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A Haunting Dystopian Tale #2
The World that Was
Life is meant for the living...
After Fawn and Brayson rush to escape the terror at The Nocere, they stumble upon a village at the base of the Ruby Mountains. Despite the back breaking struggle of the locals, Fawn soon discovers what it means to be truly alive.
But some secrets aren't meant to stay buried...
Whispered words and the chains from the past threaten to chase Fawn no matter how far she runs. The world that once was may be only a dream as reality drags her closer to her own fate.
The World that Was, book 2 of A Haunting Dystopian Tale, is thrilling and darkly romantic adventure. Magical realism with portals to the spirit realm creates a post-apocalyptic dystopian story unlike any other.
After Fawn and Brayson rush to escape the terror at The Nocere, they stumble upon a village at the base of the Ruby Mountains. Despite the back breaking struggle of the locals, Fawn soon discovers what it means to be truly alive.
But some secrets aren't meant to stay buried...
Whispered words and the chains from the past threaten to chase Fawn no matter how far she runs. The world that once was may be only a dream as reality drags her closer to her own fate.
The World that Was, book 2 of A Haunting Dystopian Tale, is thrilling and darkly romantic adventure. Magical realism with portals to the spirit realm creates a post-apocalyptic dystopian story unlike any other.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2020
43 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 19, 2020
Ughhh so sad that I'm done with this one already, but on the plus side, at least book 3 will be out soon. HEATHER! That ending. Ugh. I'd say that was a cliffhanger. Not a huge one or a bad one necessarily, but COME ON!
This series is so unique and the world really draws you in so quickly. I loved getting to see some of the world beyond where they'd been prior, and I enjoyed all of the ups and downs throughout this one.
This book was so good, as always, I wish it was longer because you can bet your butt I'd still read these if they were 300+ pages.
I love Fawn and Alister, and I love Brayson and Vorie. The progression and the pacing of this book was so well done and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next one.
This series is so unique and the world really draws you in so quickly. I loved getting to see some of the world beyond where they'd been prior, and I enjoyed all of the ups and downs throughout this one.
This book was so good, as always, I wish it was longer because you can bet your butt I'd still read these if they were 300+ pages.
I love Fawn and Alister, and I love Brayson and Vorie. The progression and the pacing of this book was so well done and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next one.
August 4, 2020
What a great continuation! We pick back up exactly where Heather left us hanging in book one. Fawn is on the run and hiding out. This was a quick read for me because I couldn't put it down. Honestly I read it in a day, it was that good! I got to watch Fawn and Brayson find a new comfortable life that really suits them. They get to do hard manual labor and feel the accomplishment of their efforts everyday. There is a pride and happiness that they feel and contentment in their new lives. Unfortunately like all things go, happiness doesn't always last and things go haywire when Fawn's old life catches up with her and she finds out you can't always run and hide from your problems. Sometimes you have to face your issues head on. Fawn begins to explore her abilities and in turn finds out more about herself and grows in more ways than one. This was a great continuation to this story and I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
January 20, 2021
I had to put this down halfway through to sleep but it was so hard.
Fawn is someone I'd like to think I'd be in an apocalyptic world: smart-ass, intelligent and over all badass. She's able to have this will to live a real life in a world where others prefer the realm and she just seems so genuine.
I'd like to see the trouble she and Allister cause after that end in the final book. Wait, final?! *cries*
Fawn is someone I'd like to think I'd be in an apocalyptic world: smart-ass, intelligent and over all badass. She's able to have this will to live a real life in a world where others prefer the realm and she just seems so genuine.
I'd like to see the trouble she and Allister cause after that end in the final book. Wait, final?! *cries*
January 9, 2021
To say I am invested would be an understatement.
I. Love. This. Series.
I love Fawn so much, I would like to be just like her.
On to the next book, even though I really do not want this journey to end.
10/10 would read again.
I. Love. This. Series.
I love Fawn so much, I would like to be just like her.
On to the next book, even though I really do not want this journey to end.
10/10 would read again.
August 4, 2020
The second instalment in the series picks up right in the middle of Fawn and Brayson escaping from the events of the first book. Grieving while they go into the wild, they meet a community of people living independently from the influences of the mafia and the government. But danger soon follows Fawn, and she is left with no choice but to rely on the enigmatic Alister, to whom she feels strangely attuned to. Fleeing from her capture leads Fawn right in the middle of forces she had previously only heard whispers of and the doorway to her 'destiny'.
I felt oddly conflicted to finish the book since it did not even begin to tie off some of the loose ends which followed from the first book. Fawn, the protagonist, has been being repeatedly belittled for not knowing the bigger picture, but we, as the readers, are also left just as oblivious. The world expanded to show how there are diverse communities and larger forces at play larger than what was shown in The Nocere. It has been confirmed that Fawn is unique, hence dangerous for having multiple abilities. However, there was no insight into what having these abilities entail. Overall, while I find the world-building intriguing, I wish there was more of a purpose to it, and the characters had more zing. I mean, even after narrowly escaping the mafia twice and knowing the danger, when Fawn risks it all to attend her best friend's wedding, that should provide a neat snapshot of the maturity of the characters.
I felt oddly conflicted to finish the book since it did not even begin to tie off some of the loose ends which followed from the first book. Fawn, the protagonist, has been being repeatedly belittled for not knowing the bigger picture, but we, as the readers, are also left just as oblivious. The world expanded to show how there are diverse communities and larger forces at play larger than what was shown in The Nocere. It has been confirmed that Fawn is unique, hence dangerous for having multiple abilities. However, there was no insight into what having these abilities entail. Overall, while I find the world-building intriguing, I wish there was more of a purpose to it, and the characters had more zing. I mean, even after narrowly escaping the mafia twice and knowing the danger, when Fawn risks it all to attend her best friend's wedding, that should provide a neat snapshot of the maturity of the characters.
January 11, 2021
A very enjoyable read that kept me on my toes countless times. I loved exploring more of the world in this book, seeing how clueless Fawn was in this new environment which really show cased she had no life where she grew up. There was a really danger element here, I was worried for her safety countless times and making scenarios in my head about the odds she was up against.
Only thing thing that let this book down was the relationship with Alister. In book one he was decent, but in book two he was creepy and extremely possessive.
Overall, despite the creepy negative. Highly recommend. Onto book three!
Only thing thing that let this book down was the relationship with Alister. In book one he was decent, but in book two he was creepy and extremely possessive.
Overall, despite the creepy negative. Highly recommend. Onto book three!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
Heather Carson has done it again. This book is the second in a dystopian world and is absolutely breathtaking. I absolutely enjoyed getting to follow along on Fawn's journey and, with Carson's epic use of prose, felt like I was right there in the room with her! Fawn experiences a lot of growth in this second installment of A Haunting Dystopian Tale. She also figures out why the ghost wanted her to keep a secret.
It wouldn't be a Heather Carson novel without an epic cliffhanger. The last 10% of this book was an incredible rollercoaster of feelings as Carson weaved the narrative to fling Fawn into a high political position.
As always I would definitely recommend this book and Heather Carson as an author!
It wouldn't be a Heather Carson novel without an epic cliffhanger. The last 10% of this book was an incredible rollercoaster of feelings as Carson weaved the narrative to fling Fawn into a high political position.
As always I would definitely recommend this book and Heather Carson as an author!
September 4, 2020
I read the first book in the series and adored it, and when the second popped up on my Kindle, I devoured it the day it was released in one sitting. Fawn’s world intrigues me and I adore her as a character, with the way everything was done, I was fully along for the ride. I loved the twists and turns, loved the bits I didn’t see coming, and adored the ending. It’s a series that I will be wanting to read more of, and can’t wait for the third book to come out. Overall an enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
February 4, 2021
Oh awesome, so much better than the first. So much character development. And the cliffhanger wasn't so bad this time.
The first part of the book and the second almost feel like two different stories by themselves but how they connect together is beautiful.
Had me going there for a minute with a certain reveal, and expecting the worst, but that got resolved.
So much more to this story and it didn't drag on like the first book, love the story, love the characters. Sorry I'm cryptic but you gotta read it if the last one has you asking questions or you loved it like me.
The first part of the book and the second almost feel like two different stories by themselves but how they connect together is beautiful.
Had me going there for a minute with a certain reveal, and expecting the worst, but that got resolved.
So much more to this story and it didn't drag on like the first book, love the story, love the characters. Sorry I'm cryptic but you gotta read it if the last one has you asking questions or you loved it like me.
February 24, 2021
The story continues......
There’s a lot of questions answered and you see more of the other realm, and the in between, it’s all very cleverly written and although the time jumps a few days or so you don’t feel like the book is hindered by this at all ! It works at first the books so very well !
Theres definitely some heart breaking moments in this book And friendships are forged x
Again I picked it up right when book 1 finished and read it within a day or 2 x and looking forward to the 3rd book
4 stars
Diz
There’s a lot of questions answered and you see more of the other realm, and the in between, it’s all very cleverly written and although the time jumps a few days or so you don’t feel like the book is hindered by this at all ! It works at first the books so very well !
Theres definitely some heart breaking moments in this book And friendships are forged x
Again I picked it up right when book 1 finished and read it within a day or 2 x and looking forward to the 3rd book
4 stars
Diz
June 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It takes place in a variety of unique settings which reveal even more of Fawn’s character. There are some interesting new characters and some favorites still hanging around (Vorie) from the first book. I love the plot twists! The mafia vs. government element is interesting! The world building is enhanced by Fawn’s lessons from the professor. On the other hand, Allister’s character still feels flat, and because of that, the love/lust relationship doesn’t feel very believable. Overall, it was a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2021
Oh, my Lord!
Each book gets better and better. I almost never go beyond reading the free first-in-series story, but the first was so good I could not do anything but immediately buy the next. Now that I finished the 2nd book, I absolutely must go directly to the 3rd book. I could not put this story down if I tried; I must know what happens next or I could not possibly forgive myself. This story had such an unexpected twist. I think Fawn is in a position to "change the world", and I can't wait to see what she and Alister do next.
Each book gets better and better. I almost never go beyond reading the free first-in-series story, but the first was so good I could not do anything but immediately buy the next. Now that I finished the 2nd book, I absolutely must go directly to the 3rd book. I could not put this story down if I tried; I must know what happens next or I could not possibly forgive myself. This story had such an unexpected twist. I think Fawn is in a position to "change the world", and I can't wait to see what she and Alister do next.
Read
August 18, 2020All my followers know that I am a huge fan of Carson's work! So I was thrilled to dig into the 2nd installment of her dark, dystopian fantasy. The journey continues for Fawn and Brayson as they live in the aftermath of their escape. A wonderful continuation of this ultimate journey. Highly recommend!
February 12, 2021
Perfect ending
This book has kept me on my toes and truly was such a joy to read I was engrossed in this book from the start finished it and only a few hours and the cliffhanger at the end was just perfect for moving into the third book I cannot wait to read the next book definitely recommend 10 out of 10
This book has kept me on my toes and truly was such a joy to read I was engrossed in this book from the start finished it and only a few hours and the cliffhanger at the end was just perfect for moving into the third book I cannot wait to read the next book definitely recommend 10 out of 10
February 21, 2021
Once again Heather Carson knocks it out of the park with this one! Once again had such a hard time putting the book down that I finished in just about a day! The story line continues and pulls you even deeper into Fawn’s life and into the world she is living in. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 3!
June 7, 2021
Not your typical filler middle book. This second book in the trilogy did not leave me wanting for anything other than the next book so I can find out what happens! Such fun plot twists, adventure, and danger. More on the secrets of the afterlife and magic as a science. Plus there’s soulmates and romance along with all the action. Who could resist!?
June 27, 2021
A Successful Sequel to a Uniquely Wonderful Dystopian Tale
I enjoyed the variety of settings in this book and how it revealed even more of Fawn's character. The new characters were interesting and I loved the plot twists! I really wish Allister's character was more developed, as well as the possible love story.
I enjoyed the variety of settings in this book and how it revealed even more of Fawn's character. The new characters were interesting and I loved the plot twists! I really wish Allister's character was more developed, as well as the possible love story.
July 9, 2021
What an unexpected ending
Fawn is now on the run, everyone is after her. Will she make it in this new and terrifyingly different world?
I didn't like this one as much as the first book and I'm still sulking over Vorie being killed off, but it was still good. There were a lot of unexpected twists throuought the story.
Fawn is now on the run, everyone is after her. Will she make it in this new and terrifyingly different world?
I didn't like this one as much as the first book and I'm still sulking over Vorie being killed off, but it was still good. There were a lot of unexpected twists throuought the story.
November 12, 2024
This one was just as interesting as the first one. At the start it's more of a simple life as fawn and brayson are doing labor for room and board and find a community that protects them and feels like a family. In walks the big bad wolf who isn't really a big bad wolf but a docile golden retriever. Fawn goes into hiding where she learns about her powers and the magic of the realms.
July 5, 2020
I love getting my hands on a book that is a page turner and one that I can’t anticipate what’s going to happen. This book definitely has both!!
Again, I went out of my comfort zone when I chose
To read this book. I am so happy I did! Looking forward to reading more from Heather Carson!
Again, I went out of my comfort zone when I chose
To read this book. I am so happy I did! Looking forward to reading more from Heather Carson!
August 16, 2020
Good follow up
This was a good follow up to the first. Fawn gets to stretch her legs a bit and discover what she is capable of outside the mafia. And Allister is charming as ever. I cant wait to see what adventures are in store for them next, there are a lot of loose ends...
This was a good follow up to the first. Fawn gets to stretch her legs a bit and discover what she is capable of outside the mafia. And Allister is charming as ever. I cant wait to see what adventures are in store for them next, there are a lot of loose ends...
October 6, 2020
Page Turner
I absolutely loved this book. That ending wow now I'm really curious to see where this story goes. All the characters were so lively in this book. Can't wait to read the next book.
I absolutely loved this book. That ending wow now I'm really curious to see where this story goes. All the characters were so lively in this book. Can't wait to read the next book.
November 12, 2020
More, more
Wow!!! What more can I say! Things happened in this book that I did not see coming and I’m still wondering how much more these characters can endure and what will happen next.
Wow!!! What more can I say! Things happened in this book that I did not see coming and I’m still wondering how much more these characters can endure and what will happen next.
February 28, 2021
I need book 3, stat!!!!
What in the ever fuckity fuck, fuck, fuck?
I thought my mind was bamboozled after book 1, I thought I would get answers... Don't get me wrong I got some, but I have a shit tonne more I have yet to have answered, and my mind is a complete and utter mess..... Again!!!!!!
What in the ever fuckity fuck, fuck, fuck?
I thought my mind was bamboozled after book 1, I thought I would get answers... Don't get me wrong I got some, but I have a shit tonne more I have yet to have answered, and my mind is a complete and utter mess..... Again!!!!!!
March 2, 2021
I am really enjoying this series, after the whirlwind ending of the first book, I liked seeing more of the character's find their feet as the story went on. It all worked towards a good ending to this book and I'm looking forward to the next one
April 28, 2021
This was an excellent second book. We get to see what the world outside of the realm and outside od the city. Fawn gets to learn so much about herself and what is important to her. I wish these books were longer, I just want to hang out with her in this world for so much longer.
May 29, 2021
Bridging a gap
It was a good read, we get to see some development from Fawn, but I feel like she ended up in the same place as she started in. Not a huge amount happened plot wise, so I'm hoping there's more in the third book :)
It was a good read, we get to see some development from Fawn, but I feel like she ended up in the same place as she started in. Not a huge amount happened plot wise, so I'm hoping there's more in the third book :)
July 28, 2021
Great read
An extremely smooth and well written piece. I found it to be a tantalizing tale full of wonderful twists and consistently captivating concepts. The feminism is a big part of the plot and that is extremely refreshing.
An extremely smooth and well written piece. I found it to be a tantalizing tale full of wonderful twists and consistently captivating concepts. The feminism is a big part of the plot and that is extremely refreshing.
December 9, 2021
5Star Read ...
Book 2 and the story just keeps getting better. I love the pace of everything happening in this book and the very interesting world this is set in.
Jumping into book 3 now
Book 2 and the story just keeps getting better. I love the pace of everything happening in this book and the very interesting world this is set in.
Jumping into book 3 now
January 1, 2025
One never knows what life has in store.
Sometimes learning to live in the moment brings vast possibilities. One could just simply exist and be happy. Or changes can sneak up and start whole new experiences.
Sometimes learning to live in the moment brings vast possibilities. One could just simply exist and be happy. Or changes can sneak up and start whole new experiences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews