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Wastelander #1
The Wastelander
The Old World is dead. Alone and starving, her only salvation is him.
Born in a secure compound amidst the ashes of a world long dead, Claire Ainsley knows her place in the world: work her assigned job, live with her assigned husband, and keep her head down and her mouth shut. She knows what every compound resident has been the world outside is a Wasteland, and the only thing more terrifying than leaving the compound is being forced to confront those who live outside—the ones left behind.
But her safe, contained life is destroyed when she narrowly survives an attack conceived by a conspiracy from within the compound itself. Only by fleeing into the terrifying Wasteland, a vast wilderness peopled by bloodthirsty, cannibalistic Wastelanders, can she escape a violent end at the hands of her fellow compound dwellers.
Captured by the very savages she feared, she is saved by John Madigan, a mysterious and capable survivor—and a Wastelander. She tries to deny the instant chemistry she feels with a man that is one moment terrifying, the next patient and caring, but eventually, neither of them are able to resist the blazing passion between them. But the Wasteland is harsh, and her time with John fleeting. As his own personal mission comes to an end, he must return to his ancestral homeland, leaving her with little choice but to learn to survive without the man whose protection is her only salvation in a harsh, uncompromising post-apocalyptic landscape.
The Wasteland of this world has not been kind to those unchosen.
The Wastelander is the first book in a post-apocalyptic romance series that follows John Madigan and Claire Ainsley as they navigate a dangerous world where lessons are brutally learned and love is challenged by hidden threats, political conspiracy, and the daily grind of survival.
Born in a secure compound amidst the ashes of a world long dead, Claire Ainsley knows her place in the world: work her assigned job, live with her assigned husband, and keep her head down and her mouth shut. She knows what every compound resident has been the world outside is a Wasteland, and the only thing more terrifying than leaving the compound is being forced to confront those who live outside—the ones left behind.
But her safe, contained life is destroyed when she narrowly survives an attack conceived by a conspiracy from within the compound itself. Only by fleeing into the terrifying Wasteland, a vast wilderness peopled by bloodthirsty, cannibalistic Wastelanders, can she escape a violent end at the hands of her fellow compound dwellers.
Captured by the very savages she feared, she is saved by John Madigan, a mysterious and capable survivor—and a Wastelander. She tries to deny the instant chemistry she feels with a man that is one moment terrifying, the next patient and caring, but eventually, neither of them are able to resist the blazing passion between them. But the Wasteland is harsh, and her time with John fleeting. As his own personal mission comes to an end, he must return to his ancestral homeland, leaving her with little choice but to learn to survive without the man whose protection is her only salvation in a harsh, uncompromising post-apocalyptic landscape.
The Wasteland of this world has not been kind to those unchosen.
The Wastelander is the first book in a post-apocalyptic romance series that follows John Madigan and Claire Ainsley as they navigate a dangerous world where lessons are brutally learned and love is challenged by hidden threats, political conspiracy, and the daily grind of survival.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2024
406 people are currently reading
1039 people want to read
About the author
E.S. Luck
5 books77 followersE.S. Luck is a copywriter by day and an author when no one is watching. She enjoys reading, writing genre-bending fiction, and extolling the virtues of grammar, much to the collective dismay of all who meet her. She owns too much makeup and lives in Ontario with her husband and their adorable dog, Rosie. The Wastelander is her debut novel.
If you'd like to receive occasional updates on my writing, including the sequel(s) to The Wastelander and free bonus material, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (linked on my official website). You may also follow E.S. Luck on Facebook, or @e.s.luck_author on Instagram, where I share excerpts and videos, and occasionally host free book giveaways.
If you'd like to receive occasional updates on my writing, including the sequel(s) to The Wastelander and free bonus material, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (linked on my official website). You may also follow E.S. Luck on Facebook, or @e.s.luck_author on Instagram, where I share excerpts and videos, and occasionally host free book giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
July 6, 2024
*3.5* In the year 2069, a virus took hold and killed over 95% of the world population.
“The decision was made to build walled compounds to isolate a selected few from the disease, to preserve humanity and our heritage. The compounds—including this one—were constructed using existing infrastructure of selected towns and cities.”
Claire Ainsley (26), born and bred within the confines of a secure compound, knows only the rigid structure of her assigned life: a predetermined job, a designated husband, and the constant threat of the outside Wasteland. Her worldview shatters when an internal conspiracy forces her to flee into the very wilderness she fears, populated by bloodthirsty, cannibalistic Wastelanders.
Claire’s journey takes a dramatic turn when she is captured and then saved by John Madigan (28), a mysterious and resilient survivor of the Wasteland. John is a bit of an ass, but rightfully so.
Kimmy, John’s sister, is a welcome relief of kindness to John’s often hurtful words to Claire.
“So let me get this straight, you know nothing about…anything. You’re a princess who’s lived her entire life holed up in some fortress.”
With the help of both John and Kimmy, Claire’s slow transformation from a sheltered compound resident to a fierce survivor feels authentic, but the pacing occasionally falters, with moments of yawn-inducing wordy introspection.
As a speed reader who loves long books, this one felt overly long. There are months and months with nothing happening. I understand the author was trying to give these characters time to get to know each other, but it would have felt more realistic had the three of them continued on looking for the components needed for the generators, while fighting for their lives.
Other issues:
-John’s use of sexy talk felt very modern. Where did he learn all those dirty words?
-Where exactly are they getting all of the fabric and yarn to sew and knit? Scavenging will only last so long, manufacturing plants are long gone.
-Painting supplies? Wouldn’t most of the paint have dried up?
-The dreaded miscommunication trope is heavy with this one.
-Very slow moving until around 85%
Overall, I enjoyed this story once I slogged my way through some of the overly wordy bits. This is a slow burn, but shockingly enough, there was almost too much sex once they began. Ends on a HFN, will continue in the next book.
TW: Violence, gore, attempted SA (not graphic), cannibalism, references to child abuse and alcoholism (off-page).
“The decision was made to build walled compounds to isolate a selected few from the disease, to preserve humanity and our heritage. The compounds—including this one—were constructed using existing infrastructure of selected towns and cities.”
Claire Ainsley (26), born and bred within the confines of a secure compound, knows only the rigid structure of her assigned life: a predetermined job, a designated husband, and the constant threat of the outside Wasteland. Her worldview shatters when an internal conspiracy forces her to flee into the very wilderness she fears, populated by bloodthirsty, cannibalistic Wastelanders.
Claire’s journey takes a dramatic turn when she is captured and then saved by John Madigan (28), a mysterious and resilient survivor of the Wasteland. John is a bit of an ass, but rightfully so.
Kimmy, John’s sister, is a welcome relief of kindness to John’s often hurtful words to Claire.
“So let me get this straight, you know nothing about…anything. You’re a princess who’s lived her entire life holed up in some fortress.”
With the help of both John and Kimmy, Claire’s slow transformation from a sheltered compound resident to a fierce survivor feels authentic, but the pacing occasionally falters, with moments of yawn-inducing wordy introspection.
As a speed reader who loves long books, this one felt overly long. There are months and months with nothing happening. I understand the author was trying to give these characters time to get to know each other, but it would have felt more realistic had the three of them continued on looking for the components needed for the generators, while fighting for their lives.
Other issues:
-John’s use of sexy talk felt very modern. Where did he learn all those dirty words?
-Where exactly are they getting all of the fabric and yarn to sew and knit? Scavenging will only last so long, manufacturing plants are long gone.
-Painting supplies? Wouldn’t most of the paint have dried up?
-The dreaded miscommunication trope is heavy with this one.
-Very slow moving until around 85%
Overall, I enjoyed this story once I slogged my way through some of the overly wordy bits. This is a slow burn, but shockingly enough, there was almost too much sex once they began. Ends on a HFN, will continue in the next book.
TW: Violence, gore, attempted SA (not graphic), cannibalism, references to child abuse and alcoholism (off-page).
November 25, 2024
After every apocalypse read, I convince myself that I would handle the end of the world well. Well maybe not well, but I think I would handle it better than this FMC ... The word ‘hopeless’ comes to mind. I’m not saying she has to be Lara Croft, but woman-up. Sh*t is going down and it isn’t going to wait for her to be ready.
The FMC was 27 but acted significantly younger. It didn’t feel like I was reading about someone older than me. I understood her sheltered upbringing (and sheltered adulthood), but she was so quick to snap or fold her arms like a p*ssed off toddler. She was also so averse to being called a Princess, but then acted like … a Princess. It just felt hard to relate to her because her personality was so hard to swallow. Personal preference though.
Her family were equally bizarre people. The family dynamic was extremely strained and argumentative. Her sister particularly, who she was previously close with, acted so cold and detached. No emotion was ever shown, she just didn’t feel like a real person.
Now over to the MMC, John. He was firm and tough, very G.I. Jo. If sh*t was going down I would want him by my side, as he’d obviously been through a lot. I just don’t think there was an outrageous amount of chemistry between the two main characters. I didn’t see a lot of sexual tension or angst, the atmosphere was just very cordial to me.
This may have something to do with the slow burn of it all, or it may have something to do with the general slow pace that started to form. Something was missing.
It did feel like a nice change of pace being an apocalypse read, instead of a zombie apocalypse read. It still had the constant air of threat, but the only danger was other people.
Does that mean I didn’t constantly compare it to the Sanctuary series and Defy the Ravaged series? No, no it doesn’t 😅
I don’t think this one for me. I think the FMC and myself have very different personalities that don’t mesh. I did read till 40% (hoping something else would happen), so I will give it 2.5⭐️ (so 2).
The FMC was 27 but acted significantly younger. It didn’t feel like I was reading about someone older than me. I understood her sheltered upbringing (and sheltered adulthood), but she was so quick to snap or fold her arms like a p*ssed off toddler. She was also so averse to being called a Princess, but then acted like … a Princess. It just felt hard to relate to her because her personality was so hard to swallow. Personal preference though.
Her family were equally bizarre people. The family dynamic was extremely strained and argumentative. Her sister particularly, who she was previously close with, acted so cold and detached. No emotion was ever shown, she just didn’t feel like a real person.
Now over to the MMC, John. He was firm and tough, very G.I. Jo. If sh*t was going down I would want him by my side, as he’d obviously been through a lot. I just don’t think there was an outrageous amount of chemistry between the two main characters. I didn’t see a lot of sexual tension or angst, the atmosphere was just very cordial to me.
This may have something to do with the slow burn of it all, or it may have something to do with the general slow pace that started to form. Something was missing.
It did feel like a nice change of pace being an apocalypse read, instead of a zombie apocalypse read. It still had the constant air of threat, but the only danger was other people.
Does that mean I didn’t constantly compare it to the Sanctuary series and Defy the Ravaged series? No, no it doesn’t 😅
I don’t think this one for me. I think the FMC and myself have very different personalities that don’t mesh. I did read till 40% (hoping something else would happen), so I will give it 2.5⭐️ (so 2).
July 19, 2024
3,5.
It’s good but not soooo good.
🤷🏻♀️
It’s good but not soooo good.
🤷🏻♀️
June 19, 2024
Post Apocalypse MF • Sweet yet Protective MMC • Forced Proximity • Slow Burn Spice
So first off I am a huge sucker for Post Apocalyptic/ Dystopian romance. People thrown together and finding love while struggling to survive… I don’t know, there’s just something so good about it!
This is a pretty good one. The story takes place many years after 95% of civilization falls. Claire is one of the lucky few that live in a secure compound, behind walls and away from the dreaded ‘Wastelanders’. Basically all the people that are not privileged and protected.
For reasons Claire doesn’t understand, her way of life is completely upended and she suddenly finds herself running for her life from cannibals and struggling to survive. She is saved by John, a Wastelander that she’s not sure if she can trust or not. John is a great character. He’s protective and sweet and we are lucky to get his POV at times. Wish it was a little more. The tension between the two is really good and the slow burn is perfect.
I would say that it’s more a Romance with Post Apocalyptic setting (which I love) rather than a PA story with some romance. If that makes sense. Based on the progression of the story, I can see how that could evolve with the next book. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of this story goes.
So first off I am a huge sucker for Post Apocalyptic/ Dystopian romance. People thrown together and finding love while struggling to survive… I don’t know, there’s just something so good about it!
This is a pretty good one. The story takes place many years after 95% of civilization falls. Claire is one of the lucky few that live in a secure compound, behind walls and away from the dreaded ‘Wastelanders’. Basically all the people that are not privileged and protected.
For reasons Claire doesn’t understand, her way of life is completely upended and she suddenly finds herself running for her life from cannibals and struggling to survive. She is saved by John, a Wastelander that she’s not sure if she can trust or not. John is a great character. He’s protective and sweet and we are lucky to get his POV at times. Wish it was a little more. The tension between the two is really good and the slow burn is perfect.
I would say that it’s more a Romance with Post Apocalyptic setting (which I love) rather than a PA story with some romance. If that makes sense. Based on the progression of the story, I can see how that could evolve with the next book. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of this story goes.
July 22, 2024
RATING: 3.5
I’d been anticipating this book and knew once I’d gotten through my arcs this would be the book I’d be jumping into. With the cover and the blurb I had high hopes.
I didn’t hate it
But I also didn’t love it
The writing was good
The storyline lacked the angst and gore I missed when it comes to this genre, though it was high in heat, I was just expecting more killing like the first few chapters threw me into. I was hoping for more of that.
But because I’ve started I’m still keen enough to read the next book in this series when it’s released.
I’d been anticipating this book and knew once I’d gotten through my arcs this would be the book I’d be jumping into. With the cover and the blurb I had high hopes.
I didn’t hate it
But I also didn’t love it
The writing was good
The storyline lacked the angst and gore I missed when it comes to this genre, though it was high in heat, I was just expecting more killing like the first few chapters threw me into. I was hoping for more of that.
But because I’ve started I’m still keen enough to read the next book in this series when it’s released.
April 25, 2024
The world as we know it is over and the only home Claire knew was behind the walls of a compound. She was sheltered and didn't know how much until she was shoved out of her safe haven and had to figure out how to survive in the Wasteland. When she was attacked and taken by cannibals, John saved her and brought her to his own slice of safety out in the wild. There she learned true survival and her warped views on those who lived beyond the walls she called home started to change.
I will admit that Claire's prejudice skewed my opinion of her for most of this story and I was just glad that by the end she had learned to appreciate how wrong she was. It didn't make up for everything she said or did, but it did give me hope for the future of this series.
The world they live in is a dangerous place and I can't begin to imagine what happens next.
I will admit that Claire's prejudice skewed my opinion of her for most of this story and I was just glad that by the end she had learned to appreciate how wrong she was. It didn't make up for everything she said or did, but it did give me hope for the future of this series.
The world they live in is a dangerous place and I can't begin to imagine what happens next.
June 19, 2024
The Wastlander is a twist of the recent events of Covid, 1984 & Wayward Pines. Claire is living in a post apocalyptic world trying to survive inside walls meant to protect her but end up being a prison. After an attack seemingly orchestrated by her own sister and mother, Claire is thrown out in the unknown with only a backpack and no idea how to take care of herself.
As luck would have it, she stumbles upon John. John is a Wastlander and nothing like Claire had been raised to expect outside of the walls of her compound.
Claire and John along with his sister Kimmy work together in their little camp to survive as best as they can and teaching each other ways to survive and to enjoy surviving in the dark world they find themselves in.
There are so many tiny skills that are needed to thrive in a world where everything you thought was easy obtain is suddenly ripped away.
And just when everything seems safe and normal, they come for her. And she has no idea who they are or what they want.
The Wastelander ends on a cliff hanger into the unknown as the 3 run for their lives in an attempt to escape the gang chasing her and live in peace.
Watching Claire grow into a stronger woman capable of taking on more than she ever though possible was incredible. The patience of John (eventually) and Kimmy to teach her skills they had always known and Claire never imagined she would need was so full of heart and compassion.
As luck would have it, she stumbles upon John. John is a Wastlander and nothing like Claire had been raised to expect outside of the walls of her compound.
Claire and John along with his sister Kimmy work together in their little camp to survive as best as they can and teaching each other ways to survive and to enjoy surviving in the dark world they find themselves in.
There are so many tiny skills that are needed to thrive in a world where everything you thought was easy obtain is suddenly ripped away.
And just when everything seems safe and normal, they come for her. And she has no idea who they are or what they want.
The Wastelander ends on a cliff hanger into the unknown as the 3 run for their lives in an attempt to escape the gang chasing her and live in peace.
Watching Claire grow into a stronger woman capable of taking on more than she ever though possible was incredible. The patience of John (eventually) and Kimmy to teach her skills they had always known and Claire never imagined she would need was so full of heart and compassion.
July 6, 2024
Claire lives in a compound which gets called The Cave. It was built in 2070, which was 37 years ago.
In 2067, there was an outbreak of a virus, which wiped out the majority of the population.
The Cave was built to preserve humanity, the selection process to get into the cave was supposed to be the best of humanity.. but Claire’s father had told her that it was the most rich and powerful, or the people who had the brains to make everything work who got in.
They were taught that everything outside of the compound was Wasteland and the people there were called ‘Wastelanders’. It was indoctrinated into them, that wastlelanders were dangerous, they were violent aggressive cannibals.
Claire was married to Neil, this was chosen for her by matching. She was a history and music teacher, which was also decided for her.
Claire had a very strained relationship with her Mum who was an alcoholic. She had been close with her sister growing up, but now the relationship was really strained.
One day whilst marking papers at the school, there was an explosion.. the walls had been destroyed.
Claire and her best friend Asha was taken outside of the compound and told they wouldn’t help them again.
Claire must learn how to survive in a world that she was told was so dangerous.. and what happens when she comes across a handsome wastelander who ends up saving her life?
This book was so easy to read, I had it finished within 2 days which is so quick for me, but it was so easy to get submerged into the world and follow along.
Personally I felt this book was very character driven, and I think I’d of liked more plot. However, the last third of the book had a bit more, and I think the rest of the series will be open to having more plot now we know the characters and their lives.
Claire was kind of annoying in the beginning, I did struggle with how she was with John, however as you read more, you realise how much her life had been controlled and this was something she struggled with. As the book went on, I really did enjoy her character.
John was a great MMC, loved the grumpiness during the first part of the book, then loved how sweet, protective and caring he would be. I enjoyed reading about him and his life.
I felt so bad for Kimmy, she had to basically be a third wheel, but really enjoyed her character!
I am wondering if we will see Asha in upcoming books 👀
I enjoyed the dynamic between these 3, but without spoiling.. I feel they should have spoken to Claire a lot sooner than when they did. Although, I do wonder if there’s a reason it was a tough topic to bring up, and if we will learn more in the next book.
I did enjoy this book, it was an easy read and definitely held my attention.
Would recommend if wanting a post-apocalypse book with romance, survival and a bit of action. Excited for the next book and will be keeping an eye out for it!
In 2067, there was an outbreak of a virus, which wiped out the majority of the population.
The Cave was built to preserve humanity, the selection process to get into the cave was supposed to be the best of humanity.. but Claire’s father had told her that it was the most rich and powerful, or the people who had the brains to make everything work who got in.
They were taught that everything outside of the compound was Wasteland and the people there were called ‘Wastelanders’. It was indoctrinated into them, that wastlelanders were dangerous, they were violent aggressive cannibals.
Claire was married to Neil, this was chosen for her by matching. She was a history and music teacher, which was also decided for her.
Claire had a very strained relationship with her Mum who was an alcoholic. She had been close with her sister growing up, but now the relationship was really strained.
One day whilst marking papers at the school, there was an explosion.. the walls had been destroyed.
Claire and her best friend Asha was taken outside of the compound and told they wouldn’t help them again.
Claire must learn how to survive in a world that she was told was so dangerous.. and what happens when she comes across a handsome wastelander who ends up saving her life?
This book was so easy to read, I had it finished within 2 days which is so quick for me, but it was so easy to get submerged into the world and follow along.
Personally I felt this book was very character driven, and I think I’d of liked more plot. However, the last third of the book had a bit more, and I think the rest of the series will be open to having more plot now we know the characters and their lives.
Claire was kind of annoying in the beginning, I did struggle with how she was with John, however as you read more, you realise how much her life had been controlled and this was something she struggled with. As the book went on, I really did enjoy her character.
John was a great MMC, loved the grumpiness during the first part of the book, then loved how sweet, protective and caring he would be. I enjoyed reading about him and his life.
I felt so bad for Kimmy, she had to basically be a third wheel, but really enjoyed her character!
I am wondering if we will see Asha in upcoming books 👀
I enjoyed the dynamic between these 3, but without spoiling.. I feel they should have spoken to Claire a lot sooner than when they did. Although, I do wonder if there’s a reason it was a tough topic to bring up, and if we will learn more in the next book.
I did enjoy this book, it was an easy read and definitely held my attention.
Would recommend if wanting a post-apocalypse book with romance, survival and a bit of action. Excited for the next book and will be keeping an eye out for it!
June 10, 2024
This was a great dystopian book, pretty gruesome in parts, but a great read! Add in some spice, and you’ve got The Wastelander.
I’m not much of a romance reader, but I do love a good dystopian, post apocalyptic story, and this slow burn romance set in a dystopian world was very entertaining. The world building was great, character development good, and storyline well done.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable book. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving
this review voluntarily.
I’m not much of a romance reader, but I do love a good dystopian, post apocalyptic story, and this slow burn romance set in a dystopian world was very entertaining. The world building was great, character development good, and storyline well done.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable book. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving
this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2024
What a fantastic debut novel! So grateful I got the chance to read the ARC, thank you ❤️ I’m a sucker for post-apocalyptic setting (TWD forever in my heart) and I feel it’s not easy to come by so I was so excited for this.
Really enjoyed the writing style, it was eloquent & sophisticated and made the story flow in a very seamless and credible way. The romance was slow burn (🙌🏻🙌🏻) and I believed & felt the chemistry between our main characters. This book overall was definitely more character driven & romance based (+spicy🌶️)
I would’ve loved to know more about the prior events and life of our fmc - the plot moved from the initial setting to the next real quick! I think I would have loved a whole book’s worth of it tbh 🤭 I think some other things were brushed past a lil’ too fast too.
ALL IN ALL: a great & entertaining read - I was excited to see what would happen next every step of the way! Will definitely continue on with this series 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Really enjoyed the writing style, it was eloquent & sophisticated and made the story flow in a very seamless and credible way. The romance was slow burn (🙌🏻🙌🏻) and I believed & felt the chemistry between our main characters. This book overall was definitely more character driven & romance based (+spicy🌶️)
I would’ve loved to know more about the prior events and life of our fmc - the plot moved from the initial setting to the next real quick! I think I would have loved a whole book’s worth of it tbh 🤭 I think some other things were brushed past a lil’ too fast too.
ALL IN ALL: a great & entertaining read - I was excited to see what would happen next every step of the way! Will definitely continue on with this series 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 5, 2025
Okay so this was for sure enjoyable I loved the post apocalyptic vibes, it kind of gives the walking dead and the 100 vibes almost but spicy! With that being said there were some things I didn’t care for. It felt more just like a “survival” book most of the plot was just her learning skills and not really much action.
I wanted to learn more about this mysterious leadership and corruption and about this organization that attacked and the wastelanders in general. I also would have loved a little more time in the compound to learn the life she grew up in and their rules and everything, it all happened so fast I didn’t really get much background.
Also omg! Why did she just completely forget about her friend? She disappeared and then thought of her maybe once that night and then never again thought of her or brought her up?
I feel like I didn’t really know the characters at all tbh…. It didn’t feel like there was any depth to them and would have loved to just have more background overall on them.
I wanted to learn more about this mysterious leadership and corruption and about this organization that attacked and the wastelanders in general. I also would have loved a little more time in the compound to learn the life she grew up in and their rules and everything, it all happened so fast I didn’t really get much background.
Also omg! Why did she just completely forget about her friend? She disappeared and then thought of her maybe once that night and then never again thought of her or brought her up?
I feel like I didn’t really know the characters at all tbh…. It didn’t feel like there was any depth to them and would have loved to just have more background overall on them.
November 27, 2024
I would be the person the cannibals were eating in that one chapter.
November 7, 2024
Eehh…I’d say this was mediocre. It was good in the beginning, then got very repetitive with the 🌶️ 🌶️ scenes and them talking about how much they loved/wanted the other but didn’t want to admit it. I had to skip over pages that were not important at all.
June 30, 2024
I received an ARC from the author but there was no expectation of a review or rating- I actually requested a copy because I loved the description and am grateful to have been given one!
The basics: this is a post-apocalyptic romance set between a pampered princess FMC and a protective but grumpy MMC who is helping her stay alive when everything she knows falls apart while trying to get his own thing done. It's dual FMC/MMC, first person POV and what I would call slow burn, and there's spice and amazing character development and chemistry, so it never dragged. If you like post-apocalypic/dystopian/sci fi/scifi-ishfantasy romance then this is RIGHT up your alley and one of the better books in those subgenres I've read. It's set in a world where a virus created death and destruction and the "chosen", special ones survived by walling themselves off from the others. That narrative gets carefully examined throughout the book.
The FMC is clearly spoiled but without being obnoxious about it or tedious. From the jump you're aware she's a good person from her actions, so you're rooting for her to learn and grow rather than entirely change. (But the author doesn't mince words about the coddled-ness- there's a scene where she has to do something hard and asks for her best friend to essentially come suffer too, and I laughed so hard. It was so funny and cute and realistic and exasperating.) And how grumpy is the MMC? Appropriately grumpy for having suddenly become responsible for clueless woman in a floral dress amongst cannibals and wastelands. It's situationally extremely appropriate.
The BEST thing about the book for me was honestly the prose. The author has a beautiful writing style, especially as she narrates from the FMC's perspective. It's lyrical without being purple is probably the best way to describe it. It helps with the worldbuilding, which was fantastic... it's a constant challenge with this subgenre- some authors seem to just dump information on you, others give so little that you're not sure if something's important or a plot hole- and I loved how it's done here. There's plenty of tension and mystery but it's always resolved in a timely way and you're immediately given the next piece of the puzzle to try to place.
I'd be so curious to know how much of the covid pandemic influenced the writing of this book. The themes of how people justify their choices in hard situations and how we "other" others to distance ourselves from their suffering feels both eternal and very timely. The narrative that people may suffer because they aren't worthy enough is one that at least in the US we're constantly tackling when it comes to stigmatized illness, so if you're the kind of reader that wants to think deeply about topics, this book can give you plenty of fodder! But if you want to just luxuriate in a wonderful book, it can be that too.
Why I rated it 4 stars: the only reason this is not five stars is that I'm the sort of reader where specific descriptions of the characters' appearance can sometimes take me out of a scene. I like to know what they look like, but like... I don't care if they're 5'7, and if I see it get granular like that I get distracted. I also do think that this was a long book and thought a little bit could be condensed. That being said, I still thoroughly loved it and think both those criticisms are pretty personal and didn't stand in the way of me enjoying it at all. I'll definitely read the next book.
The basics: this is a post-apocalyptic romance set between a pampered princess FMC and a protective but grumpy MMC who is helping her stay alive when everything she knows falls apart while trying to get his own thing done. It's dual FMC/MMC, first person POV and what I would call slow burn, and there's spice and amazing character development and chemistry, so it never dragged. If you like post-apocalypic/dystopian/sci fi/scifi-ishfantasy romance then this is RIGHT up your alley and one of the better books in those subgenres I've read. It's set in a world where a virus created death and destruction and the "chosen", special ones survived by walling themselves off from the others. That narrative gets carefully examined throughout the book.
The FMC is clearly spoiled but without being obnoxious about it or tedious. From the jump you're aware she's a good person from her actions, so you're rooting for her to learn and grow rather than entirely change. (But the author doesn't mince words about the coddled-ness- there's a scene where she has to do something hard and asks for her best friend to essentially come suffer too, and I laughed so hard. It was so funny and cute and realistic and exasperating.) And how grumpy is the MMC? Appropriately grumpy for having suddenly become responsible for clueless woman in a floral dress amongst cannibals and wastelands. It's situationally extremely appropriate.
The BEST thing about the book for me was honestly the prose. The author has a beautiful writing style, especially as she narrates from the FMC's perspective. It's lyrical without being purple is probably the best way to describe it. It helps with the worldbuilding, which was fantastic... it's a constant challenge with this subgenre- some authors seem to just dump information on you, others give so little that you're not sure if something's important or a plot hole- and I loved how it's done here. There's plenty of tension and mystery but it's always resolved in a timely way and you're immediately given the next piece of the puzzle to try to place.
I'd be so curious to know how much of the covid pandemic influenced the writing of this book. The themes of how people justify their choices in hard situations and how we "other" others to distance ourselves from their suffering feels both eternal and very timely. The narrative that people may suffer because they aren't worthy enough is one that at least in the US we're constantly tackling when it comes to stigmatized illness, so if you're the kind of reader that wants to think deeply about topics, this book can give you plenty of fodder! But if you want to just luxuriate in a wonderful book, it can be that too.
Why I rated it 4 stars: the only reason this is not five stars is that I'm the sort of reader where specific descriptions of the characters' appearance can sometimes take me out of a scene. I like to know what they look like, but like... I don't care if they're 5'7, and if I see it get granular like that I get distracted. I also do think that this was a long book and thought a little bit could be condensed. That being said, I still thoroughly loved it and think both those criticisms are pretty personal and didn't stand in the way of me enjoying it at all. I'll definitely read the next book.
June 30, 2024
The Wastelander, ES Luck's debut novel, is a wild ride through the apocalyptic ashes of a world gone mad. We've got Claire, our FMC, born in a compound called The Cave, set behind soaring thick walls. A near extinction level virus wiped out 95% of the population decades ago, leaving the world in shambles. Yet, in The Cave, life continues at an almost 'normal' pace, thanks to the world's elite being the few who managed to enter such compounds. Life is all about doing your job, marrying your assigned hubby, being approved to have children and not asking questions. The outside world? A barren wasteland filled with cannibalistic savages- at least, that's what they've all been told.
But her world gets turned upside down! After narrowly surviving an attack on the compound orchestrated by insurgents, Claire, a history and music teacher with zero survival skills, finds herself fleeing into the very wasteland she fears. Enter John Madigan, our mysterious MMC, a survivor who’s as capable as he is enigmatic. One minute he's terrifying, the next he's patient and caring.
Now, let’s talk about the spice. Honestly, I wasn't expecting the level of heat that ES Luck brought to this post-apocalyptic party, but it was VERY unexpected and VERY appreciated. The romance between Claire and John is deep, compelling, and oh-so-steamy. I came for the survival story but stayed for the heart-pounding sexual awakening!
Despite the majority of the book focusing on just three characters—Claire, John, and John's badass sister, Kimmy - there’s never a dull moment. Kimmy steps in and takes the sheltered, timid Claire under her wing along with John, forging her into something stronger and more resilient. The dynamic between these three characters and the wasteland itself is more than enough to keep you hooked. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, BAM! A shocking twist towards the end that'll leave you reeling.
As for the unanswered questions about the Virus? I'm hoping they'll be answered in book two. I’ve got my fingers crossed for more of that juicy backstory and world-building.
The Wastelander is a thrilling blend of apocalyptic survival and intense, unexpected romance. ES Luck masterfully crafts a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings. Bravo Emma.
But her world gets turned upside down! After narrowly surviving an attack on the compound orchestrated by insurgents, Claire, a history and music teacher with zero survival skills, finds herself fleeing into the very wasteland she fears. Enter John Madigan, our mysterious MMC, a survivor who’s as capable as he is enigmatic. One minute he's terrifying, the next he's patient and caring.
Now, let’s talk about the spice. Honestly, I wasn't expecting the level of heat that ES Luck brought to this post-apocalyptic party, but it was VERY unexpected and VERY appreciated. The romance between Claire and John is deep, compelling, and oh-so-steamy. I came for the survival story but stayed for the heart-pounding sexual awakening!
Despite the majority of the book focusing on just three characters—Claire, John, and John's badass sister, Kimmy - there’s never a dull moment. Kimmy steps in and takes the sheltered, timid Claire under her wing along with John, forging her into something stronger and more resilient. The dynamic between these three characters and the wasteland itself is more than enough to keep you hooked. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, BAM! A shocking twist towards the end that'll leave you reeling.
As for the unanswered questions about the Virus? I'm hoping they'll be answered in book two. I’ve got my fingers crossed for more of that juicy backstory and world-building.
The Wastelander is a thrilling blend of apocalyptic survival and intense, unexpected romance. ES Luck masterfully crafts a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings. Bravo Emma.
June 24, 2024
ARC Review: The Wastelander
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
ES Luck’s debut novel, “The Wastelander,” is a gripping blend of post-apocalyptic survival and romance. The story follows Claire Ainsley, who flees her secure compound after a violent conspiracy, only to be captured by feared Wastelanders. She is saved by John Madigan, a mysterious and capable survivor, sparking an intense and passionate connection between them.
While the romance between Claire and John is compelling and takes center stage, some readers may wish for more exploration of the broader post-apocalyptic world. Much of the story unfolds within a camp setting, focusing on Claire’s survival training and her developing relationship with John. This provides a detailed portrayal of their bond but leaves the dystopian landscape somewhat in the background.
The novel balances action and romance, with enough “spice” to satisfy romance readers. Claire’s growth from a sheltered compound dweller to a capable survivor is well-executed, making her a relatable protagonist.
Overall, “The Wastelander” is a strong debut that combines survivalist fiction with heartfelt romance. ES Luck’s storytelling keeps readers invested in Claire and John’s fate, making it a worthwhile read for fans of post-apocalyptic and romantic genres.
Thank you to @e.s.luck_author for providing me with an ARC to review!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
ES Luck’s debut novel, “The Wastelander,” is a gripping blend of post-apocalyptic survival and romance. The story follows Claire Ainsley, who flees her secure compound after a violent conspiracy, only to be captured by feared Wastelanders. She is saved by John Madigan, a mysterious and capable survivor, sparking an intense and passionate connection between them.
While the romance between Claire and John is compelling and takes center stage, some readers may wish for more exploration of the broader post-apocalyptic world. Much of the story unfolds within a camp setting, focusing on Claire’s survival training and her developing relationship with John. This provides a detailed portrayal of their bond but leaves the dystopian landscape somewhat in the background.
The novel balances action and romance, with enough “spice” to satisfy romance readers. Claire’s growth from a sheltered compound dweller to a capable survivor is well-executed, making her a relatable protagonist.
Overall, “The Wastelander” is a strong debut that combines survivalist fiction with heartfelt romance. ES Luck’s storytelling keeps readers invested in Claire and John’s fate, making it a worthwhile read for fans of post-apocalyptic and romantic genres.
Thank you to @e.s.luck_author for providing me with an ARC to review!
June 30, 2024
4.5 stars. The Wastelander is a book I didn't know I needed - I love post-apocalyptic dystopian books but I have never read a spicy romance version. This was a slow burn romance with an enemies-to-lovers trope and aspects of forbidden love which will be explored further in the series.
The main character Claire is initially hard to like as she continually doubts John and Kimmy, who do nothing but show her kindness. However, this is because of her own view of the world being very skewed, and it makes sense in terms of her character development. By the end of the book, I was rooting for her.
John and Kimmy are the dream team if you are going to end up in a post-apocalyptic world!
I loved the story and the pacing, and I really invested in all three characters. I thought it was well written, and the dialogue fitted the characters. I would love to see more of John's POV in book two and also see more of Kimmy she is a great character.
This book had all the elements I want in a dystopian book but with plenty of spice thrown in. The main focus of this book was the relationship between Claire and John, but it had the darker elements of the harsh setting. I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely continue with the series.
With thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
The main character Claire is initially hard to like as she continually doubts John and Kimmy, who do nothing but show her kindness. However, this is because of her own view of the world being very skewed, and it makes sense in terms of her character development. By the end of the book, I was rooting for her.
John and Kimmy are the dream team if you are going to end up in a post-apocalyptic world!
I loved the story and the pacing, and I really invested in all three characters. I thought it was well written, and the dialogue fitted the characters. I would love to see more of John's POV in book two and also see more of Kimmy she is a great character.
This book had all the elements I want in a dystopian book but with plenty of spice thrown in. The main focus of this book was the relationship between Claire and John, but it had the darker elements of the harsh setting. I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely continue with the series.
With thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
July 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🩷🩷🩷🩷/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
This book is a great one to start off the month of July!! I truly enjoyed it. I love the characters, plot, and romance. E.s luck is truly gifted in her writing, and she does keep you on the edge of your seat through the book. I have so many questions! When is book 2 coming? I can't wait!
I didn't give it 5 ⭐️ as I feel like the sex was missing something.... I don't know exactly what but something.
Overall, this book is so good!
🩷🩷🩷🩷/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
This book is a great one to start off the month of July!! I truly enjoyed it. I love the characters, plot, and romance. E.s luck is truly gifted in her writing, and she does keep you on the edge of your seat through the book. I have so many questions! When is book 2 coming? I can't wait!
I didn't give it 5 ⭐️ as I feel like the sex was missing something.... I don't know exactly what but something.
Overall, this book is so good!
June 29, 2024
The book is really to die for. From the plot twists to the character development and all around the story. I loved every step of the way this book took me.
July 15, 2024
This was my first post apocalyptic romance and I was impressed! The characters are so loveable, there’s a slow burn romance that turns deliciously spicy, and the found family is heartwarming!
May 29, 2024
The Wastelander is a post apocalyptic romance written by E.S. Luck. For starters, this is written in dual points of views or POVs; Claire and John. The world has gone to sh$$t due to a virus and civilization is cuput and anyone who survived all these years are cannibal monsters; well this is what Claire is taught from inside the Cave where she's lived her whole life with her family. Then her whole world is turned upside down and she's forced to live beyond the walls of the Cave in the Wasteland. Can you imagine going from wifi, running water, electricity, and safety to contaminated water, gangs, and actual cannibals? But in comes John, the Wastelander who sweeps Claire off her feet (literally) and shows her a new way of life that she needs to adapt to ASAP.
We get a lot more of Claire's POV and her rightful panic at living out in the wilderness with strangers. John's POVs, when we happen upon them, are gems and I hoped for more. I have a million questions that I hope are answered in the sequel especially about the virus. I want to see the symptoms and I want to see some infected people - this is what apocalyptic means to me.
The romance between Claire and John is a slow burn, but the wait is worth it. I loved that E.S. Love took us through the steps of them becoming friends/getting comfortable with each other, going on outings, protecting each other, and then moving into the romance and spiciness between the characters. I appreciated their relationship more.
I read an advanced reader copy and I recommend this book.
We get a lot more of Claire's POV and her rightful panic at living out in the wilderness with strangers. John's POVs, when we happen upon them, are gems and I hoped for more. I have a million questions that I hope are answered in the sequel especially about the virus. I want to see the symptoms and I want to see some infected people - this is what apocalyptic means to me.
The romance between Claire and John is a slow burn, but the wait is worth it. I loved that E.S. Love took us through the steps of them becoming friends/getting comfortable with each other, going on outings, protecting each other, and then moving into the romance and spiciness between the characters. I appreciated their relationship more.
I read an advanced reader copy and I recommend this book.
March 3, 2024
This was a really good dystopian story! A mix of adventure, survival & romance. Some spicy moments, so be warned it this is not your thing! A really well paced & exciting story, some good levels of action & adventure with a little angst. I did enjoy it & will look for more by this writer.
March 13, 2024
The Wastelander by E.S. Luck is a dystopian story set around future Canada, where a virus decimated the population and a select group of individuals were chosen to live in a protected community. The rest of the surviving people were left to live in “the Wastelands” and are deemed wastelanders.
My big complaint with this story is that the writing at the beginning is very elementary. There is a lot of telling, and not showing. I used to hate when my high school teachers would talk about that, and I never complain about a direct way of telling a story, but it just makes everything so simplistic and I never feel like I actually got sucked into the story because of it. There wasn’t much detail or description, which made it difficult for me to visualize the dystopian world. Additionally, there seemed to be too much convenience. For example, we learn about the history of the compound because she’s a history teacher and she’s talking to her students about it. And the way it was done didn’t seem natural, it felt too convenient. This gets better as the book goes on, but the beginning is definitely a little tough to get through.
That isn’t to say that I disliked this book immensely. The main character, Claire, is interesting and has a good character arc. She starts off a bit helpless and then grows to become more independent and self-sufficient. The love interest is a wastelander named John, who is a very interesting character. Their romance and connection seemed genuine and I was pulled in by it. Both of the characters have good characterization, and there are a couple supporting characters that are well written as well. I feel like the characters are really the support of this book, and I enjoyed them.
The plot is also interesting enough, but really nothing much happens. Claire ends up in the Wastelands through a series of events, but then she spends most of the rest of the book learning survival skills and doing mundane tasks. The romance part of the plot is interesting and the pacing of that is well done. And I was interested learning more about the wastelands and the dystopian world, but it felt like most of the plot was her just learning how not to be helpless. It does pick up a bit at the end though.
But overall, I would give this book 3/5 stars. I love dystopian stories, but I truly struggled with this one due to the simplicity and the over convenience of the whole plot and writing style. The characters were well written, and the world was interesting, but it really felt like this book was more about building up to another one that would have a stronger plot. I would read the second book, because I feel like that is where this story will really pick up, and I want to follow more of Claire and John’s relationship. I would recommend this book to people who like dystopian, but want one that is closer to a cozy dystopian in terms of plot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My big complaint with this story is that the writing at the beginning is very elementary. There is a lot of telling, and not showing. I used to hate when my high school teachers would talk about that, and I never complain about a direct way of telling a story, but it just makes everything so simplistic and I never feel like I actually got sucked into the story because of it. There wasn’t much detail or description, which made it difficult for me to visualize the dystopian world. Additionally, there seemed to be too much convenience. For example, we learn about the history of the compound because she’s a history teacher and she’s talking to her students about it. And the way it was done didn’t seem natural, it felt too convenient. This gets better as the book goes on, but the beginning is definitely a little tough to get through.
That isn’t to say that I disliked this book immensely. The main character, Claire, is interesting and has a good character arc. She starts off a bit helpless and then grows to become more independent and self-sufficient. The love interest is a wastelander named John, who is a very interesting character. Their romance and connection seemed genuine and I was pulled in by it. Both of the characters have good characterization, and there are a couple supporting characters that are well written as well. I feel like the characters are really the support of this book, and I enjoyed them.
The plot is also interesting enough, but really nothing much happens. Claire ends up in the Wastelands through a series of events, but then she spends most of the rest of the book learning survival skills and doing mundane tasks. The romance part of the plot is interesting and the pacing of that is well done. And I was interested learning more about the wastelands and the dystopian world, but it felt like most of the plot was her just learning how not to be helpless. It does pick up a bit at the end though.
But overall, I would give this book 3/5 stars. I love dystopian stories, but I truly struggled with this one due to the simplicity and the over convenience of the whole plot and writing style. The characters were well written, and the world was interesting, but it really felt like this book was more about building up to another one that would have a stronger plot. I would read the second book, because I feel like that is where this story will really pick up, and I want to follow more of Claire and John’s relationship. I would recommend this book to people who like dystopian, but want one that is closer to a cozy dystopian in terms of plot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2024
What a fantastic debut! I love post-apocalyptic romance, so I immediately started reading when I received the ARC. This book was a unique and interesting take on the genre. I loved Claire and John’s romance and I found their chemistry to be perfect! I am curious about the mystery of the masked cult and I am more than ready to see how the valley reacts to Claire. I gobbled this up in one day and I can’t wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this read! Not many people write about post apocalyptic romance and I was so excited to find this book! It follows Claire and a special wasterlander. They come from very different worlds, Claire is a sweet sheltered girl who lived her whole live behind walls and has never been out. Something happens and she meets a wastelander and he is not what she was brought up to believe, read this book to see what happens you won’t regret it!
December 17, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much!🫶🏽💘
The spice was spicy 🥵🥵🥵
I would have liked to have read more action parts, felt it could have done with some more but I think it’s a great way to start to get to know the characters in the first book & hopefully we see more in the next book but over all a fantastic read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The spice was spicy 🥵🥵🥵
I would have liked to have read more action parts, felt it could have done with some more but I think it’s a great way to start to get to know the characters in the first book & hopefully we see more in the next book but over all a fantastic read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 10, 2024
My first Post Apocalyptic Romance...not something I generally read, but I was not disappointed! RTC!
May 21, 2024
ARC copy
Really enjoyed this post apocalyptic, discovering oneself, romance. John gave me Joel from The Last Of Us vibes. Will keep my eyes peeled for the sequel.
Really enjoyed this post apocalyptic, discovering oneself, romance. John gave me Joel from The Last Of Us vibes. Will keep my eyes peeled for the sequel.
July 24, 2024
"Discover transformation, chemistry, and adventure in 'The Wastelander' - An unforgettable post-apocalyptic romance."
"The Wastelander" has left an indelible mark on me. It easily secures a spot in my top five reads of the year, perhaps even snagging the number one spot. Initially, when the book popped up on my Instagram feed, I had my doubts, wary of the overused post-apocalyptic theme with its stereotypical world-ending plagues. To my pleasant surprise, my hesitations were unfounded, and the very aspects that initially pushed me away turned out to be the most enthralling parts of the narrative. It was a moment of reflection for me, realizing how my biases can mislead me.
Claire's character, with her self-pitying tendencies, grated on me at first, but Luck's narrative expertise swiftly turned her into a multifaceted, dynamic persona. Witnessing Claire evolve from vulnerability to resilience and resourcefulness was truly commendable.
The pulse-pounding adventures beyond the borders of John and Kimmy's base left me craving more action and further exploration of the richly illustrated post-apocalyptic world. The creative portrayal of this setting was both imaginative and captivating.
The palpable chemistry between John and Claire resonated deeply with me, stirring a profound emotional connection. Nonetheless, their frustrating lack of honest communication despite spending extensive time together tested my patience. Their failure to openly acknowledge their feelings over months left me on edge, almost urging me to step into the story and prompt them to confront their emotions.
The book elegantly weaves together world-building, adrenaline-pumping sequences, romance, camaraderie, and personal growth, forming an irresistible mix of elements. Completely engrossed in the storyline, I eagerly await the next installment.
Luck's exceptional storytelling skill shines brightly throughout the book, underscoring a truly remarkable talent for writing. I wouldn't be taken aback to find myself one day watching a cinematic adaptation of this novel. Undoubtedly, this book possesses all the hallmarks of a future New York Times bestseller.
"The Wastelander" has left an indelible mark on me. It easily secures a spot in my top five reads of the year, perhaps even snagging the number one spot. Initially, when the book popped up on my Instagram feed, I had my doubts, wary of the overused post-apocalyptic theme with its stereotypical world-ending plagues. To my pleasant surprise, my hesitations were unfounded, and the very aspects that initially pushed me away turned out to be the most enthralling parts of the narrative. It was a moment of reflection for me, realizing how my biases can mislead me.
Claire's character, with her self-pitying tendencies, grated on me at first, but Luck's narrative expertise swiftly turned her into a multifaceted, dynamic persona. Witnessing Claire evolve from vulnerability to resilience and resourcefulness was truly commendable.
The pulse-pounding adventures beyond the borders of John and Kimmy's base left me craving more action and further exploration of the richly illustrated post-apocalyptic world. The creative portrayal of this setting was both imaginative and captivating.
The palpable chemistry between John and Claire resonated deeply with me, stirring a profound emotional connection. Nonetheless, their frustrating lack of honest communication despite spending extensive time together tested my patience. Their failure to openly acknowledge their feelings over months left me on edge, almost urging me to step into the story and prompt them to confront their emotions.
The book elegantly weaves together world-building, adrenaline-pumping sequences, romance, camaraderie, and personal growth, forming an irresistible mix of elements. Completely engrossed in the storyline, I eagerly await the next installment.
Luck's exceptional storytelling skill shines brightly throughout the book, underscoring a truly remarkable talent for writing. I wouldn't be taken aback to find myself one day watching a cinematic adaptation of this novel. Undoubtedly, this book possesses all the hallmarks of a future New York Times bestseller.
June 26, 2024
Thank you to E.S. Luck for the ARC.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4/5
-I actually really enjoyed the world in this book. I knew it was a post-apocalyptic romance but I hadn’t realised how much of a dystopia it was in the Cave. I liked the concept of these separate elitist compounds and then the outside world where it’s considered to just be a wasteland with monsters lurking inside of it. I was surprised at how much sexual content there was since I had assumed that the world was quite conservative, at least inside the compounds.
-The characters were quite interesting. I liked Claire and how she was completely oblivious of everything and that she was not the first person to find their dystopian compound suspicious or try to escape. She hadn’t wanted it change and that is quite different to many books. The only issue I had was that Asha suddenly disappeared at the start of the book but I’m assuming that we’d probably find out in the next books. The romance was quite fun as it started off with a lot of banter, to attraction, to ‘friends’ with benefits to actually falling in love.
-I had expected something to happen related to what had happened at the beginning but I was still surprised. I really was intrigued at this point and I actually thought this was a standalone so I was shocked to see that it was not which makes me more interested in finding out what happens next.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4/5
-I actually really enjoyed the world in this book. I knew it was a post-apocalyptic romance but I hadn’t realised how much of a dystopia it was in the Cave. I liked the concept of these separate elitist compounds and then the outside world where it’s considered to just be a wasteland with monsters lurking inside of it. I was surprised at how much sexual content there was since I had assumed that the world was quite conservative, at least inside the compounds.
-The characters were quite interesting. I liked Claire and how she was completely oblivious of everything and that she was not the first person to find their dystopian compound suspicious or try to escape. She hadn’t wanted it change and that is quite different to many books. The only issue I had was that Asha suddenly disappeared at the start of the book but I’m assuming that we’d probably find out in the next books. The romance was quite fun as it started off with a lot of banter, to attraction, to ‘friends’ with benefits to actually falling in love.
-I had expected something to happen related to what had happened at the beginning but I was still surprised. I really was intrigued at this point and I actually thought this was a standalone so I was shocked to see that it was not which makes me more interested in finding out what happens next.
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