The decision to splinter backfires. When Lauren and the others leave the safety of the valley in search of supplies and aid, they're trapped, captured, and tortured. Escape seems impossible...if they're to survive, it will only be by rescue, and not without blood on their hands and tears in their eyes. Could you watch one of your own be beaten? The group's captors are coldblooded and ruthless, and they senselessly brutalize without pity. Despite Lauren's bravery in the face of insuperable odds, she finds herself heartbroken. Can she still find the will to keep fighting? A friend from the past shows his face. After seeing him, Lauren knows what's about to happen, and her captors are about to find out, as well. Payback awaits on the horizon. They stood together. Can they do the same while divided? Until now, the community had lived and fought valiantly shoulder to shoulder, in peace amongst themselves. But now, in Divided We Stand, new alliances have developed, confidants from years past have resurfaced, and new leaders emerge. With so many absent, and others now stricken with illness, a dangerous vacuum has materialized. Unless they can pull themselves back together, the valley will be more vulnerable and susceptible to attack than ever before. Can citizen defenders of a country in ruin learn to stand on their own again? Find out in the fourth book of this post-apocalyptic thriller packed with action & adventure.
Lauren Russell and a group from the valley have left in search of food and medical supplies. Along the way, they were ambushed. They now find themselves at the mercy of a gang of hardened criminals bent on nothing but torture and death.
Meanwhile back in the valley many of those remaining are gravely ill with an unknown pathogen. The able body members are few. Yet, three of them decide to go off on their own. One seeking the immediate help from a neighbor from another valley. The other two on a fool’s errand to try and save some imprisoned children in a distant subdivision.
And, then there is the fate of Faith Gallo.
Rudolph’s fourth novel in the What’s Left of My World series, Divided We Stand pulls the story into five different arcs. It is daunting at times to keep up with some many storylines at once. They are all wrought with danger and the likelihood of losing some of their companions. This time the book ends with several cliffhangers. There are a lot of questions left unanswered.
The author’s storytelling ability is getting better with each book. The pace is more action-packed and varied. He has started developing some of the supporting characters. It was nice to have folks from previous books in the flashback chapters brought into the present day story.
I have a feeling that the next book with be the most revealing.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I love the characters, the underlying themes, and the storyline. In this book, so many pieces have come together. As C.A. Rudolph stated in the Author’s Note that the sub-plots are written in a nonlinear way, I made sure to pay attention to the date at the beginning of each chapter and had no problem following along. It made sense why it was written this way and enhanced the story. I am a slow reader, but I finished the book in two days, because I really did not want to put it down. It really made me think about the theme of unity, how we are seeing the division of our country at present, even within families. It’s scary how the things in this series could become reality, and it drives home the point that we need to be prepared, have plans and know what will drive us in a scenario such as this. Excellent book and a series that will hold you captive, entertain you through non-stop action and encourage you to look past the surface.
I'm really enjoying this story but to me this book was disjointed. There was too much skipping around from each characters point of view at different times from one day forward to present day then back two days. It just hurt the cohesiveness in my opinion. That being Saud the story is still great and I look forward to reading more.
I'm going to start on the last book of the series. I think the biggest catch for me is the reality that this could be a reality. As I've said before, not a huge fan of the writing style. Seems just about everyone speaks the same or has the same personality. The swearing seems contrived. But the story brings me to the final book... so that pretty much says it I guess.
Lauren has grown so much from the first book. Whether you turn the page, flip the kindle, or turn on the iPod, you're in for a great ride. Tons of action and adventure. Each installment just adds to the enjoyment of the series. All the original characters have grown and the new characters add flavor. There's tension and remembrances and I love the back and forth chapters.
If you haven't started the series, why not? Get going and give yourself hours of real enjoyment and meet some great and not so great people. And of course if you're an audiophile like me, you'll know only Kevin Pierce can read this story and bring these people to life.
I've enjoyed each book in this series, but it's rare to see one just get better and better like this one has. Yes, authors do mature in the execution of their craft but ideas and plot lines tend to overstay their welcome -- like in-laws at Christmas -- in many series I've read. That's just not the case here. If you happen to read this Mr. Rudolph, I hope you have several more books planned in this world/character cast as there seems to be much story left to tell.
God bless you and your family. Thank him everyday for the gift He has given you.
As they become divided, some leaving the valley, they become weaker and each group faces separate dangers. A stark warning to all of us about the dangers that could come to pass, this series improves with each book. My only niggle is that, to me, words such as pranced, shimmied and caper don't fit, especially in the context they were used and that made them stand out every time.
Lauren has more come into her own. They are captured by SOB takers but some of Lauren’s “family “ show up and get them out of it. I really don’t want to give anything away. I think everyone should read this for themselves. I don’t read the review of the next book in the seriers, they have all been so good and I really want to be surprised and not expecting anything. I think everyone should read this series.
I was blessed to have access to an ARC and I was not disappointed. CA Rudolph warns you in the notes that there will be timeline jumps, and at the beginning of the book it is quite true, almost to the point of losing one if they are not paying attention, this quickly passes and the storyline smoothest out. I loved the mirror that is held up against today’s society from a PostApoc viewpoint.
Whoa! This installment of What’s Left of My World, Divided We Stand, takes us on a hell of a Ride! Fast paced, Lauren is reunited with her old training buddies and is rescued. Her mom makes a powerful new alli who helps rescue the folk at home. Lessons are learned and, like Dorothy, Laurel will learn that there’s “No place like home.” Well worth your time to read.
I hate waiting for these books to be released, because they are so good. Divided We Stand did not disappoint. Another well written story from C.A. Rudolph. Very few authors can bring characters to life as he has. I don't like spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. If you are interested in a series of excellent books that are almost impossible to put down, this is the one for you.
They split up so some can find food and other supplies but they are trapped, captured and tortured. She is heartbroken at what is happening as they wonder if they will ever escape. Then a face from the last arrives but will they help them? See if they will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Each book in this series reveals the depth of Lauren’s strength. CA Rudolph has created another exciting installment of the world Lauren and her family and friends have been left to deal with. Truly evil characters and a better look at characters briefly mentioned in other books all make this an exciting read! Kevin Pierce does a wonderful job yet again as narrator!
A great set of characters with a fantastic storyline that will draw you in and make you thankful you aren't in this believable world that this author has created with such a great imagination. I had shivers reading some of the scenes. I cringed reading others. I was drawn into the story until the very end.
I just want to let you know that I love all apocalypse books and yours is one of the best I’ve had when will the next book come out please hurry I can’t wait to see what happens to Lauren and all her love ones and friends thank you Sheryl Pedersen California
This was another solid addition to a wonderful and interestingly told story. Initially, not getting the details right away was bothersome but I've come to enjoy this style more and more. The reunions were great but there's still one more that I'm holding my breath for. I'm anticipatory as well as cautious for what's to come.
Ambushed while searching for a doctor and supplies to help those sick at their settlement. Lauren and her friends are captured and tortured by a group of psychopaths living in a railyard. Once again Laurens past pays off when some old friends show up to assist by coincidence. Great story and pacing keeps the pages turning on the fourth installment of the series.
I love this series! Lauren continues to become more and more of a badass! The further development of the female characters and the backstories of everyone are starting to come together in this book. It was a wild ride for sure!
Absolutely one of the best series I've read. Truly looking forward to book 5. I am not one for technology but thanks to it I was introduced to this author. Highly recommended reading
Of course C.A. Rudolph did not disappoint. Love that their were a few twists and turns that were unexpected. Love how everything gets tied together nicely. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I can’t tell you how much I absolutely love this series! The characters are off the charts and the story line is so amazing! This really makes you think. And I feel like I’m right there with them.
Its an OK read if you can get by the immaturity of the characters... most of the characters are whiny and always so offended by one another its annoying. I will continue the series just because I want to figure out what happened/happens with Alan, Lauren's father.
First off did you really have to start off like that with memories and build up the battle that way and leaving end still not knowing where Alan Russell !!!!
This is one of my favorite books I,ve ever read . A very deep and moving story about people trying to help others in order to rebuild our country . Lauren is the main character and she has many friends that help her along the way