Tearing Down the Wall

Survival #3

by Tracey Ward

A completed #1 Bestselling Series! The Colonists have attacked. Their ships blaze in the dark on the inky black waters of the Sound. They'll burn through the night, remnants of a battle lost. A battle won by the Vashons. This time. What will come with the morning light is still a mystery, especially to Joss and her Lost Boys. They're entering the sanctuary of a strange tribe, one shunned by the rest of the wild. One feared and hated for their complete loss of humanity and pure savagery. But they'll soon discover that things in Neverland are rarely as they seem. The world is changing, a war is brewing and as the fight they've started comes to a head, they'll be forced to decide. Do they want to survive? Or do they want to live? *Due to language and violence, this book is not recommended for readers under 16.

Genres: Zombies, Dystopia, Romance, Young Adult, Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

I was born in Oregon and studied English Literature at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) My husband and my son are my world.

The best way to keep up on my newest releases, giveaways, and sales is to follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey...

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 HEA Stars

Well, the series is over and I'm a bit sad to see it go. I would have liked to have found out who Cren's daughter was and what happened to Vin. Damn...I LOVE that boy!

I do have to say that this series definitely went by quickly and I didn't have one *yawning* moment.

An author I will absolutely be reading more of.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even care if I'm biased, this was my favorite book in the series to write. I'm sad to say goodbye to it...

[Tom Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add Jocelyn to the list of people I want with me when the zombie apocalypse comes! This series was so ridiculously awesome! It picks up 8 years after the equally awesome Quarantine series, with a new set of characters, and some new human threats alongside the zombies. Tracey Ward killed it with this series, continuing to build on the characters, and creating new challenges. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead or anything post-apocalyptic, you need to read this series.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 5/5 undeniable stars

Wow, this is the first time I gave 5 stars to the entire series; not The Hunger Games, not Divergent, and not even series from Jennifer L. Armentrout(If you know me well, you'll know that I'm seriously addicted to her books! Although in this case, there are still some books I dislike compared to others in the same series.). Actually, the Survival trilogy deserved so, so, so much more than just 5 stars.

LEAVE TOMORROW FOR THE COWARDS. TODAY YOU MUST BE FEARLESS.

Joss and Ryan's apocalyptic story continued, but they realized there were secrets either the Colonists or The Hive, the most powerful gang in the area, kept behind. In this book, there were many brutal, bloodthirsty, and gory fighting scenes of both humans and zombies. The author managed to capture the exact moment in between, combining the instant actions with strong emotions all at once.

One false move, just a little too much pressure on the wrong spot, and BAM! We'll remember you fondly. I'm sure you'll make a wonderful BBQ for your cannibal buddies to doggy bag home.

What I like about the story is the way the author put those hilarious banters into those seemingly hazardous situations when Joss and her friends companions dealt with serious problems, definitely lighting up all the protagonists' mood then. Well, at least it worked on me.

"Are you going to sleep with your knife on your hip?"
"I'd be stupid not to."
"Should I be worried I'll wake up with it in my gut the way I woke up to your elbow in my face?"

Moreover, I have no idea what it was for Joss with all the Peter Pan stuff. She seemed really into those fairytales a lot. No wonder she deemed herself as Tinkerbell, of course, not that pretty, seductive fairy, it was the one with broken wings, being caged in the dark corner by zombies and crawlers instead. Anyway, she was kind of cute in her metaphor and personification.

"That is precisely the point, yes," Elijah agrees.
"From what Andy heard in your meeting with Marlow---"
"Captain Hook," Trent corrects.
"Shush," I whisper to him, exasperated.
"Hey, it's your thing. I'm only trying to help."

Oh, I haven't mentioned how much I love the development in Joss and Ryan's relationship. Apparently, we can see that Joss was struggling with her own emotional management, not knowing how to express her true feelings and even worse, she kept pushing him away when she was totally stressed out. Honestly, I felt truly sorry and sympathetic for her poor social skills most of the time when it came to facing her thoughts. She'd let them gnaw at her heart, her mind but wouldn't make effort to vent her anger, desperation, or confess her love no matter how Crenshaw or Trent kept persuading her.

Win or lose, live or die, I'm with him all the way.

Luckily, she EVENTUALLY managed to overcome her all-time fear that everyone who was close to her would die because of zombies or became one, which prevented her from having emotions, and PLUCKED UP HER COURAGE TO "man up like a man and tell the guy he loves him. Yay! I was practically cheering crazily for her at that moment! The best and the worst part was that they DID share something longingly intimate but it ended before it started. Not many details and the author left much to the imagination, though. Not that I was complaining about their small warming-up, but I just need more of them!
All in all, I'm satisfied about the entire trilogy and everything happened to the characters were unforgettable. Perhaps I might like zombies a little more now. :) The review won't complete without my selected soundtracks and those are for Joss & Ryan:
R. City ft. Adam Levine-Lock Away: For how the two of them met and how they stayed with each other in the end.
A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera-Say Something, Roxette-Listen To Your Heart, and Demi Lovato-Heart by Heart: The moment Joss was finally able to be fearless and said those never-getting-tired-to-say three words to Ryan.
One Direction-They Don't Know About Us and Auburn-Perfect Two: To our favorite one true pairing in the post-apocalyptic world. They were meant for each other the moment they met. Joss/Jocelyn x Ryan Hyperion

Thanks to Mita, who recommended this fantastic series to me, it was an incredible reading experience for me.

Thanks to the author, Tracey Ward, who did an excellent job in creating awesome characters and what impressed me most was the way she tightly connected all of them from the beginning to the end. To put it differently, there were no more cliffhangers, no unanswered questions, no confusing spots. I tried to recall what happened to those characters from book 1 to the finale and I realized that the author did a great job to tie up all the loose ends. Much to my surprise, Tracey wrapped up everything perfectly; it was absolutely flawless. Well done! I genuinely hope you guys enjoy this series as much as I do. :D

P.S. Seriously, I think this trilogy needs a lot more people to appreciate the beautifully written story!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tearing down the walls, is not correct tearing out my heart is more like it.


I don't want this series to end, I don't want to say goodbye. I have come to love Joss, Ryan, Trent and even Vin.
This is the final installment in the series, the only way to be free is to fight the Colonies and free the people. When everyone turns Joss, Ryan and Trent away for the fight they find an unlikely ally.

War is coming and nothing is more worth fighting for than your freedom.

This book was freaking



Give Trent his own book.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in this the Survival series, and DANG it was just way too awesome.

It is time for the final battle, but first Cannibals time! The last one we still needed to meet. The one we heard so much about, mostly in hushed and scared tones. I am glad the author took her time to introduce us to the cannibals, and also told their story. How they became cannibals, why they live underground, and how the cannibalism works for them. I was quite surprised when we found out how they are cannibals, it was totally different from what I had expected (mostly thanks to the stories). I still don't approve of anyone eating anyone, especially not in a zombie apocalypse, but I have a bit more understanding for them.

I am happy that finally someone was willing to help our trio out. I was getting a bit disheartened by the rejection from the other groups.

Of course with the colonies going down we also meet Vin again. I was surprised at what happened while Joss was away, I keep forgetting that it took them very long to finally initiate the plans to free the colony. At those times it would be handy if there was still something like cellphones or computers. Now there was just no way to communicate and thus what we find when our group gets back to the colony was surprising.

The battle for the colonies, to defeat Westbrook for once and for all, was all very very exciting. I already couldn't stop reading but at those points I just noticed I really didn't want anything to disturb me while reading. It never felt rushed or hurried. Everything was carefully planned, everything was carefully done. Everyone had a purpose in this plan.

I am happy that the Vashons helped out. More Ali is always good in my book. I am glad that Sam finally told (even if it took way too long) our trio why he was protecting Ali (or I should say protecting her and everyone around her).

I know it wasn't appropriate but... when Ali just killed Westbrook I couldn't help but snort. Her comment and how casually she murdered the guy she hates so much was just a bit too hilarious for me.

I have to say my annoyance at Joss grew with this book. Don't get me wrong, she is a wonderful, kick-ass, zombies be damned girl, but she has some issues and I really wanted to shake her around and show her it isn't only about her. This is about a greater thing, this is for all of Seattle. Instead our girl keeps complaining and opening her mouth at any inappropriate moments when all she should do is follow the damned plan for once. Plus, while I can understand, this is really not to go on and on about guys trying to protect you. They know you can handle yourself, but they LOVE you, they care about you, they want to keep you safe. You should be happy that someone cares about you in this dead and doomed land.
She is so tactless as well. For instance, I could understand her point on the cannibals, but I was definitely unhappy how she opened her mouth while she was there. You need these people. You need every men and women to fight. You can't just dismiss them and be disgusted with them.
And my biggest OMG girllllll, moment was when Crenshaw died (:() and he had to be buried. Excuse me, he was your damned friend, he cared about you, you cared about him, you go pay him respects and don't act like a freaking 3 year old with a tantrum.

Trent knowing many things got a tiny bit on my nerves. Especially since he felt the need to rub that in with Joss. Guy, please. You were freaking 14 when the world ended, she was 8. I am glad that Joss stays herself and also states that she doesn't feel the need to learn why things are x way. Rain falls out of the sky for some scientific reason? Shrug. It gives me water, it gives life, she doesn't care how it happens as long as it happens. :P

The fact that Trent also found love made me squee in happiness (just like Joss). I knew from the moment he met Amber at the Colony, that he would come back for her. Though I hadn't expected such a wonderful and long kiss. Eep!

Ryan and Joss' relationship is still written pretty nicely. I have to mention this again, but I am happy that the author took her time. She didn't rush it. She let both characters get closer at a relaxed speed, showing the bumps and holes in the road, letting them discover their feelings. A big thumbs up to this. Thank you.

As with the previous books, we find out more about what happened to Joss in those first days, and my gosh, my heart just broke. It is no wonder she is broken, that she has such trust issues.

I am definitely happy with how the book ended, it was a sweet note to end it with. Plus everything that had to be resolved (the battle, the fights, getting freedom) is now resolved. Of course, there is always room for more books, but I think Joss and Ryan's story is over. They have fought their battles, found each other, found love, and they can retire now and enjoy their time together, of course still fighting the zombies (a never ending battle).

All in all, I would highly recommend this series to everyone. Be sure to also read Quarantined.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[|Stephanie| · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You need to choose whether or not you want to survive or you want to live."

Having seen this series recommended by one of my favorite authors, I was excited to see what it was about. From the very first chapter of book one I was hooked. Joss is the type of heroine I love; self-sufficient, strong, sarcastic but with a big heart. Even when she would be dealing with her own personal demons, she never let them get her down or to take away from the ultimate goal of saving those she loved. Watching her go from a loner to finally getting the family she always secretly craved was beautiful. Enter Ryan; there couldn't be a better match for her (Just as Trent said). He was the human side of the dark new world that showed her not all was lost. Their relationship was slow building but when it finally came to be all the trials & heartache was worth it. I adored them!

But probably my favorite person to sneak up on me was Trent. When you first meet him, you have no clue what to expect. His dry wit and endless knowledge added much needed comic relief. Some of my favorite scenes were between him & Joss. Their banter and arguments (usually Joss being the only one mad) was hilarious. His loyalty to not only Ryan but to Joss as well made me love him that much more.

The first two books in the series all leaded up to this final act and I couldn't have wanted it to end any differently. The unexpected allies, action and uncertainty of how it would all go kept me glued to my iPad. There were some heartbreaking moments but much happiness. My only complaint is I wish to have had an epilogue. To see how everyone is but I'm hoping her other series (which is supposed to be ten years in the future) will show my favorite characters. This series will be added to my favorites & I'll be sure to visit Joss, Ryan & Trent again. 5 Stars!

Reread 4/1/24

"Leave tomorrow for the cowards. Today you must be fearless."

My original review for TEARING DOWN THE WALL pretty much sums up how I still feel about this book and series, so I won't repeat myself. I will say I'm not sure why I never mentioned Vin, since he was one of my favorites. Yes, he was rough around the edges, untrustworthy (or so it seemed) and loves to push people's buttons but he also had a big heart that he tried hiding. I know he had his own spinoff series that I need to read but I don't think its complete which makes me sad. Hopefully Ms. Ward will get back to this world and give Vin the ending he deserves.

[Lari :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well yet another series I absolutely loved!

Thank you Jasmine for bringing it to my attention! :D :D :D :D

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating - 3.5

[seasalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

I have to be honest, I'm a bit disappointed with this book. The first two books were great, the book had me hooked the whole way. The characters were well developed, the storyline was stunning, It was action packed. But the last one, not so much. In this book, I think the characters were not fully developed.

Short review:
The writing: Well written. (4 stars)

The character: Like I said before, the characters were not fully developed.
・Joss: She is a tough girl, I know. She had been through a lot of pain, the people she cared were died, leave her alone. But I'm getting tired of her bullshit. She keeps pissing me off. Why? She was so rude to people. Every people. I know why she did that but it was too much, I'm done with her. (3 stars)
・Ryan: He was supposed to be Joss's rock. In the first two books, He was so oh lovely. He protected her, cared her. But in this book…I didn't find it. Where's the chemistry gone? Not feeling it in them. Maybe there was too much character development…so his portion was small? I don't know. (3 stars)
・Trent and Vin: I liked them, Trent especially. His character was very well developed. He turned to be a nice guy after all. (Trent 3,5 stars and Vin 3 stars)

The story and plot: What I loved the most about this book is the way that the author set the story up. Mrs. Ward waste no time getting the story started. It was well paced, action packed. Incredible story. (4 stars for the story and plot)

I want to say thank you to Mrs. Ward. I loved this series, a lot. Thanks for making these amazing books. One of my fave series. I will miss Joss and the lost boys for sure :")

[☆Joycedale☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won a paperback when its published, so excited, can't wait!

update:
This was definitely the best one in the series. There was a few surprises and some stuff I expected.
It picks up right where Backs leaves off so there's no missing time. I didn't expect that scence to go how it did.
Joss and Ryan are so good together and Trent is still just as badass as ever. What Vin has been up to is unbelievable. The Vashons show up where they're not expected.
I do love Joss and Trent's relationship. He seems to be her best friend and there's one scene well you know there's going to be change within them.
I mostly love the ending. I mean it is a ZA story so of course there is death.
I'm a little heartbroken to know Joss's story is over. No more Ryan and Vin either but Trent is getting a novella I hear. Which is awesome, he ended up being my favorite character.

[Jenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've finished this trilogy and the other series that takes place before this one, I'm sad it's all over. I will admit to not being sold on Joss in the first book but now that it's over we've come full circle and she ended up being one hell of a character. The zombie books by Ms. Ward are so awesome and this one was phenomenal. I really had a hard time putting it down. Based on the cliffhanger from book 2 I never imagined book 3 would go in the direction it did. Ms. Ward has such a way of bringing her characters to life...even the bad guys...and you can't help but be emotionally invested in them. Trent was the best sidekick in the world too! If you're a zombie fan with some romance thrown in go pick these up!

[Raquel]

Come home from work and the ebook ARC is waiting for me on my kindle. :) So excited!! Love this series!

[Natasha(Books are my sustenance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome-excellant-absolutely faultless ending to the series

[Heidi Frese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for a great series, and a perfect ending.

[Amanda R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the writer tried to put a bit too much into this final book but overall it was a satisfying ending to the series.

[Bridgette]

Really good

Enjoyed this book so much. It is completely different than any book I've ever read. The couples r world couples not the perfect couple romantic crap :)

[Sheila Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great ending to a fantastic series!!!! I will miss these characters soooo much!!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series focusing on Joss and Ryan; both were strong characters. There really was an entire cast of of wonderfully developed, flawed, human characters; I enjoyed and appreciated that everyone's morality was gray, as it should be. I found it refreshing that the cannibals weren't treated (by the author) as evil beings, just out for flesh; in this world the decisions they've made to survive make perfect sense and the majority of them became relatable. It was also very nice to see Jordan and Ali again, if unfulfilling.

As with the Quarantined series before it, I was incredibly disappointed with the ending; I needed more. For some strange reason, Ward seems to like to rush an ending. I get that we're supposed to see and be happy that the bad guy is dead and everyone is hopeful, Joss and Ryan are going to make a play for happiness, but it isn't enough in this type of book. These are stressful to read, a short resolution isn't acceptable; give us a little more time to wind down and "see" everyone/everything righted! I don't think it would've been asking too much to see Jordan, Beth and Ali reunited, since we didn't really get to to see them together at the end of their own series either. Why didn't Joss and Ryan warrant a prologue? Also, leaving Vin out of the end was a travesty. I understand that the Rising series is going to focus on him and Trent from the beginning, but we'd invested so much in his character and Joss cared a great deal about him - part of her story was his story - we can only hope that the Rising will get around to some closure for his present day situation.

I know I've done a lot of complaining, but this was an awesome story that deserved a better send off. Definitely recommend a read though, despite my bitching. One of my new favorite zombie apocalypse universes. I'm going to start Vin/Trent's story Gods of the Dead tonight.

[Aileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this trilogy! Once I read the first, I downloaded the two sequels immediately and got stuck in.
It’s a refreshing take on the zombie apocalypse genre, it’s based approximately 10 years after the outbreak so our main character Joss has faced those years since she was eight fighting to survive and doing it alone. She refers to herself as broken a lot, which infuriated me; this kid has spent the last 6 years completely alone apart from the odd interaction with a man she trades with. She’s not broken, she’s just adapted herself to her surroundings, to her environment and to her own comfort.
As much as I found it difficult to read that women were basically used as products and currency in this trilogy, it’s definitely a different take on anything I’ve read or watched. It makes it understandable on another level why Joss keeps herself hidden.

The love story wasn’t really something I was feeling. I like a read or movie where the heroine doesn’t need to fall in love to feel ‘complete’. However, it did help with her development. In saying that, being around other people helped with that too so yea, the love story wasn’t needed in my opinion.

Overall a great read. I got very attached to Crenshaw & would’ve liked to see how Vin turned out. Even a 6 months later epilogue would’ve put me at peace!

[Manz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was good! Joss was not.

For a girl who lived 6 years on her own, you would think she'd be smarter about when to shut her mouth. I think I went from really liking Joss in the first book because she was kick ass, to... really not because she just couldn't keep her mouth shut and kept making aggressive comments to everyone she didn't trust or like. It was like she could be stupid because Ryan and Trent was with her. I didn't really like that slip in her character.

Aside from that, the action was great, the intense moments were rightly balanced and the book kept me turning page after page. I wish there was more or another series on Trent and Amber, that would be super cute. I really like Trent - also really like Vin, but not sure if I should start her next series on these 2... not sure if it'd be repetitive.

[Emily Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ward really picks up her storytelling with Tearing Down the Wall, her third book in the Survival Series. Joss, Ryan and Trent finally learn more about what happened when they were younger and the fever ran rampant killing the world as they knew it. Each perspective is uniquely written, interesting and telling of each character's relationship with each other.

Set on freeing her friends left behind in the colony, Joss will stop at nothing to end the religious zealots. Finding allies in the most unlikely of places, Joss, Ryan and Trent work together to free those enslaved to the post apocalyptic world.

Ward brings back a few characters from previous novels. However, this can still be read as a series without having read Quarantined. It's definitely great to see what's happened since Quarantined ended and how everyone managed to live after the cure failed.

[Sewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great series! I did find Joss to be a little on the annoying side at times. She seems to get progressively more out of control emotionally through the books. I get that’s she’s 17 and has zero people skills, but sometimes it killed me.

The side characters are great. I love love love Vin and Trent.

Through the books the characters travel to all the major people groups mentioned and you get to experience the world, which was fun.

The books are well-written and short and action-packed. A really great KU read.

My only major criticism is that it was all wrapped up too quickly. We needed an epilogue to wrap up the loose ends with Crenshaw’s daughter and Joss’s awkwardness with Vin (ended on a bad note). I would have loved to see a snapshot of their lives a few months after the events of the books.

[Sleepless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting conclusion to an amazing series!

All hell breaks lose as Joss, Ryan and Trent navigate the depths of human depravity! Whether Colonialists, the Hive of sex traffickers, the Cannibals (enough said) or the ever present "risen" (think zombies)!
The revolution is On! Alliances form, but it's difficult to sort the "good" from the bad! No one comes through with clean hands. The dice are rolled and evil begets evil. Love and death and freedom dawn on the new reality of survival!
Happy ending? Maybe someday! Still, a new beginning!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tearing down the walls, is not correct tearing out my heart is more like it.
I don't want this series to end, I don't want to say goodbye. I have come to love Joss, Ryan, Trent and even Vin.
This is the final installment in the series, the only way to be free is to fight the Colonies and free the people. When everyone turns Joss, Ryan and Trent away for the fight they find an unlikely ally.
War is coming and nothing is more worth fighting for than your freedom.

This book was freaking awesome.

Give Trent his own book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers the conclusion to the trilogy, which wrapped up the story very well. Much of the events were surprising to me, in a good way. We get to know some of the characters more deeply. I did feel like some of the description of Joss's feelings for Ryan felt over the top...but it made sense to be that way too, considering the intensity of their situation. This wasn't my favorite book by Ward or in this series, but I still really enjoyed it and thought it provided a great ending to the story.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the Survival Series wraps up this trilogy with the reader thinking about the big grey area that is out there in the world. What would you do to protect your family? What choices would you make when the majority is choosing differently? The point is that you never know until you have to make that decision, you are up against the wall and you have the live with the consequences. Highly recommend this series to any ya dystopian fan.

[Elaine M Bak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I love how the two stories about Ali and Jordan and Joss and Ryan merge. These characters- especially in this series - came to life for me during Joss’ stories. Joss is so very accurate to character. I love how she thinks and talks and how she’s just trying to figure the world out. I love the dynamics with Ryan, Trent, Crenshaw, and Vin. Great ending to these two stories!

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series despite some of the frustrating/annoying components of Joss' choices and personality. I think this story would have been a little better if Joss and Ryan were both a couple years older vs. being 17. The best part of this series are the side characters and the banter with all of them. The banter is top notch and makes this series worth reading all by itself. And you will fall in love with Vin and Trent. That is all.

[Angie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Totally enjoyed the series. I had read other books by Tracy Ward and decided to try more. I have yet to be disappointed.

The zombies, gangs, and of course the controllers all put together to create an interesting story of an apocalypse.

I'm in to find more. Thank you Tracy.