The Perimeter

Outside #3

by Shalini Boland

The Perimeter is a darkly captivating dystopian tale of adventure, danger, love and redemption that will have you on the edge of your seat and up at night turning the pages to find out what happens in the end.

In this fractured world, a sinister force is coming for Riley, and the only things keeping her safe are a perimeter fence and the people she loves. As her life is threatened, she must make impossible choices. But help comes from the most unlikely of places, and all Riley needs to know is: who can she really trust?

Meanwhile, a repentant killer searches for peace and salvation, but what he gets is the exact opposite. Now he’ll have to make the hardest decision of his life.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Thriller, Romance

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2013

About the author

Shalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.

Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).

She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.

www.shaliniboland.com

Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure

Reviews

[Landa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites

[❤Marie Gentilcore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this trilogy. I flew through book one and went pretty quickly through book two but it took forever to get through this final book. I liked that the writing was fast paced and I liked the characters and it was cool to read a dystopian story set in England. But for me book three just didn't have as compelling a story as the first two books; those two were hard to put down. But I'm glad to have read the series. I think it was very good overall.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perimeter By Shalini Boland is the third and final installment in a YA dystopian series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Second Sky and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background:  (Warning:  Contains spoilers from previous books)
16 years ago, world-wide terrorist attacks  changed the world, creating chaos.  There is no government, and the military are no longer in charge.   In England, compounds called Perimeters spring up, most with high-security. Riley Culpepper grew up in one such compound.  Her father is a trader.  Her sister Skye was killed by someone who broke into the grounds.  Recently a religious group has been trying to take over everything.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Riley, while on a trading mission with one of the compounds,  makes friends with some of  the "shanties", a group of rebels living outside, when one rescues her from a riot.   When she sees how rough they are living, she wants to help, although her father disagrees.

Meanwhile, the followers of religious fanatic James Gray are on the warpath.  They want their leader back, who was captured by Riley and her team when they recently rescued Liss and Annabelle.  FJ (now known as Matthew, and the Voice of God), escaped, and is determined to get "Their Father" back.  He has recruited Jamie, a disciple, to help him.  But FJ has an ulterior motive.


My Opinions:
Well, I still don't like Riley's impetuous and reckless ways.  I think she sets a bad precedence for teenagers who think it doesn't matter what they do, it'll turn out okay in the end.  She has no respect for authority, and always thinks she knows best.  It is irritating, and I wasn't impressed.

However, I continue to like Luc, and felt compassion for Jamie.

The story is told from both Riley's and Jamie's perspectives, and this worked really well, as we knew what was going on in both sides of the war.

Again, there was a lot of action, and it was a really fast read.  I think it ended a little abruptly.

Anyway, the book was good, as was the series, but it's not high on my recommended reading list.  I usually really like YA dystopic books, and I really like Shalini Boland, so this was somewhat disappointing. I think that this series was written early in her career, and it just shows how much she has improved in her more recent books.



For a more complete review of this book and others, (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read, but it was defiantly the weakest installment in the series for me.

Riley was an okay character, but i didn't like her as much as i remember liking her in the first two.

I couldn't remember much from the last two books, so it took me a while to get into this one. When i did, i wasn't enjoying it as much as i remember enjoying the other two, and i was bored through a lot of it unfortunately.

Overall, Dissappointing.

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley is still as adventurous as ever in book three. One would think that she might be a little more hesitant after her previous experiences. But her fear nothing attitude comes in handy once again. I loved the addition of the gypsies in this book. A group of people that live on their own outside the walls, with their own rules and laws - but instead of behaving poorly (like raiders), they take care of their own and keep their heads down - for the most part. The strange religious cult that Riley and Luc have run into in both book one and two have decided that she must pay for her crimes against them with her life - and they have an army at their disposal to get the job done. Book three follows Riley's current timeline as her perimeter prepares to defend itself. It also follows a story from the past - a story that you will recognize if you have read book one. At the end Shalini Boland merges the two timelines together seamlessly to create another great book. This seems to be the last in the series and it takes every little loose end out there and wraps them up in one fell swoop - everything tying together in an amazing way. There wasn't as much development character-wise from Riley and her group in this one, but the other timeline was truly a study in developing a complex and dynamic character - the kind I love. A great conclusion to the series. *This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

[Shayna Varadeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley and Luc have been in an awkward stage with little time together. Riley is out to trade with her Pa and the market erupts in a riot. Riley is rescued or led away anyways by a gypsy woman, Lou. She wants to get fuel or firewood for Lou and the gypsies but her dad is adamant about the supplies that they have being necessary for their perimeter.

Everything is dwindling and supplies are low all over since the zombified drones from The Close marched across the land taking what they wanted and obliterating a sense of security, causing hoarding.

Meanwhile we have the tandem story with Jaime and I have been unsettled by his story to tell the truth. I care very little about him even if a bad decision is what led to the tragedy that changed things forever for Riley and her family. But I read on and was surprised more than once at the interesting turn of events.

Riley and Luc aren't seeing eye to eye and it has Riley seeing red and Luc not seeing it at all. She's mad and I think he is mostly confused.

Riley follows through with her delivery without permission and forms a bond with the gypsies.

She is shocked on the road home and brings home two familiar strays with disturbing news.

It seems the 'voice of the father' is more wicked than anticipated ad he is out to do Riley in. At the last of book 2 he dropped a whopper of a revelation n Riley assuring she would eventually come to him so that he can take out his vengeance for taking James Grey from his people.

In this book, book 3, he ensures his visit with her through forced means. When the day comes for the deal with F.J. it passes Riley before she knows it. She goes looking for Luc in that morning worried about his safety. Him and his dad, Eddie went for a supply run opposite the way F.J. was coming towards them with an indoctrinated Jaime in tow.

I got overeager and jittery feeling the climax of the story rolling across me in an adrenaline infused bout. It's amazing how these books have pulled emotion out of me.

It's like my emotions are being siphoned beyond my control!!

The last time I got so nervous reading was in Divergent. I love it when I am sucked in so completely. I shut out the world and was drawn into the struggle and life with perimeters and uncertainty. A madman o the loose and people trying to make it by living honest and helping others.

The nail biting commenced for me as Riley and Rita, Luc's mom decided they were red of waiting for Eddie and Luc to return. The craziness cuds your mind hen it comes to love and I love the spirit of these two ladies!

At the same time Jaime and F.J. lead their tainted brethren to get back their beloved Grey but they've no clue how complicated that is going to be. I found myself laughing a bit at that fact but quickly my heart sunk with the weight of what was about to transpire.

By chapter thirty my mind was ticking and my nails were suffering and I couldn't read the words fast enough as the story unfolded in my mind. I was nervous and scared and wow. Just wow. I was taken aback by the raw emotion that threatened to come from my eyes as my fear for Eddie and Luc along with the entire perimeter escalated.

The mind numbing chanting was unnerving and I was moved to tears in the commencing of the battle. My eyes stung and m heart hurt like I was in Talbot Woods Perimeter. I was glad that Riley and Luc had their moment And oh. my gawd. Riley, Riley, Riley! That girl is crazy!

I can say no more without spoiling it for you all and I definitely don't want to do that.

I recommend this series to anyone, no matter the genre you are used to. This is an epic story of love, life, survival and family. This is a read that has no let down, you will be glued to the pages reading until you can't or until you hit the end.

A proper dystopian read of five star proportions!

One I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

Thanks to the tour host and Shalini Boland for letting me be a part of this tour and getting to read this series.


I absolutely love it!

[Suzy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW What a fantastic finale to the Outside series! I couldn't put it down and I certainly didn't want it to end. I'd love to read more about what happens to Riley in the future though - I just love that gal. Maybe another book in the series, Shalini?!
The Perimeter had me sitting on the edge of my seat, desperate for Riley to make it through the many trials and tribulations she faced. I loved how the author intertwined the tale of Jamie with that of Riley and Luc and the ending couldn't have been more spot on - although it was a bit of a shocker!
Again, another wonderful novel by Shalini Boland. I can't wait for more!

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the 2nd book in the series. Again in this book parts seemed to drag on forever and other parts seemed rushed like the author had to put it in but couldn't fit everything. The pace of the book was little off. Even with that I did want to finish the book all the way through and the end of the story picked up and I was impressed all the way up to the last couple of pages. I felt the author could've done a better job in the prologue.

[[ J o ]]

Read the first book Outside. 2 stars but will not continue with the series.

[Heather Vern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley and Luc's crazy post-end of the world journey continues in the last installment of the Outside series.
I feel in love with this series in the very first book, and I was lucky enough to recieve ARC's of the The Clearing and The Perimeter.

In this installment the ever wanting revenge and crazy control freak FJ, finally puts his plans back together to take revenge on Riley for taking James Grey. There is a back story with Jamie a outsider and the story behind who he is and what he plays in the part of these books. It shows how he grows till the end of the book. (I wont say what and who he is youll have to read for yourself)

Riley starts off meeting a gypsy girl named Lou that lives at The Walls, it shows how their friendships grows and what theyll do for each other in the time of need. Even if your life is on the line some people will go above and beyond to help you and your family.

I loved it over all I dont want to say to much because I dont want to ruin the ending or the outcome of the story =]]

Happy reading and thank you Shalini Boland for the chance to read your amazing book.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give this woman a medal. This series is beyond amazing. To pull out 3 amazing books in a row is a massive achievement.

Riley is still as fantastic as ever. She has a bit of a hero complex like every major character out there, but she is also so real at the same time. She is the kind of character you can really connect with.

FJ is still as big a douche as ever and lets just say his ending of the book was poetic.

I was made to feel very old in regards to the lassie comment and i am not even 30 yet :O

All in all another fantastic book series that needs to be made into the next Blockbuster movie.

[Amara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long awaited this 3rd book in the Outside series more than fulfils expectations. A roller coaster of a book surprizes,delights and shocks in equal measure. Threads of stories are woven in an expert manner culminating in a most satisfactory conclusion.
The reader is led along unexpected paths of adventure and just when you think that that is it, another heart stopping episode occurs.
A gem of a book!

[Jason O'neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series over all is enjoyable. The first part
Of this last book just didn't hold my attention like the first two and took me a while to finally get through it. My mark for a really good book is wanting to not out it Down. That is what happened with the last half of this third book. The action picked up and the conclusion to the series was great. As always with a good else ties I am sad to see these characters go.

[Joanna Gawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Outside series, The Perimeter pulls all the loose threads together and ties them up perfectly. Riley is so easy to like, her courage steadfast even when she risks losing everything. Luc is loveable and strong, and her Pa is just the sort of man you want in a battle ... while new allies add an interesting flavour to the mix.

Packed with suspense and action - with a little romance along the way - this is a fine ending to the Outside series.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Here I was thinking one thing only to get face slapped with a whole other ending!!! Awesome doesn't even begin to describe this book. Luc and Riley seem to finally get things together but then Liss and Anna reappear in their lives to set everything completely off course again. I was close to the end and getting seriously excited cause too many things still seemed up in the air and I just knew something BIG had to happen.....or someone had to die.......

[cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Apocalyptic Book you can count on

The 3 book series of Outside is a first for me. Never have I read books about the apocalypse. And let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Any book from Mrs. Shalini Boland is good. She's excellent!
I would really like to see a spin-off from this story. See what Riley and Luc are up to.
I highly recommend the Outside Series. You won't regret it.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fight to the end

This final book in the series was the best. Luc and Riley find that they belong together. Grey's army marches against Talbot woods and they almost overtake the community. They are saved by Riley's Gypsy friends. Great suspense and adventure throughout the book. You would never guess the ending. This was a good read.

[Elle Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perimeter finishes the Outside series brilliantly! A must-read series for dystopian fans, though it's more than just a mere dystopian book with its mix of family, friendship and love weaved throughout. I love that this is set in England, too!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and thought that overall it was a nice conclusion to the story. I wish that things at the very end would have been wrapped up in more detail.

This was a great series to read after enjoying Hunger Games, Divergent etc.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ending to a fast paced and very likable series. I would have given this book a 5, but I did guess the events leading to the outcome, and I think the author rushed the ending. I'll be looking for anything new this author writes.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I am still reeling from this! I loved the action that was portrayed here. I could picture the battle in my mind as I read. I loved Riley's determination to save her family and friends. The ending was amazing and actually what I had hoped for! Great job, Shalini!!

[Maryjo English · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!

I was on pins and needles all the way through this and I was relieved that Riley and Luc finally got together!!!!!! This story was well written and she had no problems killing off characters so don't get attached. :))

[T. Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did like it; it lacked the "nail biting" that the other books had. Still a great story.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her books! The Outside series is well worth the read!!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful ending. Wonderful!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant dystopian societies

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good! Definitely made up for the second book which lacked!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

All I can say is wow.... I absolutely loved reading this trilogy.. It was fresh, new,,, it was romantic, dramatic, horrific, all wrapped up in a British accent:)

[Drojman · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

The story is soid and keeps you reading. Picks up right after the first book and takes the story to a good ending. It does leave room for a 3rd story at the end

[Maria Banning · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this series.