What do you think?
Rate this book
Broken World #3
Mad World
***Warning: Contains spoilers for Broken World and Shattered World.
Mad World is the third book in the Broken World series, which follows a group of survivors after a super-virus has destroyed the world and the dead have come back to claim it as their own…
Vivian didn’t think things could get any worse than losing Emily, and getting to the shelter should have been their salvation. But once again their hopes were shattered when they discovered things weren’t safe as promised, forcing them to head into Vegas in search of supplies.
Vivian
But now she and Hadley find themselves in a situation more threatening than even the dead walking the Earth. Kidnapped by armed men and taken deep into Vegas, they’re cut-off from anyone who cares about them and thrust into a world so sick and twisted it can only be described as madness. Knowing that Axl has no idea where they are and little hope of finding them, Vivian and Hadley must team up with one of the very men who abducted them if they have any hope of escaping their new nightmare.
Axl
Watching Vivian get thrown into the back of a van almost tears him apart, but he’s determined to find her no matter what it takes. With the growing tension between him and Angus, Axl finds himself wondering if the price will be his relationship with his brother. Putting both old and new wounds aside, Axl and Angus must infiltrate the group holding Vivian and Hadley, and make their escape through a zombie-ridden Vegas.
But the men in charge of Vegas aren’t the type to easily forget, and the group soon discovers that getting the girls out alive very well could mean the end for them all…
Mad World is the third book in the Broken World series, which follows a group of survivors after a super-virus has destroyed the world and the dead have come back to claim it as their own…
Vivian didn’t think things could get any worse than losing Emily, and getting to the shelter should have been their salvation. But once again their hopes were shattered when they discovered things weren’t safe as promised, forcing them to head into Vegas in search of supplies.
Vivian
But now she and Hadley find themselves in a situation more threatening than even the dead walking the Earth. Kidnapped by armed men and taken deep into Vegas, they’re cut-off from anyone who cares about them and thrust into a world so sick and twisted it can only be described as madness. Knowing that Axl has no idea where they are and little hope of finding them, Vivian and Hadley must team up with one of the very men who abducted them if they have any hope of escaping their new nightmare.
Axl
Watching Vivian get thrown into the back of a van almost tears him apart, but he’s determined to find her no matter what it takes. With the growing tension between him and Angus, Axl finds himself wondering if the price will be his relationship with his brother. Putting both old and new wounds aside, Axl and Angus must infiltrate the group holding Vivian and Hadley, and make their escape through a zombie-ridden Vegas.
But the men in charge of Vegas aren’t the type to easily forget, and the group soon discovers that getting the girls out alive very well could mean the end for them all…
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2014
439 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Kate L. Mary
88 books794 followersI'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!
Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.
When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!
Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.
Awards:
Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine
When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction
Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateLMaryauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-...
Website: http://KateLMary.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieautho...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-L.-Mary/e...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kate-L.-Mary...
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.
When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!
Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.
Awards:
Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine
When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction
Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateLMaryauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-...
Website: http://KateLMary.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieautho...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-L.-Mary/e...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kate-L.-Mary...
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 7, 2015
4.5 Monte Carlo Stars
Just when I thought Ms. Mary wouldn't have anything left to write about...she does it again!
What a twist on the Zombie Apocalypse. And Axl just keeps getting better and better!
Love this series ♥
Just when I thought Ms. Mary wouldn't have anything left to write about...she does it again!
What a twist on the Zombie Apocalypse. And Axl just keeps getting better and better!
Love this series ♥
July 2, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This was such a good book! Once I started listening to this book, I did not want to put it down. At this point, I am going to have to admit that I have become slightly obsessed with this series. That is a good thing. A very good thing. I am completely invested in this group of characters and really want to see them flourish despite the horrendous world that they must live in. I really had a wonderful time with this book.
One thing that was a little different about this book as compared to the previous two is the fact that we get to see not only Vivian's perspective but Axl's as well. I do have to say that it did take me a minute to adjust to another point of view and a second narrator but I found that I really ended up appreciating that second point of view.
This is not a feel-good story. Don't get me wrong, there are some moments when things actually work out for the characters but overall this was not a pleasant tale. This story is set in a world where the dead walk the streets but the real enemies are often other survivors. This story illustrates some of the evil that humans can do to others but it also shows the strength of people put in the worst situation. I love the fact that despite the fact this group of characters always have each other's backs and try to do the right thing.
I do love the characters in this book. It was great to see the progress in the relationships between the characters. There were a few character losses that broke my heart just a little. I have a lot of respect for this group that never gives up even when things seem to be at their worst. There are a lot of really terrible things that happen in this installment so these characters are definitely tested in this installment.
I thought that Hillary Huber and Patrick Lawlor did a great job with the narration of this book. I was a little surprised by the addition of the male narrator but I think he did a great job of representing Axl. The two narrators did a great job with all of the characters voices and I thought that they added a lot of excitement to the story.
I would recommend this series to others. This is the third book in the Broken World series which is a series that really does need to be read in order. I found this story to be both heartbreaking and hopeful and can't wait to find out what happens to this group of characters next!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.
Initial Thoughts
It did take me a minute to get used to the additional narrator and getting some of Axl's point of view but once I got going I appreciated the change. This was pretty exciting and one of the things that I love about this kind of story is that no matter how scary the zombies might be they are never the scariest thing out there.
This was such a good book! Once I started listening to this book, I did not want to put it down. At this point, I am going to have to admit that I have become slightly obsessed with this series. That is a good thing. A very good thing. I am completely invested in this group of characters and really want to see them flourish despite the horrendous world that they must live in. I really had a wonderful time with this book.
One thing that was a little different about this book as compared to the previous two is the fact that we get to see not only Vivian's perspective but Axl's as well. I do have to say that it did take me a minute to adjust to another point of view and a second narrator but I found that I really ended up appreciating that second point of view.
This is not a feel-good story. Don't get me wrong, there are some moments when things actually work out for the characters but overall this was not a pleasant tale. This story is set in a world where the dead walk the streets but the real enemies are often other survivors. This story illustrates some of the evil that humans can do to others but it also shows the strength of people put in the worst situation. I love the fact that despite the fact this group of characters always have each other's backs and try to do the right thing.
I do love the characters in this book. It was great to see the progress in the relationships between the characters. There were a few character losses that broke my heart just a little. I have a lot of respect for this group that never gives up even when things seem to be at their worst. There are a lot of really terrible things that happen in this installment so these characters are definitely tested in this installment.
I thought that Hillary Huber and Patrick Lawlor did a great job with the narration of this book. I was a little surprised by the addition of the male narrator but I think he did a great job of representing Axl. The two narrators did a great job with all of the characters voices and I thought that they added a lot of excitement to the story.
I would recommend this series to others. This is the third book in the Broken World series which is a series that really does need to be read in order. I found this story to be both heartbreaking and hopeful and can't wait to find out what happens to this group of characters next!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.
Initial Thoughts
It did take me a minute to get used to the additional narrator and getting some of Axl's point of view but once I got going I appreciated the change. This was pretty exciting and one of the things that I love about this kind of story is that no matter how scary the zombies might be they are never the scariest thing out there.
January 11, 2016
4.5 It’s a MAD WORLD
It’s very hard to find a good Zombie book, but the fact I have read books 1 through 3 shows how good this series is! I simply love Broken World series and I honestly can tell you I NEVER want it to end.
What’s the best thing about Mad World? There is AXL’s POV!!!!! Are you jumping for joy? I know I am.
So let’s recap from what happened. Vivian and Hadley have been abducted by crazy men. Who kidnapped the girls? What do they want with them? What’s going to happen?
Oh so much and I can’t want to jump into it.
The pace of Mad World is no expectation compared to the other books. It’s fast, crazy and I would say it’s a bit darker and YES please. I need some dark moments and it was delivered. So… be prepared for tough moments, sad moments and oh-my-gosh-REALLY moments.
Vivian and Hadley find themselves in an impossible situation and the only thing on the girls mind is survival and sticking together. Frist off, we notice a change in Hadley, she goes from bubbly, light-hearted America’s sweetheart to a bit scared, distant and distraught. I love it! I love the change in Hadley and I love what kind of new problems it may bring.
Vivian is strong as ever and will do whatever it takes to get out the impossible situation. I really liked her in this book. What I love most, like I said is Axl’s POV. I couldn’t get enough of it. I gobbled it up and devoured every second. You will slowly see a shift in Axl and he kind of breaks more away from his brother Angus.
The love between Vivian and Axl goes strong I love that this book focuses more on the relationship. We see Vivian and Axl progress as a couple and it’s perfect!
Mad World exceeded all of my expectations. I can’t wait to continue with the series.
**Read on Kindle Unlimited
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
It’s very hard to find a good Zombie book, but the fact I have read books 1 through 3 shows how good this series is! I simply love Broken World series and I honestly can tell you I NEVER want it to end.
What’s the best thing about Mad World? There is AXL’s POV!!!!! Are you jumping for joy? I know I am.
So let’s recap from what happened. Vivian and Hadley have been abducted by crazy men. Who kidnapped the girls? What do they want with them? What’s going to happen?
Oh so much and I can’t want to jump into it.
The pace of Mad World is no expectation compared to the other books. It’s fast, crazy and I would say it’s a bit darker and YES please. I need some dark moments and it was delivered. So… be prepared for tough moments, sad moments and oh-my-gosh-REALLY moments.
Vivian and Hadley find themselves in an impossible situation and the only thing on the girls mind is survival and sticking together. Frist off, we notice a change in Hadley, she goes from bubbly, light-hearted America’s sweetheart to a bit scared, distant and distraught. I love it! I love the change in Hadley and I love what kind of new problems it may bring.
Vivian is strong as ever and will do whatever it takes to get out the impossible situation. I really liked her in this book. What I love most, like I said is Axl’s POV. I couldn’t get enough of it. I gobbled it up and devoured every second. You will slowly see a shift in Axl and he kind of breaks more away from his brother Angus.
The love between Vivian and Axl goes strong I love that this book focuses more on the relationship. We see Vivian and Axl progress as a couple and it’s perfect!
Mad World exceeded all of my expectations. I can’t wait to continue with the series.
**Read on Kindle Unlimited
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
June 14, 2019
Just got rolling in this unique and captivating series. Hopeful books #4-? come out on audible soon so I can continue - as this genre is most enjoyable for me when listening.
October 1, 2016
Oh boy .. oh freaking boy ! This was darker than the first two books ... all the activities in Monte Carlo and what Vivian and Hadley were put through :,( ... Oh the other hand , loved that this was a dual POV .. Vivian and Axl !!!! It was soooo good to read about was going on in his head .. also his love for Viv ... yeah that was something all together! Hot headed man trying to get his woman back , PHEW !!!! Fan me coz I was all hot and bothered! Loved this book but I'm cutting out that one star because the thing they tried to pull off at the end was sheer stupidity!!!! As of the losses that happened in this book was not enough , that move killed it !!!
Taking a break from this series for now . Will get back to it some other time .
Taking a break from this series for now . Will get back to it some other time .
January 4, 2016
Really really hated the events that took place within the Monte Carlo in Vegas. There were elements of sexual abuse in this book which I think would probably be a likely scenario in the event of the world falling apart. However, I think that the organization of such a place as what was set up in the Monte Carlo happened a bit quickly. I think at this stage in the game most people would still be running around trying to survive.
I am also thinking that Vivian has shown some pretty strong survival instincts thus far and so I find it highly improbable that she would find herself without her gun as many times as she seems to.
I also had trouble believing the ease in which the group's bunker was infiltrated. I don't believe for a second that someone as paranoid as Angus would allow someone as sketchy and untrustworthy as Brad to be a lookout for them while they hid their key and made their contingency plans. I think more of an impact would have been made had their location been given up by someone thought to be trustworthy.
However still pretty entertaining. Moving on to the next in the series to see where things go from here.
I am also thinking that Vivian has shown some pretty strong survival instincts thus far and so I find it highly improbable that she would find herself without her gun as many times as she seems to.
I also had trouble believing the ease in which the group's bunker was infiltrated. I don't believe for a second that someone as paranoid as Angus would allow someone as sketchy and untrustworthy as Brad to be a lookout for them while they hid their key and made their contingency plans. I think more of an impact would have been made had their location been given up by someone thought to be trustworthy.
However still pretty entertaining. Moving on to the next in the series to see where things go from here.
March 16, 2016
The back-and-forth first person narrative of Viviane and Axl keeps the third installment of Kate Mary's zombie series "Broken World" fresh and interesting in "Mad World." Author Mary is an obvious fan of the AMC series "The Walking Dead", and she make no apologies in her obvious borrowings of both character and plot line. If Darryl Dixon had a love interest, and they were lost in a post-apocalyptic zombie world, this would be their story. This third book focuses on the rescue of Viviane and Hadley from a wicked group of survivors in a Vegas casino, who have created a human refuge that exchanges sex for supplies. There's rape, violence, and of course, redneck sex. It's all in good fun, and cracktastic addictive. I'm delving into the 4th book, next up!
January 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.I loved this book.The story is told through the POV of Vivian and Axl.The mood of Mad World is darker and shows the depths of depravity that some will succumb too.The characters are well developed and the authors talent at world building captivated me.The sign of a well written story to me is that an author leaves me wanting to know more about their characters futures.Kate L. Mary succeeded with this installment of her Broken World Series.I can't wait to read book four.I highly recommend this series to fans of the Zombie and Post Apocalyptic genres.
May 5, 2015
Awesome just loved it. And I was so glad that Axl finally had a POV. I was dying to know what he thought.
October 12, 2018
Another gripping installment of this incredible series.I swear, Kate L. Mary sure can weave a plot. The story was so fast paced with Vivian and Hadley's abduction and Axl trying to rescue them. It was kind of awesome to get his POV for once and to see just how strong his feelings for Vivian were. There was a bit more death in this one and it was so heartbreaking, but awesome. Loved this story from beginning to end and while it did end with a few things unresolved, it wasn't as much of a nail biter as the other two endings. I can't wait to continue the series.
But one thing . . . can the author PLEASE come up with another facial expression for Axl and Angus. The are ALWAYS either pursing their lips or puckering them and it is so incredibly annoying and repetitive.
But one thing . . . can the author PLEASE come up with another facial expression for Axl and Angus. The are ALWAYS either pursing their lips or puckering them and it is so incredibly annoying and repetitive.
January 1, 2017
Well.... this one was harder for me to take. The flaws aren't improving and I'm running out of the ability to suspend my disbelief.
First the good:
The story continues to be more original and there is plenty of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters do come to life, and some of them are pretty awesome. The action scenes are well written, and nail-biting. Kate is also willing to torture her characters and isn't afraid to kill people off. She has some real talent, and I can see her growing as a writer. I wanted to like this one more... I just couldn't.
Now for the bad:
The typos keep popping up, and they're still pretty annoying. I hate to be so petty about typos, but these are pretty bad, and really do pull me out of the story.
Nothing gets resolved. Yes the main story gets resolved, but all the stuff that has been carrying over is still there. I see no point in Vivian's mother being there. All she does is add a little more pointless drama. I thought she was there to push character growth, but nothing yet. In fact, there still hasn't really been any character growth at all. Axl and Vivian remain stagnant. Angus seems to be growing a bit, but even that seems like it may just be his real character coming out. Other characters change a bit throughout the story, but in some cases it didn't really feel believable.
I think the thing that irritated me the most was the stereotyping. All men with tattoos and piercings are abusive creeps. Anyone named Brad is a bad guy. All rednecks know how to survive, and are jerks with a heart of gold. There has been a lot of stereotyping throughout the series, but it started getting to me in this one.
I also felt the plot line was a little hard to believe in this one. A society built on the sex trade just is too hard for me to swallow. Yes, there are plenty of men in the world that would go for that, but I can't believe so many of them would conveniently wind up in one place. Jon couldn't have been the only guy there that disagreed with the policy...
I'm going to keep reading the series, and I have my fingers crossed that things will improve, but this one was not my favorite. If it had been the first of the series I wouldn't have bothered with finishing it. My fingers are crossed, but my expectations aren't high.
First the good:
The story continues to be more original and there is plenty of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters do come to life, and some of them are pretty awesome. The action scenes are well written, and nail-biting. Kate is also willing to torture her characters and isn't afraid to kill people off. She has some real talent, and I can see her growing as a writer. I wanted to like this one more... I just couldn't.
Now for the bad:
The typos keep popping up, and they're still pretty annoying. I hate to be so petty about typos, but these are pretty bad, and really do pull me out of the story.
Nothing gets resolved. Yes the main story gets resolved, but all the stuff that has been carrying over is still there. I see no point in Vivian's mother being there. All she does is add a little more pointless drama. I thought she was there to push character growth, but nothing yet. In fact, there still hasn't really been any character growth at all. Axl and Vivian remain stagnant. Angus seems to be growing a bit, but even that seems like it may just be his real character coming out. Other characters change a bit throughout the story, but in some cases it didn't really feel believable.
I think the thing that irritated me the most was the stereotyping. All men with tattoos and piercings are abusive creeps. Anyone named Brad is a bad guy. All rednecks know how to survive, and are jerks with a heart of gold. There has been a lot of stereotyping throughout the series, but it started getting to me in this one.
I also felt the plot line was a little hard to believe in this one. A society built on the sex trade just is too hard for me to swallow. Yes, there are plenty of men in the world that would go for that, but I can't believe so many of them would conveniently wind up in one place. Jon couldn't have been the only guy there that disagreed with the policy...
I'm going to keep reading the series, and I have my fingers crossed that things will improve, but this one was not my favorite. If it had been the first of the series I wouldn't have bothered with finishing it. My fingers are crossed, but my expectations aren't high.
January 12, 2015
About 4.8 stars!
Definitely the best of the trilogy, which got better as it went along!
What made Mad World superior to the first two parts was, I thought, the inclusion of the alternate points of view of the two main characters, Vivian and Axl. Axl's my favourite character in it, and it was great to see the chain of events from his point of view, as the group's supposed safe haven falls apart. The 'voices' of him and Vivian were very different, as were their attitudes to the other people in the group.
I thought the relating of the action really stepped up in this book; I could visualise it more. It's got everything - near death misses, hopeless situations, tragic losses, the satisfaction of revenge; there's quite a lot of moral stuff going on in it too, I think, if you read between the lines a bit. Some of the reviews on .com said that there was too much love/sex stuff between Vivian and Axl, but I disagree; for a start off there wasn't all that much, and it was all very real, their feelings for each other adding to the urgency of every situation. It also added hope; that people could find times of happiness under such circumstances.
I was delighted, when I got to the end of the book, to read that part 4, Lost World, will be out in April. Kate Mary, I want you to tell me IMMEDIATELY it comes out! There's so much more story to be told - this one could keep on running.
Definitely the best of the trilogy, which got better as it went along!
What made Mad World superior to the first two parts was, I thought, the inclusion of the alternate points of view of the two main characters, Vivian and Axl. Axl's my favourite character in it, and it was great to see the chain of events from his point of view, as the group's supposed safe haven falls apart. The 'voices' of him and Vivian were very different, as were their attitudes to the other people in the group.
I thought the relating of the action really stepped up in this book; I could visualise it more. It's got everything - near death misses, hopeless situations, tragic losses, the satisfaction of revenge; there's quite a lot of moral stuff going on in it too, I think, if you read between the lines a bit. Some of the reviews on .com said that there was too much love/sex stuff between Vivian and Axl, but I disagree; for a start off there wasn't all that much, and it was all very real, their feelings for each other adding to the urgency of every situation. It also added hope; that people could find times of happiness under such circumstances.
I was delighted, when I got to the end of the book, to read that part 4, Lost World, will be out in April. Kate Mary, I want you to tell me IMMEDIATELY it comes out! There's so much more story to be told - this one could keep on running.
March 24, 2017
Now we're talking! This book had much more of a satisfying and complete story arc than the last book in the series. There was also tons of great character development, and as a fan of character-driven books, this is a big deal to me.
Now, as to my note on the men constantly pursing their lips in the previous books - they have apparently moved on to PUCKERING. I do not think this is an improvement. It even seems to be annoying the characters who are doing it. Or, at least one of them. Axl keeps catching himself doing it and cursing at himself.
Oh, yes at himself - because as an added bonus to this book in the series, chapters alternate between Vivian's familiar point of view and Axls. Since they are separated for a good portion of the book, this makes sense, but it's also great just for fun - getting into his head is really interesting. He does cuss a lot though - even in his thoughts. It's perfectly in line with his character, not gratuitous, but it's just a warning because I have some friends on here who really don't go for profanity in their books. Of course, they generally don't read zombie fiction either, but it's in the spirit of warning.
Now, as to my note on the men constantly pursing their lips in the previous books - they have apparently moved on to PUCKERING. I do not think this is an improvement. It even seems to be annoying the characters who are doing it. Or, at least one of them. Axl keeps catching himself doing it and cursing at himself.
Oh, yes at himself - because as an added bonus to this book in the series, chapters alternate between Vivian's familiar point of view and Axls. Since they are separated for a good portion of the book, this makes sense, but it's also great just for fun - getting into his head is really interesting. He does cuss a lot though - even in his thoughts. It's perfectly in line with his character, not gratuitous, but it's just a warning because I have some friends on here who really don't go for profanity in their books. Of course, they generally don't read zombie fiction either, but it's in the spirit of warning.
September 16, 2016
Audiobook
3-1/2 out of 5 stars. There were so many "duh" moments that if this would have been a TV show, I would have been yelling at it telling the people to stop being so dumb. These are savvy people who grew up rough and should have a sense of what people are going to do - especially sketchy people. I knew that I'm going to take a break from this series. I've heard there are more books that follow different people. I'm hoping that the author will not be making these giant flashing mistakes in the next book - make the people as intelligent as they should be, especially Vivian, Axle and Angus.
3-1/2 out of 5 stars. There were so many "duh" moments that if this would have been a TV show, I would have been yelling at it telling the people to stop being so dumb. These are savvy people who grew up rough and should have a sense of what people are going to do - especially sketchy people. I knew that I'm going to take a break from this series. I've heard there are more books that follow different people. I'm hoping that the author will not be making these giant flashing mistakes in the next book - make the people as intelligent as they should be, especially Vivian, Axle and Angus.
February 11, 2015
awesome series
When I first started reading Broken World, I was skeptical, but it immediately dragged me in. Before I knew it I was already on to book three. Each one got better and better. I loved both the apocalyptic intertwined with the love story. Kate L. Mary made it work! I can't wait for book four!
When I first started reading Broken World, I was skeptical, but it immediately dragged me in. Before I knew it I was already on to book three. Each one got better and better. I loved both the apocalyptic intertwined with the love story. Kate L. Mary made it work! I can't wait for book four!
February 8, 2015
Completely hooked on this series. Looking forward to reading book #4 soon!
January 12, 2015
Fantastic!
This is the third book In the series and they just keep getting better and better. Great action and a great love story!
This is the third book In the series and they just keep getting better and better. Great action and a great love story!
May 14, 2021
I'm glad I kept with this not so merry band of survivors. This book was much darker than the first two, with non-stop action. Axl is really coming into his own and his brother is growing on me a bit...he's still an ass but he has some good ideas. Honestly if people would have listened to him, the ending of this book would have been WAY different.
December 21, 2019
As this great series continues we have our group heading back to Vegas. Vivian and Haley were nabbed while searching for medical supplies at a hospital. Axel comes to the rescue along with his crazy brother Angus. What is happening in the hotel the girls were taken too is beyond the OMG factor. Bad guys get their butts kicked and the zombies, well they are just another hump our amazing characters need to over come to survive!
February 6, 2018
This is my favorite book from the Broken World series. So much happens in this book it would be unfair to share with you all of the interesting turn of events that occur within it's pages. This is a must read for fans of our group of survivors during the zombie apocalypse.
August 26, 2022
For the love of god authors: if there is rape/sexual assault within the plot of your book then PLEASE provide a content/trigger warning.
January 5, 2015
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This series is so darn good! Honestly, if you’re a fan of zombie books (and you’re 18+ – the sex in these books isn’t terribly explicit, but it’s definitely there), then you should be reading this series. The whole series is a rollercoaster ride, full of gritty, non-stop action and intense emotion. I don’t want to give much away, so I’m actually not going to talk to much about plot (though the plot is exciting!). Instead, I’ll focus on why I love this book (and the others in the series).
What I LOVED:
The characters.
These characters are real people who don’t always handle their new world with grace and dignity – they are fighting to survive, and sometimes that struggle gets the best of them. At the same time, throughout the book, we see how disaster brings out the best in some people – especially our main characters. We see this most in Axl, who comes into his own during this series and starts to realize that he’s not the trailer trash he’s always believed himself to be. That doesn’t mean that he’s perfect, though – he loses himself sometimes, and makes bad decisions in the face of desperation – but we see that, at his core, he’s a good man. It’s this journey that makes these characters so compelling. Who do you become when the world ends? Some people become more desperate and selfish (or just plain evil), while others step up and become more than they once were. People who we think might be “bad” (like Angus) prove themselves, while other people destroy those around them in order to better their own situation.
Desperation.
In this book, the characters all get pushed to desperation. Vivian and Hadley are desperate to escape a truly horrific situation, while Axl is desperate to rescue Vivian before something awful happens to her. The action in these books is unrelenting – not only do our group of survivors have to fight zombies, but they’re forced to contend with the evil that can be found in men. The characters are pushed to their limits – and beyond. This book will have your heart racing and your emotions running wild. The things that the characters face are often disturbing and horrible, but always exciting!
The negatives:
Axl’s voice.
It took me a little while to get used to Axl’s voice – he’s got sort of a redneck voice that took me some getting used to when the book was in his POV. But, that’s Axl, so it made sense. Still, it made it a little harder for me to get into the book at the very beginning.
Love these books! This ended with a little bit less of a cliff-hanger than the last two, but I’m still chomping at the bit to get to the next book in the series! I give it 4.5/5 stars.
This series is so darn good! Honestly, if you’re a fan of zombie books (and you’re 18+ – the sex in these books isn’t terribly explicit, but it’s definitely there), then you should be reading this series. The whole series is a rollercoaster ride, full of gritty, non-stop action and intense emotion. I don’t want to give much away, so I’m actually not going to talk to much about plot (though the plot is exciting!). Instead, I’ll focus on why I love this book (and the others in the series).
What I LOVED:
The characters.
These characters are real people who don’t always handle their new world with grace and dignity – they are fighting to survive, and sometimes that struggle gets the best of them. At the same time, throughout the book, we see how disaster brings out the best in some people – especially our main characters. We see this most in Axl, who comes into his own during this series and starts to realize that he’s not the trailer trash he’s always believed himself to be. That doesn’t mean that he’s perfect, though – he loses himself sometimes, and makes bad decisions in the face of desperation – but we see that, at his core, he’s a good man. It’s this journey that makes these characters so compelling. Who do you become when the world ends? Some people become more desperate and selfish (or just plain evil), while others step up and become more than they once were. People who we think might be “bad” (like Angus) prove themselves, while other people destroy those around them in order to better their own situation.
Desperation.
In this book, the characters all get pushed to desperation. Vivian and Hadley are desperate to escape a truly horrific situation, while Axl is desperate to rescue Vivian before something awful happens to her. The action in these books is unrelenting – not only do our group of survivors have to fight zombies, but they’re forced to contend with the evil that can be found in men. The characters are pushed to their limits – and beyond. This book will have your heart racing and your emotions running wild. The things that the characters face are often disturbing and horrible, but always exciting!
The negatives:
Axl’s voice.
It took me a little while to get used to Axl’s voice – he’s got sort of a redneck voice that took me some getting used to when the book was in his POV. But, that’s Axl, so it made sense. Still, it made it a little harder for me to get into the book at the very beginning.
Love these books! This ended with a little bit less of a cliff-hanger than the last two, but I’m still chomping at the bit to get to the next book in the series! I give it 4.5/5 stars.
December 12, 2014
They learned how to survive the zombies, only to have the remaining humans be the ones that could destroy them all.
Vivian and Hadley were taken by men and in this new world you just know how bad it could be. It'll be up to Viv to stay strong and figure things out on the inside while trusting Axl will do whatever it takes from the outside.
Axl has finally found someone who cares about him and he cares about her and will rip anyone apart who tries to get in his way of getting her back. With a group as dangerous as those that took the women though just what will they have to do to get them back?
Vivian is so much stronger in this one she's able to look after herself although she also knows when to use her instincts and trust her gut as to who else can help her. She still feels the loss of her daughter, but in a world where everyone has lost someone, she's not crying about it every two seconds.
Axl is smarter than he gives himself credit for and he he a leader in his own way. I loved seeing how much he cares for Viv and just how far he'd go for her even with his brother breathing down his neck about it.
Another great addition to the series, I enjoyed seeing more of this group and how they are surviving and what they have to do as a group to stay safe and alive. Can't wait for more!
Vivian and Hadley were taken by men and in this new world you just know how bad it could be. It'll be up to Viv to stay strong and figure things out on the inside while trusting Axl will do whatever it takes from the outside.
Axl has finally found someone who cares about him and he cares about her and will rip anyone apart who tries to get in his way of getting her back. With a group as dangerous as those that took the women though just what will they have to do to get them back?
Vivian is so much stronger in this one she's able to look after herself although she also knows when to use her instincts and trust her gut as to who else can help her. She still feels the loss of her daughter, but in a world where everyone has lost someone, she's not crying about it every two seconds.
Axl is smarter than he gives himself credit for and he he a leader in his own way. I loved seeing how much he cares for Viv and just how far he'd go for her even with his brother breathing down his neck about it.
Another great addition to the series, I enjoyed seeing more of this group and how they are surviving and what they have to do as a group to stay safe and alive. Can't wait for more!
January 5, 2015
What can I say? Awesome!
I read the first two books back to back after Shattered World was released, and I was anxiously awaiting the third installment so I could find out what happened to Vivian and Hadley. I was disappointed!
This book jumps back and forth between Vivian and Axl's perspective, which was a change, but a welcome one. We were able to get a little more insight into Axl, as well as his brother Angus, and how their relationship has developed since the outbreak. We also see a change in Angus as the book moves forward, and the end left me wondering if just maybe he might be willing to work on fitting in a little better for brother's sake.
The action in this book was non-stop, and the stakes are higher than ever. Mad World focuses on the threat people bring to the table when law disappears, but there's also plenty of zombie action to keep you on the edge of your seat! The evolution of the people in Vegas is revolting and something straight out of nightmares, but not entirely far-fetched. Which makes it even worse.
The world depicted in this book truly is mad, so I can totally understand why the author chose it as the title of her book. Great read! Really looking forward to the next one!
I read the first two books back to back after Shattered World was released, and I was anxiously awaiting the third installment so I could find out what happened to Vivian and Hadley. I was disappointed!
This book jumps back and forth between Vivian and Axl's perspective, which was a change, but a welcome one. We were able to get a little more insight into Axl, as well as his brother Angus, and how their relationship has developed since the outbreak. We also see a change in Angus as the book moves forward, and the end left me wondering if just maybe he might be willing to work on fitting in a little better for brother's sake.
The action in this book was non-stop, and the stakes are higher than ever. Mad World focuses on the threat people bring to the table when law disappears, but there's also plenty of zombie action to keep you on the edge of your seat! The evolution of the people in Vegas is revolting and something straight out of nightmares, but not entirely far-fetched. Which makes it even worse.
The world depicted in this book truly is mad, so I can totally understand why the author chose it as the title of her book. Great read! Really looking forward to the next one!
December 28, 2014
* Arc provided by author for honest review *
I was so eager to read the next installment of the Broken World series and I wasn't disappointed!
The story takes off right where shattered world ended, and the action never lets up.
Mad World is quite a bit darker than the first 2 books; Zombies are not the only enemy, and it is people who become the real threat. The destruction of civilization and the gradual decay of morality are portrayed quite well here. It seems like this book is a bit of a turning point for the group; they are forced to face the fact that the world will not be able to return to the way it was.
With regards to the characters, Vivian continues to be the strong female heroine. She is put into a very difficult situation and her reactions and emotions are believable and honest. It is also nice to see more development of Axl. We are given glimpses from his POV providing more depth to this character.
While there are a few unbelievable moments, overall the plot stays strong and gripping from the very start and keeps you hooked right until the last page.
This series is a great addition to any library and is highly recommended!
I was so eager to read the next installment of the Broken World series and I wasn't disappointed!
The story takes off right where shattered world ended, and the action never lets up.
Mad World is quite a bit darker than the first 2 books; Zombies are not the only enemy, and it is people who become the real threat. The destruction of civilization and the gradual decay of morality are portrayed quite well here. It seems like this book is a bit of a turning point for the group; they are forced to face the fact that the world will not be able to return to the way it was.
With regards to the characters, Vivian continues to be the strong female heroine. She is put into a very difficult situation and her reactions and emotions are believable and honest. It is also nice to see more development of Axl. We are given glimpses from his POV providing more depth to this character.
While there are a few unbelievable moments, overall the plot stays strong and gripping from the very start and keeps you hooked right until the last page.
This series is a great addition to any library and is highly recommended!
January 10, 2015
This combination romance/horror novel has enough interesting elements to keep me on the edge of my seat even after spending three novels with these same characters. If you're looking for a lively, enjoyable zombie series to add to your collection please consider checking out the Broken World series. At $2.99 per book they are one of the better bargains in the horror/romance genre. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, even though the official launch of Mad World isn't until January 3, 2015. I'm eager to see what other horrors can befall Vivian and the other survivors!
November 20, 2015
This series reminds me of delectable, fine chocolates. I want to devour the books because they're so good, yet I don't want to finish them so quickly because I'll be bummed when they're gone. This was certainly the most messed up book in the series and makes you wonder if humans would actually be capable of such barbaric behaviors were the world to ever end. I've become a big Kate L. Mary supporter and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next book!
June 9, 2015
I'm still loving this series! The only thing that bothered me was the overuse of puckering and pursing of lips. At first only Angus pursed or puckered his lips, and then Axl picked it up and it was mentioned repeatedly throughout the second half of the book. It really started to grate on my nerves!
So I've got my fingers crossed that there's no mention of lips pursed or puckered in the next book!!
So I've got my fingers crossed that there's no mention of lips pursed or puckered in the next book!!
March 12, 2015
Now we get to the evil people....
And boy are they evil... It absolutely sucks that disasters can bring out the worst in people, but in a fictional setting it certainly helps tell a good story. On the other hand it gets pretty emotional too because some good people are lost.
On to the next book!
And boy are they evil... It absolutely sucks that disasters can bring out the worst in people, but in a fictional setting it certainly helps tell a good story. On the other hand it gets pretty emotional too because some good people are lost.
On to the next book!
April 30, 2015
Love this series, and I think with each book it gets better. The first two books were about finding a safe place, and now that they have, the group has to deal with the bad people. The lowlifes of the world all seem to have congregated at one hotel, and the group has to rescue some of their own. This book seems more action packed then the first two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews