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The Badlands #1
Wasteland
Danielle Clark is done with the Resistance. After years of leading a relentless charge against the National Armed Forces, she has nothing left to give. Her brother Lucas in tow, Dani leaves the frontlines for the solitude of the wastelands, content to start a new life as a scavenger. Dani thought she’d finally found peace until the general’s daughter, Katelyn Turner, shows up on her doorstep and brings the fight right back to her. Now Dani has to decide what to do about Kate, ranking member of the NAF, a once-sworn enemy…and a woman she can’t keep out of her head. The growing spark of attraction forces Dani into an impossible choice between her newfound life and Kate’s fate. She must act quickly or risk losing everything.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
30 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Keppler
6 books44 followersKristin is married and lives with her family and their two dogs in the suburbs of Washington, DC. A lifelong sci-fi and film nerd, she spends most of her time chauffeuring her two sons to their many obligations, and planning their next trip to Disney. She enjoys video games, concerts, and cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies. If only she could find time to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 1, 2024
Intriguing read!
A complex but enjoyable dystopian book #1 of 'The Badlands' series.
Recommended story!
A complex but enjoyable dystopian book #1 of 'The Badlands' series.
Recommended story!
June 29, 2021
Wasteland snuck up on me, and once I was hooked, there was no way I was going to let it go.
I connected with Dani pretty quickly, and with every chapter, I wanted to know more about her past, and what led her to White River. The secondary characters are either annoying, charming or a pain in the butt, and that's part of what made this novel so good. The characters. They feel real, you can hear them scratching or fussing at each other for some slight or gaff. While the characterizations are good, the setting is excellent. I can't tell you how often I had to take a drink because I could have sworn I tasted the sand that got in everything. The sand that eventually brought Kate to Dani's door. I enjoyed the push and pull between them, the slow progression from interest to fascination, to the yearn they each develop for the other. And the fact that they're supposed to be enemies, and they know their attraction is culturally wrong only adds to the overall desperate and nearly hopeless feel of the novel.
But don't cast this story aside, because it's got a lot more going for it than what I've mentioned.
It's charming in its own gritty way and I can't wait to read the next installment in Dani and Kate's story!
(Many thanks to Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion)
I connected with Dani pretty quickly, and with every chapter, I wanted to know more about her past, and what led her to White River. The secondary characters are either annoying, charming or a pain in the butt, and that's part of what made this novel so good. The characters. They feel real, you can hear them scratching or fussing at each other for some slight or gaff. While the characterizations are good, the setting is excellent. I can't tell you how often I had to take a drink because I could have sworn I tasted the sand that got in everything. The sand that eventually brought Kate to Dani's door. I enjoyed the push and pull between them, the slow progression from interest to fascination, to the yearn they each develop for the other. And the fact that they're supposed to be enemies, and they know their attraction is culturally wrong only adds to the overall desperate and nearly hopeless feel of the novel.
But don't cast this story aside, because it's got a lot more going for it than what I've mentioned.
It's charming in its own gritty way and I can't wait to read the next installment in Dani and Kate's story!
(Many thanks to Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion)
May 25, 2021
I love me a good dystopian story, usually, they are only reserved for the YA/NA audience but this one isn't.
Set in the near future, or at least I think so, in the US, this book has a real "Revolution" vibe to me. The stories aren't really similar but it did make me think about the 2012 TV series. If you are expecting a romance, stay away from this book. If you don't like first-person POV in the present tense, don't pick this up. I for one really like first-person POV, past or present tense and I don't mind that there isn't a romance to speak of in this book. I think the authors did a pretty good job writing this one. I am not sure how the authors divided up the book but I suspect one wrote the chapters from Dani's POV and the other from Kate's. I think I detected some flow changes between the POVs. If they didn't divide them this way they did an amazing job of changing the "feeling" from each POV. I slightly prefer Kate's POV, not because I like her character better, I like them equally, but because it just reads better.
Dani was part of the resistance but now lives a quieter life in her town. When the NAF (the army) shows up on their doorstep Dani captures them because she recognises the general's daughter, Kate. They both play mind games and try to figure out what the other, "bad", side is up to. There's a lot of battle, death, and some gruesome stuff. It's dystopian but never gets too graphic, for me at least. Somewhere over the midpoint Kate and Dani start to acknowledge that they find the other intriguing and interesting on more than a professional level. There is no romance, just some looks, maybe some flirting, but that's it.
I like the flow of the story, it never gets boring. There are some things that could have been a little tighter, repetitive lines for example (really can't stand that), but I chalk them up to newbie bumps. The book ends with a huge cliffhanger and I would happily read a second book. I am hoping Dani doesn't spiral out of control in that one, I like her character just the way she is now...
3.75 stars for these authos and a nice dystopian story
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Set in the near future, or at least I think so, in the US, this book has a real "Revolution" vibe to me. The stories aren't really similar but it did make me think about the 2012 TV series. If you are expecting a romance, stay away from this book. If you don't like first-person POV in the present tense, don't pick this up. I for one really like first-person POV, past or present tense and I don't mind that there isn't a romance to speak of in this book. I think the authors did a pretty good job writing this one. I am not sure how the authors divided up the book but I suspect one wrote the chapters from Dani's POV and the other from Kate's. I think I detected some flow changes between the POVs. If they didn't divide them this way they did an amazing job of changing the "feeling" from each POV. I slightly prefer Kate's POV, not because I like her character better, I like them equally, but because it just reads better.
Dani was part of the resistance but now lives a quieter life in her town. When the NAF (the army) shows up on their doorstep Dani captures them because she recognises the general's daughter, Kate. They both play mind games and try to figure out what the other, "bad", side is up to. There's a lot of battle, death, and some gruesome stuff. It's dystopian but never gets too graphic, for me at least. Somewhere over the midpoint Kate and Dani start to acknowledge that they find the other intriguing and interesting on more than a professional level. There is no romance, just some looks, maybe some flirting, but that's it.
I like the flow of the story, it never gets boring. There are some things that could have been a little tighter, repetitive lines for example (really can't stand that), but I chalk them up to newbie bumps. The book ends with a huge cliffhanger and I would happily read a second book. I am hoping Dani doesn't spiral out of control in that one, I like her character just the way she is now...
3.75 stars for these authos and a nice dystopian story
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
June 20, 2022
Love dystopian theme books. And this one did not disappoint. Can’t wait to read the sequel. Yep it’s a cliffhanger.
June 18, 2021
First thought as soon as I finished reading this is, "they should have killed Simon". That would've been too easy though and The Badlands series probably would have ended, but dang it, I really loathe him.
The burn between Dani and Kate is barely lit but I kinda like that their connection isn't all lust. They both see one another beyond the surface. This dystopian world they live in really make it hard for me to see the two of them having their HEA and that makes me want the next book to come out yesterday!
The burn between Dani and Kate is barely lit but I kinda like that their connection isn't all lust. They both see one another beyond the surface. This dystopian world they live in really make it hard for me to see the two of them having their HEA and that makes me want the next book to come out yesterday!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
So far so good. Let's see how this ends in the next installment.
June 9, 2021
Wasteland, book one in ‘The Badlands’ series by Kristin Keppler and Allisa Bahney is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic land that used to be The United States. This is a very different country now that it’s been ravaged by climate change, deadly pandemics, and a third world war. What is left of the population is now in a civil war between the National Armed Forces (NAF) and the Resistance which is located in the wastelands (the middle part of the old US).
The story is about two women who are on opposite sides of this war. Danielle Clark (Dani) is a semi-retired Resistance fighter, and Major Kate Turner is the daughter of the general in charge of the NAF. The two should be deadly enemies, but there is something that draws the two together.
This is a well-written, dramatic tale with good pacing, a perfectly described setting, interesting and well-developed characters, and a terrifyingly realistic story. The book is written in first person POV from the eyes of Dani and Kate. I liked that it was easy to tell whose mind I was in. Each voice is unique and shows the different personalities of the two characters. That also made it easy to connect with them.
There isn’t a lot of romance in this novel though you can see the attraction between Dani and Kate. The book actually ends on a cliffhanger which kind of made me go, “Ahhh!” at the end. Luckily, this is only the first novel in a series. I will definitely be looking for the next book. I’m invested in this story and these people. I want to know what happens next.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
The story is about two women who are on opposite sides of this war. Danielle Clark (Dani) is a semi-retired Resistance fighter, and Major Kate Turner is the daughter of the general in charge of the NAF. The two should be deadly enemies, but there is something that draws the two together.
This is a well-written, dramatic tale with good pacing, a perfectly described setting, interesting and well-developed characters, and a terrifyingly realistic story. The book is written in first person POV from the eyes of Dani and Kate. I liked that it was easy to tell whose mind I was in. Each voice is unique and shows the different personalities of the two characters. That also made it easy to connect with them.
There isn’t a lot of romance in this novel though you can see the attraction between Dani and Kate. The book actually ends on a cliffhanger which kind of made me go, “Ahhh!” at the end. Luckily, this is only the first novel in a series. I will definitely be looking for the next book. I’m invested in this story and these people. I want to know what happens next.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
May 24, 2021
This book is told in my least favourite style of narration - first person, present tense. With that said, the author/s managed to do a good job. It's also told from more than one perspective, something I appreciate.
I love post apocalyptic books and the set up for this one was strong. Resistance, Armed forces, opposing sides. Wastelands and sandstorms. Solar powered vehicles (Banana's that came from God knows where in such times) and a bunch of other interesting world-building.
Unfortunately, by the halfway point, my interest waned, which was a shame really, and I can't really say why. Although, I think part of my issue was the blurb lead me to believe there would be more of a romance, even if it was of the push-pull kind. You know, the kind when tension builds. Two people on opposing sides, fighting their attraction. But the romance is more of an afterthought, and I struggle to even call it that.
Then the story ends on a cliff-hanger. It's not the size of the Grand Canyon, but it is sizeable. It's also a very good draw for those who become invested enough in this story to continue with the series.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
Oh, and whoever made the cover deserves a shoutout. It's freakin' awesome.
I love post apocalyptic books and the set up for this one was strong. Resistance, Armed forces, opposing sides. Wastelands and sandstorms. Solar powered vehicles (Banana's that came from God knows where in such times) and a bunch of other interesting world-building.
Unfortunately, by the halfway point, my interest waned, which was a shame really, and I can't really say why. Although, I think part of my issue was the blurb lead me to believe there would be more of a romance, even if it was of the push-pull kind. You know, the kind when tension builds. Two people on opposing sides, fighting their attraction. But the romance is more of an afterthought, and I struggle to even call it that.
Then the story ends on a cliff-hanger. It's not the size of the Grand Canyon, but it is sizeable. It's also a very good draw for those who become invested enough in this story to continue with the series.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
Oh, and whoever made the cover deserves a shoutout. It's freakin' awesome.
July 3, 2021
i gave Wasteland 3*
The storyline really appealed to me, the whole Resistance storyline is normally right up my tree. But for some reason, I couldn't take to the story as much as I wanted to. And I struggled with Danielle's character too. I'm thinking maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this storyline at this particular moment and will try again with it in the future. So if your not into this genre of book or just not in the right frame of mood, move on and try again at a later point.
Danielle Clark is done with the Resistance. After years of leading a relentless charge against the National Armed Forces, she has nothing left to give. Her brother Lucas in tow, Dani leaves the frontlines for the solitude of the wastelands, content to start a new life as a scavenger. Dani thought she’d finally found peace until the general’s daughter, Katelyn Turner, shows up on her doorstep and brings the fight right back to her.
Now Dani has to decide what to do about Kate, ranking member of the NAF, a once-sworn enemy…and a woman she can’t keep out of her head. The growing spark of attraction forces Dani into an impossible choice between her newfound life and Kate’s fate. She must act quickly or risk losing everything
I was given a copy for an honest review.
The storyline really appealed to me, the whole Resistance storyline is normally right up my tree. But for some reason, I couldn't take to the story as much as I wanted to. And I struggled with Danielle's character too. I'm thinking maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this storyline at this particular moment and will try again with it in the future. So if your not into this genre of book or just not in the right frame of mood, move on and try again at a later point.
Danielle Clark is done with the Resistance. After years of leading a relentless charge against the National Armed Forces, she has nothing left to give. Her brother Lucas in tow, Dani leaves the frontlines for the solitude of the wastelands, content to start a new life as a scavenger. Dani thought she’d finally found peace until the general’s daughter, Katelyn Turner, shows up on her doorstep and brings the fight right back to her.
Now Dani has to decide what to do about Kate, ranking member of the NAF, a once-sworn enemy…and a woman she can’t keep out of her head. The growing spark of attraction forces Dani into an impossible choice between her newfound life and Kate’s fate. She must act quickly or risk losing everything
I was given a copy for an honest review.
July 3, 2021
i gave Wasteland 3*
The storyline really appealed to me, the whole Resistance storyline is normally right up my tree. But for some reason, I couldn't take to the story as much as I wanted to. And I struggled with Danielle's character too. I'm thinking maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this storyline at this particular moment and will try again with it in the future. So if your not into this genre of book or just not in the right frame of mood, move on and try again at a later point.
Danielle Clark is done with the Resistance. After years of leading a relentless charge against the National Armed Forces, she has nothing left to give. Her brother Lucas in tow, Dani leaves the frontlines for the solitude of the wastelands, content to start a new life as a scavenger. Dani thought she’d finally found peace until the general’s daughter, Katelyn Turner, shows up on her doorstep and brings the fight right back to her.
Now Dani has to decide what to do about Kate, ranking member of the NAF, a once-sworn enemy…and a woman she can’t keep out of her head. The growing spark of attraction forces Dani into an impossible choice between her newfound life and Kate’s fate. She must act quickly or risk losing everything
I was given a copy for an honest review.
The storyline really appealed to me, the whole Resistance storyline is normally right up my tree. But for some reason, I couldn't take to the story as much as I wanted to. And I struggled with Danielle's character too. I'm thinking maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this storyline at this particular moment and will try again with it in the future. So if your not into this genre of book or just not in the right frame of mood, move on and try again at a later point.
Danielle Clark is done with the Resistance. After years of leading a relentless charge against the National Armed Forces, she has nothing left to give. Her brother Lucas in tow, Dani leaves the frontlines for the solitude of the wastelands, content to start a new life as a scavenger. Dani thought she’d finally found peace until the general’s daughter, Katelyn Turner, shows up on her doorstep and brings the fight right back to her.
Now Dani has to decide what to do about Kate, ranking member of the NAF, a once-sworn enemy…and a woman she can’t keep out of her head. The growing spark of attraction forces Dani into an impossible choice between her newfound life and Kate’s fate. She must act quickly or risk losing everything
I was given a copy for an honest review.
May 17, 2021
Dystopian future, enemies-to-"I really like you, but we're on different sides of an impossible war". Fighting action, fierce loyalty, wanting to escape conflict, but conflict always finds you. First in what will be a series. I really enjoyed this book. Went out and pre-ordered a copy as soon as I was done reading my arc copy.
Dani Clark is the demon of the Resistance that all NAF children and soldiers are taught to fear. But when Kate and her troops are rescued/taken prisoner by Dani's small, off-the-map town, Kate can see that there is much more to the woman than the stories convey.
**I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Dani Clark is the demon of the Resistance that all NAF children and soldiers are taught to fear. But when Kate and her troops are rescued/taken prisoner by Dani's small, off-the-map town, Kate can see that there is much more to the woman than the stories convey.
**I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
September 6, 2021
I'm not much for dystopia books but for some reason this story called to me. The synopsis does a good job explaining what the book is about so I won't go into that.
The characters of White Rapid were great. I absolutely wanted to smack Jack very often. I know it's war and all that but why do people always have to push prisoners when they are tied to walk faster. For some reason that irked me. Simon was just someone I wanted to die amd really wished he tried to escape, but spoiler, he didn't.
I think my overall favorite character is Lucas. They way the authors depicted him and the way he spoke was just, well, I enjoyed it, and I think it brings out more insight into Dani.
Then there's Dani and Kate. I like how the "romance," if you can even call it that at this point in the series isn't in your face. They are on two opposing sides in a big way. Will it work out? Won't it? Honestly, I'm gonna be really pissed if it doesn't work out akd I can hopefully see where Kate' character might be heading but it's too soon to tell.
So, let me wrap up review for you. I really loved this book. So much so that even if it's free to read on Scribe, I bought it. Now, if the authors would be so kind to get book 2 finished and released and I would be much appreciative.
The characters of White Rapid were great. I absolutely wanted to smack Jack very often. I know it's war and all that but why do people always have to push prisoners when they are tied to walk faster. For some reason that irked me. Simon was just someone I wanted to die amd really wished he tried to escape, but spoiler, he didn't.
I think my overall favorite character is Lucas. They way the authors depicted him and the way he spoke was just, well, I enjoyed it, and I think it brings out more insight into Dani.
Then there's Dani and Kate. I like how the "romance," if you can even call it that at this point in the series isn't in your face. They are on two opposing sides in a big way. Will it work out? Won't it? Honestly, I'm gonna be really pissed if it doesn't work out akd I can hopefully see where Kate' character might be heading but it's too soon to tell.
So, let me wrap up review for you. I really loved this book. So much so that even if it's free to read on Scribe, I bought it. Now, if the authors would be so kind to get book 2 finished and released and I would be much appreciative.
June 3, 2022
This debut novel is a very well-written sapphic post-apocalypse. The world-building is well-done. I loved the torn characters, Dani and Kate, who both discover that the enemy is not what they imagined. Kate as a commanding officer was not as convincing as Dani. I am looking forward to the second installment to end the cliff-hanger.
January 31, 2022
Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. Wasteland is more than just a dystopian novel or romance. The US has been nuked, sea rise has taken much of the two coasts so just the middle of the country is left and it is wasteland, desert-like in most of the places described.
This novel is about two complicated, weary, and perhaps broken women who are doing their best to live in the world they’ve been thrust in. They’ve both had to deal with death and fighting what appears to be an endless war. This novel could also be a commentary on our current moment in time, in which we vilify each other but don’t know each other, nor realize that really we’re all the same and want to live our lives.
Perspective switches every chapter from one woman to the other. The characters are complex with different loyalties. Dani just wanted peace but had to return to fighting from almost the start of the book, trying to protect the community she resides in. Kate tried to lead and protect her soldiers but ended up losing most of them to a battle with a third group. The secondary characters also mostly feel real and also complicated, with conflicting motives and loyalties. This is labeled as the first book in a series, and I need the next volume soon.
This novel is about two complicated, weary, and perhaps broken women who are doing their best to live in the world they’ve been thrust in. They’ve both had to deal with death and fighting what appears to be an endless war. This novel could also be a commentary on our current moment in time, in which we vilify each other but don’t know each other, nor realize that really we’re all the same and want to live our lives.
Perspective switches every chapter from one woman to the other. The characters are complex with different loyalties. Dani just wanted peace but had to return to fighting from almost the start of the book, trying to protect the community she resides in. Kate tried to lead and protect her soldiers but ended up losing most of them to a battle with a third group. The secondary characters also mostly feel real and also complicated, with conflicting motives and loyalties. This is labeled as the first book in a series, and I need the next volume soon.
June 1, 2021
This was a very interesting story. It's actually a story that I would not typically read,but decided to give it a try,and I'm glad that I did. This is a dystopian novel, with mainly one main character and a host of supporting characters. The main character DanI is part of the resistance is basically a loner who feels responsible for several characters in this story and feels that if she doesn't protect them from the militarized government, then she has failed in her mission. There is very little romance in this book, and the love interest Kate doesn't show up until maybe the 6 chapter. I liked how seamless the writing style was, because this was written by two authors, you can't really tell were one begins and the other begin, th I s was very well done. I can't wait for the next book in this series, and would definitely recommend this to my friends and family.
August 13, 2022
Ugh cliffhangers, love and hate them.
In awe of the world these two authors created, this is such a high quality dystopian novel and I absolutely dig the enemies-to-lovers, against all odds storyline.
Dani and Kate are fantastic, can't wait to read more!!!!
In awe of the world these two authors created, this is such a high quality dystopian novel and I absolutely dig the enemies-to-lovers, against all odds storyline.
Dani and Kate are fantastic, can't wait to read more!!!!
June 9, 2021
I'll give this 3.75 stars.
It is a slow paced action dystopian fantasy. I love that the authors worked really hard to get the worldbuilding set up, especially since the conflict mostly revolves around the geo-politics of the world. I knew the pacing was going to be slow, because it looks like it is going to be a big series, but for me it didn't really feel like the plot of this book was moving too much until the last 1/3 of the book.
The plot has fun with some dystopian tropes, with the lead being an ex-rebel soldier so prolific that the imperialistic forces think she's a legend. Once she burned herself out, she settled into one of the neutral settlements to live out her life as a hunter/ bodyguard of the townspeople there. But then she finds imperial soldiers fighting a group of raiders, and recognizes the officers as the daughter of the General who killed her father. So she captures that person as part of a half formed plan, but then realizes that the daughter is nothing like the mother. And hot. So, she and the daughter slowly grow closer as she tries to figure out how to get herself out of the compulsive mess she is in.
I like the set up, especially since Dani, the ex-resistance fighter, isn't perfect. She is excellent at her job as a scavenger, hunter, and protector of the village she has decided to call home, but she still is fixated on General Turner, the most ruthless leader of the National Armed Forces, the military of the new American government that has control of the East Coast. This basically starts the events of the book moving forward as she basically kidnaps Kate in order to do... something with her. Dani doesn't exactly know what to do with her, but she's got Kate and keeps her and the rest of the survivors of her convoy, making her town vulnerable to retaliation. And I want to say that that is the most compelling aspect of the book; the tension between her and the town as she builds up her plan in real time. It's dangerous because the NAF have no problem putting down any whiff of dissension. But Dani still can't let go of the pain and sadness of her past.
Kate also gets to have her narrative perspective as well, and while Kate is not as dynamic as Dani, she still gets some of her preconceptions knocked asunder by Dani and the townspeople. Her perspective is a nice change of pace to Dani's. While she still has her issues, she seems to be willing to see humanity in people, even folks on the side she's supposed to be fighting for. She's a humanitarian at heart, and the programming of her government didn't seem to stick with her the way even her own mother wanted it to. I like her and I like her with Dani. It'll be interesting to see what they do in the next book, because, wow that ending feels ominous.
This is looking like it'll be an awesome series. I know people might not like the dystopian aspects of the book, but I think it uses the tropes well, and gives us people we can either cheer for or root against. Also, that cliff hanger ending just got me - Dani looks to go into Beast Mode in the next book, and I am here for it.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It is a slow paced action dystopian fantasy. I love that the authors worked really hard to get the worldbuilding set up, especially since the conflict mostly revolves around the geo-politics of the world. I knew the pacing was going to be slow, because it looks like it is going to be a big series, but for me it didn't really feel like the plot of this book was moving too much until the last 1/3 of the book.
The plot has fun with some dystopian tropes, with the lead being an ex-rebel soldier so prolific that the imperialistic forces think she's a legend. Once she burned herself out, she settled into one of the neutral settlements to live out her life as a hunter/ bodyguard of the townspeople there. But then she finds imperial soldiers fighting a group of raiders, and recognizes the officers as the daughter of the General who killed her father. So she captures that person as part of a half formed plan, but then realizes that the daughter is nothing like the mother. And hot. So, she and the daughter slowly grow closer as she tries to figure out how to get herself out of the compulsive mess she is in.
I like the set up, especially since Dani, the ex-resistance fighter, isn't perfect. She is excellent at her job as a scavenger, hunter, and protector of the village she has decided to call home, but she still is fixated on General Turner, the most ruthless leader of the National Armed Forces, the military of the new American government that has control of the East Coast. This basically starts the events of the book moving forward as she basically kidnaps Kate in order to do... something with her. Dani doesn't exactly know what to do with her, but she's got Kate and keeps her and the rest of the survivors of her convoy, making her town vulnerable to retaliation. And I want to say that that is the most compelling aspect of the book; the tension between her and the town as she builds up her plan in real time. It's dangerous because the NAF have no problem putting down any whiff of dissension. But Dani still can't let go of the pain and sadness of her past.
Kate also gets to have her narrative perspective as well, and while Kate is not as dynamic as Dani, she still gets some of her preconceptions knocked asunder by Dani and the townspeople. Her perspective is a nice change of pace to Dani's. While she still has her issues, she seems to be willing to see humanity in people, even folks on the side she's supposed to be fighting for. She's a humanitarian at heart, and the programming of her government didn't seem to stick with her the way even her own mother wanted it to. I like her and I like her with Dani. It'll be interesting to see what they do in the next book, because, wow that ending feels ominous.
This is looking like it'll be an awesome series. I know people might not like the dystopian aspects of the book, but I think it uses the tropes well, and gives us people we can either cheer for or root against. Also, that cliff hanger ending just got me - Dani looks to go into Beast Mode in the next book, and I am here for it.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 15, 2022
A fun, but rather too short post-apocalyptic enemies-to-lovers story that ends just as it feels like it should be getting started.
July 12, 2022
As debut novels go Wastelands has a great deal to offer readers; particularly those who enjoy the dystopian/post-apocolyptic genre.
Set in a not too distance future, in a world that has been ravaged by climate change, disease, and war, what was once the United States of America, is no more. Political allyships destroyed, the National Armed Forces (NAF) are now in charge, with the sole aim of destroying the Resistance and all Resistance aligned towns and villages.
Danielle Clark has left her Resistance days behind her. The loss of her father by the hands of the NAF, set her on the path of destruction, but after a tragic accident hurt the person she cares about the most, Dani knows it's time to take her brother and live a quiet life someplace else.
Major Katelyn Turner has never been seen as the daughter that she is. With her mother now General Turner and leader of the NAF, Kate knows she was only ever been seen as a means of succession for the family name. Despite family tensions, Kate's always believed in what she's been taught about the Resistance, their allies, and Dani Clarke. The problem is, she's about to find out not everything is quite what she's been lead to believe.
As the lines between enemies blur and conflicts of interest arise, both Kate and Dani must decide who they are willing to trust and how much they are prepared to put on the line for a shot at love.
It's worth noting at this point, that this is an extremely slow burn book, to the point where there's very little romance to be had. It does however feel right for the story and most importantly the characters. Dani and Kate are sworn enemies who in reality know nothing about each other, besides what they have been subjectively told by others. As such it would have felt particularly unrealisitic to have them swoon into each others arms as soon as they set eyes on each other. The authors have done a fantastic job of keeping the romance elements in line with the personalities of Dani and Kate, whilst feasibly accounting for their opposing positions within the Resistance and the NAF.
The story is told from a first person point of view, in the present tense, which is my least favourite perspective and took some getting used to. But the interesting plot and array of supporting characters made up for it. I particularly liked Dani's brother - Lucas, who i took to be neurodivergent. However, whilst it was great to find the story includes diverse and inclusive characters, i felt the authors missed the mark with Lucas' age. He's meant to be in his late twenties, but reads a hell of a lot younger, maybe mid-teens? He's depicted as being more than capable, so i'm not sure it was the intention of the authors to have it read as if he's younger than his years.
Wasteland is a story that will keep you on your toes, there's a lot of action to be had, and you're never quite sure which direction the plot is going in - never mind who to trust! There's also compelling points to delve into; from the warring emotions of revenge and redemption to the exploration of parent/child relationships.
The book ends on a gigantic cliffhanger; a cliffhanger which locks in the desire to read book two in the series!
Set in a not too distance future, in a world that has been ravaged by climate change, disease, and war, what was once the United States of America, is no more. Political allyships destroyed, the National Armed Forces (NAF) are now in charge, with the sole aim of destroying the Resistance and all Resistance aligned towns and villages.
Danielle Clark has left her Resistance days behind her. The loss of her father by the hands of the NAF, set her on the path of destruction, but after a tragic accident hurt the person she cares about the most, Dani knows it's time to take her brother and live a quiet life someplace else.
Major Katelyn Turner has never been seen as the daughter that she is. With her mother now General Turner and leader of the NAF, Kate knows she was only ever been seen as a means of succession for the family name. Despite family tensions, Kate's always believed in what she's been taught about the Resistance, their allies, and Dani Clarke. The problem is, she's about to find out not everything is quite what she's been lead to believe.
As the lines between enemies blur and conflicts of interest arise, both Kate and Dani must decide who they are willing to trust and how much they are prepared to put on the line for a shot at love.
It's worth noting at this point, that this is an extremely slow burn book, to the point where there's very little romance to be had. It does however feel right for the story and most importantly the characters. Dani and Kate are sworn enemies who in reality know nothing about each other, besides what they have been subjectively told by others. As such it would have felt particularly unrealisitic to have them swoon into each others arms as soon as they set eyes on each other. The authors have done a fantastic job of keeping the romance elements in line with the personalities of Dani and Kate, whilst feasibly accounting for their opposing positions within the Resistance and the NAF.
The story is told from a first person point of view, in the present tense, which is my least favourite perspective and took some getting used to. But the interesting plot and array of supporting characters made up for it. I particularly liked Dani's brother - Lucas, who i took to be neurodivergent. However, whilst it was great to find the story includes diverse and inclusive characters, i felt the authors missed the mark with Lucas' age. He's meant to be in his late twenties, but reads a hell of a lot younger, maybe mid-teens? He's depicted as being more than capable, so i'm not sure it was the intention of the authors to have it read as if he's younger than his years.
Wasteland is a story that will keep you on your toes, there's a lot of action to be had, and you're never quite sure which direction the plot is going in - never mind who to trust! There's also compelling points to delve into; from the warring emotions of revenge and redemption to the exploration of parent/child relationships.
The book ends on a gigantic cliffhanger; a cliffhanger which locks in the desire to read book two in the series!
September 19, 2025
I love dystopian novels and this one was such a fantastic read! The author did an excellent job building a world that felt both haunting and believable—the way the setting of the Wastelands was described really brought the collapse of society to life. I loved the characters we met on both sides of the war, which made the conflicts feel more human and layered rather than just good versus evil. Dani’s perspective as an ex-Resistance officer added so much depth, and the stakes only got higher when the daughter of her enemy entered their town. I loved the initial disregard Dani had for Kate, I appreciate the development rather than initial attraction since that wouldn’t have been as realistic. The tension between Dani and Kate kept me turning the pages, and I loved watching their dynamic develop. The slow build made their eventual relationship at the end feel so satisfying and worth the wait.
What stood out most was how the story balanced action and emotion—the dangers of surviving in the Wastelands were ever-present, but there were also quieter moments that revealed the cost of war, loyalty, and love. This book had the perfect mix of grit, suspense, and heart, and it left me eager to read more from this world!
What stood out most was how the story balanced action and emotion—the dangers of surviving in the Wastelands were ever-present, but there were also quieter moments that revealed the cost of war, loyalty, and love. This book had the perfect mix of grit, suspense, and heart, and it left me eager to read more from this world!
June 13, 2023
Into dystopian worlds and enemies to lovers? This is it. It doesn’t get better than this.
Honestly I had low expectations going in because I’m on a 6 week holiday through Europe and my mood is jovial at the moment so diving into a dystopian novel is hard work but this book captivated me.
The main characters are excellent and written by two different authors, both equally compelling. Kate and Dani have a special place in my heart. The side characters are wonderful and you learn to love them like family.
Pros - dystopian. Drama. Action. Politics. Mystery. World building.
Cons - Only one, all the sex scenes fade to black.
I’m through the entire series and yesterday logged onto my phone hotspot so I could buy book 3 that was just released earlier in June.
Read it, please.
Honestly I had low expectations going in because I’m on a 6 week holiday through Europe and my mood is jovial at the moment so diving into a dystopian novel is hard work but this book captivated me.
The main characters are excellent and written by two different authors, both equally compelling. Kate and Dani have a special place in my heart. The side characters are wonderful and you learn to love them like family.
Pros - dystopian. Drama. Action. Politics. Mystery. World building.
Cons - Only one, all the sex scenes fade to black.
I’m through the entire series and yesterday logged onto my phone hotspot so I could buy book 3 that was just released earlier in June.
Read it, please.
June 20, 2022
An intriguing dystopian tale set in the west of the United States of America or rather what's left of it after having been ravaged by climate change, disease, war and isolating military rule. Fate drops the protagonists, who find themselves on opposite ends of the cause, into one another's orbit; Danielle Clark, former member of the Resistance, now Scavenger and one of the nation's most wanted AND Major Katelyn Turner, member of the ruling National Armed Forces and daughter of top brass General Judith Turner. They've been raised/primed to view the other as the enemy, BUT nothing is ever as it seems (they aren't at all like the other imagined) and what unfolds lies entirely in the gray...
November 21, 2023
Finished this in a day. What a good story. So much mystery left to unwind. Book One does nothing to answer any questions if you are wondering. It raises more questions and I feel so happy that I read this after book two and three are out. I don't usually like book series because sometimes the lengthening of the story feels forced but this is so natural it's good. The characters are smart and mostly rational, they are not unnaturally resistant to change. I loved everything. Loved the characters I was supposed to love and hated those I was supposed to hate. The politics makes sense and so does the world and where it is set. Fair play to the author.
May 13, 2021
NB: free copy received for honest review
The idea of a post-apocalyptic action-romance appealed to me, but unfortunately I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. The narration is often rather didactic and dry, with too much exposition, while the plot and romance are both a bit thin. It felt to me that the authors' focus was too much on moving all the pieces into place for their cliff-hanger ending (this is obviously meant as the start of a series) and the momentum and depth of this book has suffered as a result.
The idea of a post-apocalyptic action-romance appealed to me, but unfortunately I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. The narration is often rather didactic and dry, with too much exposition, while the plot and romance are both a bit thin. It felt to me that the authors' focus was too much on moving all the pieces into place for their cliff-hanger ending (this is obviously meant as the start of a series) and the momentum and depth of this book has suffered as a result.
March 26, 2025
Dystopian with a little bit of forbidden romance
I liked both MCs and the family feel of the rebel town. I also appreciated Lucas, a neurodiverse sibling who communicates by using quotes from his favorite comic book series. There are some definite challenges ahead for the two opposing sides, especially with the forbidden love involved.
I enjoyed the novel, but, as a military veteran, I had issues with some things. I will continue the series and, hopefully, there will be less of them in the next two books
I liked both MCs and the family feel of the rebel town. I also appreciated Lucas, a neurodiverse sibling who communicates by using quotes from his favorite comic book series. There are some definite challenges ahead for the two opposing sides, especially with the forbidden love involved.
I enjoyed the novel, but, as a military veteran, I had issues with some things. I will continue the series and, hopefully, there will be less of them in the next two books
August 14, 2021
I seem to be struggling to enjoy post-apocalyptic/dystopian novels at the moment but I was hoping this one would have changed that. It has an interesting premise and it's sapphic so it seemed to be totally up my street, unfortunately, I just couldn't get into this and struggled to finish. I lost total interest at about 70% through. However, it was well written and some of the dialogue was very engaging.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2021
A great start to a new series. There is plenty of action to keep you interested, with a good story line and well developed characters. Hello did not want to put this one down. I cannot wait to see what happens in the future books of this series.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2022
An entertaining and promising debut. I really liked the fascination and attraction that Dani and Kate developed for each other. The plot was interesting too. The side characters weren't too fleshed out though. Nonetheless, I'm truly curious about what's going to happen next.
January 27, 2025
This book is very well paced, never got bored throughout the story.
Story was military confined, not extraordinary but simple in a good way.
But I want story to go beyond its confinement to something more.
Relationship btw Dani & Kate is slow-burn, delicate loved it.
Off to the next part...
Story was military confined, not extraordinary but simple in a good way.
But I want story to go beyond its confinement to something more.
Relationship btw Dani & Kate is slow-burn, delicate loved it.
Off to the next part...
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