What do you think?
Rate this book
A Changed World #4
Lessons Learned
While a wildfire threatens High Meadow, an uninvited guest sows seeds of dissent.
The president arrives at High Meadow with his entourage of bureaucrats and faux-military. Tillie and Angus don’t have time for any distractions as a massive wildfire bears down on their settlement. It will take more than hard work and good intentions to get them through this catastrophe.
Martin is leery about sending all of his men to aid those in the path of the fire thereby leaving their borders unprotected. They are most vulnerable in their commitment to help others.
Wisp and Nick work the fire lines seeking out people fleeing the raging flames. Only Wisp can find those lost in the heavy smoke, risking his life to bring them to safety.
Behind their backs, certain people are questioning every decision. At a time when they most need to work together, the outsiders are creating divisiveness.
The president arrives at High Meadow with his entourage of bureaucrats and faux-military. Tillie and Angus don’t have time for any distractions as a massive wildfire bears down on their settlement. It will take more than hard work and good intentions to get them through this catastrophe.
Martin is leery about sending all of his men to aid those in the path of the fire thereby leaving their borders unprotected. They are most vulnerable in their commitment to help others.
Wisp and Nick work the fire lines seeking out people fleeing the raging flames. Only Wisp can find those lost in the heavy smoke, risking his life to bring them to safety.
Behind their backs, certain people are questioning every decision. At a time when they most need to work together, the outsiders are creating divisiveness.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2018
34 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Alice Sabo
51 books63 followersAlice Sabo is the author of character-driven stories in multiple genres. Her characters struggle to make the right choices in difficult and often dangerous situations. Whether seeking lost cultures in an unforgiving galaxy or finding a murderer on the streets of LA, her books have strong world building, multi-layered characters and a satisfying culmination.
You can find all her series and the order in which to read them on her website, along with maps and other extras. www.alicesabo.com
You can find all her series and the order in which to read them on her website, along with maps and other extras. www.alicesabo.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 5, 2018
A fast but intense read that brings a wonderful conclusion (?) to an absolutely delightful series of books!
Not your usual dystopian read, 'The Changed World' series is about all of humanity trying to come to terms with the new realities caused by disease and climate change. Sabo expertly lays out the daily struggles of good people trying to build a real community while fighting off xenophobes, greedy bureaucrats trying to gain power by any means possible and raging bands of criminals that only think might makes right. All this and a useless president that thinks so much of himself it gets people around him killed for taking his advice. Sounds almost too topical, doesn't it?
Having said that, 'Lessons Learned' is a fine ending to what was an EXTRAORDINARY series by Alice Sabo, who once again has woven the practicalities of trying to survive the end of the world into a tale filled with extreme emotions, action and more! I hope one day she'll return to this world and perhaps give us more insight into (among other aspects) the beginning of the Biobots, but we'll see!
But as I've said before, this was an extremely enjoyable and well-written group of books and a relaxing relief from the usual dystopian battle-fests that have taken over the genre. Sure, a lot of the focus is on the inherent lack of compassion and humanity that prevades society today. But just stopping and thinking about that it's as important in knowing how to get the next crops planted on time as it is being ready to repel bad men with bad intentions made for top-notch entertainment! And maybe if you're not already too jaded, you may even think there might be hope for us all despite ourselves!
Great stuff, enjoy!
Not your usual dystopian read, 'The Changed World' series is about all of humanity trying to come to terms with the new realities caused by disease and climate change. Sabo expertly lays out the daily struggles of good people trying to build a real community while fighting off xenophobes, greedy bureaucrats trying to gain power by any means possible and raging bands of criminals that only think might makes right. All this and a useless president that thinks so much of himself it gets people around him killed for taking his advice. Sounds almost too topical, doesn't it?
Having said that, 'Lessons Learned' is a fine ending to what was an EXTRAORDINARY series by Alice Sabo, who once again has woven the practicalities of trying to survive the end of the world into a tale filled with extreme emotions, action and more! I hope one day she'll return to this world and perhaps give us more insight into (among other aspects) the beginning of the Biobots, but we'll see!
But as I've said before, this was an extremely enjoyable and well-written group of books and a relaxing relief from the usual dystopian battle-fests that have taken over the genre. Sure, a lot of the focus is on the inherent lack of compassion and humanity that prevades society today. But just stopping and thinking about that it's as important in knowing how to get the next crops planted on time as it is being ready to repel bad men with bad intentions made for top-notch entertainment! And maybe if you're not already too jaded, you may even think there might be hope for us all despite ourselves!
Great stuff, enjoy!
March 31, 2019
Great end to a fabulous post-apocalyptic series which I very much enjoyed. Will miss Wisp!!
April 8, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this series. The problems the characters have to solve are the kinds of problems that would have to be solved in a world that has suffered a near-extinction event. The characters, though sometimes a little too good, are for the most part well-developed. A few of the villains are a bit stereotypical, but they make really good villains.
The editing could be better. The writing could be streamlined, and I ran across quite a few grammatical errors. However, either most of them were in the early chapters or I got so involved in the story I didn't notice those later in the book.
Now I'm wondering if there is more story to be told. The last few chapters revealed some changes in the animals I'd love to see Ms. Sabo explore.
The editing could be better. The writing could be streamlined, and I ran across quite a few grammatical errors. However, either most of them were in the early chapters or I got so involved in the story I didn't notice those later in the book.
Now I'm wondering if there is more story to be told. The last few chapters revealed some changes in the animals I'd love to see Ms. Sabo explore.
March 18, 2024
HERE'S A HOPEFUL DYSTOPIAN NOVEL
When COVID first struck with lethal fury a few years ago, the pessimists among us conjured up visions of a landscape devoid of human life. Bodies in the streets and on the roads. Cities everywhere depopulated. Farmlands lying fallow for lack of attention. Government services failing to nonexistence. And that scenario is the backdrop to Alice Sabo’s five-book series of short dystopian novels, set some six years after Zero Year. But this is a scene full of possibility. These stories center on a makeshift community growing into a self-governing town that becomes the center of gravity for a growing swath of the northeastern United States. It’s called High Meadow, named after the school-turned-medical-center where it’s headquartered. And in Lessons Learned, the fourth of the five books, the resourceful team behind it now leads a community of more than five thousand. It’s that rare thing: a hopeful dystopian novel.
A FAMILIAR CAST OF CHARACTERS
Sabo’s stories track the lives of a handful of characters in High Meadows’ leadership.
** Angus and Tilly Moss, the silver-haired couple to whom everyone defers. An engineer, he’s the visionary, planner, and hands-on manager, she the level-headed administrator and problem-solver who oversees day-to-day operations.
** Nick, a capable former FBI agent who manages trade relations with the outlying farms and villages that supply much of their food.
** Martin, formerly of the US Special Forces, who leads the militia, now split into three specialized forces to guard the borders, defend the community from raiders, and patrol the lands.
** And Wisp, a biobot who is an empath, capable of feeling others’ emotions at a distance. He’s the community’s Finder and its first line of defense, who can sense threats from farther away than others.
Together, this leadership team has built High Meadow into a refuge for a fast-growing number of survivors from throughout the region.
TWO NOTABLE NEW CHARACTERS
In Lessons Learned, two significant new characters emerge. One, Anita, has been hiding out with a dozen others in a house in the forest, ignorant of what’s a-building at High Meadow. But when she flees from a massive forest fire, Wisp leads her and the others in her household through the flames and smoke and bundles them off to see the doctors back in the community center. We see through her eyes how High Meadow operates with refugees flooding in on a daily basis, somehow managing to feed, house, and care for them all—and how, one by one, they gradually find their own niches in the community.
The other newcomer is a man named Jackson who styles himself as President of the United States. He comes with an entourage of lackeys in dark suits, including a “General,” and proceeds to undermine Angus and Tilly’s leadership in a bald attempt to seize power. Jackson, and everyone in his group, consistently refuse to take on jobs at High Meadow, defying the community’s fundamental rule that (after two days of free food), everyone must work to eat.
It’s unclear what “lessons” the author had in mind when settling on her title. But at least some of them must have involved the so-called “President.” How events unfold as Jackson makes his move generates much of the drama in this revealing little novel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
According to Amazon, “Alice Sabo is the author of over 25 novels in 7 series. Her character-driven stories range across multiple genres including science fiction, post-apocalyptic, high fantasy, mystery, and contemporary fantasy.”
When COVID first struck with lethal fury a few years ago, the pessimists among us conjured up visions of a landscape devoid of human life. Bodies in the streets and on the roads. Cities everywhere depopulated. Farmlands lying fallow for lack of attention. Government services failing to nonexistence. And that scenario is the backdrop to Alice Sabo’s five-book series of short dystopian novels, set some six years after Zero Year. But this is a scene full of possibility. These stories center on a makeshift community growing into a self-governing town that becomes the center of gravity for a growing swath of the northeastern United States. It’s called High Meadow, named after the school-turned-medical-center where it’s headquartered. And in Lessons Learned, the fourth of the five books, the resourceful team behind it now leads a community of more than five thousand. It’s that rare thing: a hopeful dystopian novel.
A FAMILIAR CAST OF CHARACTERS
Sabo’s stories track the lives of a handful of characters in High Meadows’ leadership.
** Angus and Tilly Moss, the silver-haired couple to whom everyone defers. An engineer, he’s the visionary, planner, and hands-on manager, she the level-headed administrator and problem-solver who oversees day-to-day operations.
** Nick, a capable former FBI agent who manages trade relations with the outlying farms and villages that supply much of their food.
** Martin, formerly of the US Special Forces, who leads the militia, now split into three specialized forces to guard the borders, defend the community from raiders, and patrol the lands.
** And Wisp, a biobot who is an empath, capable of feeling others’ emotions at a distance. He’s the community’s Finder and its first line of defense, who can sense threats from farther away than others.
Together, this leadership team has built High Meadow into a refuge for a fast-growing number of survivors from throughout the region.
TWO NOTABLE NEW CHARACTERS
In Lessons Learned, two significant new characters emerge. One, Anita, has been hiding out with a dozen others in a house in the forest, ignorant of what’s a-building at High Meadow. But when she flees from a massive forest fire, Wisp leads her and the others in her household through the flames and smoke and bundles them off to see the doctors back in the community center. We see through her eyes how High Meadow operates with refugees flooding in on a daily basis, somehow managing to feed, house, and care for them all—and how, one by one, they gradually find their own niches in the community.
The other newcomer is a man named Jackson who styles himself as President of the United States. He comes with an entourage of lackeys in dark suits, including a “General,” and proceeds to undermine Angus and Tilly’s leadership in a bald attempt to seize power. Jackson, and everyone in his group, consistently refuse to take on jobs at High Meadow, defying the community’s fundamental rule that (after two days of free food), everyone must work to eat.
It’s unclear what “lessons” the author had in mind when settling on her title. But at least some of them must have involved the so-called “President.” How events unfold as Jackson makes his move generates much of the drama in this revealing little novel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
According to Amazon, “Alice Sabo is the author of over 25 novels in 7 series. Her character-driven stories range across multiple genres including science fiction, post-apocalyptic, high fantasy, mystery, and contemporary fantasy.”
April 13, 2018
A Very Satisfying Fourth Book
All the loose ends are tied up and problems resolved. The residents of High Meadow and the surrounding settlements have weathered tornadoes, fire, and evil from within. Life is becoming normal and there is hope for the future. A Great Ending for the series.
All the loose ends are tied up and problems resolved. The residents of High Meadow and the surrounding settlements have weathered tornadoes, fire, and evil from within. Life is becoming normal and there is hope for the future. A Great Ending for the series.
May 8, 2019
Great series
I loved this set of books! Accidentally read number five before this one but still had to go back and read the forth. Best post dystopian books I've ever read. Rather believable and realistic. Very well written, clean and not too violent. No indecent language. Wonderful characters. I expect to read them again in the future.
I loved this set of books! Accidentally read number five before this one but still had to go back and read the forth. Best post dystopian books I've ever read. Rather believable and realistic. Very well written, clean and not too violent. No indecent language. Wonderful characters. I expect to read them again in the future.
February 24, 2019
Fantastic Author
Just became introduced to her books am on book 4 of a Changed World, enjoying it very much. Will be on book 5 before the night is done if my husband quits poking me
Just became introduced to her books am on book 4 of a Changed World, enjoying it very much. Will be on book 5 before the night is done if my husband quits poking me
October 30, 2019
4 1/2 stars
This post apocalyptic series seems to get better with each instalment. Lessons Learned was the fourth book in the set. This time natural disasters threaten the developing community and unwanted bureaucrats and a self-declared president try to take over.
This post apocalyptic series seems to get better with each instalment. Lessons Learned was the fourth book in the set. This time natural disasters threaten the developing community and unwanted bureaucrats and a self-declared president try to take over.
March 19, 2021
More, more, more
Very engaging,. Have read this and the first three in the series. Looking forward to the fifth. Sabo writes with an easy flow. Relaxing to read. Interesting plot lines.
Very engaging,. Have read this and the first three in the series. Looking forward to the fifth. Sabo writes with an easy flow. Relaxing to read. Interesting plot lines.
February 23, 2018
Excellent series
Once I turn the first page I can not stop reading. Excellent character development. A must read. Great series to read.
Once I turn the first page I can not stop reading. Excellent character development. A must read. Great series to read.
July 4, 2018
Good reads.
I have enjoyed these books. The characters are very much believable and you feel part of it. I hope the up up, if written, is not to far away.
I have enjoyed these books. The characters are very much believable and you feel part of it. I hope the up up, if written, is not to far away.
July 15, 2018
Good read!
Excellent
Excellent read I enjoyed it immensely. Such a good read with so many good twists. Recommend it for everybody.
Excellent
Excellent read I enjoyed it immensely. Such a good read with so many good twists. Recommend it for everybody.
Read
November 26, 2021Editing needs work, but the story world is interesting
July 30, 2022
I really enjoy this series. Love the storyline and the characters. Gives hope for humanity.
July 1, 2018
Loved this series! Sure, it was an end of world novel, but unlike the vast majority this one is all about survival and looking to the future instead of petty teenage politics. Well written, if a bit dry, but explanations are made, villains are found and good sense wins out. Just wish there was another sequel.
May 7, 2023
The best one of the series. This is where all the major action and emotional suspense is. The logic and research seems to have grown.
4.5 stars. Not quite a 5.
4.5 stars. Not quite a 5.
June 13, 2019
This was another really good volume in the Changed World series. Very entertaining, likeable characters and good on-going storylines as well as new characters coming in. I'm looking forward to reading book 5.
September 1, 2019
I remain bored by this book. Much seemed to happen but it was all glossed over and done in about a chapter. Honestly it felt too.... shallow for what the author was trying to have happen in it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews