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Colorado Chapters #2
Where the Light Enters
Almost a year has passed since a plague wiped out over 99% of the population. In the mountains of Colorado, a group of survivors have made it through their first winter. The world is profoundly changed, and so are the people. Humanity has taken an evolutionary step, and whether the increased intuitive knowing will serve to rebuild or destroy mankind remains to be seen. Naomi, a housewife in the time before, has spent the winter preparing for a journey she’s terrified of. She knows her daughter is alive and is determined to find her; what she doesn’t know is that Piper has become as dangerous as she is damaged. Jack, formerly a youth pastor, struggles to lead his community through the day-to-day challenges of living, while hiding the dark longings that consume his mind and could destroy his heart. And brilliant young Grace survived the brutal attack she suffered the summer before, but now she’s faced with consequences she can’t think herself out of. In this sequel to the award-winning “What Survives of Us,” the path is difficult and dangerous, and help isn’t coming from the outside. People must look within, and learn that when it comes to survival, courage and hope are the most vital skills to possess.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2015
108 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Miner
5 books45 followersKathy Miner lives in Colorado with her family and her critters. She has a degree in English with an emphasis in both creative and practical writing, and has called herself a writer since she was eight years old. She worked as a high school English teacher for several years and loved every minute of classroom time, but would rather have root canal than grade another 5 paragraph essay EVER again.
Kathy’s interest in futuristic fiction began during her high school years with Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and 1984 by George Orwell. The Colorado Chapters trilogy started when she dreamed about the main character, Naomi, and wondered, “What could transform a suburban housewife so completely?” Her novels answer that question, and many more. She is planning a related series to take place in her home state of Michigan.
When Kathy isn’t writing or “momming,” she enjoys reading everything from current scientific research to the Harry Potter series to Shakespeare. She also loves hiking in all kinds of weather, especially when she can bully her ridiculously fluffy dog into coming along, and she will try her hand at any kind of hand-craft there is. You can learn more about her, and her novels, at www.kathy-miner.com, or find her on Facebook at Kathy Miner Books.
Kathy’s interest in futuristic fiction began during her high school years with Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and 1984 by George Orwell. The Colorado Chapters trilogy started when she dreamed about the main character, Naomi, and wondered, “What could transform a suburban housewife so completely?” Her novels answer that question, and many more. She is planning a related series to take place in her home state of Michigan.
When Kathy isn’t writing or “momming,” she enjoys reading everything from current scientific research to the Harry Potter series to Shakespeare. She also loves hiking in all kinds of weather, especially when she can bully her ridiculously fluffy dog into coming along, and she will try her hand at any kind of hand-craft there is. You can learn more about her, and her novels, at www.kathy-miner.com, or find her on Facebook at Kathy Miner Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 11, 2018
My one complaint is this series isn't being released fast enough. And as I can't recall ever reviewing books in a series (other than starring them accordingly), I'll make this one exception.
If Stephen King and Octavia Butler had a love child, their authoring progeny would be Kathy Miner.
If Stephen King and Octavia Butler had a love child, their authoring progeny would be Kathy Miner.
July 23, 2015
I had been so delighted to read the first book in Kathy Miner’s series that I was seriously worried I might be let down by the second. That seems to happen frequently—trying to capture lightning in a bottle twice. Fortunately, I can report that all is well and book two is a marvelous continuation of book one.
This is not your ordinary post-apocalyptic fiction. There are no zombies, no vampires or aliens, and this is not a Mad Max re-do. This is very much what I would imagine our world would be like if a near extinction-level plague event were to hit our planet. Added into the mix is the fact that some people seem to be evolving and discovering latent abilities, like a sixth sense, albeit different for each person. These abilities would naturally impact behavior and one’s approach toward survival. For example, how does one live their life when they can see their own future path, including their death? Or what if you could gently force others to do your will or you could literally see the emotional attachments that people have with one another.
Yes these novels are about survival and how the various characters come to deal with what they face but more fundamentally, especially in this volume, it is about what makes us who we are. When stripped down to the bare essentials of what makes us human…we are not all the same nor do we react in the same ways. The characters in this novel must face the most extreme hardships, both physically and emotionally. I speak from experience when I say that the author absolutely nails the emotions that one experiences over time when faced with the loss of a loved one, especially a child. The struggle to form a community is constant and, once again I will repeat, this is exactly how I picture it would happen.
The ending makes it clear there will be a third novel and I am looking forward to it with great anticipation.
This is not your ordinary post-apocalyptic fiction. There are no zombies, no vampires or aliens, and this is not a Mad Max re-do. This is very much what I would imagine our world would be like if a near extinction-level plague event were to hit our planet. Added into the mix is the fact that some people seem to be evolving and discovering latent abilities, like a sixth sense, albeit different for each person. These abilities would naturally impact behavior and one’s approach toward survival. For example, how does one live their life when they can see their own future path, including their death? Or what if you could gently force others to do your will or you could literally see the emotional attachments that people have with one another.
Yes these novels are about survival and how the various characters come to deal with what they face but more fundamentally, especially in this volume, it is about what makes us who we are. When stripped down to the bare essentials of what makes us human…we are not all the same nor do we react in the same ways. The characters in this novel must face the most extreme hardships, both physically and emotionally. I speak from experience when I say that the author absolutely nails the emotions that one experiences over time when faced with the loss of a loved one, especially a child. The struggle to form a community is constant and, once again I will repeat, this is exactly how I picture it would happen.
The ending makes it clear there will be a third novel and I am looking forward to it with great anticipation.
February 22, 2016
Another winner in this series...I am hooked - I mean LITERALLY hooked to this series!
My only problem right now is when the next book is going to be released. I don't want to wait...I have to find out what happens with Quinn and Lark...
What about Piper and the decision she makes with Jack?
Is Brody going to show up in the next book?
OMG...so much going on that I want answers to...
HELLO...Ms. Miner? Can you give us a hint on when the next book might be ready? PLEASE?
My only problem right now is when the next book is going to be released. I don't want to wait...I have to find out what happens with Quinn and Lark...
What about Piper and the decision she makes with Jack?
Is Brody going to show up in the next book?
OMG...so much going on that I want answers to...
HELLO...Ms. Miner? Can you give us a hint on when the next book might be ready? PLEASE?
August 21, 2015
Fantastic book! Just as good as the first in the series and really captured the characters progression through the survival story. I hope there is a third story in the pipeline. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bfdW...
June 5, 2015
Sometimes when you read a sequel it completely fails to live up to the promise of the first book. Not this one though, it was a really enjoyable read from beginning to end.
April 21, 2016
This is a highly interesting series!
I loved, loved the first book and this is just as good! :)
The story flows so naturally! Nothing is omitted!
And, I'm happy to confirm: there're NO zombies here! Just plain cruel humans gone wilde!
I'm really, really waiting for the next book! I'm soooo curious to find out what happens next! The ending is rich with possibilities!
I loved, loved the first book and this is just as good! :)
The story flows so naturally! Nothing is omitted!
And, I'm happy to confirm: there're NO zombies here! Just plain cruel humans gone wilde!
I'm really, really waiting for the next book! I'm soooo curious to find out what happens next! The ending is rich with possibilities!
August 30, 2021
Book two of the Colorado chapters. And the story continues for the survivors of a pandemic that killed ninety nine percent of the people to a new dark ages. A time of transition and connecting. I was just as hooked on this book as I was the first one. Should be read as part of the series.
July 20, 2015
Well done second
This series continues with well developed characters that you grow to care for, such that you turn each page eager for what will develop.
This series continues with well developed characters that you grow to care for, such that you turn each page eager for what will develop.
February 12, 2020
5 stars for the "Colorado Chapters" trilogy, where I'll definitely be rating Books 1 & 2 with the same rating but will drop (reluctantly!!!) Book 3 down to 4 stars, simply because it left some incredible story-lines hanging (the death of Ignacio, the further adventures of, well, just about anyone, etc.) and jumped a bit fast from one scene to the next (e.g. Jack is riding away from a dire situation and suddenly Jack is with Cass at their parents' home). Otherwise, at the risk of being accused of hyperbole, this is the most beautiful dystopian series I have ever read. Yeah, you don't read that sentence all the time...
I am combining my reviews for all 3 books into a repeated (copy/paste) format simply because I did not take a break from the beginning of Book 1 until the end of Book 3. Well, that's not true, I think I stopped briefly between the end of Book 2 and the start of Book 3 simply because I was emotionally exhausted. These books will leave you that breathless and spent. Anyway, if you asked me to separate the actual books from the story-lines, I wouldn't be able to do it without a lot of prompts.
Yes, I generally love dystopian tales anyway (noting as well that this series does NOT include zombies no matter what someone posted on goodreads) but find they SOMETIMES too bogged down in either the jorney from point A to point B or with testosterone laden gun-play. Sure that has its place and there are damn good tales out there that follow this structure (see Nicholas Sansbury Smith et.al.). But every now and then, you'll come across a book that gets it so right - from how humanity nearly gets wiped out to the real effects on the survivors, from grief to the violence that arises to the hope (or lack thereof) that we eventually can embrace, no matter how tenuously. Another author I can put in this category would be Alice Sabo, who's "Changed World" books were amazing!
OK but enough small-talk. Kathy Miner has put together an incredibly believable, stunningly emotional and wildly ranging set of stories that shook me to my very core. I have - with no exaggeration or whatever you want to call it - never CRIED this much reading a set of books in my life. The characters are AMAZING, from the craziest to the most evil to all in between. Honestly, if these books don't pull you in and rip at your heart strings (or make you bellow on occasion in rage or frustration) then I would suggest this isn't the genre for you. Just looking back at how these characters evolve - from Naomi to Piper, Grace, Martin and even many of the bad guys, heck even many of the animals - still makes me teary-eyed!
Conclusion? These books are extremely!!! well-written, expertly structured, with edge-of-your-seat tension and sickening horror that is at least handled with as much 'taste' as can be managed under the circumstances (yes, there is sexual violence and some gore for those that don't follow and shy away from current events). Kids, I can't do these stories justice with my own words. I truly treasured this experience and will revisit them again some day. That good. I can only stress that I hope Kathy Miner is still writing. Just wow.
I am combining my reviews for all 3 books into a repeated (copy/paste) format simply because I did not take a break from the beginning of Book 1 until the end of Book 3. Well, that's not true, I think I stopped briefly between the end of Book 2 and the start of Book 3 simply because I was emotionally exhausted. These books will leave you that breathless and spent. Anyway, if you asked me to separate the actual books from the story-lines, I wouldn't be able to do it without a lot of prompts.
Yes, I generally love dystopian tales anyway (noting as well that this series does NOT include zombies no matter what someone posted on goodreads) but find they SOMETIMES too bogged down in either the jorney from point A to point B or with testosterone laden gun-play. Sure that has its place and there are damn good tales out there that follow this structure (see Nicholas Sansbury Smith et.al.). But every now and then, you'll come across a book that gets it so right - from how humanity nearly gets wiped out to the real effects on the survivors, from grief to the violence that arises to the hope (or lack thereof) that we eventually can embrace, no matter how tenuously. Another author I can put in this category would be Alice Sabo, who's "Changed World" books were amazing!
OK but enough small-talk. Kathy Miner has put together an incredibly believable, stunningly emotional and wildly ranging set of stories that shook me to my very core. I have - with no exaggeration or whatever you want to call it - never CRIED this much reading a set of books in my life. The characters are AMAZING, from the craziest to the most evil to all in between. Honestly, if these books don't pull you in and rip at your heart strings (or make you bellow on occasion in rage or frustration) then I would suggest this isn't the genre for you. Just looking back at how these characters evolve - from Naomi to Piper, Grace, Martin and even many of the bad guys, heck even many of the animals - still makes me teary-eyed!
Conclusion? These books are extremely!!! well-written, expertly structured, with edge-of-your-seat tension and sickening horror that is at least handled with as much 'taste' as can be managed under the circumstances (yes, there is sexual violence and some gore for those that don't follow and shy away from current events). Kids, I can't do these stories justice with my own words. I truly treasured this experience and will revisit them again some day. That good. I can only stress that I hope Kathy Miner is still writing. Just wow.
November 30, 2018
I’m amazed!
I bought this book for a light read while I worked out/did home physical therapy. It’s painful so I go for action and dystopian type books to keep my mind occupied.
1) this is not a light read.
2) it definitely kept me distracted
3) it has just become one of my favorites
I’m an avid reader who loves sci-fi, some fantasy and quite a bit of the dystopian stuff. Generally I read it and move on to the next author. Every once in a while a story will keep my attention and really make me think. This went beyond that. I was actually caught in the characters’ emotions. I didn’t even do that during The Stand.
Kathy Miner has a true gift for writing characters. They’re not stereotypes. I caught myself associating most of them with, not only myself but, people I have known.
I’m partway through the 2nd book and already dread when the story ends. I can’t wait to see more from this author.
I bought this book for a light read while I worked out/did home physical therapy. It’s painful so I go for action and dystopian type books to keep my mind occupied.
1) this is not a light read.
2) it definitely kept me distracted
3) it has just become one of my favorites
I’m an avid reader who loves sci-fi, some fantasy and quite a bit of the dystopian stuff. Generally I read it and move on to the next author. Every once in a while a story will keep my attention and really make me think. This went beyond that. I was actually caught in the characters’ emotions. I didn’t even do that during The Stand.
Kathy Miner has a true gift for writing characters. They’re not stereotypes. I caught myself associating most of them with, not only myself but, people I have known.
I’m partway through the 2nd book and already dread when the story ends. I can’t wait to see more from this author.
December 24, 2019
Ahhhh… a second book in a trilogy that lives up to the first! What a rare treat. It does differ from the first in the obvious shift that there is less adventuring (in the first book, more people were on the move as they sought out communities and safety, and now the story is shifting to what life and community looks like a year after the plague). I love stories that move on in natural progression, but continue to do it so well that they hold a reader’s interest. This one does. People change in response to the world changing, and Miner captures that beautifully. Both the world and the characters are fully realized, even if frequently in painful ways. Definitely not a book for younger teens, as there are traumatic events occurring to characters. However, they are integral to the story and how the characters respond pulled me in completely. I finished this book and immediately picked up book 3.
June 10, 2018
Another great story
1st I am so happy that she did not waste time from one book to the next, repeating what you, as the reader already know. She continued the story without the unnecessary repetitive recapping, I hate when authors do that, it's like they think we are dumb and can't remember as wily story line or people. It's like that is how they fill space. 2nd great story. The twist are great. More then once I cried (maybe it's the mom in me) I was surprised and shocked at other times. And as soon as I press "submit" I am buying the next book. 3rd no stupid romance crap, honest about situations that are very delicate with society today BROVO #2👏👍
1st I am so happy that she did not waste time from one book to the next, repeating what you, as the reader already know. She continued the story without the unnecessary repetitive recapping, I hate when authors do that, it's like they think we are dumb and can't remember as wily story line or people. It's like that is how they fill space. 2nd great story. The twist are great. More then once I cried (maybe it's the mom in me) I was surprised and shocked at other times. And as soon as I press "submit" I am buying the next book. 3rd no stupid romance crap, honest about situations that are very delicate with society today BROVO #2👏👍
September 9, 2018
Great book for older teens and adults
great descriptions of the Colorado area. No animals hurt, just some bad people.( Book one has a dog killed at the beginning) I did not like it but it was story line. What a mom would do for her child. The post apocalyptic paranormal really works with this book, lots of enhanced animal human connections . Mild to adult violence levels with moderate details. ( gang rape, execution and partner abuse) this is not the same old post apocalyptic book. I am on to book three.
great descriptions of the Colorado area. No animals hurt, just some bad people.( Book one has a dog killed at the beginning) I did not like it but it was story line. What a mom would do for her child. The post apocalyptic paranormal really works with this book, lots of enhanced animal human connections . Mild to adult violence levels with moderate details. ( gang rape, execution and partner abuse) this is not the same old post apocalyptic book. I am on to book three.
June 22, 2018
Human challenges
What would you do if the world changed? What if you changed with it? This story gets better and better for the reader and the characters in this story. To have such strength of being in a world where NOTHING is promised and life has been horrific makes me feel that there will always be hope in the future
What would you do if the world changed? What if you changed with it? This story gets better and better for the reader and the characters in this story. To have such strength of being in a world where NOTHING is promised and life has been horrific makes me feel that there will always be hope in the future
May 23, 2023
I don't normally read series/trilogies but a friend had recommended the 1st book in this trilogy. I knew I'd end up reading them all to see what happened to the characters because to Miner's credit, she crafted ones you I couldn't help care about/become invested in. So I gobbled this second book up much like I did the first and immediately stated on book 3...
February 7, 2025
My second time reading this series and I’m surprised how much I had forgotten! I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know the characters again and seeing them overcome the obstacles and grow stronger. There are some horrible things they experience but their spirits are strengthened by these situations.
November 25, 2018
Not as good as the first one
This sequel, while a good read, does not quite keep up with the first book. Continues the tale of the plague survivors and prepared us for the final book of the trilogy. However it doesn't have the adventure to it
This sequel, while a good read, does not quite keep up with the first book. Continues the tale of the plague survivors and prepared us for the final book of the trilogy. However it doesn't have the adventure to it
June 9, 2018
Even better than the first book. These books are so interesting and read so fast. I don’t want this series to end. Going to start the third book and it makes sort of sad
September 23, 2018
Real caracters
It's been a long time since I cried while reading a book. The depth of these characters and the bond that grows between them...and you...is a beautiful thing.
It's been a long time since I cried while reading a book. The depth of these characters and the bond that grows between them...and you...is a beautiful thing.
October 17, 2018
Hooked!
This second book in the series is just as good as the first one. I read this whole book within 24 hours. Buying book 3 as soon as I’m done with this...
This second book in the series is just as good as the first one. I read this whole book within 24 hours. Buying book 3 as soon as I’m done with this...
January 25, 2021
Wow such a great story! Looking forward to the last book!!
March 29, 2024
Excellent.
January 20, 2026
I actually thought this one was even better than the first.
August 30, 2015
This book is an interesting continuation of the story begun in What Survives of Us. The main characters face their various challenges and come through with varying results.
The changes brought about in the survivors of the plague grow more important to the story. As with the first book, the characters feel a bit over-done, but toward the end of this volume, it is starting to mellow. I think the author is growing more comfortable in their heads. It is especially reflected in dialog.
It is also enjoyable reading about the reorganization and rebuilding of society. It'd be quite engaging to have some point of view chapters from the other camp. Everything we see is from the point of view of the "good guys," and it would be nice to get into the heads of the other team. We see a bit of it in the Piper / Brody dynamics, but it would be nice to get inside Brody's head to see things from his perspective.
The changes brought about in the survivors of the plague grow more important to the story. As with the first book, the characters feel a bit over-done, but toward the end of this volume, it is starting to mellow. I think the author is growing more comfortable in their heads. It is especially reflected in dialog.
It is also enjoyable reading about the reorganization and rebuilding of society. It'd be quite engaging to have some point of view chapters from the other camp. Everything we see is from the point of view of the "good guys," and it would be nice to get into the heads of the other team. We see a bit of it in the Piper / Brody dynamics, but it would be nice to get inside Brody's head to see things from his perspective.
October 12, 2016
Stunning
I thought The Stand a s Swan Song were myall time favorite end of times, band together, love, and fight for good against evil books but these 2 Kathy Miner books are now my all time favorites. The detail and richness of characters and lack of spelling and grammatical errors had me floored. Never have I laughed and cried so many times and been filled with such joy and cared so much for literary characters. The reviews were spot on. I live in Colorado Springs and sublimely enjoyed all the accurate references to my stomping grounds and learned of new ones! I can't wait until the next one. Keep up the amazing work!
I thought The Stand a s Swan Song were myall time favorite end of times, band together, love, and fight for good against evil books but these 2 Kathy Miner books are now my all time favorites. The detail and richness of characters and lack of spelling and grammatical errors had me floored. Never have I laughed and cried so many times and been filled with such joy and cared so much for literary characters. The reviews were spot on. I live in Colorado Springs and sublimely enjoyed all the accurate references to my stomping grounds and learned of new ones! I can't wait until the next one. Keep up the amazing work!
December 17, 2015
Good book, it was nice to read where the stories ended, but didn't like the end much cause it left me wondering wanting to read the next book. I would recommend this book to know where the story ends.
January 2, 2017
Damned, I love this book, this entire series !!
The way the survivors interact with each others, the way the precious daughters could shine, mend herselves after such terrific abuses even they kept an hidden agenda, how they plot their revenge....
Book 3 here I am...
The way the survivors interact with each others, the way the precious daughters could shine, mend herselves after such terrific abuses even they kept an hidden agenda, how they plot their revenge....
Book 3 here I am...
November 8, 2015
honestly this series is getting better and better. it's almost as if you can see the author settling into the story
July 24, 2020
Fantastic story, so well written, starting the final book right now!
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March 5, 2017Colorado
A good read. Somewhat dark, but interesting. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
A good read. Somewhat dark, but interesting. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews