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The Wildblood #0.5
Backlash
Before Team Three became Team Three, there was The Blackout.
Vista Security is used to the feral bands of human wandering the landscape since a brief and devastating war wiped away civilization. Sixteen years later, they've adapted to dealing with the challenges facing their safe haven.
That is, until a new threat appears, one they never expected and one they have little defense against. Security throws in everything they can muster; it quickly takes a toll. Their advantage - an untested team of officers barely more than children themselves; officers with dark secrets and a hidden agenda.
In a free-for-all battle to preserve one of the last sanctuaries of man, Team Three discovers their secrets are their strength and that their future will take them far beyond what they've ever known.
Action, a bit of romance and a good splash of sci-fi set the scene for Backlash, the prequel novella of The Wildblood series.
Vista Security is used to the feral bands of human wandering the landscape since a brief and devastating war wiped away civilization. Sixteen years later, they've adapted to dealing with the challenges facing their safe haven.
That is, until a new threat appears, one they never expected and one they have little defense against. Security throws in everything they can muster; it quickly takes a toll. Their advantage - an untested team of officers barely more than children themselves; officers with dark secrets and a hidden agenda.
In a free-for-all battle to preserve one of the last sanctuaries of man, Team Three discovers their secrets are their strength and that their future will take them far beyond what they've ever known.
Action, a bit of romance and a good splash of sci-fi set the scene for Backlash, the prequel novella of The Wildblood series.
- GenresScience Fiction
107 pages, ebook
First published June 20, 2015
26 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Hoag
10 books25 followersI live in the desert, look at the stars and write books.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 22, 2017
Review of BACKLASH by S. A. Hoag
(WILDBLOOD 0.5)
BACKLASH is an exciting non-stop YA thriller, post-apocalyptic, with elements of Dystopia and science fiction, as well as a flavour of romance and young love. Sixteen years after World War Last, life is difficult, often made more so by Nomads and Scavengers. Protection and defense are lessons learned early. Young people, including adolescents, are trained as Scouts and Guardians. A minority are genetically engineered and have developed psychic capacities. If you love apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic, if you love a fast-paced character driven YA with an easy suspension of disbelief (it could happen, after all!) and characters you can love to relate to, BACKLASH is a super choice.
(WILDBLOOD 0.5)
BACKLASH is an exciting non-stop YA thriller, post-apocalyptic, with elements of Dystopia and science fiction, as well as a flavour of romance and young love. Sixteen years after World War Last, life is difficult, often made more so by Nomads and Scavengers. Protection and defense are lessons learned early. Young people, including adolescents, are trained as Scouts and Guardians. A minority are genetically engineered and have developed psychic capacities. If you love apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic, if you love a fast-paced character driven YA with an easy suspension of disbelief (it could happen, after all!) and characters you can love to relate to, BACKLASH is a super choice.
June 19, 2016
I loved it! Another fun and exciting read!
After a devastating world war in the near future that destroyed most of the population, a group of survivors formed The Vista, a safe haven for other survivors. Security are in charge of the safety of The Vista, keeping the citizens safe from Nomads and Scavengers. A group of Nomads are determined to wreak havoc in The Vista and it's up to Security to stop them.
Backlash is a great prequel to The Vista! It takes place 3 years before The Vista and centers around the Blackout. The formation of Team Three, the events leading up to the Blackout and what happened during. I loved learning more of what Mac and Wade went through during that time, while also learning exactly what Shan's part in stopping the Nomad attack was. Things that were only briefly mentioned in The Vista were really fleshed out in this prequel and flowed very nicely. All the pieces fit in perfectly.
I didn't find a dull moment in the novella. The story was full of action and suspense. More back story with the characters. While they grew up together, what Team Three went through during the Blackout really strengthens that bond between them that we see in The Vista, I think. And shows what a great team they make, how much they truly trust one another with their lives.
I also love the interaction between the other characters. The relationships Team Three have with other members of Security, those they trust with their secret. The relationships they have with each other. Getting more back story with the characters made me love them even more. And feel more invested in them. We also learn a bit more of what Team Three is capable of when it comes to their special abilities.
The only negative thing I can say is that I finished reading it too quickly. I've since read it two more times and I want more! I am now anxiously waiting for the 2nd book in the series! Really, really loved it!
After a devastating world war in the near future that destroyed most of the population, a group of survivors formed The Vista, a safe haven for other survivors. Security are in charge of the safety of The Vista, keeping the citizens safe from Nomads and Scavengers. A group of Nomads are determined to wreak havoc in The Vista and it's up to Security to stop them.
Backlash is a great prequel to The Vista! It takes place 3 years before The Vista and centers around the Blackout. The formation of Team Three, the events leading up to the Blackout and what happened during. I loved learning more of what Mac and Wade went through during that time, while also learning exactly what Shan's part in stopping the Nomad attack was. Things that were only briefly mentioned in The Vista were really fleshed out in this prequel and flowed very nicely. All the pieces fit in perfectly.
I didn't find a dull moment in the novella. The story was full of action and suspense. More back story with the characters. While they grew up together, what Team Three went through during the Blackout really strengthens that bond between them that we see in The Vista, I think. And shows what a great team they make, how much they truly trust one another with their lives.
I also love the interaction between the other characters. The relationships Team Three have with other members of Security, those they trust with their secret. The relationships they have with each other. Getting more back story with the characters made me love them even more. And feel more invested in them. We also learn a bit more of what Team Three is capable of when it comes to their special abilities.
The only negative thing I can say is that I finished reading it too quickly. I've since read it two more times and I want more! I am now anxiously waiting for the 2nd book in the series! Really, really loved it!
November 28, 2015
Before Team Three became Team Three, there was The Blackout.
Vista Security is used to the feral bands of human wandering the landscape since a brief and devastating war wiped away civilization. Sixteen years later, they've adapted to dealing with the challenges facing their safe haven.
That is, until a new threat appears, one they never expected and one they have little defense against. Security throws in everything they can muster; it quickly takes a toll. Their advantage - an untested team of officers barely more than children themselves; officers with dark secrets and a hidden agenda.
In a free-for-all battle to preserve one of the last sanctuaries of man, Team Three discovers their secrets are their strength and that their future will take them far beyond what they've ever known.
Action, a bit of romance and a good splash of sci-fi set the scene for Backlash, the prequel novella of The Wildblood series.
**
Vista Security is used to the feral bands of human wandering the landscape since a brief and devastating war wiped away civilization. Sixteen years later, they've adapted to dealing with the challenges facing their safe haven.
That is, until a new threat appears, one they never expected and one they have little defense against. Security throws in everything they can muster; it quickly takes a toll. Their advantage - an untested team of officers barely more than children themselves; officers with dark secrets and a hidden agenda.
In a free-for-all battle to preserve one of the last sanctuaries of man, Team Three discovers their secrets are their strength and that their future will take them far beyond what they've ever known.
Action, a bit of romance and a good splash of sci-fi set the scene for Backlash, the prequel novella of The Wildblood series.
**
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December 24, 2015Hooks you
This draws you right in from the first page. But, guess I should have started with book one first because it was a little confusing. Kind of like trying to get into a conversation that is half over. But, it does make you want to read book one. Lol
This draws you right in from the first page. But, guess I should have started with book one first because it was a little confusing. Kind of like trying to get into a conversation that is half over. But, it does make you want to read book one. Lol
January 19, 2017
Great Dystopian Sci-fi. First rate with action and even a little clean romance. You won't be disappointed. Not a stand alone book, Danny Scott.
January 14, 2019
Bloodlines: Book 3 of The Wildblood is finally out and, since it’s been a while, I decided to binge on the whole series, starting with S. A. Hoag’s Backlash: Prequel to The Wildblood Series (which you can still get for free on Kindle). It’s funny as I’m not usually a fan of dystopian or post-apocalypse tales but this post “World War Last” series just sucked me in. The author story-building is just perfect, from Vista, the home enclave of the series’ lead characters, to the “Altered” clans (and the truth about them), and the remnants of civilization desperately hanging on (and can’t forget Russian controlled Texas, which in some ways makes me laugh to think about). Action, intrigue, secrets, twists and turns and turns, this series has it all. The prequel here was “5 stars” in my opinion and, if anything, that score has only deserved to increase (even if it’s not possible to do). I love the complex but totally clear overarching story arc, the strong individual book plots, the superbly crafted characters and the way everything actually fits together and works. This series has been totally (surprisingly for me considering my bias against the genre) absorbing and addictive. Totally binge-worthy (it’s 6 am on Sunday and I just spent the night reading, so I mean that literally) and wonderful. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The series - and each of its individual books - definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that each book in this series, from prequel to each of books 1 to 3, is most definitely “one to read”, and it is easy to highly recommend all of them. My only caveat here is that this series is most definitely one that cannot be picked up in the middle (though the prequel can be skipped, even though you’d be missing a good book if you did so).
November 25, 2017
I received this story as part of a promotional give away in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Let me preface this by reiterating the old adage, "Those who cannot do, criticize."
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of this story, but I felt that it is in serious need of an editor. I'm dyslexic, so I really didn't notice any glaring spelling errors, but the way the story progressed seems a bit herky-jerky. I often found myself lost and having to go back to try and pick up the continuity. I don't know if the copy I received was an early ARC copy, or if it was the final version for full release. I hope it is the former, but I just don't know.
I found myself becoming confused over who certain characters were. I just couldn't keep it straight in my head on who the boyfriend was, and who the friend was. Being dyslexic might explain that, but I usually don't have that problem with other stories. Another thing that seemed to bother me is the lay of the land. For a community that they are trying to keep hidden, they seem to be spread out pretty far and wide. It felt like there were reasons for many of the tings that didn't quite add up for me, but that somehow they were left out, or are maybe explained in later books.
I will be continuing on with the other two books in the series as there is enough there to keep my interest. Let's hope I have a better reading experience with the second story.
Let me preface this by reiterating the old adage, "Those who cannot do, criticize."
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of this story, but I felt that it is in serious need of an editor. I'm dyslexic, so I really didn't notice any glaring spelling errors, but the way the story progressed seems a bit herky-jerky. I often found myself lost and having to go back to try and pick up the continuity. I don't know if the copy I received was an early ARC copy, or if it was the final version for full release. I hope it is the former, but I just don't know.
I found myself becoming confused over who certain characters were. I just couldn't keep it straight in my head on who the boyfriend was, and who the friend was. Being dyslexic might explain that, but I usually don't have that problem with other stories. Another thing that seemed to bother me is the lay of the land. For a community that they are trying to keep hidden, they seem to be spread out pretty far and wide. It felt like there were reasons for many of the tings that didn't quite add up for me, but that somehow they were left out, or are maybe explained in later books.
I will be continuing on with the other two books in the series as there is enough there to keep my interest. Let's hope I have a better reading experience with the second story.
February 24, 2023
S. A. Hoag's Backlash is my eighth read of the year.
I wanted to review the works of other indie authors, and Hoag is the first. Backlash follows three characters after a great war has devastated the land. They volunteer to protect the last vestiges of humanity from the new world's dangers. These three share eerie psychic abilities because they are genetically enhanced.
The setting is fascinating. As a horror and sci-fi nerd, apocalyptic tales always pique my interest. (After all, Fallout is one of my favourite video games.) Yet, Hoag wastes no time or energy on long-winded expositions and infodumps. Instead, she places the reader in the middle of the characters and trusts you are smart enough to figure it out.
The story moves at a breakneck pace, and Hoag keeps descriptions bare bones. This approach lets the story race past, uncluttered and streamlined. I've read short stories a tenth of Backlash's length that took me longer—I devoured it in two days.
Give Hoag's work a shot; it won't disappoint.
I wanted to review the works of other indie authors, and Hoag is the first. Backlash follows three characters after a great war has devastated the land. They volunteer to protect the last vestiges of humanity from the new world's dangers. These three share eerie psychic abilities because they are genetically enhanced.
The setting is fascinating. As a horror and sci-fi nerd, apocalyptic tales always pique my interest. (After all, Fallout is one of my favourite video games.) Yet, Hoag wastes no time or energy on long-winded expositions and infodumps. Instead, she places the reader in the middle of the characters and trusts you are smart enough to figure it out.
The story moves at a breakneck pace, and Hoag keeps descriptions bare bones. This approach lets the story race past, uncluttered and streamlined. I've read short stories a tenth of Backlash's length that took me longer—I devoured it in two days.
Give Hoag's work a shot; it won't disappoint.
January 3, 2019
A great story with visions of a dark future.
S.A. Hoag has created a realistic post-apocalyptic world of survivors struggling to retain the old technology.
This is my first introduction to S.A. Hoag and I'm hooked. Backlash is a page-turning prequel that truly leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to see where this story goes!
A generation ago over 800 billion lives were destroyed. As far as Vista is concerned their small town of survivors may be the last of civilized humanity and they are trying to survive attacks from scavengers and nomads.
I recommend thus story to anyone who liked the1980s Red Dawn movie -- it's different, yet slightly similar. This story of a devastated world and fight for survival deserves 5- stars.
I did receive a copy from the author and I'm leaving my voluntary review.
S.A. Hoag has created a realistic post-apocalyptic world of survivors struggling to retain the old technology.
This is my first introduction to S.A. Hoag and I'm hooked. Backlash is a page-turning prequel that truly leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to see where this story goes!
A generation ago over 800 billion lives were destroyed. As far as Vista is concerned their small town of survivors may be the last of civilized humanity and they are trying to survive attacks from scavengers and nomads.
I recommend thus story to anyone who liked the1980s Red Dawn movie -- it's different, yet slightly similar. This story of a devastated world and fight for survival deserves 5- stars.
I did receive a copy from the author and I'm leaving my voluntary review.
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July 21, 2021I wanted to like this so much, but I couldn't finish it. This is a prequel to a trilogy, so I expected to learn about the world it takes place in. What's The Vista? What can these Gen En people do? Why were they made? If they don't know, then are they trying to figure this out? What was the war about? What does the world look like now? There weren't enough details to answer these questions, or even details describing where they were in scenes. I didn't feel there was any action, it was all talk. I felt like an outsider in the story, trying to figure out what's what. I feel the story needs to be fleshed-out more; more details need to be added.
October 11, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
"Backkash" was my first "taste" of Hoag's writing. "Backlash" at less than seventy pages is like an "appetizer" whetting my figurative reader's "tastebuds" for more! I look forward to reading a "main course" from Hoag in future.
The author does a superb job of packing an immense amount of world building and character development into a, relatively, small package.
I strongly recommend this book!
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
"Backkash" was my first "taste" of Hoag's writing. "Backlash" at less than seventy pages is like an "appetizer" whetting my figurative reader's "tastebuds" for more! I look forward to reading a "main course" from Hoag in future.
The author does a superb job of packing an immense amount of world building and character development into a, relatively, small package.
I strongly recommend this book!
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2018
A Great Beginning
This prequel has me hooked. I must read the series to find out what happens. The story of the GenEns is intriguing and has my curiosity aroused. Shannon, Wade, and Mac are young people affected by World War Last and genetic experiments. They protect survivors and their offspring but what does the future hold. To find out I will read the series.
This prequel has me hooked. I must read the series to find out what happens. The story of the GenEns is intriguing and has my curiosity aroused. Shannon, Wade, and Mac are young people affected by World War Last and genetic experiments. They protect survivors and their offspring but what does the future hold. To find out I will read the series.
April 29, 2019
Battles
A colony of people live together after the apocalypse has destroyed the lands. It is a large area and they are being protected by special forces and some are really special, as they can since things before they happen. They have come under attack and must protect all.
A colony of people live together after the apocalypse has destroyed the lands. It is a large area and they are being protected by special forces and some are really special, as they can since things before they happen. They have come under attack and must protect all.
February 18, 2020
OUTSTANDING STORY OF SPECIAL POST WAR SURVIVORS
A FINAL WORLD 🌎WAR AND INTRIGUING BUNCH OF INTERESTING CHARACTERS. SOLDIERS THAT DO DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWERS!EVEN THEY DON'T KNOW THE TRUTH!😍 I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH!😍BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
A FINAL WORLD 🌎WAR AND INTRIGUING BUNCH OF INTERESTING CHARACTERS. SOLDIERS THAT DO DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWERS!EVEN THEY DON'T KNOW THE TRUTH!😍 I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH!😍BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
December 18, 2017
This is laying the groundwork for the next in the series.
Its a little short, but I enjoyed both the action & the characters.
Plus, its set in Montana.
Its a little short, but I enjoyed both the action & the characters.
Plus, its set in Montana.
February 18, 2018
Maybe I should have read book 1 first. This was boring and not enjoyable.
September 7, 2019
After civilization is almost decimated, a group of specially trained people have the
responsibility of keeping the survivors safe. The book is well written and I can't
wait to read the next one.
responsibility of keeping the survivors safe. The book is well written and I can't
wait to read the next one.
January 28, 2021
An excellent start to this exciting new series from S A Hoag! A good prequel, grabbed my interest from the start & I will look for more by this writer! I do recommend this story!
April 2, 2017
I picked up this book during a promotion on Instafreebie as the blurb sounded interesting to me. I love the dystopian, post apocalyptic genre and this fit the bill for me. The beginning of the book was a little confusing for me because it started off with very little background on the characters and what they were up against. The book continues with a lot of action and ends abruptly so I went back to the beginning and read it again. Being a short prequel it didn't take long. I learned to like the three main characters and their relationship with one another. They were in the early stage of learning about how to use their special abilities and that peaked my interest to learn more about how they might advance in their abilities in the future Wildblood series. Also, the outside world wanted to anialate them so they were in constant battles with nomads and even ground to air combat with a couple Blackhawk helicopters. This was definitely worth the read. I would recommend this book to all who love this genre as I do.
April 29, 2017
Wow. What a prequel. Can't wait to get my teeth into the series proper. All action and interesting characters that you easily bonded with. I enjoyed this book sooooo much.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews