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The Doomsday Kids #2
Nester's Mistake
The Doomsday Kids series continues with Nester’s Mistake.
It’s a “shoot first, ask questions later” world after the apocalypse. After a perilous escape from the wreckage of their Washington, DC suburb in book one, Liam’s Promise, the surviving kids reach their destination, a mountain safe house, only to find their troubles have just begun. There are no adults and the kids are still all alone. Fifteen-year- old Nester, whose good grades and smarts had him on the fast-track to success in the world before the bombs, has no skills for his new life: tending animals, maintaining fires and defending their mountain cabin against intruders. Threats bombard them: from the weather, from escaped prisoners from a nearby correctional facility and from their own grief over their losses. Inexperienced with firearms and conflicted about killing people, Nester struggles with whether there’s a place for compassion in a world without laws or authority. Then, as nuclear winter sweeps over their mountain home killing crops and animals, a medical emergency threatens one of their number. Nester must make a desperate choice that shatters their little community and irrevocably alters their chances for survival.
Nester’s Mistake is book two of six in The Doomsday Kids series. A summary of Book 1, Liam’s Promise is included as a Foreword.
It’s a “shoot first, ask questions later” world after the apocalypse. After a perilous escape from the wreckage of their Washington, DC suburb in book one, Liam’s Promise, the surviving kids reach their destination, a mountain safe house, only to find their troubles have just begun. There are no adults and the kids are still all alone. Fifteen-year- old Nester, whose good grades and smarts had him on the fast-track to success in the world before the bombs, has no skills for his new life: tending animals, maintaining fires and defending their mountain cabin against intruders. Threats bombard them: from the weather, from escaped prisoners from a nearby correctional facility and from their own grief over their losses. Inexperienced with firearms and conflicted about killing people, Nester struggles with whether there’s a place for compassion in a world without laws or authority. Then, as nuclear winter sweeps over their mountain home killing crops and animals, a medical emergency threatens one of their number. Nester must make a desperate choice that shatters their little community and irrevocably alters their chances for survival.
Nester’s Mistake is book two of six in The Doomsday Kids series. A summary of Book 1, Liam’s Promise is included as a Foreword.
230 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2014
About the author
Karyn Langhorne Folan
26 books94 followersKaryn Langhorne Folan graduated from Harvard Law School and after practicing and teaching law for several years, decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. She is the author of twenty-one books and counting, including three young adult titles for the popular Bluford High series, four romance novels, several works of nonfiction. She has also been the ghostwriter for personalities in the entertainment and music industries. She is married and has two daughters.
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September 6, 2015
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Where Karyn Langhorne Folan took book one of this series slammed my fingers in the door when it ended, leaving me shocked and in pain, book two, Nester’s Mistake took that door and yanked it right back open, my fingers throbbing. Three words and I was back into the world of the Doomsday Kids, and trust me, they hurt. Ouch. Talk about a powerful and dramatic statement.
A group of teens have survived the apocalypse and reached the safe haven promised to be there, but what they find is far from safe as a brother/sister tag team seek to defend the property of a man now missing. Liam is out of commission and slowly the kids look to the resident geek, Nester for help, guidance and the answers they are sure he has. How much is too much responsibility for the brilliant, young and privileged teen, so far out of his comfort zone that it no longer registers on a map? Nester has made mistakes, he isn’t a good communicator, but he knows he may be all that stands between life and death, sanity and fear-induced anarchy as Liam’s life hangs in the balance from his wounds. Sometimes resentful, haunted by the ghost of the brother he failed, Nester battles inner turmoil and the same paralyzing fear of the unknown as everyone else. A new Nester must emerge, with a newly shaved head and his broken glasses, he must atone for the mistakes he keeps making, particularly one he will regret for the rest of his life. Will he able to outwit and outlast invaders? Can he kill if necessary? Brutality is the new way of life and only the strong will survive, what price will he be willing to pay to keep his new “family” safe? Will he go against Liam’s wishes? Can he watch more of their group die from radiation poison? More importantly, can he forgive himself for being a flawed human, in over his head?
Are you a survival against all odds kind of person? Karyn Langhorne Folan’s world is desolate, bleak and only the camaraderie and combined efforts of these teens will keep them alive. How much do you know about firearms? Few of these kids knew much, but they have grown, changed and toughened up, while still desiring a world where trust can be given freely and it is no longer a dog eat dog world. As Ms. Folan’s series unfolds, the depth to which she goes to create each scene, feels real enough to cringe. Her characters jump off the pages, these are teens, asked to go beyond their last straw and they push the limits to become heroes in their own right, especially the once standoffish Nester. His personal growth and the trip through his thoughts and heart are a journey to be remembered. If you’re an apocalypse junkie, who gets wrapped up in the “what-ifs” from the safety of your armchair, hang on tight, this ride is emotional, daring and proof that youth can rise to the challenge when one least expects it! Once again, youth tests it mettle against the odds in a fight for survival.
I received this copy from Karyn Langhorne Folan in exchange for my honest review. Honestly, hang on to your hat, your heart and don't forget your breathing mask, there's no fluff in this series!
Series: Doomsday Kids - Book 2
Publication Date: September 8, 2014
Publisher: K Squared Books
Genre: YA Post-Apocalyptic
Print Length: 236 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Click on Banner to Enter! Open to US/Canada only!
Where Karyn Langhorne Folan took book one of this series slammed my fingers in the door when it ended, leaving me shocked and in pain, book two, Nester’s Mistake took that door and yanked it right back open, my fingers throbbing. Three words and I was back into the world of the Doomsday Kids, and trust me, they hurt. Ouch. Talk about a powerful and dramatic statement.
A group of teens have survived the apocalypse and reached the safe haven promised to be there, but what they find is far from safe as a brother/sister tag team seek to defend the property of a man now missing. Liam is out of commission and slowly the kids look to the resident geek, Nester for help, guidance and the answers they are sure he has. How much is too much responsibility for the brilliant, young and privileged teen, so far out of his comfort zone that it no longer registers on a map? Nester has made mistakes, he isn’t a good communicator, but he knows he may be all that stands between life and death, sanity and fear-induced anarchy as Liam’s life hangs in the balance from his wounds. Sometimes resentful, haunted by the ghost of the brother he failed, Nester battles inner turmoil and the same paralyzing fear of the unknown as everyone else. A new Nester must emerge, with a newly shaved head and his broken glasses, he must atone for the mistakes he keeps making, particularly one he will regret for the rest of his life. Will he able to outwit and outlast invaders? Can he kill if necessary? Brutality is the new way of life and only the strong will survive, what price will he be willing to pay to keep his new “family” safe? Will he go against Liam’s wishes? Can he watch more of their group die from radiation poison? More importantly, can he forgive himself for being a flawed human, in over his head?
Are you a survival against all odds kind of person? Karyn Langhorne Folan’s world is desolate, bleak and only the camaraderie and combined efforts of these teens will keep them alive. How much do you know about firearms? Few of these kids knew much, but they have grown, changed and toughened up, while still desiring a world where trust can be given freely and it is no longer a dog eat dog world. As Ms. Folan’s series unfolds, the depth to which she goes to create each scene, feels real enough to cringe. Her characters jump off the pages, these are teens, asked to go beyond their last straw and they push the limits to become heroes in their own right, especially the once standoffish Nester. His personal growth and the trip through his thoughts and heart are a journey to be remembered. If you’re an apocalypse junkie, who gets wrapped up in the “what-ifs” from the safety of your armchair, hang on tight, this ride is emotional, daring and proof that youth can rise to the challenge when one least expects it! Once again, youth tests it mettle against the odds in a fight for survival.
I received this copy from Karyn Langhorne Folan in exchange for my honest review. Honestly, hang on to your hat, your heart and don't forget your breathing mask, there's no fluff in this series!
Series: Doomsday Kids - Book 2
Publication Date: September 8, 2014
Publisher: K Squared Books
Genre: YA Post-Apocalyptic
Print Length: 236 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
August 13, 2015
Nester’s Mistake continues the tale of a small group of kids, mostly teens, who are struggling to survive a nuclear attack. Nester is perhaps the one who is most challenged by their circumstances and, yet, the most able to cope besides Liam, who grew up with a survivalist father.
Nester’s test comes largely from the fact that he is unprepared on all fronts to survive a disaster but his strength lies in his book smarts and in his ability to rise above his insecurities and do what has to be done. He is now, by default, the leader of the group as Liam has been grievously wounded and the others look to Nester to make decisions and do the heavy lifting, so to speak. Among other things, Nester has to keep the peace between the original group and its latest additions, Katie and Marty, but his real trial is his guilt over the death of his younger brother, Nate, who is now spending a lot of time in Nester’s head.
Liam’s condition deteriorates and, determined not to let another of their group die, after Nate and Lilly, some of them stay behind to guard the cabin while Nester, Amaranth and Katie head out in the snow to get help from a neighboring veterinarian. What they find will present a test of their collective courage beyond what they could have imagined.
As in the first book, Liam’s Promise, character and plot are both real strengths in this story which takes place just 18 days after the bombs fell. Ms. Folan never slights the horrific conditions that would follow a nuclear disaster down to the details of how children would feel and react when left to their own devices and the fear and anger as well as the protective care for others that quickly develop. Each of these kids have something to offer the group and they soon learn to rely on each other and, unfortunately, to fear the rest of the world. The Doomsday Kids are, indeed, faced with horrors and regrets and anger and deep, deep sadness. Ms. Folan sugarcoats nothing.
As for the kids themselves, every single one is sympathetic in spite of their shortcomings. Amaranth contends poorly with her past while Rod and Amy, who used to be a power couple, looking down on such “losers” as Nester and Liam, prove themselves to have a depth of character no one would have anticipated. Newcomers Katie and Marty are a pair to be reckoned with and have begun to prove their worth to the rest of the group. Taken alone, none of these kids would have fared well, with the possible exception of Liam who’s had survivalist training, but they shine as a group, warts and all.
The only real quibble I have is with the cover. It really doesn’t fit since so much is made of the fact that Nester wears glasses and actually does need them.
TEOTWAWKI—the end of the world as we know it—has come and now the Doomsday Kids must find it in themselves to not only survive but survive with their humanity intact. What will happen next depends largely on how they’ll cope with a split in their number and the need to consider a very long trek to an uncertain safety. I’m already eagerly awaiting the third chapter, Amaranth Returns, due out in December.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2014.
Nester’s test comes largely from the fact that he is unprepared on all fronts to survive a disaster but his strength lies in his book smarts and in his ability to rise above his insecurities and do what has to be done. He is now, by default, the leader of the group as Liam has been grievously wounded and the others look to Nester to make decisions and do the heavy lifting, so to speak. Among other things, Nester has to keep the peace between the original group and its latest additions, Katie and Marty, but his real trial is his guilt over the death of his younger brother, Nate, who is now spending a lot of time in Nester’s head.
Liam’s condition deteriorates and, determined not to let another of their group die, after Nate and Lilly, some of them stay behind to guard the cabin while Nester, Amaranth and Katie head out in the snow to get help from a neighboring veterinarian. What they find will present a test of their collective courage beyond what they could have imagined.
As in the first book, Liam’s Promise, character and plot are both real strengths in this story which takes place just 18 days after the bombs fell. Ms. Folan never slights the horrific conditions that would follow a nuclear disaster down to the details of how children would feel and react when left to their own devices and the fear and anger as well as the protective care for others that quickly develop. Each of these kids have something to offer the group and they soon learn to rely on each other and, unfortunately, to fear the rest of the world. The Doomsday Kids are, indeed, faced with horrors and regrets and anger and deep, deep sadness. Ms. Folan sugarcoats nothing.
As for the kids themselves, every single one is sympathetic in spite of their shortcomings. Amaranth contends poorly with her past while Rod and Amy, who used to be a power couple, looking down on such “losers” as Nester and Liam, prove themselves to have a depth of character no one would have anticipated. Newcomers Katie and Marty are a pair to be reckoned with and have begun to prove their worth to the rest of the group. Taken alone, none of these kids would have fared well, with the possible exception of Liam who’s had survivalist training, but they shine as a group, warts and all.
The only real quibble I have is with the cover. It really doesn’t fit since so much is made of the fact that Nester wears glasses and actually does need them.
TEOTWAWKI—the end of the world as we know it—has come and now the Doomsday Kids must find it in themselves to not only survive but survive with their humanity intact. What will happen next depends largely on how they’ll cope with a split in their number and the need to consider a very long trek to an uncertain safety. I’m already eagerly awaiting the third chapter, Amaranth Returns, due out in December.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2014.
September 15, 2015
Nester’s Mistake is book 2 in The Doomsday Kids series. It’s a good idea to read book 1 Liam’s Promise to fully comprehend what the children have been through to reach the Mountain Place.
I loved how Liam’s character evolved in the first book. Remembering his father’s survival lessons and leading the group. Now with Liam too ill to help its Nester’s turn to pick up the lead and show that he can do much more than he would ever believe.
”They wanted me to do magic and make Liam all better – and I’m not magic. I’m just plain old Nester Bartlett, a fifteen-year-old dork with a big brain and bad eyes.”
I really felt the anxiety as the group battled one problem after another. There was a lot of quarrelling and fighting but the group always came around to supporting each other.
Fast paced with non stop action and a smattering of humour, delivered by Nate’s ghost, amongst the angst. I found it hard to put this book down.
It’s a wonderful idea to continue the story from a different character’s POV and as the series continues the reader will obtain more insight into each of the characters.
Looking forward to Doomsday Kids #3 Amaranth Returns!
I loved how Liam’s character evolved in the first book. Remembering his father’s survival lessons and leading the group. Now with Liam too ill to help its Nester’s turn to pick up the lead and show that he can do much more than he would ever believe.
”They wanted me to do magic and make Liam all better – and I’m not magic. I’m just plain old Nester Bartlett, a fifteen-year-old dork with a big brain and bad eyes.”
I really felt the anxiety as the group battled one problem after another. There was a lot of quarrelling and fighting but the group always came around to supporting each other.
Fast paced with non stop action and a smattering of humour, delivered by Nate’s ghost, amongst the angst. I found it hard to put this book down.
It’s a wonderful idea to continue the story from a different character’s POV and as the series continues the reader will obtain more insight into each of the characters.
Looking forward to Doomsday Kids #3 Amaranth Returns!
September 14, 2014
I was kindly provided with a copy in exchange for an honest review by Karyn Langhorne Folan
I was really looking forward to this book!, Liam's Promise, the first instalment in this exciting series was an great read and it started with a bang, literally, Washington DC is taken out by a nuke and the world goes to hell.
Our young characters had one heck of a culture shock going from a world of things they take for granted such as food and hygiene as well as being able to call up everything they need on the Internet.
They escape from the city heading towards a promised safe haven but their route was fraught with danger but at the end of Liam's Promise they made it to the safe haven of Liam's fathers cabin but they didn't find the welcome they were expecting.
Nester's Mistake takes off straight away, the group finally get in to the cabin but have they all made it? Regardless they are in a bad shape, Liam is in a bad way and a couple of the others are showing signs of radiation poisoning, after travelling all this way has it all been in vain?
The newcomers in the cabin are Katie and Marty, needless to say being a group of young people they are all really suspicious of one another but they eventually start to work together but as the snow starts falling the group realises they are going to be there for a while, they relax a little with one of them taking the word a little too literally.
Nester as the healthiest out of the lot of them is pretty much group leader but he is having is own problems, his late brother Nate is appearing to him ,taunting him, he feels he is slowly going mad.
As this book progresses you begin to see that even though the explosions in D.C. only happened a short time ago these kids have adapted so quickly to their new environment and the harsh realities that it brings, its a dog eat dog world and the discovery of others in their small part of the world leads to some unpleasant scenes.
Teenagers at the end of the world is by no means a new idea but what I love about this series is it feels real, it is so nice to have a mixed bag of kids, for example the boys are are not all the stereotypical white muscly jock, and in this books case, the jock is in a very bad way.
Nester's Mistake is a great read, I actually enjoyed it more than the first one and I really enjoyed it, the teenagers act like teenagers, they are bolshy, grumpy, scared and totally less spoilt and high maintenance than before the bomb dropped.
Karyn has done a fantastic job creating the world around them and the isolated cabin was a perfect setting for putting these kids right out of their comfort zones.
This is a great series and if you like any sort of dystopia / apocalyptic books then this will be perfect for you.
Nester's Mistake is awarded 5 out 5
I was really looking forward to this book!, Liam's Promise, the first instalment in this exciting series was an great read and it started with a bang, literally, Washington DC is taken out by a nuke and the world goes to hell.
Our young characters had one heck of a culture shock going from a world of things they take for granted such as food and hygiene as well as being able to call up everything they need on the Internet.
They escape from the city heading towards a promised safe haven but their route was fraught with danger but at the end of Liam's Promise they made it to the safe haven of Liam's fathers cabin but they didn't find the welcome they were expecting.
Nester's Mistake takes off straight away, the group finally get in to the cabin but have they all made it? Regardless they are in a bad shape, Liam is in a bad way and a couple of the others are showing signs of radiation poisoning, after travelling all this way has it all been in vain?
The newcomers in the cabin are Katie and Marty, needless to say being a group of young people they are all really suspicious of one another but they eventually start to work together but as the snow starts falling the group realises they are going to be there for a while, they relax a little with one of them taking the word a little too literally.
Nester as the healthiest out of the lot of them is pretty much group leader but he is having is own problems, his late brother Nate is appearing to him ,taunting him, he feels he is slowly going mad.
As this book progresses you begin to see that even though the explosions in D.C. only happened a short time ago these kids have adapted so quickly to their new environment and the harsh realities that it brings, its a dog eat dog world and the discovery of others in their small part of the world leads to some unpleasant scenes.
Teenagers at the end of the world is by no means a new idea but what I love about this series is it feels real, it is so nice to have a mixed bag of kids, for example the boys are are not all the stereotypical white muscly jock, and in this books case, the jock is in a very bad way.
Nester's Mistake is a great read, I actually enjoyed it more than the first one and I really enjoyed it, the teenagers act like teenagers, they are bolshy, grumpy, scared and totally less spoilt and high maintenance than before the bomb dropped.
Karyn has done a fantastic job creating the world around them and the isolated cabin was a perfect setting for putting these kids right out of their comfort zones.
This is a great series and if you like any sort of dystopia / apocalyptic books then this will be perfect for you.
Nester's Mistake is awarded 5 out 5
September 4, 2014
ARC given for honest review.
The second book in The Doomsday Kids series, 'Nester's Mistake', picks up where the first book left off. The group of young people had finally reached safety - but in this desolate new world, can any place be safe?
Wow, this was good! I have long been a fan of apocalyptic, dystopian, TEOTWAWKI fiction. There is some great YA novels that fall under this subject, and even more that is pure dreck. I'm happy to say that 'Nester's Mistake' is definitely in the first category. The characters, their struggles, their emotions -everything felt real and true. The author astutely avoids some of the pitfalls of other, similar, YA books. Her characters make hard, devastating decisions regarding their own survival, yet still show signs of being teens adrift in a horribly changed world, without the support of adults.
Now, my teen years are long behind me, and admittedly when I start a YA novel where more attention is paid to a romance or high school rivalries than whatever apocalyptic event is happening I roll my eyes and set that book aside. Thankfully, Karyn Folan concentrates more on the survival aspects, and in my opinion that's what makes this series great.
The second book in The Doomsday Kids series, 'Nester's Mistake', picks up where the first book left off. The group of young people had finally reached safety - but in this desolate new world, can any place be safe?
Wow, this was good! I have long been a fan of apocalyptic, dystopian, TEOTWAWKI fiction. There is some great YA novels that fall under this subject, and even more that is pure dreck. I'm happy to say that 'Nester's Mistake' is definitely in the first category. The characters, their struggles, their emotions -everything felt real and true. The author astutely avoids some of the pitfalls of other, similar, YA books. Her characters make hard, devastating decisions regarding their own survival, yet still show signs of being teens adrift in a horribly changed world, without the support of adults.
Now, my teen years are long behind me, and admittedly when I start a YA novel where more attention is paid to a romance or high school rivalries than whatever apocalyptic event is happening I roll my eyes and set that book aside. Thankfully, Karyn Folan concentrates more on the survival aspects, and in my opinion that's what makes this series great.
September 10, 2014
i think this book started out a bit slow- but i mean there really isn't a way for it to start off any other way. the kids are getting used to the new environment and the reality is, there can't be non stop action. i like that all the books come from a different point of view! it was cool to see nester's view on everything.
half way through the book it really picked up. i made a mental note if i ever started doomsday prepping, to get medical books that are from the early 1800s! i am thankful at times the author got their point across as to what gruesome/ gross/ icky thing was happening but didn't dwell too far into the details. just enough to picture what was happening but not get too carried away.
im excited for the next book, i really can't wait to hear about what happens from the page description i read!
half way through the book it really picked up. i made a mental note if i ever started doomsday prepping, to get medical books that are from the early 1800s! i am thankful at times the author got their point across as to what gruesome/ gross/ icky thing was happening but didn't dwell too far into the details. just enough to picture what was happening but not get too carried away.
im excited for the next book, i really can't wait to hear about what happens from the page description i read!
January 5, 2015
4 stars
A big thank you to the author for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Liam’s Promise, but unfortunately could not find the same enthusiasm for the second book. Nothing really happens in the first eighty pages until a man stumbles in the barn while Amaranth is on watch. Liam’s foot develops an infection and Nester goes out to search for antibiotics and meets with a crazy woman and her dogs. Relatively, the second book is slow. It is well written, albeit a few mistakes (watch out for that’s, which is a contraction of that is) and a few edit errors. All the dialogue is well in character.
The novel is definitely about Nester’s growth from a weak, laid-back character to stand up on his own. As he drags Liam on the makeshift stretcher, we see him forging on, his will strengthened. He even misses seeing Nate’s ghost instead of being spooked. And his sense of guilt and inner conflict? Not founded. Amaranth came on him after all. Not his fault. I wasn’t too sure what his mistake was. Was it with Amaranth? Nester’s failure to shoot a sick man? And shooting children in the end? Having a conscience in an apocalyptic world is something hard to come by, I'd think. Nester comes by as a very likeable character. Rod is dying, Liam too, so Nester is the only ‘healthy’ male around and tries hard to do his bit around the place. What I really missed was the little comments from Liam(the crowd parted like Moses parted the sea): Self-deprecating humour. I know survival is a harsh reality. Nester’s thoughts are all very serious, regretting the past and of Nate’s ghost. I would have liked to see how the kids make their own entertainment or even throw some jokes around. Rod cracks some jokes even though he’s on the brink of death. But I guess with Liam’s fever, it’s hard to maintain a light mood.
What I found annoying was the constant bickering, especially Amaranth and her drinking with Katie, with Amy. The Mountain Place is supposed to be a safe place, so without the constant external conflicts (e.g a threat brought by convict), the conflict is mostly between the teens. The place belongs to Liam’s father but there’s no one to make decisions.
Realistic world-building -The descriptions are quite graphic of sores, the animal dying or eggs turning green and Liam’s leg with gangrene. Makes us think how many things we take for granted. How important keeping wounds clean is when people didn’t have antibiotics or cures. With the animals gone for good, food in the winter is in short supply. Sooner or later, they will have to leave. If the animals are affected, no denying the contaminated air flows through walls too.
I will definitely follow the Doomsday kids though to read about Amaranth, a character whom I found frustrating, annoying, bitchy and completely self-centered so far. No sympathy for her, as much as I tried to. I couldn’t find her likeable even if I tried to. The silver lining is reading the author’s prose –for sure it will keep the suspense and conflict up in the next story and be a challenge to make Amaranth sympathetic.
Can’t wait for the next one in the series…
A big thank you to the author for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Liam’s Promise, but unfortunately could not find the same enthusiasm for the second book. Nothing really happens in the first eighty pages until a man stumbles in the barn while Amaranth is on watch. Liam’s foot develops an infection and Nester goes out to search for antibiotics and meets with a crazy woman and her dogs. Relatively, the second book is slow. It is well written, albeit a few mistakes (watch out for that’s, which is a contraction of that is) and a few edit errors. All the dialogue is well in character.
The novel is definitely about Nester’s growth from a weak, laid-back character to stand up on his own. As he drags Liam on the makeshift stretcher, we see him forging on, his will strengthened. He even misses seeing Nate’s ghost instead of being spooked. And his sense of guilt and inner conflict? Not founded. Amaranth came on him after all. Not his fault. I wasn’t too sure what his mistake was. Was it with Amaranth? Nester’s failure to shoot a sick man? And shooting children in the end? Having a conscience in an apocalyptic world is something hard to come by, I'd think. Nester comes by as a very likeable character. Rod is dying, Liam too, so Nester is the only ‘healthy’ male around and tries hard to do his bit around the place. What I really missed was the little comments from Liam(the crowd parted like Moses parted the sea): Self-deprecating humour. I know survival is a harsh reality. Nester’s thoughts are all very serious, regretting the past and of Nate’s ghost. I would have liked to see how the kids make their own entertainment or even throw some jokes around. Rod cracks some jokes even though he’s on the brink of death. But I guess with Liam’s fever, it’s hard to maintain a light mood.
What I found annoying was the constant bickering, especially Amaranth and her drinking with Katie, with Amy. The Mountain Place is supposed to be a safe place, so without the constant external conflicts (e.g a threat brought by convict), the conflict is mostly between the teens. The place belongs to Liam’s father but there’s no one to make decisions.
Realistic world-building -The descriptions are quite graphic of sores, the animal dying or eggs turning green and Liam’s leg with gangrene. Makes us think how many things we take for granted. How important keeping wounds clean is when people didn’t have antibiotics or cures. With the animals gone for good, food in the winter is in short supply. Sooner or later, they will have to leave. If the animals are affected, no denying the contaminated air flows through walls too.
I will definitely follow the Doomsday kids though to read about Amaranth, a character whom I found frustrating, annoying, bitchy and completely self-centered so far. No sympathy for her, as much as I tried to. I couldn’t find her likeable even if I tried to. The silver lining is reading the author’s prose –for sure it will keep the suspense and conflict up in the next story and be a challenge to make Amaranth sympathetic.
Can’t wait for the next one in the series…
September 4, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/09/04...
Publisher: K Squared
Publishing Date: September 1, 2014
ISBN: 9780692261034
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.2/5
Publisher Description: Inexperienced with firearms and conflicted about killing people, Nester struggles with whether there’s a place for compassion in a world without laws or authority. Then, as nuclear winter sweeps over their mountain home killing crops and animals, a medical emergency threatens one of their number. Nester must make a desperate choice that shatters their little community and irrevocably alters their chances for survival.
Review: I guess that’s Nester on the cover. In the novel he supposedly is bald with broken glasses and looks like a blind naked mole rat.
All or most of the Doomsday kids have arrived at the promised land….Liam’s cabin in the mountains, where life quickly devolves into the Lord of the Flies. There is a constant inter-play of petty jealousy and angst ridden recriminations that thread through daily challenges. Kids and animals are dying of radiation poisoning and live under constant threat from outsiders. The author does a great job creating this myopic world of malaise where constant fear drives the juvenile mind in all sorts of directions.
Back in the 60-70’s I grew up with an M.D. as a father whom was way before his time in terms of being a prepper. Reloading room, organic garden, medical supplies etc. In the landscape of TEOTWAWKI guns and ammo are rare commodities with ammo worth its weight in gold. In order to give a post-apocalyptic novel some credibility, writers have to infuse a knowledgeable sense of firearms/calibers and their use. Like the first novel, this one was pretty thin in that area. Shotgun blasts don’t “zing” off metal and young kids like Amy are not shooting champions especially without any specifics given. Other critical details like; what are the bullets in the bandoliers?, what are the guns?, what are the calibers? I am sure Liam’s dad taught Katie and Marty something?? These details help to build a credible story-line and were sadly non-existent.
When the reader cares enough about a novel to read any subsequent novels in the series, I think the author should spend the time getting every facet correct, as this shows that they care for their works as well. This novel really needed a good editor as there were quite a few grammatical errors.
The great thing about TEOTWAWKI is that no one really knows what will happen to society after a myriad of events that could occur. That leaves this particular genre wide open in terms of creative license. As long as the writing is good (which it was) you can take this story line/plot anywhere. There will always be someone who disagrees with future outcomes and that’s ok as long as the story line maintains a credible foundation. I initially scored this pretty high but the grammatical errors and weak firearm portions brought it down.
Publisher: K Squared
Publishing Date: September 1, 2014
ISBN: 9780692261034
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.2/5
Publisher Description: Inexperienced with firearms and conflicted about killing people, Nester struggles with whether there’s a place for compassion in a world without laws or authority. Then, as nuclear winter sweeps over their mountain home killing crops and animals, a medical emergency threatens one of their number. Nester must make a desperate choice that shatters their little community and irrevocably alters their chances for survival.
Review: I guess that’s Nester on the cover. In the novel he supposedly is bald with broken glasses and looks like a blind naked mole rat.
All or most of the Doomsday kids have arrived at the promised land….Liam’s cabin in the mountains, where life quickly devolves into the Lord of the Flies. There is a constant inter-play of petty jealousy and angst ridden recriminations that thread through daily challenges. Kids and animals are dying of radiation poisoning and live under constant threat from outsiders. The author does a great job creating this myopic world of malaise where constant fear drives the juvenile mind in all sorts of directions.
Back in the 60-70’s I grew up with an M.D. as a father whom was way before his time in terms of being a prepper. Reloading room, organic garden, medical supplies etc. In the landscape of TEOTWAWKI guns and ammo are rare commodities with ammo worth its weight in gold. In order to give a post-apocalyptic novel some credibility, writers have to infuse a knowledgeable sense of firearms/calibers and their use. Like the first novel, this one was pretty thin in that area. Shotgun blasts don’t “zing” off metal and young kids like Amy are not shooting champions especially without any specifics given. Other critical details like; what are the bullets in the bandoliers?, what are the guns?, what are the calibers? I am sure Liam’s dad taught Katie and Marty something?? These details help to build a credible story-line and were sadly non-existent.
When the reader cares enough about a novel to read any subsequent novels in the series, I think the author should spend the time getting every facet correct, as this shows that they care for their works as well. This novel really needed a good editor as there were quite a few grammatical errors.
The great thing about TEOTWAWKI is that no one really knows what will happen to society after a myriad of events that could occur. That leaves this particular genre wide open in terms of creative license. As long as the writing is good (which it was) you can take this story line/plot anywhere. There will always be someone who disagrees with future outcomes and that’s ok as long as the story line maintains a credible foundation. I initially scored this pretty high but the grammatical errors and weak firearm portions brought it down.
Read
October 17, 2014Nester’s Mistake starts off exactly where Liam’s Promise left off. The kids have reached the Mountain Place. The thing is, Liam’s dad isn’t there and Lilly is dead. There are also two strangers living in the place. When Liam is wounded by one of them, that leaves Nester as the healthiest and strongest one of the group and it’s up to him to take the place as leader.
But Nester has issues of his own. He keeps seeing his brother. How can he make the life and death decisions that this holocaust situation has left them in when he can’t even deal with his own brother’s death? Throughout this book we really get to see Nester’s character grow. I really enjoyed getting to see his perspective on things and how he handles remedying the errors that he makes.
I liked the pace of the book. Some may find it slow but I thought it gave the readers time to get to know the additional characters in the story and finding more about preparations for a nuclear winter was very interesting as well. I also think that Amaranth’s use of alcohol will play into the next book as part of her character as well.
As for action, yes, there was action. The kids have to decide what kind of world they are living in now. “Shoot first and ask questions later” or “Ask questions first and risk everything”. You’ll have to read the book to see if Nester is up to the task of making the tough decisions.
I thought Nester’s Mistake was well-written and believable. I would highly recommend it for middle-school and teen readers and anyone else who enjoys apocalyptic fiction. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5. I’ll be on the lookout for book 3.
Thank you to the author who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review is published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
But Nester has issues of his own. He keeps seeing his brother. How can he make the life and death decisions that this holocaust situation has left them in when he can’t even deal with his own brother’s death? Throughout this book we really get to see Nester’s character grow. I really enjoyed getting to see his perspective on things and how he handles remedying the errors that he makes.
I liked the pace of the book. Some may find it slow but I thought it gave the readers time to get to know the additional characters in the story and finding more about preparations for a nuclear winter was very interesting as well. I also think that Amaranth’s use of alcohol will play into the next book as part of her character as well.
As for action, yes, there was action. The kids have to decide what kind of world they are living in now. “Shoot first and ask questions later” or “Ask questions first and risk everything”. You’ll have to read the book to see if Nester is up to the task of making the tough decisions.
I thought Nester’s Mistake was well-written and believable. I would highly recommend it for middle-school and teen readers and anyone else who enjoys apocalyptic fiction. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5. I’ll be on the lookout for book 3.
Thank you to the author who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review is published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
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September 12, 2015Pouring through this book has almost left me speechless. It was as if I was living Nester’s life after the fallout from the bombs. Adults don’t give much credit to children and teenagers. This author understands that children are capable of doing what is necessary in order to survive, just like adults.
This isn’t a fairytale and there aren’t any superheroes coming to save the day. Reality has set in pretty quickly and there is no going back to the good old days before the bombs. What I discovered was that kids are just like adults, including all that is white, black, and grey. The human condition is about all of us.
Nester is a teenager trying to survive in a new world that has gone awry, to say the least. He is stuck in the past and needs to learn to move forward for his own sake. Of course that is easier said than done when the memories are so fresh. Yet Nestor has to find his inner strength because everyone is looking to him to lead. This is a tall order, but Nestor is the group’s doctor, mentor, advisor, and guardian. While everyone is looking to Nestor for help, he doesn’t have anyone to turn to himself.
Siblings Katie and Marty only have each other, and protect each other with a fierceness that would make any adult scared. Elise looks up to Nestor as a big brother, and he refuses to let her down like he feels he did to Nate. Rod and Amy share a love that neither will ever forget. While Amaranth is selfless for the first time when she leaves for Liam’s health, physically, mentally, and emotionally. They all have a sense of loyalty to each other that will only deepen as time moves on. It saddened that they can’t turn to adults because they have proven to be untrustworthy. I suppose we are never far from our primitive, barbaric selves. The losses that Nester and Liam have just experienced will test them like never before. I hope that they can keep their humanity because hope still exists.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This isn’t a fairytale and there aren’t any superheroes coming to save the day. Reality has set in pretty quickly and there is no going back to the good old days before the bombs. What I discovered was that kids are just like adults, including all that is white, black, and grey. The human condition is about all of us.
Nester is a teenager trying to survive in a new world that has gone awry, to say the least. He is stuck in the past and needs to learn to move forward for his own sake. Of course that is easier said than done when the memories are so fresh. Yet Nestor has to find his inner strength because everyone is looking to him to lead. This is a tall order, but Nestor is the group’s doctor, mentor, advisor, and guardian. While everyone is looking to Nestor for help, he doesn’t have anyone to turn to himself.
Siblings Katie and Marty only have each other, and protect each other with a fierceness that would make any adult scared. Elise looks up to Nestor as a big brother, and he refuses to let her down like he feels he did to Nate. Rod and Amy share a love that neither will ever forget. While Amaranth is selfless for the first time when she leaves for Liam’s health, physically, mentally, and emotionally. They all have a sense of loyalty to each other that will only deepen as time moves on. It saddened that they can’t turn to adults because they have proven to be untrustworthy. I suppose we are never far from our primitive, barbaric selves. The losses that Nester and Liam have just experienced will test them like never before. I hope that they can keep their humanity because hope still exists.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
Absolutely thrilling! This is the second book in The Doomsday Kids series and it is phenomenal. I have not read the first book, but plan on doing so and also following up with subsequent books. Even if you did not read the first book, the author does a wonderful job of filling the reader in on what has happened in the previous book so that there is not a feeling of being "lost" so to speak. I am certain that the first book is just as vivid in detail as this book, so I am excited to go back and read it. The author seems to write each book from the view point of one of the characters, which I find quite fascinating. You are able to get inside of their heads and see what is really going on. The strength that this group of children has following a nuclear fall out is absolutely amazing. Though they are children, survival instinct kicks in and they begin to learn how to do things that they may never have learned in their life time. Each chapter has the reader yearning for more so it is really hard to put this book down. I would definitely recommend this book to youth and young adult readers. Any reader with a fascination with survival or a post apocalyptic world, this book is for you! There are so many angles and themes in this book: death, illness, medical expertise, insanity, agriculture and farming, military, loss, etc. You name it, this book has it! Inside this book, the reader is inside the mind of Nester Bartlett. There are many flashbacks to "BTB" or before the bombs and comparisons to what life once was. I find that the author's ability to create such strong characters out of children, but also allow them to still be children is amazing! I would absolutely love to see this series turn into a series of movies as well. I look forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2015
I love young adult reading because it is easy and makes me feel youthful! This book fit right into that mold for me! I thought the characters were well developed and all had purpose. I was a little hesitant with how this read was going to go not having read the first book in the series. I thought I might not grasp everything going on not having read Liam's Promise. Although it would have been nice having the background knowledge of the first book, it was not a necessity to enjoy Nester's Mistake. I liked how this book made these kids think outside of the box. I think this book would be very thought provoking for a young reader. Early on in the book Nester was talking about having to use his surroundings to predict the weather. He talked about how, before the bombs (BTB), they were use to looking at colorful maps on their cell phones or TV that would give an extended forecast. I loved that point that he made because in the "push button" world that we live in today many young adults have no idea what it use to be like before this technology boom that we have had in modern day society.
I'm excited to pass this book to my neighbor who is 10 and loves to read. I think she will really enjoy this read!
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I'm excited to pass this book to my neighbor who is 10 and loves to read. I think she will really enjoy this read!
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
September 15, 2014
Disclosure: I was provided a copy for an honest review. Nester’s Mistake picks up right where Liam’s Promise left off, which was at the cusp of a cliffhanger. What I find interesting is the switch of narration from Liam to Nester and I hope this continues with the remainder of the series with additional characters. This volume starts off wrapping up the cliffhanger then slows down while the plot is established, things don’t really pick up again until about a third of the way through the book while some fairly remarkable events pan out. I enjoyed some of the new situations that these characters were put in, I felt that things were wrapped up pretty well without a dangling plot this time. However, I am looking forward with the subsequent volumes in this series and how the story shapes up away from the cabin on the mountain. For me this volume had its moments but was less involving as the first, it was much more interesting watching the plot unfold as these characters tried to survive with limited resources in the new world that they were given. Hopefully there is more of that in the future. 3.5/5
May 16, 2015
Explosive novel by Karyn Folan. "Nester's Mistake" is book 2 of The Doomsday Kids series. This novel is about a group of kids coping and surviving an apocalypse. I don't think reading the first book is a must when diving into the second book, but I think it would help. I will admit I was a little lost in the beginning because I didn't read the first book, with that said I still fully enjoyed this novel by Folan. The situations were real and intense, two things that kids should never had to deal with on their own. This book leaves you sad and hopeful at the same time. I only wanted these kids to succeed and one thing after another happens to get in their way of that. First, I am going to go back and read the first book of this series and then I can't wait to read the third. I have no doubt the series will keep getting better and better, and hopefully there is a light at the end of Nester's tunnel. Any young adult/adult would enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2015
Love the cover.
I got a copy of this book for an honest review. I had my doubts; the first book Liam’s story was missing some elements that made the story somewhat unrealistic for me.
This is Nester’s story and this book blew me away. Nester is a nasty guy in the first book he was so mean to his little brother but in this book we see a different side of him.
Nester character grows trough the book, the writer did it so good that is wasn't too obvious.
Nester is plagued by guilt for the way he treated his brother, his brothers voice echo’s to his head making him question himself is he’s going crazy.
Where in the first book Liam is the leader due to circumstances it’s Nester’s turn he’s trying and struggling to do the right thing. I did think he did a good job. I rooted for him in this book.
The other characters in the book: Amy, Rod, Elise, Amaranth, Liam they are family now and family sticks together.
This was a fantastic sequel, I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
I got a copy of this book for an honest review. I had my doubts; the first book Liam’s story was missing some elements that made the story somewhat unrealistic for me.
This is Nester’s story and this book blew me away. Nester is a nasty guy in the first book he was so mean to his little brother but in this book we see a different side of him.
Nester character grows trough the book, the writer did it so good that is wasn't too obvious.
Nester is plagued by guilt for the way he treated his brother, his brothers voice echo’s to his head making him question himself is he’s going crazy.
Where in the first book Liam is the leader due to circumstances it’s Nester’s turn he’s trying and struggling to do the right thing. I did think he did a good job. I rooted for him in this book.
The other characters in the book: Amy, Rod, Elise, Amaranth, Liam they are family now and family sticks together.
This was a fantastic sequel, I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
September 5, 2014
After shit happened, Liam, Lilly, Nester and the others have been through a tough journey to the cabin Liam's dad had made. In the second book of The Doomsday Kids series, Nester's Mistake, we see how the life is for the surviving children from Nester's view.
Compared to the first book, for me, this one was a little hard to get through. As much as I loved to see the change Nester underwent and how the pressure affected everyone, I wasn't too interested in reading one more page, let alone another chapter. It was only after that I was all hooked and finished the rest of the book in one sitting. I think, though the drama between the children was necessary in a way, this book would be better with a faster pace or more action. In my opinion, this was what made the first one wonderful.
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
Compared to the first book, for me, this one was a little hard to get through. As much as I loved to see the change Nester underwent and how the pressure affected everyone, I wasn't too interested in reading one more page, let alone another chapter. It was only after that I was all hooked and finished the rest of the book in one sitting. I think, though the drama between the children was necessary in a way, this book would be better with a faster pace or more action. In my opinion, this was what made the first one wonderful.
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
September 6, 2014
I enjoyed reading the second installment in this series. The interaction among the characters is lively and keeps the reader interested. I didn't think I would like this story being told from another perspective as well as I did the first, but having an opportunity to get to know Nester's thinking and point of view adds another level to Liam's story told in the first book. I find the overall story believable, something I like in a dystopian novel, and character reactions realistic. I look forward to the third story/perspective to be released in December. As a classroom teacher, I think middle grade students, both boys and girls, would enjoy this book. Only one part would cause me concern but most students would be able to handle it.
September 30, 2014
Yet again this author takes you into the lives of a bunch of kids doing what they do best to survive. This book is about Nester who failed his little brother my letting him get killed but is now haunted by him on a regular basis. Is he going crazy? Can he keep up long enough to save those who are left? will he lose his own mind trying to save them all? These wuestions and so much more are answered in this book as these kids again try to do what they can just to survive in a world they no longer understand.
May 27, 2015
I managed to get left behind on the releases of this series, but I'm in the process of catching up now. Nester is the son of a doctor, and now finds himself thrust into the role of the group's medic with limited first aid supplies and an even more limited range of survivalist manuals from which to learn diagnosis and treatment.
This is a bleak series. Very few of the surviving adults are on the side of our heroes, and the other surviving kids are mostly hostile too. However, the books are also compelling reads, and I really want to find out how everything will pan out in the end.
This is a bleak series. Very few of the surviving adults are on the side of our heroes, and the other surviving kids are mostly hostile too. However, the books are also compelling reads, and I really want to find out how everything will pan out in the end.
October 2, 2014
Great!
Will definitely be on the look out for the next book to see what what happens with this interesting group of kids!
Will definitely be on the look out for the next book to see what what happens with this interesting group of kids!
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