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Unbound Trilogy #1
The Meek
GOLD MEDAL WINNER - 2017 DAN POYNTER'S GLOBAL E-BOOK AWARDS – THRILLER The world didn’t end with a religious war, or a race war, or an economic collapse. It didn’t end with everyone blowing each other up with nuclear warheads and it didn’t end with a natural disaster. It didn’t end because someone got offended in one of the million petty squabbles that were real, or fake, or imagined. It ended quietly. Harlan is visiting his friend in Los Angeles when people start dying. His friend, the neighbors, the entire city falls victim to an unknown disease. Except for Harlan. Or so he thinks. And he learns quickly that just because there are other survivors, not all are to be trusted. Finding himself in a world filled with broken spirits and hidden motives, he must navigate through a darkening landscape fraught with violence and despair as he desperately tries to get home to the love of his life, Jessica, and the child she is carrying. Morality becomes blurred as Harlan is forced to commit questionable acts to protect himself and those around him.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2017
150 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 30, 2018
A powerful tale of man’s inhumanity to man.
Wow, where do I start? First let me say this is by far one of the best post-apocalyptic novels I’ve ever read. It is easily one of my top three ever. It is also one of the most frustrating, gut wrenching stories I’ve ever read. It filled me with emotions – most of them bad - paradoxically enough. If this would have been paper book I would have thrown it against the wall more times than I can count, maybe out the window..
It is written in achingly beautiful prose you won’t soon forget. There are scenes that will haunt you for many nights. The main character, Harlan, is about as complex as any I can remember. And it is Harlan that is the main source of my frustration and gnashing of teeth. I pitied him, had sympathy for him, hated him, was disgusted by him, admired him, and laughed at him at various points. Harlan, like most of the characters, is an exceedingly stupid man at times. He makes the same stupid mistakes over and over. His stupidity is even more striking since he was supposed to have been a very smart kid. His sheer tenacity is his saving grace and sets him apart. Every time I was ready to throw in the towel (and throw the book away), he would manage to distinguish himself just enough to keep me reading. He is anything but a coward but any normal person observing his behavior would think so. He always manages to say the wrong thing at the wrong time – causing himself even more grief that would otherwise occur. Keep in mind this is entitled ‘The Meek’ and that term is very appropriate. Since this is number one of a trilogy . By the end of this one Harlan is a hero – and an idiot, so who knows what’s ahead?
As I said, 99% of the survivors here are stupid – Lord have mercy can’t just one time in one of these books a character go to the library and get some self-help / DIY guides and make a life? At least here people still know how to drive cars and shoot guns and one even has solar power (that would be my first task).
All that being said, I have no choice but to grant this five stars. Not only did it stir up so many powerful emotions in me, but I will remember it always.
Wow, where do I start? First let me say this is by far one of the best post-apocalyptic novels I’ve ever read. It is easily one of my top three ever. It is also one of the most frustrating, gut wrenching stories I’ve ever read. It filled me with emotions – most of them bad - paradoxically enough. If this would have been paper book I would have thrown it against the wall more times than I can count, maybe out the window..
It is written in achingly beautiful prose you won’t soon forget. There are scenes that will haunt you for many nights. The main character, Harlan, is about as complex as any I can remember. And it is Harlan that is the main source of my frustration and gnashing of teeth. I pitied him, had sympathy for him, hated him, was disgusted by him, admired him, and laughed at him at various points. Harlan, like most of the characters, is an exceedingly stupid man at times. He makes the same stupid mistakes over and over. His stupidity is even more striking since he was supposed to have been a very smart kid. His sheer tenacity is his saving grace and sets him apart. Every time I was ready to throw in the towel (and throw the book away), he would manage to distinguish himself just enough to keep me reading. He is anything but a coward but any normal person observing his behavior would think so. He always manages to say the wrong thing at the wrong time – causing himself even more grief that would otherwise occur. Keep in mind this is entitled ‘The Meek’ and that term is very appropriate. Since this is number one of a trilogy . By the end of this one Harlan is a hero – and an idiot, so who knows what’s ahead?
As I said, 99% of the survivors here are stupid – Lord have mercy can’t just one time in one of these books a character go to the library and get some self-help / DIY guides and make a life? At least here people still know how to drive cars and shoot guns and one even has solar power (that would be my first task).
All that being said, I have no choice but to grant this five stars. Not only did it stir up so many powerful emotions in me, but I will remember it always.
Read
April 21, 2017I enjoyed the sample, so am just keeping an eye on this book for later - you never know!
"So many books, so little time." — Mom's fridge magnet
"So many books, so little time." — Mom's fridge magnet
May 17, 2018
Wow! What a bunch in the gut!
This is simply one of the best stories I’ve read in...a long, long time. Sooo real and raw and emotionally wrenching.
Leaves you contemplating and repeating certain sentences to yourself, long after the chapters are past.
This will stay with me for always.
Now, off to read bk. #2. 😊👍🏽
This is simply one of the best stories I’ve read in...a long, long time. Sooo real and raw and emotionally wrenching.
Leaves you contemplating and repeating certain sentences to yourself, long after the chapters are past.
This will stay with me for always.
Now, off to read bk. #2. 😊👍🏽
December 21, 2018
It's extraordinary for me to assign 5 stars to any book.
The first few chapters made me hate this book, the characters and the author - but I couldn't put it down. It was like watching a movie where the lead actor is so skilled he makes you loathe him. That takes artistry. Despite the book's trailer, this is not a dark novel. It's positively black and scary.
Like a gory accident from which you can't avert your eyes, The Meek thrusts the reader into a macabre, wrenching experience. The villains are grotesque and depraved - yet not unlike people we know. The heroine is helpless and hopeless. The hero, such as he is, is pitiful and disgusting. Still, it's impossible not to identify with them. And just when you think there might be some reprieve from this deplorable scenario, it gets worse. One wonders just how revolting Mr. Palmer can make the story line. That's what kept me glued to this book.
If this sounds a bit sociopathic, you're right. Identification with the two protagonists overwhelmed and astonished me. Gripping me in their drama, they literally clawed for respite only to crash miserably. Any small improvement in their station faced seemingly unending defeat. It's impossible not to share their misery. In the end, relief comes from surviving the experience of reading the novel rather than from the conclusion of the plot line. That's the talent Mr. Palmer showcases for us.
If you're looking for something formulaic and upbeat with a plot that has a super-hero or super-heroine who easily overcomes adversity, don't read this book. If you're looking for a post-apocalyptic tale that relates tales of achievement through preparedness, don't read this book. But if you're willing to drag your psyche through a mire of pain and introspection - much like Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" - you owe it to yourself to read this book.
I expect to see J. D. Palmer become one of the great authors of our time.
The first few chapters made me hate this book, the characters and the author - but I couldn't put it down. It was like watching a movie where the lead actor is so skilled he makes you loathe him. That takes artistry. Despite the book's trailer, this is not a dark novel. It's positively black and scary.
Like a gory accident from which you can't avert your eyes, The Meek thrusts the reader into a macabre, wrenching experience. The villains are grotesque and depraved - yet not unlike people we know. The heroine is helpless and hopeless. The hero, such as he is, is pitiful and disgusting. Still, it's impossible not to identify with them. And just when you think there might be some reprieve from this deplorable scenario, it gets worse. One wonders just how revolting Mr. Palmer can make the story line. That's what kept me glued to this book.
If this sounds a bit sociopathic, you're right. Identification with the two protagonists overwhelmed and astonished me. Gripping me in their drama, they literally clawed for respite only to crash miserably. Any small improvement in their station faced seemingly unending defeat. It's impossible not to share their misery. In the end, relief comes from surviving the experience of reading the novel rather than from the conclusion of the plot line. That's the talent Mr. Palmer showcases for us.
If you're looking for something formulaic and upbeat with a plot that has a super-hero or super-heroine who easily overcomes adversity, don't read this book. If you're looking for a post-apocalyptic tale that relates tales of achievement through preparedness, don't read this book. But if you're willing to drag your psyche through a mire of pain and introspection - much like Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" - you owe it to yourself to read this book.
I expect to see J. D. Palmer become one of the great authors of our time.
October 9, 2018
This was a kind of different take on the apocalypse - as it starts small in terms of the number of characters (but not drama) then expands, without dwelling much on the apocalypse itself. Depending on what kind of reader you are this could be a plus or a minus; personally I enjoy the little details of how people survive an apocalypse.
At the heart of this story however, is not surviving the apocalypse, but surviving other people. Most of the challenges encountered by our main characters are not such things as trying to get enough to eat, figuring out the basic practicalities of living in this new world, but trying not to get killed or otherwise harmed by other people with their own agendas.
We read this book for a book discussion, and while I found plenty of things to talk about (as in, it's easier to talk about the negatives), I did enjoy the book. My main issues were wanting a bit more depths from the characters, and wanting to like them more. I have a real hangup about liking main characters. If you're favorite is grey or complicated or morally compromised/challenged, you might really enjoy the characters. That said, I *mostly* liked Harlan. Due to Beryl's lack of communication, she wasn't very interesting to me.
I had hoped for a different sort of resolution in the end, but it should play well into the next book in the series.
At the heart of this story however, is not surviving the apocalypse, but surviving other people. Most of the challenges encountered by our main characters are not such things as trying to get enough to eat, figuring out the basic practicalities of living in this new world, but trying not to get killed or otherwise harmed by other people with their own agendas.
We read this book for a book discussion, and while I found plenty of things to talk about (as in, it's easier to talk about the negatives), I did enjoy the book. My main issues were wanting a bit more depths from the characters, and wanting to like them more. I have a real hangup about liking main characters. If you're favorite is grey or complicated or morally compromised/challenged, you might really enjoy the characters. That said, I *mostly* liked Harlan. Due to Beryl's lack of communication, she wasn't very interesting to me.
I had hoped for a different sort of resolution in the end, but it should play well into the next book in the series.
July 23, 2017
Loved it!
Couldn't put it down and lost sleep as a result :-) It says it's a trilogy but I couldn't find the next books on Amazon - are they out yet? I have to find out what happens next!
Couldn't put it down and lost sleep as a result :-) It says it's a trilogy but I couldn't find the next books on Amazon - are they out yet? I have to find out what happens next!
April 27, 2018
Wow
What a ride! This story highlights the animalistic cruelty of man. Can Har hold it together and lead this band of people after all the death rained down on them. Is there no compassion? Guess I must get the next book to quench my thirst.
What a ride! This story highlights the animalistic cruelty of man. Can Har hold it together and lead this band of people after all the death rained down on them. Is there no compassion? Guess I must get the next book to quench my thirst.
July 3, 2018
Good story so far.
Lots of his and downs as the story continues onto book two. I am looking forward to what s in-store next.
Lots of his and downs as the story continues onto book two. I am looking forward to what s in-store next.
December 22, 2017
I stumbled across this post-apocalyptic novel when an author in a group mentioned all the authors should read and review each others' stuff. I offered to read anything thrown at me, despite not being an author. I am SO glad I did. This is a coming-of-age thriller for a young man who is finally, at the age of 22, forced to grow up.
Post apocalyptic is a really hard genre to write, I think, in that it's really hard to do it in a way that doesn't feel tired and used. There are only so many ways the world can end. Finding one that is new is nearly impossible, so we rely on the authors to make the experience of the aftermath new. J. D. Palmer does just that in his novel, The Meek. He rips you through the pages into the emotional aftermath of a world gone wrong.
The reader lives with Harlan as he stumbles through torture, captivity, and despair. A young man who was questioning his position in the world filled with people is now forced to face himself and his own demons (recent and distant past). I love a book that can make me feel, and Palmer does an amazing job of this. The horror of their captivity, the distrust of others, the despair of ever being anything more than somebody at the bottom rung, the belief that even if your place isn't a good place, it is where you were meant to be; it all becomes something the reader experiences through Harlan. The relationship that builds between Harlan and Beryl is so real. There are ups and downs and hovering spectre of possible love alive. But there is the very real connection that people have when they have suffered alongside one another.
Palmer is a master at the perfect rollercoaster. His characters find a bit of peace to recuperate before he rips them back into the uncertainty and terror of being just 2 against the masses...and the masses are rabid. Charismatic leaders reminiscent of the Governor in TWD vie with religious nutjobs and militaristic patriots for the creepiest facet of humanity faced by the MCs. The adrenaline rushes followed by peaceful lulls in which you think they might actually get a break create a story that doesn't compel you, it propels you. You are shoved forward into the next horror of humanity, and you start jonesing for that next adrenaline fix while silently praying for a moment of peace.
Through it all is the overwhelming question of morality. When society is no longer around to hold you accountable...what is moral? Saving the ones you love at the possible detriment to the human race? Putting your own needs above that of humanity? Sacrificing the ones you know and love for the greater good? Does turning a blind eye to things because they don't involve you make you a monster or a survivalist? What is too much? what will force you to act? Palmer is a true storyteller, leading us on a heart-breaking chase through a plausible reality, should society come to a screeching halt. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I am definitely going to be reading the rest.
Post apocalyptic is a really hard genre to write, I think, in that it's really hard to do it in a way that doesn't feel tired and used. There are only so many ways the world can end. Finding one that is new is nearly impossible, so we rely on the authors to make the experience of the aftermath new. J. D. Palmer does just that in his novel, The Meek. He rips you through the pages into the emotional aftermath of a world gone wrong.
The reader lives with Harlan as he stumbles through torture, captivity, and despair. A young man who was questioning his position in the world filled with people is now forced to face himself and his own demons (recent and distant past). I love a book that can make me feel, and Palmer does an amazing job of this. The horror of their captivity, the distrust of others, the despair of ever being anything more than somebody at the bottom rung, the belief that even if your place isn't a good place, it is where you were meant to be; it all becomes something the reader experiences through Harlan. The relationship that builds between Harlan and Beryl is so real. There are ups and downs and hovering spectre of possible love alive. But there is the very real connection that people have when they have suffered alongside one another.
Palmer is a master at the perfect rollercoaster. His characters find a bit of peace to recuperate before he rips them back into the uncertainty and terror of being just 2 against the masses...and the masses are rabid. Charismatic leaders reminiscent of the Governor in TWD vie with religious nutjobs and militaristic patriots for the creepiest facet of humanity faced by the MCs. The adrenaline rushes followed by peaceful lulls in which you think they might actually get a break create a story that doesn't compel you, it propels you. You are shoved forward into the next horror of humanity, and you start jonesing for that next adrenaline fix while silently praying for a moment of peace.
Through it all is the overwhelming question of morality. When society is no longer around to hold you accountable...what is moral? Saving the ones you love at the possible detriment to the human race? Putting your own needs above that of humanity? Sacrificing the ones you know and love for the greater good? Does turning a blind eye to things because they don't involve you make you a monster or a survivalist? What is too much? what will force you to act? Palmer is a true storyteller, leading us on a heart-breaking chase through a plausible reality, should society come to a screeching halt. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I am definitely going to be reading the rest.
April 17, 2022
I've been quite a long-time fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, and whether the human race goes bye-bye courtesy of aliens, zombies, nuclear war or rapture, the results are almost always the same for the survivors who desperately try to rebuild or cling to the vestiges of the world they once knew. In JD Palmer's The Meek, we meet Harlan, who's your average, garden-variety nice guy who somehow doesn't pop his clogs when a virulent virus wipes out 99 percent of the human race.
I've had this one in my TBR pile awhile now, and I had to go check the release date just to be sure, but book one did come out in 2017, so it was, ahem, almost oddly prescient about things to come. Granted, The Thing I Won't Mention By Name didn't quite go as far as the disease in Palmer's novel.
I'll start by saying that if exploring the darker side of human nature, and all that entails, isn't quite your jam, then this is possibly not *quite* the novel you're looking for – the start of the novel is quite triggering for those struggle to read stories where women are abused. So, insert trigger warning here – maybe step away if this freaks you out. I found Harlan quite a sympathetic character, even if he starts out quite passive. He goes through an almost literal hell, and watching him grow in himself to stand up against every obstacle that this new world of horrors can throw at him is rather satisfying.
Kudos also to the support cast. I really love the friendships that develop slowly as the pages turn. I'm not going to go into too much detail as I don't want to spoil. I'm also going to do the awful thing by drawing parallels between The Meek and the kind of social dynamics we encounter in series such as The Walking Dead, merely because it's going to be easier to paint the correspondence with broad brush strokes. Of course there are no zombies here, and the true monsters walk on two legs and look just like you and me.
While on the outside, this is a pure survivalist fantasy, set in a post-pandemic wasteland, I feel that Palmer does dig into the essential humanness of his characters, which is why I kept reading and why I'll eventually go onto book two once I have the opportunity. This is a story about the connections forged within states of great adversity, to move beyond the savagery that lies just beneath the skin, that often needs very little excuse to come out. What would you do if you had a chance to rebuild human society? How do you overcome the power play of those who do not suffer pangs of conscience?
I'll admit freely that I'm a huge sucker for stories that are based on a 'hard reboot' of civilisation, and Palmer delivers this sort of setting in spadefuls, and then some.
I've had this one in my TBR pile awhile now, and I had to go check the release date just to be sure, but book one did come out in 2017, so it was, ahem, almost oddly prescient about things to come. Granted, The Thing I Won't Mention By Name didn't quite go as far as the disease in Palmer's novel.
I'll start by saying that if exploring the darker side of human nature, and all that entails, isn't quite your jam, then this is possibly not *quite* the novel you're looking for – the start of the novel is quite triggering for those struggle to read stories where women are abused. So, insert trigger warning here – maybe step away if this freaks you out. I found Harlan quite a sympathetic character, even if he starts out quite passive. He goes through an almost literal hell, and watching him grow in himself to stand up against every obstacle that this new world of horrors can throw at him is rather satisfying.
Kudos also to the support cast. I really love the friendships that develop slowly as the pages turn. I'm not going to go into too much detail as I don't want to spoil. I'm also going to do the awful thing by drawing parallels between The Meek and the kind of social dynamics we encounter in series such as The Walking Dead, merely because it's going to be easier to paint the correspondence with broad brush strokes. Of course there are no zombies here, and the true monsters walk on two legs and look just like you and me.
While on the outside, this is a pure survivalist fantasy, set in a post-pandemic wasteland, I feel that Palmer does dig into the essential humanness of his characters, which is why I kept reading and why I'll eventually go onto book two once I have the opportunity. This is a story about the connections forged within states of great adversity, to move beyond the savagery that lies just beneath the skin, that often needs very little excuse to come out. What would you do if you had a chance to rebuild human society? How do you overcome the power play of those who do not suffer pangs of conscience?
I'll admit freely that I'm a huge sucker for stories that are based on a 'hard reboot' of civilisation, and Palmer delivers this sort of setting in spadefuls, and then some.
June 28, 2018
A post-apocalyptic novel written in a Pandemic type setting, the world dies from what seems to be a mutated fast acting haemorrhagic virus. There is no reason given for the virus, germ warfare, biolab outbreak, natural mutation, but the story doesn't need that. This is a story of human struggle and survival among the ruins of civilization. What happens when almost everyone dies, what does this bring out in people? The good, bad, ugly, monsterous, heroic...
At times a dark and painful look at what is truly hiding just under the thin layer of civilization. The main protagonist is far away from familiar surroundings when the virus hits, he places his trust in someone who turns out to be one of the monsters, is captured and turned into a slave/"Beast of Burden". From there he is introduced to the secondary protagonist, The experience almost breaks him, but the two finally manage to escape from captivity. This is in the first 9 chapters of the novel.
From there things take a nightmare fueled ride into visions of hope brought down to guttering wrecks of greed and distrust. Yet, through it all, there are rays of light, weak, but defiant. This is not a novel of hope, but of survival. Possibly, someday hope & civilization will re-emerge, but today, some survive.
At times a dark and painful look at what is truly hiding just under the thin layer of civilization. The main protagonist is far away from familiar surroundings when the virus hits, he places his trust in someone who turns out to be one of the monsters, is captured and turned into a slave/"Beast of Burden". From there he is introduced to the secondary protagonist, The experience almost breaks him, but the two finally manage to escape from captivity. This is in the first 9 chapters of the novel.
From there things take a nightmare fueled ride into visions of hope brought down to guttering wrecks of greed and distrust. Yet, through it all, there are rays of light, weak, but defiant. This is not a novel of hope, but of survival. Possibly, someday hope & civilization will re-emerge, but today, some survive.
August 24, 2017
The book takes you to the depths of your thoughts. It provokes thoughts within you that you tend to avoid because you're too busy or mostly because they're too dark to ponder upon.
There are moments of despair that creep within your skin. As well as moments that elate you enough to make you jump with joy. Exquisitely detailed and marvelously written. 5 Stars
There are moments of despair that creep within your skin. As well as moments that elate you enough to make you jump with joy. Exquisitely detailed and marvelously written. 5 Stars
September 23, 2017
Damn ... and Wow! 5+ stars for Palmer! My first read by the author. This book will hook you immediately and keep you intensely engrossed throughout the read ... then have you thinking about it and the characters long after you put it down!
November 30, 2018
Gripping, seductive and tragic
I was completely immersed in the singular chaos of the otherworldly bond between Harlan & Beryl as they experienced tragedy, love, anger, joy, despair and hope. There was always hope.
I was completely immersed in the singular chaos of the otherworldly bond between Harlan & Beryl as they experienced tragedy, love, anger, joy, despair and hope. There was always hope.
June 20, 2017
Great book
A real page turner. Could not put it down. Looking forward to the next book. I love the characters and want to continue to follow them.
A real page turner. Could not put it down. Looking forward to the next book. I love the characters and want to continue to follow them.
February 24, 2019
Incredible book.
One of the best novels of this type I've read. The characters are very well written, the story well told.
One of the best novels of this type I've read. The characters are very well written, the story well told.
April 22, 2021
Love the premise and characters, their struggles and the brutal world in which they've been thrust. Very easy read, as well :)
February 6, 2019
The Meek. I was a little hesitant going in. It has been a while since I have read an Indie book, I have gotten used to these big Blockbusters. I really enjoyed this book. The plot, the characters and the pace. This book is a fast mover. think what made it enjoyable for me was the emotional attachment I developed for the characters. There were times that I felt the plot points were flawed but I overlooked them because I wanted to know what was going to happen next to Beryl and Harlan. There were some grammatical errors in my e-book though. Overall, this is a four star for me.
I have made this so when I go back to read book 2, I have a summary for myself. For me, by me. This contains spoilers as it is a book summary (again) for me. So if you decide to read this, just know this was written for me to reference in my voice. Enjoy, I guess........
We have Harland, our main protagonist, he think he is alone when the world ends. Everyone just gets sick and drop dead. Bleeding from the orifices and boom, gone. So he is kind of wondering this new abandoned world alone. Not really having any idea of what is going on. He is just a dude visiting a friend in LA when the world ended. Actually, he didn't even really get to visit said friend, when he got to his friend's house he was on the floor bleeding and dying. That was a few week's ago. This was supposed to be a short visit, being as Harland has this pregnant girlfriend named Jessica at home. Harland is a self proclaimed underachiever, he was this big athlete growing up, but suddenly loss his dad during a game of catch and pep talk said father. Daddy had a heart attack I think. So ever since then, he stopped being a super star and tried just being regular. It was okay. He made new friends, experienced new and low-key things. He met Jessica. I am guessing Harland is in his early twenties because after this trip to LA he is planning to join the military to care for her and his new baby.
So, okay. The world ended. He is LA, alone. He finally meets someone. A guy named Stuart. Stuart invites him over. Feeds him, gives him beer, and drugs him. Chains him in a room upstairs. In this room, is a girl. She is chained to a bed and even though it is clear that she to is a young adult, she is dressed in frilly dresses with pigtails, and the bedding is for a child. Stuart is monster. This girl doesn't speak. Harlan tries to talk to her for a very long time and she refuses to respond. Stuart rapes her nightly right in front of Harlan. Stuart is a wierdo who feels that the world ending is God's plan. He is the chosen one. He and the girl are going to repopulate the world, and he will be the leader. He treats Harlan as dog. Harlan is forced to piss and shit in his little corner, fed minimally, and only get to go out on supply runs. He controls Harlan, who he calls Burden, with a shock collar. Keeping him in line with shocks to the neck that crimple him. This goes on for a while, weeks or months, Harlan doesn't know. Then one day Stuart tells the girl that he is ready to take her off her birth control and start making babies. This when the girl wakes up out of her stupor. She now makes eye contact with Harlan, sometimes even during the raping. Harlan and the girl finally start to communicate even though she still isn't talking. They have a plan. They cant let her get pregnant. They are going to escape! Long story short, one day during a supply run, Harlan tries to run away. He shocked into compliance. Stuart is ready to put "the dog" down. He goes home, tells the girl she can have one more night with her pup. She removes Burdens collar on her way to go to dinner as gesture of kindness, and Stuart allows it. When she comes back, dog bowl is knocked over, Stuart is standing in the water, the girl initiates the shock collar, Stuart is down. But Harlan cant kill him. But the girl does, she stabs him.
They are free! The go to a house that Harlan knows from his supply runs, get fresh clothes, goes to beach to bathe, get some food and rest. She manages to communicate her name to him, it Beryl. They become close. For a very long time, its just them. Gathering supplies and trying to survive. Harlan decides he is going home. Back to Montana, to Jessica and his baby. Beryl is communicating via notebook and pencil now, and she tells him she goes where he goes. So they start their journey, on foot together. One day, they find people. Two people. But Harlan and Beryl and skittish. Of course they don't trust anyone, both suffer from PTSD because of Stuart. Well it turns out these guys are nice. All they have been trying to do is find people and they are super excited when they find Harlan and Beryl. Steven, a heavily tattooed (former tattoo artist) Japanese man (has some swag to him, says "yo man") and his brother John, more put together and professional kind of guy (former lawyer). Harlan convinces Beryl to let them tag along. "We cant live like this, all people aren't bad kind of stuff". She doesn't like them. Keeps on gun on ready (my kind of girl). Then one day she goes on a supply run (alone, I know weird) and doesn't come back on time. Harlan is sleeping (he got a infection from his Stuart injuries), so Steven goes out to rescue her. He brings her back only slightly injured, she was attacked by a pack of dogs. That was it. Her and Steven are besties. Writing in a notebook and smiling together (she doesn't talk). Everybody trusts everybody now.
So the group heads on to Montana, even though they are still in Cali. Not eating well, but surviving. They make a fire one night. They run into another group. The head guy is named Don. Seems cool, but the guys with him eye Beryl like steak. They decline Don's offer to go back to their community (they have electricity and running water) and the group pack up leave. Well Don's little band is smart, the set a bait trap down the road the next day. Harlan agrees to go with group think they had no choice being as they were outnumbered. Beryl is not happy. Harlan wakes in a house (I think). He is told that all his friends are safe and healthy but Beryl does not want to see or talk to him. They even give him a note written by her saying so. He learns he is Camelot, Jimmy is the leader. A small community that runs off wind and solar power (a project before the world ended) there are homes, and doctor and a club house, little farms and about 20 people. All men and one little girl. The girl is Jimmy's daughter but she is locked in a panic room, and hasn't come out since the world ended. They are free to leave if they wish but only after the doctor finishes running test on Beryl, tests that will help him figure out how to get the girl to survive outside of the panic room. Harlan agrees. John fits in because he is a optimistic, everyone has good in them type of person. Steven is cool. Kind of just staying in the shadows not causing trouble. But Harlan doesn't fit in. The 17 guys that live there think that Harlan think he is better than them for not agreeing to come to Camelot on the first offer. They think he is trying to keep Beryl for himself. They make dirty jokes about her, implying that she will carry their seeds to carry on the species. Harlan doesnt like it. They give him kitchen duties with Steven and John as a way to earn their keep. And Harlan skates by unharmed until he breaks up fight one day not knowing that is how the settle disagreements in Camelot. The Alpha of the make shift gladiator ring is Theo. Big, black and stereotypical (even uses the n-word). Theo is offend by Harlan's intervention and beat the shit out of him (and R-Kelly'ed him). Now Harlan is really an outcast, forced to dig the poop ditches for now on. Harlan turns into an animal again (the same mind set he used to work up the courage to escape Stuart, wide eyed, smiling crazy animal) after a few days of mistreatment. He decides the next time someone messes with him he his going to kick ass. So, ironically he get into a confrontation with Big Theo, it is determined that they have to fight it out, Harlan turns all animal like, and head-butt the guy until he is the only one standing. Harlan carries Theo to the Doc. By this time Harlan and Beryl are back on speaking terms (plus Harlan has a fan named Wing). Beryl gives Harlan permission to tell Theo, John, Steven and Wing about the past (Stuart, they hadn't told the brothers yet). So lets fast forward a couple weeks. Harlan and Theo have healed, they don't have beef but they definitely aren't friends. They put Harlan on trail (John's idea) because Don wants Harlan to be exiled (without Beryl) because he kicked Theo's ass unwarranted. Jimmy defend Harlan, gives him permission to take his group and leave. Don and the 17 others aren't happy. Jimmy later tells Harlan that his daughter is going to die, doctor has determined from the testing the only people with type A blood can survive out in the open (Harlan then remembers Jessica's blood type is AB) and Beryl cant help any longer. Jimmy is scared that these men are going to rape Beryl even though they act like they would treat her like a Queen in this new world. Urges Harlan to get his group and sneak out in the night. Harlan tells the brothers, John wants to stay, Steven is staying with his brother. Harlan and Beryl sneak out that night. They get a little ways, before Don and the others track them down (Steven and John follows them and convinces Don to not kill Harlan), beat Harlan up and take Beryl back to Camelot. Harlan gets himself together, out in a little town alone. He comes across a Big Cat enclosure, sets a tiger free and work up the courage to go back and save Beryl. When he get back to Camelot it is obvious that there has been a struggle. Apparently not all of the 17 agreed that Beryl should be kept in Camelot against her will (including Theo). There is earthquake. Jimmy's daughter dies (panic room get exposed to the air after the earthquake), Don shoots Jimmy and now there is a standoff. The off end with a tranquilizer gun that Harlan found at the Big Cat Enclosure, and the tiger. So now all that is left is Harlan, Beryl, Theo, Steven, John and guy name Josey (lived a low-key Camelot life, secrete fan of Harlan). All of Camelot has died either defending Beryl's honor (or not) or in the earthquake. The group heals up. Theo admits that he was wrong for being kind of rapey and that the atmosphere of testosterone in Camelot reminded him of his old locker-room days (he got caught up, but knows if mom was alive she would be disappointed) and request to be Beryl's personal body guard. She says (oh yeah she talks a little now) she don't need a bodyguard but he could come with. Harlan hypes the group up with stories about Montana and how great this new life is going to be. The pack to two cars and hit the road. They are STILL in Cali! But they are making there way.
They are on their way. Driving in two cars, stopping places to eat and sleep. Then one day they spot a helicopter. This helicopter flies up on them, they notice its a military copter loaded with guns and of course John waves and try to make nice with these new people. But the copter flies off. They finally get off the road. They find a motel to hold up in. While at the hotel John and Harlan get into a heated debate about what is best. Should they trust people? After Stuart (which only Harlan and Beryl endured) and Don and his group of rapist, is it worth trying build? Shouldn't survival be the priority. Either way, the group is left divided. Everyone sleeps on a room together and except the brothers. Hoping maybe Steven can talk some since into his brother. They are awaken and attacked the next morning by the copter people. They knock everyone out and take them to their base.
Harlan wakes up in a girls dorm. He greeted and taken to his friends. He meet up with all the others except the brothers. They notice this is a make shift military camp that includes both men and women. They are introduced the Captain Mickey and his girlfriend Shiela. Mickey is the stereotypical Jarhead, war ready and trigger happy. But he runs a well oiled machine, respected by his peers. Mickey explains that America is at war. That shortly after the everyone started falling sick and dying, a Chinese war vessel pulled up to San Francisco and Asian started pouring out to take over. Mickey and his command have been fighting since the beginning. The camp is attacked. The group witness the loss of five of the camp's soldiers. Harlan starts to feel the itch to fight. But he has these feelings for Beryl now (they addressed at the motel, he tried to kiss her while talking in his sleep. Harlan is a dreamer) but he know he cant act on them because of Jessica, and he has this commitment to the group to safety (Montana). They escape the attack and is taken to a new base a lab. There Harlan learns that tomorrow Mickey and his crew is going to San Fran and set off a nuke that Shiela has been making for Mickey. The group prepares to leave. John tries over and over again to talk Mickey out of detonating the bomb to no avail. Josey decides to stay and fight. The group is taken back to their cars and they are off. The brothers trailing Harlan, Beryl and Theo in the second car. After driving for hours, Harlan realizes that the brothers are no long following. Turns around and find Steven walking. John dumped him to continue to try to talk Mickey out of blowing San Fran up. The group decides to go back (again, someone is always going back) to save John. They chase him down, find him in the city. Chases him on foot across and bridge. They witness John's capture by the Chinese, and narrowly escape themselves by jumping off the bridge (Theo almost dies quoting "yall know black people can swim"). They find somewhere hold up, get some dry clothes. Then set out to save John again (Harlan feeling the animal stir inside). They go the Chinese base. They find John, Shiela and Josey being interrogated at gunpoint. The Chinesse even burn Shiela's hand. Turns out, John told the Chinese about the nuke. The enemy now wants the location. Harlan and the gang run into the room, guns blazing. The subdue the enemy, John and Harlan start to argue and blame each other for the mess. John explains that the Chinese are actually refugees escaping nuclear fall out in their own Country. John believes this can be fixed. The Chinese start to fight back. Steven is hit with a stray bullet and dies . John is left behind cradling his dead brother as the rest of the gang (including Shiela) get away. Almost. They start to feel overcome during the escape, but is saved by Mickey. Mickey tells Harlan to promise to care of Shiela as he stays behind and detonate the nuke. Kisses her goodbye, knocks over the head so she cant stop him and walks off into the chaos all badass. The group get away (Harlan, Beryle, Josey, Theo and Shiela) driving towards what they hope is Montana. Shiela throws a fit when she wakes. Harlan is still unsure about his place in this new world. His arguments with John convincing him that he may feel it is okay to be a little inhumane in order to preserve humanity.
I have made this so when I go back to read book 2, I have a summary for myself. For me, by me. This contains spoilers as it is a book summary (again) for me. So if you decide to read this, just know this was written for me to reference in my voice. Enjoy, I guess........
We have Harland, our main protagonist, he think he is alone when the world ends. Everyone just gets sick and drop dead. Bleeding from the orifices and boom, gone. So he is kind of wondering this new abandoned world alone. Not really having any idea of what is going on. He is just a dude visiting a friend in LA when the world ended. Actually, he didn't even really get to visit said friend, when he got to his friend's house he was on the floor bleeding and dying. That was a few week's ago. This was supposed to be a short visit, being as Harland has this pregnant girlfriend named Jessica at home. Harland is a self proclaimed underachiever, he was this big athlete growing up, but suddenly loss his dad during a game of catch and pep talk said father. Daddy had a heart attack I think. So ever since then, he stopped being a super star and tried just being regular. It was okay. He made new friends, experienced new and low-key things. He met Jessica. I am guessing Harland is in his early twenties because after this trip to LA he is planning to join the military to care for her and his new baby.
So, okay. The world ended. He is LA, alone. He finally meets someone. A guy named Stuart. Stuart invites him over. Feeds him, gives him beer, and drugs him. Chains him in a room upstairs. In this room, is a girl. She is chained to a bed and even though it is clear that she to is a young adult, she is dressed in frilly dresses with pigtails, and the bedding is for a child. Stuart is monster. This girl doesn't speak. Harlan tries to talk to her for a very long time and she refuses to respond. Stuart rapes her nightly right in front of Harlan. Stuart is a wierdo who feels that the world ending is God's plan. He is the chosen one. He and the girl are going to repopulate the world, and he will be the leader. He treats Harlan as dog. Harlan is forced to piss and shit in his little corner, fed minimally, and only get to go out on supply runs. He controls Harlan, who he calls Burden, with a shock collar. Keeping him in line with shocks to the neck that crimple him. This goes on for a while, weeks or months, Harlan doesn't know. Then one day Stuart tells the girl that he is ready to take her off her birth control and start making babies. This when the girl wakes up out of her stupor. She now makes eye contact with Harlan, sometimes even during the raping. Harlan and the girl finally start to communicate even though she still isn't talking. They have a plan. They cant let her get pregnant. They are going to escape! Long story short, one day during a supply run, Harlan tries to run away. He shocked into compliance. Stuart is ready to put "the dog" down. He goes home, tells the girl she can have one more night with her pup. She removes Burdens collar on her way to go to dinner as gesture of kindness, and Stuart allows it. When she comes back, dog bowl is knocked over, Stuart is standing in the water, the girl initiates the shock collar, Stuart is down. But Harlan cant kill him. But the girl does, she stabs him.
They are free! The go to a house that Harlan knows from his supply runs, get fresh clothes, goes to beach to bathe, get some food and rest. She manages to communicate her name to him, it Beryl. They become close. For a very long time, its just them. Gathering supplies and trying to survive. Harlan decides he is going home. Back to Montana, to Jessica and his baby. Beryl is communicating via notebook and pencil now, and she tells him she goes where he goes. So they start their journey, on foot together. One day, they find people. Two people. But Harlan and Beryl and skittish. Of course they don't trust anyone, both suffer from PTSD because of Stuart. Well it turns out these guys are nice. All they have been trying to do is find people and they are super excited when they find Harlan and Beryl. Steven, a heavily tattooed (former tattoo artist) Japanese man (has some swag to him, says "yo man") and his brother John, more put together and professional kind of guy (former lawyer). Harlan convinces Beryl to let them tag along. "We cant live like this, all people aren't bad kind of stuff". She doesn't like them. Keeps on gun on ready (my kind of girl). Then one day she goes on a supply run (alone, I know weird) and doesn't come back on time. Harlan is sleeping (he got a infection from his Stuart injuries), so Steven goes out to rescue her. He brings her back only slightly injured, she was attacked by a pack of dogs. That was it. Her and Steven are besties. Writing in a notebook and smiling together (she doesn't talk). Everybody trusts everybody now.
So the group heads on to Montana, even though they are still in Cali. Not eating well, but surviving. They make a fire one night. They run into another group. The head guy is named Don. Seems cool, but the guys with him eye Beryl like steak. They decline Don's offer to go back to their community (they have electricity and running water) and the group pack up leave. Well Don's little band is smart, the set a bait trap down the road the next day. Harlan agrees to go with group think they had no choice being as they were outnumbered. Beryl is not happy. Harlan wakes in a house (I think). He is told that all his friends are safe and healthy but Beryl does not want to see or talk to him. They even give him a note written by her saying so. He learns he is Camelot, Jimmy is the leader. A small community that runs off wind and solar power (a project before the world ended) there are homes, and doctor and a club house, little farms and about 20 people. All men and one little girl. The girl is Jimmy's daughter but she is locked in a panic room, and hasn't come out since the world ended. They are free to leave if they wish but only after the doctor finishes running test on Beryl, tests that will help him figure out how to get the girl to survive outside of the panic room. Harlan agrees. John fits in because he is a optimistic, everyone has good in them type of person. Steven is cool. Kind of just staying in the shadows not causing trouble. But Harlan doesn't fit in. The 17 guys that live there think that Harlan think he is better than them for not agreeing to come to Camelot on the first offer. They think he is trying to keep Beryl for himself. They make dirty jokes about her, implying that she will carry their seeds to carry on the species. Harlan doesnt like it. They give him kitchen duties with Steven and John as a way to earn their keep. And Harlan skates by unharmed until he breaks up fight one day not knowing that is how the settle disagreements in Camelot. The Alpha of the make shift gladiator ring is Theo. Big, black and stereotypical (even uses the n-word). Theo is offend by Harlan's intervention and beat the shit out of him (and R-Kelly'ed him). Now Harlan is really an outcast, forced to dig the poop ditches for now on. Harlan turns into an animal again (the same mind set he used to work up the courage to escape Stuart, wide eyed, smiling crazy animal) after a few days of mistreatment. He decides the next time someone messes with him he his going to kick ass. So, ironically he get into a confrontation with Big Theo, it is determined that they have to fight it out, Harlan turns all animal like, and head-butt the guy until he is the only one standing. Harlan carries Theo to the Doc. By this time Harlan and Beryl are back on speaking terms (plus Harlan has a fan named Wing). Beryl gives Harlan permission to tell Theo, John, Steven and Wing about the past (Stuart, they hadn't told the brothers yet). So lets fast forward a couple weeks. Harlan and Theo have healed, they don't have beef but they definitely aren't friends. They put Harlan on trail (John's idea) because Don wants Harlan to be exiled (without Beryl) because he kicked Theo's ass unwarranted. Jimmy defend Harlan, gives him permission to take his group and leave. Don and the 17 others aren't happy. Jimmy later tells Harlan that his daughter is going to die, doctor has determined from the testing the only people with type A blood can survive out in the open (Harlan then remembers Jessica's blood type is AB) and Beryl cant help any longer. Jimmy is scared that these men are going to rape Beryl even though they act like they would treat her like a Queen in this new world. Urges Harlan to get his group and sneak out in the night. Harlan tells the brothers, John wants to stay, Steven is staying with his brother. Harlan and Beryl sneak out that night. They get a little ways, before Don and the others track them down (Steven and John follows them and convinces Don to not kill Harlan), beat Harlan up and take Beryl back to Camelot. Harlan gets himself together, out in a little town alone. He comes across a Big Cat enclosure, sets a tiger free and work up the courage to go back and save Beryl. When he get back to Camelot it is obvious that there has been a struggle. Apparently not all of the 17 agreed that Beryl should be kept in Camelot against her will (including Theo). There is earthquake. Jimmy's daughter dies (panic room get exposed to the air after the earthquake), Don shoots Jimmy and now there is a standoff. The off end with a tranquilizer gun that Harlan found at the Big Cat Enclosure, and the tiger. So now all that is left is Harlan, Beryl, Theo, Steven, John and guy name Josey (lived a low-key Camelot life, secrete fan of Harlan). All of Camelot has died either defending Beryl's honor (or not) or in the earthquake. The group heals up. Theo admits that he was wrong for being kind of rapey and that the atmosphere of testosterone in Camelot reminded him of his old locker-room days (he got caught up, but knows if mom was alive she would be disappointed) and request to be Beryl's personal body guard. She says (oh yeah she talks a little now) she don't need a bodyguard but he could come with. Harlan hypes the group up with stories about Montana and how great this new life is going to be. The pack to two cars and hit the road. They are STILL in Cali! But they are making there way.
They are on their way. Driving in two cars, stopping places to eat and sleep. Then one day they spot a helicopter. This helicopter flies up on them, they notice its a military copter loaded with guns and of course John waves and try to make nice with these new people. But the copter flies off. They finally get off the road. They find a motel to hold up in. While at the hotel John and Harlan get into a heated debate about what is best. Should they trust people? After Stuart (which only Harlan and Beryl endured) and Don and his group of rapist, is it worth trying build? Shouldn't survival be the priority. Either way, the group is left divided. Everyone sleeps on a room together and except the brothers. Hoping maybe Steven can talk some since into his brother. They are awaken and attacked the next morning by the copter people. They knock everyone out and take them to their base.
Harlan wakes up in a girls dorm. He greeted and taken to his friends. He meet up with all the others except the brothers. They notice this is a make shift military camp that includes both men and women. They are introduced the Captain Mickey and his girlfriend Shiela. Mickey is the stereotypical Jarhead, war ready and trigger happy. But he runs a well oiled machine, respected by his peers. Mickey explains that America is at war. That shortly after the everyone started falling sick and dying, a Chinese war vessel pulled up to San Francisco and Asian started pouring out to take over. Mickey and his command have been fighting since the beginning. The camp is attacked. The group witness the loss of five of the camp's soldiers. Harlan starts to feel the itch to fight. But he has these feelings for Beryl now (they addressed at the motel, he tried to kiss her while talking in his sleep. Harlan is a dreamer) but he know he cant act on them because of Jessica, and he has this commitment to the group to safety (Montana). They escape the attack and is taken to a new base a lab. There Harlan learns that tomorrow Mickey and his crew is going to San Fran and set off a nuke that Shiela has been making for Mickey. The group prepares to leave. John tries over and over again to talk Mickey out of detonating the bomb to no avail. Josey decides to stay and fight. The group is taken back to their cars and they are off. The brothers trailing Harlan, Beryl and Theo in the second car. After driving for hours, Harlan realizes that the brothers are no long following. Turns around and find Steven walking. John dumped him to continue to try to talk Mickey out of blowing San Fran up. The group decides to go back (again, someone is always going back) to save John. They chase him down, find him in the city. Chases him on foot across and bridge. They witness John's capture by the Chinese, and narrowly escape themselves by jumping off the bridge (Theo almost dies quoting "yall know black people can swim"). They find somewhere hold up, get some dry clothes. Then set out to save John again (Harlan feeling the animal stir inside). They go the Chinese base. They find John, Shiela and Josey being interrogated at gunpoint. The Chinesse even burn Shiela's hand. Turns out, John told the Chinese about the nuke. The enemy now wants the location. Harlan and the gang run into the room, guns blazing. The subdue the enemy, John and Harlan start to argue and blame each other for the mess. John explains that the Chinese are actually refugees escaping nuclear fall out in their own Country. John believes this can be fixed. The Chinese start to fight back. Steven is hit with a stray bullet and dies . John is left behind cradling his dead brother as the rest of the gang (including Shiela) get away. Almost. They start to feel overcome during the escape, but is saved by Mickey. Mickey tells Harlan to promise to care of Shiela as he stays behind and detonate the nuke. Kisses her goodbye, knocks over the head so she cant stop him and walks off into the chaos all badass. The group get away (Harlan, Beryle, Josey, Theo and Shiela) driving towards what they hope is Montana. Shiela throws a fit when she wakes. Harlan is still unsure about his place in this new world. His arguments with John convincing him that he may feel it is okay to be a little inhumane in order to preserve humanity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2019
One of the better post-apocalyptic reads I have read. A real page turner and of course now I must order book 2.
September 28, 2018
Why isn’t this book more popular???
This book is so engaging and entertaining! What a breath of fresh air compared to the crap I have been reading!!! Good writing— unlike other books, I don’t skip paragraphs of useless filler... engaging from beginning to end!
This book is so engaging and entertaining! What a breath of fresh air compared to the crap I have been reading!!! Good writing— unlike other books, I don’t skip paragraphs of useless filler... engaging from beginning to end!
May 28, 2017
Outstanding
Hands down the best book I've read in years. Can't say why but it reminded me of "The Stand" it was that good.
Hands down the best book I've read in years. Can't say why but it reminded me of "The Stand" it was that good.
January 18, 2018
Very intriguing
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were beautifully flawed. The action was mind blowing. I can't wait for the second book
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were beautifully flawed. The action was mind blowing. I can't wait for the second book
October 10, 2017
Something of a loner, and an under-achiever, Harlan is visiting his friend in Los Angeles when the people around him start dying from some mysterious ailment. For reasons he doesn’t understand, Harlan survives. He thinks he’s alone until he meets a man who takes him captive and uses him as a slave, while at the same time, abusing the girl he also holds captive. They finally manage to escape, and encounter other survivors, and a situation that forces Harlan to explore his own ethical boundaries in order to ensure their survival.
The Meek by J. D. Palmer is a dystopian novel that blurs the line between science fiction and intrigue. The story moves at a measured pace, with brief spurts of action, as Harlan learns just how far he is willing to go—how far he is able to go—in order to survive in a world gone mad.
I received a free copy of this book. I give it four stars.
The Meek by J. D. Palmer is a dystopian novel that blurs the line between science fiction and intrigue. The story moves at a measured pace, with brief spurts of action, as Harlan learns just how far he is willing to go—how far he is able to go—in order to survive in a world gone mad.
I received a free copy of this book. I give it four stars.
December 7, 2017
Dark and riveting
J.D. Painter has created a dark and fascinating story that revolves around two key characters, Har and Beryl, who survive a devastating biological kill off of a majority of the US population. Though they survive, they become victims of the myriad of predators that also survive. Their strength comes from each other and carries them through. Some may not like the dark tone, but it does reflect one aspect that will be there after a SHTF event. It also shows that attitude is a survival necessity.
J.D. Painter has created a dark and fascinating story that revolves around two key characters, Har and Beryl, who survive a devastating biological kill off of a majority of the US population. Though they survive, they become victims of the myriad of predators that also survive. Their strength comes from each other and carries them through. Some may not like the dark tone, but it does reflect one aspect that will be there after a SHTF event. It also shows that attitude is a survival necessity.
May 18, 2017
Wow!
This author was recommended by a friend and it is a 5 star tip. It didn't take long for the author to set the hook, I was his inside a handful of pages. Loved his characters and enjoyed his gripping cataclysmic story line. I hope books 2 and 3 are on the way, I'm buying them the moment I can.
This author was recommended by a friend and it is a 5 star tip. It didn't take long for the author to set the hook, I was his inside a handful of pages. Loved his characters and enjoyed his gripping cataclysmic story line. I hope books 2 and 3 are on the way, I'm buying them the moment I can.
July 24, 2018
I find first-person POV hard to read, and usually avoid it. This... This one didn't bother me. Well, I take that back. This book REALLY bothered me, but in the darkest, grimmest, most horrible good way. Grimdark for the post-apocalyptic genre, I'm off to read something jolly before I tackle the second book.
May 11, 2017
Intense, captivating, emotionally draining, and unputdownable. The best novel I've read in a long time. Can't wait for Book 2.
June 4, 2019
Profanity!!
At least he got to it in the prologue. I didn't have to waste much time with this one. He started the profanity right off the bat.
At least he got to it in the prologue. I didn't have to waste much time with this one. He started the profanity right off the bat.
May 2, 2019
*** we received this book for free in exchange for an honest review***
3.5 / 5
Rollercoaster. Guys. My emotions are literally still frayed and on edge. This story was insane. It was dark. It was twisty. The moral aspect of this book is so realistic in my opinion. The apocalyptic aspect is usually the main focus these dystopian novels and somehow although the end of the world is basically ending theres so much going on with Harlan, the main character, that it's easy to forget. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong but when things go wrong you have to make a decision. What if that decision goes against what you hold as your morals? Are there still morals when theres no other people?
The characters in this book are so complex it's done beautifully. Harlan has a mission. He has a reason to live and a reason to fight. Then you have Beryl. A woman who has been broken in every sense that a woman could be broken. You see her start as something completely broken and evolve. I love seeing this in a character. One that is so multi-dimensional and just grows. Being able to see this from another point if view was amazing.
My only complaint of this was the swearing. At certain points it just felt excessive and unnecessary. I found myself actually crossing some out. Due to this and the dark and twisted moral aspecf, I would say that its definitely not a book for younger readers.
Overall , I am glad that it's in my library. I enjoyed it. I'm ready to read the next two books in the series!! I need to know what happens!
Thank you for a wonderfully unique dystopian novel J.D!
A🍸
3.5 / 5
Rollercoaster. Guys. My emotions are literally still frayed and on edge. This story was insane. It was dark. It was twisty. The moral aspect of this book is so realistic in my opinion. The apocalyptic aspect is usually the main focus these dystopian novels and somehow although the end of the world is basically ending theres so much going on with Harlan, the main character, that it's easy to forget. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong but when things go wrong you have to make a decision. What if that decision goes against what you hold as your morals? Are there still morals when theres no other people?
The characters in this book are so complex it's done beautifully. Harlan has a mission. He has a reason to live and a reason to fight. Then you have Beryl. A woman who has been broken in every sense that a woman could be broken. You see her start as something completely broken and evolve. I love seeing this in a character. One that is so multi-dimensional and just grows. Being able to see this from another point if view was amazing.
My only complaint of this was the swearing. At certain points it just felt excessive and unnecessary. I found myself actually crossing some out. Due to this and the dark and twisted moral aspecf, I would say that its definitely not a book for younger readers.
Overall , I am glad that it's in my library. I enjoyed it. I'm ready to read the next two books in the series!! I need to know what happens!
Thank you for a wonderfully unique dystopian novel J.D!
A🍸
August 16, 2018
LOVED!!! Yes, this book is very dark and graphic - but it is the end of the world as they know it! I don't think there are many warm fuzzies at the end of the world. I love "post apocalyptic" type books. The "Life as We Knew It Series" was my favorite... until now. This book makes that series seem like a cake walk.
The characters - oh my! Loved loved loved the characters! I thought Harlan was great! But I really fell in love with Beryl, just wow. Her character was so real. All the crap they went through together. They both came a long way. I loved the relationship that very slowly developed between them. There were quite a few other characters, some bad, some good, and some extremely bad! But all the characters were done so dang well, they all felt so real (good or bad).
A post apocalyptic story that is definitely worth reading! If you are looking for a book that will put you on the edge of your chair - every page - then this is the one! But be warned - it is not pretty - it will grab you, twist your heart, wring it, and hang it out to dry. If you are the slightest bit squeamish this may not be a book for you.
Hmmm, does that say series? Next book please!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!!
The characters - oh my! Loved loved loved the characters! I thought Harlan was great! But I really fell in love with Beryl, just wow. Her character was so real. All the crap they went through together. They both came a long way. I loved the relationship that very slowly developed between them. There were quite a few other characters, some bad, some good, and some extremely bad! But all the characters were done so dang well, they all felt so real (good or bad).
A post apocalyptic story that is definitely worth reading! If you are looking for a book that will put you on the edge of your chair - every page - then this is the one! But be warned - it is not pretty - it will grab you, twist your heart, wring it, and hang it out to dry. If you are the slightest bit squeamish this may not be a book for you.
Hmmm, does that say series? Next book please!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!!
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