Sick

by Isla R. Quinn

Two survivors. One chance. No guarantees

The sickness took everything—sound, safety, and the illusion that tomorrow was guaranteed.

Abby has spent months surviving alone inside the walls of her apartment, watching the world outside her windows collapse. Food is dwindling. Silence is suffocating. And every day the infected move closer to what’s left of civilization.

Then she hears him.

Sawyer isn’t the savior she imagined—he’s bruised, wary, and determined to trust no one. But survival is colder alone, and together they navigate a ravaged Midwest where danger comes from the living just as often as the dead.

As scarcity sharpens every choice and strangers become threats in the dark, Abby and Sawyer discover something unexpected in the ruins—a connection strong enough to challenge the despair around them.

But in a world built on fear, nothing stays safe for long.

And love might be the one thing they can’t outrun.

460 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Mom of two, wife, and unapologetic Michigan native—born and raised with the Great Lakes in my veins. I’m proud to call the Upper Peninsula home, where the air is crisp, the people wave from their porches, and every season feels like its own adventure.

Reviews

[Catheryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really loved this post-apoc story. It is told in a pretty somber tone, which matches the state of the world. We learn what is going as Abby learns. I liked how Abby and Sawyer go from strangers to partner to lovers. We see them work together and learn to trust each other. While they were neighbors before, they didn't know each other. The world is very creepy and we not sure what to expect. The story tightly focuses on Abby and Sawyer, there are not too many side characters. (Which I love)

I can't wait to read the next in this series.

[Sandra Aranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those of you that love the Post-Apocalyptic setting yet are tired of simply zombies, monsters, fighting and death then this is the book for you. Yes, there is death, there are zombie-like people, and criminal actions. However, the main focus of the book is a romance. A new beginning. HOPE for more.

You got drawn into the two main characters Addy and Sawyer’s lives. Jay, a late comer to the story, was a very sweet addition. I look forward to hopefully hearing more about him and a possible romance for him in future books. I also want to hear more about Sawyer and Addy as their story is just beginning.

This book was sweet and real. I read it in two days as I could not put it down. It had me rooting for the main characters and left me feeling that even when the worst happens there is always HOPE for a better future. For a future no matter what it looks like.

I gave it 4 stars as there were some minor transition issues and one instance at the end just thrown in and not dealt with. Yet it is still a wonderful read!

[Avery Clason · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great novel to read if you’re itching for a nostalgic post-apocalyptic novel (one that brings back the feelings of the 2010s)!

I really enjoyed the characters in this novel, especially Addy! She was so brave, funny, and comfortable being uncomfortable. She is the embodiment of FMCs from traditional post-apocalyptic novels, but in a refreshing and endearing way - an FMC that had you rooting for her throughout the whole story.

I did notice that the start of the book was a little slow, but quickly picked up pace once Sawyer (the incredible MMC) was introduced. I felt that the pacing from then on was great and I’m curious if the slow start was meant to mimic the slowness of Addy’s life while she was self-quarantining in her apartment.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone who loves a good slow burn romance, anything set in a post-apocalypse world, and a brave/strong FMC.

Thank you Isla Quinn for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Renee Oquinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

very quick easy read. apocalypse (zombie) with found romance. story follows Abby at the start of a virus outbreak that changes everything. alone and hiding in her apartment she finds her neighbor is the only survivor as they soon realize they can no longer stay put. they set out on a journey out of town to seek a safer more secure place. slow burn angst. hardship and survival

[Amanda Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sick(ness) was intense, emotional, and completely addictive. I loved the characters, the world, and the steady tension that kept me turning pages. A fantastic post-apocalyptic read—I’m already excited for more!

[Raven Fort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sick(ness) was a fast, emotionally engaging read - I finished it in a single day. The story does a great job of pulling you into a world that feels fragile, dangerous, and deeply human. I really connected with the relationship between Addy and Sawyer and appreciated the slow-burn tension and found family elements woven throughout the story.

There were some moments where certain ideas and emotions were repeated a bit too often, and a few inconsistencies that briefly pulled me out of the narrative. However, the overall strength of the characters and the emotional core of the story kept me invested.

This is a solid post-apocalyptic romance with heart, tension, and hope - and one that fans of survival-based slow burns will definitely enjoy.

ARC provided for honest review.

[Trine-lise Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book, it had me hooked from the start! The writing was beautiful, i loved the post-apocalyptic setting. And the characters were also so cute. Even a bit of found family in here, which is a trope i love, and cannot wait to read the next book.

This gave med 28 days later/Last of us/The walking dead vibes, with alot more emphasis on the romance and not as much action. But still loved the journey they had through this book of figuring out how to live in a world with this sickness.

[The Little Lonely Writer · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premis and idea of the story was really good and intriguing.

I was given an ARC copy.

I sadly DNF'd about 90% of the way through. It was clear from page 1 that it had AI input due to the number of words that get repeated, the groups of 3's, "It's X, not Y". It didn't really have anything to do with the emdashes the fact it was written by AI.

I felt it lacked soul and energy and human input. The story was fine but it's clear that even the cover is AI generated and it just makes me sad. I was really looking forward to this book too

[Norma]

WOWWWWWW I just finished reading "SICK(NESS)" Absolutely, riveting. I could not put it down. I loved the characters of Addy and Sawyer and how they found each other in such a broken world. The plot was unstoppable. Isla Quinn's descriptions of the story scenes made me feel as if I was right there. I was wondering how many books are you planning for this series? Please keep it going... I am hooked !!!! Already pre-ordered on amazon book #2 "The Long Winter". I would love to receive your newsletters and be part of your "ARC TEAM" !!!!!
A BIG FAN OF YOUR WRITING. THANK YOU, KIWI 🤗

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC reader. I’m glad I kept reading it. At first I didn’t think I’d like it, but then I got hooked. This book had me stressed out once Addy felt someone watching and they found human foot prints. Them being haunted like animals had me on edge. I definitely recommend this book and hope to read more books by this author in the future.

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh, hopeful spin on post-apocalyptic fiction with a strong romantic focus. Addy and Sawyer were compelling and easy to cheer for, and Jay added a nice touch I’d love to see expanded. Emotional and absorbing, this story shows that even in a broken world, hope can still thrive.

[Karina Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful from the beginning with sensual scenes I crave. Love love love!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this post apocalyptic romance. It had everything fear, zombies and love in unlikely places but it felt right. I like a good forced proximity romance and this hit all the buttons.