Into Dust: The Industry City Trilogy - Book One

by Marlee P. Louis

Avery North was already running from trouble when her car broke down on the outskirts of Industry City. With no money and no way out, her only option was to make a living in the ruins of a concrete jungle, where the souls of its residents were as cracked and broken as the pavement they walked on.

Now Avery has found herself marked and hunted by the evil lurking in the shadows of the city, and she must quickly decide who she can trust to save her, and who will lead her to destruction. In the corrupted heart of Industry City, the darkness takes what it wants…and it’s coming for her.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2018

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Marlee P Louis has delivered a cracker of a read in her debut release.
From the opening descriptors of the worn, torn and desolte of hope city of Dust, she weaves a tale that will suck you in and make you read till the wee hours,
We are introduced to our MC after she arrives on foot into the city she has no choice but to temporarily settle into. No car, little cash and running from a past .. the mystery and action begin almost right away, a secondhand jacket a run down appartment block and bar, shady goings on and a host of colourful side characters keep the pace moving until the last word is read.
And lets not forget the men..oh lord the men..I may have drooled a little, Carter, Ethan Alex..what's a girl to do surrounded by so much steaming heat.
Who will she choose?
Will she even have to?
And what exactly is London??
I need to know..and so will you once you read this book!!!
Can't wait for book 2 in this series

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery North was running. She ran from her past mistakes and trouble and ran right into a nightmare. When her car broke down on the edge of Industry City in front of an old, abandoned factory she had no choice but to stop. Unfortunately, by the next morning, she was already marked and her life was so much more complicated, controlled, and possibly over. In a city full of broken, corrupted citizens Avery soon learns the danger she is in. The Darkness calls for her. She must decide if there's anyone she can trust; if anyone can save her. She must fight.

Into the Dust is a difficult book to describe; urban-dystopia with a touch of paranormal and a smidge of romance. It's one of the most original books I have encountered in a while. The descriptions are vivid, gritty, harsh, the characters beaten down. It's riveting, creepy, and keeps you guessing from one moment to the next. Avery is a flawed lead female. Beautiful but she acts on her heart's whims and not her brain. This has caused trouble in the past and is disastrous in Dust. However, she is aware of each mistake she makes and chooses to act anyway, so I'm okay with this. She's not stupid, only foolish and for the best reasons. The guys, Carter, Alex, and Ethan are an unusual group. I'm not sure how I feel about them, to be perfectly honest but I definitely want to keep Carter and Ethan around. Still undecided about Alex. They are handsome, flawed, sometimes selfishly motivated or untrustworthy, but very human and relatable. The other main and supporting characters are all completely depicted and vital to the story. Every person in Dust is doing their best to survive and protect the ones they love. Sacrifices have to be made. The final character that must be mentioned is Dust itself. "I will show you fear in a handful of dust", TS Eliot. The city shapes every person, allows for the Darkness, destroys hope.

This book has a complete story-arc but does end with an unexpected twist and in many ways, I feel the story is only beginning. I can't even guess what happens next because I was wrong so many times trying to guess what came next in this book. That is a thrilling thing to admit. This writer does not follow a simple formula. Characters who don't follow rules, unexpected events, paranormal influences. I am impressed and can't wait for more of the magic.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, I was sucked into the world of Industrial City. Maybe because I've been through a lot of the Rust Belt it felt familiar with just enough *off* that it was exciting. The story develops quickly without any slow moments so it was hard to put down. I feel like there is a lot of potential in this series with the wide variety of characters and more to see about the city, so I'm excited for the next installment.
While at a few points I felt that a relationship or a character was a little under-developed because of how quickly the action takes place, all of the characters felt real and wonderfully, relatably flawed. I think the sequel will answer a lot of my questions and help round out characters I'm beginning to love.
For anyone who is fan of urban fantasy romance or romance in general, I would recommend checking out the start of what promises to be a great series.

I was provided with an advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlee P Louis has written a captivating and original story, which had my attention from the start to end.
I literally want to write so much about this story, but you’ll just have to read Avery’s story. Trust me, it’s a winner.
I will say that Into Dust is a urban paranormal romance story and one that highly recommend. I can’t wait for the next book and to see where Avery’s adventures will take her.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this first instalment in what promises to be a fantastic series. The author writes so descriptively and with such rich detail I was enthralled within the story on the first page.

Fabulous characters, a good strong heroine with just the right amount of naivety that makes you groan out loud but not hate her. I loved the three very different male characters, each character important to the storyline and their interaction with the main character was very well told.

This is an excellent trip into the paranormal genre and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey the author took me on. Really cannot recommend this one enough and I am very eager to read book 2.

[Marlena Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into Dust was such an intriguing story!! It’s so different from your typical paranormal romance and it keeps you guessing!! All of the characters were so interesting and beautifully written!! Marlee really knows how to make you want more!! I really loved it and can’t wait for the next book!! Ahhhh I need more!!!

[Jane Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just WOW. I had no idea what would happen one moment to the next. This book was everything I never knew I wanted in a book. Three hot alpha males, action, a paranormal vibe and a head strong take no crap heroine. I can’t explain in words how great this book was. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll leave it at this, CARTER was my favorite character. I absolutely loved him. As for the rest, I can’t wait for the next book of the series.

[Erin Knuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, sexy, full of mystery, and definitely left me wanting more. I cannot WAIT for this story full of badass characters to continue.

[Bridgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the setting interesting. I didn’t feel like I was too swept up in wondering where EXACTLY they were, but the picture Louis sets for this book had me wonder how the world got to where it was at the time of the story. Perhaps this will be covered in future books, but I don’t think it will be necessary to have any kind of prequel. She paints a detailed picture with her words and I was able to picture, in my mind, the setting she described without needing anything more. I found her writing style easy to read. There are always little quirks different writers show in their writing and Marlee P. Louis was no exception. As you are reading through the book you start to see patterns in writing and in language choice. I noticed a few things different from how I would have written them, but of course that is part of the fun of reading! I love to see these differences and consider how the style of the particular writer brings different elements to a book for readers to enjoy. Overall, I feel like her laid back, easy to read writing style will appeal to a wide range of readers. When I finished reading this book, throughout reading it actually, I kept thinking to myself how the main character seemed to want more than friendship from every guy she met. I found it odd how there was no clear answer who she might end up with or what she was aiming for with the guys she met. The simple romantic in me had hoped that she might find one guy and know she wanted to be with him, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Even after the book is done, I am still wondering exactly what kind of feeling she had for the different male characters. Perhaps she didn’t want anything romantic, but if that were the case I think it might have been a bit more obvious. I don’t know, maybe I am crazy or reading too much into it! The ending felt like a good resolution to the story. I still felt slightly confused about one character, regarding whether or not he had been alive throughout the entire story or only part. I think that was just me though and I am pretty sure he was alive during the story timeline…pretty sure. There was a small part of me that wanted the main character to find safety in a particular male character. Her understated strength was really shone in the last portion of the book. I think her character was developed this way on purpose and it worked well, but it really was an understated strength that was, well, beautiful. Overall, I really found this to be an easy read, in the best way possible. It is something that I might not have picked up for myself. I actually haven’t read a lot of paranormal romances, but I found the storyline refreshing and really quite intriguing. Her writing style kept me interested and she painted a really pretty picture in my head through her words. I was left wondering where the second book might go, but not hanging on the edge of a cliff needing any particular resolve. I look forward to reading From the Ashes when it is released.

[Ashley Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap guys... this book. It's always fun to read a debut author, but it can often be hit or miss when you're reading someone's first book. With that being said, how is this a debut author?! Not only was it well written, but the story itself is completely unlike any I've read. Marlee creates this tragically beautiful, alternate reality that keeps you sucked in and on the edge of your seat. Hot men, a satanic cult, kidnapping, diverse personalities and ethnicity, murder, betrayal, a strong female character, a sassy friend- it seriously has everything. The book was well written, no signs of grammatical errors that leave you unable to focus on the story. The imagery she uses to paint this world was perfect and leaves you feeling like you're right in the middle of it. There's mystery and darkness that leave you on the edge of your seat . And holy crap does it put you on an emotional roller coaster ride! At the end of the book you're left wondering who you can trust, who's bad and who's good, and when you can get your hands on the next one.
Seriously, READ THIS BOOK NOW. You won't regret it, it's like nothing that I've read before and that's saying a lot! This book was refreshing and addicting and I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment <3

****
Avery's car breaks down in a sketchy town after leaving her ex, and she's forced to sleep on the side of the road near an abandoned warehouse. After a few nights, she finds her way to a cheap, crappy apartment building in a sketchy city. After a few hiccups (landlord and her strange husband, accidental death, cops, hot mystery dude...) she meets a quirky neighbor, Gina, who helps her settle in and lift her spirits. Gina comes from a large family, all stuck in the city- including a grandmother who can sense/interact with energy/spirits. After Avery begins working at Gina's bar to come up with rent money, she gets thrown in head first into the history of the city and the cult that's trying to run it. Now she's been marked by the cult but can anyone save her? Her friends might not be so friendly and the local detective that offers to help only cares about bringing down the cult. Was she doomed the second her car broke down by the old warehouse, or can she fight for life and get out of this without becoming a sacrifice?

[Brenna Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this book for months... and there's always a little trepidation that comes with building something up in your mind versus the reality--will this be as good as I think it's going to be? The answer was "holy crap yes!"

I'll be the first to admit that urban dystopian is not my favorite genre... but I thought the teaser blurb sounded really fascinating. I was NOT disappointed.

The story itself is solid... it takes a while to build up, and when you think you have it all figured out, you quickly realize that you had no idea where the story was going to go. The characters are all solid and well developed--there were times when I wanted to smack Avery upside the head for being dumb, and other times I wanted to hug her and make her a cup of tea. The three male characters--Ethan, Carter, and Alex--give you a lot to think about... and I mean *a lot* to think about (where's the winky emoji??). There are worse problems than 3 handsome complex men in your life, amiright ladies? Seriously, though, each character has more going on than meets the eye, and I found myself wanting to dig into their backstories and know everything.

The world of Dust is brutal--dark, gritty, and a fascinating character in and of itself. Marlee does a great job of describing the world, painting a vivid and dark world where you can feel the dirt on your skin. Again, I'm not usually a fan of dystopian worlds, but I was right there along for the ride the whole time.

I'm purposely leaving out details and storylines because I really feel like you need to read this story for yourself. It's a very unique story, and the way she tells it is just amazing. I found myself drawn in and unable to put it down... and the twist at the end? I literally banged my coffee cup on the table and yelled "What the hell? Come on, man!!" So now I just have to re-read it and wait patiently for the next book to come out... and the waiting is always the hardest part.

[Laura ( Latteandbookz ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book contacted me about reading her book and I excepted because it sounded interesting. Its not a genre that I would normally read but I’m glad that I did because this was a unique story. Its unlike any that I have read before. It is a little shorter then normal books but that doesn’t matter because this book has a lot happening that it makes it seem like the story goes on longer than the page number. I feel like I don’t want to say to much because I might accidently spoil the story but that is only because this is defiantly one that you all need to check out. Even if you’re not a fan of Dystopian/Horror like me, I think you will become a fan of this one. The best part is, currently its free on Kindle Unlimited.
Avery is running from trouble that arises when her car breaks down and she’s stuck. It doesn’t help that she’s in a town where she doesn’t know anyone. One of the things that I loved about this book was, as soon as I thought I had everything figured out and nothing else was going to be thrown at Avery then BAM something happened, it always kept me guessing.
I cant wait an read the next one to see what happens.

[Eros Lovess rosethebookgriot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked following Avery into Dust and discovering her past. I thought the story well written even though I'm more a fan of fantasy romance. I liked the pace of the story and the unfolding of Avery's past as much as I liked the Spanish cultural glimpses which are given in the book. I was just bothered by the rapidity with which she fell into Alejandro's arms and how she reacted each time she was betrayed. I would have liked her to get angrier instead of using her mind. That being said, I will gladly read book two to see how and what she will do with Carter and Ethan. Last, the book ends with a cliff hanger that announces well what book two is going to be about at-least partially- but the story written in book one has a clear resolution and therefore yu don't close the book frustrated because it ends in the middle of a crucial action.

[Charle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ashes triumph. Dust claims us all.”

THIS.

This is the perfect epigraph for “Into Dust” by Marlee P. Louis. I’d never heard of this book or the author but fellow paranormal lover recommended it and …….. it claimed me. Hard. The first line drew me in and I didn’t set the book down until I had finished it that same night. Yes, I read it in one sitting and for me, that is rare.

Marlee writes her characters so captivatingly and her scenes so descriptively, I felt as if I was right there along with them, experiencing an adrenaline rush of emotions. Wonder. Fear. Lust. Distrust. Danger. This book has it all.

The ending left me wanting more. Thank god it’s a trilogy. I cannot recommend this book highly and strongly enough. READ IT. You won’t be sorry.

[Janet Johnson woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting story like none other

When I first started this book i didn't think I would like it. I had a hard time grabbing on with the first chapter or two. Knowing this author has to write something amazing i was determined to finish this book. So glad I did. Before I knew it this book had a hold of me and I could not stop reading it. The twists and turns come from all directions. It was such a good story that the thousand questions i have don't bother me and I am excited to see what the next book holds.

[Amy W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. I would consider this a paranormal mystery. The main character Avery is someone you really like. She is thrown into a situation where she is in a town where she knows no one and has little money and few belongings. You don't get Avery's whole story in the beginning. You find out more as the book goes on.It's suspenseful and exciting.. The men in her life keeps you guessing. Who can she trust? Who knows but it is guaranteed they are all hot. My personal favorite was Ethan. The story flows well and kept me up at night. I'm anxiously waiting to see what happens to Avery in the next book.

[Betsy Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrified, on the run and trying to make a new life for herself just got more complicated for Avery. Her car breaks down in a run-down city, with some big mysteries. Forced to deal with unsavory people, Avery doesn't know who or what to trust. With her life and the lives of two people she's come to call friends on the line, can she be brave or will she run...again. This is a great read and I have recommended it to my friends.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a ride!!

Wow!! What did I just read? I thought this was going to be a a good read, but what do you expect from an authors first book? I can tell you that this was well written, very descriptive, characters well thought out, mysterious plot, and in my opinion a hell of a good first book. There is a lot going on, lots of mystery, and has left me going WTF! I need more!!

[Mariah Garell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting first look into Avery's world

In Marlee P. Louis' debut novel, the first of a series, we meet Avery North. She is a woman on the run, with an inner toughness and strength that is easy to admire. As Avery was drawn further into the darkness of Industry City, I became more and more captivated with Marlee's storytelling and invested into the world she is building.

I loved this book, in summary, and I can't wait to read the next.

[Stephanie Nicolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense page turner

The plot quickly sucks you in. Descrpitive to the point you can 'see' the stroy and characters in your mind. I want a Carter of my own and the twists will have you calling out 'but why?'. I am really looking forward to the next book in the Industry City Trilogy. #teamcarter

[Emma Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word!! What can I say about this book??

I have no words but all the words - sucked in within the first chapter and couldn’t put it down!

Avery is running but seems she’s runs into a whole heap more than she bargained for!

Go read enjoy! You will not believe this is a debut novel! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a riveting story. Sucked me in right from the beginning. Avery is running from trouble when her car breaks down and she is stuck in a town called Dust. Now she is marked and evil is out to get her. She meets some interesting characters, but she needs to be careful because you don't know who you can trust. This left me wanting more and I can't wait for the next installment to come out.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

[Amy Marcoux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read!

Where to begin?! I don’t know what I was expecting when I purchase Into Dust, but I got a whole lot more than I thought I would!! The storyline was so unique and the settings, this was a powerful book! The characters keep you on your toes and the details to their personalities!! It was a fabulous read! I can’t wait to read the next one!!

[Alex D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooooo Goood!

I loved this book! It kept me guessing and love the little twists! I really like the MC Avery. And cant wait to see more Carter. This author did a fabulous job and i cant wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Adia Al-rubayee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the rest of the story

This book had me hooked till the end, I couldn’t put it down and the story and the characters held my interest throughout the plot!
Strongly recommend it!

[Sarah Marshall Malluck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the gritty setting and the descriptions, this novel had a noir feel to it. The anticipation builds as the story grows and leaves your with a thirst for answers.

It's an enchanting read and I highly recommend taking the plunge into this world.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into Dust

This is a gripping dystopian tale with great
characterization and an interesting set-up. This
is only book 1, so we are in for a thrilling ride
with this series. I'm really enjoying it so far.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal New Read

Marlee has done a fantastic job weaving this world and story to life. Fabulous cast and thoroughly worth the read. Could not put it down and cannot wait for the next book.

[AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was so well written and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way. The setting is super gritty, including the MC's back story, and all the characters are really real. The bad guy is super creepy. It all works so well. Can't wait to see what happens in the next one.

[April Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mind twist

This book had me going to the point of no sleep cause I wanted to keep reading it. The story is unique and still leaves me with questions. I'm not even sure how to put it in words but only that you should read it. Nothing dark, no hot steamy scenes, just pure grit