Untamed

Savage North Chronicles #3

by Lindsey Pogue

It’s been eleven years since a pandemic devastated the population and left survivors with superhuman capabilities, and the world has finally settled into a new sense of normal.

Beau has learned to embrace and grow into his Ability, but when he loses his best friend, Beau’s world crumbles all over again. Brokenhearted, he embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, fraught with danger and adventure, and most unexpectedly, love. But the scars left in the wake of the Virus run deeper than Beau can possibly imagine.

Those who were isolated during the outbreak have remained unchanged and vulnerable to Crazies and Ability-enhanced humans alike. When Wren, a native to the wildlands, finds Beau at his worst, the two lost souls learn to trust each other despite the turbulent paths that have brought them together. But the horrors Beau has faced over the years are nothing compared to what unfolds after a single reckless decision. And in a race against time, he must act quickly, drawing upon his survival skills and native teachings, or risk losing Wren forever.

Untamed is a standalone, epic adventure in the Savage North Chronicles.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2020

About the author

“[Lindsey] mastered what it is to be human, and the connections we build with one another.” - Goodreads Reviewer

Lindsey Pogue is a genre-bending survival romance author, best known for her soul-stirring Savage North Chronicles. With a master’s in history and her passion for apocalyptic landscapes, Lindsey weaves epic adventures where humanity shines brightest in the darkest of times. Her weather-ravaged worlds defy genre boundaries, inviting readers to escape the ordinary and discover the boundless strength of the human spirit.

When Lindsey's not plotting her next storyline or dreaming up new, brooding characters, she's wrapped in blankets, watching action flicks with her own leading man. She and her husband live in Northern California with their rescue cats, Beast and Blue.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “[Lindsey] mastered what it is to be human, and the connections we build with one another.” - Amazon (Author Unpublished)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue is a master storyteller!" -Tome Tender Book Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue does it again!! I absolutely love her writing style."



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Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untamed is book three in the Savage North Chronicles by Lindsey Pogue. This is Beau’s book. I’ve been looking forward to this forever and it was worth the wait! This series is best if read in order. It is a spin off of The Ending Series but you do not need to have read that to enjoy this.



Beau is twenty years old, nearly twenty one. It’s been eleven years since the virus changed the world and forever changed the survivors. Everyone who survived has an ability. Beau’s is that he can speak with the animals but not as easily as others with his ability. He communicates with the wolves. There is also a pesky grisly bear that has latched on to him as his human but Beau has tried everything he can to dissuade the bear.



When something happens that shakes Beau’s world, he isn’t sure how to deal with it. He needs to find himself again, to figure out who he is. So he embarks on a hike to places he’s never been in hopes of rediscovering his true self. But when things go drastically wrong, he finds something he never counted on, love.



Wren lives in a secluded tiny village. She, with her herbs and tinctures, is a healer. She has no contact with the outside world, but when she finds Beau, the healer part of her can’t leave him. As days pass, Wren and Beau develop a bond that neither of them understands. Wren is tied to her village and Beau must return to his own family and home. There is no in between, no compromise. Once again, things take a drastic turn and change everything.



This book was wonderful. I felt so deeply for Wren and the burden she carries on her shoulders. And I loved seeing Beau as an adult. He was such a serious and angry little boy. Now he’s all grown up. I also loved the bond he has with his family. Elle and Jackson have truly become his parents. And is it weird that this book made me look at my own pets differently?! I find myself looking at them and wondering what they are thinking! What they would be saying if I could understand them!

I have loved this series from the start and enjoyed this book so much. The next book, Unbroken, will be Thea’s book. I can’t wait!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pandemic that devastated the world was over a decade ago, but the world is still divided between those who survived and changed and those who were isolated and untouched. Now their worlds will collide when Beau embarks on a journey to find himself, to accept who he is and learn to cope with the losses that just keep on coming. Heartbroken and feeling adrift, a horrendous accident will find him at the mercy of a young woman whose village was spared the virus and lives in fear and hatred for those who became monsters. Why would she help a stranger she has learned to hate?

Lindsey Pogue may have created one of her best books to date as we go back into her post-apocalyptic world in Alaska where more than just the wilderness is UNTAMED? Rich with emotional turmoil that runs deep, tentative bonds will be forged and a new understanding of those who are different will enrich the hearts and souls of these incredible characters. For Beau, his struggle with the scars of the aftermath of the virus will finally begin to heal as he finds a new reason to go on and become even stronger in the world that is left.

Beautiful descriptions that feel as if we are there, moments of humor, pain and healing, this tale feels like the new normal for these characters has hope for the future! Once again, Lindsey Pogue not only entertains, she brings her world to life!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Lindsey Pogue! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Savage North Chronicles - Book 3
Publication Date: July 30, 2020
Publisher: Lindsey Pogue
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic | Survival
Print Length: 367 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Nancy Durflinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage North Chronicles book 3, UNTAMED by Lindsey Pogue is fantastic! You need not read the earlier books in the series as this can be a standalone book, however, why miss out on a great series. Untamed centers around Beau now almost 21, a survivor of the Virus, he has learned to embrace his ability but now he loses his best friend (grab the tissues-REALLY). Realizing his heart is broken he has no idea who he really is. Talking to grandfatherly Took, Beau is told about a journey he had to take to become a better father. Beau decides to follow a similar path and leaves on a month-long self-awareness journey with plans to return before the snow sets in.

While Beau is on his journey, he’s joined by Bear who he’s kept at a distance for many years. Their connection grows stronger during the journey where Beau learns more about who he is, how dangerous the Virus still is for those that were untouched, while finding love and friendship and returning to his family safely.

Can’t wait for the book in the series-UNBROKEN!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love following along with the crew a decade after the outbreak and initial push for survival! Whitehorse is thriving, society is slowly building back into something stable, and the threats from wandering Crazies and the teenage gangs has lessened.

Untamed is Beau's book. Now 20, Beau almost can't remember life before the Virus and his motley family of Elle, Jackson, Thea, Sophie, Alex, and others. His faithful wolf Luna has been by his side for just as long. Then, something tragic happens that shifts Beau's world, and he takes a journey into the wilderness to find himself and come back stronger.

Quests and journeys are always something I enjoy in books, so I read through the first third of this story quickly. Then, Beau gets himself into some trouble and meets Wren. The pacing slows down, and the focus turns to Beau trying to learn more about Wren, her family, and her village.

Wren's character is wonderfully drawn. She's hidden, protective, deflective, and curious. There's a lot to be uncovered about her. She has deep, deep hurts. There is some mental health representation that while not a big focus in the plot, brought some understanding to how hard the last 10 years have been for those who are isolated.

Beau felt like a grown-up version of the sullen boy we met back in The Darkest Winter, which was a rather impressive feat of writing on the author's part. I truly felt like I grew up with Beau during the course of the series! He has insecurities and a desperate desire to prove himself, which we especially see in his conversations with Elle and Jackson near the end.

The developing romance and attraction between the two was mostly believable, except that it happened so fast. Beau starts to feel a responsibility to Wren long before he should. Maybe it could be attributed to his desire to help others and be useful, but it rocketed their relationship forward in a short time (like 2 weeks).

The second half of the story was my favorite. The urgency of the plot, meeting new people, and hoping the resolution would be happy resulted in me finishing the book quickly. This installment of the Savage North Chronicles felt short but was chock-full of themes of love, recovering from grief, deep hurts and wounds, reluctant friendship (especially with Bear and Beau), and rebuilding.

What a hidden gem this series is! Full of astoundingly well-painted characters that steal my heart every time, adrenaline-packed plotlines, beautiful found family, and the struggle of survival in a harsh world, I can't believe more people haven't found and loved this story! I'll be recommending the Savage North Chronicles to everyone who wants a post-apocalyptic series that then follows the characters beyond the disaster and into the rebuilding of society!
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**content notes: bodily injury, animal companion injury, animal companion death (natural, of old age), self-harm (not seen on screen), depression. Rape, murder, and mutilation - all off-screen, mentioned in a memory one character tells another.
*romance notes: innuendo, makeouts, one vaguely open-door scene.
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My Reviews - Savage North Chronicles:
#1 The Darkest Winter: 5/5 ⭐
#2 The Longest Night: 5/5 ⭐ (novella)
#3 Midnight Sun: 4/5 ⭐
#4 Fading Shadows: 4/5 ⭐(novella)
#5 Untamed: 4/5 ⭐
#6 Unbroken: 4/5 ⭐
#0.5 Day Zero: Beginnings: 4/5 ⭐ (prequel novella)

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my you gotta read this

I'm only at ch8 and wow. This whole series is just amazing. There's been tears and smiles. I cant wait to continue reading. This was a well awaited book in a fabulous series.

[➳ johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just like this series man. i never have anything to say about them, they’re just enjoyable.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the beau story looking forward to hearing about hunter and Thea quite sad it's the last one

[Tina Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Time Goes By

Enjoying ever book in this series. So much suspense, so many hold your breath moments. Surviving takes on an all new meaning. Savage path a befitting name for the life's journey through this apocalypse

[Karen Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

I enjoyed this the continuation of An Ending World series. It is enjoyable, Beau needs to make a journey, so it's his adventure this time around. It's a coming of age story, where Beau finds out how to cope with loss, love & how to share his life with Bear.

[Jennifer G · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We're just a bunch of strays anyway." Strays, orphans, lost souls who all came together to survive, start over, who became a family. What started as a lodge has grown into a town of 1000. Whitehorse is home to those who survived the virus. Abilities are part of life now. Beau's ability made him part of a pack alongside his family. Luna, his wolf is his best friend, a part of him but time doesn't stand still. It's been eleven years since the virus and Beau suddenly finds himself as lost as he was in the early days. He doesn't know how to exist or even who he is anymore. After some wise words, he decides to leave on a journey hoping to find meaning again. His journey is one of self-examination and growth. He finds a friendship he's ignored for too long. He finds people lost in time, damaged by the virus in ways he never imagined, he found his reason to be.

Confession, Beau has never held any interest for me other than his kinship with Luna. He was grouchy, standoffish, seemingly more at ease with his wolves than his family. However, his story wowed me. The early pages gutted me but it led to an incredible story. The vivid descriptions of his journey allowed me to accompany him every step of the way. The pain, the peacefulness, the regrets, the fears, and the hopes. The new characters are worthy additions. Wren, Jasper, Grandmother, Hunter, Milo, and even Otto added to the patchwork of humanity I have come to love in the North. The animals, Cricket, Sven, and especially silly Bear made this book richer. Bear stole so many scenes with his goofy, loyal self. I never thought that he could replace Luna in my heart and while he can't, he found his own place. Beau's journey ended up being beautiful and emotional. Gone is the angry little boy, replaced by a thoughtful, caring young man. I fell in love with Beau the man and celebrated his story.

Finally, I want to give a nod to the clever tie-in with the original Ending characters. I look forward to rejoining their lives in the future. I also look forward to Thea's story. Little Thea is not so little anymore. Seems like her curiosity has taken a negative direction these days. I can't wait to get her away from Donavan and introduce her to Hunter.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved getting grown up Beau's story!

I really enjoy all of this stories in this world that Lindsey Pogue has created. She has a way of making you connect and really care about each character and their journey. Beau's story had less action than the previous stories and was focused more on his coming of age, dealing with grief and finding his place in this new world while building and strengthening relationships.

The scenery, the introspection, and the grown-up relationships Beau forms during his physical and emotional journey had me cheering him on (and cringing at some points). It's always great to get a little more from the previous characters we've grown to love as well. I'm looking forward to Thea’s book next!

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a while to finish but it was worth it. I liked that it focused on one character, while still getting to see some of the others from the original stories. I liked that the readers were able to see other parts of this new world and I hope we get to see more. Wren and beau are a great team and I hope we get to read more about them...can’t wait for Bear to wake up from his winter nap!

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place 11 years after the last one in the series. Beau is all grown up. This is a very happy ending story…just like the others in the series, but the adventures Beau gets into are very exciting…never a dull moment with this young man. Great book/series.

[Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moody Beau has grown up and is now part of a thriving community where he helps teach the community how to survive. But devastating loss sends out on his own to find out who he really is and along his journey to self awareness he finds more than he could ever imagine.

This story had me captivated, I sobbed and I laughed. I wanted to reach out and shake him and curl up alongside Bear. I loved how much Beau grew and matured, his regrets bittersweet in the promise of things to come and a future he looks forward to. I could not tear myself away from the pages. Bloody brilliant!

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey through Survival and Growth, Loss and Discovery
Lindsey Pogue and Lindsey Fairleigh (L2) have brought us books that ask us to define what it is to be human. What it is like to evolve. What it takes to survive. This book gives us another path in that development.
Children go through a lot to get to adulthood. Some make it out the other end, some don’t, some make it and are broken, and, with help, some make it out ok. This is a story of making it out the other side. This is a story that will make you laugh, cry, moan, and roll your eyes. This is a story of survival, growth, loss, and discovery.
This is a story of Beau, a jerk, loving brother, confused young man, and savior trying to find his place in his mind and the world while realizing that some of what he is looking for has been there all along.
All of this is a lot and a wide range of subjects, but, Lindsey puts them all together in this story and does it extremely well. She takes us through the wilderness of Canada while we witness the sounds, smells, tastes, and sites of its beauty.
It’s a tragedy adventure, angst filled romantic comedy.

[Rhonna Woodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, nailed it!
This is book three of the Savage North Chronicles, Beau's story. Beau is the big brother child character you fall in love with in the first two books. He's had a hard start to life being so young when the virus hits and spins his and his little sister's world to a place noone would voluntarily go.
Just in the first few chapters of this story, I was gripped! I had to stop reading three times because I couldn't see the words (you'll understand when you read it) so I could clear my vision. The emotions are intense!
This book is different in that it is from one perspective, Beau's. This poor kid has been through so much and he grows so much in this book, its really incredible and pride provoking to witness.
What a great addition to this series!

[JenMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say that this installment is bittersweet for me. First off, I adore anything Alaska/Yukon related. It makes me home sick. But the second reason is we are now in Beau's story. Our young little Beau is all grown up and I don't know how to feel about it. As you go you get so attached to each character and their journeys. I don't do spoilers in my reviews but y'all, the fells are there. You're going to cringe, scream, laugh and cry.
Lindsey is just genius on having her readers connect to the characters. I'm beyond for words.

No please excuse me while I cry because this book just got to me THAT much. I LOVE IT

[Nicki (BooksandChatt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Untamed was like visiting old friends! This is book 3 in The Savage North Chronicles.
The world created here is one of my favorites! This group of characters are So special!

Beau sets off on an emotional journey and when the unexpected happens he meets Wren. I loved seeing him grown up but still recognizing that little boy we first met. Especially in his relationship to Bear.

It was so wonderful to see where all of these characters are now. How they’ve adapted and continued their lives! I am Super excited for Thea’s story!

I definitely recommend this series!

-received an arc for an honest review

[Laurel Heebsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Beau so much and the new characters are awesome too. The beginning of the novel was rough, even anticipating what was going to happen. Lindsey Pogue writes great dialogue and I love seeing the character thought processes too.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the previous books, but this one is my favorite of the series so far! I loved learning about Beau as he
learns about himself and his ability. The scenery, the introspection, and the relationships that Beau forms all had me reading late into the night. Can’t wait for Thea’s book next!

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to sit with my thoughts for a while after finishing this book. At first, I thought this was going to be 5 stars for sure. Beau’s ability was my favorite the moment I learned about it in book one. Untamed is told entirely from his pov and I was pumped for the adventure he goes on as it started to unfold. But, while it was truly a good book, it was just way too romance heavy for me. There is definitely romance in book 2 but it wasn’t the main plot and I’m starting to realize that when a book relies heavily on romance it completely takes me out of the story. This is a me problem, obviously lol. And for anyone who loves romance this will be an amazing book for you! I just think that my expectations were different since this series started out mainly in one genre and ends in another. I wasn’t sure if I was going to read book 4 because I just can’t with romance heavy books anymore lol (unless it’s for book club, of course!) but I love these characters so much I just have to see them through.

[A Schaeffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age tale at the end of the world that brings out all the fuzzies.

What an amazing adventure that Beau takes us on. Pocahontas meets Romeo and Juliet, at the end of the world and with a man that treks out into the world to find himself and comes face to face with his soul.

With his ability to speak with / understand animals, Beau is not too lonely on his trek across country but aside from Bear being an unwelcome gatecrasher, Beau stumbles into a group of people that have only experienced the dangers of this new world. This is an emotional ride, not just for Beau, but for the reader as well. There is so much raw emotion immersed in this book, I was laughing and crying and at the edge of my seat. Not to say anything about the great little twist near the end - how I love to be surprised!

[Annie Kosar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Adventure & Dystopian Romance!!!

This journey is absolutely UNFORGETTABLE!!!:-). This Dystopian setting is ethereal and gets under your skin in the BEST way possible!!!:-). And the characters???!!! INCREDIBLE & MAGNIFICENT!!!:-). Loved all the characters….especially Bear!!!!:-). Sooo many gorgeous connections founded & strengthened in this one!!!:-). You will NOT be able to stop turning the pages!!!:-). LOVED IT!!!:-).

[Natasha Rough · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have enjoyed every book in the series so far, Beau’s story is my favorite.
I cried.
Like proper crocodile tears and I will miss Luna forever but I love the bond he now shares with Bear.
Looking forward to read what happens with Wrens family and I suspect Hunter is going to be a big part with Thea........

[S.T. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite novel in the series so far. I love Beau and Bear and this story was adorable. Absouletly the most centered love story of the series. I mean the apocolypse was more of a backdrop than a plot device at this point. I've said before that I appreciate the shift to character driven stories in this world and I think this book is the best example of that so far.

[Rebekah Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jumping is forward several years and taking us on Beau's journey. I love getting to read more about life in the aftermath of the virus, as time goes on. Hearing about society rebuilding and how living in the north where populations are rural is interesting. Learning more about Beau is also a bonus.

[Osbaldo Aguirre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untamed by Lindsey Pogue offers a captivating post-apocalyptic world filled with danger, romance, and emotional depth. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships add heart to the intense survival narrative. While the pacing slows in parts, the overall story is engaging and immersive. A great read for fans of dystopian fiction and romance!

[Hayley Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The attention to detail in these books is fantastic, seeing Beau all grown up and watching his story unfold hit me more than I thought it would! I love the found family unit and their dynamic (Jackson calling him “son”, stop it 😭), it’s just beautiful.

Loveeee these books, not ready to say goodbye to them in the final book but really excited for grown up Thea’s story!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great page turner!!

I really enjoyed Beau’s story!! Another great page turner!! My heart ached for Beau!! I really love this series!! It’s written a little different from the first series but I really enjoy it!!

[Robert Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

I think she has done a great service in introducing us to each of the main characters. It's like you know each of them personally after each book. Makes for a greater read. I have enjoyed each and every book so far.