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Lawless #1
Lawless
From the author of The Fringe comes an addictive new dystopian saga.
When Lark was sentenced to twenty-five years behind bars, she thought San Judas was her lucky break. The primitive 16,000-acre community in rural New Mexico isn’t like any other prison. There are no cells, there is no warden, and Mother Mercy is the law.
She didn’t realize she’d be fighting for survival on a daily basis — battling hunger, violent inmates, and Mother Mercy’s iron fist. Lark’s only friend is Bernie — an off-the-rails environmental activist doing time for arson — and a mysterious stranger who’s been sending her illicit messages from the men’s colony.
Lark never thought escaping San Judas was possible until a message in a bottle changes everything: The guards outside the walls are disappearing, and the world as they know it is coming to an end.
When Lark was sentenced to twenty-five years behind bars, she thought San Judas was her lucky break. The primitive 16,000-acre community in rural New Mexico isn’t like any other prison. There are no cells, there is no warden, and Mother Mercy is the law.
She didn’t realize she’d be fighting for survival on a daily basis — battling hunger, violent inmates, and Mother Mercy’s iron fist. Lark’s only friend is Bernie — an off-the-rails environmental activist doing time for arson — and a mysterious stranger who’s been sending her illicit messages from the men’s colony.
Lark never thought escaping San Judas was possible until a message in a bottle changes everything: The guards outside the walls are disappearing, and the world as they know it is coming to an end.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2016
901 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
Tarah Benner
39 books348 followersTarah Benner is the author of more than 25 books, including Witches of Mountain Shadow, Mountain Shadow Mysteries, The Fringe, the Elderon Chronicles, the Lawless Saga, and more.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 8, 2017
Minor Spoilers
This book just really wasn't for me. I found the writing style too simplistic and not so detailed and intricate as the authors previous books I've read. Sometimes, to me, too much simplicity in the writing style can make the characters feel like they're simple minded and flat.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the whole prison set up. I like the fact that it was some kind of new age type alternative prison where the prisoners were forced to grow their own food and basically govern themselves although I didn't feel like it was a very realistic, and at times I felt like the author might be expressing her own opinions on the American prison system itself.
I did not like the whole prison feel with the mean girls and the cliques and the groups.
I did like the slow progression of little weird things that let the prisoners know that something was not right with the outside world. There was sort of a creepy feel to it but then it just sort of tapered off and that was kind of a disappointment. It wasn't until the very end that there's any clarification whatsoever about what did happen.
I like the fact that part of the story was told from Lark's point of view and part was told from Soren's point of view not so much because I wanted Soren's point of view but because it showed some of the things that were happening in the men's prison. I kind of had a problem though with the dialogue between the men and also their thought processes. It just did not feel authentic to me.
I felt like all the crap that was occurring at the women's prison with mother Mercy and her girls and the way Lark got set up was just a little bit too hokey and unbelievable. I don't really feel like any of it was logical at all. It made them all seem like they had the same evil but dumb personality. It was also kind of difficult to get through, I just kept dreading what kind of crazy accusation they would throw at Lark next and what her horrible punishment might be. I didn't like that too many incidents were punished without proof. For example, Lark's prison sentence was the result of an act of self-defense. Yet she was convicted on the testimony of a "mean girl" citing jealousy as the motive. And then again in the prison, when Lark was accused of luring one of mother Mercy's sons to his death, there was no proof but she was found guilty anyway simply based on lies told by another "mean girl." I had trouble believing that mother Mercy would just accept that explanation so easily. She was supposed to be some big time drug kingpin and I would think that she would have to have more brains than what was shown here.
As far as the prison itself went, I was pretty disappointed in the description. I had no idea how to try to visualize the layout of everything, other than the river and the fence line. I had no way of knowing where they got their water. I had no idea if they had plumbing or indoor toilets or outdoor toilets, etc. I had no idea if they had showers until it was just randomly mentioned that someone had taken a shower or that someone was cleaning the latrines.
In addition to all of that, everything felt disjointed and ill-timed. One example of this was during a scene in which Soren and Lark were both injured, and suddenly they are making out. I just can't believe that a bashed up face would make for a pleasant kissing experience. And I can't imagine his hands all over her body would bring about any feelings other than pain, what with the bruises and the broken ribs.
Immediately after this scene when Lark's friend tried to hug her she was screaming out in pain. It was completely contradictory and it made no sense.
There were plenty of other aspects that made no sense as well. Supposedly, this was a rehabilitation type prison for non-violent offenders - but Lark was convicted of murder. I have a hard time believing she would be allowed in the program. Also, at one point it's mentioned that the other inmates were very wary of crossing her, but then she's getting her butt kicked constantly.
Honestly, I had just about decided to give up altogether but I found myself wondering if they would escape and was extremely curious as to what was going on in the world outside so I finished it. As far as the forthcoming books in the series go, I'm not sure I'm any more than just mildly curious as to what will happen.
This book just really wasn't for me. I found the writing style too simplistic and not so detailed and intricate as the authors previous books I've read. Sometimes, to me, too much simplicity in the writing style can make the characters feel like they're simple minded and flat.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the whole prison set up. I like the fact that it was some kind of new age type alternative prison where the prisoners were forced to grow their own food and basically govern themselves although I didn't feel like it was a very realistic, and at times I felt like the author might be expressing her own opinions on the American prison system itself.
I did not like the whole prison feel with the mean girls and the cliques and the groups.
I did like the slow progression of little weird things that let the prisoners know that something was not right with the outside world. There was sort of a creepy feel to it but then it just sort of tapered off and that was kind of a disappointment. It wasn't until the very end that there's any clarification whatsoever about what did happen.
I like the fact that part of the story was told from Lark's point of view and part was told from Soren's point of view not so much because I wanted Soren's point of view but because it showed some of the things that were happening in the men's prison. I kind of had a problem though with the dialogue between the men and also their thought processes. It just did not feel authentic to me.
I felt like all the crap that was occurring at the women's prison with mother Mercy and her girls and the way Lark got set up was just a little bit too hokey and unbelievable. I don't really feel like any of it was logical at all. It made them all seem like they had the same evil but dumb personality. It was also kind of difficult to get through, I just kept dreading what kind of crazy accusation they would throw at Lark next and what her horrible punishment might be. I didn't like that too many incidents were punished without proof. For example, Lark's prison sentence was the result of an act of self-defense. Yet she was convicted on the testimony of a "mean girl" citing jealousy as the motive. And then again in the prison, when Lark was accused of luring one of mother Mercy's sons to his death, there was no proof but she was found guilty anyway simply based on lies told by another "mean girl." I had trouble believing that mother Mercy would just accept that explanation so easily. She was supposed to be some big time drug kingpin and I would think that she would have to have more brains than what was shown here.
As far as the prison itself went, I was pretty disappointed in the description. I had no idea how to try to visualize the layout of everything, other than the river and the fence line. I had no way of knowing where they got their water. I had no idea if they had plumbing or indoor toilets or outdoor toilets, etc. I had no idea if they had showers until it was just randomly mentioned that someone had taken a shower or that someone was cleaning the latrines.
In addition to all of that, everything felt disjointed and ill-timed. One example of this was during a scene in which Soren and Lark were both injured, and suddenly they are making out. I just can't believe that a bashed up face would make for a pleasant kissing experience. And I can't imagine his hands all over her body would bring about any feelings other than pain, what with the bruises and the broken ribs.
Immediately after this scene when Lark's friend tried to hug her she was screaming out in pain. It was completely contradictory and it made no sense.
There were plenty of other aspects that made no sense as well. Supposedly, this was a rehabilitation type prison for non-violent offenders - but Lark was convicted of murder. I have a hard time believing she would be allowed in the program. Also, at one point it's mentioned that the other inmates were very wary of crossing her, but then she's getting her butt kicked constantly.
Honestly, I had just about decided to give up altogether but I found myself wondering if they would escape and was extremely curious as to what was going on in the world outside so I finished it. As far as the forthcoming books in the series go, I'm not sure I'm any more than just mildly curious as to what will happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2021
The Good:
Great world-building of the prison colony. I visualized it, empathized with the characters plight in it, etc. Very believable.
Interesting characters developed well on the personal side. I liked both MCs voices and them as people. No annoying thoughts or actions … save my compliant with the romance part.
I was excited how the old prison world converges into the cliffhanger of the outside world. Good hook to get me to book two.
Good writing style, even if third isn’t my favorite. Alternates between FMC and MMC third voice.
Good flow and pacing in the read.
The Bad
The romance sucked:( Shit. Was not developed at all. A note, and she can pick him out of a crowd. A single three minute convo, and she’s ready to trust him with her life. The MCs have what equates to less than 20 minutes of time together, and that just isn’t enough to believe the romance. I get attraction, but this is life and death deep shit from nowhere.
The injuries that the FMC endured is badass, but the author carries you from the FMC laying with both eyes swelled shut and broken ribs to a potential sex scene. Less than 24 hours later, she’s doing the equivalent of a Mud Run with no regard to the multiple ass whoppings she’s endured and been soooooo very injured? She weighs 120 pounds but carries a 40 lbs dog over a wall and fence with said broken ribs. OTT badass that leaves the realm of believable.
Prison social function could have been better. Not bad, but it was a little whitewashed as to how it was operated and the social order of things. Felt Maze Runner in nature, which didn’t work for criminal setting.
I’ll read book two because he dystopian hooked me and the characters aren’t bad, but the romance element leaves a lot to be desired.
Great world-building of the prison colony. I visualized it, empathized with the characters plight in it, etc. Very believable.
Interesting characters developed well on the personal side. I liked both MCs voices and them as people. No annoying thoughts or actions … save my compliant with the romance part.
I was excited how the old prison world converges into the cliffhanger of the outside world. Good hook to get me to book two.
Good writing style, even if third isn’t my favorite. Alternates between FMC and MMC third voice.
Good flow and pacing in the read.
The Bad
The romance sucked:( Shit. Was not developed at all. A note, and she can pick him out of a crowd. A single three minute convo, and she’s ready to trust him with her life. The MCs have what equates to less than 20 minutes of time together, and that just isn’t enough to believe the romance. I get attraction, but this is life and death deep shit from nowhere.
The injuries that the FMC endured is badass, but the author carries you from the FMC laying with both eyes swelled shut and broken ribs to a potential sex scene. Less than 24 hours later, she’s doing the equivalent of a Mud Run with no regard to the multiple ass whoppings she’s endured and been soooooo very injured? She weighs 120 pounds but carries a 40 lbs dog over a wall and fence with said broken ribs. OTT badass that leaves the realm of believable.
Prison social function could have been better. Not bad, but it was a little whitewashed as to how it was operated and the social order of things. Felt Maze Runner in nature, which didn’t work for criminal setting.
I’ll read book two because he dystopian hooked me and the characters aren’t bad, but the romance element leaves a lot to be desired.
May 12, 2017
I was looking up a dystopian romance and this book came up in the search. There are a few things I look for when I want to read this genre, the first being it isn’t a YA novel. Nothing against YA, I just prefer not to read it. The second, does it have a gritty original plot? Lawless peaked my curiosity because my all-time favorite book is the original version of Hold by Zannie Adams/Claire Kent; which is romance/erotica based on a woman being sent to a prison colony. So, I always look for books that are close to that theme to devour (there aren’t many).
Lawless puts a truly surreal look on prison colony life and the realities of only the strong will survive. The punishment of this primitive colony is a guise of an easier sentence when what it really is, is true hell.
“When an inmate was surrounded with nothing but suffering, she too suffered. And when her surroundings were primitive, she reverted back to her most primitive self.”
Lawless starts out in a prison where the inmates are forced to live in a primitive dictatorship run by thugs who have the most power and are the cruelest and most ruthless. The inmates are forced to suffer, fight, and break their backs for everything. There are no outside regulation, interference, rules or over site, no wardens or guards, it's a free for all.
Benner summed it up beautifully:
“it’s a story about survival. The series explores what happens when society collapses, focusing on the people who pull through when it all goes to hell.”
My husband and I have had this discussion many times (while watching TWD) what would happen to society at the end. I truly believe that only the strong would survive and people would be reduced to the base instincts of survival.
“People would do anything to survive- steal, cheat, maim, kill. It was human nature in its most base form.”
This is an excellent beginning to a very promising series. I haven’t read anything else by Benner but I am looking forward to continuing this series. I am giving it 5 Boundless Stars. I loved it!
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Lawless puts a truly surreal look on prison colony life and the realities of only the strong will survive. The punishment of this primitive colony is a guise of an easier sentence when what it really is, is true hell.
“When an inmate was surrounded with nothing but suffering, she too suffered. And when her surroundings were primitive, she reverted back to her most primitive self.”
Lawless starts out in a prison where the inmates are forced to live in a primitive dictatorship run by thugs who have the most power and are the cruelest and most ruthless. The inmates are forced to suffer, fight, and break their backs for everything. There are no outside regulation, interference, rules or over site, no wardens or guards, it's a free for all.
Benner summed it up beautifully:
“it’s a story about survival. The series explores what happens when society collapses, focusing on the people who pull through when it all goes to hell.”
My husband and I have had this discussion many times (while watching TWD) what would happen to society at the end. I truly believe that only the strong would survive and people would be reduced to the base instincts of survival.
“People would do anything to survive- steal, cheat, maim, kill. It was human nature in its most base form.”
This is an excellent beginning to a very promising series. I haven’t read anything else by Benner but I am looking forward to continuing this series. I am giving it 5 Boundless Stars. I loved it!
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 17, 2017
2 and a half stars.
I had many problems with this book but there were also some things that I liked about it. I liked the concept and judging by the authors note in the back, Benner had done a lot of research into the history of incarceration. I actually liked that commentary a lot more than I liked the book and I found myself thinking that she seems so passionate about the privatization of prisons. I felt that if that was the center piece of this book, it would have encompassed the whole story and made it so much more powerful.
I liked the concept of a "free range" prison system but I also felt that it could have been executed a lot better if it had seemed more realistic. The idea of one person controlling everything from within just didn't jive for me. Prisons are notorious for being dived by race and gang affiliations. Leaving that out just made the story seem fake and watered down.
The main character was only 20 but the readers were not given a glimpse of the "before and after". Soren kept going on about how Lark wasn't "broken" and that's why he was attracted to her. Ugh. Talk about clichés. It got worse as their ... love affair (do I dare call it that when they only spoke about 3 times?) developed.
And then there was Bernie who could have been great if her persona resonated with her actions. Both Lark and Bernie were passionate people but not when it mattered. Sure they were willing to fight, but only over petty crap. When their backs were against the wall, they ran away instead of helping each other. Much bravado over nothing.
Mercy, the "ruler", was pitted as a bad guy without any character development that would have made her a real advisary.
And I didn't understand why the women and men were separated but otherwise allowed to do whatever they wanted. Why have some arbitrary gender rule... and that's the only rule enforced (other than not allowing the prisoners to escape)? Why bother, when the system didn't care about their well being?
Oh well. on to the next crappy book.
I had many problems with this book but there were also some things that I liked about it. I liked the concept and judging by the authors note in the back, Benner had done a lot of research into the history of incarceration. I actually liked that commentary a lot more than I liked the book and I found myself thinking that she seems so passionate about the privatization of prisons. I felt that if that was the center piece of this book, it would have encompassed the whole story and made it so much more powerful.
I liked the concept of a "free range" prison system but I also felt that it could have been executed a lot better if it had seemed more realistic. The idea of one person controlling everything from within just didn't jive for me. Prisons are notorious for being dived by race and gang affiliations. Leaving that out just made the story seem fake and watered down.
The main character was only 20 but the readers were not given a glimpse of the "before and after". Soren kept going on about how Lark wasn't "broken" and that's why he was attracted to her. Ugh. Talk about clichés. It got worse as their ... love affair (do I dare call it that when they only spoke about 3 times?) developed.
And then there was Bernie who could have been great if her persona resonated with her actions. Both Lark and Bernie were passionate people but not when it mattered. Sure they were willing to fight, but only over petty crap. When their backs were against the wall, they ran away instead of helping each other. Much bravado over nothing.
Mercy, the "ruler", was pitted as a bad guy without any character development that would have made her a real advisary.
And I didn't understand why the women and men were separated but otherwise allowed to do whatever they wanted. Why have some arbitrary gender rule... and that's the only rule enforced (other than not allowing the prisoners to escape)? Why bother, when the system didn't care about their well being?
Oh well. on to the next crappy book.
December 7, 2016
Wanted to like, but just struggled to finish.
What I Liked: the premise, the location. Cool, an "outside" prison. Lark knows it will be shitty, but at least she's outside, working with her hands. Totally got her choice to plead guilty in order to be considered for this place. Liked the ending, as far as where it ended. I had a feeling we were going there, but wasn't quite sure exactly what would happen.
Yikes: falling head over heals for a boy after literally seeing him 3 times. What? "He makes me happy." No way. You've spoken to him for 5 minutes. He doesn't make you happy. What he *told* you makes you happy. Unnecessary romance/falling in love. Lark wanted what Soren was offering. She didn't need to start swooning. Everything with Soren felt forced. If the book just didn't have that, I probably would have give it a higher rating. Oh, and getting the shit kicked out of you, so much that your friend has to drag you to a house, and then making out with a guy (or for that matter, seeing the girl you kinda dig all beat to shit, and then deciding it'd be a great idea to make out with her)....Uh, what???
What I Liked: the premise, the location. Cool, an "outside" prison. Lark knows it will be shitty, but at least she's outside, working with her hands. Totally got her choice to plead guilty in order to be considered for this place. Liked the ending, as far as where it ended. I had a feeling we were going there, but wasn't quite sure exactly what would happen.
Yikes: falling head over heals for a boy after literally seeing him 3 times. What? "He makes me happy." No way. You've spoken to him for 5 minutes. He doesn't make you happy. What he *told* you makes you happy. Unnecessary romance/falling in love. Lark wanted what Soren was offering. She didn't need to start swooning. Everything with Soren felt forced. If the book just didn't have that, I probably would have give it a higher rating. Oh, and getting the shit kicked out of you, so much that your friend has to drag you to a house, and then making out with a guy (or for that matter, seeing the girl you kinda dig all beat to shit, and then deciding it'd be a great idea to make out with her)....Uh, what???
December 17, 2021
Lark gets sentenced to 25 years in prison- except it’s not behind bars but behind a walled lot of land. San Judas is a self ran “community” in New Mexico where people serve out their time. It starts off with Lark getting dropped off and entering her new home for next quarter of a century. She quickly learns there are no rules- except lookout for yourself.
The men and women are separated- but that doesn’t stop Lark from getting a handsome secret admirer. She starts to receive messages from a stranger on the men’s side of the fence. Should she trust him? Lark’s best friend Bernie attempts to reason with her not to talk to Soren- nothing can possibly come out of this relationship... except a plan to escape the prison. With the guards disappearing this is their only chance to get out unnoticed. Only one problem- is it safer inside the walls than outside?
Tarah knows how to write a realistic dystopian novel. Every character you become attached to. Some of the situations are gruesome and violet... but how else would the end of the world be? This book ends on a cliffhanger- but luckily the next book is already out. It’s action packed and has romance laced into. Perfect.
The men and women are separated- but that doesn’t stop Lark from getting a handsome secret admirer. She starts to receive messages from a stranger on the men’s side of the fence. Should she trust him? Lark’s best friend Bernie attempts to reason with her not to talk to Soren- nothing can possibly come out of this relationship... except a plan to escape the prison. With the guards disappearing this is their only chance to get out unnoticed. Only one problem- is it safer inside the walls than outside?
Tarah knows how to write a realistic dystopian novel. Every character you become attached to. Some of the situations are gruesome and violet... but how else would the end of the world be? This book ends on a cliffhanger- but luckily the next book is already out. It’s action packed and has romance laced into. Perfect.
May 10, 2018
3 surviving stars
The story line was interesting. The characters were well developed. But Soren and Lark's trust in one another wasn't very believable. Especially not if you are in survival mode. Parts of the book dragged and it was annoying that it took the Lark so long to figure out things like the fact that GreenSeeds was doing experiments on prisoners, Portia being pregnant, why the guards were disappearing and the towns were deserted. The dog, Denali seemed like the smartest character in the book. I'm glad he didn't die, I would have quit reading if he had. I also wanted to know how the men and women stayed separated for so long if there were no guard interference. I know the gorge seems like a reasonable deterrent, but honestly if we are talking convicts who get free rein in their little community it just doesn't pan out that they wouldn't find a way to merge the colonies.
The story line was interesting. The characters were well developed. But Soren and Lark's trust in one another wasn't very believable. Especially not if you are in survival mode. Parts of the book dragged and it was annoying that it took the Lark so long to figure out things like the fact that GreenSeeds was doing experiments on prisoners, Portia being pregnant, why the guards were disappearing and the towns were deserted. The dog, Denali seemed like the smartest character in the book. I'm glad he didn't die, I would have quit reading if he had. I also wanted to know how the men and women stayed separated for so long if there were no guard interference. I know the gorge seems like a reasonable deterrent, but honestly if we are talking convicts who get free rein in their little community it just doesn't pan out that they wouldn't find a way to merge the colonies.
February 8, 2017
Not impressed with the author's views
The book itself wasn't too bad and continued throughout with a good storyline. What really turned me away from purchasing the next book in this series is the author's (long and drawn out) idea and beliefs of how our current justice system is, and what she believes it should be. Maybe she should spend some time touring a couple of our "correctional facilities" we us today so she can see what kind of crimes were committed and what those people are like who earned their right to be there.
The book itself wasn't too bad and continued throughout with a good storyline. What really turned me away from purchasing the next book in this series is the author's (long and drawn out) idea and beliefs of how our current justice system is, and what she believes it should be. Maybe she should spend some time touring a couple of our "correctional facilities" we us today so she can see what kind of crimes were committed and what those people are like who earned their right to be there.
February 19, 2018
Good overall
Good premise characters and story but a little too much description. Needs some editting to cut out long boring bits.
Good premise characters and story but a little too much description. Needs some editting to cut out long boring bits.
June 21, 2017
The book is about a prison that is not like others, and the people in there. It's about their escape and finding out that what they believed is not true. It's a very interesting concept, and even if your first instinct is to say there's no way something like that could happen, if you think a little bit about it, you realize it's not that hard to believe. I liked the way the world was described, their struggles and their need for freedom. To help us connect with the characters, the two main characters were in prison for unfair reasons.
The world, the setting, and the characters are good. The premise is interesting and the book is easy to read.
The world, the setting, and the characters are good. The premise is interesting and the book is easy to read.
September 12, 2021
Great idea poor execution
Like so many books I've read lately, this one was based on a great idea that went nowhere really slowly. The characters were super inconsistent- are you tough, weak, emotional, stoic - how about all of the above! You would think this would make motives obvious but no one seems to notice. The 2 main characters naturally fall in love in about 2 short meetings during which they don't even speak - that made no sense and seemed completely out of place. Shouldn't all these people be focused on survival and finding a what is going on instead of the petty nonsense and posturing? This whole waste of a good idea ended in nothing worth the drawn out boring drama. 2 stars - decent writing & idea but everything else was a miss.
Like so many books I've read lately, this one was based on a great idea that went nowhere really slowly. The characters were super inconsistent- are you tough, weak, emotional, stoic - how about all of the above! You would think this would make motives obvious but no one seems to notice. The 2 main characters naturally fall in love in about 2 short meetings during which they don't even speak - that made no sense and seemed completely out of place. Shouldn't all these people be focused on survival and finding a what is going on instead of the petty nonsense and posturing? This whole waste of a good idea ended in nothing worth the drawn out boring drama. 2 stars - decent writing & idea but everything else was a miss.
November 24, 2017
I've liked the author's books in the past, so I gave this one a shot. Thought it was unnecessarily violent. The most interesting part of the book was the end (and the only reason I might continue reading the rest of the series).
July 9, 2018
It’s good
I enjoyed the book. The only thing I wasn't fond of was the fast "in love" relationships. I'm interested to see where the story goes and just downloaded the next three books.
I enjoyed the book. The only thing I wasn't fond of was the fast "in love" relationships. I'm interested to see where the story goes and just downloaded the next three books.
November 30, 2017
A steady pace to this series
Lark was a tough character, fearless or stupid depending on how you look at it she was always in trouble for something but did not know how to keep a low profile. Bernie was the typical best friend who was the weak link and Lark risked her life to keep her safe. Mercy - talk about an ironic name was your typical hard as nails prisoner who was the leader who controlled the other women through fear and the threat of banishment. Surrounding herself with cruel and loyal followers Mercy ensured her survival but prisoners with nothing to lose can be tempted to disobey. Soren was the knight in shining armour hoping to rescue the damsel in distress and escape the prison. We are left with more questions than answers at the end as the world they knew has changed. How will they survive and will they be captured again. Did one of the characters really die or will they reappear later on. Lark and Soren are on the run with nowhere to go so what is their next step. the story takes a while to get into as it builds slowly and not a lot happens in the first few chapters. It got more interesting when they were planning to escape and things sped up towards the end of the story.
Lark was a tough character, fearless or stupid depending on how you look at it she was always in trouble for something but did not know how to keep a low profile. Bernie was the typical best friend who was the weak link and Lark risked her life to keep her safe. Mercy - talk about an ironic name was your typical hard as nails prisoner who was the leader who controlled the other women through fear and the threat of banishment. Surrounding herself with cruel and loyal followers Mercy ensured her survival but prisoners with nothing to lose can be tempted to disobey. Soren was the knight in shining armour hoping to rescue the damsel in distress and escape the prison. We are left with more questions than answers at the end as the world they knew has changed. How will they survive and will they be captured again. Did one of the characters really die or will they reappear later on. Lark and Soren are on the run with nowhere to go so what is their next step. the story takes a while to get into as it builds slowly and not a lot happens in the first few chapters. It got more interesting when they were planning to escape and things sped up towards the end of the story.
August 14, 2023
Great with cliff hangers that will make you breeze through the series.
What would you do if thrown into a prison complex/ commune and left to survive among the other criminals? Well, Lark seems to attract trouble wherever she goes and has had to toughen up because of that.
This first book focuses mainly on her survival in the camp and her relationships, good and bad, with several of the inmates. The story then starts to heat up when she begins to receive secret messages from one of the male inmates from the neighboring, albeit separate, camp. Will she have the courage to try to escape with Soren?
Just the possibility of escape might be too much to contemplate if there is a risk of failing.
The plot is extremely well developed, has fascinating characters and luckily, the series is now complete, so you can buy book two straight away!
What would you do if thrown into a prison complex/ commune and left to survive among the other criminals? Well, Lark seems to attract trouble wherever she goes and has had to toughen up because of that.
This first book focuses mainly on her survival in the camp and her relationships, good and bad, with several of the inmates. The story then starts to heat up when she begins to receive secret messages from one of the male inmates from the neighboring, albeit separate, camp. Will she have the courage to try to escape with Soren?
Just the possibility of escape might be too much to contemplate if there is a risk of failing.
The plot is extremely well developed, has fascinating characters and luckily, the series is now complete, so you can buy book two straight away!
January 5, 2021
Interesting but slow
It was slow. Pretty much day to day life of a prison with the trials of living under the thugs that run it. It was interesting tho I do wish the cause was more original to the end of the world. Didn't have to go the zombie way but global warming?
I do so hope this series isn't going to go onto the soap box stand stage in book 2 . I like my fiction to be fiction and not a political or other preaching platform.. I get enough of that in my daily life and reading is an escape for me ,not a place that I enjoy or will put up with writers " teaching " me what are fact and not .In other word I really don't care about your opinions. Just you stories so here's hoping book 2 ain't preachy 🙄 cause if it is that's it for me.🤷
It was slow. Pretty much day to day life of a prison with the trials of living under the thugs that run it. It was interesting tho I do wish the cause was more original to the end of the world. Didn't have to go the zombie way but global warming?
I do so hope this series isn't going to go onto the soap box stand stage in book 2 . I like my fiction to be fiction and not a political or other preaching platform.. I get enough of that in my daily life and reading is an escape for me ,not a place that I enjoy or will put up with writers " teaching " me what are fact and not .In other word I really don't care about your opinions. Just you stories so here's hoping book 2 ain't preachy 🙄 cause if it is that's it for me.🤷
January 19, 2018
I wasn't very impressed with this book. I have read her other books and this was kind of a disappointment. The story kinda of felt like it was dragged out a lot. Maybe this is just me and my opinion, but over half of the books seemed unnecessary. This book just fell short for me. The character building and the world building were great but the only part of the book which really grabbed my attention was the ending. I found myself speed reading or skimming through the book to get to the end of the book. Which I hate doing :( I will continue reading because this really is a great concept for a story.
December 15, 2021
Prison life in the rural San Judas New Mexico colony was brutal at best and often lead to death. Survival was on a very primative level and any degree of safety was non-existent. This extremely intense story was riveting and difficult to put down. Lark and Soren were good people caught up in bad and unfortunate circumstances that landed them in this dangerous purgatory. This was a fast-paced, action-pacted narrative with stellar characters, the good were filled with strength of character and morals; the bad were conniving, barbaric,and deadly. Good Read!!!!!
January 24, 2018
Riveting read
This story pulled me in and didn't let go. I couldn't devour it fast enough to find out what happens next. Honestly I don't always vibe with the alternative characters when stories switch view points but I found myself just as invested in both of them. Little did I know this amazing story served a dual purpose of a riveting read and an incredibly eye opening and much needed reality check on our own current events. Hats off to you Mrs. Benner.
This story pulled me in and didn't let go. I couldn't devour it fast enough to find out what happens next. Honestly I don't always vibe with the alternative characters when stories switch view points but I found myself just as invested in both of them. Little did I know this amazing story served a dual purpose of a riveting read and an incredibly eye opening and much needed reality check on our own current events. Hats off to you Mrs. Benner.
September 26, 2019
It was a decent story right up until the very end. They finally escape their corporate prison (minus the maze runner aspect) and emerge into an apocalyptic world. The first person they finally meet breaks the news that it was (dramatic music)... global warming. Which happened to depopulated the country somehow in a little over a single year. Severely lacking in the science department, but it was interesting enough the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2021
What would you do over?
Lark knew that she had to take the deal but she will only be released when she is forty five. This was meant to be easier than prison but the last five years haven't been easy. Will Lark be able to get through the rest of her time? Soren has been watching Lark & he hopes that she agrees to his plan. But can these two prisoners really get another chance? A good read
Lark knew that she had to take the deal but she will only be released when she is forty five. This was meant to be easier than prison but the last five years haven't been easy. Will Lark be able to get through the rest of her time? Soren has been watching Lark & he hopes that she agrees to his plan. But can these two prisoners really get another chance? A good read
October 19, 2017
Shattering!
The heroine is confined to a prison collective run by brutal and violent inmates ruling with iron fists. Lark’s situation goes from bad to worse and when you think it can’t get any worse it does. There is a small ray of light in meeting a male inmate and slowly live story and escape plan develops. It was breathtaking, exhilarating, scary and sooo good!
The heroine is confined to a prison collective run by brutal and violent inmates ruling with iron fists. Lark’s situation goes from bad to worse and when you think it can’t get any worse it does. There is a small ray of light in meeting a male inmate and slowly live story and escape plan develops. It was breathtaking, exhilarating, scary and sooo good!
September 18, 2021
Intriguing
Well written story about an inmate in a prison that is more like a commune according to the flyers, but after she agrees to go there instead of a regular prison, she discovers there are a lot of secrets to be discovered. She really wants to escape, and finally meets someone else who has the same goal.
Well written story about an inmate in a prison that is more like a commune according to the flyers, but after she agrees to go there instead of a regular prison, she discovers there are a lot of secrets to be discovered. She really wants to escape, and finally meets someone else who has the same goal.
April 12, 2023
Lawless
A good read once you get into it. Characters are great, good storyline, but quite slow on really starting ( for me at least). About a “prison” and the inmates. I did enjoy it but I will admit I got bored at first but it does get better and leaves you wondering. A recommended read
A good read once you get into it. Characters are great, good storyline, but quite slow on really starting ( for me at least). About a “prison” and the inmates. I did enjoy it but I will admit I got bored at first but it does get better and leaves you wondering. A recommended read
September 3, 2017
Some good reading
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone that likes dystopian or post apocalyptic fiction. I am about to start the second book and will give a more in depth review after I finish the complete series.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone that likes dystopian or post apocalyptic fiction. I am about to start the second book and will give a more in depth review after I finish the complete series.
January 16, 2018
Good Book!!
I couldn’t put this book down. The things Lark had to endure were nerve racking.I love the idea of this book it put a new twist on things. Can’t wait to read the next book !!
I couldn’t put this book down. The things Lark had to endure were nerve racking.I love the idea of this book it put a new twist on things. Can’t wait to read the next book !!
January 24, 2018
Interesting...
This story is interesting. The thought of a corporate prison colony is terrifying, but more terrifying is the end of civilization by starvation... I'll be turning to the lawless saga !!
This story is interesting. The thought of a corporate prison colony is terrifying, but more terrifying is the end of civilization by starvation... I'll be turning to the lawless saga !!
January 18, 2020
Too much heavy negativity
I would like to have seen less of the fighting, punishing, starvation & a little more development earlier of the 'system's problems & some type of victories even if small. I got halfway & couldn't finish it.
I would like to have seen less of the fighting, punishing, starvation & a little more development earlier of the 'system's problems & some type of victories even if small. I got halfway & couldn't finish it.
September 25, 2021
Degradation and Human Suffering
If degradation and human suffering is your thing, then this is the perfect novel for you. However, if you're looking for something more humane, you probably should keep looking.
If degradation and human suffering is your thing, then this is the perfect novel for you. However, if you're looking for something more humane, you probably should keep looking.
November 11, 2021
Interesting but slow
It is well written. But there is too much detail. The fighting scenes go on forever. I wanted more at the beginning about her life before prison. We need to like her.
It is well written. But there is too much detail. The fighting scenes go on forever. I wanted more at the beginning about her life before prison. We need to like her.
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