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Unplanned Escape: The Unwanted Chronicles, Book Two
Here we go again.
Eli’s back—and somehow, things got worse.
The world’s falling apart faster, people are proving to be just as dangerous as the dead, and “safe zones” aren’t exactly what they claim to be.
All Eli wants is to be left alone and make it back to where he belongs.
That’s not how this works.
Come along for the next round, where the fourth wall takes a few more hits and Eli’s ongoing problem with the author gets a little more… personal.
The choices hit harder.
The lines get blurrier.
And this time, walking away might not be an option.
Eli’s back—and somehow, things got worse.
The world’s falling apart faster, people are proving to be just as dangerous as the dead, and “safe zones” aren’t exactly what they claim to be.
All Eli wants is to be left alone and make it back to where he belongs.
That’s not how this works.
Come along for the next round, where the fourth wall takes a few more hits and Eli’s ongoing problem with the author gets a little more… personal.
The choices hit harder.
The lines get blurrier.
And this time, walking away might not be an option.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 10, 2026
I am absolutely having a blast with this series. The story itself is so funny, with its play on the zombie apocalypse. This time with a couple of much darker moments in time. But then throw in narration by A. W. McClellan and this things just steps up to a new level. Absolutely recommend, and give it a. Listen if you can... Worth it!
March 30, 2026
This is book 2 in his 4th wall break series. This book is much darker than book 1! Be prepared.
Audiobook review:
A.W. always brings something special to Eli. He makes me laugh with his antics and even in the darkest parts of the story, made me keep going.
The story itself. M.A. Lay has such a vivid imagination. I love it!
Audiobook review:
A.W. always brings something special to Eli. He makes me laugh with his antics and even in the darkest parts of the story, made me keep going.
The story itself. M.A. Lay has such a vivid imagination. I love it!
October 4, 2026
I had so much fun listening to Unplanned Escape!
Eli's journey is a wild ride, and you can’t help but root for him. All he wants is to get back home to Allison and Haley, but the universe keeps throwing massive bumps in the road. He constantly insists that he doesn't want to be a hero, yet he is forced into the hero role over and over again, which makes his reluctant journey so entertaining to watch.
The book manages to balance its humor with some genuinely dark themes. What I appreciated most is the author's restraint. M.A. Lay does not explicitly describe every horrific thing happening in certain scenes, but because of Eli's commentary and reactions, you have a very good idea of what is going on. It was done incredibly well because it is subtle, effective, and powerful without being overly graphic.
The narrator, A.W. McClellan, does an amazing job bringing Eli's sarcasm and frustration to life. But that ending? Seriously, F U M.A. Lay, please give the man his happy ending already!
Highly recommend this audiobook if you want great banter, high stakes, and an unforgettable main character.
Eli's journey is a wild ride, and you can’t help but root for him. All he wants is to get back home to Allison and Haley, but the universe keeps throwing massive bumps in the road. He constantly insists that he doesn't want to be a hero, yet he is forced into the hero role over and over again, which makes his reluctant journey so entertaining to watch.
The book manages to balance its humor with some genuinely dark themes. What I appreciated most is the author's restraint. M.A. Lay does not explicitly describe every horrific thing happening in certain scenes, but because of Eli's commentary and reactions, you have a very good idea of what is going on. It was done incredibly well because it is subtle, effective, and powerful without being overly graphic.
The narrator, A.W. McClellan, does an amazing job bringing Eli's sarcasm and frustration to life. But that ending? Seriously, F U M.A. Lay, please give the man his happy ending already!
Highly recommend this audiobook if you want great banter, high stakes, and an unforgettable main character.
June 12, 2026
Unplanned Escape was an absolute ride from start to finish! The hook and pacing were incredible—this is one of those rare books that is truly unputdownable. I sat down with it and didn't put it down until I had read it entirely from cover to cover.
The world-building was amazing, beautifully descriptive, and highly atmospheric. It did a fantastic job of setting a distinct, immersive mood right from the jump. I also loved the character work here; the connection felt incredibly well done. I fell in love with the entire cast and genuinely cared about what happened to them.
As for the plot? The execution and resolution were perfect. It’s packed with brilliant twists that were executed flawlessly and felt incredibly satisfying by the end.
The overall vibes were great and I had an absolute blast reading it. If you are a fan of Deadpool, breaking the fourth wall, and zombie apocalypse books, I cannot recommend this sequel highly enough!
The world-building was amazing, beautifully descriptive, and highly atmospheric. It did a fantastic job of setting a distinct, immersive mood right from the jump. I also loved the character work here; the connection felt incredibly well done. I fell in love with the entire cast and genuinely cared about what happened to them.
As for the plot? The execution and resolution were perfect. It’s packed with brilliant twists that were executed flawlessly and felt incredibly satisfying by the end.
The overall vibes were great and I had an absolute blast reading it. If you are a fan of Deadpool, breaking the fourth wall, and zombie apocalypse books, I cannot recommend this sequel highly enough!
April 4, 2026
4th Wall Breaking.
MMC with Sass
Unwilling hero
We are taken back to where we started and ended in book 1 Unwilling Survivor.
Eli
Dangling from a rope
Above a horde of zombies
We saved him from the dreaded fade to black!
I had the privilege to read this the day before it was released and to the amusement of the author I dove right into book 2 having finished book 1 Unwilling Survivor.
Unplanned escape is a darker than book one and it brings in elements that are unfortunately common to what humans do in end of world scenarios. Eli is thrown into situations that force him to be the hero he so desperately does not want to be. All he wants to do is get home. Get back to them.
The humor is still there. the Fourth Wall breaking is epic! The range of emotions I went through in this book was just what I needed. 100% will recommend this series.
MMC with Sass
Unwilling hero
We are taken back to where we started and ended in book 1 Unwilling Survivor.
Eli
Dangling from a rope
Above a horde of zombies
We saved him from the dreaded fade to black!
I had the privilege to read this the day before it was released and to the amusement of the author I dove right into book 2 having finished book 1 Unwilling Survivor.
Unplanned escape is a darker than book one and it brings in elements that are unfortunately common to what humans do in end of world scenarios. Eli is thrown into situations that force him to be the hero he so desperately does not want to be. All he wants to do is get home. Get back to them.
The humor is still there. the Fourth Wall breaking is epic! The range of emotions I went through in this book was just what I needed. 100% will recommend this series.
June 24, 2026
Literally have no notes. The story was so well done. The fourth wall was broken again with a comedic relief we needed in the intense and dark scenes. You made me fall in love with characters. Our main character is someone I want to be friends with. I really liked how it had emotional depth and understanding trauma is processed in many ways in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. I was surprised, emotionally attached and ready for more! Big fan of this series and can’t wait to see where we go from here I don’t care if this is a 10 book series I need them all!
October 6, 2026
IYKYK...
I highly recommend immersion reading this series because it just makes the whole experience that much better. The narrator is fantastic, the writing is so entertaining, and Eli breaking the fourth wall? 😂 Sir, please. I’m trying to read here.
The whole thing is chaotic, funny, addictive, and somehow had me completely invested. I never knew what Eli was going to say or do next, which honestly made it even more fun.
If you like your apocalyptic stories with action, humor, a little chaos, and an MMC who refuses to stay in his own story, You need to read this!!! Damn it!!
I highly recommend immersion reading this series because it just makes the whole experience that much better. The narrator is fantastic, the writing is so entertaining, and Eli breaking the fourth wall? 😂 Sir, please. I’m trying to read here.
The whole thing is chaotic, funny, addictive, and somehow had me completely invested. I never knew what Eli was going to say or do next, which honestly made it even more fun.
If you like your apocalyptic stories with action, humor, a little chaos, and an MMC who refuses to stay in his own story, You need to read this!!! Damn it!!
October 8, 2026
✨✨Thank you M.A. Lay for the ALC!✨✨
This one was just as good as the first one 😂🤣 I absolutely love this series! It had me laughing out loud 🤣 I love the way that the character involves “you” in the story. If you want a Deadpool-like character in a world full of Zombies 🧟 this is FOR YOU!
✨I haven’t read the books, just listened. I think this is the most awesome way to devour this story 🤣✨
This one was just as good as the first one 😂🤣 I absolutely love this series! It had me laughing out loud 🤣 I love the way that the character involves “you” in the story. If you want a Deadpool-like character in a world full of Zombies 🧟 this is FOR YOU!
✨I haven’t read the books, just listened. I think this is the most awesome way to devour this story 🤣✨
September 13, 2026
Just gets better
I hate to admit it, but I'm enjoying the hell out of this series. The MC goes on rants at the author, and it's funny as hell! But seriously, the characters are well developed, the action is there in droves, and it all makes sense
I hate to admit it, but I'm enjoying the hell out of this series. The MC goes on rants at the author, and it's funny as hell! But seriously, the characters are well developed, the action is there in droves, and it all makes sense
October 7, 2026
Can't wait for book 3
Please please be nice to Eli...let him be happy. I know it's about a Zombie Apocalypse and it's entertaining but cut him some slack. I enjoy your work! I'm excited to read your other books!
Please please be nice to Eli...let him be happy. I know it's about a Zombie Apocalypse and it's entertaining but cut him some slack. I enjoy your work! I'm excited to read your other books!
April 24, 2026
FU Lay
Another awesome job! A quick but fun read. A bit dark and heavy in moments but still a fun ride. But seriously, give the dude a break, Lay.
Another awesome job! A quick but fun read. A bit dark and heavy in moments but still a fun ride. But seriously, give the dude a break, Lay.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews