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Savage North Chronicles #0.4
Day Zero: Beginnings
Survival of the fittest. Those four words accompanied me into the inferno. Followed by four others. I am the weak. And knowing I deserved far worse than death, I let the fire inside me burn.
Before the fever, a deadly plan was set in motion from which a single text altered the world beyond remedy--three words that changed humanity forever. It is time.
After the Great Transformation, life in the North was miserable and bleak for those who remained. Loved ones were mourned. Survivors heard voices and could do impossibly unnatural things. Yet, amidst the fear and uncertainty, the grief and despair, Bert, Ross, Kat, and Cal found a semblance of hope.
These are the stories of those who survived the beginning.
Before the fever, a deadly plan was set in motion from which a single text altered the world beyond remedy--three words that changed humanity forever. It is time.
After the Great Transformation, life in the North was miserable and bleak for those who remained. Loved ones were mourned. Survivors heard voices and could do impossibly unnatural things. Yet, amidst the fear and uncertainty, the grief and despair, Bert, Ross, Kat, and Cal found a semblance of hope.
These are the stories of those who survived the beginning.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2021
41 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Pogue
58 books1,001 followers“[Lindsey] mastered what it is to be human, and the connections we build with one another.” - Goodreads Reviewer
Lindsey Pogue is a genre-bending survival romance author, best known for her soul-stirring Savage North Chronicles. With a master’s in history and her passion for apocalyptic landscapes, Lindsey weaves epic adventures where humanity shines brightest in the darkest of times. Her weather-ravaged worlds defy genre boundaries, inviting readers to escape the ordinary and discover the boundless strength of the human spirit.
When Lindsey's not plotting her next storyline or dreaming up new, brooding characters, she's wrapped in blankets, watching action flicks with her own leading man. She and her husband live in Northern California with their rescue cats, Beast and Blue.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “[Lindsey] mastered what it is to be human, and the connections we build with one another.” - Amazon (Author Unpublished)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue is a master storyteller!" -Tome Tender Book Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue does it again!! I absolutely love her writing style."
FOLLOW LINDSEY'S SHENANIGANS:
★ Follow Lindsey's Rogue Reader Community for free access to weekly bonus content and monthly giveaways! PogueGoneRogue.com
★ Join Lindsey Pogue's Rogue Reader BOOK CLUB on the Fable app!
★ TikTok: @authorlindseypogue
★ Instagram: @authorlindseypogue
★ BookBub: Lindsey Pogue
Lindsey Pogue is a genre-bending survival romance author, best known for her soul-stirring Savage North Chronicles. With a master’s in history and her passion for apocalyptic landscapes, Lindsey weaves epic adventures where humanity shines brightest in the darkest of times. Her weather-ravaged worlds defy genre boundaries, inviting readers to escape the ordinary and discover the boundless strength of the human spirit.
When Lindsey's not plotting her next storyline or dreaming up new, brooding characters, she's wrapped in blankets, watching action flicks with her own leading man. She and her husband live in Northern California with their rescue cats, Beast and Blue.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “[Lindsey] mastered what it is to be human, and the connections we build with one another.” - Amazon (Author Unpublished)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue is a master storyteller!" -Tome Tender Book Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue does it again!! I absolutely love her writing style."
FOLLOW LINDSEY'S SHENANIGANS:
★ Follow Lindsey's Rogue Reader Community for free access to weekly bonus content and monthly giveaways! PogueGoneRogue.com
★ Join Lindsey Pogue's Rogue Reader BOOK CLUB on the Fable app!
★ TikTok: @authorlindseypogue
★ Instagram: @authorlindseypogue
★ BookBub: Lindsey Pogue
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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May 12, 2021
Day Zero: Savage North Beginnings is an origin story. This focuses on six of the characters from the Savage North Chronicles series by Lindsey Pogue. You could read this either before or after having read the series. For me it’s after. I have to admit that it’s been a while since I read the last book of the series so I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to jump right back into this world. Wow, was I wrong. I was instantly pulled right back in. This was jam packed with all the emotions that these characters were forced to deal with when the world they lived in was forever changed after the fever.
We start with Jenny and Kat. Jenny, or JJ, is Elle’s twin sister. We get more details in the part she played in the beginning of what happened in Whitely, Alaska.
Then, we get Ross and Jackson’s beginning, told from Kyle Ross’s point of view. It was heartbreaking as he searched frantically for his fiancé and at the same time, was discovering what his power was, even though he didn’t understand it. Eventually, he’ll meet up with Bert who is also an important part of the series.
We also meet Cal as a young boy of only ten years old. I can’t even imagine being so young and alone, having lost everyone, and trying to survive.
I was drawn right back to this world and as heartbreaking as it was, I loved getting the beginning stories of these characters and learning more about their lives before they all came together in the series.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
We start with Jenny and Kat. Jenny, or JJ, is Elle’s twin sister. We get more details in the part she played in the beginning of what happened in Whitely, Alaska.
Then, we get Ross and Jackson’s beginning, told from Kyle Ross’s point of view. It was heartbreaking as he searched frantically for his fiancé and at the same time, was discovering what his power was, even though he didn’t understand it. Eventually, he’ll meet up with Bert who is also an important part of the series.
We also meet Cal as a young boy of only ten years old. I can’t even imagine being so young and alone, having lost everyone, and trying to survive.
I was drawn right back to this world and as heartbreaking as it was, I loved getting the beginning stories of these characters and learning more about their lives before they all came together in the series.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 13, 2025
This story begins with 6 of the characters from the Savage North Chronicles series. I’m blaming my hoopla account, for telling me this was the beginning of the series. I was so confused…
August 3, 2021
I haven't read any of the previous books in this series and this is book 8 so I'm sure I'm missing a few things. But this prequel read like the beginning of the series and not 8 books in because it told what happened when the sickness first came and when people first started dying from whatever happened.
Something bad happened, people played a part in that disaster and those that are left have to go on somehow. This book tells how a few of the survivors first started out in this story. It was very heartbreaking. People are dead and dying, people are taking advantage of others. Kids are alone and scared.
I have no idea what happened after this but it was an interesting look at the beginning. I'm glad I read this first because it definitely piqued my interest.
Something bad happened, people played a part in that disaster and those that are left have to go on somehow. This book tells how a few of the survivors first started out in this story. It was very heartbreaking. People are dead and dying, people are taking advantage of others. Kids are alone and scared.
I have no idea what happened after this but it was an interesting look at the beginning. I'm glad I read this first because it definitely piqued my interest.
May 17, 2021
Oh my! The rest of the story from the very beginning! Lindsey Pogue is a master storyteller! The characters we have come to know and love have their stories told from DAY ZERO when their lives and their abilities were forever changed, forever marking them as different.
From their supernatural talents to their desire to live and save the world, one person at a time, Lindsey Pogue shows us just how six brave survivors stand strong against a world gone madly askew. What rich imaginings, what solid creativity, it’s like being let in on the real life chaos these people learned to navigate. Doesn’t matter if you read the series first or this prequel, just read each addition to the Savage North story of survival!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Lindsey Pogue! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Savage North Chronicles Book 8 - Prequel
Publication date : May 13, 2021
Publisher: Lindsey Pogue
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction
Print length : 119 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
From their supernatural talents to their desire to live and save the world, one person at a time, Lindsey Pogue shows us just how six brave survivors stand strong against a world gone madly askew. What rich imaginings, what solid creativity, it’s like being let in on the real life chaos these people learned to navigate. Doesn’t matter if you read the series first or this prequel, just read each addition to the Savage North story of survival!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Lindsey Pogue! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Savage North Chronicles Book 8 - Prequel
Publication date : May 13, 2021
Publisher: Lindsey Pogue
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction
Print length : 119 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 10, 2021
Survival of the fittest. It's the time of the Great Transformation. Most will not survive and for those who do, it's only the beginning. The life we knew is gone. This new world is brutal, lonely, and full of new dangers. These are the stories from the beginning. Jenni (JJ), Kat, Kyle, Bert, and Cal take us back to the early days. It's ugly, scary, heartbreaking, and cruel but they do what humans always do. They fight. They hold on to every bit of hope they can uncover. The survive.
It's easy to forget these early days as the struggles continued for the survivors, but this book is a startling reminder of those bleak days. It showcases the desperation of those left behind when their loved ones died. We experience the horror of Jenni's realization, Kyle's desolation and path of destruction after losing almost everyone, and the terror Cal felt when he found himself all alone. The focus is on what's left of humanity. Their stories will ensnare you in a way only this author can. They will break you down and start to rebuild you anew. Once again the North will make you feel.
It's easy to forget these early days as the struggles continued for the survivors, but this book is a startling reminder of those bleak days. It showcases the desperation of those left behind when their loved ones died. We experience the horror of Jenni's realization, Kyle's desolation and path of destruction after losing almost everyone, and the terror Cal felt when he found himself all alone. The focus is on what's left of humanity. Their stories will ensnare you in a way only this author can. They will break you down and start to rebuild you anew. Once again the North will make you feel.
September 20, 2024
Appreciated this collection of stories about what happened to certain characters at the beginning, when the Virus was decimating the population of the world.
This little novella features JJ, Cal, Ross when he first splits from Jackson, and then Ross a couple months later when he finally contacts Jackson.
Cal's story was my favorite, as we don't learn much about his past in the main series books. My heart went out to him and what he must have experienced as a young boy whose family was taken by the Virus - from how things began, I can only imagine the manipulation he experienced from the gang he was stuck in.
I would recommend reading this book after Fading Shadows and before Untamed. It's totally fine to read it at the end (like I did), but I found it was hard to end the series with Unbroken and the optimism it has for the future and then jump waaaay back in time to experience the awful fear and uncertainty of the beginning again. And, after Fading Shadows, you've met all of the characters featured in this novella, and the novella doesn't spoil anything for the last two books of the series. That's just my two cents!
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**content notes: death (by illness and by murder; kids commit the murder in some instances - can be seen as self-defense, but graphic), graphic illness, mental instability, violence, blood & some gore. vomit. smell of dead bodies. alcoholism/drug use (as coping mechanisms).
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My Reviews - Savage North Chronicles:
#1 The Darkest Winter: 5/5 ⭐
#2 The Longest Night: 5/5 ⭐ (novella)
#3 Midnight Sun: 4/5 ⭐
#4 Fading Shadows: 4/5 ⭐(novella)
#5 Untamed: 4/5 ⭐
#6 Unbroken: 4/5 ⭐
#0.5 Day Zero: Beginnings: 4/5 ⭐ (prequel novella)
This little novella features JJ, Cal, Ross when he first splits from Jackson, and then Ross a couple months later when he finally contacts Jackson.
Cal's story was my favorite, as we don't learn much about his past in the main series books. My heart went out to him and what he must have experienced as a young boy whose family was taken by the Virus - from how things began, I can only imagine the manipulation he experienced from the gang he was stuck in.
I would recommend reading this book after Fading Shadows and before Untamed. It's totally fine to read it at the end (like I did), but I found it was hard to end the series with Unbroken and the optimism it has for the future and then jump waaaay back in time to experience the awful fear and uncertainty of the beginning again. And, after Fading Shadows, you've met all of the characters featured in this novella, and the novella doesn't spoil anything for the last two books of the series. That's just my two cents!
.
.
.
.
**content notes: death (by illness and by murder; kids commit the murder in some instances - can be seen as self-defense, but graphic), graphic illness, mental instability, violence, blood & some gore. vomit. smell of dead bodies. alcoholism/drug use (as coping mechanisms).
.
.
My Reviews - Savage North Chronicles:
#1 The Darkest Winter: 5/5 ⭐
#2 The Longest Night: 5/5 ⭐ (novella)
#3 Midnight Sun: 4/5 ⭐
#4 Fading Shadows: 4/5 ⭐(novella)
#5 Untamed: 4/5 ⭐
#6 Unbroken: 4/5 ⭐
#0.5 Day Zero: Beginnings: 4/5 ⭐ (prequel novella)
November 13, 2022
I won this book from the author. 'It is time.' Three words that changed everything. Survival of the fittest. This tells the story of a few people who found each other and were hoping to find safety.
The ones who survived the fever could do impossible things. One man could make electronic things work even without electricity. A young girl was unnaturally strong. Another could be invisible if need be. But life in the North was cold and miserable. They mourned their loved ones; food was scarce, and they had to avoid the 'creepers' who had gone insane. All this while trying to get to a harbor they learned about where other survivors had gathered.
The ones who survived the fever could do impossible things. One man could make electronic things work even without electricity. A young girl was unnaturally strong. Another could be invisible if need be. But life in the North was cold and miserable. They mourned their loved ones; food was scarce, and they had to avoid the 'creepers' who had gone insane. All this while trying to get to a harbor they learned about where other survivors had gathered.
July 24, 2021
Great short stories
It has been a while since reading the other books in this series, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to remember what was going on. I found myself remembering a lot as I went and even those characters who seemed more muddy in my memory I thoroughly enjoyed reading about in this book. I definitely remember JJ - Ellie’s twin, and Jackson, we also see Ross, Bert, Cal…and some others that I cant remember if we see later on. Great writing as always, and worth the quick read!
It has been a while since reading the other books in this series, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to remember what was going on. I found myself remembering a lot as I went and even those characters who seemed more muddy in my memory I thoroughly enjoyed reading about in this book. I definitely remember JJ - Ellie’s twin, and Jackson, we also see Ross, Bert, Cal…and some others that I cant remember if we see later on. Great writing as always, and worth the quick read!
August 1, 2023
I really loved this series, cannot highlight that enough. I had already read the whole series before this novella came out with the short stories about the other characters that we saw in the series.
The beginning of the end of the world is the most critical and action packed moment in an apocalypse series (IMO), and Lindsey doesn't disappoint - this is a fantastic addition to the series and sheds light on some of the secondary characters' first days after the fever - and what dark days they were!
The beginning of the end of the world is the most critical and action packed moment in an apocalypse series (IMO), and Lindsey doesn't disappoint - this is a fantastic addition to the series and sheds light on some of the secondary characters' first days after the fever - and what dark days they were!
June 4, 2022
It's a short story but there's a lot going on in it. It's fast-paced, doesn't pull any punches and I love the characters, especially Drago. I've already downloaded the next book, The Darkest Winter to see what happens to everyone. Once you start reading it you won't want to put it down. I wish I had waited to read Day Zero at the end because I know what happens to some of the characters. I'm a bit miffed now. I advise reading it last.
January 2, 2024
Haunting & Tragically Beautiful Dystopian Journey!!!
ADORED seeing more layers to these complex and gorgeous Savage North characters in this one!!! Learning about where each of them originated and about their own stories helped explain so much of their motivations and memories!!! Just so powerful and filled with so much emotion that you cannot stop turning pages!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
ADORED seeing more layers to these complex and gorgeous Savage North characters in this one!!! Learning about where each of them originated and about their own stories helped explain so much of their motivations and memories!!! Just so powerful and filled with so much emotion that you cannot stop turning pages!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
June 7, 2021
The End Is Just the Beginning
Lindsey Pogue didn’t disappoint in Day Zero. Once again we are immediately drawn into the story that we now love and know as the Savage North Chronicles. How Ross & Bert meet, and young Cal starts his path. We see the development of abilities being recognized and those that are just crazy. I highly recommend Day Zero!
Lindsey Pogue didn’t disappoint in Day Zero. Once again we are immediately drawn into the story that we now love and know as the Savage North Chronicles. How Ross & Bert meet, and young Cal starts his path. We see the development of abilities being recognized and those that are just crazy. I highly recommend Day Zero!
August 8, 2024
Great beginnings
I thought it would be odd reading about some of the characters beginnings at the end of the series but I was wrong. It was so good to have that extra knowledge. The characters are so real and most catch at the heartstrings. And the chance to not say goodbye for a little longer. Day Zero was awesome!
I thought it would be odd reading about some of the characters beginnings at the end of the series but I was wrong. It was so good to have that extra knowledge. The characters are so real and most catch at the heartstrings. And the chance to not say goodbye for a little longer. Day Zero was awesome!
May 19, 2021
A brilliant really well written story! As always a great read! I do so enjoy this writers work & look forward to more! A good bit of back ground to the characters & their beginnings! I strongly recommend for all that love this genre & will read more by this author as it is such a pleasure!
November 20, 2021
Fun tidbit of backstory
Well it felt short but I think we know most of the story by now! I would have liked to believe more happened to Ross but I’m good with this! I really loved the rest of the story!
Well it felt short but I think we know most of the story by now! I would have liked to believe more happened to Ross but I’m good with this! I really loved the rest of the story!
July 14, 2021
Please Ma’am, I’d Like Some More…
I LOVE characters in all of the Savage North books! And I really enjoyed hearing the back story of a few more. I can’t wait for the next book!
I LOVE characters in all of the Savage North books! And I really enjoyed hearing the back story of a few more. I can’t wait for the next book!
September 15, 2022
Going back!
Not something I would have asked for. It was still well done. Getting the next book right after this review. Keep em coming. I enjoy your efforts.
Not something I would have asked for. It was still well done. Getting the next book right after this review. Keep em coming. I enjoy your efforts.
January 1, 2024
Savage north chronicles
One of the best series I have read. You will love it And won't be able to put it down. Lindsey Pogue is one of my favorites.
One of the best series I have read. You will love it And won't be able to put it down. Lindsey Pogue is one of my favorites.
March 24, 2024
This book clears up some of the things that happened to Jenny, Ross, and Carl before they join Elle and Jackson. Bert is also in this book because he finds Ross while he is passed out drunk.
November 11, 2024
I really really really enjoyed this series. Definitely going to read more books from Lindsey. 😀
June 4, 2021
I have absolutely loved the entire Savage North series. I was so excited when I heard this new prequel was coming out. The story follows several of the main characters during the beginning of the outbreak. It was really well written and I liked that the author gave us back stories on some important characters.
May 28, 2021
I read this book with the agreement of an honest and unbiased review. I am not compensated for my reviews. My reviews are strictly my opinion.
Day Zero.
The chilling beginnings of how the Ending started for certain characters in the Savage North Chronicles.
I was so happy to see what happened to Jenny, the sister for our main girl of the series. And Ross, the brother-in-law for our main man of the series. There was always a bit of a mystery for these two characters. So it was amazing to see what happened to them in the beginnings.
We also have Cal, who is a child in this novella.
I feel like Day Zero filled in some blanks and answered questions we were left with in the series.
This novella really makes me want to dive back in to this series with fresh eyes.
Day Zero.
The chilling beginnings of how the Ending started for certain characters in the Savage North Chronicles.
I was so happy to see what happened to Jenny, the sister for our main girl of the series. And Ross, the brother-in-law for our main man of the series. There was always a bit of a mystery for these two characters. So it was amazing to see what happened to them in the beginnings.
We also have Cal, who is a child in this novella.
I feel like Day Zero filled in some blanks and answered questions we were left with in the series.
This novella really makes me want to dive back in to this series with fresh eyes.
May 12, 2021
I loved this whole series. If I could give more then 5 stars I would. The Author is now on my auto-buy list.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews