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America Falls #3
America Falls: Cold Comfort
Infection. Invasion. Chaos... Against the odds and despite the carnage of an unstoppable disease and relentless enemy, Isaac Race has delivered his group to safety... or has he? Something is not quite right about the Drake Mountain facility and it has nothing to do with the black bags over their heads, or guns at their backs when they arrived. Now in the safe haven they fought so hard to reach, they should feel secure, but all of them sense something is amiss. Each question answered only raises another. Especially the question of why their friend Sonny was separated from them and locked up. They're about to get some answers they won't like. Whatever you do, don't miss Cold Comfort, the heart stopping third installment of America Falls
219 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
382 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 17, 2021
America Falls #3: Cold Comfort is the 3rd installment in the America Falls series.
In "Cold Comfort" our band of survivors have made it to the "safe haven" and all their fears are over, but are they really safe.
First off I want to say I am broken hearted, the series has 7 books and I only have the first 3 and am not in a position to get the other 4. That said this is another excellent story that has Issac and his group arriving at the "safe haven" only to find that things may not be as they are led to believe. The book this time hands the reader plenty of twist and turns, adding even more action and suspense to the story. New friends are made, but we also find new enemies disguised as friends.
The author does a great job of describing "safe haven" in excellent detail so the reader has no problem feeling like he is part of the story.
What exactly is the "safe haven" and what is going on there, are the main focus of the story. With a devastating revelation, that took me completely off guard I was sadden by the turn of events.
The action as always is non-stop and runs from the start of the story to the end. The characters to the credit of the author remain to true and make the reading quick and easy. By now I am deeply invested in them and I hope that everything turns out well for them.
The story ends on a high note and since this is the last one I will be able to read, I'm thankful that it did end that way. Of course with 4 more books in the series it is obvious that things are about to go terribly wrong.
I can honestly say that these 3 books were wonderful reading and lots of fun. This is a series that should be on the shelf of anyone who is a fan of great story telling, action, adventure and one of the best cast of characters I have read since LOTR.
In "Cold Comfort" our band of survivors have made it to the "safe haven" and all their fears are over, but are they really safe.
First off I want to say I am broken hearted, the series has 7 books and I only have the first 3 and am not in a position to get the other 4. That said this is another excellent story that has Issac and his group arriving at the "safe haven" only to find that things may not be as they are led to believe. The book this time hands the reader plenty of twist and turns, adding even more action and suspense to the story. New friends are made, but we also find new enemies disguised as friends.
The author does a great job of describing "safe haven" in excellent detail so the reader has no problem feeling like he is part of the story.
What exactly is the "safe haven" and what is going on there, are the main focus of the story. With a devastating revelation, that took me completely off guard I was sadden by the turn of events.
The action as always is non-stop and runs from the start of the story to the end. The characters to the credit of the author remain to true and make the reading quick and easy. By now I am deeply invested in them and I hope that everything turns out well for them.
The story ends on a high note and since this is the last one I will be able to read, I'm thankful that it did end that way. Of course with 4 more books in the series it is obvious that things are about to go terribly wrong.
I can honestly say that these 3 books were wonderful reading and lots of fun. This is a series that should be on the shelf of anyone who is a fan of great story telling, action, adventure and one of the best cast of characters I have read since LOTR.
August 16, 2024
This book did pretty well, I think, demonstrating how crazy people can be in disasters. And how hurtful they can be. There were some truly hateful characters in this one, and the poor kids really had to figure out what to do to get out of it.
June 20, 2025
So far all 3 books have been 5 stars for me, this one had a cool setting with the giant post apocalyptic bunker and the crazy guy who ran the whole thing, only thing that I didn’t like was Luke losing his hand since he’s one of the better characters of the series but in all I really enjoyed this one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
May 11, 2019
Cold Comfort was a really good book and completed enough of the story for me to take a break from the series and move on to other books. It was well written, I liked the plot line and execution, and I appreciated the way the narrator read the characters. I enjoy the fact that not every character has to live and just because a main character is important, that doesn't mean they will be the one to do everything and be almighty. I got the first three books in a box set and I am glad I got to go through them. At some point I will be finishing the series if it keeps up like this.
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.
November 9, 2024
I loved how it flowed from the other 2 volumes. First time I actually got chills from a book. I love the series so far, and I can't wait to get the next book.
February 24, 2021
I don’t usually rate cliffhanger type this high. But it reads good and is narrated extremely well (Adam Barr).
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.
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.
May 31, 2018
Cold Comfort
If there is a will, there is a way. These kids are regular troopers. Never giving up. Enjoying the series.
If there is a will, there is a way. These kids are regular troopers. Never giving up. Enjoying the series.
July 16, 2018
Love this series!
This is a must read. Follow a group of teenagers after a biological terrorist attack and invasion by the Chinese! Start with book one.
This is a must read. Follow a group of teenagers after a biological terrorist attack and invasion by the Chinese! Start with book one.
September 14, 2018
Great
Really enjoying this series! A very good read and keeps you at the edge of your seat. I'm on to next book.
Really enjoying this series! A very good read and keeps you at the edge of your seat. I'm on to next book.
April 21, 2025
2 stars. The writing slipped back into the same patterns that made book one hard to get through. Just when it seemed like the author might be moving away from his sexist tendencies, we’re right back to reductive portrayals of the girls—and the boys return to their familiar misogynistic mindset. Apparently, menstruating girls can’t handle the sight of a bloody injury, but all the boys can? That’s the logic we’re going with? 🙄 The author clearly doesn’t have a high opinion of women.
The plot and pacing are solid, and the subplot around forced pregnancies had potential. But it needed more details—why exactly were the girls being made to get pregnant, and whose sperm were they using? Why did everyone just go along with the Professor’s rules about the girls? Of course, the boys never sought to find the answers because it wasn’t happening to them. If it wasn’t for the blatant sexist stereotyping of women, this series could be great.
The story’s told in a first-person retrospective, but the narrator, Isaac, uses language that doesn’t match his age or personality when talking about present events. The author struggles to separate his own voice from his character’s, which makes the narration feel inauthentic.
The plot and pacing are solid, and the subplot around forced pregnancies had potential. But it needed more details—why exactly were the girls being made to get pregnant, and whose sperm were they using? Why did everyone just go along with the Professor’s rules about the girls? Of course, the boys never sought to find the answers because it wasn’t happening to them. If it wasn’t for the blatant sexist stereotyping of women, this series could be great.
The story’s told in a first-person retrospective, but the narrator, Isaac, uses language that doesn’t match his age or personality when talking about present events. The author struggles to separate his own voice from his character’s, which makes the narration feel inauthentic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2020
In most cases, Cold Comfort by Scott Medbury, held my interest. It isn't a book that could be considered thought provoking, although it does make the reader speculate on a possible dystopian type future. The characters continue from the first two America Falls novels. They are likable, and the main protagonist Isaac is, in most cases, a morally good person who is trying to watch out for his friends to the point of protecting them by endangering his own life. The action, as in the first two novels, was, more or less, nonstop. However, the reader may find him/herself wondering why the good guys failed to do certain things (i.e. kill the bad guy) since, for some reason, it always comes back to bite them. Maybe that part of the story was a bit contrived, just so the bad guy would keep showing up which would make the book longer. It reminded me of the old John Voight movie, Anaconda, where I kept wondering, "Are they ever going to kill that thing?!"
July 25, 2018
Good for young readers
This book and, indeed, the whole series thus far, has been quite enjoyable. Good plot (if a bit simplistic and predictable assuming you're over 12-13 years old), well edited, realistic, and nicely scripted without gratuitous violence. If your pre-teen likes apocalyptic fiction, this is an excellent choice. There is some violence but only enough to carry the story.
This book and, indeed, the whole series thus far, has been quite enjoyable. Good plot (if a bit simplistic and predictable assuming you're over 12-13 years old), well edited, realistic, and nicely scripted without gratuitous violence. If your pre-teen likes apocalyptic fiction, this is an excellent choice. There is some violence but only enough to carry the story.
June 12, 2018
Book Three....was a mixed bag for me. I found myself often wanting to scream at the characters. The prof and Mr. Ragg were truly horrible people. I feel truly sorry for the people left on the mountain. I found some parts of the story to be a bit of a stretch. That said I truly enjoyed continuing the story. Cannot wait for the next one.
August 5, 2020
Book three: they’ve made it to safe haven , but it’s not all that safe. The girls are segregated from the boys. The boys are placed in jobs, mainly “mining”which is digging a tunnel thru a mountain which everyone knows is never gonna happen. The girls, well they mainly end up pregnant. Isaac knows he has to get them out of this haven which is actually a prison.
December 15, 2020
This 3rd book shows the determination and grit of our teens.
As events play out there are shocking reveals that prompt Isaac and his friends to take daring actions.
Changing the game by escaping Drake Mountain facility the group are hopeful they have made the right decision and also hopeful their latest choice of refuge proves to be a correct one for them.
As events play out there are shocking reveals that prompt Isaac and his friends to take daring actions.
Changing the game by escaping Drake Mountain facility the group are hopeful they have made the right decision and also hopeful their latest choice of refuge proves to be a correct one for them.
May 8, 2022
Could not put it down.
Good continuation from the second book. A pity that the female characters were relegated to mere cameos but that was needed for the book to continue on as it did. Good action and intrigue. I felt the ending came quickly and left me feeling a bit hollow. It could have been expanded by a few more pages. Overall, an enjoyable adventure.
Good continuation from the second book. A pity that the female characters were relegated to mere cameos but that was needed for the book to continue on as it did. Good action and intrigue. I felt the ending came quickly and left me feeling a bit hollow. It could have been expanded by a few more pages. Overall, an enjoyable adventure.
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.
August 27, 2025
Got To Say It….
Luke is full on awesome. He’s like a teenage “McGyver”, Isaac is no slouch either taking on the heavy responsibilities. I generally end up reading books with a strong female protagonist because it’s something I can relate to but this made a refreshing change.
Very well written, definitely worth reading!
Luke is full on awesome. He’s like a teenage “McGyver”, Isaac is no slouch either taking on the heavy responsibilities. I generally end up reading books with a strong female protagonist because it’s something I can relate to but this made a refreshing change.
Very well written, definitely worth reading!
April 30, 2018
OK
I found this story to be slower and not quite as well done as the first 2. I'm presuming a lot of that was environmental and that the next book will be a lot more on track with the first two.
I found this story to be slower and not quite as well done as the first 2. I'm presuming a lot of that was environmental and that the next book will be a lot more on track with the first two.
November 11, 2020
Love the story and the characters but find their use of military and law enforcement lingo a bit off putting. A sullen 16-17 yr old boy using terms like intel , military hardware, ammunition without being in the military is a bit far fetched. Anyway great story so far.
May 5, 2022
Honestly it’s not holding me as the other books. Isaac is getting way to soft to be a leader. The decisions that are being made are ridiculous. Letting problems remain that will just pop up later and become regrets. Going to try the next book, but kind of expecting the same thing 🤨
June 5, 2024
Great 3rd book in the series.
Issac’s group finally reaches Drake Mountain. It is not the safe haven they were hoping for though. This was a suspenseful book and I am curious as to what will happen next.
Issac’s group finally reaches Drake Mountain. It is not the safe haven they were hoping for though. This was a suspenseful book and I am curious as to what will happen next.
December 22, 2025
I'm working through the 11-book anthology as an Audible book and ... the series is interesting. And for $6 (or 10¢/hour) the entertainment level is there.
Narrator is good. Story is compelling. Easy listens (6 hours or so per book).
Narrator is good. Story is compelling. Easy listens (6 hours or so per book).
June 10, 2018
Cold Comfort review
Cold Comfort is the third post apocalyptic book in the America Falls series written by author Scott Medbury. Interesting storyline and characters.
Cold Comfort is the third post apocalyptic book in the America Falls series written by author Scott Medbury. Interesting storyline and characters.
August 6, 2018
Something different
Total invasion of the US finds our hero’s in Safe Haven which they soon find is not either.
Moves right along for a good read
Total invasion of the US finds our hero’s in Safe Haven which they soon find is not either.
Moves right along for a good read
September 10, 2018
A winner
I have been hooked from the start and so will you as well! Join me as we watch the fall of this great Nation.
I have been hooked from the start and so will you as well! Join me as we watch the fall of this great Nation.
April 16, 2020
Got for free on Amazon and made it to book 3 till the lead actor kept making stupid choices and I finally gave up.
June 17, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. It has wonderful character development, lots of action and a compelling story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews