Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Joseph, wake up, wake up, wake up... She says it over and over. It’s her mantra, her prayer, her plea. But life doesn’t stop while he’s sleeping. With a newborn baby in her arms, Rosa's thrown into a new world, with new rules and a philosophy that sounds too good to be true. She’s sure they didn’t rescue her out of the goodness of their hearts. The Survivors must want something in return. The Wall finds Rosa eagerly entering a new life, yet struggling to keep the demons and ghosts of the past from dragging her backwards. She’s left so many people behind. There’s freedom in the Survivors’ world, more than she’d ever dreamed of, but there’s also secrets. The darkest of which pulls Rosa headfirst into a trauma, forcing her to reevaluate her past and pushing her to make a choice that threatens to destroy the tenuous, sewn-together family she’s built on the outside. Do you dare enter the Woodlands? The Woodlands Series is a dystopian page-turner with over 750 five-star ratings on Goodreads. The Woodlands Series is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth, and The Jewel Series by Amy Ewing.

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2013

87 people are currently reading
878 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Nicolle Taylor

16 books456 followers
Lauren Nicolle Taylor is the bestselling author of THE WOODLANDS SERIES and the award-winning YA novel NORA & KETTLE (Gold medal Winner for Multicultural fiction, Independent Publishers Book Awards 2017), which is the first book in the acclaimed PAPER STARS SERIES.

She has a Health Science degree and an honors degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A full time writer and artist, Lauren recently moved to Canada with her husband and three children for a new adventure. She recently signed a three book deal for her YA fantasy series and can't wait to share it with you.

​She is a proud hapa and draws on her multicultural background in all of her novels.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
496 (41%)
4 stars
438 (36%)
3 stars
208 (17%)
2 stars
38 (3%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Cheer Papworth.
337 reviews55 followers
December 2, 2013
FIVE STARS!!! Lauren Nicolle Taylor deserves every single star and probably more for her sequel to The Woodlands, The Wall. The Wall picks up where The Woodlands left readers and takes you through Rosa's harrowing physical and even more powerful emotional journey. Rosa is a complex, puzzling protagonist whose internal dialogue takes the reader through every emotional up and down....I whole heartedly felt and experienced the story through Rosa's mysterious eyes. As she discovers the depth of her maternal instincts, when she deals with the obsessed perpetrator who severely abused her, as she wrestles with the need to return to rescue her mother...the tangled nest of emotions is wonderful to watch Rosa unravel. If you can love a fictional character then I love Rosa and I wish she were real...much like Katniss Everdeen or Sienna from Fire Country. Every reader of YA books needs to be introduced to this amazing unforgettable character.

Now don't think this book is some tormented emotional roller coaster, it's not an Oprah book club book, it definitely offers so much more. The plot is full of action, so much so that when you get to the end of the book and look back, you'll be amazed at truly how much has happened to Rosa and her "family." It's sort of a mini odyssey set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world that is devastated resource wise and yet incredibly advanced scientifically...makes for an interesting dichotomy. I love the fact that the ancient Wall continues to stand among the ruins of the world...I think the book is appropriately named and it came as a sweet surprise.

Above all else, this book is chalked full of unique supporting characters that enrich and often complicate Rosa's life. Rosa really discovers so much about herself as she deepens her feelings for Joseph and Orry. Most poignant was the development of Rosa and Apella's relationship which is mighty special...that's all I'm saying. I so appreciated the wisdom and bond between Rosa and Addy, dang I love that old lady and of course who wouldn't love Deshi? So many questions I had about the characters after reading The Woodlands were answered (see my review of The Woodlands), yet now I'm left with many more that will leave me impatiently waiting for the next book. In the meantime, I'm going to bask in the afterglow of reading an exceptional book since a book this good only comes along every so often, but I will miss Lauren's beautiful, poetic writing until that time.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,275 reviews33 followers
December 27, 2013
I am in complete and total awe of the emotionally gripping and irresistibly spellbinding Woodlands series that Lauren Nicolle Taylor has masterfully transcribed from the depths of her heart. Having just finished reading The Wall, which is the second book in this series, my heart has been flooded with so many wonderful and complex emotions that I don’t exactly know where to start in singing its praises. This is one series that has carefully and enthusiastically led me through the entire gamut of human emotions and left me to sort through all of the layers of this deeply moving and heartwarming story.

This time around, we watch as Rosa as she is transformed both inside and out by the love that inexorably surrounds her. While in the midst of their still precarious circumstances, she finds solace and strength with her makeshift family. She draws courage and stability from them as she delicately nurtures an ever elusive hope. This disjointed group of misfits help her choose to slowly come alive again and dare to acknowledge that they can become more together than they she ever thought possible alone.

My heart swelled at the changes that took place with each of the characters but especially with Rosa and Joseph. What they both never dared to hope for is slowing taking shape right before their eyes. They are finding meaning to this life, and they are greedily taking hold of it with both hands in fear of it being ripped away in a heartbeat. They are constructing a new life together - one that is filled with unconditional love and unwavering devotion. Even though they are far from perfect or even ideal for each other, they cling to the love and hope that they see in each other’s eyes.

Each of them are fighting their own demons and are slowly but surely overcoming their fears from the not so distant past. They are beginning to see themselves as conquerors of their own destiny. No longer do they keep the chains of oppression around their necks. No longer do they listen to the words of despair and regret. For they are resolved to move ahead into the bright light of a new day forever leaving behind the cold dark prison that held captive their hearts and their minds.

Lauren Nicolle Taylor has taken me by surprise yet again with her dazzling sequel to The Woodlands. This story will burrow its way into your heart and take up permanent residence. It will awaken in you a desire to really and truly live life to its fullest while not squandering a second of it immense beauty and boundless opportunity. I hope that you will open your mind and your heart to what Taylor has to offer.
Profile Image for Pauline Creeden.
Author 76 books578 followers
November 2, 2013
This book. I don't even know where to start. I am suffering from book hangover on this one. I became so engrossed in this story that I am desperate for book three. I became so lost in the story world, that I'm loathe to leave it and move on to a different read. No, I don't want to move on.

And to think I almost didn't read it.

After finishing book one, I had mixed feelings about picking up this second book. I loved Joseph, but Rosa had about gotten on my last nerve by the end of the first book - and since the book is written in first person with Rosa as the MC, I wasn't sure if I cared enough to continue with the story. Then I saw the cover of book two. The perfect rendition of Joseph - I could feel the same sort of gold surrounding him as Rosa described, and I nearly begged the author to let me review The Wall. And I am so glad I did.

The author has this great way of making unpredictable twists and she pulls no punches. When she turns the corner and pulls your heart in a new direction, it makes perfect sense, though. You say, "of course that happened." That takes talent. She's an artist there. But I've got this possible outcome nagging at me now, and I fear an author who doesn't handle her main characters with kid gloves. *Sigh* I hope this is a trilogy and ends in the next book because I don't know if I can emotionally take book four...five...or six. This author is like a tiger, and I wouldn't underestimate her.
tiger gif

The Wall, just like The Woodlands, brings real-life, hard-hitting issues to the surface and doesn't skirt around them. It hits them dead on. But because of the dystopian, fantasy/scifi feel of the work, it keeps the reader at a distance from them and allows him/her to see the issue with fresh eyes. I highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,625 reviews14 followers
March 11, 2014
It took me two books to realize that Rosa is not your ideal female protagonist. Big NO NO here let me explain: when she needs to fight she lets it go, when she needs to shut up she starts fighting, she can love Hessa ( Rose’s baby) but can’t even love her own child.
What kind of human or mother can’t love a baby; you can love another baby but call your own child “it”

I don’t know what Joseph sees in Rosa, she’ not nice, she hits him, screams at him, can’t take a compliment, she fights you all the time. Wauw yeah sounds like a great future “wife”.
And she is no hero she is just plain stupid,

So finally Joseph woke up and is back and healthy, you found some compassion for that poor baby that has you as mother, for you to take off without saying goodbye to go save your mother. And let’s be honest here your mother never cared for you why would you leave your man and child to go save someone that never cared?? Doesn't make sense.
Why did she lie to Joseph about the training? And how come she goes on a rescue mission after what 3 weeks of training, Makes no sense !!!’


I love Zombies
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Renée Swann.
Author 15 books82 followers
February 17, 2014
This was every bit as good — if not better — than the first book The Woodlands. A knot of tension sat in my stomach the whole time from the constant action. I loved this book (and series) and Rosa, because they’re both unique. She has a strong voice, of determination and love for her family and is willing to go to the ends of the earth to get them back together, back to safety.

I whipped through this book and the first book at lightning speed. I needed to know what happened next before I set it aside (and not for very long). I found it incredibly enjoyable — though disgusting and horrifying at times. This series resonates with me because I see a lot of myself in Rosa. I fell in love with her and Joseph straight away.

Joseph is so sweet and patient with her. He understands Rosa and they belong together, balancing each other out — with his patience and trust, with her impatience and suspicious nature.

I recommend this book — this series — to anyone looking for a fresh twist on a dystopian world. It is well worth a read!

Profile Image for Catie Briggs.
2 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2013
If you thought The Woodlands was a good read, then you will LOVE The Wall.

Strap yourself in for a wild roller coaster ride.....So many ups and downs, twists and turns when you least expect. You just never can guess where it will take you next, surprises around every corner.

You will not want to put this book down once you start and before you know it you'll get to that last page.....and then you will probably cry, because yes, it is indeed....the last page!

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book....
Profile Image for Mel.
18 reviews7 followers
January 8, 2014
Argh! A cliffhanger! Nooooo!!

This book was such a rollercoaster! Such an adventure, all the while further developing the emotional depth of the characters.

The creativity of the plot is wonderful, I was never quite sure what to expect, or where we'd be going next.

I love Rosa. She fearless and headstrong, but also fallible and vulnerable.

I can't wait to read the next instalment in the series.
Profile Image for Samantha Rooney.
2 reviews
October 14, 2013
FANTASTIC!!! With such amazing characters, great writing and a wonderfully exciting story that follows on from The Woodlands it was hard to tear myself away from the book. It left me wanting to know how it will all come to an end and at the same time never wanting the story to end. Can't wait to read the next book :)
2 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2013
This book is just as exciting as 'The Woodlands', but even more action packed, suspenseful and romantic. Lauren has once again created a world that, whilst reading, is totally absorbing. Having already related to the main characters from "The Woodlands" left me even more invested in their fate.
Profile Image for hollie.
1,120 reviews56 followers
August 29, 2020
Oh my god, this book was crazy. I don’t know where to start with sorting out how I felt about it but I’m still reeling from that ending.

Okay, so my opinion on Rosa hasn’t changed much. I love to hate her. In many ways I admire her but in a lot of others I really don’t like her. Her age shows in a lot of her actions and she doesn’t think things through at all. But Joseph, my darling Joseph. I just can’t with him.
I really liked this book which is weird for me considering I usually despise second books in a series but this was fast paced and things actually happened in the book. I thought the settlement was interesting and I could picture it vividly. I liked the new characters who were introduced, especially Addy!

I need my hands on book three right now.
Profile Image for Melanie's.
566 reviews29 followers
February 10, 2014
This is the second book in "The Woodlands" series and having read the first the cliffhanger was such that I had to read this one as soon as possible.

If you enjoyed the first one then you won't believe all the adventure that is packed into book 2. The only bad part is that you get to the end ... and you guessed it ... another cliffhanger! Even worse I thought that this was part 2 of a 3 part series (with part 3 set to come out at the end of this month) and I have JUST discovered that there will be 4 parts.

Part of me is excited by this. Lauren Taylor is a skilled writer and despite my not really being a fan of dystopian style novels this series has me hooked and I find myself totally lost in this world so the fact that it will continue longer is really a good thing. There is certainly plenty more story to learn about. The other part of me, the part that DESPISES cliffhangers is definitely not so amused.

The characters develop a lot more in this second installment and we get a great insight into a whole new set of people ... "The Survivors". Sometimes with a sequel, especially when the situations have changed so much I find myself disappointed in the direction the book is heading in. Not here! If you loved book 1 you will adore book 2. If you haven't read book 1 yet ... YOU SHOULD!!

V""V
Profile Image for Jeff Hahn.
2 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2014
I think this is another Great Book by Lauren Nicolle Taylor. I really liked how it just picked up where the Woodlands left off like it is part of the first book. It's every bit as exciting, and emotionally engulfing as the first book. I will admit is moves a bit faster and there is not as much history, but then MOST of the same characters are in this book, so history is there. I will admit that Rosa's love for Joseph is so very descriptive, and for me (a guy)it sort of slows down the pace, but the commitment they have for each other is something we all long for. Aside from that is it fast past enough to keep me riveted to the book. AGAIN, I got to the point I just couldn't put it down!

I am amazed at the story line too. The plot thickens and a bit more about the era is revealed. And OMG! What CAL turned out to be! Blew me away! I didn't see that coming. I love Rosa, but I can only hope Lauren will find a way to humble her, and bring her back to joseph. He so didn't deserve that!. Great book, but now I have to wait until the third is out, as it is yet to be released. I literally can't wait!
Jeff
Profile Image for Erica Kiefer.
Author 7 books215 followers
November 21, 2013
I started The Woodland series just after The Wall (the second book in the series) was published. I was thrilled that I did not have to wait painstakingly long for the sequel; I jumped right into The Wall the next day! I appreciate that the storyline isn't slowed down with a lot of back-story. Instead, the storyline continues right where The Woodlands left off. As with book 1, I loved watching the relationships in Rosa's life unfold--a mixture of healing and unraveling taking place throughout the book that makes you want to cry while Rosa figures these relationships out. The mother-son dynamic is so touching! Also, as if Rosa's relationship with her mother couldn't get any more emotional, the author pulls a few more strings! As I hit the last page of The Wall on my kindle, I felt a pang of despair. Now I have to wait! Well done, Lauren.
Profile Image for Claire Taylor.
417 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2013
Wow, what a beginning and an ending, the author really knows how to keep an audience captivated from start to finish. So much happens during this book, but at no time was I feeling over whelmed or that it was too much, just went along for the ride. The story flies by so quickly, and I soon found myself completely immersed in the world, dreading what was coming around the corner next. Full of suspense and action, I would highly recommend this to all that enjoy dystopian reads.

If you loved the first book in the series, your going to love this one so much more – then hate that book 3 isn’t out yet to jump straight into.

I received an e-copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kirsty Morrell.
8 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2014
I had book hangover after I finished Lauren's first book, The Woodlands. And her second book in the series certainly cured that hangover, for the time that I was reading it anyway..

The Wall starts where The Woodlands finished and it's just one of those stories that you can't put down. It's 3am and you swear to yourself that this next chapter is the last one that you'll read and then you'll go to sleep. Yet, somehow, it got to 4am. How on earth did that happen? Lauren's amazing storytelling is how that happened.

Rosa is so easy to relate to and the emotions portrayed are so raw and gut-hitting. It has you thinking and feeling from start to finish.

The hangover I had from The Woodlands was nothing compared to the one I received from The Wall.
Profile Image for Brittany | BookRamblings.
292 reviews36 followers
April 13, 2014
*I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review*

The sequel to The Woodlands continues where we left off and it is just as fast-paced, heart-wrenching, suspense-filled, adrenaline-pumping as the first. Its the kind of book that you sometimes no what is going to happen but hope to whatever God you believe in that you are wrong. It keeps you on your edge of your seat the whole time and makes you wish there were more hours in a day. A one-of-a-kind dystopian that I would happily recommend :) x
Profile Image for Shannon  Miz.
1,503 reviews1,079 followers
November 7, 2013
I am just in love with this series. So far it is without a doubt one of my favorites of all time. For me, it just has all the elements of what a good book should have. The characters are flawed but likable. You care what happens to them, even the more minor characters. And the plot moves swiftly. I was always sad when I had to put the book down, I kept reading because it flowed so well, and I was constantly left wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Kamala Mcdonell.
3 reviews
October 12, 2013
Well I just finished reading The Wall and my mind and heart are still reeling. What a sequel! What an ending!!! This is one of those books where you stop halfway through and realise that you really don't want the book to end because you have formed such a bond with the characters and find the plot line so addictive. I love Lauren Taylor's writing style, that so clearly brings Rosa's world to life. This is another get-lost-in the book page turner!
Profile Image for Kamala Mcdonell.
3 reviews
October 11, 2013
Far out... I just finished this book and my mind and heart are reeling! Lauren Taylor has done it again with a lose-yourself-in-the-book plot. I realised halfway through reading The Wall that this was one of those books where I don't want the story to end because that would mean no more connection with the characters! What a story. I don't want to give anything away so I won't say much except that it will make you want to stay up all night and take the day off work just to keep reading.
Profile Image for Kami.
Author 2 books71 followers
December 30, 2013

“Yes, death would be easier. But living is what I have to do.” Joseph is in a coma and Rosa has a baby to take care of. I wasn't liking this book as much as the first one. The writing is still good and so is the pacing but I just don't like where Rosa finds herself. I like her even though she is so prickly. I want her to be happy. I don't like that she is in pain or abused. I liked the parts where Rosa and Joseph grow closer but most of the time Rosa is still grouchy and unhappy. 4 stars.
19 reviews
January 20, 2014
Loved this! It wasn't quite as wonderful as The Woodlands, but it still had plenty of action and plenty of Joseph and Rosa! As in any YA dystopian with a female heroine, I found myself rolling MY eyes at the stupid decisions Rosa was making, but it wasn't enough for me to get annoyed with.

After The Woodlands and The Wall, I will read any book Ms. Taylor writes, and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series. She is one of the best YA authors I have read!
Profile Image for Diana Townsend.
Author 14 books36 followers
February 3, 2014
So, the interesting thing about this series is that I really don't like Joseph. I don't think I ever liked him. There's something about him that is too much; he annoys me. That aside, somehow I still love these books! Rosa makes the series worth reading. I love the excitement, the thrill, the never ending secrets...

I think this one is just as good, maybe better, than the first one. I just don't want this to get dragged on into five or six books. I'm ready for the conclusion!
Profile Image for Amanda Osborne.
13 reviews
January 25, 2014
Really liking this series and of course I started reading it without realizing the 3rd AND 4th book weren't out yet! Sometimes I really frustrate myself, just keep doing this!! Hoping the next one is out soon!
37 reviews
February 4, 2014
Ok in the first book I found Rosa to be annoying. she was rude and fussy with almost everyone. but in this book, she learns how to control what comes out of her mouth and meets each new challenge in her life with an inspiring determination. Well done!
Profile Image for Amy Cottrell.
273 reviews19 followers
April 4, 2014
I'm still really enjoying this story. It's surprising all the way through! It's a little frustrating how stand-offish Rosa is but I can see why she is the way she is. I can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Kasey.
30 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2014
Loved the first and loved the second one even more. One of the best books I have read this year well last year. LOL
Profile Image for Mary.
20 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2014
Maybe even better than The Woodlands! I like that I don't have to wait forever between books. I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read The Wounded!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.