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The only adult in the group has been shot. Can Isaac and Luke save Sonny? And if they can, how can they escape and get him and the rest of their group, to safety? They have transport and a destination, but the gang of killers is closing in fast - not too mention the occupying forces, armed to the teeth and hunting down America's survivors.
Whatever you do, don't miss the second action-packed installment of AMERICA FALLS - On the Run

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2018

519 people are currently reading
213 people want to read

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Scott Medbury

139 books172 followers

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5 stars
417 (37%)
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450 (40%)
3 stars
224 (19%)
2 stars
24 (2%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Richard Dominguez.
958 reviews123 followers
February 17, 2021
America Falls #2: On the Run is the followup to America Falls: Hell Week and it is one heck of a followup.
Every bit as good as part 1 "On the Run" now has Issac and his small band of survivors (including Sonny and his group) on the search for the "safe haven" a location they learned about through a Morse Code message they heard on the Am radio band. This time with the help of a group of Chinese nationals who are against their government''s policies, Issac and his group acquire a truck to make their run.
Once again America Falls #2 (like it's predecessor) is an excellent high impact adventure that simple put does not quit or pull any punches. The action starts as soon as you begin reading and builds steadily to the last page.
Scott Medbury does a wonderful job of building tension, at times releasing it in small acts of heroism or at other times exploding across the pages. Once again the plot is solid as the survivors move cautiously across the US against all odds, all the time hoping that the "safe haven" really exist.
I can't overstate how important the characters are to this story. To me this is a marvelous character study dressed up in an action packed adventure. Sonny the new addition to the group is dynamic, yet understated whom genuinely cares for those in his charge. Luke is the funny, sarcastic voice of wisdom whom Issac depends on for moral support.
Apart from the street gang and the invaders, "On the Run" also brings a new group of friends.
Is the "safe haven" real, are the new friends trust worthy, will the Tigers finally get their revenge, will Issac and Luke be able to hold this new group together or is death catching up with them?
This is a worthy story in and of itself, but masterfully complements book #1. An absolute recommend for this series.
Profile Image for Cecilyn.
584 reviews7 followers
August 16, 2024
The friendship growth between the little band of kids is warming, and I think the development into leaders and thinkers is realistic. Especially learning about consequences and actions.

It did seem a little off how Sonny (a grown man) is so deferential to a young kid. Even if it was a book for young readers, it seems like this plot point was more to stroke someone's ego rather than to be realistic
Profile Image for Anna.
20 reviews
September 12, 2018
Overall a great book...

There are some annoying grammar mistakes (wrong word order, wrong word hominem ect.) the editor didn't find, But not glaringly distracting. If you love apocalyptic novels, this is a good one
5 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2024
I love the progression so far from the first one. Also, the way it ended pretty much forces you to read the next volume. Overall, it's a great book.
Profile Image for Jesse.
1,604 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2019
First of all: "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

Okay, so I listened to this trilogy of books as a combined audiobook, so I will write one combined review for the three books.

I was really pleasantly surprised by these books. I've had a bad run of post-apocalyptic books lately, I guess. So my expectations were low, or in other words, I expected these books to be dumb. But I was pleasantly surprised.

Even had my expectations been higher, the America Falls series would have thrilled me. The author does a great job of briefly and succinctly setting up a scenario that is believable, and, just like any apocalypse scenario, a little bit scary. The characters are instantly likable, but the author proves early on that no one is safe, which means that everyone is expendable. Ultimately, this is a terrific decision, as it keeps the action from stagnating and becoming predictable.

The narrator does a fantastic job of adding to the tension inherent in the trials and tribulations of trying to survive. The different characters all come to life through the narration, and their hardships become more personal and more believable.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys end-of-the-world dramas or survivalist stories.
47 reviews
May 14, 2019
I listened to this audiobook as a trilogy of the first 3 books so my review expands to all three.

I've listened to a LOT of post-apocalyptic stories and they all start to run together on plots and themes and the trials and tribulations of the characters could all be a page borrowed from an episode of The Walking Dead. This series feels different and fresh and terrifyingly probable. Or at the very least, no stretch of my imagination or suspension of disbelief.

The story is set to motion by way of a pandemic virus hitting the East Coast. Its nearly 100% fatal to all adults and we quickly learn its a terrorist attack to overthrow America. Isaac, a vulnerable teen begins his journey of survival picking up fellow juvenile survivors along the way. They battle the obvious enemies and the not to obvious ones in our own backyard. They begin a journey as a group to head to some kind of sanctuary. And there lies the bones of the story,

At first I was a little bummed to hear the fact that all the characters seemed to be juveniles and would thus make the story more PG13 perhaps but I came and looked and realized it wasn't in fact in the YA genre. Oooo I'm more intrigued. Not that you need sex and violence and strong language to make a good story, but in true gritty post-apocalypse fashion we need the writing to be gritty as well...no sugar coating or toning it down for a younger audience.

I felt like the narrator really did a great job bringing all the characters to life and creating a distinction between one person to the next. Medbury expertly develops each character as we go. We don't get it all in one bite but little tastes along the way. It keeps the listener/reader engaged and committed to the characters that way. Each book is quick enough that you get past the cliff-hangers quick enough to calm your beating heart. I like how each book ends with some resolution but still a big question mark in the air for the next chapter in the saga.

Would definitely recommend if this is a genre you enjoy. Its a fresh, unique spin on a common theme in novels these days.
Profile Image for Krisaundra.
218 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2018
A Good Read

I continue to find the unique way this book is written, along with many differences from the majority of other post apocalyptic books to be a refreshing change from most other stories in this genre. The lack of military or prepped based influences makes this one of the potentially most realistic stories I've come across to date of average people trying to adapt and survive in a world that is no longer average or easy to adapt to. Best of all, overall it comes across as quite plausible. Since most stories full of highly athletic preppers with tons of knowledge and even more "stuff" often end up following very similar storylines I'm hugely grateful for a chance to read how an unprepared individual might find ways to adapt quickly and potentially find ways to survive even though the odds are greatly against them.
45 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2018
Smooth Transition

Getting ready to dive into the third book of this series.....:-)

As my title says, the transition into book 2 has been very smooth, and too, logical. I’ve read other ‘series’ around this genre, and many times there is a disconnect between one book to the next. With Scott, except for title changes, it feels like I am just continuing the first book. Nice and smooth....

Scott’s writing style keeps the reader engaged and interested not to mention able to relate, and yes ‘connect’ with the ever increasing exposure to the story and characters. Does not disappoint!! Thanks!
Profile Image for Erin Rogoff.
491 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2024
Summary—The only adult in the group has been shot. Can Isaac and Luke save Sonny? If they can, how can they escape and get him, and the rest of their group, to safety? They have transport and a destination, but the gang of killers is closing in fast—not to mention the occupying forces, armed to the teeth and hunting down America’s survivors.

There are so many things I love about this series so far that narrowing down all the details has been quite difficult, but let me give you a few reasons that come to mind instantly—

I loved how I was pulled right back into the America Falls series; just a recap—Isaac was once a kid in the foster care system but has become the leader in a group of teenagers surviving the end of the world as they know it.

I loved the character development in this book; it was so realistic! Teens developing friendships are something anyone can relate to, fictional or otherwise. Plus, Isaac’s obvious crush on Indigo was so adorable; his thinking his feelings for her was well-hidden despite everyone knowing he had insta-love for Indigo? Too cute!

Even though in the last book, the character who represented innocence was killed, but the cast of characters in this book lives and strives for good in her memory, especially Isaac with Luke as a close second. Sara was the innocent child, someone I really liked who was so special to a lot of people, fictional and otherwise.

I appreciated that amid all the chaos, blossoming romance exists. I ship Isaac and Indigo so far, but I don’t want to see them “develop into adulthood via a physical romance” just yet, if you know what I’m referring to, as I’m a firm believer in the statement, “Kids should be kids,” and all that jazz… Now, moving on!

I loved how humble Isaac is as a character, and I respect people like him in real life. Isaac is a level-headed leader who puts the good of the group ahead of the good for himself, and that’s something I admire greatly. If I were in his position, I think I’d be too emotional as a leader… but I’d undoubtedly want to emulate his proper farewells to fallen cohorts, because Isaac makes a point to remember the good his friends did before they eventually passed away.

On a point that has nothing to do with the actual reading of the book, I truly loved listening to the epic audiobook version of the America Falls series in full. Adam Barr has a great voice as a narrator, and I love that I can craft something or sketch something while listening to the audiobook.

If you’re generally curious, yes, I love listening to science fiction audiobooks more than simply reading the words on the pages of all the paperback books. I don’t know why I prefer exclusively sci-fi audiobooks, but I don’t think too much about it; I just enjoy the sci-fi ride narrators give me!

I felt entertained and excited by the sci-fi adventure I won’t soon forget. I love books like this, and Scott Medbury’s books, specifically, resonate with me despite not knowing what the end of the world will be like. Anyways, to say I love the America Falls series by Scott Medbury is a major understatement!

I wouldn’t say there were any specific scenes in this book that left a positive or negative impact on me, but there was indeed a rocky sort of feeling whenever Isaac called Luke his best friend, and about half-way through the book, I slowly lost interest, which was something I didn’t expect from reading this book. I love so many sci-fi novels, but this one lacked my intrigue, so no, I wound up not finishing this book, I’m sad to say. This is by no fault of Scott Medbury; this is a me problem.

There wasn’t much within this book I majorly disliked, but I’ve felt book slump vibes recently that have been getting to me a bit… meaning my interest in books right now is on the fence; I’m either all-in or all-out. With this book, I felt it was a page-turner up to the 75% through mark, but afterwards, I set the book aside and just… forgot about it... and unfortunately, my desire to finish this book wasn’t there anymore. Will I reread this book in the future? Yes, but not right now.

If I were the author of the America Falls series, in place of Scott Medbury, there isn’t a whole lot I’d change to make this series better, as I see it’s awesome as-is; yes, even though I’m in a bit of a book depression, thus DNF’ing On the Run about 75% through the book. My apologies to Scott Medbury; again, this isn’t a book problem, it’s a me problem.

Finishing my review—If you’re a science fiction fan wanting to find a newish book series to read about kids handling end-of-the-world problems, this should be added to your list of books to read next. There are relatable characters, conspiracy theories galore, ideas on how the world could end that aren’t out of the realm of possibility, and this is a series, so you won’t be devastated when you reach the end of the book (the first one, at least, for me). Even though I didn’t finish this book (I DNF’ed it about 75% in), I still think you should read it to the end and enjoy the whole thing from start to finish.
Profile Image for Jude Samson.
Author 2 books1 follower
Read
May 19, 2021
How is this so highly rated? The first wasn’t bad despite the stupid concept but now we’re just getting ridiculous. You’re telling me that 16 and under kids are out smarting - REPEATEDLY - grown ups from a country of incredibly smart people and military persons? You’re telling me kids can perform surgery? That they’re strategizing at levels beyond a well trained army? Much less a military presence that was smart enough to kill most of America but these kids are out smarting them every time? There is no way these kids know the names for weapons and specific types of rounds being used. It’s not even that it’s the author saying this is what was used as part of action description - they actually have the kids saying what it was. Get the hell out of here. And what 16 and under kid is going to know a James Bond quote? And then you have American adults show up and you think they’d be so aggressive and nasty to kids after knowing they’re the only survivors? The writer threw this BS concept at the wall and someone was like “yeah meh doesn’t sound bad try it” and he just started spewing out the most ridiculous nonsense imaginable. And again - have you ever heard how a kid speaks? They all talk like Middle Aged white men. We have no connection with these kids because no time was spent actually developing them as characters and making them seem real so even when someone dies you just don’t give one iota about it. I was willing to check more of the series after the first one but now fighting to make it through the rest of the book and will NOT be finishing the series
174 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2024
It is dangerous out after the invasion by the Chinese and this little band of survivors of the virus released as a preliminary to the invasion, must fight off other chancers as well as invaders. But, led by the teenage Isaac after Sonny sustains a bullet wound, the group continues to head for what they hope is safety. Plenty of action in this story as the group of teenagers make their way towards the hoped-for safe haven at Drake Mountain. But when they arrive, they run into a Chinese team who doggedly pursue the little group until the Chinese are ambushed by a group of middle aged Americans. The young survivors are blindfolded and tied, then taken them to an underground hideaway in the actual mountain. This sets the scene for book three in the series, which I look forward to reading.

An interesting read which is highly recommended.

Moses
3,946 reviews14 followers
May 7, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Death is strange in this new world."
Part two in the America Falls serial, following Isaac and friends, mostly teenagers trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world after a biologically programmed influenza strain had killed the U.S. inhabitants other than youngsters under sixteens, and America invaded.
The teenagers continue to try to find the safe haven, whilst still battling both the invaders and the Red Tiger gang, suffering injuries and fatalities along the way. Once again, the excellent narration is by Adam Barr, who both interprets all of the characters at the same time as becomes
Isaac, the teen through who's eyes the tale is viewed.

An unusual, post apocalyptic serialized story, flawed but engaging.
Profile Image for Jay.
564 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2019
This second book in the America Falls series was pretty good as well. It moved the overall story along and had a fair deal of action and suspense. This book was more like other post-apocalyptic stories in the way the developments occur. Chased, escaped, chased, saved... or are they. I had a grasp on what was going to happen and the story didn't really veer from that. The characters are done well, though, and perhaps I am being too harsh. We will see how the next book goes, as a whole though, I am enjoying the series. Conspiracy theory enthusiast heaven.

This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.

Profile Image for CAROLYN Wyman.
741 reviews29 followers
August 4, 2023
This is the second book and continues where the first book ends. I listened to the audio book - The story follows a group of kids, survivors, from a Red Dawn / Contagion style attack. The disease caused adults to get extremely sick and die in a very quick time period. This book ads some new characters which ads new dynamics. The writer does a good job painting a picture of a post apocalyptic world and problems they would encounter. The story keeps your attention and I will definitely be continuing the series. I love the character development as the story progresses. You cheer on the group and feel their struggles.
Profile Image for Andrea Payne.
709 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2023
What's next?

I truly enjoyed books one and two. I found the characters to be well developed and the plot to be interesting. I do wish there were less distracting errors, at one point the wrong name is given for Issac. I also find myself as conflicted as I was after book one. I get totally sucked in to this storyline and aren't even aware of passing time but there are scenarios which are just not feasible and one which borders on utterly ridiculous.

I will admit that after finishing book one of the series, all I could think about was what happened next which is the sign of an awesome book. I will be continuing the series and I do recommend the mostly clean writing.
Profile Image for Rachael Drenckpohl.
642 reviews
April 19, 2025
3 stars. Wth?! I hate the last line of the book because Sonny is my favorite character! I’m please that the internalized misogyny of the characters has been dialed back a bit. The author’s sexist writing style has also chilled, but that could be because he hasn’t introduced anymore female MCs in this book.

It’s also annoying just how much the theme of leadership is forced on the reader. We get it without being told over and over again. Not to mention that Isaac is actually not a good leader. He keeps making stupid decisions that get people killed, and when everything actually does go smoothly, it’s mere luck.

I hope the writing and the characters continue to grow. On to the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for dawn roper.
80 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2018
This series is excellent!

It's hard to write a series that moves from one book to the next, but this author has done it! So many series start great but by the second book the author just tried to get to the next book without moving the story forward. Not this author! Each book has you guessing what will happen next and you can never predict the next exciting event to unfold. So worth the read! Well done!
122 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2021
The America Falls series is awesome! Teen/YA adventure at its absolute best!

On The Run is chock full of edge of your seat action that keeps you anxiously turning pages. It’s the second book in the America Falls series that I’ve read and I’m looking forward to reading the third installment, Cold Comfort. If you enjoy reading apocalypse stories with lots of exciting adventure, then you’ll love this series. Grab your copy today!
Profile Image for Sabrina Marlbrough.
67 reviews
June 12, 2018
Continuing on from the first book. Truly enjoying the way it is written. Characters have depth and are engaging. The story is written by Isaac while it is happening, which I truly enjoy throughout the series. The characters do not lose their humanity. It is clear and very present each time they interact with others.
Profile Image for Debbe.
77 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2018
Mystery Continues

I love the whole story, the characters are alive, I have a growing dislike for the mysterious so called saviors. There are undertones of government mistrust and ulterior motives afoot. There is so much more to this story then I first assumed, thank you to the author.
Profile Image for John.
265 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2020
In many ways, On the Run by Scott Medbury was not quite as good as his first novel in the American Falls series, but it still keeps the reader engaged. Although the book seemed more of the level for a young adult, there are still many parts that are thought provoking, particularly during this time on the earth with a pandemic that has changed everyone's life.
February 3, 2023
America Falls, an amazing set of books.

On The Run is number two in the series and it's an outstanding, gripping and unputdownable book as the first one is. It is so well written, not that I can write, but I honestly feel I'm right beside Isaac and their friends. There is nothing left to say.... It's an excellent book.
10 reviews
May 9, 2024
"on the run" the second book in the America falls series is just as good as the first. This book fallows the same characters as the first and is full of suspenseful and action packed scenes. I recommend this book to anyone who has finished the first book and looking at what the rest of the series might behold.
Profile Image for Rachael.
968 reviews
June 1, 2024
Lots of suspense.

I am really enjoying this series. The story moves very quickly and the characters are likable. The story is pretty clean, with little foul language. I just downloaded the next book as I am really curious to read what direction the story will go. What happens to Sonny? Will Issac, Luke and Ben be reunited with the girls?
82 reviews
March 8, 2025
After reading so many Post Apocalyptic books from authors like Franklin Horton, AJ Newman and A. American, my bar has been sey pretty high. This series is a solid 3 for me. That's the best I can do. The biggest issue is that people as naive and woke as these would never last this long. Darwin would visit them quickly. But so far the series is bearable.
512 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
Humanity At Its Extremes

I could just be having a bad day but oh boy it’s so easy to read between the lines and see the very obvious red flags. Kinda depressing to be honest, the trouble is that a pessimistic view is more than likely to be the most logical.

Thankfully all of this is on KU so I’m all in.
46 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2018
SHTF in America

A really good continuation of the first book in this series. I enjoyed it - even though it was a little bit much, as far as the kids whipping armed Chinese soldiers.
216 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2018
America Falls

The series about a bio flu hits the US killing everyone over the age of 17 unless you are of Chinese descent. Follow a group of kids tryin to survive the loss of everything and the invasion of the Chinese. Must read!
191 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2018
Interesting continuation

This seems like it is stringing me along. Hopefully the next book.Will get on with the plot. Realistic characters that hold my interest. Time will tell on this series.
40 reviews
December 26, 2019
Adequate

A good a little read of an ok series. Some situations the characters find themselves in are annoying but I try to remember these are supposed to be kids so maybe the ridiculousness makes sense.
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