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Insurrection: Book Three of the Affliction Trilogy
The only way to defeat a nightmare is to face it.
Quinn Ellery and Ryland Shaw have battled their way through hell for their loved ones and survived it together. Now comes the hard part—living with the horrors they witness within the Affliction and building their new life. Moving on should be simple.
Giran is the complete opposite of the decay ripping through Stern—soft beds, hot meals, and the absence of Zs. For the first time since falling in love, Quinn and Ryland can concentrate on what is most important to them... each other.
Or can they?
The Giran government is eager to learn more about the Z virus and the antidote flowing through Ryland’s veins. They want to take down the Sanctuary and stop the atrocities it commits before it spreads to the rest of the world. But they need help to do it.
Ryland is ready let the past die, but Quinn can’t move forward knowing she has the power to bring an end to William Spencer’s tyranny. The two find themselves being torn apart as they learn heaven can feel like hell. And perhaps, the Affliction can never truly be left behind.
Quinn Ellery and Ryland Shaw have battled their way through hell for their loved ones and survived it together. Now comes the hard part—living with the horrors they witness within the Affliction and building their new life. Moving on should be simple.
Giran is the complete opposite of the decay ripping through Stern—soft beds, hot meals, and the absence of Zs. For the first time since falling in love, Quinn and Ryland can concentrate on what is most important to them... each other.
Or can they?
The Giran government is eager to learn more about the Z virus and the antidote flowing through Ryland’s veins. They want to take down the Sanctuary and stop the atrocities it commits before it spreads to the rest of the world. But they need help to do it.
Ryland is ready let the past die, but Quinn can’t move forward knowing she has the power to bring an end to William Spencer’s tyranny. The two find themselves being torn apart as they learn heaven can feel like hell. And perhaps, the Affliction can never truly be left behind.
- GenresZombies
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
39 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Crystal J. Johnson
24 books198 followersCrystal J. Johnson lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, son, and a multitude of rescued animals. She is the author of the Affliction Trilogy, a winner of the 2019 Fiction Awards on Wattpad. Currently, she is working on a new adult fantasy, The Crown Trilogy.
Crystal is a Wattpad Creator and Editor's Choice Author, with over a million reads on the publishing platform.
Along with Felicity Vaughn, she is one half of the writing duo and YouTube personalities, Crystal and Felicity. Their newest novel SPELLBOUND is available wherever books are sold.
You can read all of Crystal's solo books on WATTPAD.
Crystal is a Wattpad Creator and Editor's Choice Author, with over a million reads on the publishing platform.
Along with Felicity Vaughn, she is one half of the writing duo and YouTube personalities, Crystal and Felicity. Their newest novel SPELLBOUND is available wherever books are sold.
You can read all of Crystal's solo books on WATTPAD.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 15, 2024
I have been absolutely hooked from the first book, and I can't think of a better conclusion to this trilogy.
There is just something about a dystopian book about zombies that will just always hit the right spot for me.
This was such a fun, thrilling, and overall amazing journey.
I fell in love, as well as hate with the characters. I rooted, cried, and white knuckled with them.
When I can feel real visceral feelings while reading, you know it's going to be good.
I can't recommend this series enough!
There is just something about a dystopian book about zombies that will just always hit the right spot for me.
This was such a fun, thrilling, and overall amazing journey.
I fell in love, as well as hate with the characters. I rooted, cried, and white knuckled with them.
When I can feel real visceral feelings while reading, you know it's going to be good.
I can't recommend this series enough!
November 13, 2024
ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜: ARC E-Book
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: Medium
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: High
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Happily Ever After (Great conclusion to the series!)
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: This was such an amazing finale to a fantastic trilogy! This was the perfect balance of drama, spice and action! Such a great read!!
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “I was made to love you.” & “I'm dedicated to only you, Quinn… until the end.”
& “I can’t get enough of you. All of you. Every fucking cell of your being is what I live for.”
& “They've traded in their fears to be shackled by lies.”
& “Self-righteousness is a dangerous thing. It's contagious when people are exposed to it for too long, and it blinds one to the difference between right and wrong.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 18 & 27 & Epilogue
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Quinn: She is probably one of my favorite FMC’s in a book and I am so happy with how her story concluded.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: The novel is a gripping blend of romance, suspense, and dystopian elements, with a focus on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the darkest challenges. Crystal’s compelling storytelling and well-developed characters make this a captivating conclusion to the Affliction trilogy.
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: Medium
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: High
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Happily Ever After (Great conclusion to the series!)
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: This was such an amazing finale to a fantastic trilogy! This was the perfect balance of drama, spice and action! Such a great read!!
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “I was made to love you.” & “I'm dedicated to only you, Quinn… until the end.”
& “I can’t get enough of you. All of you. Every fucking cell of your being is what I live for.”
& “They've traded in their fears to be shackled by lies.”
& “Self-righteousness is a dangerous thing. It's contagious when people are exposed to it for too long, and it blinds one to the difference between right and wrong.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 18 & 27 & Epilogue
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Quinn: She is probably one of my favorite FMC’s in a book and I am so happy with how her story concluded.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: The novel is a gripping blend of romance, suspense, and dystopian elements, with a focus on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the darkest challenges. Crystal’s compelling storytelling and well-developed characters make this a captivating conclusion to the Affliction trilogy.
January 21, 2025
A loved the way this book played out and closed the trilogy!
January 14, 2026
Overall, I was thrilled with the way this series ended for these characters I've come to love. Without spoilers, there was ONE part of the ending drama that I found hard to believe for these characters and I do wish it was drawn out a bit more. The conclusion of this book seems to come out of nowhere after reading about their new life in Giran for the majority of the book. Although this trilogy is done, I'd love to read more about Kennedy or River at some point!
March 24, 2025
I love the ending! I want more!
August 22, 2025
It is so bittersweet finishing the Affliction Trilogy. This is definitely one of my top five favorite book series I've read so far this year. Ryland and Quinn are very special to me and so are Noah and River. I'm very happy I decided to take a risk and read this series.
Quinn is so fucking badass, I absolutely love how she was written in this book, all of her decisions were very in character for her. I absolutely loved Ryland as well and the rest of the characters. I loved seeing Josh and Amara and more of their characters. I have complicated feelings about Ridge, I don't like him but I don't hate him either. I also loved that we saw Giran in this book, I loved seeing it set somewhere that's not Stern but I also loved when we went back to Stern.
I can't really say much more without spoiling what happens so I'm going to leave it at this, if you're thinking about reading this series you absolutely should.
My favorite Quinn quote:
"All those people who you seem disposable are coming, father. And they want retribution for what you've done."
Quinn is so fucking badass, I absolutely love how she was written in this book, all of her decisions were very in character for her. I absolutely loved Ryland as well and the rest of the characters. I loved seeing Josh and Amara and more of their characters. I have complicated feelings about Ridge, I don't like him but I don't hate him either. I also loved that we saw Giran in this book, I loved seeing it set somewhere that's not Stern but I also loved when we went back to Stern.
I can't really say much more without spoiling what happens so I'm going to leave it at this, if you're thinking about reading this series you absolutely should.
My favorite Quinn quote:
"All those people who you seem disposable are coming, father. And they want retribution for what you've done."
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.8 Stars)
Finally finished! 😮💨 Honestly, I had to drag myself across the finish line with this one.
Here’s the thing, I like my zombie books to actually have zombies. 🧟♂️ This one? A single, brief scene with two Z’s… and that was it. The entire first part felt like one long epilogue, showing the group’s “new life” on Giran after Stern. Nothing thrilling, nothing exciting.
And then there’s Quinn. 😒 Once again, she pissed me off by making a huge decision and keeping it from Ryland. She’s rubbed me the wrong way since book one, and if it weren’t for how much I like the rest of the group, I’d have tapped out long ago. Honestly, the only thing that kept me going is how few books exist in the zombie-romance niche. I get desperate for a fix sometimes.
Quinn’s savior complex was on full display here. She outright says she’s the only one who can save the world, and at that point, I just rolled my eyes. 🙄
Would I re-read this series? Nope.
Would I recommend it? Also nope. 🚫
Finally finished! 😮💨 Honestly, I had to drag myself across the finish line with this one.
Here’s the thing, I like my zombie books to actually have zombies. 🧟♂️ This one? A single, brief scene with two Z’s… and that was it. The entire first part felt like one long epilogue, showing the group’s “new life” on Giran after Stern. Nothing thrilling, nothing exciting.
And then there’s Quinn. 😒 Once again, she pissed me off by making a huge decision and keeping it from Ryland. She’s rubbed me the wrong way since book one, and if it weren’t for how much I like the rest of the group, I’d have tapped out long ago. Honestly, the only thing that kept me going is how few books exist in the zombie-romance niche. I get desperate for a fix sometimes.
Quinn’s savior complex was on full display here. She outright says she’s the only one who can save the world, and at that point, I just rolled my eyes. 🙄
Would I re-read this series? Nope.
Would I recommend it? Also nope. 🚫
November 4, 2024
I’m so sad that this series is complete but this final book was everything I needed for closure. It gave us all the answers and the HEA that everyone deserved.
Quinn and Ryland have been through the worst in this series and have never given up. They’re there for each other at the toughest moments with no questions asked. I loved how Ryland supported her completely, even though he hated her being in danger. Ugh I love them together so much.
The rest of the crew really made these books so special. They pulled everything together and made the fight for survival worth it.
Idk I just don’t have a lot of words for how amazing this series was. It had me laughing, tense on the edge of my seat worried for these characters, crying and then happy tears. Crystal really put me through it with this one, but in the best way.
Quinn and Ryland have been through the worst in this series and have never given up. They’re there for each other at the toughest moments with no questions asked. I loved how Ryland supported her completely, even though he hated her being in danger. Ugh I love them together so much.
The rest of the crew really made these books so special. They pulled everything together and made the fight for survival worth it.
Idk I just don’t have a lot of words for how amazing this series was. It had me laughing, tense on the edge of my seat worried for these characters, crying and then happy tears. Crystal really put me through it with this one, but in the best way.
November 11, 2024
So glad I got to read this ARC, I was so anxious to get this final book.
I feel like I'm in mourning of this series. The first book was obviously my favourite, it affected so deeply.
Finishing a series (for those who get emotionally involved) is a process 😅 and so I put off reading this book for a week. But I gathered my courage and dug in.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions, so hold on tight. But it was the big HEA these characters deserve. I never thought I'd yern to be a character in a zombie story, but if I get to have a Ryland too.. then sign me up ! He is THE boyfriend goal, a unicorn!
There were a couple of things I would've liked done differently, perhaps, or seem more of, but all in all, there's closure, so I'm content with that!
I feel like I'm in mourning of this series. The first book was obviously my favourite, it affected so deeply.
Finishing a series (for those who get emotionally involved) is a process 😅 and so I put off reading this book for a week. But I gathered my courage and dug in.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions, so hold on tight. But it was the big HEA these characters deserve. I never thought I'd yern to be a character in a zombie story, but if I get to have a Ryland too.. then sign me up ! He is THE boyfriend goal, a unicorn!
There were a couple of things I would've liked done differently, perhaps, or seem more of, but all in all, there's closure, so I'm content with that!
December 28, 2024
Okay this might be my favorite in the trilogy, but I truly love them all. I’m so sad that I read these so dang fast and I’m all done with the series. I think this book had a lot different pacing than the other two which I really liked. I felt like it started slow and calm and there was a consistent build up of tension, speed, and intensity. It was awesome. Great closure of the series with lots of happiness, sacrifice, and heart ache. I’m going to miss reading about these characters like crazy. Such an easy, fun, and thrilling read. Loved every second!
February 25, 2025
Part 3 of “omg girlboss MC is sooooo badass” but in actuality is a f’ing idiot. She once again makes so many dumb decisions that it’s cringeworthy and annoying.
Also, this book cements pregnancy as one of my least favorite tropes. Not EVERY female character needs to get pregnant, man.
There’s also a ton of plot holes and the ending felt somewhat rushed. Although they offed one of my favorite characters, I still felt minor attachment to him, which speaks on the writing of the actual characters themselves. This book suffers from characters feeling like plot devices instead of characters.
Also, this book cements pregnancy as one of my least favorite tropes. Not EVERY female character needs to get pregnant, man.
There’s also a ton of plot holes and the ending felt somewhat rushed. Although they offed one of my favorite characters, I still felt minor attachment to him, which speaks on the writing of the actual characters themselves. This book suffers from characters feeling like plot devices instead of characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
This series has changed my brain chemistry… what an amazing end to a series AND YES I CRIED.
I cried a lot actually throughout this book. Between it being the end but also just the emotions throughout… just stunning as always. Crystal has a way of writing that sucks you in and makes you feel apart of the world!
I don’t want to give any spoilers but just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions at the end! I cannot wait to have this on my shelf and complete this amazing set!
I cried a lot actually throughout this book. Between it being the end but also just the emotions throughout… just stunning as always. Crystal has a way of writing that sucks you in and makes you feel apart of the world!
I don’t want to give any spoilers but just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions at the end! I cannot wait to have this on my shelf and complete this amazing set!
February 13, 2025
I loved this book!! Such a good end to the trilogy. Everything was tied up enough without prescribing their whole lives. You can definitely form your own opinion on what happens to all of the characters after the book ends. Overall, I loved the trilogy and would definitely recommend!!
Lost 1 star for me because of the “she’s always the hero” aspect to it. I understand that was kind of the whole point of the book, but it got old for me during this book.
Lost 1 star for me because of the “she’s always the hero” aspect to it. I understand that was kind of the whole point of the book, but it got old for me during this book.
November 1, 2024
What a phenomenal way to end this trilogy, I was on the edge of my seat excited, nervous and fired up the whole book lol! I def binged it all in one day, could not put it down. The paint scene with Ryland and Quinn will live rent free in my head for a while- those two brought the heat this time!! His love for her is so beautiful, I love them all though🥹 Perfect ending to an amazing series!!
November 16, 2024
I am so sad this series is ending but this was so good. I devoured it. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but oh so good. It still lives rent free in my head. It had the action, the spice, the chemistry. I literally kept swooning over Ryland so hard. I swear that man had me in a chokehold the more I read about him and how he was with Quinn. Definitely recommend.
February 5, 2025
Insurrection is book 3 in the Affliction Trilogy, and it nicely wrapped up the series. There was more romance, danger, and adventure. Quinn and Ryland had some spicy scenes, and Quinn managed to throw herself back into danger to keep things interesting. There was the perfect HEA for all the characters. It's a fun romance series that happens to have zombies. 5 stars!
January 21, 2026
a great ending to an awesome book series
I STILL love the the relationships between our group of six. We also got to see more beautiful relationships grow. The ending of the villain was perfect he got what he deserved. There was some moment that made me cry from either happiness or sadness. I found this to be the perfect ending for this series.
I STILL love the the relationships between our group of six. We also got to see more beautiful relationships grow. The ending of the villain was perfect he got what he deserved. There was some moment that made me cry from either happiness or sadness. I found this to be the perfect ending for this series.
April 11, 2021
Finished it within a day because I just couldn’t bring myself to put it down. I feel honoured to have been able to experience this triology again, and I absolutely cannot wait to inevitably pick it back up again in a few months time
November 6, 2024
This was a fantastic end to an amazing trilogy. I’m sad because I’m not ready for Quinn and Ryland’s story to be over, but i have no complaints with how it happened. I can’t wait for other people to read so we can discuss it!!
November 16, 2024
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Yes, I edited it and yes she's my bestie. But this is my favorite book of the series and that is wild to say because it used to be Sanctuary!
Read this series. Do not sleep on it.
Yes, I edited it and yes she's my bestie. But this is my favorite book of the series and that is wild to say because it used to be Sanctuary!
Read this series. Do not sleep on it.
November 16, 2024
Book three of Quinn and Ryland and it is even better than the first two. I love all the books of this series but Ryland in this one is over the top MMC all the way. Excellent read for this time of year! Or anytime really. Please read tws before starting.
November 26, 2024
Good read.
January 3, 2025
Goodbye my loves. You know you loved a series when you hold off reading it because you just aren’t ready to let go. I love these books.
March 6, 2025
Beautiful ending to a great trilogy! ❤️ 5 stars for this trilogy!
August 3, 2025
This was a good conclusion to this series, but I found myself a little bored at times. There was a lot happening in the last 30% and I'm happy with how (almost) everything ended.
October 6, 2025
Slightly ashamed I put it if off for so long but this was good. Definitely cried at a certain point towards the end
December 4, 2025
4.5✨ this trilogy was so good!! I loved the conclusion
I will definitely need to check out more from this author
I will definitely need to check out more from this author
January 1, 2026
such a good series. fell in love with the boys and girls.
April 28, 2025
I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END!! Books 1 and 2 were two of my favorite reads last year so I did put off reading book 3. But I'm so glad that I did because I had a great time reading it even if my heart rate was elevated so much of the time.
I need a man who follows me and is so in love with me as Ryland is with Quinn. Mans will literally follow her to the end of the earth even if he thinks it's a bad idea (and he does) <3
I need a man who follows me and is so in love with me as Ryland is with Quinn. Mans will literally follow her to the end of the earth even if he thinks it's a bad idea (and he does) <3
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews