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Gray #2
Gray: Part II
A dense black cloud boiled up in the southeastern sky. It rose high and fast, like a time-lapse movie of the birth of a thunderhead. But it was no rain cloud. Wholly black, it reached up and up until it loomed over her, blocking out the sun. Somehow, she knew, it was Death coming for her.
Three months have passed since the mysterious event transformed life on Earth. The air grows colder, the days shorter, the snow deeper, and Coral and Benjamin struggle to find food enough to keep them on their feet. Moving on to warmer climes seems their only long-term hope, but travel means a terrible danger: encountering other people. The rule of law is gone, the old morality is crumbling, and Coral needs all her wits and skill to survive in this brutish new world.
(Gray is a trilogy, and it's best to read it in order.)
Three months have passed since the mysterious event transformed life on Earth. The air grows colder, the days shorter, the snow deeper, and Coral and Benjamin struggle to find food enough to keep them on their feet. Moving on to warmer climes seems their only long-term hope, but travel means a terrible danger: encountering other people. The rule of law is gone, the old morality is crumbling, and Coral needs all her wits and skill to survive in this brutish new world.
(Gray is a trilogy, and it's best to read it in order.)
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2015
234 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Lou Cadle
32 books124 followersLou Cadle grew up in Tornado Alley near the New Madrid fault, was in San Francisco's 1989 earthquake, watched minor eruptions of Mt. St. Helens from close up, and hiked several times over Kilauea's active lava flows. Cadle currently lives in haboob country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 15, 2015
I can't believe I'll have to wait until early 2016 for Part III. **rends garments**
Review of Part II to come...
Review of Part II to come...
December 16, 2022
This is the second book in this trilogy, but did not really suffer from the dreaded "middle book" syndrome. You know the type of book, the one that is just setting up the reader for the third book. This was a story all it's own and had movement and character growth. It was interesting to see Coral growing harder as she is forced to do more and more actions to survive.
August 26, 2017
I'm enjoying this series for the most part, especially the friendship and bond that's formed between Coral and Benjamin.
The weird cult that captures them was a little much, considering this cult existed before the apocalypse even happens. I just couldn't buy into that part of this story.
I'm glad we got a peek into the rest of the world when Coral spoke to someone in Canada by radio. I hope we get a sense of what's happening in the bigger cities to see if anyone else who is decent survived. Besides Coral and Benjamin, the other survivors have been nothing but looney tunes.
The weird cult that captures them was a little much, considering this cult existed before the apocalypse even happens. I just couldn't buy into that part of this story.
I'm glad we got a peek into the rest of the world when Coral spoke to someone in Canada by radio. I hope we get a sense of what's happening in the bigger cities to see if anyone else who is decent survived. Besides Coral and Benjamin, the other survivors have been nothing but looney tunes.
September 8, 2020
This book picks up right where book 1 ends. We continue to follow Coral and Benjamin in their search for something out in the new post-apocalyptic world. Food, animals and people seem to be scarce but soon they find that may not be the case.
If you liked book 1 then you'll like this one as well. Just a heads up though... this one ends just as abruptly as book 1. It really should've been one large book. As irritating as it is, I'm a sucker to keep going to book 3.
If you liked book 1 then you'll like this one as well. Just a heads up though... this one ends just as abruptly as book 1. It really should've been one large book. As irritating as it is, I'm a sucker to keep going to book 3.
September 21, 2015
Even better than the first!
This second book in this series was even better than the first. It was almost impossible to put down. I love the relationship between Coral and Benjamin. No not a romance, but these two are bound together, no doubt about it.
The strange religious cult they meet up with were scary crazy.
This is well written, a good story and well edited. Well enough. I found a couple typos but nothing to interfere with the flow. I now find I have to wait for 2016 to read the third book. I thought it was already written but apparently I was looking at other books by this author, which I will read.
This second book in this series was even better than the first. It was almost impossible to put down. I love the relationship between Coral and Benjamin. No not a romance, but these two are bound together, no doubt about it.
The strange religious cult they meet up with were scary crazy.
This is well written, a good story and well edited. Well enough. I found a couple typos but nothing to interfere with the flow. I now find I have to wait for 2016 to read the third book. I thought it was already written but apparently I was looking at other books by this author, which I will read.
May 29, 2017
This installment was more of a story arc, but I'm anxious to see where it ends. On to the finale!
July 7, 2025
I enjoy reading the creativity behind surviving. This book got a little weird to me with the cult, which is why it’s 3 stars for me
September 24, 2023
If I hadn't already purchased part three, or these were any longer, I wouldn't continue the series.
October 30, 2017
Things look up when they find a railroad car filled with cans of still edible soup. It looks like they will have enough to eat for a while. Until some thugs show up. It has become a world ruled violence. There are no more laws, no law enforcers and, in most cases, no mercy shown anyone.
It's getting colder and their's more snow, making survival that much more difficult. They are able to find out that the disaster was due to two asteroids impacting the earth (which explains the explosive force, the massive fires that followed, the ash-laden skies and the lowering of the temperatures.)
They end up having do deal with really nutso group of UFO/religious fanatics. The question becomes for the two whether or not they can ever escape. Will Coral become a sex-slave, 'married' to one of the guys?
It's getting colder and their's more snow, making survival that much more difficult. They are able to find out that the disaster was due to two asteroids impacting the earth (which explains the explosive force, the massive fires that followed, the ash-laden skies and the lowering of the temperatures.)
They end up having do deal with really nutso group of UFO/religious fanatics. The question becomes for the two whether or not they can ever escape. Will Coral become a sex-slave, 'married' to one of the guys?
October 2, 2018
Any time you fall into the clutches of a religious cult it's bad, but try falling into their clutches after the apocalypse. All in all, Coral and Benjamin may have gotten off lucky, as this encounter should have been much darker, and I expected it to be, which is why it took me so long to finish this book. I was nervous for them. Religion, still the leading cause of death even after 5000 years.
Anyway, this volume moved a little quicker than volume 1, and in for a penny in for a pound so I will be reading volume 3.
Anyway, this volume moved a little quicker than volume 1, and in for a penny in for a pound so I will be reading volume 3.
July 29, 2015
Fantastic yet horrifying
Great story but I only hope I'm not around if our world ended up in this manner. The story gives such devastatingly little hope that the human race would ever bounce back as we are so reliant on our creature comforts. Yet, I have hope that in book 3 the story's 2 characters will arrive at a somewhat good place. Try this book but I highly suggest reading book 1. Can't go wrong for the price!!
Great story but I only hope I'm not around if our world ended up in this manner. The story gives such devastatingly little hope that the human race would ever bounce back as we are so reliant on our creature comforts. Yet, I have hope that in book 3 the story's 2 characters will arrive at a somewhat good place. Try this book but I highly suggest reading book 1. Can't go wrong for the price!!
September 16, 2015
Loved Part I...Loved Part II!
So, Part II of this series did not disappoint me in any way. In fact, it was just as good as Part I. I have read many post apocalyptic books and this series is now rated as one of the best! Part II continues with the main characters getting involved in a cult...a cult expecting aliens to land at any moment. Once again, the storyline flowed and I could not put it down! I hope Part III is coming soon!
So, Part II of this series did not disappoint me in any way. In fact, it was just as good as Part I. I have read many post apocalyptic books and this series is now rated as one of the best! Part II continues with the main characters getting involved in a cult...a cult expecting aliens to land at any moment. Once again, the storyline flowed and I could not put it down! I hope Part III is coming soon!
September 18, 2015
End of the days thriller
The novel finally lets you into some clues on how doomsday happened. The first part if Gray was about struggle for survival and the second in the series talks about the fall of human society into either mass suicides or wierd cult. Coral is struggling to defy everything as usual with some help from her companion Benjamin.
The novel finally lets you into some clues on how doomsday happened. The first part if Gray was about struggle for survival and the second in the series talks about the fall of human society into either mass suicides or wierd cult. Coral is struggling to defy everything as usual with some help from her companion Benjamin.
November 5, 2016
I loved part 1 but hated this one. Animal cruelty is not my thing.
And than the woman must say: it's just an animal. (the author made her say that).
So I don't want to read any books from this man anymore.
Killing dogs like that is not my way of surviving. It was disgusting.
I asked for a refund for this book, never ever will I read a book from Lou Cadle !!
And than the woman must say: it's just an animal. (the author made her say that).
So I don't want to read any books from this man anymore.
Killing dogs like that is not my way of surviving. It was disgusting.
I asked for a refund for this book, never ever will I read a book from Lou Cadle !!
September 2, 2015
Great book
I loved reading the 2nd part to the story 'Gray'. I'm absolutely looking forward to the 3rd part of this series. Fantastic reading that will keep you lost in the book rather than doing what you need to be doing. Lol! Get these books!!
I loved reading the 2nd part to the story 'Gray'. I'm absolutely looking forward to the 3rd part of this series. Fantastic reading that will keep you lost in the book rather than doing what you need to be doing. Lol! Get these books!!
March 13, 2016
Good lead character
This story of survival just keeps you on your toes. Coral is just full of surprises. I read this quickly and am on to the final book. Can't wait to see how this ends.
This story of survival just keeps you on your toes. Coral is just full of surprises. I read this quickly and am on to the final book. Can't wait to see how this ends.
November 8, 2016
Not as good as the first book. The religious cult thing was really unnecessary and just plain boring. The whole book was a bit stale, to be honest. However, it was still an okay read and I care about Coral enough to keep reading.
June 2, 2017
What a trip! The action of the story shows some of the Worst sides of human behaviors contrasted with attributes of true friendship. Visualize a devoted relationship between a male and female and no sexual overtones! Can't wait to discover the read the conclusion!
May 1, 2018
I was a little put off by the extensive cult story. Maybe Coral and Benjamin were just unlucky in stumbling on this group of nutters but it rather distracted from the overall trek to try to survive. At least we did find out the nature of the disaster.
June 21, 2018
This series is impressing the hell out of me!
It was halfway through book II before we even figured out what happened to turn the sky gray, but things just kept happening and happening to keep the pages turning.
Buy this one. It's worth it!
It was halfway through book II before we even figured out what happened to turn the sky gray, but things just kept happening and happening to keep the pages turning.
Buy this one. It's worth it!
September 16, 2018
Escape
As. Benjamin and Coral continue there journey they are captured by a cult from which the must escape. The next book will tell whether or not they are successful. At least they are together again. Good book start to finish.
As. Benjamin and Coral continue there journey they are captured by a cult from which the must escape. The next book will tell whether or not they are successful. At least they are together again. Good book start to finish.
October 5, 2015
An adventure
Suspenseful, great adventure hope the next book is out soon. Keeps you going through the whole book. You will like it
Suspenseful, great adventure hope the next book is out soon. Keeps you going through the whole book. You will like it
February 13, 2016
Well worth reading!
December 23, 2017
Depressing
This book was quite depressing and bleak. It really Kind of makes me nervous about something like this really happening.
This book was quite depressing and bleak. It really Kind of makes me nervous about something like this really happening.
August 27, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
September 14, 2018
Went out of town yesterday and couldn't read, so I devoured the rest of the book today. On to the third and last episode!
October 21, 2025
This second instalment continues the story from the point that Part 1 left it. That is with Coral and Benjamin recovering from Coral's rescue of Benjamin from his captors. They continue on their journey and are still struggling. There is very little sign of animal life, fish are scarce and of course the fire has destroyed the vegetation. Things look up for a while when Coral discovers a train with a car load of tinned soup. Unfortunately this is soon discovered by another group who have working vehicles and military grade weapons. Coral overhears them discussing the lottery for who gets to take turns with which women that night at the camp and realises it's time to abandoned the soup and move on.
Just as they settle down at a new lake that are taken prisoners but a strange cult that believe the 'event' was aliens who inhabit some humans have now returned to 'reap' them and return to the skies. They live with very old fashioned, men and women are separate, the women cook and clean the men hunt. At meal times the men eat first and the women have to have what's left. It becomes clear that their plan is for Coral to 'marry' one of the men so she plans for her and Benjamin to escape. Can she do it? They have lost their sled and most of their equipment, the men all have rifles and all she has is her pocket knife. As she causes trouble by refusing to cow tow to their ideas, she gets punished and her desire to escape increases. She has messaged Benjamin but has no direct contact with him. Will he turn up for the escape or has he been brain-washed by the cult? Only on the night of escape will she know...
I know it probably makes for more dramatic stories, but it would nice in a post apocalyptic novel for the good person /group /family who are simply trying to survive to come across like minded survivors but no all they ever meet are psychopathic groups of men intent on brutalising anyone they meet or whack job cults (religious or otherwise) or sometimes a mix of both.
Just as they settle down at a new lake that are taken prisoners but a strange cult that believe the 'event' was aliens who inhabit some humans have now returned to 'reap' them and return to the skies. They live with very old fashioned, men and women are separate, the women cook and clean the men hunt. At meal times the men eat first and the women have to have what's left. It becomes clear that their plan is for Coral to 'marry' one of the men so she plans for her and Benjamin to escape. Can she do it? They have lost their sled and most of their equipment, the men all have rifles and all she has is her pocket knife. As she causes trouble by refusing to cow tow to their ideas, she gets punished and her desire to escape increases. She has messaged Benjamin but has no direct contact with him. Will he turn up for the escape or has he been brain-washed by the cult? Only on the night of escape will she know...
I know it probably makes for more dramatic stories, but it would nice in a post apocalyptic novel for the good person /group /family who are simply trying to survive to come across like minded survivors but no all they ever meet are psychopathic groups of men intent on brutalising anyone they meet or whack job cults (religious or otherwise) or sometimes a mix of both.
December 16, 2025
Gray: Part 2
Sci-fi
Lou Cadle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴄᴜʟᴛꜱ • ᴘʟᴀɴꜱ • ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴇ •
This was a good sequel. I liked how optimistic Coral was despite all of the challenges she had faced alongside Benjamin.
The pacing was good and although Coral and Benjamin did a lot of travelling trying to find a warmer climate and food, there was always something interesting happening.
The scenes with the cult members were very realistic and I could feel how scared Coral was.
I'm very curious about the rest of the world and if any countries managed to survive. A few people have found Coral and Benjamin here and there so I wonder if there are any larger pockets of survivors.
The next book is the finale so I look forward to reading what happens next and how it ends.
Sci-fi
Lou Cadle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴄᴜʟᴛꜱ • ᴘʟᴀɴꜱ • ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴇ •
This was a good sequel. I liked how optimistic Coral was despite all of the challenges she had faced alongside Benjamin.
The pacing was good and although Coral and Benjamin did a lot of travelling trying to find a warmer climate and food, there was always something interesting happening.
The scenes with the cult members were very realistic and I could feel how scared Coral was.
I'm very curious about the rest of the world and if any countries managed to survive. A few people have found Coral and Benjamin here and there so I wonder if there are any larger pockets of survivors.
The next book is the finale so I look forward to reading what happens next and how it ends.
December 7, 2017
The second is much like the first, the world is a cold cold place filled with (not too many) bad people.
While the conceit is somewhat interesting, it does drag, on, a, bit.
The story is much like the title.
I'd give 2.5 because the craft is decent. Round to 3 because I'm an optimist, unlike this story.
While the conceit is somewhat interesting, it does drag, on, a, bit.
The story is much like the title.
I'd give 2.5 because the craft is decent. Round to 3 because I'm an optimist, unlike this story.
May 2, 2019
Got about 2/3 of the way through the 1-3 "complete" set and just couldn't handle any more. There's nothing new here, in my opinion. I didn't feel the depth of character growth others have mentioned, and the plot felt like it was checking off the same boxes typical of this genre's run-of-the-mill stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews