Twisted Fate

Twisted #3

by Kate L. Mary

Set twenty years after the final book in the Broken World series, Twisted Fate catches up with a group of survivors living in a post-apocalyptic zombie world ruled by a twisted and controlling government bent on taking over the human race.
Follows Twisted World, Twisted Mind, and Twisted Memories.

Genres: Horror, Zombies, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic, New Adult, Dystopia

306 pages, ebook

First published October 10, 2017

About the author

I'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!

Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.

When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!

Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.

Awards:

Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine

When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction

Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards

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Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I thought that this was a wonderful wrap up to the series. I devoured Kate L. Mary's Broken World series earlier this year and after learning that this series featured the same group of characters, I couldn't wait to get started with it. It has been great to see these characters grow and survive and I enjoyed getting to meet new characters in this series. This book really did pull everything together very well and I had a great time with it.

This is the book where things really start to happen. Angus is alive and his friends know it. They also know how much danger Axl and Donaghy are in. At this point, not only do they want to rescue their friends and loved ones but they are also looking for some revenge. If anyone deserves revenge, I think Angus does. There are several points of view in this book and it worked well since the characters were not always together or looking at the situation in the same way.

This story was really exciting. There was plenty of action and I found myself worrying about the characters. There were quite a few surprises as well. I loved getting the chance to watch this group of characters working to make the world a better place even if it cost them. I was happy that this book left me with some hope for the future and I feel really satisfied with how things were wrapped up. My only complaint with the story would be that the last part of the book felt a little drawn out but nothing that lessened my overall enjoyment.

I thought that Heather Firth did a great job with the narration. There are quite a few characters in this series and a wide range of emotions that they experience. I thought that she did a great job of giving each character their voice and bringing them to life. The narrator reads the story at a really nice pace and I feel that her performance added to my overall enjoyment of the story.

I would recommend this series to others. I do feel that this is a series that is best read in order. I love the world that Kate L. Mary has created and the characters are amazing. I will definitely be reading more from this very talented author.

I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.

Initial Thoughts
It is hard to believe that my journey with these characters is coming to an end. This is a series that really should be read in order and I think that it really works best after reading the Broken World series. This book was exciting and sometimes unexpected. There were some scenes of heartbreak and others of joy. I did think that the last part of the book was a little drawn out but nothing major. The narrator did a fine job with this story once again.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe that this is probably the last book in the series. ☹ I could definitely read about this group of people for the rest of my life…perhaps I could talk her into writing a short story every few years updating us on the progress of this fictional group thru the years. They've become like family and I will miss them. I’m pretty sure after all these books that they will never completely leave her mind. LOL. I just don’t want to stop reading about them. Even though I never want this series to come to an end, I am okay with it. Twisted Fate brought a nice closing to the lives that started in the Broken World series, and it’s an ending I can live with. I can’t say more, because I don’t want to spoil the ending of the series...but I will tell you to read it with a box of tissues close by. If this is the first Kate L. Mary book that you have picked up, set it aside and go get the first book in the Broken World series. You will be hooked and on a wonderful journey.

[Katie Komo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fitting End

I’ve been a HUGE fan of this series from the beginning. I’ve greatly enjoyed the extraordinary character development- loved when they’ve loved, and lost when they’ve lost. This is a perfect ending to a fantastic series. It feels incredibly resolved, which is hard to find in a zombie apocalypse kinda world. Great job, Kate!

[Emily Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Fate is an absolute engaging must read from author Kate L. Mary. Summing up the final installment in the Twisted Series, Mary takes you on an adventure of what happens after the group of survivors leave Atlanta, the CDC and the crazy cult, "The Church" behind.

This book was bittersweet to me. Having been a HUGE fan of the Broken World series and then moving onto the Twisted Series, Mary really had me wringing my hands and really upset to say goodbye to the larger than life characters she created. Some relationships continued, others were unexpected, but overall this group's sense of family and love was ever present making this a happy ending.

I highly recommend that you start at the beginning and read Broken World all the way through to Twisted Fate to follow along. This is very much a "must read the prior books" to follow along. But trust me, you wont have any regrets to one clicking any of these. They are absolutely well worth it.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series.I really do.I do have issues with the long winded repetition that Meg constantly has about,well,everything.5 hours could have been cut out by just saying it once.I also like the ladies narration done by Heather Firth.Her mens voices still make me cringe at times. I took a few breaks during this book because it was such a downer for the most part.The storyline is solid as are the characters.I am looking forward to #4 being light and sunny!lol I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very exciting end to an amazing series! Me being someone who doesn't normally read dystopian/zombie books....author Kate L. Mary won me over hook, line and sinker. She spins a tale involving zombies then throws in a smattering of romance and tops it off with a dab of riveting suspense that you just can't put down! I've come to love these characters and was quite happy with how everyone was paired off in the end.....some characters were killed off, but the rest lived on to dwell in what is left of the earth!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible...I am so excited I discovered this Author!! I was on the edge of seat...screaming out loud and could not put it down!!! Narration, story..everything was great!!! I Highly recommend this series!! Just one click them all and thank me later!!!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All our favorite characters from Broken World and Twisted are back even Angus. Yeah everyone has now learned that Angus is still alive and that he has been held at the CDC while they experimented on him trying to find a cure for the zombie virus. A lot of people in the group thought of Angus as a God whom they worshiped.

I guess over the years as people are known to do I guess they talked and the more they talked the bigger the stories concerning Angus became until now they believe that he is capable of performing miracles. They think with him being immune to the zombie virus that he can just wave his hands around a little bit and the zombies will just disappear or something like that.

With the return of Angus, they decide that they are going to swarm the CDC and take them down and save all their friends, family, and loved ones. When Axl went missing everyone assumed Axl to be dead but that may not be the case. With Angus’s return, they now have hope that he may still be alive. Infiltrating the CDC will not be an easy task but Angus knows just how to get in and what to do once they are inside.

Is the world as they know it about to come to an end? Can they save the world from the zombies? Or will they lose everyone and everything when they go up against the CDC? Is a small group of people strong enough to take down the CDC? Who has the most to lose? The resistance or the CDC?

I fell in love with these characters and this world with the first book in the Broken World series. I am so sad to see it end. I do hope that Mary sees fit to pop out a few short stories from time to time with events that were not apart of the Broken World or Twisted series maybe with new characters or maybe an old character or two whose story we haven’t read yet. I would like to know how the zombie apocalypse started for some of the other characters and how they met up with Vivian, Axl, and Angus.

I highly recommend Twisted Fate to all zombie, apocalyptic and dystopian fans out there. Are you a fan of The Walking Dead? If the answer is yes then you are going to love Twisted Fate. Oh but I recommend that you read the Broken World series before reading the Twisted series as they should be read in order. So...I suggest that you get to clicking if you want to read this epic zombie-infested series. One-click your copies of the Broken World series and Twisted series today to begin this zombie, horror-filled world!

[buzy_reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook
Narrator: Solo performance by Heather Firth. She does a decent job performing all these characters. For a female narrator she does a believable performance of the male characters. Yet, It would be better having two narrators because there were too many characters to keep track of with one performer. Heather is good, but one person is only capable of so much. Every voice began to blend together. Imagine watching a movie where one actor performed all the character scenes in a character driven movie, that’s a task meant for a variety of performers. Did this hinder the outcome? No, but separating the male and female characters speaking would be easier to identify if voiced by different narrators.

Story: When a family sacrificed safety and lives to travel to the safe haven of New Atlanta only to find out that the CDC was just as dangerous. This is the final installment where the resistance is formed by rebellious survivors seeking justice and revenge against Star and Jackson.
These survivors would rather take a chance on the outside of the walls rather than be controlled on the inside.
All the previous characters return in this final installment. Still a character driven story with a some new characters.

Overall: I no longer go searching for zombie apocalypse books, yet when given the opportunity to listen to this series was offered I gave it a try.
I thought the attack was too easy. I expected Jackson to behave differently when attacked. I thought Meg had something special about her since Jackson had been obsessed with her, yet nothing was revealed. I was confused by some of the characters ability to survive.
If you’re a fan of the Walking Dead and remember that episode with the CDC and wanted a different understanding on what would happen if the CDC worked on a virus that didn’t cure humans but rather made them stronger, quicker, and more dangerous then this series will impress you.
I had a hard time believing the CDC didn’t have cameras inside the rooms.

[Tina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want it to end...must have more!

Twisted Fate (Twisted World, Volume 3) by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Heather Firth is a great ending to the series. Would recommend if you are a fan of zombies/post-apocalyptic books.

Twisted Fate begins where Twisted World left off. Expect a good amount of action, taking down the CDC, new characters (good and bad), a bit of romance, family bonds to strengthen, some humor, and closure to past events. Sometimes I wish there was a little more revenge/fight with the bad guys in this book, but at the same time, it fit well and I’m satisfied overall (can’t knock a start off because I enjoyed it and didn’t want to put it down).

There are those books that bring you right into the world, for me, it was this entire series. I’m sad it’s over, but the potential to continue is there. Kate is quickly becoming one of my top ten authors the more I venture into her books. She has a gift for creating fantastic worlds. If you haven’t discovered her books yet, get to it because you won’t be disappointed.

The narrator, Heath Firth, did a great job. Once again, I enjoyed her narration. I had no problem keeping the characters separate.

Overall, I highly recommend, especially if you are into zombies and post-apocalyptic life. Make sure you listen/read these in order.

Parental guidance/trigger warnings: I misplaced the paper I had notes on, so will do my best at recalling...This book has similar situations to the previous books. Swearing, death, sex (not graphic/minimal details), religion (the group who worships Agnus), weapons (used for killing/self-defense).

*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via a promo code and this is my voluntary review. 20 years after heading to the CDC to find a cure for the initial outbreak, Angus James is now reunited with his family and Team James are determined to fight back against team Star and use the Zombie eliminating fail-safe that Jane told Angus about before she died. That was bittersweet after having followed their story in Twisted Memories and you find yourself as conflicted about her character as Angus does with his complicated grief for her, he's learning more about her role in the losses suffered by his family, even though some of her initial decisions were what kept Axl safe for all those years, and her loss and Glitters liberation was exactly the catalyst that led to Margo's fate. Mostly flowing between Meg and Donaghy's POV, you follow the team as they gain allies, learn harsh truths and lose friends. I'm not sure if this is the final book in this series... the ending surely does leave you with the impression that a newer possibly worse evil has arisen in the place of Star's collapsed dynasty. Loved this series and although I do hope Team James finally get some peace, because losing characters like Joshua and seeing the devastated Jim through the Oklahoma Wastelands stories is harder now we are following a younger generation who have no memories of the world before the outbreak, I like to think those guys finally got their peace and rest but the apocalypse is exhausting. Now I'm off to listen to the Broken World Stories novella audiobook. This universe is addictive.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meg and her family have managed to flee from the controlling Stars. They formulate a plan to go back and rescue those left. Everybody is shocked when Stark decides to release Donaghy, but they quickly learn the twisted reason why he did.

I never thought I would get so emotionally invested in an apocalyptic novel. I mean I enjoy them. I enjoy the outside the box universes. However, this is the first one that I have ever been fully emotionally invested in. I loved the characters. I loved the story. I loved the way the author tied this all together.

The only thing I didn't like about the book is a certain part they left open. I won't divulge it because I don't want to spoil the book. But it leads to a lot of questions. Is this lose thread open for interpretation? Is it the beginning of another series? Will we have to find out which is which? How long will it be until we do?

I fully recommend this series/trilogy. It was very amazing. The author turned a zombie novel into something very unique and refreshing. I never really thought I'd enjoy a zombie novel, but here I am gushing over this one! I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I listened to Twisted World, Twisted Memories, and Twisted Mind so I was looking forward to listening to this last book in the Twisted World series. I wasn’t disappointed.

Meg’s family has had to flee New Atlanta or they’ll be killed by Jackson Star or worse. Unfortunately, they know they’re going to have to return to save Meg’s father and Donaghy. But when Donaghy shows back up, they know that his fate has been sealed.

Meg and her family not only have to deal with Jackson and the CDC, but there are always zombies that they need to keep an eye out for. And now that Angus is back, how is the church (the fanatics who worship him and are waiting for his resurrection) going to react? They have a surprise coming when they meet their “Savior.” Will they help them or turn on them?

If you like post-apocalyptic stories, this is definitely worth your time. It’s more about the characters and the zombies are just a part of life. I also like the way the series ended.

[Christina Botchway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Satisfying great world building series

This seems a very satisfying end to the Broken World/ Twisted series of books but I’ve seen two more titles set in this world and I’m apprehensive in whether I should read them. I know that is not a book review observation but I had to get it out there. Now to the actual review. I was really immersed in this world and I greatly appreciate the character transformations especially Angus. The loud mouthed racist redneck becoming a hero and ending up with a person of color. I was conflicted about Dr Jane and in my opinion she was not redeemable. Her love for Angus got her a few brownie points in this story and I had a scare with Donaghy’s character but it was resolved satisfactorily. If I do have a complaint about this series is that too many of the characters were blonde. Lol. A minor irritant I know but it irked me somehow. I would highly recommend the series for people who love this genre. Very satisfying.

[Lynn Luvstrait · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this was a very satisfying ending to a wild and unpredictable ride that Kate L. Mary took us on. The Broken World series of books was well written and provided a cast of characters that you really cared about. Going to miss these adventures along with Vivian, Axl, Angus and the rest of the crew. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to laugh, cry and just be humbled by the things we humans can do to each other.. w

The Broken World series was a great read. I have to say Twisted Fatecwas a very satisfying ending to a wild and unpredictable ride. The series was well written and the characters that you truly cared about.Going to miss this adventure with Vivian, Ask and Angus and the rest of the cast. I recommend this book and the series if you want to laugh, dry and be thoroughly entertained.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed reading Meg and Donaghy's POV's! Love the zombie apocalypse world! I'd recommend at least reading book 1, Twisted World, since this book picks up where the first left off. The other's aren't necessary to read since they are more prequels. I love to see the story continue, and there's some intrigue and action to this story. Meg, Donaghy, and the rest of the gang are under some intense circumstances. There's evil people after them, there's zombies, and there's enemies they didn't think of, so they need to come up with a plan to stop them all. Everything won't go the way they want, but there will be some resolution. This was lots of fun! I listened to the audio version, and the narrator does a great job. She does every characters voice, so that's a feat, and her wizened older person voice is fun.

[bluepits73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book.

I loved this book as well as the entire series. It has so many awesome components to it that kept my attention all the way through this longer listen. This book picks up right where the last leaves off and this author keeps us on a suspenseful semi-emotional roller coaster ride. Great unique zombie story with a couple very intimate scenes. Well written strong characters that have to face some tough and disheartening challenges in an effort to overcome the CDC and the Stars.

Throughout this entire series, this narrator has just done a tremendous job! I've listened to her work before and continue to be impressed by the variety of voices she can do and maintain for expanded periods of time.

I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

[Bethruns13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uggh I cannot believe it is over. I LOVE this series. There are so many book series out there and I typically get bored with most after 2 installments, unless they are outstanding (Harry Potter, yes I loved the Twilight books, Hunger Games, Green Mile, Odd Thomas) but these are also wonderful. I have been privileged to have recently met Kate (long after I started the series) and she is an amazing mom, writer, and person. Back to Broken World.... This series is about zombies yes BUT it is more about survival and relationships. I love that there are strong females and dominant males in these books. If you like the Walking Dead (at least early seasons and the graphic novels) you will love these books. There is a total of 10 books-start with Broken World. You will not regret it.

[Edina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of the way how it ended, but the execution was kind of silly, I mean who goes of for the battle of their life then goes home before it's finished, saying oh why don't we come back later, and while we do that the bad guys can sit around doing nothing to take revenge or prevent it happening again. The whole thing didn't make sense, they didn't need the Church they would have been better off sneaking in with a small group, and take out the leaders and they could have done it years ago, I just don't get it. I'm a little disappointed, but not so much I wouldn't want to read more about these people. All in all it's still one of the good ones.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Fate: A Broken World Novel: Twisted Book Three was a great read by Kate L. Mary. Meg has discovered that not only is her long lost uncle Angus alive but so is her father. Meg and her family are forced to leave New Atlanta but knows that they must go back to the CDC to free her dad and Donaghy. Jackson decides to release Donaghy but with a twist. I enjoyed this book and finding out what happened to the survivors. I really enjoyed Meg and Donaghy's story and can't wait to read more by the author.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic conclusion to this amazing series.

I have really enjoyed these books, I started the Broken series last week and I have read all the books.
Yes in a week!!! I was hooked from the start, I am a little sad it is the end but this was a great ending for them all, perfect and I am left happy.

I have loved being on this journey with the gang. Such a great series. and one of the best I have ever read. I will be reading other books by Kate. but she did an amazing job on this series.

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

After twenty years of imprisonment, Angus is set free! This volume will focus on the overthrow of the Starr dynasty and the stranglehold of the CDC. Bringing the James family back together is the other focal point. There are a few sad moments and some of the key players will not survive. All in all, the closing volume is uplifting and full of hope. It is a story of hope and starting over. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Erin Remen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful conclusion

I have truly enjoyed this series. I only started it this last year , so with that waiting I have bee incredibly lucky! This one had the full gambit of emotions. I was in tears and then the next sentence came along and I was jumping for joy. This was the perfect conclusion and I am left feeling satisfied and fulfilled with the direction chosen. Thank you!

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I absolutely Love this series. I’m so sad that it’s over. I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and the other ones as well. I truly believe this series should become a movie. This series is the first I’ve heard of this author and I’m in Love with her books so far. The Narrator did an amazing job as well!!!

[mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, its action packed, dramatic and an emotional rollercoaster to the very end! There were some very intense scenes as the James family finally take on the CDC. I was hooked from the first book, and had to keep going to find out how it all ended, I'm just disappointed I finished them so quickly!

[Brian Gleeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine entry

I read a lot . I read a lot of zombie stories. This series has fine characterization. Some nice head fakes. Some tip of the cap to other in the genre. Broken World series was a very enjoyable read. And this series just added to the enjoyment. Lady Mary has a great way with words. I never wanted to stop reading.

[MaryAnn Styn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome zombie books

I've read the entire series, and I absolutely loved it. The characters were real, and the storyline was exciting. I didn't want it to end. Speaking of the end, the way they handled the zombie outbreak was pure genius. I can't wait to read more books by Kate L. Mary.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this series! The charactors really came alive, and I couldnt wait to see what happened. This final story wrapped everything up. I'm glad I read the stories in order, so I got to know each charactor. I was sorry to see it end.

[Gladys Olmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book old and new characters are forced to make a pact with a devil in order to confront an evil dictator. The book has a happy ending. However, I was left with the feeling that there will be troubling times in the near future. I would recommend it.

[Debbie Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted fate

Another awesome book, hate to see it come to an end, they have become family in the imagination, but still family.well done will miss this series