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Due North: Book 1 of the Kara Mason Story
If you pass the test you go to the Institute. If you're lucky your picture will come back, but you never will.
Fourteen-year-old Kara Mason used to live at a fusion energy generator station on the outskirts of a major city. She used to travel with her brothers every week to attend classes inside the safety of the city, surrounded by force fields meant to keep everything else out. Until she and her twin brother Hank pass the test and are summoned to attend the prestigious but mysterious Institute.Kara doesn't understand why they weren't meant to pass the tests, or why it means they have to run. All she knows is that she's terrified of the monsters on the other side of the force field.
Face to face with the near-dead...
To put an end to the people who took everything from them, Kara and the man who was supposed to usher her family to safety must go under cover to uncover the government's biggest weapon and darkest secrets.
She'll have to face more than monsters to get the answers she needs.
Due North is Book One of the Kara Mason Story, a dystopian thriller set in a Sci Fi futuristic world rebuilt from the ruin of the Zoribiatus virus.
Fourteen-year-old Kara Mason used to live at a fusion energy generator station on the outskirts of a major city. She used to travel with her brothers every week to attend classes inside the safety of the city, surrounded by force fields meant to keep everything else out. Until she and her twin brother Hank pass the test and are summoned to attend the prestigious but mysterious Institute.Kara doesn't understand why they weren't meant to pass the tests, or why it means they have to run. All she knows is that she's terrified of the monsters on the other side of the force field.
Face to face with the near-dead...
To put an end to the people who took everything from them, Kara and the man who was supposed to usher her family to safety must go under cover to uncover the government's biggest weapon and darkest secrets.
She'll have to face more than monsters to get the answers she needs.
Due North is Book One of the Kara Mason Story, a dystopian thriller set in a Sci Fi futuristic world rebuilt from the ruin of the Zoribiatus virus.
388 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2020
9 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Jill N. Davies
3 books20 followersWriting is my first love. I’ve been writing stories as long as I can remember. My first stories included gems like “Puffy the Pufferfish,” and “Stinktown,” a story about a skunk and all its forest creature friends. I won my first award in Sixth grade for a school-wide creativity writing contest with a “Camp in the Cave,” a gripping tale about best friends who get separated from their summer camp and trapped inside of a cave. Other gems from my childhood include an unnamed fan fiction set in the universe of “Back to the Future,” and “Sled Runners,” which is a story about Alaska and sled dogs because I used to be absolutely obsessed with Jack London.
I continued writing into High School, but, in an earnest attempt to define myself, began spending more time obsessing about science. With all the confidence of a 16-year old, I believed I needed to be distinct from my sister, who had claimed writing and literature as her own and thus science and mathematics were clearly mine.
I majored in Chemistry, but never stopped writing. After graduating I worked in an analytical laboratory for almost seven years, constantly transforming flashes of reality into fantastical stories and storing them in the archives of my mind. In 2011 I joined a writing group and began writing in earnest again. Though the group disintegrated after only a few months, I continued to write with wildly varying frequency while obtaining a masters in education.
Finally, after the devastatingly premature birth of my first child completely upheaved our lives, I decided to get serious about writing and publishing. This of course, began the arduous journey of becoming an Indie author. It took about 18 months before I published my first novel in 2020, only one month before the premature birth of my second child. I still write to this day, combining fantasy and reality into action-packed, thrilling stories I can’t wait to share with you.
I continued writing into High School, but, in an earnest attempt to define myself, began spending more time obsessing about science. With all the confidence of a 16-year old, I believed I needed to be distinct from my sister, who had claimed writing and literature as her own and thus science and mathematics were clearly mine.
I majored in Chemistry, but never stopped writing. After graduating I worked in an analytical laboratory for almost seven years, constantly transforming flashes of reality into fantastical stories and storing them in the archives of my mind. In 2011 I joined a writing group and began writing in earnest again. Though the group disintegrated after only a few months, I continued to write with wildly varying frequency while obtaining a masters in education.
Finally, after the devastatingly premature birth of my first child completely upheaved our lives, I decided to get serious about writing and publishing. This of course, began the arduous journey of becoming an Indie author. It took about 18 months before I published my first novel in 2020, only one month before the premature birth of my second child. I still write to this day, combining fantasy and reality into action-packed, thrilling stories I can’t wait to share with you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 23, 2024
Wow. "Due North" by Jill Davis completely swept me off my feet. I’ve rarely had a reading experience quite like this one, where I found myself so deeply engrossed in a story that I couldn’t bear to put it down.
From the moment I met Kara Mason, I was hooked. Her life, once filled with the routine comfort of her fusion energy station, takes a dramatic turn that left me breathless. As she and her twin brother Hank are thrust into a world that is both alien and perilous, I felt every bit of her fear, confusion, and fierce determination right alongside her. Davis’s writing made Kara’s struggles and bravery feel intensely real and personal.
I was reminded of why I fell in love with books like "The Hunger Games"—that same heart-pounding suspense and high stakes—but "Due North" has its own unique magic. The Institute and the mysteries Kara uncovers are so well-crafted that I felt like I was right there with her, facing the same dangers and discovering the same shocking truths.
The characters, especially Kara, are so vividly drawn that I couldn’t help but get emotionally invested. When she faced challenges, I felt them as if they were my own, and when she triumphed, I celebrated with her. Jess’s comment about the impeccable plotting couldn’t be more accurate—I was constantly surprised and thrilled by the twists and turns, and I loved every moment of it.
I’m already eagerly waiting for the next book, and I’m still thinking about "Due North" days later. If you’re looking for a book that will captivate you from start to finish and make you feel like you’re living the adventure right alongside the characters, this is it. Jill Davis has created a story that is both thrilling and deeply touching, and I’m so grateful to have experienced it.
From the moment I met Kara Mason, I was hooked. Her life, once filled with the routine comfort of her fusion energy station, takes a dramatic turn that left me breathless. As she and her twin brother Hank are thrust into a world that is both alien and perilous, I felt every bit of her fear, confusion, and fierce determination right alongside her. Davis’s writing made Kara’s struggles and bravery feel intensely real and personal.
I was reminded of why I fell in love with books like "The Hunger Games"—that same heart-pounding suspense and high stakes—but "Due North" has its own unique magic. The Institute and the mysteries Kara uncovers are so well-crafted that I felt like I was right there with her, facing the same dangers and discovering the same shocking truths.
The characters, especially Kara, are so vividly drawn that I couldn’t help but get emotionally invested. When she faced challenges, I felt them as if they were my own, and when she triumphed, I celebrated with her. Jess’s comment about the impeccable plotting couldn’t be more accurate—I was constantly surprised and thrilled by the twists and turns, and I loved every moment of it.
I’m already eagerly waiting for the next book, and I’m still thinking about "Due North" days later. If you’re looking for a book that will captivate you from start to finish and make you feel like you’re living the adventure right alongside the characters, this is it. Jill Davis has created a story that is both thrilling and deeply touching, and I’m so grateful to have experienced it.
March 18, 2024
I loved this author's descriptive writing, along with the well drawn characters, descriptive action scenes, and the suspense of what might be coming! Looking forward to moving on to book two to continue the adventure!
May 31, 2024
Last 75 pages had me on the edge of my seat! I’m excited to see what Kara does in the next book
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October 17, 2024If you like zombies/apocalyptic/corrupt government/conspiracy stories then definitely give this one a read.
Unfortunately, none of these tropes are my thing, so I dnf'd this one.
I got the audiobook after seeing the author talk about it on tiktok, and without really knowing anything about it, decided to give it a try.
The narrator did a really good job, and the story reads well. As I said, I think this book would be great for readers who enjoy these themes.
There is a VERY jarring time skip between chapters 7 and 8 that I do not believe translated well in audiobook form--I thought the audiobook had left out some chapters. The physical book might make it this time skip more obvious, but the audiobook did not.
If you give this one a try, just be aware of this and know that it's not an accident, so don't be confused by it and just keep going.
Unfortunately, none of these tropes are my thing, so I dnf'd this one.
I got the audiobook after seeing the author talk about it on tiktok, and without really knowing anything about it, decided to give it a try.
The narrator did a really good job, and the story reads well. As I said, I think this book would be great for readers who enjoy these themes.
There is a VERY jarring time skip between chapters 7 and 8 that I do not believe translated well in audiobook form--I thought the audiobook had left out some chapters. The physical book might make it this time skip more obvious, but the audiobook did not.
If you give this one a try, just be aware of this and know that it's not an accident, so don't be confused by it and just keep going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2020
What do you do when you’ve faced an intense and enduring trauma at a young age? How do you fight an enemy you still want to love? Told in the first person, you as the reader, embody a young person who has experienced unspeakable trauma and finds herself in a world where breaking down her own defenses will mean more than life or death. If you feel Kara Mason has a kinship to Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games, you wouldn’t be far off. She too was a young strong-willed fighter born into a world of deep class divide under a ruthless system of governance and finds herself struggling to save what’s left of those she cares about. But in Kara Mason’s dystopian future, scientists are the apex of society and she’s one of them. The smarter you are, the more useful you seem to be...or maybe not. Kara fights with her mind, scientific skill, and her lashing stick. And she must hold her heart safe and plunge into the deep cold of the North to find a cure for the cruel disease ravaging her world. With nail biting frustration, all you can hope for is that she and her friends are not lost to the world of the living. I’m excited for the harrowing continuation of the Kara Mason story—I need to know what happens next.
November 5, 2023
Absolutely loved this story !!! Wow everything Kara went through just shows you how strong us girlies can be. I so felt for her but I won’t spoil anything , you have to read for yourself. It literally gave me the feel of the divergent series and the last of us and I love that because although it reminded me of those, it was so much more different and had its own feel. I love the fact that it still was a thriller , I mean I was on edge every chapter!! Especially towards the end , which is why I’m starting book 2 (into the deadlands) at this very moment 🤣🤣🤣
Check it out! You won’t regret it !! The author also provides a content warning in the beginning as well, which I find very thoughtful 🩷🩷🩷
Definitely 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me !
Check it out! You won’t regret it !! The author also provides a content warning in the beginning as well, which I find very thoughtful 🩷🩷🩷
Definitely 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me !
September 20, 2023
Compelling sci-fi/dystopian/coming-of-age tale that sucks you in (@ about 15% mark) and doesn't let you go. I won't say much more to avoid spoilers, but I'm looking forward to exploring more of the characters in the next book and uncover more of the underlying conspiracy. Also, cheers to strong female leads.
October 9, 2023
I struggled a bit with this read. The large time span this novel covered created some issues. Often it was difficult to understand how much time had passed between the end of a chapter and the start of the next. I usually could orient myself within a couple paragraphs, but it was jarring to time jump without indication. I also think the scope of time affected the characterization. I found myself wondering how old Kara was more than once.
Where I think the story shined was in the sciencey and survival sections. There is some interesting play with scientific theories in the world building and the presentation of that information was well written and felt plausible enough to feel grounded in a science fiction way. The sections where Kara was face to face with the near dead were gripped with tension and grotesque in the way almost dead things should be. I’m not very well read in horror adjacent stories. It’s not my preferred genre. So, those scenes were sufficiently gross and scary for me to deliver on the zombie premise. I did occasionally have to skim some descriptions because they were grosser than I could handle.
The world-building suffered a little from the restriction of a first person POV and having such a young narrator. Kara is kept in the dark by every point of contact and it was confusing at times to keep track of information because she was receiving it in pieces and never really sure who she could trust. This is intentional to the way the story progresses, but the delivery often left me feeling confused as a reader.
In some ways Kara’s journey in this story made me think of Tarisai from Raybearer. I think a lot of the difficulty I had were issues I had while reading Raybearer. And a lot of that can be attributed to a mismatch in taste for story structure. I don’t think I sit with stories that span that much time very well.
By the end of the story the narrative had developed more direction and we ended with an exciting sequence that left plenty of curiosity for where Kara would go next.
Where I think the story shined was in the sciencey and survival sections. There is some interesting play with scientific theories in the world building and the presentation of that information was well written and felt plausible enough to feel grounded in a science fiction way. The sections where Kara was face to face with the near dead were gripped with tension and grotesque in the way almost dead things should be. I’m not very well read in horror adjacent stories. It’s not my preferred genre. So, those scenes were sufficiently gross and scary for me to deliver on the zombie premise. I did occasionally have to skim some descriptions because they were grosser than I could handle.
The world-building suffered a little from the restriction of a first person POV and having such a young narrator. Kara is kept in the dark by every point of contact and it was confusing at times to keep track of information because she was receiving it in pieces and never really sure who she could trust. This is intentional to the way the story progresses, but the delivery often left me feeling confused as a reader.
In some ways Kara’s journey in this story made me think of Tarisai from Raybearer. I think a lot of the difficulty I had were issues I had while reading Raybearer. And a lot of that can be attributed to a mismatch in taste for story structure. I don’t think I sit with stories that span that much time very well.
By the end of the story the narrative had developed more direction and we ended with an exciting sequence that left plenty of curiosity for where Kara would go next.
October 14, 2023
This author is criminally underrated. I was given an ARC of the second book in this series, Into the Deadlands, but felt inclined to read the first after the description gripped me. Due North is, I think at it's heart, a story of emotional and physical survival. Kara Mason is a compelling character to read, and is complex in ways you don't always see in YA fictional characters. Due North creates an interesting juxtaposition between the dangers of the living world and the world of the near-dead. There were times I wasn't sure which was a bigger threat, and the story kept me on my toes. First person present tense doesn't always work for me as a reader, but I felt like the author navigated this well, and I think this story needed the intimacy of a first person POV, especially considering how much of the character's journey was internal. One of my favorite elements of this book was the author's obvious vast knowledge of real science. The descriptive language is UNREAL. I would give this book five stars based on that alone. So much science fiction is about 'science sciencing,' but this was so detailed it blurred the line between fiction and fact. I could visualize this world and it's terrifying. Due North is a YA dystopian, but I think adults would enjoy it as well. It also has elements of horror, and is almost a thriller. I'm such a sucker for a 'found family' and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to care about Kara and her friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next. If I had any complaint it would be that this book ends with a lot of unanswered questions. Which would be a bummer if Into the Deadlands wasn't already out. Great story.
October 11, 2023
I had to give this 3 stars because while I believe the relationships, characters, story, and world building are all there, I felt like it needed editing to make the story easier to follow. It seemed like things were so clear in the author's head but they just weren't clear on the page.
I had to reread sections over and over just to understand who was talking to who about what and where, quite often. And I wanted more ON SCREEN IN THE PRESENT MOMENT - SHOWING NOT TELLING - of why the academy is so dangerous and they need to get away ASAP.
Capitalizing for readability not yells. Cuz I could easily see myself getting sucked into this world and getting obsessed with Kara's journey.
*** Crtique example with spoilers ***
There's a chapter that ends with Kara going to sleep. She's fine, healthy, safe, family all with her. The next chapter begins with a nightmare of her fleeing alone and injured, but then next thing she's actually awake and alone and injured, with her family all dead and nearly missing her rendezvous point. It felt like maybe a chapter was missing or something. It was such a huge shift in the story, whatever happened in between that wasn't on the page, I personally really needed it to be on the page just to stay oriented and engaged in the story.
***
I definitely think the author is talented and knows her characters and her world. I chalk this up to needing another editing cycle. I look forward to her future work and seeing her grow as an author.
I received a free promo copy of this book. This review represents my honest opinion.
I had to reread sections over and over just to understand who was talking to who about what and where, quite often. And I wanted more ON SCREEN IN THE PRESENT MOMENT - SHOWING NOT TELLING - of why the academy is so dangerous and they need to get away ASAP.
Capitalizing for readability not yells. Cuz I could easily see myself getting sucked into this world and getting obsessed with Kara's journey.
*** Crtique example with spoilers ***
There's a chapter that ends with Kara going to sleep. She's fine, healthy, safe, family all with her. The next chapter begins with a nightmare of her fleeing alone and injured, but then next thing she's actually awake and alone and injured, with her family all dead and nearly missing her rendezvous point. It felt like maybe a chapter was missing or something. It was such a huge shift in the story, whatever happened in between that wasn't on the page, I personally really needed it to be on the page just to stay oriented and engaged in the story.
***
I definitely think the author is talented and knows her characters and her world. I chalk this up to needing another editing cycle. I look forward to her future work and seeing her grow as an author.
I received a free promo copy of this book. This review represents my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2023
Could. Not. Put. This. Down!! I absolutely DEVOURED this book in a weekend while letting the world melt away, and now I wish I had amnesia so I could experience the joy of reading it for the first time all over again.
Jill truly teleports the reader to a whole new world in this dystopian, sci-fi, edge-of-your-seat, twisty and turn-y novel. I felt like I was right there with Kara as she was forced to grow up way too quickly, experiencing deep loss, friendship, betrayal, and anxiety, all while having to fight for herself, her friends, and her world as a whole.
Due North is beautifully written - it is extremely easy to lose yourself in and say "Just one more chapter!" It's cohesive with wonderful flow and seamless transitions. I could easily picture all of the characters, and I felt like I was watching the events unfold, rather than reading words on a page. I was shown what was going on, what the characters look like, what the scenery was. I was looking at the world through Kara's eyes.
I fell in love with the characters, truly caring about them, yearning to learn more about their past, and feeling heartbroken when something (or someone) hurt them.
I am anxiously anticipating the next book in the series, craving my next fix of the Kara Mason story!
Jill truly teleports the reader to a whole new world in this dystopian, sci-fi, edge-of-your-seat, twisty and turn-y novel. I felt like I was right there with Kara as she was forced to grow up way too quickly, experiencing deep loss, friendship, betrayal, and anxiety, all while having to fight for herself, her friends, and her world as a whole.
Due North is beautifully written - it is extremely easy to lose yourself in and say "Just one more chapter!" It's cohesive with wonderful flow and seamless transitions. I could easily picture all of the characters, and I felt like I was watching the events unfold, rather than reading words on a page. I was shown what was going on, what the characters look like, what the scenery was. I was looking at the world through Kara's eyes.
I fell in love with the characters, truly caring about them, yearning to learn more about their past, and feeling heartbroken when something (or someone) hurt them.
I am anxiously anticipating the next book in the series, craving my next fix of the Kara Mason story!
December 31, 2024
Samantha Norbury was Kara Mason. She was a great fit for both the young and slightly older girl. She captured Kara’s vulnerability and fierceness.
This dystopian zombie story, while ultimately very different, gave me vibes of The Hunger Games and Divergent. It brought me back to the time when I was reading about brave girls changing their worlds.
I loved how the first person narrative kept Kara and the reader in the dark about the big picture. The story was suspenseful and had me closing one eye while I was listening. 😂
I was gripped by Kara’s struggles to survive the dead. All the brushes she had and her tenacity. There was one moment I did have a little confusion. There was a time jump that left me confused for a little bit until I figured it out. Not sure if it was just an audiobook blip or would have happened if I was reading. I thought I lost focus and missed something. But ultimately I figured it out and really liked this one.
If you’re looking for a strong girl in a dystopian setting, you should check this out.
This dystopian zombie story, while ultimately very different, gave me vibes of The Hunger Games and Divergent. It brought me back to the time when I was reading about brave girls changing their worlds.
I loved how the first person narrative kept Kara and the reader in the dark about the big picture. The story was suspenseful and had me closing one eye while I was listening. 😂
I was gripped by Kara’s struggles to survive the dead. All the brushes she had and her tenacity. There was one moment I did have a little confusion. There was a time jump that left me confused for a little bit until I figured it out. Not sure if it was just an audiobook blip or would have happened if I was reading. I thought I lost focus and missed something. But ultimately I figured it out and really liked this one.
If you’re looking for a strong girl in a dystopian setting, you should check this out.
June 26, 2023
I received this book for free as a trade, of sorts, but my review will be honest. This is not anything personal against the author and I only hope to offer helpful criticism.
The premise was very intriguing. Science-fiction was my favorite genre to read for many years and I love the post-apocalyptic vibe.
Unfortunately, I did not fall in love with this book. Some descriptions of actions were contradictory (ex: they had to go around a creature to avoid it and yet they got closer to it instead of away from it) and the dialogue felt very stilted at times (ex: asking to be told a story you've heard a thousand times before for the sake of info dumping and then exclaiming that it wasn't how dad told it or something along those lines). Also, I was confused as to whether her weapon was called a "lashing pole" or "lashing pull" because both were used.
As the book progressed and the action picked up, I was more on board with it. It did take me a second to finish it.
The premise was very intriguing. Science-fiction was my favorite genre to read for many years and I love the post-apocalyptic vibe.
Unfortunately, I did not fall in love with this book. Some descriptions of actions were contradictory (ex: they had to go around a creature to avoid it and yet they got closer to it instead of away from it) and the dialogue felt very stilted at times (ex: asking to be told a story you've heard a thousand times before for the sake of info dumping and then exclaiming that it wasn't how dad told it or something along those lines). Also, I was confused as to whether her weapon was called a "lashing pole" or "lashing pull" because both were used.
As the book progressed and the action picked up, I was more on board with it. It did take me a second to finish it.
October 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this post-apocalyptic story because it took a different approach than most zombie books. Instead of following a character running for their life in the wilderness, this one focuses on what happens inside the labs—where people are working to find a "cure". It felt like seeing the story from the other side, getting a closer look at the groups that are usually seen as the enemy in other apocalyptic tales.
The main character’s journey of uncovering what’s really going on within the labs is intense and emotional, giving the story real depth. It definitely gives you all the feels while offering a fresh twist on the genre.
The audiobook narration was also excellent—the narrator really brought the characters and the tense atmosphere to life. I’ll definitely be continuing this series!
The main character’s journey of uncovering what’s really going on within the labs is intense and emotional, giving the story real depth. It definitely gives you all the feels while offering a fresh twist on the genre.
The audiobook narration was also excellent—the narrator really brought the characters and the tense atmosphere to life. I’ll definitely be continuing this series!
March 3, 2024
5 Star Rating
2 Skull Dread Rating
Gripping
This gripping tale follows Kara Mason, a strong-willed heroine navigating a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. With twists and turns that keep readers guessing, the story delves into themes of trust, family, and resilience. While some may find it a slow burn, those who appreciate character-driven narratives will be captivated. The vivid descriptions and scientific realism add depth to the narrative, making it a standout in the zombie genre. As Kara grapples with trauma and fights for survival, readers are drawn into her journey, eagerly awaiting the next installment to uncover the truth behind the chilling cliffhanger ending.
2 Skull Dread Rating
Gripping
This gripping tale follows Kara Mason, a strong-willed heroine navigating a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. With twists and turns that keep readers guessing, the story delves into themes of trust, family, and resilience. While some may find it a slow burn, those who appreciate character-driven narratives will be captivated. The vivid descriptions and scientific realism add depth to the narrative, making it a standout in the zombie genre. As Kara grapples with trauma and fights for survival, readers are drawn into her journey, eagerly awaiting the next installment to uncover the truth behind the chilling cliffhanger ending.
December 9, 2024
Wow!! I was very surprised by this book and how much I enjoyed it! I am not usually a zombie girl but this book had a really interesting take on the genre that was scientific and investigative rather than only focused on survival that I really enjoyed.
I found it really easy to connect with the characters and I truly cared about all of them! But with that being said this book, true to dystopian fashion, had some heart wrenching moments. I think the writing was FABULOUS and it was very fast paced and action packed.
4 stars instead of 5 because there were a few plot points I did not fully understand even at the end of the book.
I found it really easy to connect with the characters and I truly cared about all of them! But with that being said this book, true to dystopian fashion, had some heart wrenching moments. I think the writing was FABULOUS and it was very fast paced and action packed.
4 stars instead of 5 because there were a few plot points I did not fully understand even at the end of the book.
October 5, 2020
Main character, Kara Mason, lives in a world where scientists and scientific discovery are held in the highest esteem. However, truth is seen by the government as dangerous, and it appears as though lies are being used to control the population. This dichotomy is at the heart of Jill N. Davies fast-paced novel. I enjoyed immersing myself in the authors post-apocalyptical, dystopian world, and am looking forward to reading the next installment. I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2023
Due North is a Young Adult novel about a girl living in a post-apocalyptic world, who is trying to piece together the events of her tragic past. The book starts off strong. The characters, protagonist, and relationships are all believable. The zombie medical school is carefully thought out. The zombies themselves are horrifying, and the atmosphere has an overall tone of danger. Uneven time jumps could have been more easily navigated through a time stamp. Overall, this is a compelling first book in the series.
January 20, 2024
Slow burn disgustingly good zombie story...
If you're looking for a fast and flashy action fiction, then this is not the novel for you...
However, if you enjoy marinating in a story and taking the time to truly understand the characters, so that the action has a story behind it, then this is your book!
Davies has expertly perfected the gory and nuanced description of zombies, she really brings them to life and makes them real.
All of the characters in this novel are well developed and distinct.
And the cliffhanger of an ending leaves you desperate for more!
If you're looking for a fast and flashy action fiction, then this is not the novel for you...
However, if you enjoy marinating in a story and taking the time to truly understand the characters, so that the action has a story behind it, then this is your book!
Davies has expertly perfected the gory and nuanced description of zombies, she really brings them to life and makes them real.
All of the characters in this novel are well developed and distinct.
And the cliffhanger of an ending leaves you desperate for more!
April 24, 2025
This was a different take but written so well. The characters are likeable and you find yourself hoping the best for them. Of course there are the bad ones too where your hoping the worst for them.
As we follow Kara Mason in this story, the heartache and the hope. I can't wait to read book 2 and the ending was just like wait .........
jill N. Davies did an amazing job on this book. Perfect for dystopian thriller book lovers. It was the perfect amount of sci - fi with dystopian. Survival.
As we follow Kara Mason in this story, the heartache and the hope. I can't wait to read book 2 and the ending was just like wait .........
jill N. Davies did an amazing job on this book. Perfect for dystopian thriller book lovers. It was the perfect amount of sci - fi with dystopian. Survival.
October 20, 2023
I read this book when it first came out and had to do a reread now that the 2nd one just released. You know that feeling when you find a perfect blend of so many genres you love to read? That's this book. It appeals to my husband who loves zombie stories and mysteries. It appeals to my STEM brained self who loves post apocalyptic series and fantasy romance. Kara Mason is someone I want to be friends with for sure. So glad I did a reread. Now I can't wait to get into book 2.
October 14, 2024
Highly recommend this for lovers of divergent, hungry, games dystopian warm bodies, and those types of books with high action, adventure, and great world-building. I will be reading the second book. I felt like this could’ve been shorter and I didn’t care for the audiobook version, but I think it would be much better as a paperback or e-book.
November 30, 2025
Due North is a YA Post Apocalyptic Dystopian. It's a world with Zombies and a research system that has nefarious intentions. I enjoyed this one. The fmc is spunky and doesnt mince words... there's this almost ready player one feel to theor training facility that I adored. It's a solid read.... we dont get a ton of zombie action but what zombie action we do get is memorable. I give it 3.75 stars
November 9, 2020
What a thrilling start to this series! Full of twists and turns and makes for a suspenseful and exciting read. As the story progressed, so did the thrills and excitement. Looking forward to seeing how the story continues
October 28, 2023
An interesting mix of modern dystopia and class science fiction. If you're tired of the modern dystopias that are pretty much dramas and like the more explanatory stories of science fiction past, then this book might be for you.
May 28, 2020
I absolutely love this book. It's a huge emotional roller coaster, impeccably plotted and organized, incredible characters. Absolutely deserves 5/5.
June 9, 2023
This one reminded me of The Hunger Games and Katniss. I read it all in one sitting and could not put it down. I can not wait for book two.
September 12, 2023
A tightly-paced novel that reminds me of first person action games and adventure movies. The whole time I was reading I could picture the scene as it unfolded.
September 27, 2023
Well thought out and developed. The settings and situations have good weight to them. Moments of this book are heartbreaking, but keep you in it and wanting more. A great debut novel.
October 27, 2023
Good thriller with lots of twists and turns.
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