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Wasteland #2
Wanderers
The source has been destroyed. Food is scarce. Tensions are rising. Then the earthquake strikes.
Esther and Caleb hit the road, leading a ragtag caravan. Their destination? A mythical city where they hope to find food and shelter . . . not to mention a way to make it past age nineteen.
On the way, alliances and romances blossom and fracture as the group faces vicious gangs, violent weather, and more variants. Esther must rally to take charge, accepting the help of a blind wilderness guide, Aras. He seems unbelievably cruel, but not everything is what it appears to be. . . .
When the former Prin citizens reach safety, their new home is as perfect as they imagined. But it's also far more dangerous than they could have ever feared.
Welcome back to the Wasteland.
Esther and Caleb hit the road, leading a ragtag caravan. Their destination? A mythical city where they hope to find food and shelter . . . not to mention a way to make it past age nineteen.
On the way, alliances and romances blossom and fracture as the group faces vicious gangs, violent weather, and more variants. Esther must rally to take charge, accepting the help of a blind wilderness guide, Aras. He seems unbelievably cruel, but not everything is what it appears to be. . . .
When the former Prin citizens reach safety, their new home is as perfect as they imagined. But it's also far more dangerous than they could have ever feared.
Welcome back to the Wasteland.
Audiobook
First published March 25, 2014
5 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Susan Kim
38 books42 followersSusan Kim & Laurence Klavan cowrote the graphic novels City of Spies and Brain Camp. Susan is also a five-time Emmy nominee for her work in children's television and a Writers Guild Award winner for best documentary. She wrote the stage adaptation of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club, teaches writing at Goddard College, and is a blogger for the Huffington Post. When Susan was little, her family spent a lot of time on the road. Susan enjoyed it, but it made her anxious. In Wanderers, Susan explores her worst fears about being far from home and having to rely on people you don't even know, much less trust.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 20, 2014
3.5
I wanted to read the Wanderers because I enjoyed the first book and wanted to see what became of the village and especially of Ester and Caleb. I didn't remember a whole lot about it but the beginning does a good job of a short summary without feeling the info dump weight. We quickly got a handle on the characters again and their relation and thoughts about one another.
One thing that still bugs me but I got used to was the weird perspective, I guess shifting third person but it seems to focus in a lot and then all of the sudden jump to another person with little to no warning or transition.
I liked Caleb in this one, he is the strong type who leads and really thinks about other people and the well being but especially his relationship with Ester. Their little family including the baby from his deceased first wife (they don't live past teen years from something in the water or atmosphere, so family life happens early in this world set-up).
Some of the same characters--Joseph and Sakar are in this one as well and we get more of a sense of their character, history and their attachment to our strong, compassionate Ester. She went through so many changes, losses and horrors but she still thinks of others and people look up to her. We also get some new secondary characters or get a character from the first and shine a new light on them where you can't help but admire.
There was a lot going on in the romance department and not only for Ester, there was relationships brewing that I would have never speculated and others that were sweet in a way and then almost wrong in others. But all of this was kind of put on the back burner during the day, but when they stop on their journey for the night, they blossom.
The bad guys were pretty cruel and I wanted to smack them in the usual fashion, but let me say that they get what's coming to them all in their own ways. There are some betrayals and schemes that they walk into because they don't have much of a choice. But as far as who works against them, Mundreel really took me by surprise but I almost pitied the kids until they took unnecessary measures.
There were a few plot developments that I saw coming and almost hoped for but then again its so bittersweet that its hard even in its good news sense. There were some twists that took me by surprise and wasn't at all what I was thinking the story was going to go, but I can also see how it is a good stage for the next book to wrap up some things that are still not tied up.
Also, thank goodness, we do get some insight on what happened to the world and water. It actually seems in the realm of possibility which really makes a chill go down my spine. Thanks to Joseph and his inquisitive nature that not only gives a point of reference and someone that isn't the normal in this world but shows Ester's protective nature and that she sees past things that others can't. Which started at a young age with her friendship with Skar. Speaking of whom, I loved how she was developed in this one, and I liked "getting into her head" as much as you can with the shifting narrative, but I loved the growth in her and the confidence that she gains in this book.
This book was fast paced and kept my attention but I did feel like a dystopian Game of Thrones where people that I like are killed off, and I could scream. There are a few people that should be safe and then others that we want to be, but Kim and Klavan didn't hold things back. I can see how it helped them in the future to make certain alliances and that I couldn't help but like some of the characters that got more of a feature in romantics as a secondary character because of the deaths.
The ending was good but I feel like a lot about Mundreel was rushed and not very well elaborated on, but I do know that I want to read the book and see what happens with the new struggle of power, and what Ester will do next for her friends, the strays they picked up along the way, and working towards not only survival but a better quality of life.
Bottom Line: Fast paced account of the group of Prin citizens looking for a better life.
I wanted to read the Wanderers because I enjoyed the first book and wanted to see what became of the village and especially of Ester and Caleb. I didn't remember a whole lot about it but the beginning does a good job of a short summary without feeling the info dump weight. We quickly got a handle on the characters again and their relation and thoughts about one another.
One thing that still bugs me but I got used to was the weird perspective, I guess shifting third person but it seems to focus in a lot and then all of the sudden jump to another person with little to no warning or transition.
I liked Caleb in this one, he is the strong type who leads and really thinks about other people and the well being but especially his relationship with Ester. Their little family including the baby from his deceased first wife (they don't live past teen years from something in the water or atmosphere, so family life happens early in this world set-up).
Some of the same characters--Joseph and Sakar are in this one as well and we get more of a sense of their character, history and their attachment to our strong, compassionate Ester. She went through so many changes, losses and horrors but she still thinks of others and people look up to her. We also get some new secondary characters or get a character from the first and shine a new light on them where you can't help but admire.
There was a lot going on in the romance department and not only for Ester, there was relationships brewing that I would have never speculated and others that were sweet in a way and then almost wrong in others. But all of this was kind of put on the back burner during the day, but when they stop on their journey for the night, they blossom.
The bad guys were pretty cruel and I wanted to smack them in the usual fashion, but let me say that they get what's coming to them all in their own ways. There are some betrayals and schemes that they walk into because they don't have much of a choice. But as far as who works against them, Mundreel really took me by surprise but I almost pitied the kids until they took unnecessary measures.
There were a few plot developments that I saw coming and almost hoped for but then again its so bittersweet that its hard even in its good news sense. There were some twists that took me by surprise and wasn't at all what I was thinking the story was going to go, but I can also see how it is a good stage for the next book to wrap up some things that are still not tied up.
Also, thank goodness, we do get some insight on what happened to the world and water. It actually seems in the realm of possibility which really makes a chill go down my spine. Thanks to Joseph and his inquisitive nature that not only gives a point of reference and someone that isn't the normal in this world but shows Ester's protective nature and that she sees past things that others can't. Which started at a young age with her friendship with Skar. Speaking of whom, I loved how she was developed in this one, and I liked "getting into her head" as much as you can with the shifting narrative, but I loved the growth in her and the confidence that she gains in this book.
This book was fast paced and kept my attention but I did feel like a dystopian Game of Thrones where people that I like are killed off, and I could scream. There are a few people that should be safe and then others that we want to be, but Kim and Klavan didn't hold things back. I can see how it helped them in the future to make certain alliances and that I couldn't help but like some of the characters that got more of a feature in romantics as a secondary character because of the deaths.
The ending was good but I feel like a lot about Mundreel was rushed and not very well elaborated on, but I do know that I want to read the book and see what happens with the new struggle of power, and what Ester will do next for her friends, the strays they picked up along the way, and working towards not only survival but a better quality of life.
Bottom Line: Fast paced account of the group of Prin citizens looking for a better life.
March 23, 2014
The writing duo of Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan brings the sequel to the thrilling Wastleland Series in Wanderers. Continuing the struggling story of Esther in a world that is desolate and very dangerous, she and the other occupants of Prin decide to leave in search of a rumored place that has all the food and water one could possibly want. This journey is sure to test their will and determination. Esther, Caleb and the group will risk everything. Have they chosen the right path? Will this expedition bring forth promise of a better life at its destination? The road ahead of them is uncertain and they will soon find out if leaving Prin was the right choice.
The world that Kim and Klavan has created is filled with vibrant imaginings. Scenes from a dystopian novel will always call for the inconceivable. However, each scenery is laced with sharply written description that visualizing its landscape of a world in decay becomes a simple task. The voices of the characters are very mature. The world these teenager are living in are harsh and hostile and it adjusted their way of thinking, meaning each decision is calculated.
The plot is certainly exciting and highly thrilling. The actions will have readers glued and will have them guessing what to expect at each turn of the page. Thrown in are several plot twist that will unquestionably leave readers gasping. Some of them will blow minds and some will get readers heated up. No matter what is contained in this book, it was solid through and through. Just like how the first book administered a firm grip, the sequel continues the tradition and tightens it up a bit more. Kim and Klavan’s writing style will raise interest levels to its peak. Wanderers is a well-written sci-fi dystopian novel that will not fail to satisfy.
The world that Kim and Klavan has created is filled with vibrant imaginings. Scenes from a dystopian novel will always call for the inconceivable. However, each scenery is laced with sharply written description that visualizing its landscape of a world in decay becomes a simple task. The voices of the characters are very mature. The world these teenager are living in are harsh and hostile and it adjusted their way of thinking, meaning each decision is calculated.
The plot is certainly exciting and highly thrilling. The actions will have readers glued and will have them guessing what to expect at each turn of the page. Thrown in are several plot twist that will unquestionably leave readers gasping. Some of them will blow minds and some will get readers heated up. No matter what is contained in this book, it was solid through and through. Just like how the first book administered a firm grip, the sequel continues the tradition and tightens it up a bit more. Kim and Klavan’s writing style will raise interest levels to its peak. Wanderers is a well-written sci-fi dystopian novel that will not fail to satisfy.
March 25, 2014
I received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Wanderers picks up in the aftermath of Wasteland -- the tyrannical leader has been overthrown, but so has the source of food. The people left are hungry and desperate. And then, of course, a natural disaster comes and makes everything worse.
Our protagonists, Esther and Caleb, are left with no choice but to lead a group (hence, the title) of wanderers in search of a mythical place that will provide all the things they need: shelter, protection, hope, and a future.
I really enjoy books where people are searching for that elusive mecca - the sanctuary that will solve all their problems. I think my obsession began back when I first watched Land Before Time, but ever since this story line has always caught my attention. I think one reason I enjoy it so much, is the place which all hope is banked on, never seems to be exactly what you'd expect.
For the rest of this review, visit Such a Novel Idea.
Wanderers picks up in the aftermath of Wasteland -- the tyrannical leader has been overthrown, but so has the source of food. The people left are hungry and desperate. And then, of course, a natural disaster comes and makes everything worse.
Our protagonists, Esther and Caleb, are left with no choice but to lead a group (hence, the title) of wanderers in search of a mythical place that will provide all the things they need: shelter, protection, hope, and a future.
I really enjoy books where people are searching for that elusive mecca - the sanctuary that will solve all their problems. I think my obsession began back when I first watched Land Before Time, but ever since this story line has always caught my attention. I think one reason I enjoy it so much, is the place which all hope is banked on, never seems to be exactly what you'd expect.
For the rest of this review, visit Such a Novel Idea.
June 2, 2015
**I received this book for free from (HarperTeen) via (Edelweiss) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Esther and Caleb face a wide range of challenges in Wanderers, the sequel to Wasteland. The Source, which once held all the food, fresh water, and supplies that the town bartered for, has been destroyed. The people of Prin are still gleaning for food and water, but reality is shaken to its core when a earthquake devastates the town, and leaves the residents in a state of shock. With most of their possessions destroyed, and little hope of staying in Prin, Esther, Caleb, baby Kai, Skar, Michel, Joseph, Eli, and Silas flee for a city they've only heart about. A town called Mundreel. (Montreal)
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews 06/04/2015* Link to Follow*
Next up: Guardians (Wastelands # 3)
09/25/2013 Recvd via Edelweiss - Published: March 25th 2014 by HarperTeen
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Esther and Caleb face a wide range of challenges in Wanderers, the sequel to Wasteland. The Source, which once held all the food, fresh water, and supplies that the town bartered for, has been destroyed. The people of Prin are still gleaning for food and water, but reality is shaken to its core when a earthquake devastates the town, and leaves the residents in a state of shock. With most of their possessions destroyed, and little hope of staying in Prin, Esther, Caleb, baby Kai, Skar, Michel, Joseph, Eli, and Silas flee for a city they've only heart about. A town called Mundreel. (Montreal)
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews 06/04/2015* Link to Follow*
Next up: Guardians (Wastelands # 3)
09/25/2013 Recvd via Edelweiss - Published: March 25th 2014 by HarperTeen
November 10, 2021
Okay, I have to be honest, I did not like these books at all at first. It was written from an incredibly confusing point of view. Like being in a room where 6 people are all talking at once and you're trying to narrow in on one voice. Half the time I wasn't sure who was talking because it would go from one person talking straight into someone else with no indication. The concept was a good idea, but no explanation was given for anything. It was just kinda like everything's bad and you're not gonna really know why. But I endured, if I was gonna read the first book, I was going to read them all. I didn't like the unrealistic ideals in it. The characters falling so in love after like 3 conversations in like 3 days. And the scene where they become "partnered" made me, an adult, slightly uncomfortable. However the more I read it and once I got to the third book, I did start to enjoy the story. Some things were finally answered and explained. And some relationships and connections created were nice. It's LGBT friendly which is always nice to see. But the unrealistic falling in love and children having babies is still very much present in every book. I have to say this series has just about everything, plague, mutants, hermaphrodites, cannibalism, famine, gruesome deaths. Even though it kinda came together in the end and I did end up enjoying it. It's definitely not the best series or something I would "recommend " . It was simply poorly written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2022
This is the second novel in the Wasteland trilogy. Esther and her friends are still in Prin at the beginning of this story. Food is running out, tensions are high, and then an earthquake hits. Esther and her clan hit the road hoping to find a place that is safe. When they come across Montreal, they think they have found Heaven on Earth. What they don't see is what is hidden in the shadows.
This book was not that great. I am plugging through this because I do love apocolytic novels - especially trilogies. So I sometimes find myself reading bad ones all the way through despite my better judgement. The story hops all over the place and feels disjointed. None of the characters make that much sense. The main character is supposed to be someone everyone looks up to, but she is hard to like.
Eh - I am going to listen to the third one. It gives me something to do when I am doing mundane tasks. But I won't count this among my apocolyptic favorites.
This book was not that great. I am plugging through this because I do love apocolytic novels - especially trilogies. So I sometimes find myself reading bad ones all the way through despite my better judgement. The story hops all over the place and feels disjointed. None of the characters make that much sense. The main character is supposed to be someone everyone looks up to, but she is hard to like.
Eh - I am going to listen to the third one. It gives me something to do when I am doing mundane tasks. But I won't count this among my apocolyptic favorites.
September 29, 2023
Wanderers is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Our protagonist, Esther, must find a way to live in this world where she doesn’t belong. Esther continues to grow from a weak and shy girl to a strong and noble through obstacles thrown at her throughout the series. Her change in mindset when she realizes she has to fight to survive is shown really well in this book. My favorite part is very early in the book when Esther struggles to kill a pig after finding out it was a mother trying to protect its child. This shows the early mindset of Esther and how her personality and thoughts will affect her throughout the story. I really enjoyed this story and the suspense with Esther and how she interacts with other characters. There are times in the story where some elements are directly shown to us causing some confusion throughout the book. With all this in mind I’d give this book a four out of five stars.
July 3, 2017
It is no secret that I love these kinds of novels and I was very excited to start the second in the trilogy.
Susan Kim has worked hard to get the nature of the characters down to the perfect details. They are children to late teens surviving in a post apocalyptic world without supervision. They are the parents, the guardians, the doctors, the nurses, the fire fighters and the police. These children exist in this world, they life their short and meaningless lives, have a child and die from a disease that killed most of the population, it will take them sooner or later.
It's a great read and excellent on audiobook, Laura Knight Keating really brings the characters as she reads the story. She gives Esther a voice and of course the rest of the characters but you see the world through their eyes.
Susan Kim has worked hard to get the nature of the characters down to the perfect details. They are children to late teens surviving in a post apocalyptic world without supervision. They are the parents, the guardians, the doctors, the nurses, the fire fighters and the police. These children exist in this world, they life their short and meaningless lives, have a child and die from a disease that killed most of the population, it will take them sooner or later.
It's a great read and excellent on audiobook, Laura Knight Keating really brings the characters as she reads the story. She gives Esther a voice and of course the rest of the characters but you see the world through their eyes.
August 20, 2018
Better than the first one. I thought the story was more coherent than the first one, easier to follow between the POV changing. Was upset about the character deaths and slightly annoyed at how quickly some characters moved on, but probably understandable in this type of world. Who am I to judge?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
Still comes off as a YA Logan's Run.
Raises more weirdness though. They can barely read, but are great on phonetics. Then there is a generator, not explanation of where the fuel comes from. Maybe more explanations in the the final book?
Raises more weirdness though. They can barely read, but are great on phonetics. Then there is a generator, not explanation of where the fuel comes from. Maybe more explanations in the the final book?
August 30, 2019
Such an amazing book!!! At the beginning it's a bit weird and confusing but then u start to understand the storyline and it starts getting better and better with each chapter having a new climax!
August 29, 2025
This was such a great sequel, and I can't wait to see where book 3 goes!
November 15, 2025
Man, Esther has really bad luck with boys. This book was a little draggy, but still a decent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2014
Originally posted at City of Books
Wanderers is quite different from what I expected, in both a good and bad way. I loved getting back into this dystopian world after so long, because I really enjoyed Wasteland. The world-building in this series is great, and there's a whole lot of new stuff in this one.
Though Levi is dead and the dangers associated with him are gone, the people of Prin aren't safe and healthy. Far from it. They're running out of food, and after an earthquake kills half the population, Esther and Caleb decide they all need to leave, to find a city where they've heard the people live into their thirties and forties and have plenty of food. But there's a lot that could go wrong with fifty straggling people making their way across the country.
I grew to like Esther even more, as she's really stepped up and taken control of things. She genuinely cares about the people of Prin, and she'd never lead them into danger. Esther's also a lot happier now with Caleb and his son, Kai. She's tougher and more confident, and I liked that even when faced with tragedies, she keeps her head on straight.
We still don't get to find out too much about Caleb, but I liked how his relationship with Esther progresses. They're more comfortable around each other and you can tell they really love one another even though they met quite recently. There's something I want to talk about here but it's spoilery so just click if you want to read it -
We're introduced to a new character in this book - Aras. I found myself liking him immediately! He's blind, though also the best guide you would find. He's good at taking care of himself, and ends up teaching the Prin group quite a lot. He's realistic and not afraid to be blunt when he needs to be, and I think his honesty really drew me to him. I can't wait to find out more about him in the next book.
Wanderers is a lot darker than its predecessor. It's focused on a select group of characters who make their way to 'Mundreel', the city they've been searching for. I found that aspect really dark as well - the stakes are definitely a lot higher in this book. We get to know more about the setting and how the Wasteland came about, which I found really interesting. I don't want to give anything away so I won't say any more about it. But I definitely enjoyed this book for the most part, and I'm looking forward to book 3!
*Thank you to HarperCollins for providing me with an eARC for review*
Rating: 3.5/5
Wanderers is quite different from what I expected, in both a good and bad way. I loved getting back into this dystopian world after so long, because I really enjoyed Wasteland. The world-building in this series is great, and there's a whole lot of new stuff in this one.
Though Levi is dead and the dangers associated with him are gone, the people of Prin aren't safe and healthy. Far from it. They're running out of food, and after an earthquake kills half the population, Esther and Caleb decide they all need to leave, to find a city where they've heard the people live into their thirties and forties and have plenty of food. But there's a lot that could go wrong with fifty straggling people making their way across the country.
I grew to like Esther even more, as she's really stepped up and taken control of things. She genuinely cares about the people of Prin, and she'd never lead them into danger. Esther's also a lot happier now with Caleb and his son, Kai. She's tougher and more confident, and I liked that even when faced with tragedies, she keeps her head on straight.
We still don't get to find out too much about Caleb, but I liked how his relationship with Esther progresses. They're more comfortable around each other and you can tell they really love one another even though they met quite recently. There's something I want to talk about here but it's spoilery so just click if you want to read it -
We're introduced to a new character in this book - Aras. I found myself liking him immediately! He's blind, though also the best guide you would find. He's good at taking care of himself, and ends up teaching the Prin group quite a lot. He's realistic and not afraid to be blunt when he needs to be, and I think his honesty really drew me to him. I can't wait to find out more about him in the next book.
Wanderers is a lot darker than its predecessor. It's focused on a select group of characters who make their way to 'Mundreel', the city they've been searching for. I found that aspect really dark as well - the stakes are definitely a lot higher in this book. We get to know more about the setting and how the Wasteland came about, which I found really interesting. I don't want to give anything away so I won't say any more about it. But I definitely enjoyed this book for the most part, and I'm looking forward to book 3!
*Thank you to HarperCollins for providing me with an eARC for review*
Rating: 3.5/5
July 4, 2014
Review at Laura in Bookland
Nope, just Nope. I will start right off the bat saying that I will not be picking up the next book in the trilogy. I tried to give the second book and a chance and it just didn’t do it for me either, although it was slightly better than the first book. I almost didn’t pick it up at all because someone put a spoiler in the capital letters on Goodreads and I saw it as I was skimming through to see what people had rated it. I was super bummed about that spoiler too.
The book starts with Esther hunting using the techniques that her variant friend Skar had taught her. She has not really seen Skar since she was partnered. Skar is acting very distant and Esther can tell that something is wrong. Joseph, Caleb, Kai, & Esther all live in a crumbling apartment together above a Starbucks. Everyone in the town is starving and they all blame it on Caleb since he took down Levi and caused “the source” to burn down. Leaving the town to provide for themselves.
Caleb and Esther try to talk the town into leaving but of course no one wants to go. Then quite conveniently, later that night a giant earthquake hits and destroys the town and kills half the people in it. This forces everyone to have to leave. Rafe, who had stepped down from being the town leader but still likes to be the leader, tells everyone that they need to go to a place called Mundreel (Montreal), which they have only heard rumors about. Everythign there is supposed to be great, but Caleb and Joseph try to tell them they haven’t heard anything true about it, or anything that can be verified.
After certain events happen that I won’t spoil, Skar ends up leaving town with the group also. People are wary of her but welcome her because she can hunt. I would also like to say that no one knew that edible plants grew in the wild. They thought it had to be dried out and packaged in order to eat it. I found this a little unbelievable. New friends are made in this book and some people die., including ones that I was not expecting at all. Caleb also mentions having a child with Esther. Why would someone want to bring a new child into a world that you can’t survive in?! Now, don't get me wrong, there are a couple scenes that are worth reading but a couple scenes out of an entire book just aren't worth it to me.
The writing is not the best in this book which was a major problem for me in the first book. There are plot holes and things happen and then never get spoken of again. As with the first book this one changes different points of view, however, it changes in the middle of a chapter with no warning what so ever. Multiple times I had to try and figure out who was narrating. There is a certain death scene that could have been written really well and I felt like the entire thing was over in a couple of pages.
Like I said, I will not be going on to the next book and I really can’t recommend either book to anyone. IF you read the first one and didn’t like it, don’t waste your time.
Nope, just Nope. I will start right off the bat saying that I will not be picking up the next book in the trilogy. I tried to give the second book and a chance and it just didn’t do it for me either, although it was slightly better than the first book. I almost didn’t pick it up at all because someone put a spoiler in the capital letters on Goodreads and I saw it as I was skimming through to see what people had rated it. I was super bummed about that spoiler too.
The book starts with Esther hunting using the techniques that her variant friend Skar had taught her. She has not really seen Skar since she was partnered. Skar is acting very distant and Esther can tell that something is wrong. Joseph, Caleb, Kai, & Esther all live in a crumbling apartment together above a Starbucks. Everyone in the town is starving and they all blame it on Caleb since he took down Levi and caused “the source” to burn down. Leaving the town to provide for themselves.
Caleb and Esther try to talk the town into leaving but of course no one wants to go. Then quite conveniently, later that night a giant earthquake hits and destroys the town and kills half the people in it. This forces everyone to have to leave. Rafe, who had stepped down from being the town leader but still likes to be the leader, tells everyone that they need to go to a place called Mundreel (Montreal), which they have only heard rumors about. Everythign there is supposed to be great, but Caleb and Joseph try to tell them they haven’t heard anything true about it, or anything that can be verified.
After certain events happen that I won’t spoil, Skar ends up leaving town with the group also. People are wary of her but welcome her because she can hunt. I would also like to say that no one knew that edible plants grew in the wild. They thought it had to be dried out and packaged in order to eat it. I found this a little unbelievable. New friends are made in this book and some people die., including ones that I was not expecting at all. Caleb also mentions having a child with Esther. Why would someone want to bring a new child into a world that you can’t survive in?! Now, don't get me wrong, there are a couple scenes that are worth reading but a couple scenes out of an entire book just aren't worth it to me.
The writing is not the best in this book which was a major problem for me in the first book. There are plot holes and things happen and then never get spoken of again. As with the first book this one changes different points of view, however, it changes in the middle of a chapter with no warning what so ever. Multiple times I had to try and figure out who was narrating. There is a certain death scene that could have been written really well and I felt like the entire thing was over in a couple of pages.
Like I said, I will not be going on to the next book and I really can’t recommend either book to anyone. IF you read the first one and didn’t like it, don’t waste your time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
'Wanderers' is the second book in the Wasteland series - a young adult dystopia that follows a group of teenagers who are struggling to survive in a world that is barren and dangerous. The story continues to follow the main character Esther as she and the other residents of Prin decide that there's nothing left for them there and they need to move on to a better place. There's a place rumored to have all the food and water that anyone could possibly want or need - and that's where Esther, Caleb, and the rest of the group decide to go. Will they be able to make it to this wonderful place before they die of exposure or starvation? Or will the road turn out to be even more dangerous than staying in Prin?
This was a solid second installment in a gripping dystopian series that had me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen next. There's tons of action in the book, so you never quite know what to expect. I have to admit that there were a couple of places - one major one in particular - that had me so upset and mad that I wanted to stop reading the book. I don't do spoilers, but those of you who have read the book know what I'm talking about. The plot was well done and I understand why the authors put these twists into the story, but that definitely doesn't mean I had to like it. In fact, I hated it. That aside, the world that was created in the book was incredibly detailed and vivid with imagery, so much so that I could easily envision it in my mind. The one thing that always got to me and pulled me out of the thrall of the book was the age of the characters. They all act and seem so much older than they really are - it always shocked me when I was reminded that they were only kids. Again, I understand why the authors wrote the plot this way, it fits with the whole dystopian atmosphere that the story takes place in. I just had a real problem with kids "partnering" at 14 and then having kids by 16. It just seems so wrong to me! I couldn't really wrap my mind around the age of the characters and the way they acted and lived.
The plot was thrilling and full of tense moments and exciting occurrences. Being a dystopian book, not all of these were positive. In fact, the majority of them weren't. The book was well written with a quick pace and definitely had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Overall, my personal feelings about the storyline aside, this was a great second book in a series that continues to grasp the reader until the very end. I'm interested to see where the next book will lead and what might happen. Definitely recommended for fans of science fiction and dystopias, as well as those who enjoy action and adventure.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'Wanderers' is the second book in the Wasteland series - a young adult dystopia that follows a group of teenagers who are struggling to survive in a world that is barren and dangerous. The story continues to follow the main character Esther as she and the other residents of Prin decide that there's nothing left for them there and they need to move on to a better place. There's a place rumored to have all the food and water that anyone could possibly want or need - and that's where Esther, Caleb, and the rest of the group decide to go. Will they be able to make it to this wonderful place before they die of exposure or starvation? Or will the road turn out to be even more dangerous than staying in Prin?
This was a solid second installment in a gripping dystopian series that had me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen next. There's tons of action in the book, so you never quite know what to expect. I have to admit that there were a couple of places - one major one in particular - that had me so upset and mad that I wanted to stop reading the book. I don't do spoilers, but those of you who have read the book know what I'm talking about. The plot was well done and I understand why the authors put these twists into the story, but that definitely doesn't mean I had to like it. In fact, I hated it. That aside, the world that was created in the book was incredibly detailed and vivid with imagery, so much so that I could easily envision it in my mind. The one thing that always got to me and pulled me out of the thrall of the book was the age of the characters. They all act and seem so much older than they really are - it always shocked me when I was reminded that they were only kids. Again, I understand why the authors wrote the plot this way, it fits with the whole dystopian atmosphere that the story takes place in. I just had a real problem with kids "partnering" at 14 and then having kids by 16. It just seems so wrong to me! I couldn't really wrap my mind around the age of the characters and the way they acted and lived.
The plot was thrilling and full of tense moments and exciting occurrences. Being a dystopian book, not all of these were positive. In fact, the majority of them weren't. The book was well written with a quick pace and definitely had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Overall, my personal feelings about the storyline aside, this was a great second book in a series that continues to grasp the reader until the very end. I'm interested to see where the next book will lead and what might happen. Definitely recommended for fans of science fiction and dystopias, as well as those who enjoy action and adventure.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2014
Review
The second book in Laurence Klavan and Susan Kim's Wasteland series is a book that I went into reading with a bit of hesitation. I didn't particularly care for the first book in the series yet the ending left me intrigued enough to not swear off reading the sequel completely. Upon completion, I'm pleased to say that I am glad that I read Wanderers. It not only surpassed the first book in terms of enjoyability but it also changed my mind about the series as a whole.
One of the best parts about Wanderers is the way the story unfolded. While life might not have been perfect for Esther in Prin I think she and Caleb underestimated how truly dangerous life as roaming nomads would turn out to be. However, without being forced to leave they and the other refugees wouldn't of learnt some pretty invaluable skills from Aras their blind guide. Wanderers isn't a happy story but it also is very reasonable in terms of survival. Life is cruel but can also be a blessing in disguise. I think that's what I took away from the story.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the introduction of the character Aras. You simply don't see many disabled characters in books where they aren't completely reliant on another for survival. Aras might be blind but he can also kick your ass from here to the curb if need be. He doesn't need Esther or the job bestowed on him but she and the rest of the former citizens of Prin need him. It's that relationship of give and take that kept me sucked into the story.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the pacing. When the story needed to be dramatic it was and naturally during those scenes sequences slowed so characters could emote with each other but for the most part Wanderers is a fast paced, action packed, pulse pounding read. Very few what I'd called dead moments. Everything included served a purpose to move the story along at a steady pace.
The only downside to the story for me was Caleb. It's not his fault, he did what he must to protect everyone but I was saddened that it had to happen the way it did.
Final Thoughts
Great book, great story, I can honestly say that I'm even surprised by how much I enjoyed the sequel compared to the first book. Would I recommend Wanderers? Yes. Do I look forward to the next book in the series? You bet. With that being said, I'll be rating Wanderers by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan ★★★★.
Book reviewed originally @Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy reviewed through edelweiss. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way for providing them.
The second book in Laurence Klavan and Susan Kim's Wasteland series is a book that I went into reading with a bit of hesitation. I didn't particularly care for the first book in the series yet the ending left me intrigued enough to not swear off reading the sequel completely. Upon completion, I'm pleased to say that I am glad that I read Wanderers. It not only surpassed the first book in terms of enjoyability but it also changed my mind about the series as a whole.
One of the best parts about Wanderers is the way the story unfolded. While life might not have been perfect for Esther in Prin I think she and Caleb underestimated how truly dangerous life as roaming nomads would turn out to be. However, without being forced to leave they and the other refugees wouldn't of learnt some pretty invaluable skills from Aras their blind guide. Wanderers isn't a happy story but it also is very reasonable in terms of survival. Life is cruel but can also be a blessing in disguise. I think that's what I took away from the story.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the introduction of the character Aras. You simply don't see many disabled characters in books where they aren't completely reliant on another for survival. Aras might be blind but he can also kick your ass from here to the curb if need be. He doesn't need Esther or the job bestowed on him but she and the rest of the former citizens of Prin need him. It's that relationship of give and take that kept me sucked into the story.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the pacing. When the story needed to be dramatic it was and naturally during those scenes sequences slowed so characters could emote with each other but for the most part Wanderers is a fast paced, action packed, pulse pounding read. Very few what I'd called dead moments. Everything included served a purpose to move the story along at a steady pace.
The only downside to the story for me was Caleb. It's not his fault, he did what he must to protect everyone but I was saddened that it had to happen the way it did.
Final Thoughts
Great book, great story, I can honestly say that I'm even surprised by how much I enjoyed the sequel compared to the first book. Would I recommend Wanderers? Yes. Do I look forward to the next book in the series? You bet. With that being said, I'll be rating Wanderers by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan ★★★★.
Book reviewed originally @Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy reviewed through edelweiss. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way for providing them.
February 25, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
Esther and Caleb won against Levi, but what happens next? And where will their food come from with Levi out of the picture?
This was an okay sequel, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first.
Esther was the main character in this, and she had grown up a bit after her experiences in the first book. She seemed to be a bit more aware at some points, and then totally clueless at others though.
The storyline was okay, although this was a fairly formulaic second book though, with loads of travelling. The things that happened to the group on the road were okay, but I just didn’t find them all that exciting.
We did have one very sudden and unexpected death, which certainly caught my attention, and we had another twist a little later in the book that was interesting, but unfortunately for most of the book the story was pretty dull.
There was some romance, but not a lot, and not from the characters expected either. We did get a very interesting development with Skar though.
The ending was okay, and certainly wasn’t where I expected the story to end. I did think that there was generally just a bit of a lack of excitement in this book though.
Overall; okay sequel, but not as good as the first.
6.25 out of 10.
Esther and Caleb won against Levi, but what happens next? And where will their food come from with Levi out of the picture?
This was an okay sequel, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first.
Esther was the main character in this, and she had grown up a bit after her experiences in the first book. She seemed to be a bit more aware at some points, and then totally clueless at others though.
The storyline was okay, although this was a fairly formulaic second book though, with loads of travelling. The things that happened to the group on the road were okay, but I just didn’t find them all that exciting.
We did have one very sudden and unexpected death, which certainly caught my attention, and we had another twist a little later in the book that was interesting, but unfortunately for most of the book the story was pretty dull.
There was some romance, but not a lot, and not from the characters expected either. We did get a very interesting development with Skar though.
The ending was okay, and certainly wasn’t where I expected the story to end. I did think that there was generally just a bit of a lack of excitement in this book though.
Overall; okay sequel, but not as good as the first.
6.25 out of 10.
April 5, 2020
Even though I read this book first not realizing it was book 2
It was however a awesome story.
I was able to connect with the main character Esther right away.
They live in a town that people are dying; no adults exist anymore
and or so they think.
None usually past nineteen.
Esther has no choice but to become a leader
although she never has had to be.
They must travel to find new land and
their journey takes everyone on a adventure.
Esther is wise and strong beyond her years but,
only realizes that later much later in the book.
The journey is amazing with Esther and I truly
enjoyed this book only wish I was knew it was book 2
so I could have enjoyed book 1 first but, loved this story.
....I have decided to reread this book now that I have read book 1 however reading book 1 is not a have to you will figure out the story and I didn’t feel like I missed much.
—————After reading this book for a 2nd time I still feel it’s a good book and everything I said before. It was really great to listen and occasionally follow along. I am thoroughly excited to read book 3 to discover what happens and how these three books complete the story or at least thus far.
It was however a awesome story.
I was able to connect with the main character Esther right away.
They live in a town that people are dying; no adults exist anymore
and or so they think.
None usually past nineteen.
Esther has no choice but to become a leader
although she never has had to be.
They must travel to find new land and
their journey takes everyone on a adventure.
Esther is wise and strong beyond her years but,
only realizes that later much later in the book.
The journey is amazing with Esther and I truly
enjoyed this book only wish I was knew it was book 2
so I could have enjoyed book 1 first but, loved this story.
....I have decided to reread this book now that I have read book 1 however reading book 1 is not a have to you will figure out the story and I didn’t feel like I missed much.
—————After reading this book for a 2nd time I still feel it’s a good book and everything I said before. It was really great to listen and occasionally follow along. I am thoroughly excited to read book 3 to discover what happens and how these three books complete the story or at least thus far.
August 27, 2016
A dystopian adventure exploring the human drive for survival in many forms. Each of us react differently.
Although written in third person omniscient, Esther is the thread tying the story together. Her ability to be strong and find love leaves you with hope for the future.
Wanderers explores the effects of different types of leadership under adverse circumstances and the value various personalities and skills bring to a group. When the teens finally arrive, the big city gives them more than they imagined, but nothing comes without a price.
A virus mutant infected Earth’s water supply and killed most humans. A few children remain scattered across the land. When scavenging at stores dries up a group of teens leaves their hometown in search of Mundreel, a city where life is thought to be better.
Adventures on the journey test each teen’s resolve. Alliances are created, love won and lost, mistakes made and atrocities played out. Both the innocent and those who act brashly take the consequences.
I enjoyed Kim and Kalavan’s exploration of human reactions to extreme adversity.
Although written in third person omniscient, Esther is the thread tying the story together. Her ability to be strong and find love leaves you with hope for the future.
Wanderers explores the effects of different types of leadership under adverse circumstances and the value various personalities and skills bring to a group. When the teens finally arrive, the big city gives them more than they imagined, but nothing comes without a price.
A virus mutant infected Earth’s water supply and killed most humans. A few children remain scattered across the land. When scavenging at stores dries up a group of teens leaves their hometown in search of Mundreel, a city where life is thought to be better.
Adventures on the journey test each teen’s resolve. Alliances are created, love won and lost, mistakes made and atrocities played out. Both the innocent and those who act brashly take the consequences.
I enjoyed Kim and Kalavan’s exploration of human reactions to extreme adversity.
July 4, 2015
Would rate it about a 4.5, especially in juxtaposition to the first one which I liked but wasn't amazed by. Esther is partnered with Caleb and is barely surviving in her hometown of Prin when cataclysmic earthquakes hit Prin, wiping out nearly half of the remaining population. The remaining townspeople, at Esther and Caleb's suggestion, choose to leave Prin as there are no resources for survival in the decaying town. They hear about a promised land known as Montreel (Montreal) and embark on a dangerous journey to get there. There will be casualties, romance, and suspense. I appreciate the writing and the action btter with this second novel but it is very clear that the authors are trying to push an agenda focusing on both global warming and homosexuality. This is definitely literature with an agenda but if you can ignore the PC aspect of it, I think it was an interesting and suspenseful story.
July 7, 2014
Wanderers can be read and understood without reading the first book of the series, “Wasteland.” Sufficient background information is given for the reader to know the characters and follow the story. Reading this series could lead to a discussion about environmental issues, as the air and water has been affected by pollution, etc… Aras, the guide Esther finds to lead them to Mundreel, introduces her to foods found in nature that are safe to eat. Until shown, Esther thinks all foods must come canned or packaged. This story element could lead to an extension activity involving the topic of survival skills and foraging for food. The story may appeal to avid readers of adventure/dystopian novels, but about half way through the story tends to drag along. I recommend the Wasteland series and Wanderers as an optional purchase.
April 1, 2016
I kinda messed up and read the 2nd without knowing it was the 2nd book but its too late now because I'm not gonna read the 1st book. Too much stuff has happened in Wanderers to get even more attached to the characters (Ester and Caleb) then I already was. I literally stopped reading this book for to months after the whole situation with Caleb. But it was a good book. I was surprised to hear about Ester in the end but hey its sweet in a way because its like she has him with her. I don't know if I'm going to read the 3rd but I kinda doubt I am. And I kinda was dogging a lot of things in this but I didn't want to give anything anyway like I normally do but this was a little different.
April 24, 2014
OMG. I can't believe they killed Caleb! D=
Wow. This story has gotten really good. SO MUCH HAPPENED!
They killed Caleb. Lewt and his gang. Arras. Montreal. CANNIBALS!
I'm interested in seeing how they survive now that they have such luxurious accommodations. Plus the Insurgents and Esther being leader. And I like Arras and Esther. BUT FUCK. WHY IS SHE PREGNANT??? DO NOT WANT!!! D=
Now I'm torn between being excited for the next book [generally speaking: AWESOME PLOT! SO MANY QUESTIONS/THREADS!] and being like "...no! NOOOOO!!!" [fuck babies!].
Wow. This story has gotten really good. SO MUCH HAPPENED!
They killed Caleb. Lewt and his gang. Arras. Montreal. CANNIBALS!
I'm interested in seeing how they survive now that they have such luxurious accommodations. Plus the Insurgents and Esther being leader. And I like Arras and Esther. BUT FUCK. WHY IS SHE PREGNANT??? DO NOT WANT!!! D=
Now I'm torn between being excited for the next book [generally speaking: AWESOME PLOT! SO MANY QUESTIONS/THREADS!] and being like "...no! NOOOOO!!!" [fuck babies!].
Want to read
February 9, 2014Book Nerd Tours is hosting the official blog tour for WANDERERS! All stops will be reviewing, only 5 stops available.
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Sign Ups open for a short time - Fill it out now if you are interested in being considered for the tour.!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zcwe...
August 24, 2014
After finishing reading the first book, Wasteland, I couldn't wait to read this one. There's a lot of suspense in this one and a lot of death. Most of the time I couldn't believe that these characters had actually died. I love Esther even more I this book. I love the character of Aras from he first appearance in the book. He's a great character and a good balance to Esther.
November 20, 2016
Another interesting chapter about Esther and Caleb and newcomer Aras. I could've done without the very sad scene(if you read the book you know what scene I am talking about!)
Susan Kim has produced another unique twist for a young adult, post apocalyptic dystopian novel!
I am off to read the final book in this trilogy.
Susan Kim has produced another unique twist for a young adult, post apocalyptic dystopian novel!
I am off to read the final book in this trilogy.
April 2, 2014
I loved this book! I did not know it was part of a trilogy when I picked it up at the local used bookstore. I was still able to follow the plot even with it being part 2 of the series. I could not put it down and finished it in about 6 hours while waiting at the hospital with my husband.
January 22, 2015
very interesting story, i practically ate and lived with the book, it was honestly an adventure! i want more!
November 25, 2014
Prim?
Kai?
Archers?
I got thirty minutes into this audiobook and shut it off.
Kai?
Archers?
I got thirty minutes into this audiobook and shut it off.
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