The Brightest Darkness

Oklahoma Wastelands #2

by Kate L. Mary

Still reeling from loss, Kellan and Regan set out to rescue Harper from Andrew and his men. Only now they aren’t just fighting to free a teenage girl, they’re fighting to keep a promise to the man who saved them, knowing if they fail, Harper won’t be the only one at risk.

Joining forces with a new group means having help and making friends, but it also brings new conflict and the risk of losing everything they’ve worked to build over the last nine years. With zombies banging at their door and the threat of danger around every corner, Regan and Kellan will have to fight to keep their world secure and their secret from getting out.

Genres: Horror, Apocalyptic, Zombies, Post Apocalyptic

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2019

About the author

I'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!

Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.

When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!

Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.

Awards:

Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine

When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction

Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards

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Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I had a great time listening to this audiobook. I listened to the first book in this series shortly after its release last year and enjoyed it so that I went on to read many of more of the author's works during the past year. It goes without saying that I was excited to start listening to this book and it did not disappoint. This is the second book in the Oklahoma Wastelands series, which is a series that should be read in order if at all possible. I really enjoyed slipping back into this world for a bit to check in on Regan and Kellan.

Please note there may be spoilers in this review for the first book in the series.

This book picks up shortly after the events of the first book. Regan and Kellan are determined to rescue Harper from Andrew. In a world filled with zombies and humans out to take advantage of others, things are never easy. Regan, Kellan, and their group are all really good people and are determined to protect everyone in their group. There were a lot of really exciting scenes in this book and quite a few twists that kept me guessing throughout the story.

I really like Regan and Kellan. They make a great pair and just seem to fit each other perfectly. They both feel some responsibility to others in their group and are willing to put themselves in danger to protect others. They are both very supportive of each other and Kellan doesn't hold Regan back even though he might want to at times. It was great to see their relationship grow over the course of this story. I think that they have wonderful chemistry with each other and their history together makes everything even more believable. It was really easy to cheer them on.

Heather Firth did a fantastic job with the narration of this book. I liked all of the character voices that she used and I thought that all of the dialogue in this story felt very natural. I think that she was able to add a lot of excitement and emotion into the story. She read the story with a very pleasant voice and I had no problems listening for hours at a time.

I would recommend this series to others. I really liked the fact that this story was exciting from beginning to end. I cared about the characters and wanted to see everything work out for them. I can't wait to read more of this exciting series and more of Kate L. Mary's work!

I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.

Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this audiobook. I have devoured so many of Kate L. Mary's books over the last year and was really excited to get back to this series. This book picks up shortly after the events of the first book in the Oklahoma Wasteland series. Kellan and Regan are great characters and I think that they make a very strong couple. This book was really exciting and there were quite a few surprises to keep me guessing. Heather Firth did a fantastic job with the narration.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’d been with me since the beginning, since the moment Matt died, and without him I would have been alone, might even have been killed. More importantly, I wasn't sure this world would have been worth it if Kellan wasn’t in my life.
***

This story was absolutely amazing. But I knew it would be. If I thought I couldn’t wait to read this one, I 100% cannot wait to read book 3. We were left with the best ending, an ending that left me feeling not only hope but uneasy. I am scared for these characters and the what the future holds for them.

Seriously though, I am just so blown away by this book. I had to start a contemporary romance because if I would have started another zombie read it would have ended badly. I would have compared the two and there is no way another zombie book would rank even close to this one. At least at this time. Mary is a brilliant author. Just absolutely love her writing, her characters, the romance, and her insanely amazing zombie world. I could never get enough of her books...or zombies.

All the Stars!!

[Stefanie Kral · Rating 5 out of 5]

✯✯5 Unpredictable Stars!!!✯✯

Oh Kate, Kate, Kate L. Mary!!! What’re you doing to me?!?! She writes such badass characters that I’m hooked instantly when I start a book of hers. Let me just start by saying I’m not a zombie lover(def don’t watch TWD) and yet I’m hooked on this series. Not many authors can do that.

We pick up where book one left off. Andrew has gotten Harper back and planning on turning her over because she’s immune. Regan and Kellan feel horrible about it so they make a plan to get her back.

Afterwards they run into bad weather and sinkholes. They run into a familiar stranger named Bill. Bill takes them back to the airplane hanger he calls home. Regan and Kellan can’t believe how many people live there and the stories of how they got there. Regan and Kellan invite Bill and his group to comeback and stay with them in their compound.

Once everybody is moved into the compound emotions and tension are running high. They have to stay indoors and only certain people can go outside Incase Andrew’s watching them. Bill’s number one guy Ernie doesn’t like how their group does things and def don’t like how Kellan tends to be in charge. He’s doing whatever he can to overthrow things.

Kellan and Regan finally give into their true feelings for each other. They both learn how long they’ve been hiding their feelings for each other. These two have been in each other’s lives wayyyyy before the apocalypse hit. They can’t live without each other. It’s like they can’t breathe when the other one isn’t around and bc of that they didn’t want to say they were feeling more than friendship bc they were afraid they’d loose the other one.

I’m not giving anything else away bc there’s SOOOO much more that’s going on. In this world it’s not only the zombies you have to be afraid of, it’s also the people who sleep next to you at night. There’s very few people Regan and Kellan can trust with their lives, secrets and everything else in between.

After the way this book ended I’m dying to get the next one. One of the many many reasons why Kate L. Mary is one of my favorite authors is bc she writes stories that are original, the characters are badass and they’re so unpredictable. Whenever I try to think what’ll happen or how it’s going to end... Boom!! She’ll take the book out of your hand and smack you upside your head. She’s THAT good!! So, hurry up with the next part of Regan And Kellan’s story.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Zombie Author

I've said it many times before but I'm saying it again, the only zombie books I'll read are Kate L. Mary's. I'm not big on zombies, but her books are so much more than zombies. The Broken World series got me hooked and the fact that she continues to write such awesome books keeps me coming back for more. From zombies to matriarchal societies, every book is a story. A story told by a masterful storyteller.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brightest Darkness is book 2 in the series is make sure you catch up with book 1.
We pick up right were we left off with our group of survivors. Once again we get an action packed story that keeps us guessing as we follow Regan, Kellan and their friends after the end of the world. I enjoyed reading and look forward to the next.

Review by Raychel

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ STARS for Kate L Mary

Only down side is having to wait for the next installment. As always another amazing read and a wild, unexpected ride! Couldn’t put my kindle down and didn’t want to do much but read this book to find out what happens next.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate has definitely scored a win with the second book in the Oklahoma Wastelands Series. It’s been a while since the first book was published but the story was easy to pick up again in just a few chapters into the second book. Kate L Mary’s books are a joy to read…just about everything that you would want in a post-apocalyptic zombie novel. Of course, if you are looking at a review for this book then you probably already know that you’re going to get it. One thing I really like about Kate’s stories are that every once in a while the characters talk about things from the past, that happened in other books. Those are like “aha” moments, because if you’ve not read the other books those instance pass by unknown, but if you have read them…. "aha.”

[Heather Trumble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series

So far I’m loving it. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. The romance is strong between the two characters. Their is no cheating or love triangle....major plus. The story moves quickly. This is one for my read again pile.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the series!

I’ve been trying to read this world in order and I re-read the Broken World series and then continued with the Twisted series a few months ago and had to take a break to focus on ARCs that I had to read! I then decided to start this trilogy to continue the reading books set in the same world! After reading, I can say that I loved every second of reading this trilogy! I honestly couldn’t put it down until I had finished reading and I was reading a few more chapters every chance I had! There was romance in the plot and I loved the way it developed and it was sort of enemies to lovers and brothers best friend! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes too! There was also a lot of action and suspense in the plot of the books, which added to them and made me enjoy them more! I also felt like the stakes got even higher as the books progressed! The characters were also amazing and made this trilogy for me! Regan was the main character, and at the beginning of this trilogy she was unsure and I think that she understood more about what she had to do as the trilogy progressed and she learned more about how dangerous the zombie world really was! Regan also grew a lot and I liked her more and more as the trilogy progressed! Kellan was the love interest of Regan! Kellan was a guy who was quite rough at the beginning and he tried to avoid putting Regan in danger! This was because she meant a lot to him and he didn't want to lose her! Eventually Regan stood up to Kellan and he let her learn how to defend herself! It was easy to see how much Regan meant to Kellan and he was a strong guy! This trilogy was only written from Regan’s point of view! I was maybe expecting it to be written from maybe dual point of view before I started reading, so I was a bit surprised that it was written fully through Regan’s eyes! I guess it made sense for the story to be written this way because it was Regan’s story and it was her journey in the zombie ridden world! I was still able to connect with the other characters and they all added to the story! It was also a lot of fun to see characters from the Broken World series make appearances in this book or at least be mentioned! I now can’t wait to continue reading the books set in this world! I know that the next series I have to read is seven books and will start right from the beginning of the apocalypse with a new set of characters! I’ll definitely be reading them next and I can’t wait to read their journey! The covers for this trilogy suit the feel of the books and would draw me to the books if I didn’t already know the author’s name! I love how well it suits the covers for the prequel series as well!

[Tina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brightest Darkness: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Novel (Oklahoma Wastelands, Book 2) by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Heather Firth is a great second for the series. Recommend if you are looking for a new z series (make sure to listen in order) or have listened to the first and wondering about the second.

What’s it about? The group is dealing with the fallout from the previous events while trying to move forward, only it’s not so easy to trust in this harsh post-apocalyptic world. Those immune to the virus are no longer able to keep their secrets hidden as Andrew hunts them down. New members shake things up and the Z’s are getting smarter. The result is a fast-paced story with a good amount of action. There is a bit of romance between a few couples with the main focus on Regan and Kellan. The book ends in a cliffhanger of sorts (I need the next book ASAP please!). I love it’s set in the same world as Agnes James (another must listen for z lovers)- nice to have it all tie in.

The narrator, Heath Firth, was marvelous- love her narrations! She brings the characters to life and helps pull you into the story. Between her narration and Kate’s writing, it’s a perfect team.

Overall, I recommend, especially if you are new to Kate or Heather.

“If there’s no goodness, no humanity left in the world, we deserve to follow the dinosaurs into extinction.”

Parental guidance/trigger warnings: It’s the zompoc folks, so things like death, weapons, and not nice people doing not nice things. Threats of rape, reliving the trauma that occurred in the previous book, PTSD, some sex (semi-detailed). Language used: Sx49, Fx2.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was super excited to read this 2nd book after enjoying the 1st book, and this didn't disappoint! Some more awesome zombie action! Loved the connection between Regan and Kellan; they are too sweet and so supportive of each other! They both are so protective of each other, and would do anything for the other. The whole group is still worried about psycho, Andrew, from the 1st book. Andrew is looking for those that are immune to zombie bites; plus, he's just an all around disgusting, rapist individual out to take out Regan and Kellan's group. Luckily, they find some other survivors, but with more people involved, more problems arise. There's those individuals that are still decent, but there's also plenty of bad survivors out there. Trust is very hard in this zombie apocalyptic world. It does get so frustrating when the group doesn't think things through properly; especially since they've watched the tv show, The Walking Dead. They should know better! The characters need to go with their guts more, and should really be more vigilant; especially after surviving so long in this world. Still would love more zombie action; it would be great to see those zombies take out some of the bad guys! This one does end on a cliffhanger, so I'm excited to read the next book! Really enjoying this series so far!

Also, I listened to the Audible version of this story, and the narrator did great. She really fits the tone and characters of the story. Strong performance and a quality recording. Recommend it!

[Emily Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oklahoma Wasteland's series by Kate L Mary is everything I hoped for and more!

Having read all of her Broken World and Twisted Fate series, I was very excited to get more from our OK survivors. I accidentally read the first book in this series prior to finishing Broken World. While they are two separate series, the timelines run cohesively together, so I highly recommend that you read Broken World (atleast about half way through) before picking up this series. However, I was able to follow along.

Kellan and Regan's romance is finally heating up as well as the battles between the zombies, survivors and life in the post apocalyptic world in the wastelands of OK. Mary brings a whole lot of interesting characters to the table in this one. No more is it just those who live in the bunker. Mary brings some sweet, mean and horrifying characters to the forefront of this story. It's up to Kellan and Regan to survive.

Once again, I have nothing bad to say about Mary's post apocalyptic series. I've been reading these since March continuously and have yet to get bored or for it to seem repetitive. With each new book or series surrounding the zombie outbreak, Mary brings something new, engaging and entertaining to read. I highly recommend this series.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story in volume two of this apocalypse romance has grown along with Regan’s love for Kellan. Starting out the story with an eight-year jump was a bit disconcerting but eventually, the past caught up with the present and everything worked out. Our long-time couple first had some issues to clean up concerning Harper from the prior volume. And they were still grieving and recovering from the personal losses incurred at the hands of Andrew, also from the prior volume. Wanting to break the doldrums they found themselves in they looked for something new. Jasper’s computer provided an opportunity by introducing them to a new contact; a new group of people to hopefully spend time with. This new group of survivors headed by Bill and Ernie primarily takes the focus of the story from this point. Andrew was still out there somewhere to contend with. Ernie was used to giving orders and was less than content to accept a younger Kellan as the leader. Interaction between the two groups, or the lack thereof, is the focal point. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read several post-apocalyptic books by Kate L. Mary and have enjoyed them all. As soon as I finished The Loudest Silence, the first book in The Oklahoma Wasteland series, I started the second book.

Like the first book, there’s not much down time in The Brightest Darkness. The group that Regan and Kellan are with is frequently changing in number which can be both good and bad. A lot of the people who survived are worse than the zombies, and it’s difficult to know who to trust. Regan and Kellan tend to find trouble around every corner. They are a strong couple in more ways than one, but can that save them from the constant danger?

I like the characters. They seemed a little wishy washy in the first book, but they have matured.

The ending was a cliffhanger, so I am glad that I have the next book in the series, because I am ready to listen to more. I need to find out what happens!

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via a promo code and this is my voluntary review. Book 2 kicks off with New Government immune Andrew having stolen Harper from her new family and having killed Jasper, Regan and Kellan are off to the rescue. It's a personal issue to them, as Regan is also immune. They succeed in getting Harper back, and join forces with an old acquaintance, Bill and his group, Soon there are tensions in their bunker as newcomer Ernie used to giving orders and was less than content to accept a younger Kellan as the leader. It's all drama and betrayal, leading to our duo ending up in peril themselves and ends this book on a cool cliff hanger that will have you anxious to read The Sweetest Torment immediately after. I've devoured this entire series over the last 2 days and when I researched the author Kate L Mary, I discovered this is the flipside of the Broken World Series lol so I've gone to read that too. You won't be disappointed.

[Erin Remen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and family define this exciting edition to Kate L. Mary's zombie world

I loved every minute of this second installment in the authors new zombie series and I could not have been more disappointed when it ended way to soon! Kellan and Reagan grow closer and more free with their love , to my absolute delight, enjoying every minute they can together. Life seems like it might go back to normal , except nothing ever stays that way. Exciting and nail biting action is taken to the next level when a new group is found and they struggle to deal with Andrew and the threat his crew of mercenary men and zombies by the truckloads could cause to their loved ones. Things take a dark turn on a run that will haunt them all and ends with lives in the balance and definitely leaves me desperate for the next one!

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oklahoma Wasteland continues...

The second book of the series is every bit as good as the first. She continues the story of two children that grew up after the apocalypse destroys their world. Young people that discover childhood friendship has grown into so much more and that finding good people isn't an easy thing in this new world.
Life now takes them from their home in Oklahoma and I am looking forward to finding out what they will face in the next book.
I highly recommend this series to everyone, even those not into apocolyptic stories...you won't regret trying this story.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brightest Darkness (Oklahoma Wastelands #2) was a great read by Kate L. Mary. Kellan and Regan are determined to rescue Harper from Andrew and his men. They join forces with a new group, but it brings new conflict. It can risk them losing everything they've worked to build. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more in this series.

[Robin Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good story. Its showing how you can't trust anyone in an apocalypse. Its survival time and someone will want what you have or be fighting for power. I love Kellan and Regan's relationship and I'm hoping they make it through to the next book. Its hard staying alive but even more trying to keep each other alive. I hope the next part is out now. This is a must read for this genre.

[Debbie Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brightest. Darkness

Are you serious,your going to leave us with a cliffhanger,😧l love this book and love the characters,but come on now l have to wait.Well that suxs. But wait l will so hurry up with the next one lol

[Bambi Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still digging this series. I gotta say, Kate L. Mary has always been in my top 5 favorite authors. Her writing style just really appeals to me. Not too childish but not too vulgar. This book continues exactly where book 1 left off. It has a few sweet twists and the end leaves you ready for more.

[Jeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting continuation of Kellan and Regan's adventures

The story continues to be both exciting and intriguing. I like how it is loosely tied to the Broken World series, reminding us how pervasive the zombie apocalypse is.

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brightest Darkness

This second book is better than The Loudest Silence. Less teen like emotions and more drama and excitement. Still with some romance thrown in. There is even mention of The Broken World series.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues between Kellan & Regan. They're going after Andrew & his men to save Harper. More action packed zombie goodness in this one!

[HOLLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story I'm on the next book.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

This book was just so good! It had the right amount of conflict and downtime where the characters had some time to enjoy themselves. On to the next book!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good

Not bad, but lots of repeated information: so much so that I started skipping ahead to get to the parts that moved the story along.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review will come a bit later.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting!!

I like the direction this story is going!! I like this group of people!! I can’t wait to read the next book!

[RAVEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series and getting reading to start book #3 💗