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Thirst Duology #2
Hunger
What do you hunger for?
In the wake of a pandemic, Eli and his friends find a thriving community that offers free housing, food, and thankfully, safe drinking water. But something is amiss. The residents spend most their time partying and attending concerts. No one seems concerned that the virus is still out there. When Eli tries to leave, he discovers a fence has been built to keep him, and everyone else, inside.
Hannah is tired of running. When she is conscripted to work in the hospital, she hopes she’s finally found a place to belong, but Admin’s disregard for a doctor’s pledge to “First do no harm” is unsettling.
As Hannah starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again, Eli clings to his hope for freedom. In a world filled with lies, can they learn to trust each other? Or will their hunger for safety trap them in a world that’s not so safe after all?
In the wake of a pandemic, Eli and his friends find a thriving community that offers free housing, food, and thankfully, safe drinking water. But something is amiss. The residents spend most their time partying and attending concerts. No one seems concerned that the virus is still out there. When Eli tries to leave, he discovers a fence has been built to keep him, and everyone else, inside.
Hannah is tired of running. When she is conscripted to work in the hospital, she hopes she’s finally found a place to belong, but Admin’s disregard for a doctor’s pledge to “First do no harm” is unsettling.
As Hannah starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again, Eli clings to his hope for freedom. In a world filled with lies, can they learn to trust each other? Or will their hunger for safety trap them in a world that’s not so safe after all?
- GenresDystopia
394 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2021
9 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Jill Williamson
69 books1,647 followersJill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over thirty books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at www.jillwilliamson.com.
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Newest Series:
Thirst Duology
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Jill's author website.
Jill's Amazon Author page.
Jill's Instagram.
Click here for a FULL LIST OF Jill's BOOKS.
Newest Series:
Thirst Duology
Fan favorites:
Writing books:
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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April 10, 2021The Thirst Duology is complete!
Learn more about book one, Thirst, here.
Learn more about book one, Thirst, here.
April 3, 2021
What a great sequel! This story picks up where THIRST left off and plunges ever deeper into the characters and relationships and does so wonderfully well.
I love how each character has unexpected layers upon layers that slowly unfold throughout the story. Seeing more of Hannah's story was heart-wrenching, but needed. As with THIRST, I loved following Eli through his trials as he tries to survive and do the right thing in this crazy world.
Reading this book after 2020 is like an eerie punch in the gut. Worldwide pandemic, panic buying, mutating viruses, restrictions upon restrictions...it hit close to home. It was super intriguing though and I loved the insightful truths within this story.
It's so intense and eerie to read this book and see each little step as the world slowly changes into the setting of Jill Williamson's Safe Lands trilogy (which this is a prequel to). Each new development had me wide eyed and rooting for the main characters so much.
I thoroughly enjoyed this duology! Definitely a dystopian/apocalyptic story to give a go!
I love how each character has unexpected layers upon layers that slowly unfold throughout the story. Seeing more of Hannah's story was heart-wrenching, but needed. As with THIRST, I loved following Eli through his trials as he tries to survive and do the right thing in this crazy world.
Reading this book after 2020 is like an eerie punch in the gut. Worldwide pandemic, panic buying, mutating viruses, restrictions upon restrictions...it hit close to home. It was super intriguing though and I loved the insightful truths within this story.
It's so intense and eerie to read this book and see each little step as the world slowly changes into the setting of Jill Williamson's Safe Lands trilogy (which this is a prequel to). Each new development had me wide eyed and rooting for the main characters so much.
I thoroughly enjoyed this duology! Definitely a dystopian/apocalyptic story to give a go!
September 3, 2022
A gripping, character-driven, and satisfying finale to a great duology! (My sister and I already have the connected series on order after finishing this book). I really enjoyed both these prequel books, and look forward to carrying on in their world. I've been a fan of Jill Williamson's for some time (thanks to her teaching and personality), but now I can confidently say I'm a huge fan of her writing too!
Full review to come (hopefully)
Full review to come (hopefully)
April 4, 2021
If you haven't read Thirst yet, do that first! Go ahead, do it now. Then you'll be hungering for more, so come back and read this one! These stories are so good!!
If you like "what if" (speculative) stories, you should enjoy this series! It has realistic characters, an interesting plot, and keeps your attention.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
If you like "what if" (speculative) stories, you should enjoy this series! It has realistic characters, an interesting plot, and keeps your attention.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
April 9, 2021
If you like stories about survival this is for you!
Hunger is the final book in the Thirst Duology and it did not disappoint.
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Our group has survived the pandemic and a world in chaos to end up in a community run by rock stars. There is plenty of FREE food and water, lodging, and even concerts. Except they are prisoners and the rules are getting stricter and the punishments more severe.
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The group is torn apart as some fight for freedom and others embrace the party lifestyle.
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Eli is the unofficial leader and moral compass for the group who faces severe consequences in his personal life and in the community for standing up for what he believes is right. Hannah struggles with PTSD from past abuse and wants to conform yet admires Eli for his convictions. Their slow-burn romance was awesome.
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There are plenty of secondary characters to love and hate which makes for a wild ride. I loved the ending even though my emotions were everywhere during the climax!
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I highly recommend and you'll be on the edge of your seat as you speed-read to see who gets their happy ending and who doesn't 😉
Hunger is the final book in the Thirst Duology and it did not disappoint.
.
Our group has survived the pandemic and a world in chaos to end up in a community run by rock stars. There is plenty of FREE food and water, lodging, and even concerts. Except they are prisoners and the rules are getting stricter and the punishments more severe.
.
The group is torn apart as some fight for freedom and others embrace the party lifestyle.
.
Eli is the unofficial leader and moral compass for the group who faces severe consequences in his personal life and in the community for standing up for what he believes is right. Hannah struggles with PTSD from past abuse and wants to conform yet admires Eli for his convictions. Their slow-burn romance was awesome.
.
There are plenty of secondary characters to love and hate which makes for a wild ride. I loved the ending even though my emotions were everywhere during the climax!
.
I highly recommend and you'll be on the edge of your seat as you speed-read to see who gets their happy ending and who doesn't 😉
June 3, 2021
Fabuloius
Great end to this prequel series. The I don't know which I like more this biology of the main trilogy. Jill keeps writing hits.
Great end to this prequel series. The I don't know which I like more this biology of the main trilogy. Jill keeps writing hits.
July 26, 2021
Medical info was not okay
First of all the causal agent of the disease in Thirst was a bacterium and now, in this book its a virus? How did that happen? Interesting but impossible mutation. there was a discussion about this in the first book in which a medical expert objected to the name hydroflu because it was bacteria not a virus causing the disease. Also, how did they design tests for the "virus" in such a short time?Who performed these tests? The doctors and nurses did everything? Knew how to work the x-ray equipment, position patients for good x_rays and so on? Knew automatically how to develop and run lab tests? I guess, most people wouldn't notice or care about those things but doctors are not trained in these areas and therefore, those ancillary personnel (x-ray technologists, med techs and the like) are valuable parts of the medical team. Now that my rant is done, i do think it was a good story, good characters, and I really enjoyed the ending, although it was heart breaking in a way. BUT next time at least get bacteria and viruses straight. There is a big difference.
First of all the causal agent of the disease in Thirst was a bacterium and now, in this book its a virus? How did that happen? Interesting but impossible mutation. there was a discussion about this in the first book in which a medical expert objected to the name hydroflu because it was bacteria not a virus causing the disease. Also, how did they design tests for the "virus" in such a short time?Who performed these tests? The doctors and nurses did everything? Knew how to work the x-ray equipment, position patients for good x_rays and so on? Knew automatically how to develop and run lab tests? I guess, most people wouldn't notice or care about those things but doctors are not trained in these areas and therefore, those ancillary personnel (x-ray technologists, med techs and the like) are valuable parts of the medical team. Now that my rant is done, i do think it was a good story, good characters, and I really enjoyed the ending, although it was heart breaking in a way. BUT next time at least get bacteria and viruses straight. There is a big difference.
June 4, 2021
Intriguing
Hunger is an enjoyable novel full of struggle, questionable ethics, and of course love. We see sacrificial choices made for those cared for and the childish nature of enjoyment in seeing others get in trouble.
Hunger definitely brought out my own desire for revenge. I cheered when things happened to bad people and hoped others would meet similar fates.
I enjoyed Hunger more than Thirst, but that's probably because it wraps up a hard journey. I know Williamson was encouraged to add a third book to the duology. I personally feel Hungry wrapped things up nicely and left me with a list of questions that keep the books and characters on my mind. Should Williamson decide to write a follow-on series, that covers life in the new world with the main characters, I would definitely read it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys natural disaster and/or adventure stories that have the main characters fighting for their life.
Hunger is an enjoyable novel full of struggle, questionable ethics, and of course love. We see sacrificial choices made for those cared for and the childish nature of enjoyment in seeing others get in trouble.
Hunger definitely brought out my own desire for revenge. I cheered when things happened to bad people and hoped others would meet similar fates.
I enjoyed Hunger more than Thirst, but that's probably because it wraps up a hard journey. I know Williamson was encouraged to add a third book to the duology. I personally feel Hungry wrapped things up nicely and left me with a list of questions that keep the books and characters on my mind. Should Williamson decide to write a follow-on series, that covers life in the new world with the main characters, I would definitely read it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys natural disaster and/or adventure stories that have the main characters fighting for their life.
April 10, 2021
If you haven't read the first book in this duology, Thirst, you definitely will want to read it before reading Hunger. Williamson writes gripping, intense young adult speculative fiction that appeals to older adults as well.
The characters met in Thirst have found a place with safe water for drinking and bathing. However, the "free" clean water comes at a price. Would you be willing to give up your freedoms/rights for clean water, or do you hunger for something else?
It was hard to put this book down. Williamson does a great job with believable characters, intense plot twists, and lots to mull over.
The characters met in Thirst have found a place with safe water for drinking and bathing. However, the "free" clean water comes at a price. Would you be willing to give up your freedoms/rights for clean water, or do you hunger for something else?
It was hard to put this book down. Williamson does a great job with believable characters, intense plot twists, and lots to mull over.
April 10, 2021
This is a great sequel to Thirst. It’s a realistic, Christian, dystopian novel. Eli and his friends have come to a refuge with safe water to check it out. But now, they find that they can’t leave. Follow along as each matures and they strive to find a way out. I thought the dynamics were true to life, and also the situation they found themselves in. I could empathize with their ethical struggles, and could also see how a person could use the situation to set up a dictatorship. Enthralling. I received a free copy of this book with no obligation.
February 11, 2023
"Hunger" was a solid end to this duology. It had been a while since I read "Thirst" so I was a bit rusty on some of the details and relationships when I began reading. It was easy to get back into the storyline and catch up with things.
The characters are realistic, especially the teenage attitudes and dynamics. It wraps up well with a little surprise toward the end -- not something I necessarily expected, but completely believable within the story.
The characters are realistic, especially the teenage attitudes and dynamics. It wraps up well with a little surprise toward the end -- not something I necessarily expected, but completely believable within the story.
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December 13, 2025Yeah, I didn’t like this one as much as Thirst. Hannah’s pov wasn’t interesting. Felt bad for Eli though. I think I’d crash out of my little sister and best friend were dating AND stopped wanting to spend time with me. As much as I love Williamson, I can’t understand why she sometimes sets up really interesting conflicts and then either doesn’t follow through, or resolves them too quickly. This was an issue here for me, and contributed to my review.
Still, it’s a nice book - I don’t hate it.
Still, it’s a nice book - I don’t hate it.
January 27, 2022
Great story line, phenomenal characters with a twist at the end. However, it was slow rolling until the very end, that’s when my heart really started beating extremely too fast for the characters I have come to love and grow connected to.
July 2, 2022
Building Walls
People aren't easy to lead, even if they want you to lead them.
Eli's relieved to be back with his dad. That means someone else can lead, right? And is the Safe Water City really that safe?
Good themes about freedom, responsibility, and being an adult.
People aren't easy to lead, even if they want you to lead them.
Eli's relieved to be back with his dad. That means someone else can lead, right? And is the Safe Water City really that safe?
Good themes about freedom, responsibility, and being an adult.
July 10, 2023
I liked this book. But, I did like the first one better. While reading this book I felt like some of these things could happen in RL. Or has happened? IDK, overall a good read. I finished it in one day.
April 20, 2023
2.5 stars. I would have given this book a much higher rating if not for a bunch of content and lots of “unnecessary drama”, but I will say the ending was pretty sweet:)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews