Collapsed

by Christine Bartholio

Val has escaped the place that nearly broke her.
But freedom comes with its own complications.

Separated from the only person who’s ever truly understood her, Val finds herself in unfamiliar territory. The Void promises purpose, safety, and a future. But haunted by what she left behind—and desperate to reclaim her connection—she soon finds herself at odds with her newly assigned mission. Pressure builds, loyalties are tested, and she begins to realize that freedom doesn’t guarantee peace.

On the brink of personal collapse, Val must decide: What is real? What is right? And how far is she willing to go for the people she loves?

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

Reviews

[KrysChief · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting so long for this book! I was introduced to this series in a book group on facebook, I flew through the first book and was dying to see how the story played out. I was lucky enough to be giving the honors of being an ARC reader, and I am soooo happy I got to read this early.

It has the PERFECT combination of drama, romance, suspense, and so much more. Christine has a way of drawing you into the world where you can truly picture what is going on!

This series has been one of my most highly recommended books since I first laid my hands on it. You can truly tell Christine put her heart and soul into these books. I have a chaotic life, and I was still trying to read it as quickly as I could to see how the book ended because I was so sucked into the story.

Thank you, Christine, for allowing me to ARC read. As well as writing these incredible books. You truly have a wonderful talent 💕

[Nikki Wilbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your mind has always been the strongest thing about you."

This book had me in a chokehold, especially after chapter 12. I had the hardest time putting it down. That is not to say chapters 1-12 did not hold my fancy, cause they certainly did. But Christine popped off with this book.

Val has escaped, she's 'free' and she wants to go back.

After Val wakes from her sleep, she's in a strange new environment, one where she can walk outside, she can be free from abuse, and Milo is there every step of the way. Their romance is blossoming into something sweet and fruitful as the days go on, and she learns the ins and outs of the Void.
Val also makes it her mission to try to save Porter by any means necessary, and in her quest to do so, she lands herself in trouble many times. When Porter goes silent, a burning anger unlike anything she has ever felt starts to overwhelm her, taking over her senses. Words she would never say otherwise spew from her lips, and she becomes solely focused on the issue at hand.
Val also learns her mother is there, and she's been searching for Val the whole time.
Jeremy and Val have this sibling love relationship, a 'no one can hurt them but me' attitude.
I loved how the author made so many connections with the characters. It wasn't tunnel vision on one or two; there were many--Jeremy, Milo, Rachelle, Kian, Porter, to name the big ones.
I simply love this series and connot wait for what Christine has for us next.

[A.C. Toy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Christine couldn't top book one but here we are and it is my new favorite.

💓 What I Loved 💓
• Milo. My FAVORITE micro-trope is when a man sees a woman's darkest parts but still looks at her like she's the sun. Book 1 I fell in love with him because he held Val during her "episodes." Book 2 just CRANKS that same emotion up. The way he holds her till the pieces come back together AND helps her learn how to tame and use it to her benefit. Just OMG. I love him so much.
• Rachelle & Val figuring out their relationship.
• TRUE dystopian leaderships & depictions of TERRIBLE acts without being Gorie of gross.
• I just loved the whole thing to be perfectly honest.

🤞🏼 What Could Be Improved 🤞🏼
• I think I spotted two misspellings..but I honestly got so caught up in the story that I didn't notice or care.
• I have some questions about possible plot holes, such as: where was Porters house? his family?? But I'll hold out hope that book 3 answers any of the questions that I had.

🚫 What I Hated 🚫
• I read this book just as it released and now I have to wait until the next book is written and released.
• Possible love triangle 📐 in future books and as previously stated I'm in love with Milo... so I do hate that Christine might just break mine and Milo's heart in future books.

5/5 ⭐ Highly Recommend

[Hanna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive an ARC copy of this book. It was my first time being a part of an ARC team and I can say in all honesty that I couldn’t have asked for a better book to do it with. I loved the first book, so going into this one, I already had high expectations. But Christine blew me out of the water completely.

The book was PHENOMENAL. It was tense, moving, fast-paced, and immeasurably deep in every way. I went from being angry at Val for the decisions she was making, to crying because of how much I felt I could understand her. Add to that all the factors I didn’t see coming and that leaves this book easily at the top of my list for books read in 2025.

Milo… I still can’t get over his backstory. I felt bad for him through the majority of this book, though I was impressed with how patient he was with Val despite her confusion and shortcomings. He’s easily my favorite character, though I admit, there’s not a single character in this book I felt to be underdeveloped.

Christine Bartholio has a true gift for storytelling,and this book/series is 100% worth every second. I know I’ll be thinking about it for a very long time!

[Andrea Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I have 3 kids so I had to put it down but I definitely didn't want to! This second book of the series really went into more detail of the characters and their back stories. I was so excited to get some of that missing information I had been waiting for since finishing the first book. Not being able to tell how the story is going to end is very appealing to me, and I was so back and forth throughout the book. I didn't get a chance to reread the first book before getting into this one, but it didn't take long to get reacquainted with the characters and fall right back in rhythm with them and their storylines. All the elements of this book work really well together. There's just enough romance, laughter, suspense, and sadness for it to come together really nicely. It's a must read if you ask me!

[Alexis Vidmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woooweeee!
I read Confined earlier this year, and let me tell you…I wasn’t prepared for how much I would love this series!

Christine has DONE IT AGAIN! So many moments where I said “what in the….” Was absolutely not expecting a few of the turn of events this book had! I am thrilled to say I was able to read it a little earlier because I was dying at the suspense waiting for the release and it didn’t disappoint! Perfect for all ages and audiences!

[Amy R Jacques · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I read her first book Confined in one day it was so good. I believe this one is even better! The pacing, the character development, the relationship building, and particularly the PLOT building. With each book the plot thickens and Bartholio knows just how to tease the reader to make us want more. I can’t wait to find out what happens in this love triangle and what NBX means/truly is. I need the next installment right away!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a solid sequel! I really enjoyed Val's and others' character development throughout the book. There is world-building, action, humor, love, conflict, resolution of some first-book questions, and so much more. The storyline progresses naturally and believably. I'm excited to see where Val leads us next on her journey!

[Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Collapsed! I loved the continuation of the main story as well as having the diving in of stories and backgrounds from the new characters. Christine is really talented at writing action-packed scenes that make your adrenaline start to race! I still have so many questions of what's going to happen and will be anxiously awaiting her next book of the series!

[Kesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 Much anticipated book 2. This book had a lot more world building then the 1st, as to be expected as Val is actually out in the real world!! You learn alot about leadership and alot about Val and where she comes from. Book 2 will take you on a WILD RIDE in a hovercar!! Hang in there, I see a building love triangle in our future!! Can't wait for book 3!

[Amanda Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal follow-up to Confined! I loved following Val on this next stage of her journey. The number of times I smiled, or got anxious for the characters, or even yelled at the book- such a rollercoaster! I'm all in. Bring on the next book!

[Mepitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! The story was suspenseful and just so well written! My stomach was in knots at times as I was pulled into the book and felt like I was there with Val watching the story unfold. I loved it! Can’t wait for the next book!

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and oh my goodness!!! There were so many twists and turns in this book that had me second guessing myself! I really had no idea what was coming next! I loved the character and confidence growth in Val too. Great read!!

[Kristin Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible! So much action packed into it, relationships blooming, feelings of sadness, anger, confusion- just AMAZING STORY TELLING! I could not put it down, I didn’t want to sleep before finishing! Definitely 5/5, recommend!!!

[Rebecca Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good follow up to Confined! Kept all the momentum going. I love that the romance is so pure, and the intricate love triangle set up for book three is *chef’s kiss*. The worldbuilding behind the AC is super easy for me to follow. Can’t wait for book three!

[Nathan Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth every penny!
Loved this book! Each of the characters - main and supporting - feel so real. Prepare to be sucked in for a crazy, adventurous ride.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a Beta and loved it! A sequel that expands the world and is absolutely its own remarkable story! I can't wait to see what comes next!