The Dead, book three in Donna Augustine’s fantastic, futuristic, post apocalyptic urban fantasy The Wilds series, a darkly intense page-turner picks right up from book two without missing a beat. Her first person dialogue told by the female protagonist, Dahlia is impressive and illustrates her innocent naïveté and teenaged angst to a tee while highlighting her imposing backdrops and inventive world building. Her other stars are equally memorable especially her constant male star Dax. The twists and turns, the explosive OMG happenings and the cliffhanger ending are real standouts in this fast paced thriller and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here. The series must be read in order.
Since arriving at The Rock with her friends things seem to be looking up for Dahlia, she’s finally making real friends, being accepted and as a bonus is getting to eliminate Dark Walkers. The leader of The Rock, Rocky even wants her for his girlfriend and no he’s not Dax and he doesn’t give her tingles like Dax does, but Dax doesn’t want her that way and she refuses to beat her head against a wall or beg, no matter what. Then comes the worse possible news; The Bloody Death has returned, Dax wants them all to leave The Rock fearing they will turn against Dahlia but she’s convinced he’s wrong. So he and Rocky leave to gather more information and while they’re gone Dahlia’s best friend Bookie catches and succumbs to the disease. Realizing Dax was right all along Dahlia flees in the night to save her remaining friends and to bury Bookie. Knowing she may never see Dax again is a hard pill to swallow but she’s got to to do the right thing she hopes she’s brave enough.
Series recap:
Book 1-Dahlia may be the last surviving “Plaguer” (a survivor of the disease) of the apocalyptic disease called “The Bloody Death” that almost wiped out humanity. One side effect of plaguers is having increased psychic/magic abilities including seeing “Dark Walkers”, beings who want plaguers eliminated. Dax and his friends from “The Wilds” rescued her for this very ability.
Book 2- Learning the Dark Walkers are still looking for her, Dahlia, Dax and a small group of friends leave The Farm and travel The Wilds to find out why and finally come upon a walled community called The Rock where its leader Rocky offers hospitality and aide.