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The Bottom Rung

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I may have been born in the Quarter, but I refuse to die here.

I live in the Quarter, the societal cage where all of Cremorne’s paranormals have been locked up, but I’m neither vampire, werewolf nor witch. I’m the lowest of the low, doomed to be one of two things: junkie or vampire’s pet.

Desperate to escape, I’ll do whatever it takes to get out, to get all of us out, even if that means shaking my country and the gods themselves to the core to restore the balance. I’m collecting allies so I can start a revolution and finding power my kind would never dream of, but this game has been in play for a lot longer than I’ve been breathing and there’s a chance I’m just another pawn.

That’s OK, because I am determined to win.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2019

41 people are currently reading
176 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Marzipop.
625 reviews107 followers
September 5, 2019
So. I'm super confused. I feel like I missed some major information because by about 60% things became disjointed and left my head reeling trying to keep up with the information overflow.





The romance I wasn't feeling at all. Everybody was shallow and in it for themselves. Which is fine, that's character development, no one in this story is a good person. So if you're looking for that, you're not gonna find it here.

The MC herself felt.... a little scattered. Her personality flip flops a lot and I didn't recognize her by the end.

The plot flow itself was confusing, was going slow as molasses and then suddenly we were going at light speed with all alarms blaring.



I am still confused over the world, baffled at the lack of surprise from the other characters being reacquainted with gods and just being like "welp okay".



I kinda want to try next one, just to see what happens to my name buddy Marley. I kinda can't help root for him now. I don't really like any of the other characters, they're very selfish people. Not that Marley isn't, but I can see how much of a victim of circumstance he is

Sue me, I like a good Shylock. (Merchant of Venice - Shakespeare)

I am a Jew.
Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs,
dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with
the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject
to the same diseases, healed by the same means,
warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as
a Christian is? If you prick us do we not bleed?
If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison
us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not
revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will
resemble you in that. If a Jew wrong a Christian,
what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian
wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by
Christian example? Why, revenge. The villainy you
teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I
will better the instruction.
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews21 followers
August 11, 2019
**** I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy ****

This is a great book to read. This book is a dystopian paranormal romance. It has action, love, betrayal and so unpredictable. You have vamoires, werewolves, witches and down humans who want freedom. Well the ones that are not under any kind of influence. The main character is Lethe, who wants freedom and is wanting freedom. However, because of what she is, she has to figure out how to navigate through the factions to survive. Her best friends opted to turn into vampires and her brother is addicted to drugs and is on the verge of death. Her friends Gavin and Bennett were human before changing and they say they changed to protect Lethe. I think she harbors ill feelings for leaving her when she needed them. They want their relationship back the way it was but she will not give in it will she. Then there is Nathaniel, who gives her what she needs. There may be more to Nathaniel cause I am still trying to figure out how purpose. Then something happens to Lethe that changes the game. There is a power struggle and the beginnings of another war. There is so much more that happens, unfortunately I am not going to give you any spoilers. You will need to read this. If you love Hunger games or the Divergent series then you will love this.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
104 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2019
Amazingly unique.

This book was completely different to anything I've read, probably this year. Yes it's a dystopian novel and also an RH but it's actually so much more than this! The way Sam Hall has written the dystopian genre is gritty and real and doesn't shy away from all the problems such societies may face. The characters were all messed up and the lines between the traditional 'good and 'evil' were constantly blurred. Despite this there's is love and affection and loyalty almost to a fault. There are so many avenues this series could take and I can't wait to find out which one Sam Hall choses.
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
February 19, 2020
This is a very interesting and unusual series and I have never read anything like it. It has a quite dark tone, complex plot, interesting characters, story set in a well planned dystopian world based on magic and mythology, and the authors writing is fantastic.
The darkness I mentioned is a result of dystopian society that involves genetic manipulation and mistreatment of certain humanoid species. There is also internal strife among the species isolated in the quarantined Quarter, there is greed for power and more magic, and it all seems incredibly hopeless from the start.
But there is Lethe, an albino of untested power, who refuses to submit to imposed expectations and norms, and the only ray of hope in this dark world full of despair and hatred. She is not all powerful and strong physically, but she has an incredible willpower and desire to change the world she lives in. She is full of love and need to help others.
On the other side of the wall is Hesse Corporation, lead by coldhearted Hesse himself, and the author is almost stingy with the information. She feeds the reader little bits of information here and there, so the reader only knows a little bit more than Lethe. This for me was incredibly interesting and I can't wait to see what happens next.
The book is full of fast paced action and unexpected events. The characters are well developed and intriguing. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I am looking forward to reading more.
The story continues in Rise To The Bait (The Lap of the Gods Book 2).
559 reviews32 followers
December 24, 2019
Paranormal Romance

Well damn , I didnt expect that ending to book 1. I have massive speculations now. After the Terror, All paranormals were placed behind a wall. There are 3 sanctions: wolves Vampires and witches. Low on the life totem pole are the albinos. They are used for blood and sex. A brave albino, Lethe is their only hope of salvation and freedom. Can she do this without self destructing? I want to find out in book 2. Sam Hall has done it again. She captivates her reading audience.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,389 reviews62 followers
October 2, 2019
Didn’t Quite Hit The Spot

Sometimes you can get really excited a book because of the blurb and the really cool cover. Sometimes you can start reading and think ‘ok this is interesting’. Sometimes those books don’t quite deliver and this is the most disappointing thing in the world.

I really *really* wanted to love this book. It has so many of my favourite ingredients for a book; reverse harem, vampires, witches, werewolves, suppressed minority with evil overlord, plucky underpowered MFC and so on. The main problem is that ingredients don’t quite mesh properly. The author was concentrating so hard on the world building that she didn’t pay enough attention to the characters.

Lethe is an albino (which is a supernatural race with very few powers). Albinos usually end up as food and sexual slaves for vampires, but she has managed to stay free of that pitfall by becoming a courier. She is also protected somewhat by her childhood friends/first loves, Gavin and Bennett, who were human but decided to become vampires, supposedly to protect Lethe.

Albinos are controlled by the humans with drugs and most are addicts. Lethe managed to get off the drugs but her ‘brother’ Marley did not. She supports him, despite his all consuming addiction. I think we are supposed to see her as self-sacrificing and loyal for this support. She also wants Gavin and Bennett to be human again. She rejects them romantically but still relies on them for their blood to make her strong enough to survive The Quarter.

Essentially, I didn’t like Lethe. It seemed like her feelings were the only important thing to her. She kept jumping into situations without thinking through the consequences, not only for herself, but for everyone around her.

There was plenty of steam in the book, but the romance was lacking. If romance is what you look for in an RH book, this is probably not for you.

I felt like the world building was overwhelming. So much information was thrown at the reader early on, but not really expanded on. This left great big holes in my comprehension. Every time I thought I might get a handle on what was happening, something else was thrown at me and I was left struggling to build something from the strands of spaghetti that was the world building and plot. I felt like the author was trying to create an epic fantasy saga but squash it into a regular sized book.

There is a lot of promise in this author’s work, but I just don’t think that this work lives up to it, and that’s a shame.
Profile Image for The Lusty Literarians.
828 reviews45 followers
August 30, 2019
*ARC Review*

The Bottom Rung is a wonderful combination of two very different things: dystopian societal injustice and paranormal reverse harem. The story is set in the land of Cremorne in which all of the non-human "anomalous" are forced to live in a concentration camp called The Quarter, while the humans are allowed to live outside The Quarter. The two groups are divided by, you guessed it, a wall. We don't learn much about the human side of the wall, mostly we learn about the residents of the Quarter, the witches, vampires, werewolves and albinos (called "whites"). This book specifically focuses on one white, Lethe, and her relationship with various vampires and werewolves within the quarter.

I found this book fabulously refreshing. There are plenty of hot and steamy scenes to satisfy the RH lover in you. There are also fight and battle sequences that keep the action and pace really moving along. Where I think The Bottom Rung truly shines is in the political and societal issues that it brings to light. As Lethe says at one point, "I spent most of my days envying the freedoms of others". This book does a beautiful job of showcasing the different types of freedoms, how different people work to achieve that and the common blocks in the way of reaching that freedom.

Some miscellaneous things to keep in mind about this book before reading it. It does switch POVs and depending on whose POV it is in 1st or 3rd person perspective. Also, the author is Australian, and as such there are quite a few words in Non-American English (for example Metre versus Meter). I didn't find it too distracting though. Lastly, this is book 1 in a series and therefore ends in a cliffhanger. I didn't mind any of those things, but I know those are "deal breakers" for some readers, so I wanted to point them out.

Overall I highly recommend reading this book and I will definitely read book 2 as soon as it is released!
Profile Image for Alisha Thompson.
526 reviews10 followers
September 9, 2019
Good start!

Sam Hall is new to me and I enjoyed this book very much.

🖤genre: dystopian fantasy RH
🖤pace: medium
🖤 slow-burn

A good portion of the relationships are already formed. Gavin, Bennett and Lethe have a past, one that Lethe can’t quite rekindle because she feels betrayed by them. Otherwise there are a few that are very interested in Lethe but she is closed off. Now that’s not to say that she doesn’t experience some sexy times on the contrary she has some pretty hot scenes, no I say slow-burn because there aren’t any actual romantic relationship attachments formed... yet!

It’s hard not to know each other in such a small area but when you’re a female albino with no allegiance to any particular faction you are bound to be noticed. But the non-humans are kept corralled and war between the factions is encouraged, the albinos continue to be collateral damage or commodities to be exploited, all Lethe wants is the ability to live how she wants... freedom.

The storyline has the potential to be great but this is the first book and sets the scene for the rest of the series. I recommend waiting until the next book is out so you can read it back to back, because now I have to wait until the next ones out so I can find out what’s going to happen..., I have so many questions!!!
Profile Image for Rachel Osborne.
1,093 reviews19 followers
August 19, 2019
Omg! What a world to get stuck into. The world we're thrust into has so much adventure, intrigue and hot hot scenes that you'll be thinking about this book for weeks to come. The story is built up beautifully and has so many detailed layers intwined with the pages. The characters have depth and details that make them realistic to the reader and relatable. Lethe is the main heroine and I loved reading her journey. The subject matter expressed in this novel brings upon a whirlwind of emotions. The dynamic that Sam has brought to the plot, characters, the political side and relationships was pure genius. If you're looking for a unique story that has you wondering what will happen, what a character will do and what the end game will be, this is definitely the book for you. Dystopian society with hierarchy and godly goodness! Masterpiece! In a league of its own in the RH genre. Book two will be even more epic!

I received an arc for an honest review
Profile Image for Autumn.
11 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2019
Different take on a well explored genre

Confession, I read this book, because the cover art reminded me of Caro’s series by Scarlet Dawn. It’s my 1st read from this author.

Honestly most books in this genre or is it “trope”? Bore me to tears. I can’t get past the first few pages by most self published authors. But this was a pleasant surprise. So much so that I put the sequel on my wish list and downloaded another of her novels.

I am an avid reread. I use my kindle unlimited membership take chances on books I wouldn’t normally buy. Then I purchase them to reread at my leisure or just to support the author.

Def could use a revisit after the author grows more into her craft. She’s good, better than good, but could be great. I hope she gets the chance to do so.

This is going on my “buy” list to reread later.
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
963 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2019
I really loved what the author did with this book. Not to mention the main character. Loved her. As the title suggests she is considered the bottom rung in her society but she doesn't act like it. Even though she was a the lowest position she made her way and stood up for not being what people expected her to be.

I liked the dynamic between the different characters. The relationships between her in the brothers was sweet but also super sad. You wanted the relationship to mend but there was just so much between them. Her relationship with Nathaniel and Marley too just soooo complicated and I loved it.

The next book should be pretty interesting especially with how the book ended
Profile Image for Louise Williamson.
63 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2019
Well that was one emotional ride lol.

I have just finished The Bottom Rung. Wow just wow. I loved this book. Lethe is badass especially when she came into Lyra's powers. I want to float while on fire lol. I hope Gavin and Bennett try to make amends with Lethe. They always talked about being free but, when it came to it. They couldn't go with her. But why?

Marley? Like WTH . Rohan should have just disappeared for not like him. Could Marley be an avatar? So many possibilities lol.

I can not wait to see what happens in the next installment. I hope she manages to free anyone and I really hope Marley is not a traitor to his own sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
50 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2019
Okay... soo... Wow!! This is different than other books I’ve read before. I absolutely love that Lethe is so strong and refuses to fall into the “norm” of what her kind is meant to be. She unknowingly captivated many around her just by refusing to give up. Every single twist kept me pushing through the book, as I couldn’t put it down. The authors way of writing just makes you fall into this world and immerses you into a story that you don’t want to end.

**I received this book as an ARC, in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Annie.
203 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2019
The Bottom Rung is a really interesting paranormal reverse harem debut. Our fmc finds herself at rock bottom, on the wrong side of the wall and in the sights of a vampire leader who covets her. Through all this she is also working through her feelings for two childhood sweethearts. This book is exciting and refreshing in the saturated vampire-paranormal reverse harem genre. I look forward to the next instalment.
105 reviews
October 16, 2019
Sam has created an amazing new world. Think of every supernatural world you could ever dream of and smash them together into one small area of the world. Not everyone gets along and the Female MC has to navigate through each faction whilst trying to survive and not be found out by the humans who police the Sups.

Mind spinning crazy new world where you are chucked in the deep end from the get go. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Hannah Wenna.
Author 12 books81 followers
August 6, 2019
I received an arc for an honest review, this was hands down the best book I’ve read all year. Sams second book ever is absolute perfection the world she’s created is detailed and you get sucked in and the next thing you know hours have passed and your child wants to be fed haha. Seriously though it’s amazing and your gonna want to read it...
6,477 reviews22 followers
September 1, 2019
This is a unique read, it combines a dystopian world and paranormal reverse harem romance. The world building creates a complex world that is easy to escape in. The use of the POVs took some getting use to as first and third person perspectives were used. I cannot wait for book 2. I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
279 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2019
Fantastic book! I’m so happy this is a first in series, because I absolutely cannot wait to read more.
I found that I loved the mix of dystopia and paranormal. It was blended well into this refreshingly original story.
Additionally, I really loved the mix of romance and action. This story was fast paced, so I was entertained and engaged throughout.
All in all, I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Samantha.
595 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2019
Interesting and fresh

It’s a very interesting new world that is very well built and full of intelligent plots and well developed characters. Even beyond the very cool story there is amazing sensuality and well presented sexy times of the 18+ variety. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series
Profile Image for Yashira.
271 reviews33 followers
September 5, 2019
This is a unique read, it combines a dystopian world and paranormal reverse harem romance. The world created made me loose myself in it. The characters are great and it's an amazing and well written story. I cannot wait for book 2 and see what happens next!! I truly recomend this book!!
Profile Image for Robin Dorf.
166 reviews14 followers
October 21, 2019
Loved this book!!! Dystopian books are my jam!! The world created provides the reader with a Dystopian, Paranormal, RH experience.

Strong characters, great plot with several unexpected twists and turns!!!

I cant wait for book 2!!!
Profile Image for Bbwolfy.
155 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2019
The book was a good read I enjoyed reading it and hope to read more of the authors work in the future
Profile Image for MelissaR.
114 reviews
August 30, 2019
Loved this book! The beginning was a little hard for me to get into but after I did, I didn't put it down until I finished it. Definitely worth the read! Excited for what’s next!
Profile Image for Nicole .
510 reviews7 followers
September 10, 2019
A mix of just about everything! Dystopian, with supernatural creatures and a badass MC. This was crazy different than what I read but after starting it I loved it.
Profile Image for Katie.
814 reviews16 followers
February 6, 2020
This book.... TOTALLY MIND-BLOWING!!! It was intense and gritty and so hot but so deep. Sam Hall is an incredible story teller and I couldn't put this book down!!
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