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The Dark World #2
The Lockdown
"The author created a very believable post-apocalyptic world, and I found that important to the flow of the story. The characters are unique and believable and the action fast paced. Aside from the entertainment of the story, it was also very thought provoking to think that life could end up in some government controlled, underground complex." - Amazon Reader
After escaping her barracks to warn her lover that the government is after him, young Ruby is now a wanted fugitive. Separated from her friends and family, she must choose between escaping The Complex and facing the unknown dangers of our planet's surface, or fighting against her oppressors and learning the fate of those she loves.
Ruby's choices lead her on a mission to face her fears, own her mistakes, and attempt to free an entire population from the imprisonment and certain death they now face because of the rebellion she began.
Book 2 of the Dark World Series
After escaping her barracks to warn her lover that the government is after him, young Ruby is now a wanted fugitive. Separated from her friends and family, she must choose between escaping The Complex and facing the unknown dangers of our planet's surface, or fighting against her oppressors and learning the fate of those she loves.
Ruby's choices lead her on a mission to face her fears, own her mistakes, and attempt to free an entire population from the imprisonment and certain death they now face because of the rebellion she began.
Book 2 of the Dark World Series
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2016
6 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Kell Frillman
29 books100 followersKell Frillman resides in Seattle. She works in animal rescue and enjoys spending time with her rescue pets, her horses, and her friends. She has been writing fiction since she was ten years old. The Surface Girl is her first published novel. She loves worldbuilding and her focus is on dystopian fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 25, 2019
Before an eight-year-old girl named Silver came into her life, 16-year-old Ruby only dreamed of freedom from her underground home named The Complex. Now Ruby is a fugitive along with Reese, a boy she isn’t supposed to love, her parents, and others. They are searching for the truth and a way out to the surface. But the government has other plans.
Dark World – The Lockdown is the 2nd book of this series. And while I did not read the first, there was enough backstory to understand what was going on.
This is a fast paced read that I did not want to put down. I was engrossed in the story from the first line of the prologue and it stayed with me, even when I wasn’t reading. The characters are well-developed and the writing is very good. I saw few typos and only some minor grammatical errors. There was also great imagery in the story.
Author Kell Frillman tells an engrossing tale of a teenage girl who finds out everything she has ever known has been a lie. I will definitely get the first book of the series and look forward to the last.
Dark World – The Lockdown is the 2nd book of this series. And while I did not read the first, there was enough backstory to understand what was going on.
This is a fast paced read that I did not want to put down. I was engrossed in the story from the first line of the prologue and it stayed with me, even when I wasn’t reading. The characters are well-developed and the writing is very good. I saw few typos and only some minor grammatical errors. There was also great imagery in the story.
Author Kell Frillman tells an engrossing tale of a teenage girl who finds out everything she has ever known has been a lie. I will definitely get the first book of the series and look forward to the last.
May 17, 2019
I fell into this story on Book 2 of the Darkworld series but it was so well written and intriguing that I didn’t even realize I had missed Book 1. The author, Kell Frillman, has an amazing way with words. She draws you in so that you exquisitely feel each minuscule emotion or physical sensation that the main character, 16 year old Ruby, experiences in her disturbing underground world.
In this story, humanity has been forced to dwell in underground complexes, never getting to see the outside world. They are dependent on an all knowing government for their every need and sadly, most don’t seem to be bothered at all by it.
But, in this dark dystopian future, where old people are taken away to transitional containers to be put to “sleep” and where mates are chosen by the government and true love is punished, Ruby is forced to come to the realization that life in The Complex might be more sinister than most of its inhabitants are aware. One day, quite by accident, a young child literally falls in from the earth above through a hole in the roof causing her to realize that everything she’s been taught about the world above has been a lie. Quite the opposite of what she’s been told, people do live up there. All is not as it seems.
I really had to struggle with whether or not I liked the character of Ruby. That was mainly because of her constant inner struggles battling between what was right and what was wrong regarding every other character in the book. But, I guess she’s really just a typical teenager in that respect. Ultimately, even though the decisions might have been hard for her to make, she usually erred on the side of right.
One of the most frightening thoughts I had while reading this book is that it only took 50 something years for the government of the Complexes to totally strip away the humanity of most inhabitants. It is a lesson that would be wise for readers to realize can happen in real life as well.
The concept of this story line is thought provoking and made me think of books I read 50 something years ago like Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451. Whether the author planned it that way or not “The Lockdown” contains many important messages for readers of today’s world. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, “Darkworld: The Ice Hunters”.
In this story, humanity has been forced to dwell in underground complexes, never getting to see the outside world. They are dependent on an all knowing government for their every need and sadly, most don’t seem to be bothered at all by it.
But, in this dark dystopian future, where old people are taken away to transitional containers to be put to “sleep” and where mates are chosen by the government and true love is punished, Ruby is forced to come to the realization that life in The Complex might be more sinister than most of its inhabitants are aware. One day, quite by accident, a young child literally falls in from the earth above through a hole in the roof causing her to realize that everything she’s been taught about the world above has been a lie. Quite the opposite of what she’s been told, people do live up there. All is not as it seems.
I really had to struggle with whether or not I liked the character of Ruby. That was mainly because of her constant inner struggles battling between what was right and what was wrong regarding every other character in the book. But, I guess she’s really just a typical teenager in that respect. Ultimately, even though the decisions might have been hard for her to make, she usually erred on the side of right.
One of the most frightening thoughts I had while reading this book is that it only took 50 something years for the government of the Complexes to totally strip away the humanity of most inhabitants. It is a lesson that would be wise for readers to realize can happen in real life as well.
The concept of this story line is thought provoking and made me think of books I read 50 something years ago like Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451. Whether the author planned it that way or not “The Lockdown” contains many important messages for readers of today’s world. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, “Darkworld: The Ice Hunters”.
January 18, 2020
A great second part
It’s not often that the second book in a series is better than the first, but I thought The Lockdown was better than book one. I’ve been gripped for the last two days, and oh my goodness I can’t wait for book three!
It’s not often that the second book in a series is better than the first, but I thought The Lockdown was better than book one. I’ve been gripped for the last two days, and oh my goodness I can’t wait for book three!
April 12, 2021
People in the compound live like in a limbo of apparent perfection. The government provides everything they need: food, clothing, even mates selected on the basis of DNA compatibility. But 16-year-old Ruby knows better. She remembers when the flatfoot took away her grandfather to put him to sleep, a nice way to say they killed him. She discovers the government has been lying to them all along about the surface when her friend Reese finds a little girl who’s been living on the surface since she was born. That means it’s not true that the air isn’t breathable on the surface. And that means inhabitants of the compound have been living a life for ages. But the government never sleeps and even if Ruby wanted to pretend nothing happened it’s too late now.
The Lockdown by Kell Frillman is an emotional story. From page one we are inside Ruby’s head and for part of the book little action takes place, so if you like packed-action stories this one is not for you, but you’re gonna miss a little pearl if you don’t read it.
It’s a dystopian story, therefore, you can’t expect a happy ending, but you know from the start there’s hope. Ms Frillman does a superb job with words and emotions. I strongly recommend this story.
The Lockdown by Kell Frillman is an emotional story. From page one we are inside Ruby’s head and for part of the book little action takes place, so if you like packed-action stories this one is not for you, but you’re gonna miss a little pearl if you don’t read it.
It’s a dystopian story, therefore, you can’t expect a happy ending, but you know from the start there’s hope. Ms Frillman does a superb job with words and emotions. I strongly recommend this story.
November 18, 2017
After reading part one in this series, I was so excited to see there was already another part ready. As with the last part, I liked getting to watch Ruby as she grew under the pressure of discovering her whole world wasn’t what it appeared. In this part, it is about them attempting escape. A few more characters come into the story and some light is shed on some of the people from the first part. I enjoyed learning a little more about government's plotting.
While part one was a five-star read for me, this part was almost perfect. I would strongly recommend if you want to feel tension or concern for the outcome, skip the prologue. It is actually a spoiler and takes places somewhere far in the future, a future that isn’t even in this book, but it sucks then tension from the story, and I won’t say why, because I hope you will skip it and still get to feel that. The end was a cliffhanger. Hopefully the next part is out soon, so I’m not left hanging long.
That aside, I strongly recommend this series and thoroughly enjoy the plot, pacing and characters. I find it gripping, and I’m so intrigued to hear more about what has grown into a deep plot with secrets and plans that reach beyond most stories in this genre.
While part one was a five-star read for me, this part was almost perfect. I would strongly recommend if you want to feel tension or concern for the outcome, skip the prologue. It is actually a spoiler and takes places somewhere far in the future, a future that isn’t even in this book, but it sucks then tension from the story, and I won’t say why, because I hope you will skip it and still get to feel that. The end was a cliffhanger. Hopefully the next part is out soon, so I’m not left hanging long.
That aside, I strongly recommend this series and thoroughly enjoy the plot, pacing and characters. I find it gripping, and I’m so intrigued to hear more about what has grown into a deep plot with secrets and plans that reach beyond most stories in this genre.
February 3, 2020
I liked this book. Without giving too much away, the first few chapters are a summary of what has happened in book 1 (intertwined in dialogs), it will help previous readers remember the story and new ones to get up to date with why the characters are in the situation they are found. It was loaded with information but serves well its purpose and the author executes it well and clearly.
After these few chapters I got really hooked on the book (I ushered my kids early to bed so I could read to 1am :0) as I have no time during the day). I found myself theorising the reasons why things were the way they were and trying to work out who was lying or not. I had many questions but these were progressively answered as I read on. It has a lot of action moments to keep you going and, as it has been said on other reviews, the end is a real cliffhanger. It was a bit disappointing to me... just because I wanted to keep on reading to see what happened next! So my next step is now to find out if book 3 has been released. There is a teaser at the end of the book... I hope is out already.
After these few chapters I got really hooked on the book (I ushered my kids early to bed so I could read to 1am :0) as I have no time during the day). I found myself theorising the reasons why things were the way they were and trying to work out who was lying or not. I had many questions but these were progressively answered as I read on. It has a lot of action moments to keep you going and, as it has been said on other reviews, the end is a real cliffhanger. It was a bit disappointing to me... just because I wanted to keep on reading to see what happened next! So my next step is now to find out if book 3 has been released. There is a teaser at the end of the book... I hope is out already.
July 27, 2018
4 stars
I got the opportunity to read and review this novel, and I found the book to be a mixed bag, but with a lot of strong takeaways.
The second half of my the book is an extremely fast paced page turner, but it’s a little slow at the start.
A lot of the novel takes place as the protagonist’s inner monologue, which leads to a lot of exposition and background and slows the pace in the beginning.
As far as world creation, the universe has a nice twist on dystopian post-apocalyptic fare, with the genetic components being most interesting. I would have liked to have seen more of the underground world that Ruby calls home.
From a indie perspective, it’s always worth pointing out that from a technical standpoint, the book is well done with few typos. I found the author’s choice to embolden words and go all-caps frequently a bit distracting however. Overall, I would recommend the read to fans of YA dystopian fiction.
I got the opportunity to read and review this novel, and I found the book to be a mixed bag, but with a lot of strong takeaways.
The second half of my the book is an extremely fast paced page turner, but it’s a little slow at the start.
A lot of the novel takes place as the protagonist’s inner monologue, which leads to a lot of exposition and background and slows the pace in the beginning.
As far as world creation, the universe has a nice twist on dystopian post-apocalyptic fare, with the genetic components being most interesting. I would have liked to have seen more of the underground world that Ruby calls home.
From a indie perspective, it’s always worth pointing out that from a technical standpoint, the book is well done with few typos. I found the author’s choice to embolden words and go all-caps frequently a bit distracting however. Overall, I would recommend the read to fans of YA dystopian fiction.
October 19, 2017
Never a Dull Moment
Before I decided to read this book I read the look inside and I liked what I saw. The first paragraph referencing change and its effects, gradual and unnoticed or hitting like a sledge hammer is what caught my attention. This is the second book in the series. Although, I did not start with book one it did not take anything away from the reading enjoyment of this book. The story is told in first person point of view which made for interesting story telling. The reader is allowed access to Ruby's thoughts and feelings. I found this story to be set at a good pace with plenty of action scenes as the characters try to escape the government's control. There's also a little romance although the government decides who pairs with whom. Interesting reading. The ending hints at another book in the series.
Before I decided to read this book I read the look inside and I liked what I saw. The first paragraph referencing change and its effects, gradual and unnoticed or hitting like a sledge hammer is what caught my attention. This is the second book in the series. Although, I did not start with book one it did not take anything away from the reading enjoyment of this book. The story is told in first person point of view which made for interesting story telling. The reader is allowed access to Ruby's thoughts and feelings. I found this story to be set at a good pace with plenty of action scenes as the characters try to escape the government's control. There's also a little romance although the government decides who pairs with whom. Interesting reading. The ending hints at another book in the series.
May 12, 2019
The story continues!
I was a little disappointed with the beginning of this book as it seems to give away a few spoilers, but having finished it, I can't help but forgive the author. The continuation from book one was just as thrilling as I hoped it would be and I am now left with so many questions, my head just might explode. Ruby faces difficult and heart breaking situations that will push her further and further away from the boring and mundane way of life that she was used to. Her life will never be the same again.
If you liked the first book, you won't be disappointed with this one.
I'm off to download book three now. :)
I was a little disappointed with the beginning of this book as it seems to give away a few spoilers, but having finished it, I can't help but forgive the author. The continuation from book one was just as thrilling as I hoped it would be and I am now left with so many questions, my head just might explode. Ruby faces difficult and heart breaking situations that will push her further and further away from the boring and mundane way of life that she was used to. Her life will never be the same again.
If you liked the first book, you won't be disappointed with this one.
I'm off to download book three now. :)
May 12, 2017
Excellent continuation of a gripping series! I bought this book the minute I finished book 1, and wasn't disappointed. The action and suspense were kicked up a notch, with unexpected revelations increasing the intensity. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which had me desperately searching for the 3rd book. Damn! Not written yet! Oh well, I look forward to following Ruby's (and Reece's I hope) journey into a brighter future. Well done Kell Frillman.
November 11, 2017
A dystopian sci-fi. Seen from the point of view of Ruby who's trying to escape from the tyranny and oppression and seeking the truth about the government and the current state of the people in Earth. The story keeps offering tantalizing glimpses of a society torn apart after an alien invasion and many mysteries about. The scenes are very descriptive and well laid out. I just wish the author had cleared more parts of the plot rather than making me wait for part 3.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews