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The City 2603 #3
The City Outside: A 2603 Novel
From the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Dying for a Living and Shadows in the Water series, The City Outside is the breathtaking conclusion to Commander Grace Buteo's saga.He killed her husband and son. Now he wants her life.The rich and powerful don’t play by the rules. Commander Grace Buteo knows this firsthand when the man who killed her family frames her for a crime she didn’t commit.
On his order, Grace is hunted down and captured. His lies and manipulation leave her with few people she can trust. He wants her to surrender. He wants her to die. She refuses and is left to the mercy of the court.
Will she be exiled to the barren wasteland outside the protection of Zone 2, the only home she’s ever known? Or will she finally get the justice she’s risked everything for…With echoes of Philip K. Dick's mind-bending narratives and the intricate world-building reminiscent of Neal Stephenson, readers will be drawn into a compelling tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.
On his order, Grace is hunted down and captured. His lies and manipulation leave her with few people she can trust. He wants her to surrender. He wants her to die. She refuses and is left to the mercy of the court.
Will she be exiled to the barren wasteland outside the protection of Zone 2, the only home she’s ever known? Or will she finally get the justice she’s risked everything for…With echoes of Philip K. Dick's mind-bending narratives and the intricate world-building reminiscent of Neal Stephenson, readers will be drawn into a compelling tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2021
6 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books649 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 22, 2021
The City Outside - a review by Rosemary Kenny
In the James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, the man who controls the world's water supplies can name his own price, as all life on the planet needs it to survive...and so it is here, in Kory M Shrum's stunning fantasy epic The City Outside.
Zone 2's Commander Grace Buteo must overthrow the evil mastermind, Alabaster Khan, (who's already had her husband Davion and son Kaiden murdered) and clear her name, to evade his plot.
When Grace is captured and put on trial in front of a fixed jury what happens aboard the so-called Midnight Train? How is Grace injured?
Who helps Grace survive and goes on the hunt for true justice with her? Who's Geraldine?
Why does Heron have two mothers?
A great book by a great author, Kory M. Shrum's The City Outside will really make you aware of the challenges of survival we will all face, sooner rather than later, if we don't clean up our act and look after the world we depend on for our very lives.
Get your copy today!
In the James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, the man who controls the world's water supplies can name his own price, as all life on the planet needs it to survive...and so it is here, in Kory M Shrum's stunning fantasy epic The City Outside.
Zone 2's Commander Grace Buteo must overthrow the evil mastermind, Alabaster Khan, (who's already had her husband Davion and son Kaiden murdered) and clear her name, to evade his plot.
When Grace is captured and put on trial in front of a fixed jury what happens aboard the so-called Midnight Train? How is Grace injured?
Who helps Grace survive and goes on the hunt for true justice with her? Who's Geraldine?
Why does Heron have two mothers?
A great book by a great author, Kory M. Shrum's The City Outside will really make you aware of the challenges of survival we will all face, sooner rather than later, if we don't clean up our act and look after the world we depend on for our very lives.
Get your copy today!
July 8, 2021
The City Outside is the 3rd, and final book of the City trilogy. Kory has done an excellent job in creating this futuristic setting, and presenting it in such a way that it is entirely believable. We already have Virtual Reality games (VR) and sex toys, we're currently struggling with having enough fresh water, along with other climate change issues. Corporate figure fudging and tax evasion is nothing new and neither is the rich getting richer and they don't care who they step on, or destroy, in their quest for absolute power. Now you need to read just how Kory blends all of this, and more, into The City Outside, A 2603 Novel.
I wasn't able to put this book down once I started reading it. The characters are well done, as is the story line, and the action is non-stop. Do read these books in order for a most satisfying scifi/fantasy experience!
Highly recommended!
I wasn't able to put this book down once I started reading it. The characters are well done, as is the story line, and the action is non-stop. Do read these books in order for a most satisfying scifi/fantasy experience!
Highly recommended!
June 21, 2021
This is Book 3 of the series. It would be best to read "The City Below" and "The City Within" before this one because there is a lot of character development and world-building that is important to the story. The main characters return, and we meet several characters only mentioned in previous books, for a grand finale and happily-ever-after ending; but only after numerous exciting, life-threatening adventures. Grace is framed as a terrorist, arrested, imprisoned, sentenced to the "Midnight Train". How she beats the odds and the system, with a lot of help from her friends, is an exciting, action-packed story that is hard to put down. Grace and Heron finally have their romance and become intimate as they move past their hang-ups.
June 20, 2021
Commander Grace Buteo and her partner Heron anticipate a quiet day. Every cop knows that's a dangerous expectation to set and so it proves once again, when their boredom is interrupted by 3 robocops looking to arrest her. Obviously it's a frame up, but which of the people she's rattled in the past has decided to make such a bold move against her, and why now?
Another interesting plot line and we get to look outside the zones as the story unfolds. A great read, that zooms past. This was planned to be the last in a trilogy, but it raises hope that there is much more to explore in this dystopian future.
Another interesting plot line and we get to look outside the zones as the story unfolds. A great read, that zooms past. This was planned to be the last in a trilogy, but it raises hope that there is much more to explore in this dystopian future.
June 22, 2021
I was fortunate enough to be given an arc of this book to read.
I loved this book, I love everything Kory writes if I’m being honest.
I was really looking forward to reading A City Below having read the previous two books in the series, I was left on edge waiting for this installment to be released, I needed to know what was going to happen to Grace and Heron.
I was not disappointed at all, the story has a great pace and is thrilling in all the right ways. The characters are wonderfully full and still surprised me even though I thought I knew them well.
I don’t think anyone will be disappointed reading this story but I will say you must read the previous two in order to fully appreciate this one.
I think this is a fabulous conclusion to the trilogy and I think that there is still more story to be told if Kory should want to write more in this world (please Kory, I’m not ready to say goodbye yet).
I loved this book, I love everything Kory writes if I’m being honest.
I was really looking forward to reading A City Below having read the previous two books in the series, I was left on edge waiting for this installment to be released, I needed to know what was going to happen to Grace and Heron.
I was not disappointed at all, the story has a great pace and is thrilling in all the right ways. The characters are wonderfully full and still surprised me even though I thought I knew them well.
I don’t think anyone will be disappointed reading this story but I will say you must read the previous two in order to fully appreciate this one.
I think this is a fabulous conclusion to the trilogy and I think that there is still more story to be told if Kory should want to write more in this world (please Kory, I’m not ready to say goodbye yet).
June 25, 2021
A fitting finalė
If you haven't read the first two books, then do so now. You won't regret it. Underneath the usual corrupt society caused by a man mad for power and money, we have the one, Commander Grace Buteo, fighting this corruption. Set in a possible future, with water being most valued, and escape into virtual environments possible, but with most people preferring the struggle of real life, you get to know a variety of the good and bad. From those living in luxury to the survival of the fittest. You will run the gamut of emotions, right up to the end.
If you haven't read the first two books, then do so now. You won't regret it. Underneath the usual corrupt society caused by a man mad for power and money, we have the one, Commander Grace Buteo, fighting this corruption. Set in a possible future, with water being most valued, and escape into virtual environments possible, but with most people preferring the struggle of real life, you get to know a variety of the good and bad. From those living in luxury to the survival of the fittest. You will run the gamut of emotions, right up to the end.
June 22, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 23, 2021
The last book and the best in the series do not miss this.
The rich and powerful don’t play by the rules. Commander Grace Buteo knows this firsthand when the man who killed her family frames her for a crime she didn’t commit.
The main character is set up yet again will she survive?
Will she beat the system and the odds that are not in her favor?
Wow one great adventure ,non stop action and some.
The rich and powerful don’t play by the rules. Commander Grace Buteo knows this firsthand when the man who killed her family frames her for a crime she didn’t commit.
The main character is set up yet again will she survive?
Will she beat the system and the odds that are not in her favor?
Wow one great adventure ,non stop action and some.
June 27, 2021
An OUTSTANDING finale to an absolutely phenomenal series. I usually do not care for dystopian stories but this one is done with such artistry than it is quite easy to forget it is such. The characters are so well developed that you feel as if you know them personally and that they have always been a part of your world. The world building is flawless and believable. I absolutely LOVED reading this story and found myself holding my breath at intense moments. Again, just phenomenal.
May 20, 2022
I can’t believe that this 3rd book is the end of the series. I couldn’t put it down. I really need more Grace, Heron, Arjun , and everyone else in the adventures of The City 2603. I feel that just like The Shadows Below Series and The Dying for a Living, as well as the Cove Series that there is so much more here. Please keep going with them all. I marked the typos in each book I’ve read so they are all here with each book (and I haven’t missed any of the books) You’re the best.
June 21, 2021
Luckiy for me I received an ARC version of City Outside and just couldn't put it down and as always Kory takes on a wonderful journey. The characters matter to you because they are so captivating. Outstanding story line throughout not only this book but the previous two in the series, sorry this is the end...
Kory never fails whichever of her series you read.
Kory never fails whichever of her series you read.
June 21, 2021
The action packed beginning immediately grabbed my attention. The author's deft hand in developing characters and their relationships sustains that interest.
All the dangling threads are neatly tied up. Still I harbor hope for another book set in this universe using these characters.
Thanks to Ms. Shrum for sending me an ARC. I am leaving my honest review.
All the dangling threads are neatly tied up. Still I harbor hope for another book set in this universe using these characters.
Thanks to Ms. Shrum for sending me an ARC. I am leaving my honest review.
June 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this series! I like Shrum's writing and her characters are always well written. The story is best read after the first two in the series, but still works alone. I really loved Grace and Heron's story and their fight for justice in a messed up future. I definitely recommend all three books.
June 22, 2021
This is such a good book, the whole series is amazing, would love a few of the gadgets too lol this book is such a brilliant ending to the series and Grace finally gets justice for her family. Lovely to see more about Heron's family too. Was brilliant to see more about the other areas outside the city too and how they all live. Definitely recommend this book
July 1, 2021
Perfect sequel to "The City Within". A very intricate story with many characters, all centered around Grace and Heron, with plenty of action. Here the author reveals a lot about the human side of these characters and it is a wonderful read, with the AI side of things now taking a back seat to the human side. Thoroughly enjoyable story.
June 13, 2021
An excellent read! Well written. Great characterisation, creative thought, packed with drama and excitement. Threaded throughout is a beautiful and renewing romance, arising from the devastation of loss. Kory doesn’t disappoint.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
June 22, 2021
I love this series, so sad to see it end. I'm not someone who typically like futuristic type books, but this series has changed my mind! Fast passed with extremely lovable characters. Its one of those series that you continue to think about days, weeks, months later!!! Highly recommend!!!
August 3, 2021
Loved this Series
Book 3 did a great job of wrapping things up. It wasn't as fast paced as book 2, and lacked the surprises as well, but it brought everything together. I really enjoyed the series.
Book 3 did a great job of wrapping things up. It wasn't as fast paced as book 2, and lacked the surprises as well, but it brought everything together. I really enjoyed the series.
December 29, 2021
Pros: strong dystopian world building. Good characterisation. A story I was interested in.
Cons: not sure such a strong female character should have such passive sex scenes. Environmental message overplayed.
On balance worked as a stand alone novel and I'd be happy to read more from this writer.
Cons: not sure such a strong female character should have such passive sex scenes. Environmental message overplayed.
On balance worked as a stand alone novel and I'd be happy to read more from this writer.
June 23, 2021
A great follow on to the series. Well written with a good storyline and characters which you will either love or hate. Action from start to finish. Recommended.
June 25, 2021
What an awesome ending to a series that’s full of intrigue The characters continue to hold your attention and have you hooked forever.
May 21, 2022
Excellent
A brilliant book couldn't put it down recommended to sci go readers and thrillers keeps you wanting more right to final
A brilliant book couldn't put it down recommended to sci go readers and thrillers keeps you wanting more right to final
October 6, 2022
Solid finish!
The most imaginative future. I want to live in Zone 2! This story drags you by the collar to get to the next page. Fast paced, satisfying, colorful! You are going to cheer the final installment of the 2603 series and be so happy with the ending!
Definitely recommend! As always, Kory knocks it out of the park!
The most imaginative future. I want to live in Zone 2! This story drags you by the collar to get to the next page. Fast paced, satisfying, colorful! You are going to cheer the final installment of the 2603 series and be so happy with the ending!
Definitely recommend! As always, Kory knocks it out of the park!
January 19, 2026
I read this entire series in 5 days. Highly recommend.
March 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this series. This book was so good.
June 26, 2021
Fantastic futurism and intrigue
A great end to 3.5 books of alternating tension and release. Perfect futurism, with incredible world building. Wonderful nods to the full spectrum of human (and AI) sexuality and gender. So much to love, I feel like going back to the beginning and reading it all again IMMEDIATELY!
A great end to 3.5 books of alternating tension and release. Perfect futurism, with incredible world building. Wonderful nods to the full spectrum of human (and AI) sexuality and gender. So much to love, I feel like going back to the beginning and reading it all again IMMEDIATELY!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews