From the universe of the Until the End of the World series Book two of The City Series is here! (Note: The City Series can be read before or after the Until the End of the World series)
Months into the apocalypse, the zombies show no signs of dying, but it’s clear everyone in Sunset Park will die without enough food to outlast the undead. Add in the less-than-sociable new neighbors only blocks away, and the hunt for sustenance has come to feel more like a race than a ramble.
Sylvie is happy in her new home with the people who’ve become like family, though she’s still working out how to let them into her heart. Eric wants in, and he wants to find his sister, but he can’t do both at the same time. If he can do the second one at all—getting into the city was hard enough, getting out may prove impossible.
Despite setbacks—and a couple million zombies—it seems fortune is working in their favor. After all, food, security, and family are extraordinary when just being alive is a notable accomplishment. But fortune can turn on a dime, and all it takes is one misstep.
I'm a wannabe prepper and lover of anything pre-apocalyptic, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic—-or anything in between. Add in some humor and romance, and I'm in heaven.
Besides an unhealthy obsession with home-canned food and Bug Out Bag equipment, I love books, making artsy stuff and laughing my arse off. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I now live in Oregon with my family and, in my opinion, not nearly enough supplies for the zombie apocalypse. But I'm working on it.
I've been putting off reading this series because once this is done I've got nothing else to read by this author and she fast became one of my favourites in this genre. Even though this is set within the zombie world what I love most about her books is the focus on the characters and each time you close out of a book of hers at the end it feels like your saying goodbye to a family member.
Oh god that ending! This one wrung a few tears out, my heart beat out of tune, anger at the unfairness of them losing their safe haven. Sadness over the deaths, and still my heart grew full of love for this snarky heroine who thought she was unlovable.,
And hope that her bestie is able to find her if she survived the mob of killers and lexers.
I’m still loving the series, but as much as I enjoy humor, I wish there was less snarky banter. 🙄 The ending of book 2 left me in tears and ragey. 😭🤬 I’m almost scared of book 3, now that I know that I can’t count on even my most beloved characters remaining safe.😬😰
I really enjoyed this book! I am so happy that I stumbled upon this author because I am having such a good time with her books. This is the second book in The City series which really does need to be read in order. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. It is not a short audiobook but I still listened to it in just a few days because I never wanted to put it down. I went into this book with high expectations and am happy to report that those expectations were all met or exceeded.
I got to know Eric, Sylvie, and the rest of the group in the preceding book and I was really excited to get the chance to spend some more time with them in this book. Watching the bonds grow and strengthen between these characters is really what I enjoy the most about these books. Like the previous book, this installment is told from both Eric's and Sylvie's points of view so we really get to know those two characters really well. I think I liked both Eric and Sylvie more and more as the book progressed.
The story continues with the high excitement level that was set in the first book. The group is in New York City trying to survive with zombies everywhere. And the zombies may not be their biggest problem. There are daily problems that need to be address such as finding food and water and other things needed for survival that the group must address. There are also safety issues involving the zombies and other survivors that take up a lot of energy. Resources in the city are limited and they aren't the only group trying to survive.
This book does have some pretty major developments. Just when things are looking good and everyone starts getting comfortable, things happen. Situations change and the group has to adjust. I have to admit that I was pretty nervous for the characters in this book because there are a lot of intense situations.
I loved the narration. Luke Daniels and Therese Plummer do such a good job with this series. I was a bit surprised that the narration was a bit different than what was used in the first book. In this book, Luke Daniels performs the chapters from Eric's point of view including the female voices while Therese Plummer performs the chapters from Sylvie's point of view including the male voices. In the first book, the male narrator handled all of the male voices throughout the book and vise versa which I really liked and was looking forward to in this book. I quickly adjusted and enjoyed the book but wish that this book would have been done the same as the first book. That being said, I had no issues with any of the voices that either narrator used and thought that they both brought a lot of emotion to the story.
I do recommend this book to others. This series has a little bit of everything. There is romance, some humor, action, and zombies working together to tell a rather unique story. I can't wait to read more of Sarah Lyons Fleming's work very soon and plan to listen to the next audiobook in this series just as soon as it is available.
Initial Thoughts I am having such a good time with this series. The characters are amazing and the set of obstacles that they must face to survive are truly frightening. There is romance, some humor, friendship, action, and zombies all working together to tell a unique story. The narration was very well done but there were a few points that the audio quality wasn't perfect. I am ready for the next book!
Another amazing book by Sarah Lyons Fleming! When I first discovered her Until the End of the World series, I binged the entire series, reading one after the other. In this sister series, she's done it again, and I just binged the first 2 books and know I'll have a book hangover now. How am I going to be able to wait for book 3 to be written and released??
Sarah excels at writing about an apocalypse that is full of love and amazing characters. I've become so invested in what happens with Sylvie and Eric, Grace, Maria, Jorge, Leo, Paul, Indy, Eli, and everyone else!!
These books are more about survivors pulling together and becoming family. The zombies aren't the story. It's about these wonderful characters!
These are my favorite apocalyptic books so far, and I've read so many as it's one of my favorite genres. Keep them coming, Sarah!! I can't wait to see what you have in store for book 3!
With the core characters and main plot elements set in the first book, there is more emphasis on the minutia of survival. Some of it is fairly interesting and some are dragging on snoresville. Lots of heartstring pulling developments and character growth that made me smile in utter predictability. I find myself invested in the story because it is easy to follow and has just enough twists to make me grin in devilish delight. Let's see if book 3 is out cause I would read it now to wrap the series up in a tidy knot.
Wow. As usual with SLF, no character is safe. Don't get fond of anyone!
This book is an emotional roller coaster. Sylvie and Eric grew so much and there were times when the relationship teetered on the edge of being frustrating due to Sylvie's emotional handicaps. But then it would fall in favor of her conquering them, which overall made for a very satisfying story. Eric is patient but he's not perfect. These characters and those that surround them are believable and endearing. Their sorrow is my sorrow, their joys are my joys, and their anger at injustice and loss is my anger at injustice and loss.
Therese Plummer and Luke Daniels are just flat amazing with this story on audio. Seriously, amazing.
I'm emotionally wrung out and scarred. I may never read another book again! (where is the next one in the series? Give it to me now!)
This book is the second in the City Series, which follows a group of survivors in New York city. The author's attention to detail and character development are unparalleled. I've read both books in this series as well as all 4 books (3 novels, 1 novella) in the Until the End of the World series. I'm a voracious reader, generally reading about 12 books a month, I've never been moved to contact an author, but I did contact Sarah Lyons Fleming. I shared with her how her books make me feel, she's open and honest, and I kinda want to be besties with her, lol! You will not be disappointed with any of her books. I'm trying to review all her books and get her name really out there because I think they are that good!!!
This is a big book. 550 pages. And it's really very good in the same way that a dozen other Zombie Apocalypse books are very good. 5 Stars for the book, minus 1 Star because the ending has left me hanging.
This was another great book; it had me on the edge of my seat at times. I really hate when we lose some of our favorite characters. But like a wise woman once told me they all can’t live in a zombie apocalypse ok, ok I know but why!!! I am loving how fast pace these books are I don’t want them to end.
I am eager to find out what is going to happen.
I do love the narration from Luke Daniels & Therese Plummer who is a favorite of mine.
Now I'm sad. I've waited so long for this book, I read too fast, and now I'm waiting again. Ms.Fleming is such an empathetic author. She can takes these character situations and make your heart hurt. But the characters stand out so well. Eric & Sylvie, Grace and her new guy, Maria (mother to Ana & Penney) & George, young Leo, Paul , Leo's dad, just a plethora of many personalities. Eric is Cassie's (from the series "Until the End of the World") younger brother. He has no idea as to whether she is alive or dead. He makes it to their apartment in New York where he finds a host of new friends...and he meets Sylvie. Embracing & fulfilling this relationship is a n extra bonus for readers of this series. Of course we deal with the zombies, finding enough food & a safe haven, but also the bad guys. Eric also wants to retreat to the family's cabin, where he is sure cassie will be. I think he will be disappointed. This book is a wonderful collection of people in a dystopian setting, with fear of the future. The storyline is great. Ms. Fleming is one of my all time favorite authors. If you have not read her series " Until the E n d of the World", you have missed a treat. It is fantastic.. Ok, back to my waiting. Thank Sarah, you never disappoint...😇
This is one of the best books I have read this year. Follow Eric, Sylvie and the rest of the group in this epic second book of The City Series. Make sure you read Sarah's Until the End of the World series and Mordacious before you read Peripeteia. You won't be sorry. Also make sure you have tissues. I know I needed them.
Sylvie's further growth, the humor and chemistry with this whole entire found family group, the foreboding, seeing Eric's parents house from his POV after knowing what happens to Cassie, the continued word of the day challenge.
I mean, it was really really good.
A few mistakes on the audio duet narration but eh, low key don't care.
Sarah's writing is so fresh, real, genuine, and good, it's easy to fall in love with her characters--love them or hate them, they brand you in the best possible way, leaving their mark and you wanting more. Sarah isn't one to rush and she never disappoints. I love Eric and Sylvie, and I can't wait to see where their story takes us next (And which characters and old friends we'll meet and revisit along the way :).
As I was reading the majority of this book I thought that the author took this book into another direction than the first one - not fight after fight after fight, but where although people don't exactly get along they do try hard to survive. But then everything flipped and I was all wrong. I don't know if the author was trying to lull the reader into a sense of kumbaya and then POW! - or what other reason she could come up with but it made me hate the book to the point where I dropped the rating down a whole star. I hated the ending - which to me was a futile "I'm going to kick your ass!" when you know that's delusional.
I'm done with this series - there are only two books in the series but two was enough for me.
The only reason for the 3 stars is because I found the character shifting harder to follow in this book - I found the voices of Eric and Sylvia too similar if I put the book down before a shift back. I do love the story though - this one had some absolute crackers in it!
I am very tired of the MC and her obsession / constant need to talk about how much she likes processed sugar candy and potato chips. At one point she was kissing 25lb bags of sugar. Girl it’s a zombie apocalypse and you’re pushing 30.
I also can’t understand why any of the other characters like her. As mentioned she’s childish and annoying AF but has nothing else redeeming about her.
I only read the last book and finished this one because I liked the other characters so much and want them to survive.
The title of this book only makes sense for the last 10% which is when all the action happens. The first 90% is very day-to-day without much going on.
The conclusion, which I thought was good (if not a little too identical to a season of the walking dead tv show), may end the series for me. We will see! I may always run out of books to read and get desperate 😆
I had the crazy notion about halfway through, somehow The City Series wasn't as action packed as Cassie's story. How wrong I was! I had to take anxiety breaks quite a few times throughout the story but the action smacks you in the face the last 20% thus leaving you with a massive book hangover and cursing Sarah for making book 3's release so far away. You have to read both series. Somehow she entertains you and excites you but teaches you and lights a fire under your butt to get to prepping and does it while making you laugh and painting a crystal clear picture of the end of the world. Way more than five stars! And I can say that about all of her books. Damn good job Sarah! Can't wait for Instauration.
While I love the zombie filled world in this series, the “romantic” dialogue between Sylvie and Eric is unforgivable. It’s SO bad that it redefines the meaning “cringe-worthy” taking it to a whole new level. The zombie parts of the book are good. So are the parts about trying to build a community of people working together to survive. That’s the only reason I kept reading because I wanted to stick needles in my eyes every time I had to get through another Sylvie/Eric romantic scene.
I'm so sad that the next book is the end of this series. This book was a roller-coaster of emotions, jam-packed with the same action that made your heart race in Cassie's stories. All good things must come to an end. Excited to read the next and LAST book.
Sarah Lyons Fleming can do no wrong in my eyes. Her take on the Zombie Apocalypse is so much more than killing zombies. Her words create a post-apocalyptic world so incredibly vivid it's almost scary. Her books make me want to become a prepper and move to the country with a giant underground bunker filled with supplies. ( I highly doubt my family would be on board with this plan, but it's all I can think of as I absorb the world she has created) These aren't trained soldiers or militia navigating and surviving. They are normal, broken, scared, struggling survivors that come together to fight for their life, and fight for their loved ones. I read a lot of books, and it takes a lot to get me to literally tear up at a scene, and Sarah does it to me in spades. The emotion she gives these amazing, strong characters shines through so much, I can't help but feel for them as they do everything humanly possible to stay together. Their journey is heart-wrenching, yet filled with humor and love and strength. Sylvie and Eric's story, along with everyone else who has intertwined themselves into my heart in this series is more than just killing zombies. Their passion for this family that has been created out of the most terrifying and horrific ways will have you devouring this journey they must endure. Until the End Of the World has stayed with me as a favorite ever since I stumbled accross it, and the City Series is a truly extraordinary addition to such an epic story.
I haven’t read a series as fast as this one (and its predecessor - Until the End of the World) in a very long time. I’ve read 3000 pages of zombie apocalypse in the last week. I’m itching to add more food to my pantry!
I think I’m enjoying The City series even more - which I didn’t think I would! The end of this book left me wanting to scream. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so invested.
(I am not a zombie fan. I enjoy an apocalyptic book so I can put up with zombies if I have to, but even including zombies, I love this series.)
I have no clue why it's taken me so long to review this book. To say it's shameful is an understatement. The city series has my heart. Sarah Lyons Fleming is a literature genius. And never ceases to amaze me! Her words, and the pictures she is able to create in my mind is masterful. I am so incrediably invested in this story, and every single one of the characters in these stories, I often times feel like they are apart of me now. My heart thumps faster and faster when it comes to Eric and Sylvia relationship, they are my favorite. I can not wait until the next book in the series comes out. I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next. I wish this series could just go one forever. I would absolutely invest my time into each one, and savor it forever. Thank you Sarah for being such a brillant author and for allowing us to live in these characters world!!!!!
I don't know what's in these Zom-com books (perhaps my new fav sub genre) but im addicted. These characters are raw, fierce and i just love them all. So many nail biting scenes and so many tears. I must know what happens next! Im shocked im not bored despite devouring 9 other books in this world but I AM HERE FOR IT!
This series is so good! I just loved the author’s writing, she really sucks you in and you don’t want to do anything but read about these characters. Can’t wait to read the third.