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America Falls #1
Hell Week
No Maze... No Zombies... No Games... Its Hell Week . America has fallen and 97% of all grown ups are dead or dying. 15-year-old Isaac Race, must lead a ragtag group of teen survivors and fight for their lives as the ground invasion of their country begins. They have one chance to survive. There are rumors of a place - a sanctuary - where they might be safe, but its three states away. If Isaac and his friends are to survive the chaos of post-apocalyptic America and make the perilous journey, they’ll have to fight every step of the way and be prepared to do things that would have been unthinkable just weeks before when they were ordinary schoolkids. Hell Week is the first installment of AMERICA FALLS, a gripping survival adventure and story about who we are and who we have to become in order to survive. What Amazon readers are ★★★★★ "The characters are rich and believable, I was cheering, raging and crying as I read." ★★★★★ "The story kind of sneaks up on you and before you know it, the afternoon is gone." ★★★★★ "Compelling action! I could not stop reading this series... give me more, more, more! ★★★★★ " I LOVED IT! I couldn't skip words or chapters or paragraphs, I was afraid I would miss something!!! Click the buy button, start a series you won’t want to put down!
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2018
1036 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
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.
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.
June 29, 2018
SHTF in America
This was an entertaining book but a little unbelievable. I've always thought some renegade country could destroy the USA with a biological attack, but I can't believe someone could make a biological weapon this selective. Also - and I always see it when bad things happen - in real life or print, someone questions the Existence of God when terrible things occur in this world. Here's a news flash: the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is NOT the god of this world. Satan is. He runs everything on earth and he will until Jesus returns and kicks his ass out. That's why bad things happen and continue to do so.
This was an entertaining book but a little unbelievable. I've always thought some renegade country could destroy the USA with a biological attack, but I can't believe someone could make a biological weapon this selective. Also - and I always see it when bad things happen - in real life or print, someone questions the Existence of God when terrible things occur in this world. Here's a news flash: the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is NOT the god of this world. Satan is. He runs everything on earth and he will until Jesus returns and kicks his ass out. That's why bad things happen and continue to do so.
May 7, 2024
A biological attack on the US from another country a virus that targets a specific age group and also able to avoid a certain ethnicity. A bit far fetched definitely some holes here, pace is a bit slow at times. I did enjoy the action when it occurred and characters, there is good character development especially of main character Isaac. There is not much originality with the plot I found it predictable. This is a series already purchased so I guess I will eventually read the rest.
March 4, 2019
After reading the first 3 books of the series, I think they are entertaining enough to be worth your time, but I have reservations. The plot is heavily driven by the characters making a lot of very stupid mistakes (sometimes more than once), and suffering the consequences. I lost track of the times I muttered "you idiot" to myself, and the predictable result happened shortly thereafter. I much prefer a story about smart people.
June 27, 2019
China Puts The Screws to Old Old US of A.
I shouldn't have liked this combination pandemic\foreign invasion tale killing off all Americans over the age of seventeen followed by a Chinese land invasion to enslave the teen survivors-- all Chinese are immune to the virus. But I did and will read at least the follow-up.
I shouldn't have liked this combination pandemic\foreign invasion tale killing off all Americans over the age of seventeen followed by a Chinese land invasion to enslave the teen survivors-- all Chinese are immune to the virus. But I did and will read at least the follow-up.
August 9, 2018
Love it!
At first I was a bit sceptical of the teen end of the world plot but I'll straight up say I was very happily wrong! The characters are rich and believable, I felt myself cheering them on and feeling for their losses. I definitely recommend this book, this author.
At first I was a bit sceptical of the teen end of the world plot but I'll straight up say I was very happily wrong! The characters are rich and believable, I felt myself cheering them on and feeling for their losses. I definitely recommend this book, this author.
August 11, 2024
Love the perspective of a teenage boy trying to navigate a crazy new world he's found himself in.
May 7, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Everyone's gotta have hope."
An outbreak of 'flu races across the USA, killing, within a few hours, every adult aged about sixteen or over. The virus had not naturally evolved; it was a biological weapon, preceding an actual invasion. A teenage boy, Isaac, together with an handful of fellow teens, try to find a place of sanctuary which had broadcast over the radio: a safe haven. But first they had to find out where to go as well as somehow getting there. An intriguing concept; the characterisation is good although the thought processes and speech of the boys seems to be those of older than midterm youngsters. The absence of people, both living or dead, is also surprising.
The book is written in the first person, from the point of view of Isaac, leader of the tiny survivor group. Adam Barr, as narrator, fits into the persona well, his voice, softly pleasing, has a youthful feel to the timbre and his pacing is excellent, as is his intonation. A fine performance, with the various characters each voiced individually and appropriately, the text between conversations read with understanding and involvement.
Overall, this was an enjoyable first part of a serial, if somewhat flawed with unanswered questions. To be continued ...
"Everyone's gotta have hope."
An outbreak of 'flu races across the USA, killing, within a few hours, every adult aged about sixteen or over. The virus had not naturally evolved; it was a biological weapon, preceding an actual invasion. A teenage boy, Isaac, together with an handful of fellow teens, try to find a place of sanctuary which had broadcast over the radio: a safe haven. But first they had to find out where to go as well as somehow getting there. An intriguing concept; the characterisation is good although the thought processes and speech of the boys seems to be those of older than midterm youngsters. The absence of people, both living or dead, is also surprising.
The book is written in the first person, from the point of view of Isaac, leader of the tiny survivor group. Adam Barr, as narrator, fits into the persona well, his voice, softly pleasing, has a youthful feel to the timbre and his pacing is excellent, as is his intonation. A fine performance, with the various characters each voiced individually and appropriately, the text between conversations read with understanding and involvement.
Overall, this was an enjoyable first part of a serial, if somewhat flawed with unanswered questions. To be continued ...
September 1, 2019
A hero that stands out in this genre. He's strong, but he also has vulnerabilities.
Looking forward to reading more about him, and the others.
Looking forward to reading more about him, and the others.
November 30, 2023
I like the concept but the story is a little YA for my taste.
February 14, 2021
OMG, I had no idea what I was in for going into this story. It was a poll pick from my Facebook friends/followers and they made a great choice.
America Falls: Hell Week is book 1 in the America Falls series and it is absolutely amazing. The opening line grabbed my attention and led me on a race that slammed me into the last line of the book "I've been shot". Needless to say I picked up book 2 immediately and continued reading.
The story revolves around Issac a survivor of a weaponized virus that has (with a small exception) killed people over the age of 17/18. Upon deciding that he is going to have to move on, he slowly begins to accumulate a small band of followers. Some will live and some will die, but all of them make an impact on the story that had me in awe. The characters aren't just well written, fully fleshed out with depth and attitude, but they are alive. Each one of them breaths, thinks, hopes, loves, suffers loss and continues to move forward. Issac is perfect as whom the circumstance has chosen as leader. He is caring, strong, disciplined, likable, but young, naive and capable of making mistakes we all can make. His followers are an amazingly eclectic group that are diverse, interesting and to be honest I don't know where this story would be without them. From Luke to Sonny, the invaders, secret allies and even the street gang called "The Tigers" all work together to create a story that kept this reader turning page after page afraid of what I might miss out on if I stopped turning the page.
The world building is great, the author does a wonderful job of making us feel familiar with the surroundings without boring us with too much detail. Mr Medbury's choice of winter as the peripheral event to his story was excellent. The weather is cold, harsh, beautiful, sometimes causing problems and other times solving problems. Hence the weather becomes a character in the story as well and I think that is a brilliant and skillful move by the author.
The story comes to a dead end cliffhanger (as I mentioned above) and personally I couldn't be happier. With Sonny's final words of book 1, my heart skipped a beat and I rushed through my library and began reading book 2 "On The Run".
The writing is spot on in every respect, conversations work, personal revelations work, banter between the group works, Issac has this habit, when he tells us of the people in his group, he says "and that is how I met Luke" or "and that is how I met Samara", I absolutely love that line, it has the note of hope in it. Hope that is what it is all about, Luke's recanting of the myth of Pandora was perfect and it came at the best moment possible in the story.
This is an amazing read and while I just started book 2 I have no doubts at all that it will be just as amazing. The idea of this fitting into a particular genre will do the reader more harm than good. Do not miss out on this story, if you want a good, fun, action packed read with excellent characters this is the book you are looking for, hands down.
America Falls: Hell Week is book 1 in the America Falls series and it is absolutely amazing. The opening line grabbed my attention and led me on a race that slammed me into the last line of the book "I've been shot". Needless to say I picked up book 2 immediately and continued reading.
The story revolves around Issac a survivor of a weaponized virus that has (with a small exception) killed people over the age of 17/18. Upon deciding that he is going to have to move on, he slowly begins to accumulate a small band of followers. Some will live and some will die, but all of them make an impact on the story that had me in awe. The characters aren't just well written, fully fleshed out with depth and attitude, but they are alive. Each one of them breaths, thinks, hopes, loves, suffers loss and continues to move forward. Issac is perfect as whom the circumstance has chosen as leader. He is caring, strong, disciplined, likable, but young, naive and capable of making mistakes we all can make. His followers are an amazingly eclectic group that are diverse, interesting and to be honest I don't know where this story would be without them. From Luke to Sonny, the invaders, secret allies and even the street gang called "The Tigers" all work together to create a story that kept this reader turning page after page afraid of what I might miss out on if I stopped turning the page.
The world building is great, the author does a wonderful job of making us feel familiar with the surroundings without boring us with too much detail. Mr Medbury's choice of winter as the peripheral event to his story was excellent. The weather is cold, harsh, beautiful, sometimes causing problems and other times solving problems. Hence the weather becomes a character in the story as well and I think that is a brilliant and skillful move by the author.
The story comes to a dead end cliffhanger (as I mentioned above) and personally I couldn't be happier. With Sonny's final words of book 1, my heart skipped a beat and I rushed through my library and began reading book 2 "On The Run".
The writing is spot on in every respect, conversations work, personal revelations work, banter between the group works, Issac has this habit, when he tells us of the people in his group, he says "and that is how I met Luke" or "and that is how I met Samara", I absolutely love that line, it has the note of hope in it. Hope that is what it is all about, Luke's recanting of the myth of Pandora was perfect and it came at the best moment possible in the story.
This is an amazing read and while I just started book 2 I have no doubts at all that it will be just as amazing. The idea of this fitting into a particular genre will do the reader more harm than good. Do not miss out on this story, if you want a good, fun, action packed read with excellent characters this is the book you are looking for, hands down.
November 3, 2019
Hell Week is the first installment of AMERICA FALLS, a post-apocalyptic survival series, a compelling, action-packed story about who we are and who we have to become in order to survive.
No Mazes. No factions. No games.
AMERICA FALLS.
I’m fairly new to the post-apocalyptic genre and I found this series, (especially this book), a breath of fresh air already. I’m accustomed to either zombies or electromagnetic pulses (E.M.P.) attacks or something similar.
Scott Medbury did an excellent job of flipping this genre on its head … at least in my view since I’m so new to the game. I loved the fact that this series is focused on kids and older teens. It placed a new twist on things for me.
We’re introduced to Isaac Race through an unfortunate event that happens when he is about 13 years old. At first I felt it was a bit out of place but I understand that the author was giving us a brief background of our hero and anchor of the series. What Isaac went through informs us as to why he is the glue for the series. It’s explained in a decent way and it wasn’t written to beat us over the head with, “Hey, look at me…I’m important!”
After a surprise biological attack, America, the most powerful nation on Earth, quickly succumbs, with 99.91% of the population over the age of 16 decimated. This is pure craziness and genius!
Will kids be able to survive this? I thought it was interesting to see the dynamics of how things turned out throughout the series.
Hell Week did a good job of helping us meet our cast of characters for this journey. All I know is that if this were to ever happen, I want my own Isaac…and you’d better want that, too!
No Mazes. No factions. No games.
AMERICA FALLS.
I’m fairly new to the post-apocalyptic genre and I found this series, (especially this book), a breath of fresh air already. I’m accustomed to either zombies or electromagnetic pulses (E.M.P.) attacks or something similar.
Scott Medbury did an excellent job of flipping this genre on its head … at least in my view since I’m so new to the game. I loved the fact that this series is focused on kids and older teens. It placed a new twist on things for me.
We’re introduced to Isaac Race through an unfortunate event that happens when he is about 13 years old. At first I felt it was a bit out of place but I understand that the author was giving us a brief background of our hero and anchor of the series. What Isaac went through informs us as to why he is the glue for the series. It’s explained in a decent way and it wasn’t written to beat us over the head with, “Hey, look at me…I’m important!”
After a surprise biological attack, America, the most powerful nation on Earth, quickly succumbs, with 99.91% of the population over the age of 16 decimated. This is pure craziness and genius!
Will kids be able to survive this? I thought it was interesting to see the dynamics of how things turned out throughout the series.
Hell Week did a good job of helping us meet our cast of characters for this journey. All I know is that if this were to ever happen, I want my own Isaac…and you’d better want that, too!
December 9, 2018
I love post apocalyptic books, movies, comic, everything. That's why I decided to review this book. I knew going in that there was no zombies or aliens, which I have to admit made me a little sad. Because I LOVE zombies and aliens. Especially zombies.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book. It didn't feel like all the other post apocalyptic stuff I've seen out there--which believe me is a good thing. A very good thing. The main character was very likable and found myself rooting for him and hoping he would get away.
I'm not going to spoil it, but let me just say that I'm happy he didn't portray all of the bad guys (the race) as bad. I appreciate it because when I figured out what was going on I became a little concerned!
I only have one teeny tiny criticism of the book and that's it ended sort of suddenly. I thought it could go on for another a few hours at least. Anyway, I'll read the next one for sure and I'd recommend you get this too if you're into the same books as I am!
Please note that I received this title for free in exchange for an unbiased review .
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book. It didn't feel like all the other post apocalyptic stuff I've seen out there--which believe me is a good thing. A very good thing. The main character was very likable and found myself rooting for him and hoping he would get away.
I'm not going to spoil it, but let me just say that I'm happy he didn't portray all of the bad guys (the race) as bad. I appreciate it because when I figured out what was going on I became a little concerned!
I only have one teeny tiny criticism of the book and that's it ended sort of suddenly. I thought it could go on for another a few hours at least. Anyway, I'll read the next one for sure and I'd recommend you get this too if you're into the same books as I am!
Please note that I received this title for free in exchange for an unbiased review .
April 28, 2018
Great Concept!
I am definitely enjoying this book so far, despite the cliffhanger ending that's a major pet peeve of mine. Frequently have I enjoyed a book ending in such a way as to offer closure while at the same time leaving a window of opportunity to carry on the tale if desired. The clever way of explaining why only adults die, true or not, pulls enough weight to be believable without the hindrance of page after page of medical mumbo jumbo. So far I'm eager to read what's next.
I am definitely enjoying this book so far, despite the cliffhanger ending that's a major pet peeve of mine. Frequently have I enjoyed a book ending in such a way as to offer closure while at the same time leaving a window of opportunity to carry on the tale if desired. The clever way of explaining why only adults die, true or not, pulls enough weight to be believable without the hindrance of page after page of medical mumbo jumbo. So far I'm eager to read what's next.
June 29, 2018
After a weaponized flu spreads across the US, the population is decimated. Isaac, the protagonist, tries to survive. He makes and loses friends as he tries to find his way. This book had a decent plot, but it is not a complete story. It ends abruptly with no resolution in an attempt to get the reader to buy the next part. I love series books, but each one should be able to stand alone. I don't think I will buy the next book.
December 13, 2018
Wow was not expecting that.
My only complaint about this book it is that it's too short! This is a really good start to a series. I found myself not wanting the book to end. I don't know if I will get a free review copy or not, but I will definitely be picking up part 2.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
My only complaint about this book it is that it's too short! This is a really good start to a series. I found myself not wanting the book to end. I don't know if I will get a free review copy or not, but I will definitely be picking up part 2.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
October 21, 2018
Wasted time !!
The story line is ridiculous and poorly written with nothing believable in the situations that the author put around the main character The pace of the book was written with little detail of the world ending event.
The story line is ridiculous and poorly written with nothing believable in the situations that the author put around the main character The pace of the book was written with little detail of the world ending event.
July 5, 2018
Great characters
This is a fast read with likeable characters in real life situations. I can't wait to read the next book.
This is a fast read with likeable characters in real life situations. I can't wait to read the next book.
October 12, 2018
Wild story
This one has lots of twists and turns. Characters are interesting. Makes you wonder what next? Seems worth your time.
This one has lots of twists and turns. Characters are interesting. Makes you wonder what next? Seems worth your time.
November 7, 2018
Hello Week
I started reading this book and realized I read the whole series at one time in a box set. I still read it again. Great storyline. Very unique.
I started reading this book and realized I read the whole series at one time in a box set. I still read it again. Great storyline. Very unique.
June 30, 2022
We’ve been listening to this series when traveling and it’s so stinkin good. The timing of publishing is odd simply for the fact that it came out before Covid, but such a brilliant idea!
September 22, 2024
Something I loved about this book, besides the genre being science fiction, which was my favorite literary genre to read all while I was growing up, was the development of Isaac as a character. He goes from a friendly and innocent kid to needing to grow up faster than his peers. That’s unfair to him, because no child should have to go through what he endured, but I found him to be respectfully mature for his age, insightful on worldly matters as well as those for himself, and I was greatly impressed how he was able to vent his anger through self-defense lessons. More than that, he knows from an early age what needs to be done to get to his eventual goal even if it’s a difficult challenge to persevere through, and that’s the thing I love most about him as a character. Overall, the characters felt relatable, more than just Isaac Race, because they had lifelike qualities about their personalities and experiences that made them seem real and not exclusively fictional characters in a book. Besides that, I can relate to Isaac on some level, because I also lost siblings.
In reading this book, I felt heartbreak on Isaac’s behalf, because he faced far more traumatic experiences than any teenager should ever deal with; but I also felt eerie and conspiratorial as I read the parts of the book that discussed biological warfare, how it might not be far off from, or inspired by, the Coronavirus and its actual origin. I felt excitement overall, but in a nerdy way that sci-fi lovers can truly appreciate.
Choosing a favorite part of this book is hard to think about, because the whole book was a wild ride of epic sci-fi proportions, but I can easily tell you my favorite character is Luke, because prior to the world going to shit, he had no trouble in standing up for the victims of bullying and calling out the assholes who did wrong. Isaac met Luke after Luke was sent to the principal’s office for beating up a bully who copped a feel on a pretty girl. Luke wasn’t worried about being suspended, because he knew he did the right thing and would do it again if a situation like that arose again. I was so proud of him, and if my son did something like that, I wouldn’t be mad at all. I’m not saying violence is the answer all the time, but fighting back against bullies is needed, because they won’t stop unless they’re taught what will happen to them if they continue their bad behavior. It’s easy to pick a favorite character, but if I really had to choose a favorite part in this book, I’d say how real it feels to read about biological warfare, especially for conspiratorial theorists who believe the Coronavirus was biological warfare from China to eradicate Western civilization.
One scene that had me emotional in a negative way, although I didn’t cry, was when Sara died after being attacked by starving dogs. I hate that for her, and I was reminded of a quote from Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. “Some of those who die deserve life…” Sara was one of those people who deserved so much but was dealt so little. However, she died protected as best they could by her friends, her found family, so even though it was heartbreaking to read about her death, I’m glad she was surrounded by Isaac, Luke, Ben, and Brooke. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t need to be related to be family, and they were family for each other on so many levels. Rest in peace, sweet Sara!
I wouldn’t say I disliked this part of the book, but I simply didn’t trust this character within the book. Will is charismatic and enthusiastic about comforts amid survival, but I agreed with Isaac on all accounts about not placing his trust in Will. I don’t pretend to have all the answers in a survival situation, but I’d rather place my trust in a dirt-caked survivalist with trust issues than a clean-cut charismatic guy with an unsettling smile who seems too comfortable amid a chaotic situation. This is where my trust issues come in handy, I guess.
This book was indeed a page-turner, and no, I didn’t want the book to end! Lucky for me, this is a series, so I have a lot more to read, so much to enjoy, and many more characters to get to know and cheer for in the post-apocalypse! Much as I loved Sara for the short amount of time I’d known her in reading this book, I’m praying to God that Indigo doesn’t die! She is perfect for Isaac, and I want them to have an HEA, even in a fictional, apocalyptic world.
If I were in the place of author Scott Medbury, there’s little I’d change to make this series better. The only thing I can think of from the get-go is increasing the characters’ ages, as I really want to see Isaac and Indigo growing together as a couple and individual people and making a relationship official. In a perfect post-apocalyptic world, Isaac and Indigo would end up building a life together with their friends (AKA their found family), and then Indigo would find out she’s pregnant, then give birth to a daughter, whom I’d name Sara Blue, as Sara the first character should be remembered and honored, and Blue as a way of naming the baby after Indigo, too.
Finishing my review, I came for sci-fi excitement and post-apocalyptic entertainment in reading this book, and that’s precisely what I got. Kudos to you, Scott Medbury! I felt as if I were in the book right next to Isaac and all his friends. The imagery was vivid, the action was intense, the sad beginnings of the characters were semi-realistic (not sci-fi enough to be beyond reality, but biological warfare realistic—does that make sense?), and the literary ride this book took me on was everything I wanted and more! I’ll definitely read the rest of this epic series, and yes, I’ll be recommending it to all my nerdy sci-fi-loving friends, too!
In reading this book, I felt heartbreak on Isaac’s behalf, because he faced far more traumatic experiences than any teenager should ever deal with; but I also felt eerie and conspiratorial as I read the parts of the book that discussed biological warfare, how it might not be far off from, or inspired by, the Coronavirus and its actual origin. I felt excitement overall, but in a nerdy way that sci-fi lovers can truly appreciate.
Choosing a favorite part of this book is hard to think about, because the whole book was a wild ride of epic sci-fi proportions, but I can easily tell you my favorite character is Luke, because prior to the world going to shit, he had no trouble in standing up for the victims of bullying and calling out the assholes who did wrong. Isaac met Luke after Luke was sent to the principal’s office for beating up a bully who copped a feel on a pretty girl. Luke wasn’t worried about being suspended, because he knew he did the right thing and would do it again if a situation like that arose again. I was so proud of him, and if my son did something like that, I wouldn’t be mad at all. I’m not saying violence is the answer all the time, but fighting back against bullies is needed, because they won’t stop unless they’re taught what will happen to them if they continue their bad behavior. It’s easy to pick a favorite character, but if I really had to choose a favorite part in this book, I’d say how real it feels to read about biological warfare, especially for conspiratorial theorists who believe the Coronavirus was biological warfare from China to eradicate Western civilization.
One scene that had me emotional in a negative way, although I didn’t cry, was when Sara died after being attacked by starving dogs. I hate that for her, and I was reminded of a quote from Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. “Some of those who die deserve life…” Sara was one of those people who deserved so much but was dealt so little. However, she died protected as best they could by her friends, her found family, so even though it was heartbreaking to read about her death, I’m glad she was surrounded by Isaac, Luke, Ben, and Brooke. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t need to be related to be family, and they were family for each other on so many levels. Rest in peace, sweet Sara!
I wouldn’t say I disliked this part of the book, but I simply didn’t trust this character within the book. Will is charismatic and enthusiastic about comforts amid survival, but I agreed with Isaac on all accounts about not placing his trust in Will. I don’t pretend to have all the answers in a survival situation, but I’d rather place my trust in a dirt-caked survivalist with trust issues than a clean-cut charismatic guy with an unsettling smile who seems too comfortable amid a chaotic situation. This is where my trust issues come in handy, I guess.
This book was indeed a page-turner, and no, I didn’t want the book to end! Lucky for me, this is a series, so I have a lot more to read, so much to enjoy, and many more characters to get to know and cheer for in the post-apocalypse! Much as I loved Sara for the short amount of time I’d known her in reading this book, I’m praying to God that Indigo doesn’t die! She is perfect for Isaac, and I want them to have an HEA, even in a fictional, apocalyptic world.
If I were in the place of author Scott Medbury, there’s little I’d change to make this series better. The only thing I can think of from the get-go is increasing the characters’ ages, as I really want to see Isaac and Indigo growing together as a couple and individual people and making a relationship official. In a perfect post-apocalyptic world, Isaac and Indigo would end up building a life together with their friends (AKA their found family), and then Indigo would find out she’s pregnant, then give birth to a daughter, whom I’d name Sara Blue, as Sara the first character should be remembered and honored, and Blue as a way of naming the baby after Indigo, too.
Finishing my review, I came for sci-fi excitement and post-apocalyptic entertainment in reading this book, and that’s precisely what I got. Kudos to you, Scott Medbury! I felt as if I were in the book right next to Isaac and all his friends. The imagery was vivid, the action was intense, the sad beginnings of the characters were semi-realistic (not sci-fi enough to be beyond reality, but biological warfare realistic—does that make sense?), and the literary ride this book took me on was everything I wanted and more! I’ll definitely read the rest of this epic series, and yes, I’ll be recommending it to all my nerdy sci-fi-loving friends, too!
February 24, 2021
I don’t usually rate cliffhanger type this high. But it reads good and is narrated extremely well (Adam Barr).
November 5, 2018
Relatable Characters
Being an Apocalyptic and Dystopian fan, coupled with the description narrative of the books in this series, they fall very nicely into my wheelhouse. Another big reason.....not a zombie series! My husband lives for zombie books and movies, me, not so much.
This author is new to me, and I’m am far from disappointed. I love his style of story telling, his character development and structure of all. The flow is keeping me interested. Given our world is “one flight” from a worldwide pandemic, this is my only negative in book one. Several areas in this book, the authors and too the news reports state that other countries (our allies?) are afraid to help us as they are afraid to “have the same done to them!”
The CDC knew how fast the incubation rate was with this very aggressive flu strain, and too the very high fatality rate among those affected, yet didn’t attempt to prevent flights originating in and around North Korea, really? The only government action was to quarantine passengers for 24 hours - this after this strain was already presenting in the eastern U.S. Reference people of Asian descent are immune, but immune doesn’t mean that they can’t be a carrier, again adding to a worldwide affect." But I digress!
My logical nitpicking aside, the post pandemic storylines for both the protagonists and antagonists is logical and keeps me hooked in and wanting more. This author is doing this very well. I just started book 2, and thus far the story flow is consistent without disconnects in the storyline and its characters.
I’ve already recommended this series to my hubby.....but with no zombies (yuck), he didn’t bite! Sigh! If your not into zombies, give this author a try. Definitely worth the money and your time to read. Good job!!! :-)))
Being an Apocalyptic and Dystopian fan, coupled with the description narrative of the books in this series, they fall very nicely into my wheelhouse. Another big reason.....not a zombie series! My husband lives for zombie books and movies, me, not so much.
This author is new to me, and I’m am far from disappointed. I love his style of story telling, his character development and structure of all. The flow is keeping me interested. Given our world is “one flight” from a worldwide pandemic, this is my only negative in book one. Several areas in this book, the authors and too the news reports state that other countries (our allies?) are afraid to help us as they are afraid to “have the same done to them!”
The CDC knew how fast the incubation rate was with this very aggressive flu strain, and too the very high fatality rate among those affected, yet didn’t attempt to prevent flights originating in and around North Korea, really? The only government action was to quarantine passengers for 24 hours - this after this strain was already presenting in the eastern U.S. Reference people of Asian descent are immune, but immune doesn’t mean that they can’t be a carrier, again adding to a worldwide affect." But I digress!
My logical nitpicking aside, the post pandemic storylines for both the protagonists and antagonists is logical and keeps me hooked in and wanting more. This author is doing this very well. I just started book 2, and thus far the story flow is consistent without disconnects in the storyline and its characters.
I’ve already recommended this series to my hubby.....but with no zombies (yuck), he didn’t bite! Sigh! If your not into zombies, give this author a try. Definitely worth the money and your time to read. Good job!!! :-)))
June 23, 2018
Thrilling concept
I would recommend, It was good, I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the characters. The concept was unique, and well done. Plot and pacing worked well, and I sped through it quickly. The story got more and more exciting as additional characters were brought into it. I like novels that slowly build a band together. Makes the novel fun, and it's nice to see positive aspects of human nature triumph in disaster settings. The villains are good, whether gangs, invaders, or rabid animals.
Isaac is the weakest point. The way the other characters view him (stoic leader) is very different than he comes off to us as readers. I felt there was a disconnect there. Also, his uncannily accurate intuition was a turnoff, as he always knew who to trust and who not to. I'm okay if there's some signs he picks up in, but we're not shown any, just told he has a funny feeling. Aside from that, there were some parts that seemed rushed, could have been expanded on, but that's better than being drawn out. A few cheesy cliches. None of these stopped me from reading it. Given it's the author's first book, I expect these things will fade wi each subsequent one. Overall, pretty darn good.
Again, fun characters, a pretty realistic and gritty apocalyptic environment, that seems unique to me, yet not dark and depressing to the point that would stop you from reading. I like the band of growing characters and hope to see them fleshed out more in subsequent novels. I plan on reading the next one.
I would recommend, It was good, I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the characters. The concept was unique, and well done. Plot and pacing worked well, and I sped through it quickly. The story got more and more exciting as additional characters were brought into it. I like novels that slowly build a band together. Makes the novel fun, and it's nice to see positive aspects of human nature triumph in disaster settings. The villains are good, whether gangs, invaders, or rabid animals.
Isaac is the weakest point. The way the other characters view him (stoic leader) is very different than he comes off to us as readers. I felt there was a disconnect there. Also, his uncannily accurate intuition was a turnoff, as he always knew who to trust and who not to. I'm okay if there's some signs he picks up in, but we're not shown any, just told he has a funny feeling. Aside from that, there were some parts that seemed rushed, could have been expanded on, but that's better than being drawn out. A few cheesy cliches. None of these stopped me from reading it. Given it's the author's first book, I expect these things will fade wi each subsequent one. Overall, pretty darn good.
Again, fun characters, a pretty realistic and gritty apocalyptic environment, that seems unique to me, yet not dark and depressing to the point that would stop you from reading. I like the band of growing characters and hope to see them fleshed out more in subsequent novels. I plan on reading the next one.
Read
November 7, 2021moving on to book num.2 in this series. i wasnt sure how good this young adult type book would be but i said i was going on to book 2 so you can take it its good kept me woundering what was gonna happen next. this story takes place in america a boy losses his parents and sister in a house fire and is sent in to foster care . after a few homes he finally gets one that is a winner . after some times the news starts saying theirs a new kinda of sickness and its deadly. after a few more months it finally hits america then a few weeks later it hits home. with most the adults getting a slight cold around christmass the news says its only affecting adults not kids at all. when it hits thats the death note . you dont make it to wellness again. as days go by more and more adults die leaving the kids in their place . the news that airs says china realssed this new sickness in order to kill off enough adults to be able to come take over . not only that but they are inslaving the kids that are alive to help clean up the dead and work as they say . the new world is more savage than ever . the kids must now grow up before their time in order to make it out alive . this is a very well written book,fast read,a smoth story.
April 3, 2022
This is a YA apocalyptic book. As you would expect from YA, it's nice and clean.
Pros:
1. Pretty quick read.
2. Interesting premise. A disease is engineered to wipe out a certain part of the population as part of a war strategy.
3. You follow teens about while they navigate the PA world.
Cons:
1. Nothing spectacular or tremendously memorable happens.
2. No outstanding characters to really get your teeth into. (Yes, I AM a vampire.)
3. Unrealistic. Sorry to jump on the "it's unrealistic" bandwagon. But let's face it, the average US teen doesn't know how to heat up a dinner in an oven. I doubt they'd be as adult and capable as they appear in this series.
Busy with book 2. If something interesting doesn't happen soon, I think that'll be it for me.
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Side note: I am REALLY enjoying "The Drifter" on Mr Medbury's youtube channel. It follows a 34 yo, 10 years after the events in this book. And you can tell he's grown as an author. Strongly recommend.
Pros:
1. Pretty quick read.
2. Interesting premise. A disease is engineered to wipe out a certain part of the population as part of a war strategy.
3. You follow teens about while they navigate the PA world.
Cons:
1. Nothing spectacular or tremendously memorable happens.
2. No outstanding characters to really get your teeth into. (Yes, I AM a vampire.)
3. Unrealistic. Sorry to jump on the "it's unrealistic" bandwagon. But let's face it, the average US teen doesn't know how to heat up a dinner in an oven. I doubt they'd be as adult and capable as they appear in this series.
Busy with book 2. If something interesting doesn't happen soon, I think that'll be it for me.
----------
Side note: I am REALLY enjoying "The Drifter" on Mr Medbury's youtube channel. It follows a 34 yo, 10 years after the events in this book. And you can tell he's grown as an author. Strongly recommend.
May 7, 2019
I really liked this beginning to the series. I am always skeptical of a post-apocalyptic series. They usually start strong and fizzle out into the normal pitfalls and plot twists. I have high hopes for this series. It is well written and the characters seem to be fleshed out properly. I got the box set of the first three books in the series for review so I am already heading into book 2. So far I want the best for this group of kids who have had to deal with the loss of 96% of the adult population and the inevitable fall of civility. Some of the story is predictable, but enjoyable.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
June 29, 2025
It’s not often that I immediately get sucked into a book after reading no more than 30 pages. As someone that reads a lot of dystopian, this book was SUUUCHHH a good read. It will definitely be tugging at your feelings. I’ve been listening to the audiobook on Spotify and wow definitely the right decision. That voice actor, pheNOMENAL. I’m curious to see if the rest of the series plays out how I’ve imagined.
January 24, 2024
I did really like this YA apocalyptic story! A well developed main character, twists & turns in the plot, a scary virus end of the world only leaving the young adults & kids at the end, which isn't too original, but this story is well doine, unexpected situations & ideas kept me interested right until the end. I will read the next in this series for sure!
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