Beyond the Wall

The Beyond #1

by Kate L. Mary

In the Society, everyone is happy.Drea Young has grown up living in the shadow of the wall. Not only does she know there's nothing left beyond it, but she also knows that it's there to protect the citizens of the United Society of the Reestablishment. That doesn't stop her from feeling trapped, though. Why? Everything in her world is perfect. There's no more struggle, no war or crime, no conflict.No choice.Drea has always thought she was alone in her blasphemous thoughts, but then she gets to know Jerrick Carter and realizes she couldn't be more wrong. Quiet and Brooding - and incredibly gorgeous - Jerrick helps her understand not just the world around her, but herself as well, and the more Drea learns about the Society, the more desperate she becomes to break free. But after a lifetime of being controlled, she isn't sure if she's strong enough to leave everything she knows and loves behind...

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic

401 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2021

About the author

I'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!

Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.

When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!

Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.

Awards:

Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine

When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction

Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards

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Reviews

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the outside, everything seems normal with the Society. They seem to only want the best when it comes to their people living inside their walls. Every thing has order and every one a strict schedule. All to keep the balance and the peace. But as Drea nears the age for her to find her mate and Age Up, things seem to not be as perfect as she once believed. Secrets are whispered and all she thought she knew to be true, are in fact spinning her mind out of control. Who can she trust?

BEYOND THE WALL took me back to when my love of all things apocalypse/dystopian started. I felt like Drea most of the time. Wanting to believe the Society and that they had everyone’s best interest at heart. But the way Mary placed doubt in all the right spots, had me feeling all out of sorts. Mary did an incredible job with all the twists and turns. I still am unsure of a character or two and hoping in the end, or as the series plays out, we can trust them fully.

Incredible plot, sweet, slow burn romance, and intrigue flowing from the pages, this story hooked me in from the start, all the way to the very end. I am excited for what will come next and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, BEYOND THIS LIFE. 5 Stars!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Kate L. Mary's books, but they were all in the zompoc genre. When I saw that she had written a book in one of my favorite genres, YA dystopian, I knew I had to read it. And, I'm so glad that I did!

Drea Young is 19 years old, which means that she is almost ready to Age Up within the Society. On her 20th birthday, she will be mated with her perfect genetic match and told what her occupation will be. But, she feels restless, anxious and disturbed by the way things are going. When her older friend, Hazel, tells her that it is time for her to Age Out, Drea really begins to question things.

"The Society needs order at all times." But, Drea wants to know what is beyond the wall that surrounds their community. Every minute of every day of their lives is dictated by the Society, but it's all for the best, right?

I love reading dystopian books and always find something new in them. Kate has done a great job with slowly developing the characters and the world in which they live. Be aware that this is the first book in a series, so don't be surprised at the cliffhanger ending. I look forward to seeing where this series goes and know that I want to be along for the ride!

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of YA but I enjoyed this one!
Can't wait to see how this new series unfolds.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate L. Mary has created a masterful rollercoaster of suspense and romance!

Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Michele Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this soon to be released novel and it was wonderful. The story of a perfect society, created by the government after years of a pandemic and global wars. Every single choice a person might struggle over has been neatly made for each individual by the society, what to eat, what to wear, who to make a match with, what you can do for a living and how you can contribute to your colony all selected for you by The Society. Everyone is happy and content, no strife, no stress, even the choice to have children is decided by those with your best interests at heart. But is everyone happy to have no say in their life? Drea is having serious doubts as she approaches the end of her childhood and the beginning of her life as a contributing adult, she cannot help but wonder if there is a life beyond the walls of Antares colony. Can she believe everything she is taught? I loved this story and anxiously await the next book in the series.

[Michele Kubat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC to read ahead of the official release. Dystopian books are some of my favorites as I love reading about the unique and varied worlds. The premise of this book fits in well with the genre- a mix of "history" of what went wrong and a description of the current society and the problems with said society. Probably my favorite part was getting to know the characters. The level of naivete seemed more in line with teenagers around the age of 16 rather than a few months shy of 20, but that was a minor concern. I can't wait for the subsequent books to see how the characters evolve and to see how the Rebellion progresses and eventually gets resolved. A great start to a new series!

[Erin Remen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable dystopian read that follows Drea as she slowly has her eyes opened to the control the Society has over her life. As someone who prefers to be invisible it's easy for her to overlook that every step of her day is planned, to very last detail. But as her eyes are opened she cannot believe how people don't question anything. As she comes to terms with her knowledge she meets a boy, a boy that has plans that will change everything yet again, of she is brave. As the first in a series it has a lot of information and back and forth as Drea describes everything, and at times I almost found myself skipping chunks but pushed through and found myself really enjoying it. It's definitely a great read for dystopia fans and as a young adult read anyone can read it. Really looking forward to the next one, catch up with Drea and her friends!

[Angie Langille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate L. Mary is one of my favorite authors. I was fortunate enough to have been able to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. First off I am a huge dystopian fan. Kate is great at bringing worlds to life. I found it hilarious and a little eerie that she wrote this book in 2012 and chose the year 2020 as the year of the plague and when the world was forever changed. This book was a great jumping off point to dive deeper into The Colonies and I look forward to the next books in the series. There are so many stories to tell and so many characters to check back in on. I hope to read about them all.

[Honest Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start, you have Drea who is happy with her life, get up at this time, eat what we tell you and work where we tell you.
Then something happens, she starts to ask why, questioning the norm of her life and the place she lives.
Leading to the big question, Whats beyond the wall?

Like me Im sure you all want to know whats beyond the wall? And it’s on amazon for pre order (grin).
A very good read, only down side is waiting for the next one to come out, yes it’s that good.

[Jo D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rated **The book was well written with a strong female main character Drea. Not is all that it seems in this society and our young heroine is now seeing for it for what it really is and wants to somehow break free . There are a few twists and turns in the book that will open your eyes and keep you guessing . Great start to the new series and cant wait for the next one .

[Tina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fantastic, dystopian world from Kate L. Mary! I was gripped from the minute I started reading. Great characters, and a brilliant story from start to finish. Looking forward to reading the next book.

[Julie Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent read from Kate! I was captivated from the very beginning. I didn't want it to end. I’m beyond excited for the next one. I can see this series quickly becoming one of my favorites of Kate’s.

[Julia Westgate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting read. This book was extremely captivating and makes you wonder what you would do in Drea's position. The government will lose control at some point and all hell will break loose. Very different compared to her amazing writing about zombies so this will be another MUST HAVE book collection from Kate. I for one cannot wait to read the next book. Well done Kate :)

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story on what happens when the Government has total control over the citizens. When the citizens start waking up, that's when the problems start.

[Nicole Pfeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of Kate's books I loved this one from the start, I did not want to put it down and cannot wait for book 2. You cannot go wrong reading any of her books.

[LA Ruddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have loved all of Kate L Mary’s books and this was no exception.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and couldn’t put it down!! Roll on book 2 😊

[T.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Wall was an excellent read by Kate L. Mary that will reach a younger generation to better prepare them to read books like Brave New World and 1984, to name a few. We follow Drea Young, born in a centrally-planned society where the government provides everything you need; you just need to do your part in the role they have assigned for you.

In this society, the government knows what’s best, from the food you eat, to who your domestic partner will be, to how many kids you have, to your career. Oh, and they also have your death date planned after you live a happy, healthy, and productive life.

While she doesn’t understand why she feels this way in a society where her government has provided her everything, Drea grows uneasy about this society she’s been told to love without question. But Drea has questions. Too bad the higher-ups in this society grow angry when she asks a few.

Kate L. Mary paints a dreary picture of a false sense of security, and we accompany Drea through her desire to know more about the society. Mary could have done better to move the story along faster. For example, through the first 30 percent of the book, Drea, during the early parts of the story, loves to “justify” the society’s reasoning for even banning certain board games.

However, the action picks up when Drea and her little ragtag band of rebels notice an influx of notorious authoritarian figures taking quarters in the society. And they realize it’s time to skip town. Problem is, with security so tight and an unknown world beyond the society’s walls, Drea and her friends may not make it out of this one alive. Or if they do, the society will sentence them to the notorious prison colony.

Overall, Beyond the Wall is a great read for teens and young adults, but even older readers will love the Orwellian-inspired society Mary creates. The book is also not overly preachy about Mary’s political views, and readers from all political philosophies will find value in Beyond the Wall.

[Stefanie Kral · Rating 4 out of 5]

✯✯4 Drea & Jerrick Filled Stars!!!✯✯

OMG I’ve been here forever waiting for Kate L. Marta next release and Beyond The Wall was totally worth the wait!!

Drea Young is turning 20 in a few month’s and her life is about to change. Drea grew up in the United Society of the Reestablishment or The Society for short. The Society was established after the plague hit.

The Society has everything planned out for the people living in it. They’re told when to eat, sleep, shower, work and free time.

Boy’s and girl’s never meet until they’re 14yrs old and then they’re put together. Drea is turning 20 in a few month’s and when she turns 20 she’ll be mated with a perfect genetic match and will be given her occupation. If she’s not genetically fit or she chooses not to be mated she’ll become a Protector.

But, the closer it’s getting to her birthday the more uncertain she is about everything. Drea has so many question’s but can never get any actual answer’s.

Drea’s close work friend Hazel is getting ready to turn 65yrs old and when that happens she’ll Age Out and Drea is upset to be loosing Hazel. Before Hazel ages out she tells Drea some stuff to let her know there’s life outside the wall and the Society. Now her mind is going on overdrive.

Drea is on autopilot just trying to figure out how to make the right choice. Her best friend Annalisa is oblivious to anything other then what the Society say’s.

Jerrick Carter catches her eye’s and she’s not sure what to think of him Bc like her he’s quiet and stay’s to himself. With the exception of their mutual friend Ransom. Ransom tells Drea to just talk to Jerrick and hear him out.

Turns out he’s got answer’s to some of Drea’s question’s. Jerrick let’s Drea know he’s not staying in the Society. Him and other’s are planning on leaving and he want’s her to come with them.

Drea’s not sure what she’s going to do. The more time she’s spending with Jerrick the more she want’s to leave with him. Then she see’s her parent’s and she’s not sure how she’ll leave them behind.

After a talk with her mom she knows she must go with Jerrick and their friend’s. It’s not going to be easy Bc lately there’s more Protector’s around lately than normal.

When Drea, Jerrick and their friend’s find themselves outside of the Society thing’s weren’t as they were told their entire lives. It’s the complete opposite of what they were told.

Now, they’re fighting for their lives and hoping one day to make a difference and can be reunited with people they love that they either left behind in the Society or they lost before.

How crazy is it that Kate wrote this book year’s ago and chose everything to happen in 2020 and here we are 2020 just ended and we are having a global pandemic?!?!?!

Kate L. Mary is my favorite dystopian, zombie, apocalypse author. I run to every new release she has. After finishing this book I’m desperately needing book two Bc I need to know what happens to them!!!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw Beyond The Wall the first book in Kate L. Mary’s The Beyond series I knew I wanted to read it as I will read anything Kate has written I don’t need to read a summary to know. I have loved every book I read by Kate and know I will continue to do so.

Beyond The Wall now is a title that will leave you with many questions. Questions like What is beyond the wall? Or maybe it is more like what is inside the wall? What I know is that what I found inside the wall was not what I was expecting but was way better than I could have ever imagined.

The world that was built for Beyond The Wall without a better word at the moment is awesome and unique in so many ways. I have read stories similar to Beyond The Wall but nothing exactly like it.

Beyond The Wall is a story about a world that was destroyed by war and humans. A new society rose out of what was left behind from the destruction of war. A society that is controlled. People live by a schedule day after day. A society that tells everyone what to do every minute of their day. A place where housing is assigned. A place where everyone is divided into different categories.

Most people follow the rules without question but some do not. When someone breaks the rules that person is sent away never to be seen again. Where do they go? What happens to them? When someone ages out they are taken away. Where are they taken?

When the time is right males and females are mated and assigned jobs. They are only allowed to have a certain number of children. Their whole lives are controlled. Is it all done for their well-being? Is everything they have been told the truth? If not what is the truth? What have they lied to them about? Is it done for their safety? Or is it only done to control them?

Wow! So many questions to keep the story flowing from one page to another. Beyond The Wall drew me in from the title and kept hanging on word after word until the last one was read. But even now it is still hanging on and I can’t wait to read more in The Beyond series with book two Beyond This Life.

I highly recommend Beyond The Wall to anyone who loves reading post-apocalyptic or dystopian stories! Grab a copy of Beyond The Wall!

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these types of stories, so I found this an entertaining read and am excited to continue the series! This is a 1984-esque, dystopian type of story, but the citizens are kept happy so they don’t have reason to rebel. All the citizen’s choices are decided for them by Society; who they marry, what job they have, if they have kids, when they’re supposed to die, etc. Some like the carefree lifestyle and perceived peacefulness; many citizens don’t think to question the oppressive choices of Society, but there are those that don’t think ignorance is bliss. Lead character Drea is about to turn 20, the age that she will be forced to marry and forced into a job of Society’s choosing; she has suspicions about the lack of freedom, but the comfort level and her naïveté keeps her from thinking deeper about the issue. When some new information comes to light for Drea and a romantic connection begins to develop, she needs to decide if she has the strength to do something different or if she’s better off sticking with the status quo. I’ve quite a few stories like this one, so it’s not exactly original, but I still find the story an interesting one and I appreciated the character dynamics in this read. Also, I enjoyed the sweet romance going on, and the progression of Drea’s character from naive individual to an enlightened one. This is just the start of the story, so there are still things left hanging that you’ll need to continue on with the series for. I’m really looking forward to to the next one!

[Elaine M Bak · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thrilled about this series!

I absolutely LOVE Kate L Mary characters! It’s so hard not to become emotionally vested in them and their worlds. I am beyond excited with the release of this book, it’s great she decided to finally release it! I am a huge fan of the PA stories that inspired this one, and it’s great to have a new book in that similar genre to read. There’s enough uniqueness to make even a familiar story fresh and new, and as I mentioned, her character development makes any story she writes enjoyable. I cannot wait to get started on #2!

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this one

I’m glad Kate decided this story was worth reworking so she could share it with us, her readers.
What a world she created for her first work. It’s a scary place, with no room for any freedom of choice, no questions, and certainly no options of your own.
Leave it to George Orwell to rise from the grave and open the eyes of a brave few. Nice move there Kate.
You will have to read this series for yourself to find out what is really going on. I’m looking forward to the next book. I want to see where Drea, Jerrick, and friends accomplish.

[A Schaeffs · Rating 4 out of 5]

As mentioned in the Author's foreword, there is a strong resemblance to the Divergent series in terms of how the society in Beyond the Wall is set up, however, that is where the largest similarities end: the novel has its own plot and well-developed characters. The drama is similar to the Handmaids Tale, with moments of suspense and reflection. I enjoyed reading this novel and was surprised to hear it was Kate's first written novel, although only published various years later.
I think that readers who enjoy the genre will find themselves drawn to the story.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a great new series by Kate L Mary, one that she wrote many years ago and is just now publishing. No zombies…and that's ok. This time she's got "Protectors." Some are really bad dudes from the looks of it. Quite a few "wow" moments in this book…that'll make you think. And of course, we have our young heroes, as always. You will not be disappointed with this new series.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

beyond the wall

An interesting story with really good characters who bring to life what could happen in society in the future, a good interpretation of a type of 1984 and showing how people will we hope eventually find out the truth and be brave enough to do something about it. A well written first book in a series, I now need to find book 2, to see what happens to all these interesting characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting!!

Totally different from the other Kate L mary books I have read but a good different!! No zombies and no sex! It would be perfect for younger person that is interested in reading apocalypse books! I did really enjoy the story! Very unique!! I’m looking forward to the next book! I will also let me kids read this one! I think they would really like it!

[Dawn Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad Kate published this book

This book is well written with Kate's typical knack for good world building and deeply likeable characters. I enjoyed the transformation Drea has already made and look forward to where her new found strength takes her.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Start

You can definitely tell from the first sentence that this is a Kate L Mary book. There are a few things that remind the reader of previous books, but the path is quite different in this book.

[Paula Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another creative world by Ms. Mary. Suspenseful, interesting, and in- depth characters. Another winner for sure! Can’t wait to read books two and three.I am a senior citizen and always look forward to her dystopian books. Thy never disappoint! Give this gem of a writer a try, no matter your age.

[Natasha Rough · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won’t regret giving this a read. Full of adventure, great characters.
The story did seem quite familiar in the beginning, like I’ve read this before, but it doesn’t last as the story takes it’s own path.
Getting started with book 2 right now.