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New Guardsmen #1
Desert Blade
In the postapocalyptic Midwest, now a ravaged dust bowl, former guardsman Derek Covington must find help for a sick boy. With nothing but memories of all he lost, Derek crosses the desert alone in search of the doctor who saved his own life 10 years ago. Drifter gangs who loot and pillage don't dare come near, for Derek has a formidable a prosthetic arm with a deadly blade.
For a decade, Dr. Lidia Sullivan has fantasized about the handsome guardsman who'd been in her care. And now she can't deny his dangerous request. But as they make the treacherous journey back to Old St. Louis, they must contend with much more than fierce desert winds and their unthinkable attraction.
A fearless gang has spotted Lidia - a rare woman - and will fight Derek to the death to get her. And though he risks his life to save her for the sake of the child who needs her, she fears there's one thing Derek will never his heart.
For a decade, Dr. Lidia Sullivan has fantasized about the handsome guardsman who'd been in her care. And now she can't deny his dangerous request. But as they make the treacherous journey back to Old St. Louis, they must contend with much more than fierce desert winds and their unthinkable attraction.
A fearless gang has spotted Lidia - a rare woman - and will fight Derek to the death to get her. And though he risks his life to save her for the sake of the child who needs her, she fears there's one thing Derek will never his heart.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Ella Drake
44 books106 followersAs a child Ella read books under the covers with a flashlight. There she found a special love of elves, dragons, and knights. Now that she's found her own knight in shining armor and happily ever after, she loves to write tales of fantasy, hot enough to scorch the sheets. No flashlight needed.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this novella from netgalley. I'm not a massive fan of paranormals (they have to be really solid for me to like them, and I don't have a lot of patience for weird shit), and I was a bit worried that this would fall into that genre. But this is more of a dystopian future-type novella, and reading it felt somewhere between falling from a great height onto the set of Mad Max: Beyond the Thunderdome (but without Tina Turner) and going back in time to the Dust Bowl years in the 1930s. Also, it starts out in Chicago, where I live, so I couldn't resist it.
For such an incredibly atmospheric setting, the story itself feels deceptively simple. At no point did I think "what a load of $%*#!" and find myself bored to tears as the author spent word count on world-building details that don't add anything. Nope, it was all about the hero, the heroine, how they ended up where they are, and then hints at a better future for them, without solving all the world's problems, or tacking on some dreadful epilogue involving their sixteen children. And yet, we end up with a really good appreciation for what this new world is like - the drifters, the way women have become prized commodities, the lack of everything, and the struggle to grow food. The author has taken some pretty realistic advancements in science (prosthetics and biotechnology) and given them just enough of a twist (and no more!) to make them work as the basis for a really great story.
The hero and heroine are actually pretty damn perfect too. What isn't there to love about the warrior-type soldier hero, especially one who can talk nice and dirty? And who wouldn't sympathize with a heroine, one of the only doctors left, who wants to spend her time training others, and finds herself with no real life as a result? Also, I'm not a great fan of the instant-attraction phenomenon in romances, but it actually works really, really well here. Maybe it's the low-key way it's written? I don't know. It just works.
This is the first book by this author I've read, and I'm definitely going to be checking out her other work. I love good novellas, and this is definitely right up there with the best.
4 stars, I really enjoyed it.
For such an incredibly atmospheric setting, the story itself feels deceptively simple. At no point did I think "what a load of $%*#!" and find myself bored to tears as the author spent word count on world-building details that don't add anything. Nope, it was all about the hero, the heroine, how they ended up where they are, and then hints at a better future for them, without solving all the world's problems, or tacking on some dreadful epilogue involving their sixteen children. And yet, we end up with a really good appreciation for what this new world is like - the drifters, the way women have become prized commodities, the lack of everything, and the struggle to grow food. The author has taken some pretty realistic advancements in science (prosthetics and biotechnology) and given them just enough of a twist (and no more!) to make them work as the basis for a really great story.
The hero and heroine are actually pretty damn perfect too. What isn't there to love about the warrior-type soldier hero, especially one who can talk nice and dirty? And who wouldn't sympathize with a heroine, one of the only doctors left, who wants to spend her time training others, and finds herself with no real life as a result? Also, I'm not a great fan of the instant-attraction phenomenon in romances, but it actually works really, really well here. Maybe it's the low-key way it's written? I don't know. It just works.
This is the first book by this author I've read, and I'm definitely going to be checking out her other work. I love good novellas, and this is definitely right up there with the best.
4 stars, I really enjoyed it.
April 7, 2012
If I had one complaint about Desert Blade, it would only be that I wanted more. I didn’t know when I started that it was a Novella, but it didn’t make me enjoy it any less, it just left me wanting … well… more. *sigh*
Derek and Lidia were both strong characters and I loved the intensity between them. The setting drove that intensity to a whole other level. The end of the world as we know it would bring out the survival instinct in any of us. They fought for what was left and didn’t take time to focus on themselves. That’s what made their attraction so strong.
Because this was a Novella, everything happened fast, which isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes short and to the point is all we have time for and a quick read works quite nicely. Being short doesn’t mean that Desert Blade lacked on anything. There was action, romance and enough back story to make you feel for the characters and what brought them to where they were.
I’ll be looking for more Ella Drake books now that I’ve gotten a taste of her writing. I liked her style and her world building in Desert Blade worked well with the story.
Derek and Lidia were both strong characters and I loved the intensity between them. The setting drove that intensity to a whole other level. The end of the world as we know it would bring out the survival instinct in any of us. They fought for what was left and didn’t take time to focus on themselves. That’s what made their attraction so strong.
Because this was a Novella, everything happened fast, which isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes short and to the point is all we have time for and a quick read works quite nicely. Being short doesn’t mean that Desert Blade lacked on anything. There was action, romance and enough back story to make you feel for the characters and what brought them to where they were.
I’ll be looking for more Ella Drake books now that I’ve gotten a taste of her writing. I liked her style and her world building in Desert Blade worked well with the story.
April 15, 2012
3 stars
Fast paced romp through a post-apocalyptic Midwest on the brink of complete ruin. Struggling to survive in the desert that has overtaken the American Midwest, Lidia tries to forget the handsome Guardsman she helped heal ten years earlier, during the beginning of the devastating collapse of society. Now practicing her valuable medical skills in a small oasis amid the dust bowl that surrounds her small but thriving community, she is shocked when Derek re-enters her life. Taking her from her safe haven and promising to protect her on a journey to his settlement, he needs her to help save the life of a friend's young son. The resulting journey is both dangerous and exciting, as Lidia confronts the sizzling attraction that she still feels for the brooding, lethal man.
This is a fun popcorn adventure, with lots of action. The world is interesting, the attraction between Lidia and Derek is red hot, but there is a lack of depth due in part to the short length of this story. If you enjoy sci-fi romance, you will like this quick read.
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
Fast paced romp through a post-apocalyptic Midwest on the brink of complete ruin. Struggling to survive in the desert that has overtaken the American Midwest, Lidia tries to forget the handsome Guardsman she helped heal ten years earlier, during the beginning of the devastating collapse of society. Now practicing her valuable medical skills in a small oasis amid the dust bowl that surrounds her small but thriving community, she is shocked when Derek re-enters her life. Taking her from her safe haven and promising to protect her on a journey to his settlement, he needs her to help save the life of a friend's young son. The resulting journey is both dangerous and exciting, as Lidia confronts the sizzling attraction that she still feels for the brooding, lethal man.
This is a fun popcorn adventure, with lots of action. The world is interesting, the attraction between Lidia and Derek is red hot, but there is a lack of depth due in part to the short length of this story. If you enjoy sci-fi romance, you will like this quick read.
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
June 28, 2012
Deliciously good post-apocalyptic romance!
There's just something about post-apocalyptic romances that I can't resist. I wish it was a bigger genre but fortunately there are some great authors out there making each one I find a gem.
Ella Drake's DESERT BLADE could have easily been fleshed out into a much longer story and yet managed to be satisfying at novella length. The blurb covers the basics of the plot well. Both Derek and Lidia are genuinely good people who deserve the happily-ever-after but it'll be a tough road back to one another. Somehow Drake managed to create a believable and a little too-possible-not-to-be-scary world in a few short mentions. Her imaginative world building has impressed me in previous stories and knocks it out of the park again.
If you love a romance that faces real danger, physical peril, and a hero and heroine who earn their happy ending through it all I think DESERT BLADE is a great short story to satisfy your craving. Drake is going onto my authors-to-watch list, I can't wait to see what great new realms of fiction she'll drop me into next!
** ARC received via NetGalley.
There's just something about post-apocalyptic romances that I can't resist. I wish it was a bigger genre but fortunately there are some great authors out there making each one I find a gem.
Ella Drake's DESERT BLADE could have easily been fleshed out into a much longer story and yet managed to be satisfying at novella length. The blurb covers the basics of the plot well. Both Derek and Lidia are genuinely good people who deserve the happily-ever-after but it'll be a tough road back to one another. Somehow Drake managed to create a believable and a little too-possible-not-to-be-scary world in a few short mentions. Her imaginative world building has impressed me in previous stories and knocks it out of the park again.
If you love a romance that faces real danger, physical peril, and a hero and heroine who earn their happy ending through it all I think DESERT BLADE is a great short story to satisfy your craving. Drake is going onto my authors-to-watch list, I can't wait to see what great new realms of fiction she'll drop me into next!
** ARC received via NetGalley.
August 3, 2012
OMG the author had me at "prosthetic arm with a deadly blade." But then she went and wrote a blog post about the desert sailing ships ...
http://contactinfinitefutures.wordpre...
... and I HAD the read this book!
Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It's like Quentin Tarantino did a remake of Mad Max -- but with romance. Sort of. This is not your typical romantic adventure. The hero is direct, down and dirty. The sex is gritty. These are two adults who know exactly what they want/need, living in a lonely, fucked-up world not a fairy story.
LOVED IT.
http://contactinfinitefutures.wordpre...
... and I HAD the read this book!
Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It's like Quentin Tarantino did a remake of Mad Max -- but with romance. Sort of. This is not your typical romantic adventure. The hero is direct, down and dirty. The sex is gritty. These are two adults who know exactly what they want/need, living in a lonely, fucked-up world not a fairy story.
LOVED IT.
April 25, 2012
Brilliant! Loved it. Ella writes an exciting, sexy read that you literally will not want to put down.
March 1, 2025
*1.5* Excellent premise, but very poor execution. It read as if it were still in draft form, with so much more world-building needed. Disjointed and choppy, insta-lust (not done well), and caricature characters.
Aggies, what people called the scientists and politicians who started this all with their plans to feed everyone with special crops.
The end of the world begins when we modify our food source. Why is this so terrifying plausible?
Aggies, what people called the scientists and politicians who started this all with their plans to feed everyone with special crops.
The end of the world begins when we modify our food source. Why is this so terrifying plausible?
April 26, 2012
Derek desperately needs a doctor to take home to his settlement to help a boy he's taken under his wing, the only place in this post-apocalyptic wasteland that he knows has a doctor in the army populated strong hold. But seeing Lidia again, he can't help his feelings return from ten years ago, she's still as gorgeous as she was then, still as kind... but more pigheaded. He'll do anything to get her to his settlement, and to keep her there.
Lidia has been dreaming of Derek the past ten years, the soldier she patched up with a new experimental weaponized arm, one that she has hoped has given him fair advantage against the looters and drifters running free reign on the desert. Seeing Derek again wreaks havoc on her heart, but she can't let him get the best of her - but there's not much a girl can do when kidnapped to take through perilous terrain, drifter infested deserts and into the darkness of the night with a man who makes his desire for her known.
I enjoyed this! It was a short story that was all about love, but had yummy side dishes of a world collapsing and people living in settlements in the desert America had become. Ella Drake writes an excellent story with romance in a post-apocalyptic world, her writing is fast pace, adventurous and her characters very believable, Desert Blade was a joy to read!
I liked the two part nature of the story, first you got to know Derek and Lidia, while she nursed him back to the books of the living after he nearly died trying to save his foster mother from looters. Lidia and her colleague fix him up with a weaponized prosthetic arm, with a wicked retractable blade. And then they get separated and don't meet until 10 years later...
And boy when they do meet! Yes the society is all most completely collapsed, food is the hardest thing to come across and drifters rob you and kill you every chance you give them - but still it seem love's not dead. I love the strong emotions of possession Derek has for his Doc, he doesn't dance around or flirt or court, he damn right goes after what he wants. And that is definitely sexy!
I loved the side Lidia brought to the story, her desire to help, heal and make the community she is in better. She's the kind doctor with a strong streak, but not a caricature of the profession, Drake has managed to create in Lidia a truly kind character, who can't help but respond to Derek's vulgar advances (which were hot, btw!) and give him her loyalty even if they haven't seen each other in ten years.
Lidia has been dreaming of Derek the past ten years, the soldier she patched up with a new experimental weaponized arm, one that she has hoped has given him fair advantage against the looters and drifters running free reign on the desert. Seeing Derek again wreaks havoc on her heart, but she can't let him get the best of her - but there's not much a girl can do when kidnapped to take through perilous terrain, drifter infested deserts and into the darkness of the night with a man who makes his desire for her known.
I enjoyed this! It was a short story that was all about love, but had yummy side dishes of a world collapsing and people living in settlements in the desert America had become. Ella Drake writes an excellent story with romance in a post-apocalyptic world, her writing is fast pace, adventurous and her characters very believable, Desert Blade was a joy to read!
I liked the two part nature of the story, first you got to know Derek and Lidia, while she nursed him back to the books of the living after he nearly died trying to save his foster mother from looters. Lidia and her colleague fix him up with a weaponized prosthetic arm, with a wicked retractable blade. And then they get separated and don't meet until 10 years later...
And boy when they do meet! Yes the society is all most completely collapsed, food is the hardest thing to come across and drifters rob you and kill you every chance you give them - but still it seem love's not dead. I love the strong emotions of possession Derek has for his Doc, he doesn't dance around or flirt or court, he damn right goes after what he wants. And that is definitely sexy!
I loved the side Lidia brought to the story, her desire to help, heal and make the community she is in better. She's the kind doctor with a strong streak, but not a caricature of the profession, Drake has managed to create in Lidia a truly kind character, who can't help but respond to Derek's vulgar advances (which were hot, btw!) and give him her loyalty even if they haven't seen each other in ten years.
July 29, 2016
Published by Carina Press
ARC-provided through NetGalley
Rating: 3.5 Stars
In a postapocalyptic United States, life is a constant battle for survival. Food, shelter and weapons are necessities. Medical care is invaluable. So when a young boy in Derek Covington’s care becomes ill, Derek heads across the ravaged dust bowl that is now the Midwest in search of the doctor that saved his life a decade ago. Doctor Lidia Sullivan’s training and heart push her to help Derek and this sick child. She knows her safety depends on Derek’s military training, sword-wielding prosthetic arm, and determination to protect her with his life.
First, I’ve gotta give a serious cover love shout. I was drawn to the book before I read the blurb. Once I discovered the premise, I had to read this story. On the whole, Ms. Drake did not disappoint. Derek’s character was compelling, and I was captivated by his sense of honor and integrity. Lidia’s compulsion to help is laudable. Her dedication to those she believes in and cares about shows her strength of character as well as compassion.
I only have two complaints about Desert Blade. First, the story felt a little rushed and underdeveloped in places, and I’m sure that was due to the shorter length of the novel. Second, some of the profanity and where it was used actually pulled me out of the story. I am by no means a prude. Strong language and hot sex scenes can become a character unto themselves in a novel, but I felt they detracted from Derek’s personality and honorable character. His feelings and sentiments would have had more of an impact for me with less crudity.
Having said that, I truly enjoyed Desert Blade and look forward to reading more of Ms Drake’s work!
ARC-provided through NetGalley
Rating: 3.5 Stars
In a postapocalyptic United States, life is a constant battle for survival. Food, shelter and weapons are necessities. Medical care is invaluable. So when a young boy in Derek Covington’s care becomes ill, Derek heads across the ravaged dust bowl that is now the Midwest in search of the doctor that saved his life a decade ago. Doctor Lidia Sullivan’s training and heart push her to help Derek and this sick child. She knows her safety depends on Derek’s military training, sword-wielding prosthetic arm, and determination to protect her with his life.
First, I’ve gotta give a serious cover love shout. I was drawn to the book before I read the blurb. Once I discovered the premise, I had to read this story. On the whole, Ms. Drake did not disappoint. Derek’s character was compelling, and I was captivated by his sense of honor and integrity. Lidia’s compulsion to help is laudable. Her dedication to those she believes in and cares about shows her strength of character as well as compassion.
I only have two complaints about Desert Blade. First, the story felt a little rushed and underdeveloped in places, and I’m sure that was due to the shorter length of the novel. Second, some of the profanity and where it was used actually pulled me out of the story. I am by no means a prude. Strong language and hot sex scenes can become a character unto themselves in a novel, but I felt they detracted from Derek’s personality and honorable character. His feelings and sentiments would have had more of an impact for me with less crudity.
Having said that, I truly enjoyed Desert Blade and look forward to reading more of Ms Drake’s work!
April 26, 2012
Ms. Drake sure has a way of packing a ton of story into a short word count. When I heard that she was going to be writing a post-apocalyptic story, a favorite sub-genre of mine, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And of course, this very talented and creative author did not disappoint!
Desert Blade opens up amidst disaster and tragedy. Derek, a guardsmen, loses his arm in an attack, leading him to a hospital where he meets Dr. Lydia. A team of doctors including Lydia fit him with a unique prosthetic arm that comes with a blade! During the time of healing, Derek and Lydia spend a great deal of time together, and form a bond of sorts. However, the unsafe circumstances of the land call Lydia to leave town and Derek to stay behind.
Ten years later, Lydia still pines for the guardsmen she only knew briefly. Derek cannot forget her kindness or her touch. And a small boy needs a doctor. Derek shows up where Lydia resides and she agrees to help even though the trip will be dangerous with gangs running amok. And Lydia being a rare woman left in this post-apocalyptic world, puts her in an even more dangerous situation for travel. So the guardsman and the doctor set sail in a land sail. Their earlier bond rears up and sparks fly. Yummy, indeed!
I am always so thoroughly impressed with Drakes thoughtfulness to detail without bogging down the story. One can only hope she revisits this landscape in a future story. There seems to be a lot more to explore. Very highly recommended!
Desert Blade opens up amidst disaster and tragedy. Derek, a guardsmen, loses his arm in an attack, leading him to a hospital where he meets Dr. Lydia. A team of doctors including Lydia fit him with a unique prosthetic arm that comes with a blade! During the time of healing, Derek and Lydia spend a great deal of time together, and form a bond of sorts. However, the unsafe circumstances of the land call Lydia to leave town and Derek to stay behind.
Ten years later, Lydia still pines for the guardsmen she only knew briefly. Derek cannot forget her kindness or her touch. And a small boy needs a doctor. Derek shows up where Lydia resides and she agrees to help even though the trip will be dangerous with gangs running amok. And Lydia being a rare woman left in this post-apocalyptic world, puts her in an even more dangerous situation for travel. So the guardsman and the doctor set sail in a land sail. Their earlier bond rears up and sparks fly. Yummy, indeed!
I am always so thoroughly impressed with Drakes thoughtfulness to detail without bogging down the story. One can only hope she revisits this landscape in a future story. There seems to be a lot more to explore. Very highly recommended!
April 25, 2012
An attempt by the government to create a biocrop has gone horribly wrong and shifted the world into a near-apocalypse. Hunger has prompted widespread riots in the street. And it's in a flare of violence that Derek loses his arm. As a Guardsman, he seems a perfect candidate for a special prosthetic, armed with a deadly blade.
Dr. Lidia helps him through the surgery and the first part of his recovery. The two grow to care for one another in their week together. But when it's time for Lidia to evacuate, Derek doesn't go with her --opting instead to stay behind to bury his foster mother.
10 years later, Derek finds Lidia again. He needs her skills to help a sick boy in his camp. Together, they face the dangerous landscape to get to the boy. And in the process, their feelings reignite and reach new levels.
I enjoyed the story, but it's awfully hard to believe that Lidia has pined for Derek to the extent she has after only one week together. Everything moves quickly in the story, which I'm sure has a great deal to do with the fact that it is so short. I would have liked to spend more time with the characters, especially in the romance department. The sexy times we did have were pretty hot... I just wanted more.
I liked it, but I would have liked it better had it been a bit more fleshed out. A little more than 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
Dr. Lidia helps him through the surgery and the first part of his recovery. The two grow to care for one another in their week together. But when it's time for Lidia to evacuate, Derek doesn't go with her --opting instead to stay behind to bury his foster mother.
10 years later, Derek finds Lidia again. He needs her skills to help a sick boy in his camp. Together, they face the dangerous landscape to get to the boy. And in the process, their feelings reignite and reach new levels.
I enjoyed the story, but it's awfully hard to believe that Lidia has pined for Derek to the extent she has after only one week together. Everything moves quickly in the story, which I'm sure has a great deal to do with the fact that it is so short. I would have liked to spend more time with the characters, especially in the romance department. The sexy times we did have were pretty hot... I just wanted more.
I liked it, but I would have liked it better had it been a bit more fleshed out. A little more than 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
April 30, 2012
4.5 stars for the first 2/3's and maybe 1.5 for the end....the real issue with Desert Blade was the length!
It started out so so well! Interesting story, great characters, awesome concept!....I do have to mention it did remind me a bit of Joss Ware's Envy books, but as I loved them this was a good thing, IMO... but by the last third everything felt rushed and it all sorta ran together...It almost felt like there was a checklist and the author was ticking items off to make sure they were included/dealt with before the "the end".
I wanted more dammit! More details, more story, more time for the characters to work through their issues(talk!), rather then get their HEA solely because we're getting to the end of the book. And the book ends at a horrible place! I was just getting excited thinking the end that I thought was nigh, wasn't so nigh after all! Just when I thought the story was ending, it looked like it was going to continue on, but instead just stops instead...maybe it was just me, but it left me feeling sorta gypped.
Oh and if it matters to you, there's also not much sex...two scenes I think....two well written if somewhat short scenes.
So yeah, great beginning, but disappointing ending = 3 stars overall.
I received an advanced copy of this title from netgalley
It started out so so well! Interesting story, great characters, awesome concept!....I do have to mention it did remind me a bit of Joss Ware's Envy books, but as I loved them this was a good thing, IMO... but by the last third everything felt rushed and it all sorta ran together...It almost felt like there was a checklist and the author was ticking items off to make sure they were included/dealt with before the "the end".
I wanted more dammit! More details, more story, more time for the characters to work through their issues(talk!), rather then get their HEA solely because we're getting to the end of the book. And the book ends at a horrible place! I was just getting excited thinking the end that I thought was nigh, wasn't so nigh after all! Just when I thought the story was ending, it looked like it was going to continue on, but instead just stops instead...maybe it was just me, but it left me feeling sorta gypped.
Oh and if it matters to you, there's also not much sex...two scenes I think....two well written if somewhat short scenes.
So yeah, great beginning, but disappointing ending = 3 stars overall.
I received an advanced copy of this title from netgalley
April 29, 2012
Plot: The plot is familiar. The two main characters meet and separate in a America that has fallen apart. Ten year later they must work together to bring help to people who have no medical support. The journey brings back feelings that never were acknowledged in the first meeting.
Characters: This is a short novella and as a result there is just a minimum amount of character building. The two main characters are somewhat fleshed out. Side characters are pretty one-dimensional.
World Building: Ella Drake has created a unique situation that explains why the World has fallen apart.
Tension: Most of the tension comes from the outside in this story. While there is some tension between Lidia and Derek it is resolved pretty quickly.
Writing: The story is tightly structured and moves smoothing from scene to scene. Ella Drake uses her writing skills to build a good story in an unusual world.
This is worth the read. It is a good story to pick up when you don’t have the time to finish a long novel.
Characters: This is a short novella and as a result there is just a minimum amount of character building. The two main characters are somewhat fleshed out. Side characters are pretty one-dimensional.
World Building: Ella Drake has created a unique situation that explains why the World has fallen apart.
Tension: Most of the tension comes from the outside in this story. While there is some tension between Lidia and Derek it is resolved pretty quickly.
Writing: The story is tightly structured and moves smoothing from scene to scene. Ella Drake uses her writing skills to build a good story in an unusual world.
This is worth the read. It is a good story to pick up when you don’t have the time to finish a long novel.
April 20, 2012
Full Review to be posted soon:
I wished this was a much longer story it felt choppy and vague at times and the short length emphathise this. I wished more was expanded on the world-building because the setting and concept was great with mutated vines and fungus on the loose and causing world-wide hunger and riots. The ten year jump which showed a harder edged hero and a closed off heroine was interesting but there wasn't much of a connection between the hero and heroine even if they previously spent 2 weeks together - I just couldn't believe they would hold a flame for such a long period of time especially since they both appeared to be two different people. I did enjoy the author's voice and overall the story was an action packed read but it did leave me wanting more especially since I felt it held so much more promise.
I wished this was a much longer story it felt choppy and vague at times and the short length emphathise this. I wished more was expanded on the world-building because the setting and concept was great with mutated vines and fungus on the loose and causing world-wide hunger and riots. The ten year jump which showed a harder edged hero and a closed off heroine was interesting but there wasn't much of a connection between the hero and heroine even if they previously spent 2 weeks together - I just couldn't believe they would hold a flame for such a long period of time especially since they both appeared to be two different people. I did enjoy the author's voice and overall the story was an action packed read but it did leave me wanting more especially since I felt it held so much more promise.
September 21, 2020
I listened to this because I'm finishing up the Audible Escape Category challenge before Audible Escape goes away and I needed something from the Dystopian category. Now, I love a good dystopian such as The Giver, Handmaid's Tale, Hunger Games, etc. However, nothing in this category on Audible Escape appealed to me, so I just chose the shortest one. I'm not a fan of foul language and explicit sex scenes, so this definitely was not my type of book. Because it was so short, there really wasn't much time for world building. I thought that the description had some potential, but in the end, I just didn't enjoy it.
April 3, 2012
This was a great novella! A man is hurt in post-apocalyptic chicago & brought to a hospital. He is given a prosthetic arm & meets a female dr. During his week long recovery they become close. They must evacuate & he is left behind to fight off the looting mob.
10 year later he is captured & put in a prison cell. His dr. sees him and says he is not a prisoner & he is safe. HA! He kidnaps her to take her to a boy who is dying of asthsma.
It was a great adventure story with some erotic details. I was never bored. I would read this author again.
10 year later he is captured & put in a prison cell. His dr. sees him and says he is not a prisoner & he is safe. HA! He kidnaps her to take her to a boy who is dying of asthsma.
It was a great adventure story with some erotic details. I was never bored. I would read this author again.
May 16, 2013
4 Stars
This would have been SO MUCH better if it were a full length novel. Too short! Too short! I liked the premise and the survival aspect- the hint of a love triangle and the struggles. The author could have easily made this a full length book with the material she had. If only. Well I'm giving it 4 stars even though it's a super short novella because I really loved the story.
This would have been SO MUCH better if it were a full length novel. Too short! Too short! I liked the premise and the survival aspect- the hint of a love triangle and the struggles. The author could have easily made this a full length book with the material she had. If only. Well I'm giving it 4 stars even though it's a super short novella because I really loved the story.
August 21, 2013
Ah yes, an alternate future where boots are knocked and the language is crude.
Check out my thoughts here:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/04/16/...
Check out my thoughts here:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/04/16/...
April 15, 2013
Meh.
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