing the gang again too. The beginning was a little slow, but later there were a few very interesting reveals and the last quarter was action-packed so it all balanced out in the end.
Best in the trilogy, in my opinion.
Best in the trilogy, in my opinion.
January 31, 2025
A story-driven book with a true dystopian world.
Rhiannon's death feels so devastating after finishing the book and leaves a empty hole in their friend circle for forever,it feels a part is missing that is Rhiannon.
I loved all the relationships and friendships.
A sweet ending.
Rhiannon's death feels so devastating after finishing the book and leaves a empty hole in their friend circle for forever,it feels a part is missing that is Rhiannon.
I loved all the relationships and friendships.
A sweet ending.
June 21, 2025
Some filler scenes in this instalment. The villain (Kate's mum) was also a tad two-dimensional. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this series, it was well paced, had an interesting plot, and great action scenes.
August 3, 2023
Great series, I loved it.
October 5, 2023
This book is the last of the three books in the “The Badlands” series. When I selected Homeland, I did not realize it was a part of a series. I immediately rectified the situation by purchasing the first two books, and I am so very glad that I did. Sometimes you can read one book which is part of a series, and it can be read as a standalone. Such is not the case with Homeland since there is so much support information in the first two books.
“The Badlands” series is about an imaginary society which is very dangerous and unfair. It is also a romance between the two main characters, Kate and Dani. “The Badlands” series is filled with intrigue and has many twists and turns. The exciting, post-apocalyptic journey is set in the American mid-west. The series is well written, and the story is solid. I found the characters to be well developed, likeable, and extremely interesting.
I rate this book and the series a definite 5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to set aside a block of time to read these books because you are not going to want to put them down.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“The Badlands” series is about an imaginary society which is very dangerous and unfair. It is also a romance between the two main characters, Kate and Dani. “The Badlands” series is filled with intrigue and has many twists and turns. The exciting, post-apocalyptic journey is set in the American mid-west. The series is well written, and the story is solid. I found the characters to be well developed, likeable, and extremely interesting.
I rate this book and the series a definite 5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to set aside a block of time to read these books because you are not going to want to put them down.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews