The Fallout

Dominion of Ash #3

by Frost Kay

An ENEMIES TO LOVERS post-apocalyptic fantasy perfect for fans of Cruel Prince, Skyward, and Hunger Games.

She should've died. She didn't.

Reborn into a damaged, depraved world is nothing short of a nightmare. In an instant, every hope Hazel harbors for the future disappears along with her humanity, leaving her with overprotective guarding and a useless mutation.

With war brewing between Humans, the Tainted, and a new unknown enemy, she's forced to pick a side before the world implodes once more and she loses everyone she loves.

Sacrifice is never painless.

If you can't get enough of books by Brandon Sanderson, Annette Marie, Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, Amy A. Bartol, Laura Thalassa, Kelly St. Clare, and Jaymin Eve then dive into your next adventure.

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Romance, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Young Adult, Fantasy Romance

356 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay is a certified book dragon with an excessive TBR, and a shoe obsession. If you love bewitching fantasy and sci-fi, epic adventures, dark promises, thrilling action, swoon worthy anti heroes, and slow burning romance; her books are for you!

She claims ownership to the bestselling young adult series The Aermian Feuds packed with adventure, secrets, and betrayal.

Fans of Frost Kay love her epic and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."

You can find her at www.frostkay.net

You can also sign up for a free story here:goo.gl/Z2PkyC

Reviews

[kay! · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 Stars

The only good part about this was Hazel's character development. I literally fell asleep reading the last 20% of the book.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Burn for the win!!! I love a great slow burn and this series is really giving it to me. Hazel has been through so much and I’m so glad she isn’t being pushed into a mating or relationship she ain’t ready for. I love the chemistry between her and Noah and am living for their moments. There were plenty of surprises scattered throughout, tons of action, and redemption for the monster. Totally had me swooning ❤️❤️❤️ I’m glad Hazel did some healing and got some much needed closure after the events in Exiled. The story is progressing at a great pace, new alliances have formed, and we’re waiting to see who the next great threat to the Sanctum will be. Loved it!

[Booktastically Amazing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have absolutely no clue what happened here

[Jess(readsit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallout is a fast paced book that tied up loose ends from "The Exiled" and our fave two characters Noah & Hazel.

Hazel: OH. Hazel. She is still driving me crazy with her predjudice about the "Tainted" (like still referring to Noah as "the monster") BUT she does began to turn around the last quarter of the book finally. I know the next book won't be centered around them persay but I bet we will see Hazel grow up some more.
Noah: We also get a lot of Noah POV! It was nice to be able to see more about his feelings and even his confusion about how he feels about Hazel. Noah is quicker to drop his predjudices about Hazel. I am looking forward to seeing more of their budding relationship in "The Chosen"

We get closure without forcing Hazel & Matt into instant love (even if they are mates). It's nice that they can grow at their own pace.

We even get a little closure with Hazel's family. Old family, I guess? It seems like she has 2 families now.

We wrapped up one enemy but it looks like we have a new mysterious big bad. Looking forward to exploring this further as well as more character introductions (I loved getting more of Matt & Remy) and more world development. Can we get Doc a HEA?!

[Elda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am very disappointed in this third book in the Dominion of Ash series. What was Frost Kay thinking? Hazel is a what??? And what’s with Noah??? Well it’s been almost a year since the previous book in this series and I must say It seemed as though the actions and experiences of these characters were a bit contrived. I didn’t experience the feels. Yes, there was some angst written in to what Hazel was experiencing but I just couldn’t feel it. I kept shaking my head and letting out a few guffaws a lot! I almost didn’t finish reading this book. I had to put it down many times before I could continue reading. I’m not even sure I want to continue in this series. Did Ms Kay design this plot point all along since the beginning? Maybe out of a sense morbid curiosity I will read on, nevertheless. I can only hope it gets better. At least maybe we can get another year’s respite before then.

[Brittany Schulz: Fiction & Friction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I truly hate myself for being such a quick reader. Finished in less than three hours and I hate myself for that because I wanted it to last dammit. Haha.

I love these characters, the story in general is just fabulous. I love the mutations. I love that this is different to other books I’ve read before. There might be similar books out there but this is the first one I’ve read with this type of mutation vibe and I love it. I just love it all so much! Bring on The Chosen!

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 60%.
I was so excited for this to come out, but when it did I just found it very bland and waffly.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far and plan to get book 4 as soon as I finish writing this review! The storyline and characters have held me captive from the beginning and I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm sure its another exciting adventure. I highly recommend it.

PS I suppose I will wait, as book 4 hasn’t been completed yet. I’m so sad.

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Natalie Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my fave in the series so far! I loved being back in this world and loved the different point of views from Hazel and Noah. I devoured this in a few hours and I am so excited for the next book!

[Veronica Prowant · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please?!

I absolutely love this series. The characters and their development are phenomenally woven and progressed. The plot and story leave so much to the imagination but also give so many answers to the burning questions this story has brought. I love the dynamics with Hazel and Noah. This book had so much to give and I really cannot wait for book 4!

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited.

We get a lot from Noah's point of view in this book, which I appreciate. I wish we'd had more story, as I feel like it just ended, and the next installment isn't out yet.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea we were getting a book 4! Yas.

This series is so easy to read, I always fly through these books

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book that includes Noah and Hazel from the last stories . Once you start reading there’s no turning back. Fascinating. Hoping there’s more to come.

[Watch Jamie Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Books were life.”

I really want to give this book more stars, but I can’t because of how rushed and unfulfilling it was. I loved the development with Hazel and her change. I loved how she started growing into who she was going to be as a “Tainted.” I loved Noah! His POV was so great and I loved how he had to fight the mate bond and slowly court Hazel. The last 25% of the book was a huge disappointment. It felt like the author didn’t want to write the rest of the book and just half-heartedly sped through. The whole battle at the end was disappointing. I have come to expect more from this author and the end of this book was not what I expected. I’m glad there is going to be a fourth book and I hope she can redeem herself.

[Amanda Guevara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing after such a long wait

I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series and was excited when the 3rd installment came out but was left wanting. The main character lost a lot of her qualities that made me love her, namely she went from being a real OG to becoming a cry baby overnight that just made me annoyed. Many of the scenes in the story were very cheesy that it was cringe worthy and I grew tired of all of the “eye rolling” being done by various characters. Couldn’t finish.

[Danielle Dankemeyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Distracted

All books have been awesome but this one seemed... off... long descriptions on things that weren't relevant and no descriptions on stuff that were... book was climaxing towards a war... that was totally skipped with a "15 hours later" chapter.... this book lacked a flow that others have had.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fallout is book three in Frost Kay’s Dominion of Ash series. This book continues with Noah and Hazel’s story as Hazel struggles with being exiled by her father after her attempt to get back home to her family. Along the way back she was bitten and infected, but she also crossed paths with a group of humans who call themselves “The Chosen.” While Hazel manages to escape from them, and make her way back to the Sanctum, now she must deal with the changes that are being set on by her infection.
The Fallout is a gripping novel that had me page-turning to learn what was going to happen next. I absolutely love the characters that the author has created. Doc is probably my favorite along with Abuela. While they aren’t the main characters they are the most engaging and honestly…the least irritating and infuriating. LOL! The first half of the book I was really annoyed with Hazel when the story shifts to her, but she and Noah are meant for each other if for nothing more than their irritating personalities half the time. Haha!
While Hazel is indisposed for several chapters of the book, when she is back with the world of the living she irritates me to no end for several chapters. While I get that her prejudice towards the “Tainted” has been taught into her for years, I had hoped that she’d put it aside after several of them have shown her nothing but kindness. But more often than not her prejudice rears its ugly head again and again and it causes me to really dislike her. Her life has changed, she’s not longer truly human, so for her to keep throwing at them that THEY are monsters and beasts is just disgusting and disappointing. Noah got on my nerves briefly as well in the initial chapters when things are questionable with Hazel. For one, he acts like he owns her and then two his reaction to ending her pain…I felt it was high handed. I questioned…would he have felt the same or reacted the same if it had been someone other than Hazel?
Once things get to a certain point in the story the annoying behavior levels off and tapers off a bit which I greatly appreciated because then I was able to enjoy the story more. The author does a good job piquing my curiosity concerning Hazel and what exactly her new abilities will be. Though I will say that I was disappointed that the author gives Hazel such an easy out with her changes. I wanted her to have to truly adapt to what she is now, and with how things are she can mostly choose to ignore it all if she so chooses. Hazel only truly adapts when she is pushed and this really isn’t pushing her.
I am choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I’m taking off half a star, because I felt that Hazel is excused and coddled too much. She lashes out a lot and everyone constantly excuses her behavior, and, sorry not sorry, but saying “sorry” just doesn’t excuse or negate what she’s said or done in anger or otherwise. I like the twists in this book and the pace is really well done. I was kept engaged from beginning to end and I can’t wait for the next book to come. The author has set the stage for a worse enemy to potentially show themselves and I’m eager to learn exactly who they are and what it is that they want. If you have read the previous books and enjoyed them then I encourage you to pick this book up and continue the ride.

[Beth Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the series started with a novella that was so well written and interesting I could not wait to delve deeper. In the first book of the series, time has passed and the writing is also extremely different. We meet Hazel, our female protagonist, and learn about her post apocalyptic world. From the town she calls home, her sheltered upbringing, and the fact that her family are the ones who govern. There is also the extreme hatred and prejudice against those who were (against their will) changed by bio weaponry. Humans who look different, live and act different, and are reviled as The Tainted. I’m just going to mention the first books showed how easily we can be led astray in our belief of others who are different from ourselves by family, friends, and the society around us.

The Fallout is to be the conclusion of the narrative of Hazel and Noah. It is billed as an enemies to lovers dystopian novel. Now I am going to do a tiny bit of spoiling so that my rating of only three stars is understood.
Hazel is an ungrateful brat. At least half of this book has her being unkind, ungrateful, violent and rude. Yes, there is trauma and we all react with trauma. I applaud the author in not stepping away from the after effects. But. This is supposed to be a conclusion, the enemies become lovers, instead Hazel is still calling every single kind person caring for her “monsters”. Her own family wouldn’t let her return because she had been outside of the gates too long. She was welcomed by those changed humans and yes, some bad things happened, because what is a book without drama?
I felt like I did when reading the POV of Jane Austen‘s Emma. My most disliked book by this vaunted author because the character is such a spoiled, ungrateful, little brat. So Hazel is not really high on my list right now of protagonists I enjoy reading.

I did enjoy having so much of Noah‘s point of view throughout the novel. I got to know him better and understand his motivations. He is not a monster, but a man fighting against instinct and growing feelings for someone who is supposed to be his enemy. Someone who keeps treating him terribly despite all of his kindness and character growth. Yes, he is kind of an ass, but what can you do? Boys in these sort of novels are stereotypically written to have the jerk gene.

Cliffhangers are not my thing. Now I’m not saying this has the Standard cliffhanger that leaves you upset and the book thrown across the room. But as this is the conclusion of these characters, there is no resolution of their feelings for each other. It is one of those cases of the last 10 pages the heroine decides to be nicer and then the book ends with no HEA.

Hopefully, since the author has said there is to be perhaps nine books in the series, we will see Hazel grow and accept who is she now is. I would have to say I am begging the author to write a proper happily ever after for Hazel and Noah because they deserve it. I am interested in finding out about the new big-bad in the Dominion of Ash universe and what Adventures await around the corner.

Thank you to the author for this advanced readers copy and you have my honest review.

[Samantha Corkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Frosts latest book and the latest one in the Dominion Ash series, and my god it lives up to the standard of the rest of her books. I love the majority of Frost’s books if not all of them.

In this book we follow the storyline of Noah and Hazel. Hazel has just been infected with the virus and is trying to survive but also fight against the tainted as she refuses to associate with them. Her family have just exiled her from her home town The harbour. She is generally distraught about this because she lost her mam and now her brothers and dad have exiled her.

Noah is still trying to claim Hazel as his mate but she is struggling to accept who she is never mind take on a romantic lover. I find it quite nice that he is actually taking things really slowly with her and not forcing her into anything that she’s not comfortable with. I do also find it slightly annoying that he just keeps on trying even though she has rejected him so many times. I understand that the whole reason he keeps in trying is purely because she is giving off the scent that she does actually like him it’s just she is struggling with her feelings and emotions at the time been.

I feel that there is not much action throughout this book but I feel that the amount that does happen is perfect and makes the book enjoyable. I know that is really strange for me to say because you guys know how much I love a lot of action but I feel the point of this book is to understand the character Hazel a lot more and get a better understanding on her feelings and why she is feeling these emotions. I feel that this whole point of this book was to develop Hazels character that tad more so we could enjoy the rest of the series as I imagine from this book the rest are going to be action packed for sure.

I found that this book was just pure perfection as usual with Frost’s work and I’d definitely recommend this series if you have enjoyed her other series. I can’t wait to find out more about Hazel and Noah and to see what agreements are made with the people of the harbour and the chosen.

[☆ Ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this third continuation in the series, I think it was well written and well thought out. It is longer than the other books which I loved. I enjoyed seeing Hazel grow and change, physically and mentally. I feel she has grown up a lot since the first book and is now able to see things how they truly are and not what she was grew up being told; her eyes are now wide open. She has also been accepted as one of their own now and has many people in her life who genuinely cares for her. I like the fact she has now became a doctor's assistant and fitting in so well, something she never had before. I felt as if this book was more a filler for Hazel and Noah; will they, won't they get together (knowing that they will eventually.) I wasn't overly keen on that myself and would have preferred more action happening. However, it will be interesting to see how their relationship grows and gets stronger since they've both accepted that they care deeply for each other.
My favourite character is Abuela, the feisty, funny, badass grandmother. I'm glad we got to see more of her in this book and to see her battle, blood thirsty side too!

I'm interested in knowing what will happen next with the cure, the religious group, and the new technology that has been flying about. I'm hoping in the next book there will be more action and more focus on what those groups will be up to next and how that will affect Hazel and her new family. Plus, now that they are aligned with Hazel's father's group how will that change the relationship between the changed and non changed. Will things get better? I hope so! Hazel brings them both together after all.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not normally one for leaving reviews consisting of anything more than a star rating but I was super lucky and received an ARC of The Fallout from the very lovely Frost Kay so I thought I’d give it a shot.

I’m so grateful to her for the ARC of The Fallout as not being able to read it as soon as I finished The Exiled would have killed me (not literally but it would have been painful while I waited for my local indie bookshop to get it in 😂).

I absolutely love the characters in this book especially Hazel, Noah, and Abuelita. Seeing Hazel try to come to terms with everything that has happened to her is heartbreaking while the development of her relationship with Noah and Hazel’s and Noah’s character growth makes me so happy.

Set in a post apocalyptic world where there is the Tainted and the Untouched who have some pretty big preconceptions about each other. There are plenty of twists, surprises, and laughs to keep drawing you in.

These books are what I would call a “quick read” (probably because I read each one in less than a day 😅) but each book packs more of a punch than some of the longer books I’ve read. Frost has a way of writing that makes you feel so emotionally connected to her characters you feel their joy, pain, sorrow right along with them and The Fallout was no exception to this.

[Chels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. Frost Kay is definitively an author I read a lot of and her books always keep me very engaged and excited about the next book. I love that the main male protagonist is a person of color and speaks Spanish, which we rarely ever get to see in a Fantasy/ Sci Fi series, so cudos to that.

While I did really enjoy this book and think it was really well written, I felt like the plot was more of just a set up for the next book. Nothing crazy really happened and there wasn’t a lot of forward progress. I do wonder how many books this series will be since Kay’s author series are 6+ books long.

I really like both Hazel and Noah’s characters and their growth and development. Both started with LOTS of prejudice towards one another and their respective species, but we have seen a lot of growth and recognizing that no group of people is all good or all bad. I am excited to see where their romantic relationship goes and I like that it is developing over the course of multiple books over the whole insta-love that is common in many series.

I do recommend this series, but note, if you start reading now you will be in the same predicament I am always in waiting for the next book to come out haha.

https://thetravellingreader96.wordpre...

[Liisyg · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️ ⭐️
World Building: 🗺
Romance: ❤️
Smut: 🧊
Action: ⚔️
Pacing: ⏳
I don’t know why I keep reading. This is book is like bad fan fic. Sometimes, the writing seems like it gets better and then events are written in such a way that I feel like I am getting the cliff notes. The build up is so bland.

Noah and Haven’s romance seems like it’s been told to me and missing several key ingredients. Other than scenting attraction, what actually brings them together? She would be better suited with Doc who she actually has an emotional connection with. Probably one of the most frustrating parts is not knowing it’s battle happened or not. It sounded like something was about to happened and then jumped 18hrs into the future and I have no idea if it was just Marco’s crew that died or anything else? And why did Haven think the virus would save her brother? She became so sick when she was exposed, so exposing someone close to death seems insane, but I am sure her brother will survive because what else would be the point of her “bold, heroic” move? It seems like the author is now treating the virus as vampirism whereas it it aeemed the fast majority of ppl die from it 🤷🏽‍♀️

[Jo D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 2 books were amazing and kept me interested the whole way - this one took me a little extra time to get into but once i did it was a great read . I felt Hazel was a bit more whiny and nasty then she is in the previous 2 books. I didn't like how she still referred to all of those that had helped her and supported her as "monsters " . I liked reading Noah's point of view in this book , you get to see a lot more of what is happening in his mind and why he is the way he is , and his struggles with having feelings for Hazel . There is a bit of angst and some surprises . And i liked reading more about the other characters in the story line , especially Arubela and Doc . Matt and Remy's relationship was touched on more in this one too. We need to see more of the relationship and where it is heading and some kind of resolution to where Noah and Hazel relationship will be heading as i feel it needs a HEA after everything that has happened . I really enjoy Frost Kay writing and cant wait to read the next chapter of this series .

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being infected and surviving, Hazel becomes the one thing she was desperate to avoid and despised all her life - a Tainted. Mutated being who is unwelcome by her own family, and whose dream of humanity and brighter future has just disappeared. But she can find her place among the Tainted, become one of them, accept what happened, and find friendship and companionship, even love - if she learns how to accept the inevitable. The past. Moreover, with the war on the horizon, she has to make a decision fast.
Nice, slow burn romance but fast paced action dominate the third book in the Dominion of Ash series. I loved watching the sparks and chemistry between Hazel and Noah, even though she still feared him and hasn't accepted him fully, what with her calling him a monster still. But she could not deny the care, or the truth of what she's become, and I really liked watching her grow into a new person. Same holds for Noah, in light of his feelings we got to see a different side of him, one I enjoyed a lot as well. It was a well written story, and I enjoyed every page of it.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but could use polishing

This story is great, and I thoroughly enjoy the plot, but the writing could use some work. The third person perspective is kind of awkward, and the author gets really repetitive in her prose and with the expressions she uses (the phrase "my hair hurt" was so overused, I had to grit my teeth every time it showed up). The scene near the end, the pre-battle bonfire, was legitimately a copy and paste from the bonfire scene in the first book, which I thought was super tacky; I've never seen an author replicate a scene from a previous book almost word for word, she basically just changed out character names. Did she think no one would notice? How lazy can you be. I also found myself having to mentally edit sentences as I went along, so I'm hoping the author finds a better editor for the next book. Since it's Kindle unlimited, I'll definitely pick up the next one, but I'm not sure how much more of the poor writing style I can take.

[Daphnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in love with Hazel, Noah and this wonderful series

Squee! Thank you Frost for your brilliant mind and this awesomeness that I could not put down! Hazel and Noah just make me sigh...ok, ok so the book: it picks up right at the cliffhanger we were left with. The beginning is emotional and full of Noah so prepare yourself. Hazel's growth begins to really show in this book. She's more aware of herself and her learned prejudices. She still makes mistakes snd lashes out but she's quicker to catch herself and correct. It's great to see this kind of character development. Then there's the relationship between Hazel and Noah - this book is the tipping point where decisions are made and OMG it was so freaking great! I loved all of it and read the whole thing in one day. If you haven't started this series you totally should.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 'ship you can really get behind

I really like this series! This feels almost like Frost Kay and Donna Augustine had a baby and made this book. Amazing world building, fast paced and exciting plot and a slow burn romance that I am just dying to have happen already! Its agonizing in the best way.

One of my favorite things about this series are the two main characters. They push and pull each other and despite having g disagreements they don't have unnecessary misunderstandings to drive them apart. Hazel lashes out and is cruel to Noah but he takes it and let's her really feel and qorm through her struggles. He is strong enough to take it and then be honest with her again anyways. Truly one of my favorite 'ships of the moment. Cant wait for the next one.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

In a post apocalyptic world, hundreds of years later, most people are isolated and live in complexes and isolated from others.

A virus has caused animals and people to mutate. Hazel's family protected their people against the virus. She was taught that anyone with the virus was evil and tainted but she learned differently when she was exiled by her own people and a community of mutated people took her in.

She learns that a religious sect of purists has weapons and is planning something nefarious but she is bitten and gets a fever before she can tell anyone. She might not make it through and, if she does, can she accept being changed?

I can't get enough of this series.

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been long enough since I read book two that it took me a few minutes to remember who was who and recall the exact events of the previous books, but I prefer that to a novel that goes over everything that happened in every book in detail. I was up to speed fast enough.

The story unspooled a bit slower than in previous books, with Hazel unconscious through a big chunk of the beginning. But I liked her slow integration into Sanctum as an insider. Really loved the growing relationship between Hazel and Noah. There were some good action scenes, though not as many as I hoped. The climax could have been bigger.

Not as good as previous in the series, but I'm still down with these characters, and I'm going to keep going.