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Gateway to Chaos #2
Seeking Refuge
Can ordinary people survive the apocalypse? Raine Caldwell is about to find out.
The government isn’t coming to rescue her.
If Raine and her group are going to make it, they must save themselves.
The realization that the lights were not coming back on anytime soon hit them hard. When things go from bad to worse, they must act quickly in search of a refuge from the cold and violent city.
Seeking Refuge is book two in T. L. Payne’s Gateway to Chaos series.
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OTHER BOOKS BY T. L. Payne
Coming April 2020
Seeking Justice: Gateway to Chaos, Book Three.
Coming May 2020
Seeking Home: Gateway to Chaos Series, Book Four
Days of Want Series
Turbulent
Hunted
Turmoil
Uprising
Upheaval
Sudden Chaos: A Post Apocalyptic EMP Survival Short Story
254 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2020
1037 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 16, 2025
4.5 Stars.
This is a fast-moving compelling page-turner that is absolutely action-packed.
The characters are very easy to follow, and they find out quickly that it’s not easy to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. An excellent read.
This is a fast-moving compelling page-turner that is absolutely action-packed.
The characters are very easy to follow, and they find out quickly that it’s not easy to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. An excellent read.
October 15, 2021
Ad Nauseam
The premise is good. Non preppers, no Navy SEALS, Army Rangers or Marines. Every day people getting by on their own innate strength, courage and resources. However, at the end of book 2 they have endured more volatile disasters that most books take over a series including a drug cartel chasing one of them. And it's only been about 2 weeks. The only things left are hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and maybe Yellowstone caldera erupting.
I will say the group traveling together is more realistic than other books I've read in that they are all pretty much getting by by the skin of their teeth forced to trust each other with a heavy dose of distrust.
I would give the book more stars if they hadn't spent the whole book going back and forth and in between battling 3 violent groups and a cartel.
The premise is good. Non preppers, no Navy SEALS, Army Rangers or Marines. Every day people getting by on their own innate strength, courage and resources. However, at the end of book 2 they have endured more volatile disasters that most books take over a series including a drug cartel chasing one of them. And it's only been about 2 weeks. The only things left are hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and maybe Yellowstone caldera erupting.
I will say the group traveling together is more realistic than other books I've read in that they are all pretty much getting by by the skin of their teeth forced to trust each other with a heavy dose of distrust.
I would give the book more stars if they hadn't spent the whole book going back and forth and in between battling 3 violent groups and a cartel.
June 4, 2022
Alot of the same thing. I'm good stopping here.
February 15, 2025
This dystopian world is crazy intense!! The characters, especially Raine, JJ and Scott! I also LOVE Sheena and her adorable son, DeAndre! I’m relieved some of the original apartment group made it to the shelter, although the guys have injuries. But then they meet some people in the shelter and find out that the shelter is running out of supplies and will be abandoned. So they leave and end up ones again running for their lives in the freezing cold and deep snow, with no food or water. They run into Scott and JJ, who then join in helping them. And it is not stop craziness!!
I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book! If you like Action-Packed Survival/Dystopian Thrillers, I highly recommend checking this one out!!
I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book! If you like Action-Packed Survival/Dystopian Thrillers, I highly recommend checking this one out!!
May 17, 2020
This was a generally decent book 2, though it tended to bog down with a lot of running between stores and "let's fight guys with guns we don't have to get an SUV." I have come to like most of the people in the main group, but they seem to have no where near the resources they need to survive. The cartel plot line seems a bit unrealistic, but I will probably read book 3 to see what happens.
March 31, 2020
Another excellent second book in this exciting new series! I like the characters, style of writing as well as the story lines! Well worth a read & I do recommend this to anyone that loves end of the world scenarios!
September 13, 2021
not as good as the first book in the series
This book takes place over five days. The majority of the time was spent with the group members moving from building to building hiding from bad guys. Kinda a slow slog. Kept waiting for something interesting to happen.
This book takes place over five days. The majority of the time was spent with the group members moving from building to building hiding from bad guys. Kinda a slow slog. Kept waiting for something interesting to happen.
February 27, 2020
When I finished reading Seeking Safety, book one in this Gateway To Chaos series, I was left wanting more of the same. TL Payne gave me that and then some with this follow up. Our group of survivors have reached the safety of the shelter being operated at a mall. Everything is fine, or is it? Fearing that the delicate balance is about to fail they’re forced back out into the snow and wind. That’s where things get really bad. TL Payne creates the snow covered setting so vividly I was at times feeling the chill myself. The tension is built from the very first chapter and gradually grows as the story progresses. The trials our heroes face are even more challenging than before and they’ll have to do whatever it takes to make it out alive. The author introduces some new characters to the story but don’t think they’re there just to pad out the story, they’re most definitely not. I’m left wanting yet more of the same - again! Great story, great writing, what more can you want? Recommended.
April 30, 2023
Authors Should Research their Subjects/Topics
Again, story line kept my interest, so it isn’t a bad book. It’s just that there are a number of minor grammar issues and at least once or twice, characters were mixed up or even forgotten about (I.e. at one point Alicia joined a few people for a task, but then during the event, it was never mentioned what position/role she took).
But mainly, and regarding the title I gave this review, there was this: “Scott pulled on the charging handle of the AR-15 and let it go, making sure that a round was in the chamber.” Since he’d just fired the weapon, doing that only succeeded in ejecting a round he would have to reload, if he found it. It was a wasted step. The only you need to do that is if you’re loading or clearing the weapon or clearing a jam. If the mag is empty, it should lock back on its own. Also, there is no 2-round burst on an AR-15.
Again, story line kept my interest, so it isn’t a bad book. It’s just that there are a number of minor grammar issues and at least once or twice, characters were mixed up or even forgotten about (I.e. at one point Alicia joined a few people for a task, but then during the event, it was never mentioned what position/role she took).
But mainly, and regarding the title I gave this review, there was this: “Scott pulled on the charging handle of the AR-15 and let it go, making sure that a round was in the chamber.” Since he’d just fired the weapon, doing that only succeeded in ejecting a round he would have to reload, if he found it. It was a wasted step. The only you need to do that is if you’re loading or clearing the weapon or clearing a jam. If the mag is empty, it should lock back on its own. Also, there is no 2-round burst on an AR-15.
May 16, 2021
St Louis
This KU library selection continues the story of the end of the modern world. After the EMP attack, a group of neighbors from an apartment building near the university find themselves running for their lives from a fire that is engulfing their location. Book two continues to follow them, as well as two strangers from south of the metro area who end up in the St Louis metro as well. As much as I enjoy visiting St Louis, I'm ready to move on from the constant chaos, which book three promises to do.
This KU library selection continues the story of the end of the modern world. After the EMP attack, a group of neighbors from an apartment building near the university find themselves running for their lives from a fire that is engulfing their location. Book two continues to follow them, as well as two strangers from south of the metro area who end up in the St Louis metro as well. As much as I enjoy visiting St Louis, I'm ready to move on from the constant chaos, which book three promises to do.
April 1, 2020
Good
Scott and JJ finally get Mrs Ward to her sister’s house in the city but are attacked on their way out and lose the jeep and all their supplies. As they gather supplies to continue they are trapped inside a sore and hide. Raine and her group at the FEMA camp in a mall find out food is running out and strike out to find a better place. Scott, JJ meetup with Raine and her group and work together to move on.
Interesting storyline with intriguing characters.
Scott and JJ finally get Mrs Ward to her sister’s house in the city but are attacked on their way out and lose the jeep and all their supplies. As they gather supplies to continue they are trapped inside a sore and hide. Raine and her group at the FEMA camp in a mall find out food is running out and strike out to find a better place. Scott, JJ meetup with Raine and her group and work together to move on.
Interesting storyline with intriguing characters.
October 29, 2020
Audiobook - 3 stars. I'm just not really feeling the story at all. There's a few bands of people yet the area they describe would've had a ton of people there. And what about the army that set up the shelter just a few blocks down the road? They're ignoring all the gunfire? The author just kept adding gangs and non of it is consistent. I'll read the third and final book only because I'm so St. Louis.
November 30, 2022
Not as good as the first book in the series
Although I enjoyed getting to know the characters better, and seeing new one's brought in; it just wasn't up to par with the first book.. Some of the scenes just weren't as believable. Too much happening in too short of a time frame. I think most people would still be in shock and not forming gangs and parameters. I am hoping that the next book in the series is better.
Although I enjoyed getting to know the characters better, and seeing new one's brought in; it just wasn't up to par with the first book.. Some of the scenes just weren't as believable. Too much happening in too short of a time frame. I think most people would still be in shock and not forming gangs and parameters. I am hoping that the next book in the series is better.
October 6, 2024
Much better reading
The heroes or warriors are still trying to find a safe place to survive. They meet up with another group who are just as eager to get by in the new world. I don't want to spoil the rest of the story just read this and find out. More action and suspense are involved and leads the reader to a new level of hope and salvation as well. I'm looking forward to the next book..
The heroes or warriors are still trying to find a safe place to survive. They meet up with another group who are just as eager to get by in the new world. I don't want to spoil the rest of the story just read this and find out. More action and suspense are involved and leads the reader to a new level of hope and salvation as well. I'm looking forward to the next book..
April 5, 2020
Kept my attention well
Another excellent sequel by one of the best female writers (I think) around. Always enough excitement to keep a person’s interest. I don’t like having to wait for the next in a series though. Sometimes wish I’d been patient and waited for the whole series to be done so I can read one after another.
Another excellent sequel by one of the best female writers (I think) around. Always enough excitement to keep a person’s interest. I don’t like having to wait for the next in a series though. Sometimes wish I’d been patient and waited for the whole series to be done so I can read one after another.
May 15, 2020
Very gooc
It's really getting good now. There is so much action in this book, I feel exhausted. Lol. This takes off where book one stopped. The survivors are still trying to get out of the city. And now they are running into gangs and stuck in the middle of a war. One you start reading, you can't put the book down. Going on to book three now.
It's really getting good now. There is so much action in this book, I feel exhausted. Lol. This takes off where book one stopped. The survivors are still trying to get out of the city. And now they are running into gangs and stuck in the middle of a war. One you start reading, you can't put the book down. Going on to book three now.
January 7, 2021
The beginning of the book was very good but the second part was too drawn out. The group’s attempt to get an SUV frankly was way too long and boring and did not hold my attention. I am not convinced I want to read the last part if it is just more of the group fleeing from Gangs and the drug cartel. I would rather read about how they survive without electricity.
November 18, 2021
Great series!
The second book in the series that picks up right where you left off in book 1. The characters are all connected in some way shape or form even though they didn't know each other prior. Plans are made for success but anti climatic events keep happening that keep you holding the pages wanting to continue the story! Can't wait to read book 3
The second book in the series that picks up right where you left off in book 1. The characters are all connected in some way shape or form even though they didn't know each other prior. Plans are made for success but anti climatic events keep happening that keep you holding the pages wanting to continue the story! Can't wait to read book 3
March 31, 2020
This series just gets better For not have gone through this, she is proving to be a wise young woman. She has been holding on no matter what she has gone through. I wonder could I do what she and her group have done. Look forward to seeing what happens next. I highly recommend this series
April 6, 2020
Great book
Love post apocalyptic fiction and this author does it well. Having lived in Creve Coeur, familiar with the area and would not want to be trapped there. But it is an upscale area but to close to St Louis. Hope things improve for Scott and JJ.
Love post apocalyptic fiction and this author does it well. Having lived in Creve Coeur, familiar with the area and would not want to be trapped there. But it is an upscale area but to close to St Louis. Hope things improve for Scott and JJ.
September 4, 2020
Good book and I'm enjoying the series and can't wait to see what happens next!
I'm enjoying this series and can't wait to red the next one starting ....well now of course so I guess we will see what's instore for this group next.
I'm enjoying this series and can't wait to red the next one starting ....well now of course so I guess we will see what's instore for this group next.
December 2, 2020
Amazing!!
I already enjoy everything T.L. Payne writes but the action in her writing, the emotions and closeness of the characters, it is brilliantly written. Yes, there may be a few proofreading mistakes but I love her work nonetheless!!
I already enjoy everything T.L. Payne writes but the action in her writing, the emotions and closeness of the characters, it is brilliantly written. Yes, there may be a few proofreading mistakes but I love her work nonetheless!!
December 4, 2020
An excellent story!
With the 2nd book, we get a better picture of the characters. Raines and JJ are stronger than they think. Finding a place to stay safe is impossible inside the city.
With the 2nd book, we get a better picture of the characters. Raines and JJ are stronger than they think. Finding a place to stay safe is impossible inside the city.
October 5, 2021
Another great book
I thought book one was great and this one didn't disappoint. I'm so tense from all the action ! So much is happening you are definitely not bored. On to read the next one.
I thought book one was great and this one didn't disappoint. I'm so tense from all the action ! So much is happening you are definitely not bored. On to read the next one.
October 23, 2022
Non-stop excitement
This book gave me a glimpse into what could possibly happen in the near future. The characters were interesting and reflected human nature's strengths and and frailties. The plot held my attention throughout the book. I enjoyed it very much.
This book gave me a glimpse into what could possibly happen in the near future. The characters were interesting and reflected human nature's strengths and and frailties. The plot held my attention throughout the book. I enjoyed it very much.
March 16, 2020
This was a very good read and an excellent second book in this series. Definitely looking forward to the third installment.
April 2, 2020
Excellent continuation of the series. The characters resonate with the reader and their struggles are realistic. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
April 7, 2020
Great 2nd Book
This book brings back the fast pace with lots of action storyline. I am glad to see that the gang is back together again. I loved the new additions that were added to the group. Read this series and all this authors other books. Do not forget write your reviews!
This book brings back the fast pace with lots of action storyline. I am glad to see that the gang is back together again. I loved the new additions that were added to the group. Read this series and all this authors other books. Do not forget write your reviews!
April 12, 2020
Thriller
Book kept me squirming and not wanting to put it down. Sad that the next book isn't out yet. Ready to see what happens to j.j. and Scott
Book kept me squirming and not wanting to put it down. Sad that the next book isn't out yet. Ready to see what happens to j.j. and Scott
May 8, 2020
This is a great series. Very exciting from start to finish. The main characters pull you into their struggles and you are with them all the way. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews