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Roadhouse Chronicles #2
The Redeemed
The worst part about chasing one’s dream is catching it.
Six months ago, Kevin opened a Roadhouse of his own. No longer the idiot braving the dangerous post-nuclear highways of 2073, he thought he’d finally grow old and happy selling bullets, beds, and booze to those still foolish enough to get behind the wheel.
Then, he’d met her.
The white-haired outcast from the xenophobic Enclave crashed into his life, becoming the conscience he never wanted and everything he desired. She couldn’t save the world from the Virus, but she could save Kevin’s dream.
A biker gang calling themselves the Redeemed starts shooting up Roadhouses in flagrant disregard of the Code, shattering the serenity of his humble waystation. When the long-vaunted retribution of Amarillo’s army fails to materialize, Kevin feels more like a sitting duck than he ever did on the road―but it’s not his ‘house he fears losing.
Determined to protect her, he takes it upon himself to enforce the unwritten law of the Roadhouse.
Alternate cover edition for ASIN B07GXFYJN6. For all editions see here.
Six months ago, Kevin opened a Roadhouse of his own. No longer the idiot braving the dangerous post-nuclear highways of 2073, he thought he’d finally grow old and happy selling bullets, beds, and booze to those still foolish enough to get behind the wheel.
Then, he’d met her.
The white-haired outcast from the xenophobic Enclave crashed into his life, becoming the conscience he never wanted and everything he desired. She couldn’t save the world from the Virus, but she could save Kevin’s dream.
A biker gang calling themselves the Redeemed starts shooting up Roadhouses in flagrant disregard of the Code, shattering the serenity of his humble waystation. When the long-vaunted retribution of Amarillo’s army fails to materialize, Kevin feels more like a sitting duck than he ever did on the road―but it’s not his ‘house he fears losing.
Determined to protect her, he takes it upon himself to enforce the unwritten law of the Roadhouse.
Alternate cover edition for ASIN B07GXFYJN6. For all editions see here.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2017
15 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Cox
181 books265 followersBorn in a little town known as South Amboy NJ in 1973, Matthew has been creating science fiction and fantasy worlds for most of his reasoning life. Somewhere between fifteen to eighteen of them spent developing the world in which Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, and The Awakened Series take place. He has several other projects in the works as well as a collaborative science fiction endeavor with author Tony Healey.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 2, 2019
SUPER SHORT REVIEW: Interesting , fast read! I like his writing -- hopefully I can write a longer review when I get the time. Cheers!
Downloaded through Netgalley in exchange for a free review. Just note that this is a sequel not the first in the story (in case couldn't tell, lol).
Downloaded through Netgalley in exchange for a free review. Just note that this is a sequel not the first in the story (in case couldn't tell, lol).
August 14, 2018
**Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
After being pulled away from the series for a bit, I finally finished Matthew S. Cox's The Redeemed. The story of Kevin and Tris continues and the mysteries surrounding the events after the end of the world deepen.
Kevin finally has his Roadhouse, his life long goal achieved. Except, his dream is starting to turn into a nightmare. The long-respected Code is being ignored, Roadhouse owners are dying, the Virus is spreading in strange circumstances, and Amarillo isn't all it once seemed.
Tris and Kevin are pulled in opposite directions, as she tries to unravel the growing mysteries surrounding Amarillo and rescue the survivors of an impossible Virus outbreak.
Kevin has to leave his 'house in the hands of virtual strangers to chase down then who murdered his long-time friend and mentor, only to discover that things are not what they seemed; and he must reconcile what is with the fading satisfaction of finally having a safe, stable life.
MAD MAX meets DIVERGENT in this post-apocalyptic, science fiction thriller with a thread of romance. Book 3 is due out in a few months; so we won't have to wait long to resolve the bit of cliffhanger readers are left with. I'd toss this book in the New Adult category, along with One More Run, for some sexual content (book two has less than book one). The language is mild, and there is moderate violence.
After being pulled away from the series for a bit, I finally finished Matthew S. Cox's The Redeemed. The story of Kevin and Tris continues and the mysteries surrounding the events after the end of the world deepen.
Kevin finally has his Roadhouse, his life long goal achieved. Except, his dream is starting to turn into a nightmare. The long-respected Code is being ignored, Roadhouse owners are dying, the Virus is spreading in strange circumstances, and Amarillo isn't all it once seemed.
Tris and Kevin are pulled in opposite directions, as she tries to unravel the growing mysteries surrounding Amarillo and rescue the survivors of an impossible Virus outbreak.
Kevin has to leave his 'house in the hands of virtual strangers to chase down then who murdered his long-time friend and mentor, only to discover that things are not what they seemed; and he must reconcile what is with the fading satisfaction of finally having a safe, stable life.
MAD MAX meets DIVERGENT in this post-apocalyptic, science fiction thriller with a thread of romance. Book 3 is due out in a few months; so we won't have to wait long to resolve the bit of cliffhanger readers are left with. I'd toss this book in the New Adult category, along with One More Run, for some sexual content (book two has less than book one). The language is mild, and there is moderate violence.
January 29, 2019
No longer on the road Tris and Kevin are finally working at the Roadhouse that has been a dream of Kevin's for as long as he can remember . Everything is going good for them until the day they find Wayne another road house owner is found dead by a gang . When there is no Amarillo's army to come and stop the disregard of the deaths. They are nervous and want retribution . But will they be able to find the culprits and settle down at the road house together ,
Kevin and Tris are back and better then ever . Kevin to me in this book is kind of getting the wanderlust after having the road house for 6 months . He seems a little bit more relaxed though and has fallen in love with Tris . When he finally heads out we see the old Kevin come back the edgy driver but there is a little difference too him . Tris is also changing she seems a little off her game . When Tris and Zara are out on a mission she just seems a little out of it . She is still kick butt , and man I really like her . Zara is a character that we met in book one as working for the Enclave but in this book she has come to the right side and is helping Tris on her mission to get people out of Amarillo. All I can say is these characters are getting better with each book . They are becoming more and more complex and you can't help liking them .
In book two the author takes us on more adventures . We actually get to see Tris go out on her own mission with Zara and Kevin heading out on a path of revenge . The author weaves the two stories together with a seamless way . I truly felt that Tris got a little bit of a story line in this book . She got to battle more and Kevin was it seemed running around in circles . I will say that the story is getting better with each book . I can't wait to read book three . So if you like dystopia, apocalyptic stories with a zombie or two in it these are the books . Check it out you will not be disappointed . Great book to read on a cold day .
Kevin and Tris are back and better then ever . Kevin to me in this book is kind of getting the wanderlust after having the road house for 6 months . He seems a little bit more relaxed though and has fallen in love with Tris . When he finally heads out we see the old Kevin come back the edgy driver but there is a little difference too him . Tris is also changing she seems a little off her game . When Tris and Zara are out on a mission she just seems a little out of it . She is still kick butt , and man I really like her . Zara is a character that we met in book one as working for the Enclave but in this book she has come to the right side and is helping Tris on her mission to get people out of Amarillo. All I can say is these characters are getting better with each book . They are becoming more and more complex and you can't help liking them .
In book two the author takes us on more adventures . We actually get to see Tris go out on her own mission with Zara and Kevin heading out on a path of revenge . The author weaves the two stories together with a seamless way . I truly felt that Tris got a little bit of a story line in this book . She got to battle more and Kevin was it seemed running around in circles . I will say that the story is getting better with each book . I can't wait to read book three . So if you like dystopia, apocalyptic stories with a zombie or two in it these are the books . Check it out you will not be disappointed . Great book to read on a cold day .
May 1, 2018
A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality. - Yoko Ono
This second book in the Roadhouse Chronicles series (after ONE MORE RUN) was just as fun and action-filled as the first.
Kevin has realized his lifelong dream and now owns his own Roadhouse near what used to be Rawlins, Wyoming. He and Tris are happy running the place until they start hearing about other Roadhouses being attacked - something that has never happened before because people were afraid of the Roadhouse headquarters in Amarillo.
Kevin and Tris end up on separate missions and both are exciting. I still love the well-drawn characters especially Tris and the android, Bee. Great world building. Fun heavily weaponed vehicles. It's going to be difficult waiting for book three in the series DEAD MAN'S NUMBER due out September 18, 2018.
I received this book from Curiosity Quills through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
This second book in the Roadhouse Chronicles series (after ONE MORE RUN) was just as fun and action-filled as the first.
Kevin has realized his lifelong dream and now owns his own Roadhouse near what used to be Rawlins, Wyoming. He and Tris are happy running the place until they start hearing about other Roadhouses being attacked - something that has never happened before because people were afraid of the Roadhouse headquarters in Amarillo.
Kevin and Tris end up on separate missions and both are exciting. I still love the well-drawn characters especially Tris and the android, Bee. Great world building. Fun heavily weaponed vehicles. It's going to be difficult waiting for book three in the series DEAD MAN'S NUMBER due out September 18, 2018.
I received this book from Curiosity Quills through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
January 30, 2019
Book 2 of the Roadhouse Chronicles picks up months later after the first one book (One More Run) with Kevin finally achieving his dream of having his own Roadhouse. However, his dream is turning out to be more dangerous as there are people breaking the Code and Roadhouse owners are dying. If that wasn't enough on Kevin's plate, he's also got his girl he's gotta protect, and find his long-time friend and mentor's killer.
Tris has her own mission that she's trying to accomplish and learn more about the Enclave and the virus that's been unleashed into the world.
I was hooked from page one on this book and don't want to give away too many spoilers on this series. But trust me, you're going to want to pick this series up and give it a read! You won't be disappointed.
Tris has her own mission that she's trying to accomplish and learn more about the Enclave and the virus that's been unleashed into the world.
I was hooked from page one on this book and don't want to give away too many spoilers on this series. But trust me, you're going to want to pick this series up and give it a read! You won't be disappointed.
January 29, 2019
I'm loving this series, great characters going thru the life they have been dealt, struggling to face everyday with a new challange. This is a great book and worth the read
December 24, 2017
Super loud whistles AND a Standing Ovation👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ok hurry up and finish book 3 PLEASE!!!! More great characters even the jerks! Dystopian drama at its finest I thank you Matthew!
Ok hurry up and finish book 3 PLEASE!!!! More great characters even the jerks! Dystopian drama at its finest I thank you Matthew!
April 12, 2024
Cox mixes fast-paced action and nuanced characters with a plausible future dystopia to create a tale that will appeal to fans of wasteland mayhem and future history alike.
This novel is the second in the Roadhouse Chronicles series. So, that dust cloud on the horizon is probably spoilers.
Having saved the woman he loves and gathered the last of the coin, Kevin bought his own Roadhouse franchise. Six months later, he’s settled into a life of selling supplies and beds to travellers, and arranging jobs for those young enough or desperate enough to make a living driving the roads of the former Texas-Mexico border. But, when Wayne—the Roadhouse owner who was practically a father to him—is murdered by a biker gang without a reaction from the headquarters of the network, rumours start that the threat of massive bounties and certain vengeance that underpin the safety of each House is hollow. With further incidents adding to the rumour, Kevin must choose between hunkering down and taking the vengeance the Roadhouses are supposed to exact.
Where the first volume of the series was underpinned by the dangers and resource-management needs of driving consignments through a wasteland filled with raiders, humans driven mad by bio-warfare agents, and sundry environmental hazards, this volume reveals that, while owning a Roadhouse does allow one to leave those things behind, it brings a whole new set of dangers and resource-management issues that are equally challenging—and not necessarily things that driving has prepared a person for.
However, as with the previous book, Cox skilfully balances this realistic portrayal of post-apocalyptic economics and society with plenty of action and drama, creating a sense that events are on a firm footing rather than bogging down in abstruse nuances.
This transition is paralleled by the type of threat Kevin faces: where the Enclave’s attempts at assassination were a danger to him if he stayed, the attacks on Roadhouses pose a danger to his entire way of life. With the Code that makes Roadhouses safe from attack offering no protection against someone who isn’t afraid of a retribution, the question is no longer whether Kevin will run rather than fight, but whether there is anywhere to run to.
Contrasting with the sense of realistic bleakness Cox creates in his dystopia are oblique references to rock music and other common post-apocalyptic tropes. However, while spotting these will provide readers a pleasing sense of getting the joke, Cox also uses each reference to display character, avoiding any sense they are there merely to be ironic.
Kevin remains a well-crafted character. Although he runs his Roadhouse pragmatically, he treats both staff and drivers with compassion, making him a sympathetic protagonist. Any suggestion of greed or shallowness is further offset by the copious evidence of his love for Tris; while owning his own House might have been the dream that kept him going for years, it is clear that the bit that really matters is settling down with her. And Cox makes full use of this love to make Kevin’s life more complex: Kevin knows intellectually that the Enclave’s enhancements and training provide Tris a high degree of protection; but he still doesn’t feel right letting her face danger.
The supporting cast display a similar balance of fitting the world and being unique: more than one character displays the self-centred harassing behaviour likely in a world of high risks and widely separated opportunities for pleasure, but each has a different reaction to being rebuffed; gangs are tribal and prone to violence, but have different moral codes which are in turn differently presented in each member. While there are the various characters common to a post-apocalyptic tale, so sexual violence and other assaults feature, there are no hordes of cannibals distinguished only by which fetish gear they are wearing.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely. I recommend it to readers seeking all the high-powered action of a post-apocalyptic movie underpinned by realistic technology and characterisation.
I received a free copy from the publisher with a request for a fair review.
This novel is the second in the Roadhouse Chronicles series. So, that dust cloud on the horizon is probably spoilers.
Having saved the woman he loves and gathered the last of the coin, Kevin bought his own Roadhouse franchise. Six months later, he’s settled into a life of selling supplies and beds to travellers, and arranging jobs for those young enough or desperate enough to make a living driving the roads of the former Texas-Mexico border. But, when Wayne—the Roadhouse owner who was practically a father to him—is murdered by a biker gang without a reaction from the headquarters of the network, rumours start that the threat of massive bounties and certain vengeance that underpin the safety of each House is hollow. With further incidents adding to the rumour, Kevin must choose between hunkering down and taking the vengeance the Roadhouses are supposed to exact.
Where the first volume of the series was underpinned by the dangers and resource-management needs of driving consignments through a wasteland filled with raiders, humans driven mad by bio-warfare agents, and sundry environmental hazards, this volume reveals that, while owning a Roadhouse does allow one to leave those things behind, it brings a whole new set of dangers and resource-management issues that are equally challenging—and not necessarily things that driving has prepared a person for.
However, as with the previous book, Cox skilfully balances this realistic portrayal of post-apocalyptic economics and society with plenty of action and drama, creating a sense that events are on a firm footing rather than bogging down in abstruse nuances.
This transition is paralleled by the type of threat Kevin faces: where the Enclave’s attempts at assassination were a danger to him if he stayed, the attacks on Roadhouses pose a danger to his entire way of life. With the Code that makes Roadhouses safe from attack offering no protection against someone who isn’t afraid of a retribution, the question is no longer whether Kevin will run rather than fight, but whether there is anywhere to run to.
Contrasting with the sense of realistic bleakness Cox creates in his dystopia are oblique references to rock music and other common post-apocalyptic tropes. However, while spotting these will provide readers a pleasing sense of getting the joke, Cox also uses each reference to display character, avoiding any sense they are there merely to be ironic.
Kevin remains a well-crafted character. Although he runs his Roadhouse pragmatically, he treats both staff and drivers with compassion, making him a sympathetic protagonist. Any suggestion of greed or shallowness is further offset by the copious evidence of his love for Tris; while owning his own House might have been the dream that kept him going for years, it is clear that the bit that really matters is settling down with her. And Cox makes full use of this love to make Kevin’s life more complex: Kevin knows intellectually that the Enclave’s enhancements and training provide Tris a high degree of protection; but he still doesn’t feel right letting her face danger.
The supporting cast display a similar balance of fitting the world and being unique: more than one character displays the self-centred harassing behaviour likely in a world of high risks and widely separated opportunities for pleasure, but each has a different reaction to being rebuffed; gangs are tribal and prone to violence, but have different moral codes which are in turn differently presented in each member. While there are the various characters common to a post-apocalyptic tale, so sexual violence and other assaults feature, there are no hordes of cannibals distinguished only by which fetish gear they are wearing.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely. I recommend it to readers seeking all the high-powered action of a post-apocalyptic movie underpinned by realistic technology and characterisation.
I received a free copy from the publisher with a request for a fair review.
February 10, 2019
Achieving one's dreams.
Having a goal or dream to strive for is vital. Without one each of us risk lofting in the wind. Yet once reached what then. Is that the end? Maybe just a waypoint. A new path appearing on the horizon. Life's journey having only one end. Who's in a hurry to get there?
Having a goal or dream to strive for is vital. Without one each of us risk lofting in the wind. Yet once reached what then. Is that the end? Maybe just a waypoint. A new path appearing on the horizon. Life's journey having only one end. Who's in a hurry to get there?
August 8, 2024
After book one, I was dying to see where life would take Kevin and Tris next, and Cox has once again delivered on the tension, action, and all around brilliant story. There's a little mystery mixed into this one, as we learn more about the end of the world, and Tris and Kevin's places in it. Between roadhouse owners falling like dominoes, and the virus spreading, the stakes have never been higher. I found it easy to slip back into Kevin's world, with Cox's masterful descriptions, and I enjoyed getting to follow both Tris and Kevin's storylines as they wove together yet worked towards their own goals. I feel like we really got to see more sides of Tris, helping develop her more as a character. Kevin ends up reverting a little to who he was pre-Tris, but it works well with the story overall. Everything moves along at a quick clip, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you reach the final page. After the page-turning adventures in this installment, I can't wait to dive into book three!
March 24, 2020
Disregard For The Code
This series must be read in order. The first book is "One More Run". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Dead Man's Number"!
Kevin and Tris are all settled down in their brand new Roadhouse with an amazing old cook. Everything seems fine until The Redeemed start shooting up Roadhouses and Amarillo does nothing. Aren't they going to enforce The Code? Where are the Bounties that should be coming across the radio? Is something wrong in Amarillo? Are the Roadhouses on their own now? What will Kevin do to keep his hard earned dream alive? Can be keep his Roadhouse safe? What is with the upsurge in Infecteds? How are they getting to remote places? Has Kevin finally gotten his dream, only for it to be too late?
This series must be read in order. The first book is "One More Run". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Dead Man's Number"!
Kevin and Tris are all settled down in their brand new Roadhouse with an amazing old cook. Everything seems fine until The Redeemed start shooting up Roadhouses and Amarillo does nothing. Aren't they going to enforce The Code? Where are the Bounties that should be coming across the radio? Is something wrong in Amarillo? Are the Roadhouses on their own now? What will Kevin do to keep his hard earned dream alive? Can be keep his Roadhouse safe? What is with the upsurge in Infecteds? How are they getting to remote places? Has Kevin finally gotten his dream, only for it to be too late?
August 14, 2024
This one starts a little time after book one finishes. Kevin is no longer on the road but has finally his own roadhouse and is living with Tris. But then life goes south... The virus starts spreading again and faster and in the other hand, the roadhouse owners start getting kill and no one is respecting the code so they embark in 2 different missions: Kevin tries to solve the crimes and Tris trying to save survivors of the virus. This book in jam packed with action and I loved it. I am so ready for book three!!
August 16, 2024
This sequel picks up right after the end of the first book and picks up speed fast. I recommend reading book 1 before starting this one. You won't be confused but there's no recap so you may not understand everything right away. This book drops some bombshell revelations on Kevin and he has to decide what is the most important as his world unravels. There's lots of action, zombies, and raiding that keeps you glued to the pages. I recommend 18+ for readers of this story.
September 6, 2021
Wonderful, Feel good, Apocolypse Fiction
Road warrior meets the wild west and throw in some zombies and androids.
Matthew had done a great job in the second in his Roadhouse Chronicles. Kevin and Tris go on their own adventures and get some new family.
I like my apocolypses but Matthew has dreamed up one the I am thoroughly enjoying.
Road warrior meets the wild west and throw in some zombies and androids.
Matthew had done a great job in the second in his Roadhouse Chronicles. Kevin and Tris go on their own adventures and get some new family.
I like my apocolypses but Matthew has dreamed up one the I am thoroughly enjoying.
August 15, 2024
Kevin finally has his dream and his dream girl. For six months, they've been selling supplies and renting rooms to travelers. Then a biker gang called the Redeemed started attacking Roadhouses and he knew that something bad could come their way. Can he protect his love and home?
August 15, 2024
Wow, this series just keeps getting better and better! I'm fully invested in Kevin and Tris and their lives in this post apocalyptic world! Now on to book 3!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews