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Unbound Trilogy #2
The Monster
They survived the chains. The desert. They found ways to triumph over those who would use them for their own ends. Harlan and Beryl are free. They continue north, a frantic race back to Montana to discover the fate of Harlan's loved ones. But the road is not empty, and every stranger they encounter is a test. Will they have to fight or flee? Be predator or prey? Harlan is forced to question what surviving at any cost will do to him. Is it worth getting home to Jessica, and his child, if he is something unrecognizable? Beryl slowly slips free of the bindings that lock her inside of herself. But as she finds her voice, she is forced to reconcile her feelings for Harlan and what the end of their journey might mean to her. The winds are changing, winter is beginning to make itself known. Their journey will push them to new extremes, and they will not only have to protect each other from the horrors that stalk their path, but from the darkness rising within. Introducing The Monster, the stunning second installment of the Unbound Trilogy.
- GenresPost ApocalypticThriller
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2018
44 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 19, 2018
2nd book...good grief!
Yet another gut wrenching, chaotic, emotional tsunami.
Where is book number 3? My nerves are shot...I must know what comes next.
Fate...the fate of everyone. How long do we wait now? 😳😱
Yet another gut wrenching, chaotic, emotional tsunami.
Where is book number 3? My nerves are shot...I must know what comes next.
Fate...the fate of everyone. How long do we wait now? 😳😱
March 15, 2018
The Monster by J.D. Palmer is the second installment in his Unbound trilogy about a man trying to get home after an epidemic wipes out most of the human population, telling the next step of the journey for Harlan back to his home in Montana after the horrific events in California. This novel flips between the perspective of Harlan and Beryl, allowing insight into a character we know little about. The group heading to Montana with Harlan and Beryl includes Josey, Theo and Shiela, all of which have distinct personalities that you come to love and understand through the multiple trials the quintet face.
The Monster dives in and gives an even deeper look into what humanity could become if such a thing came to pass, and brings up questions about morality and what survival means in a world that has been flipped over. Every experience leaves a mark on the characters and readers alike and will make you question what you would do in the same situation. Palmer puts his characters in difficult realistic circumstances, and, even though it may feel repetitive at times, the outcome is never what you expect.
This book will make you look at your own beliefs and morals and start to question how you would fare in this new world.
This book is available on Amazon.
The Monster dives in and gives an even deeper look into what humanity could become if such a thing came to pass, and brings up questions about morality and what survival means in a world that has been flipped over. Every experience leaves a mark on the characters and readers alike and will make you question what you would do in the same situation. Palmer puts his characters in difficult realistic circumstances, and, even though it may feel repetitive at times, the outcome is never what you expect.
This book will make you look at your own beliefs and morals and start to question how you would fare in this new world.
This book is available on Amazon.
July 9, 2018
While not an absolute prerequisite, I strongly recommend you read the first book in the series : ‘The Meek’ before this one. The main characters Harlan and Beryl are obtuse enough as it is and without knowing their back story probably completely elusive.
This book seems slightly more mellow than the first and Harlan a teensy-bitsy less obstinate (that ain’t saying much believe me). He remains frustrating and pretty stupid in his actions. At one point his total lack of planning and preparation almost get a lot of people killed. He is in a blind rush to get home – an almost forgivable weakness, but still…
Trying to understand Harlan’s and Beryl’s reluctance to tell their story to others is difficult, because things might have gone a whole lot easier for them if they had. Is it because it is too painful to relive? They don’t want to be pitied? Or because they wear their suffering like a badge of honor? No. I finally understood the real reason at the end of this book: They want to be accepted as is. What you see is what you get. They don’t feel the need to justify themselves (except in their own heads). A true exposition of the old adage ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover.
The beautiful prose continues here, The addiction to turning the next page. The provoking thoughts. I loved it. I was all ready to give it 5 stars. Then I got to the end. I hated it. The end requires such a suspension of disbelief it’s worse than a third rate horror movie. It doesn’t just border on absurdity, it pole vaults over the line. It doesn’t do the book justice. And once again Harlan fails to take any precautions at the most critical juncture of all. As I didn’t have any choice but to give ‘The Meek’ five stars, I have no choice but to give ‘The Monster’ four because of this stupid ending which frankly I could have thought of four different ways at least to make better.
This book seems slightly more mellow than the first and Harlan a teensy-bitsy less obstinate (that ain’t saying much believe me). He remains frustrating and pretty stupid in his actions. At one point his total lack of planning and preparation almost get a lot of people killed. He is in a blind rush to get home – an almost forgivable weakness, but still…
Trying to understand Harlan’s and Beryl’s reluctance to tell their story to others is difficult, because things might have gone a whole lot easier for them if they had. Is it because it is too painful to relive? They don’t want to be pitied? Or because they wear their suffering like a badge of honor? No. I finally understood the real reason at the end of this book: They want to be accepted as is. What you see is what you get. They don’t feel the need to justify themselves (except in their own heads). A true exposition of the old adage ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover.
The beautiful prose continues here, The addiction to turning the next page. The provoking thoughts. I loved it. I was all ready to give it 5 stars. Then I got to the end. I hated it. The end requires such a suspension of disbelief it’s worse than a third rate horror movie. It doesn’t just border on absurdity, it pole vaults over the line. It doesn’t do the book justice. And once again Harlan fails to take any precautions at the most critical juncture of all. As I didn’t have any choice but to give ‘The Meek’ five stars, I have no choice but to give ‘The Monster’ four because of this stupid ending which frankly I could have thought of four different ways at least to make better.
July 18, 2018
Wow what an ending!
J. D. Palmer this book has blown me away! What a spectacular ending! Sure didn't see that coming! I absolutely love this second book in the series and can hardly wait for the next book. There is going to be another book right??? For those who love post-apocalyptic fiction, you must check out both books in this series.
J. D. Palmer this book has blown me away! What a spectacular ending! Sure didn't see that coming! I absolutely love this second book in the series and can hardly wait for the next book. There is going to be another book right??? For those who love post-apocalyptic fiction, you must check out both books in this series.
May 6, 2018
I won this book from Goodreads and Amazon (Kindle version) for an honest review.
Wow, I really liked this book and now I need to go back and read the first (Meek) one. I really liked the writing and found this fast-paced read to be a refreshing and intriguing spin on the post-apocalyptic genre. I feel the characters have a realness to them and you find yourself wanting to follow their story to see where it and they go. I look forward to reading the next book as well as going back to the first one. This author has become one of my new favorites as I really like his writing. I highly recommend this book as it is a very good read.
Wow, I really liked this book and now I need to go back and read the first (Meek) one. I really liked the writing and found this fast-paced read to be a refreshing and intriguing spin on the post-apocalyptic genre. I feel the characters have a realness to them and you find yourself wanting to follow their story to see where it and they go. I look forward to reading the next book as well as going back to the first one. This author has become one of my new favorites as I really like his writing. I highly recommend this book as it is a very good read.
March 25, 2019
Another exhilarating read
A dynamic action packed page turner. An exciting story line is supported by exceptional writing. This second instalment further explores the concept of morality, blurred now, and a little ragged around the edges in this new world. Har is set another series of challenges and obstacles to overcome in his journey home. Powerful ending that will have you downloading book 3 instantly.
A dynamic action packed page turner. An exciting story line is supported by exceptional writing. This second instalment further explores the concept of morality, blurred now, and a little ragged around the edges in this new world. Har is set another series of challenges and obstacles to overcome in his journey home. Powerful ending that will have you downloading book 3 instantly.
October 1, 2018
The Monster is alive
I did not see that end coming.
Cliffhanger warning.
Amazing.
A group of survivors has become a family. Through shared suffering, and death, and destruction.
The end of the world came, but not for everyone.
Very few editing errors.
The author’s words, like prose, paint the tale rather than tell it.
Amazing.
I did not see that end coming.
Cliffhanger warning.
Amazing.
A group of survivors has become a family. Through shared suffering, and death, and destruction.
The end of the world came, but not for everyone.
Very few editing errors.
The author’s words, like prose, paint the tale rather than tell it.
Amazing.
December 28, 2018
Gripping
I came across the first in this trilogy (the meek) by chance and after reading that looked for part two straight away and wow, better than the first great series - part three please!
I came across the first in this trilogy (the meek) by chance and after reading that looked for part two straight away and wow, better than the first great series - part three please!
July 11, 2018
I was loving this book until the last two pages... a solid 4.5 up to that point and a 1 at the end. I can't believe the author brought back a character from the beginning of book 1. It was a major "ya right" moment and blew it for me. I don't know if I will continue on with this series if book 3 comes out, even though I have come to love the core group of characters. The author was so good fleshing out the characters, their motivations, fears, loves and triumphs in this post apocalyptic world. The author put me in amongst this crew and it was like I was there, seeing what they were seeing, feeling what they were feeling. Then came Stuart - again. Please. Even in this fictional world of unlikely events, this took the cake. I was disappointed. I am sure there are those that are thrilled with this development but it ain't me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2018
Haunting, powerfully moving, and at times horrifying. Harlan and Beryl continue their trek north with a group of survivors, all the while dealing with the inner demons of their past that constantly prey on their minds. Terrified of what they may find on the road ahead, they meet up with some bizarre characters. This is the second book of the trilogy and I knew a cliffhanger was coming, but this one was jaw-dropping! I was stunned and speechless! So read this! You will be blown away! But read The Meek first.
July 4, 2018
Upset with the ending
The way the book ended was for me too abruptly. I really enjoyed both the first and second book, but I was expecting a third book with a more positive ending.
The way the book ended was for me too abruptly. I really enjoyed both the first and second book, but I was expecting a third book with a more positive ending.
September 25, 2018
Wow, I am really loving this series! If you are into Dystopian Post Apocalyptic type books (I am!) this is the perfect series to read. No mercy is taken here. This is the real deal. These are very authentic feeling. I would have to say that JD Palmer is a master crafter of this kind of writing.
This is a continuation exactly where the last book - The Meek, left off. So please read The Meek before reading this one. This is just as much a page turner as the first one.
Amazing character development! I loved Beryl and Harlan in the first book, but this only deepened my feelings for them. I have to admit, I usually feel than men get women's characters wrong. That's why I don't read a lot of male authors. Palmer got Beryl's character spot-on! She perfect (well, in her flawed kind of way). Its as though the author has such great insight into a women's thoughts and feelings and he doesn't hold back on Beryl at all.
So rarely do you get an aww moment in a book of this type. But towards the end, this one had the perfect aww moment that left me grinning from ear to ear.
Wow! Fantastic scary finish! All I have to add is - Next book please!
If you haven't started reading this series - What the heck are you waiting for? Hurry, go, now! Let your fingers do the shopping.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!!
This is a continuation exactly where the last book - The Meek, left off. So please read The Meek before reading this one. This is just as much a page turner as the first one.
Amazing character development! I loved Beryl and Harlan in the first book, but this only deepened my feelings for them. I have to admit, I usually feel than men get women's characters wrong. That's why I don't read a lot of male authors. Palmer got Beryl's character spot-on! She perfect (well, in her flawed kind of way). Its as though the author has such great insight into a women's thoughts and feelings and he doesn't hold back on Beryl at all.
So rarely do you get an aww moment in a book of this type. But towards the end, this one had the perfect aww moment that left me grinning from ear to ear.
Wow! Fantastic scary finish! All I have to add is - Next book please!
If you haven't started reading this series - What the heck are you waiting for? Hurry, go, now! Let your fingers do the shopping.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!!
March 5, 2020
Hmmmm
Whoa, this book left me breathless, I actually, leaned back, eyes wide and said a long drawn out, whooooooooa!!!!!
You, there is to many times where the main characters, especially beryllium, reflect too dam much, I actually skip much of her dialogue and thoughts.
Whoa, this book left me breathless, I actually, leaned back, eyes wide and said a long drawn out, whooooooooa!!!!!
You, there is to many times where the main characters, especially beryllium, reflect too dam much, I actually skip much of her dialogue and thoughts.
April 27, 2020
The ending is brutal!
I regret waiting so long to read this second book, but it did not disappoint! The ending is terribly good— I almost don’t want to continue with the third book, but I HAVE TO! I must say I didn’t see it coming; a perfectly, painful twist!
I regret waiting so long to read this second book, but it did not disappoint! The ending is terribly good— I almost don’t want to continue with the third book, but I HAVE TO! I must say I didn’t see it coming; a perfectly, painful twist!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews