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Year One: Chapter 1
A stunning new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author—an epic of hope and horror, chaos and magic, and a journey that will unite a desperate group of people to fight the battle of their lives…
It began on New Year’s Eve.
The sickness came on suddenly, and spread quickly. The fear spread even faster. Within weeks, everything people counted on began to fail them. The electrical grid sputtered; law and government collapsed—and more than half of the world’s population was decimated.
Where there had been order, there was now chaos. And as the power of science and technology receded, magic rose up in its place. Some of it is good, like the witchcraft worked by Lana Bingham, practicing in the loft apartment she shares with her lover, Max. Some of it is unimaginably evil, and it can lurk anywhere, around a corner, in fetid tunnels beneath the river—or in the ones you know and love the most.
As word spreads that neither the immune nor the gifted are safe from the authorities who patrol the ravaged streets, and with nothing left to count on but each other, Lana and Max make their way out of a wrecked New York City. At the same time, other travelers are heading west too, into a new frontier. Chuck, a tech genius trying to hack his way through a world gone offline. Arlys, a journalist who has lost her audience but uses pen and paper to record the truth. Fred, her young colleague, possessed of burgeoning abilities and an optimism that seems out of place in this bleak landscape. And Rachel and Jonah, a resourceful doctor and a paramedic who fend off despair with their determination to keep a young mother and three infants in their care alive.
In a world of survivors where every stranger encountered could be either a savage or a savior, none of them knows exactly where they are heading, or why. But a purpose awaits them that will shape their lives and the lives of all those who remain.
The end has come. The beginning comes next.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2017
339 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.7k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 13, 2025
This is the first Nora Robert’s book I’ve ever read. She didn’t disappoint! I think, had I read this before Covid, I may have thought the same too. But, it is fascinating knowing this was before the pandemic.
Let me just say, I cannot wait to find out how this series ends!
I liked the unique characters, some plot twists which I could see coming but enjoyed nonetheless, the prophecies… all of it. Enjoyed this.
Just gotta say, poor Max I wished he could’ve stayed.
Let me just say, I cannot wait to find out how this series ends!
I liked the unique characters, some plot twists which I could see coming but enjoyed nonetheless, the prophecies… all of it. Enjoyed this.
Just gotta say, poor Max I wished he could’ve stayed.
March 9, 2025
“When Ross MacLeod pulled the trigger and brought down the pheasant, he had no way of knowing he killed himself. And billion of others”.
Year One kicked off with Patient Zero bringing almost the decimation to the human race with a magical virus called Doom.
The survivors belonged to a few groups. There were those who gained powers. They were called the Uncanny. They were good and able to see the light. Another Uncanny group who fell into darkness were evil. Third group were human beings who were called raiders who pilfered, raped, and were killers. Last group were the religious fanatics, led by Reverend Jeremiah whose ambition was to kill all light Uncanny.
The story focused on these main characters. Lana, a chef and Max, a writer who were lovers and had to flee their NY loft apartment due to the increasing deaths caused by the virus. Jonah, a paramedic saved a pregnant woman, Katie by delivering her twins. Rachel, an EMT doctor happened to be in the same hospital as Jonah. All three decided to leave. Rachel took another infant along. Last group was Arlys, a journalist, Fred, an intern and Chuck, an IT expert. All of them escaped from New York. All these were good people.
The first installment told the story of their journey. Max’s brother, Eric and girl friend, Allegra turned out to be evil and tried killing Max and Lana. Fortunately Max and Lana escaped. Ultimately they all ended up in Virginia called New Hope. Meanwhile, Lana who’s pregnant with Max’s baby learnt her daughter would be the savior. There’s a small number of trouble makers who loathed the UnCanny and would love to kill them all.
Disaster struck in New Hope and Max died saving Lana and their unborn daughter. Lana fled and found herself in the home of Simon; an ex army captain. Simon took Lana in and eventually Lana’s daughter, Fallon was born. Lana and Simon fell in love with each other.
A mysterious man showed up telling Lana and Simon that Fallon would be safe until she turned thirteen. Thereafter, he would like to train Fallon for two years; as she’s The One to save the world.
I hope Nora Roberts would bring back the other characters in book 2. I find the first trilogy to be interesting despite the many characters that were in this first book.
Year One kicked off with Patient Zero bringing almost the decimation to the human race with a magical virus called Doom.
The survivors belonged to a few groups. There were those who gained powers. They were called the Uncanny. They were good and able to see the light. Another Uncanny group who fell into darkness were evil. Third group were human beings who were called raiders who pilfered, raped, and were killers. Last group were the religious fanatics, led by Reverend Jeremiah whose ambition was to kill all light Uncanny.
The story focused on these main characters. Lana, a chef and Max, a writer who were lovers and had to flee their NY loft apartment due to the increasing deaths caused by the virus. Jonah, a paramedic saved a pregnant woman, Katie by delivering her twins. Rachel, an EMT doctor happened to be in the same hospital as Jonah. All three decided to leave. Rachel took another infant along. Last group was Arlys, a journalist, Fred, an intern and Chuck, an IT expert. All of them escaped from New York. All these were good people.
The first installment told the story of their journey. Max’s brother, Eric and girl friend, Allegra turned out to be evil and tried killing Max and Lana. Fortunately Max and Lana escaped. Ultimately they all ended up in Virginia called New Hope. Meanwhile, Lana who’s pregnant with Max’s baby learnt her daughter would be the savior. There’s a small number of trouble makers who loathed the UnCanny and would love to kill them all.
Disaster struck in New Hope and Max died saving Lana and their unborn daughter. Lana fled and found herself in the home of Simon; an ex army captain. Simon took Lana in and eventually Lana’s daughter, Fallon was born. Lana and Simon fell in love with each other.
A mysterious man showed up telling Lana and Simon that Fallon would be safe until she turned thirteen. Thereafter, he would like to train Fallon for two years; as she’s The One to save the world.
I hope Nora Roberts would bring back the other characters in book 2. I find the first trilogy to be interesting despite the many characters that were in this first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2022
Well, that was a surprise… a totally different type of storyline than I have been used to from Nora and a very exciting page turner it was too.
A pandemic is loose. Billions are dying. There is no cure. Some folks survive and of these some find they now have supernatural powers. Not all the survivors are good…This is the story of a few groups of survivors and how they make their way to sanctuary… or so they think. All groups come together and start a new life but are hunted and partially destroyed by the evil element. The rest of the story tells the story of one of the group who is pregnant and hunted mercilessly and her fight to survive and give birth to another who will follow in the subsequent novels. The story is riveting. The characters are fully developed. The style suits me and I was “ spellbound “ all the way through. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. Great book.
A pandemic is loose. Billions are dying. There is no cure. Some folks survive and of these some find they now have supernatural powers. Not all the survivors are good…This is the story of a few groups of survivors and how they make their way to sanctuary… or so they think. All groups come together and start a new life but are hunted and partially destroyed by the evil element. The rest of the story tells the story of one of the group who is pregnant and hunted mercilessly and her fight to survive and give birth to another who will follow in the subsequent novels. The story is riveting. The characters are fully developed. The style suits me and I was “ spellbound “ all the way through. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. Great book.
September 3, 2023
This book was sooooo good. It had me not wanting to stop reading at all. This book in my opinion is also a lot like the Stephen king book “the stand” which I also loved as well!
I will say there are times in this book though where I find the author jumped from a day to like three months down the road from where the last chapter ends. It can be confusing sometimes because you have to read a little more of the next chapter to realize that there was that much of a time gap between literally a couple pages.
Overall this book was 🔥🔥🔥
The ending could have been much better, and added a little more spunk, but it was horrible.
The way that max died was a little rushed, and when they talked about how Eric was already “dead” and then he was at the village of “new hope” with his girlfriend, kind of threw me off because the author literally said that Eric was already dead.
But I love this book!!!!!!!
I will say there are times in this book though where I find the author jumped from a day to like three months down the road from where the last chapter ends. It can be confusing sometimes because you have to read a little more of the next chapter to realize that there was that much of a time gap between literally a couple pages.
Overall this book was 🔥🔥🔥
The ending could have been much better, and added a little more spunk, but it was horrible.
The way that max died was a little rushed, and when they talked about how Eric was already “dead” and then he was at the village of “new hope” with his girlfriend, kind of threw me off because the author literally said that Eric was already dead.
But I love this book!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2018
A great read
Nora Roberts has done it again. She sent me chapter one, so after I read it, I had to finish this amazing book, so I got the hardcover. I read this entire book in one sitting. It is that good and I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I highly recommend Year One. Very cleverly written, very well written characters and a story that keeps you wanting to read more.
Nora Roberts has done it again. She sent me chapter one, so after I read it, I had to finish this amazing book, so I got the hardcover. I read this entire book in one sitting. It is that good and I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I highly recommend Year One. Very cleverly written, very well written characters and a story that keeps you wanting to read more.
January 4, 2021
I was new to Nora Roberts and downloaded this on Audible for a long drive. I got so sucked in that I downloaded the other two and cleaned my house about a million times and then deliberately took more road trips just so I could listen to the full, unabridged versions. Hi. Anyway, it's perfect for when you're in that "Calgon, take me away to a post-apocalyptic-yet-bucolic-world where youngsters save us all" kind of mood.
February 3, 2021
I waited to read this one till I had all three. I was hooked from the first page. I laughed and cried my way through this book. I loved how Nora Roberts always has me wanted to read more. She has a way of writing a story that has one wanting to pick up the next book right away. I have a hard time wanting to read books about magic but she had me hooked with the first chapter.
November 22, 2017
Very accurate historically. I can envision the farm, smell the food, vividly puncture the faces of the people. Excellent book.
Recommend it to all. Waiting for the next books to come. Hopefully within this coming year please. Can't wait for them!
Recommend it to all. Waiting for the next books to come. Hopefully within this coming year please. Can't wait for them!
December 21, 2017
As expected. The best of writing. Just not my cup of tea.
Horror on a grand scale.
This is a horror story on a grand scale. The detective stories I have been glad to read are not this.
Horror on a grand scale.
This is a horror story on a grand scale. The detective stories I have been glad to read are not this.
December 27, 2017
First chapter
Sample of year one. First chapter didn't draw me into buying it at the price they want maybe if it goes on safe. As an avid fan of this genre there will have to be something spectacular. I've read many books by this author, but not sure about this one.
Sample of year one. First chapter didn't draw me into buying it at the price they want maybe if it goes on safe. As an avid fan of this genre there will have to be something spectacular. I've read many books by this author, but not sure about this one.
February 4, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! Definitely not a church book club selection though. I gave it 3 stars due to the language and a couple of adult scenes. Otherwise it would have been 5 stars for the story line.
November 2, 2020
This was an interesting read. I love magic and the fact that I was reading about a magical pandemic this year is beyond ironic. I think she has better books, but that is highly due to preference. This is a well written book. I enjoyed it enough where I am on to book two.
June 18, 2022
Chapter 1
In honesty, I do not remember much of this short novella. It was mostly about a couple and how they spread the virus. It was back and forth with current locations the couple were at and then finally going home and being infected.
In honesty, I do not remember much of this short novella. It was mostly about a couple and how they spread the virus. It was back and forth with current locations the couple were at and then finally going home and being infected.
June 22, 2023
2.5 stars. This just isn’t what I’m used to from Nora and I had a really hard time with it. It was very light on the romance and ended on a cliffhanger. I felt like it was almost YA fantasy/dystopian and I’m not really into that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2017
1
I can't wait to finish the book
I love to read Nora Roberts books. She is a fantastic writer that keeps to wanting to finish.
I can't wait to finish the book
I love to read Nora Roberts books. She is a fantastic writer that keeps to wanting to finish.
December 16, 2017
Year one hooked me from the first page and held my interest until the last. Now the problem is waiting for book 2 of the series!
January 9, 2018
A bit cliche’ with all the apocalypse stories out there but good enough to finish. I can’t say it captured me enough to read the next book.
April 23, 2018
as a book, it looks promising and exciting, however I dislike samplers that masquerade as "free books" on Amazon. Completely annoying.
May 17, 2018
It seems like an interesting book but it is just a teaser. I thought that it was a complete book. Disappointed.
July 25, 2018
Nora Roberts just keeps on keepin on. I love all her books. This one seems different from her others,but excellent. Can't wait for the nest one in the year one series
August 25, 2018
This was a good read
Suspenseful. Kept you in the edge of your seat. You will not regret reading this book by Nora Roberts. Awesome.
Suspenseful. Kept you in the edge of your seat. You will not regret reading this book by Nora Roberts. Awesome.
September 20, 2018
Not my usual genre, but I loved it.
August 25, 2019
Not my cup of tea.
April 19, 2020
I guess I should've realized this was a chapter preview, not a standalone story. Either way it didn't impress me.
May 10, 2020
Tough to read during a pandemic, but I returned to it and truly enjoyed the story.
August 9, 2020
Scary in the days of the 2020 pandemic.
Held my interest though. Lots of parallels with our lives these days until more paranormal things happen.
Held my interest though. Lots of parallels with our lives these days until more paranormal things happen.
July 23, 2023
A story about a pandemic. NOPE. This came out at a very bad time.
November 26, 2021
When you see the name "Nora Roberts," you usually think romance. While there are romantic relationships within this work, this is no romance genre novel. It is more like a Celtic Armageddon staring with a plague that eliminates 2/3 of the party's population. What remains are people with emerging characteristics out of mythology and humans that for some reason were immune to this illness turned pandemic. Good and evil emerge from all sides.
This work is filled with allegories aplenty. One doesn't have to look far in today's society to find the inspiration for much of this work. The addition of the mythic creatures adds a Lord of the Rings quality at the same time using them to show how self defeating prejudice and segregation is to a society... Even what is left of one after so much loss. It is a trilogy, so it will be interesting to see where she takes the story from here.
This work is filled with allegories aplenty. One doesn't have to look far in today's society to find the inspiration for much of this work. The addition of the mythic creatures adds a Lord of the Rings quality at the same time using them to show how self defeating prejudice and segregation is to a society... Even what is left of one after so much loss. It is a trilogy, so it will be interesting to see where she takes the story from here.
Read
July 7, 2018So dark in the beginning, I nearly didn't continue, but once over the first part, the characters made me want to read on and on. Looking forward to Chapter 2!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews