What do you think?
Rate this book
The Deadly Nightshade
Librarian's Note: Alternate-cover edition for ASIN B019NQMOVY
The year is 2084, and the world has come undone.
Six years after The War wiped out the majority of the world's population, nineteen-year-old Nightshade has become a deadly product of the chaotic environment in which she lives. Taught from childhood to suppress all unnecessary emotions—pity, compassion, love, hatred, fear—in the name of survival, she has no trouble defending herself against the gangs that ravage her world.
But when Nightshade is befriended by fellow loner Connor, the flame of humanness is slowly reignited within her. When the duo find themselves pursued by a vengeful gang, they are left with no choice but to seek refuge in a small town and knowingly threaten the safety of its inhabitants. Forced to choose between survival and surrender, with the fate of an entire community in her hands, Nightshade must decide whether to save her own life or her newfound humanity.
The year is 2084, and the world has come undone.
Six years after The War wiped out the majority of the world's population, nineteen-year-old Nightshade has become a deadly product of the chaotic environment in which she lives. Taught from childhood to suppress all unnecessary emotions—pity, compassion, love, hatred, fear—in the name of survival, she has no trouble defending herself against the gangs that ravage her world.
But when Nightshade is befriended by fellow loner Connor, the flame of humanness is slowly reignited within her. When the duo find themselves pursued by a vengeful gang, they are left with no choice but to seek refuge in a small town and knowingly threaten the safety of its inhabitants. Forced to choose between survival and surrender, with the fate of an entire community in her hands, Nightshade must decide whether to save her own life or her newfound humanity.
338 pages, ebook
Published March 1, 2016
28 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Justine Ashford
2 books7 followersJustine Ashford is author of The Deadly Nightshade.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 13, 2016
It took all of five minutes for me get stuck in this book. I couldn't put it down for hours. The engrossing writing and compelling narrative combine to form a spectacular read. The story focuses on Nightshade, a young woman as deadly as her name suggests. In the post-apocalyptic world she inhabits, she recognizes that doing what's right and doing what's necessary for survival are often not the same, and that is one of the most refreshing things about her. There are many books focusing no post-apocalyptic worlds, but very often the protagonist is some shining beacon of morality who, of course, falls in love with one (or even two!) of the men or women they meet on their adventure. Ashford subverts these tropes by writing a more realistic character. Nightshade knows she doesn't always do the "right" thing, she understands that in a world as unforgiving as hers, doing the right thing can get you killed. She also travels for some time with a boy who, imagine this, she does not swoon over and fall in love with. This was a welcome change from standard "post-apocalyptic dystopian future" novels. It allowed the narrative to focus on Nightshade's journey and growth, rather than on some sort of crazy love-triangle which does nothing to forward character development besides show that one character cares about another. And what a journey it is. My eyes were glued to the pages until I had finally finished the book. Ashford's storytelling skills are commendable, and the story she created was engaging and kept me wanting to know what happened next throughout. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends, and highly recommend it to any passerby who happens to read this review. Read this book, it is incredible.
January 11, 2016
A friend of mine picked this book up for me after reading about it online, and I have to say I'm impressed. I'm generally a big fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, but recently it seems like the trend has been to create young adult romance novels and wrap them up in a dystopian world to sell as science fiction, and I couldn't be more against that. The Deadly Nightshade seems like a direct response in defiance of this trend. Not only does the female lead not bother herself with romance, she's completely against feeling in general!
The world she inhabits is dangerous and unpredictable, and watching Nightshade navigate it was just downright fun. I've thoroughly enjoyed the read and am hoping that Justine Ashford will revisit the story in order to make the sequel that I've found myself craving after finishing the book.
Do yourself a favor and read this book
The world she inhabits is dangerous and unpredictable, and watching Nightshade navigate it was just downright fun. I've thoroughly enjoyed the read and am hoping that Justine Ashford will revisit the story in order to make the sequel that I've found myself craving after finishing the book.
Do yourself a favor and read this book
April 9, 2016
It took me awhile to get into this book. The world the narrator inhabits is dark and only about survival--not easy to pick up at the end of a long day at work.
But at some point I realized the book was taking a turn. Through the character of Nightshade the author was asking questions about what it is to be human. What is the point of mere survival in a "kill or be killed" world? Who are we with without one another? What do we owe to those we loved who die before us?
Then I didn't want to put it down. I hope it doesn't give anything away to say I finished this book with tears streaming down my face. After all, we cry for lots of reasons--grief, joy, despair and hope. You'll have to read it yourself to see where it takes you. But suffice it to say it becomes a page turner and definitely a good read.
But at some point I realized the book was taking a turn. Through the character of Nightshade the author was asking questions about what it is to be human. What is the point of mere survival in a "kill or be killed" world? Who are we with without one another? What do we owe to those we loved who die before us?
Then I didn't want to put it down. I hope it doesn't give anything away to say I finished this book with tears streaming down my face. After all, we cry for lots of reasons--grief, joy, despair and hope. You'll have to read it yourself to see where it takes you. But suffice it to say it becomes a page turner and definitely a good read.
February 21, 2017
It was mostly okay, but I kind of expected more. The world building and plot felt kind of bland, but I really liked the main character and her personal journey. Also really appreciated that the main relationship was platonic without ever being implied to be romantic!
Full review in Swedish here
Full review in Swedish here
April 30, 2017
Hard rating
Wondered at first about book but as i continued reading i had to finish it. It tells how Nightshade grows up in the tough world we can only imagine. Full of action .
Wondered at first about book but as i continued reading i had to finish it. It tells how Nightshade grows up in the tough world we can only imagine. Full of action .
July 31, 2016
Growing up
Well written story about a girl growing up after a Holocaust. Her Father prepared her well,but he died when she was quit young to make it on her own. A virtual loner who matures into becoming the leader of a whole community. I enjoyed this book. There was action on every page. I think you'll enjoy it.
Well written story about a girl growing up after a Holocaust. Her Father prepared her well,but he died when she was quit young to make it on her own. A virtual loner who matures into becoming the leader of a whole community. I enjoyed this book. There was action on every page. I think you'll enjoy it.
March 17, 2018
Loved the book
I liked the fact that the author had as her main character someone that was a minority's-Hispanic. The chapters were short and quick paced. I would definitely recommend
I liked the fact that the author had as her main character someone that was a minority's-Hispanic. The chapters were short and quick paced. I would definitely recommend
May 12, 2016
Excellent
I loved the book!! A world dead because of attacks from every part of the globe. A girl raised to kill or be killed. Great story,well written and characters that you want to have by your side if the worst happens. Well worth reading.
I loved the book!! A world dead because of attacks from every part of the globe. A girl raised to kill or be killed. Great story,well written and characters that you want to have by your side if the worst happens. Well worth reading.
May 26, 2016
Excellent Book!
This book was an excellent read! It was full of action and it held every emotion you can think of! If you don't read this book you'll be missing an excellent story! Loved it!
This book was an excellent read! It was full of action and it held every emotion you can think of! If you don't read this book you'll be missing an excellent story! Loved it!
December 1, 2016
Interesting, mysterious and insightful
It kept me interested in it all the way through. It is inspiring to be reminded of the fact others have passed on skills that we each should strive to remember as we go through life. That we should be strong and humble at the same time.
It kept me interested in it all the way through. It is inspiring to be reminded of the fact others have passed on skills that we each should strive to remember as we go through life. That we should be strong and humble at the same time.
June 2, 2016
Great book
This book has a great story line that keeps your attention. A must read. I would highly recommend this book.
This book has a great story line that keeps your attention. A must read. I would highly recommend this book.
April 29, 2018
Action Packed and Heartwrenching
I picked up this book because I wanted to read something with apocalypse themes and while there were no zombies this definitely gave me Walking Dead Vibes and also "Diary of Anne Frank" vibes, which I love!
The Main Characters:
Nightshade and Connor's friendship made me so happy to see. I wanted to hug these two kids and protect them. What I like about Nightshade is that she's not overly snarky or sassy. She's the perfect blend of serious and sassy that doesn't go over the top. And Connor is such a sweet boy I sometimes felt really scared for him when he would go off on his own. I like this duo of badass and innocent going through this desolate world. I do feel like I wanted more scenes of those times in between hunting and training. Like a part where they debating about something, I wanted to read the dialogue of what that was like! I wanted to see what kind of dumb dialogue and conversations Connor came up with everyday.
The Setting:
It was weird? I know its 2084 and by the names of places it was in the United States, of course. But the author left everything else to imagination. I kind of wanted to know more about the politics surrounding it. Why would the world self destruct the way it did. Also it was 2084, why wasnt there any technology around? Surely, a radio or walkie talkies would've sufficed. Or maybe all the radio towers everywhere collapsed? But what about outside of United States? Or Internet? Maybe I'm weird but I don't know why there wasnt any sort of military intervention or tanks going around patrolling the place. Anyways I have a lot of questions but we sadly dont know much since it was all in Nightshade's point of view.
The Plot:
It consisted of the survival routine of the MCs to travel, hunt, gather, etc. and kill anybody that would get in their way because the world fell. The main threat were gangs scattered everywhere around desolate and bombed cities. Especially about one particular gang that was lead by some crazy dude. It had heavy themes of humanity, of what it means to be humans, to have something or someone to live for. Im very sensitive so I did find myself welling up with tears when a couple of characters died. I kind of wanted to know more about the main antagonist. Like, find out a bit more about his personality or goals. Maybe see more of what it was like inside of these gangs and they're motivations.
All in all, it was a good read. I felt like I was watching a dramatic movie unfold before me through the eyes of Nightshade. The author's way of describing action packed scenes had me gripped. They were inmersive and full of energy. I give it 3.5 stars!
I picked up this book because I wanted to read something with apocalypse themes and while there were no zombies this definitely gave me Walking Dead Vibes and also "Diary of Anne Frank" vibes, which I love!
The Main Characters:
Nightshade and Connor's friendship made me so happy to see. I wanted to hug these two kids and protect them. What I like about Nightshade is that she's not overly snarky or sassy. She's the perfect blend of serious and sassy that doesn't go over the top. And Connor is such a sweet boy I sometimes felt really scared for him when he would go off on his own. I like this duo of badass and innocent going through this desolate world. I do feel like I wanted more scenes of those times in between hunting and training. Like a part where they debating about something, I wanted to read the dialogue of what that was like! I wanted to see what kind of dumb dialogue and conversations Connor came up with everyday.
The Setting:
It was weird? I know its 2084 and by the names of places it was in the United States, of course. But the author left everything else to imagination. I kind of wanted to know more about the politics surrounding it. Why would the world self destruct the way it did. Also it was 2084, why wasnt there any technology around? Surely, a radio or walkie talkies would've sufficed. Or maybe all the radio towers everywhere collapsed? But what about outside of United States? Or Internet? Maybe I'm weird but I don't know why there wasnt any sort of military intervention or tanks going around patrolling the place. Anyways I have a lot of questions but we sadly dont know much since it was all in Nightshade's point of view.
The Plot:
It consisted of the survival routine of the MCs to travel, hunt, gather, etc. and kill anybody that would get in their way because the world fell. The main threat were gangs scattered everywhere around desolate and bombed cities. Especially about one particular gang that was lead by some crazy dude. It had heavy themes of humanity, of what it means to be humans, to have something or someone to live for. Im very sensitive so I did find myself welling up with tears when a couple of characters died. I kind of wanted to know more about the main antagonist. Like, find out a bit more about his personality or goals. Maybe see more of what it was like inside of these gangs and they're motivations.
All in all, it was a good read. I felt like I was watching a dramatic movie unfold before me through the eyes of Nightshade. The author's way of describing action packed scenes had me gripped. They were inmersive and full of energy. I give it 3.5 stars!
July 5, 2020
Omg. I loved this Book. Very entertaining all the way.
I highly recommend.
I highly recommend.
December 18, 2016
Actual rating - 3.5
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews