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Escaping the Virus #3
Deadly Rescue
With death and chaos erupting across the country, family matters most.
Hundreds of deadly miles stand between Kate and her sister fighting for her life back home. Kate fights through the desperate people and a terrain that becomes more treacherous by the day.
No longer waiting to be rescued, Alisa braves the powerful cabal that has taken over their small town and risks her own life to protect the innocent.
The sisters can’t give up. They won’t.
No matter the cost.
As the invisible killer continues to kill, society breaks down with astonishing speed. Racing just ahead of the chaos to reach each other, the sisters will have to dig deep for strength, rely on new friends, and fight perilous battles to survive.
As the stakes reach desperate levels, can the sisters combine forces in time to save each other and the people they love?
Hundreds of deadly miles stand between Kate and her sister fighting for her life back home. Kate fights through the desperate people and a terrain that becomes more treacherous by the day.
No longer waiting to be rescued, Alisa braves the powerful cabal that has taken over their small town and risks her own life to protect the innocent.
The sisters can’t give up. They won’t.
No matter the cost.
As the invisible killer continues to kill, society breaks down with astonishing speed. Racing just ahead of the chaos to reach each other, the sisters will have to dig deep for strength, rely on new friends, and fight perilous battles to survive.
As the stakes reach desperate levels, can the sisters combine forces in time to save each other and the people they love?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2021
164 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Misty Zaugg
21 books97 followersHi there. Thanks for stopping by!
Imagine a world where disputes are solved by single combat and a girl's dream is to become a scrapper, earning glory and wealth in the arena doing what she loves to do: fight. Pick up Combat Origin, and you'll fall in love with Kiriai, a kick-butt heroine that doesn't let anything stand in her way, ever.
That's the beginning of my Young Adult Dystopian Series: Combat World. It's a fast-paced series you'll want to curl up with and enjoy.
I've got two post-apoc series written now with woman who grow in the midst of disaster and never give up: Aftermath and Escaping the Virus.
Click over to my website if you'd like to read the free prequel to the series, Combat Genesis, and get my regular newsletter.
MistyZaugg.com
And thanks in advance for even a short, 1-liner review. When you're just starting out, like I am, each one makes a huge difference!
I collect hobbies because I love to learn including a black belt, M.D., beekeeper, herbalist, hobby survivalist, yummy bread baker, devout Christian and my greatest accomplishments: homeschool mom of six and wife to the other kind of doctor – the engineering kind.
Please email me with feedback, questions or just to say hi. I love hearing from fans!
— Misty
Imagine a world where disputes are solved by single combat and a girl's dream is to become a scrapper, earning glory and wealth in the arena doing what she loves to do: fight. Pick up Combat Origin, and you'll fall in love with Kiriai, a kick-butt heroine that doesn't let anything stand in her way, ever.
That's the beginning of my Young Adult Dystopian Series: Combat World. It's a fast-paced series you'll want to curl up with and enjoy.
I've got two post-apoc series written now with woman who grow in the midst of disaster and never give up: Aftermath and Escaping the Virus.
Click over to my website if you'd like to read the free prequel to the series, Combat Genesis, and get my regular newsletter.
MistyZaugg.com
And thanks in advance for even a short, 1-liner review. When you're just starting out, like I am, each one makes a huge difference!
I collect hobbies because I love to learn including a black belt, M.D., beekeeper, herbalist, hobby survivalist, yummy bread baker, devout Christian and my greatest accomplishments: homeschool mom of six and wife to the other kind of doctor – the engineering kind.
Please email me with feedback, questions or just to say hi. I love hearing from fans!
— Misty
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 10, 2025
'DEADLY RESCUE' Is the third full length book in the 'Escaping the Virus' series by new to me author Misty Zaugg. This picks up where the previous book left off. Short quick reads.
FINALLY the sisters are reunited but what a journey they had to go through before that occured, they maybe physically sound but emotionally the things they've endured will take some time to get over. A town they called home kept hidden true monsters who came out of the woodworks when the deadly virus hit, where greed and power walked hand in hand led by the girls stepfather and son.
I really didn't think they were going to make it out of that town unscathed at one point.
I would've loved to have read about the other girls reuniting with family, (especially the main 2/3) if that even occurred or if their families had perished like so many others.
After reading and enjoying this series by a new to me author, I'm definitely keen to jump into another series of hers.
FINALLY the sisters are reunited but what a journey they had to go through before that occured, they maybe physically sound but emotionally the things they've endured will take some time to get over. A town they called home kept hidden true monsters who came out of the woodworks when the deadly virus hit, where greed and power walked hand in hand led by the girls stepfather and son.
I really didn't think they were going to make it out of that town unscathed at one point.
I would've loved to have read about the other girls reuniting with family, (especially the main 2/3) if that even occurred or if their families had perished like so many others.
After reading and enjoying this series by a new to me author, I'm definitely keen to jump into another series of hers.
October 10, 2025
Good series overall
Overall this was a good series. My only issues were that I found Alisa's part of the story distracting and unrealistic. The story of Kate making her way home during the epidemic was a good one. I simply did not enjoy the Alisa story. It seemed unrealistic that nearly every official in that small town was so incredibly corrupt. Dean's girlfriend acted unrealistic ways. Nicco, the gang member, wouldn't just spontaneously reform, at least not without a lot more background info on why he wanted out of the gang and how he hoped the flu epidemic would give him a new start. It was all just too "extra."
Overall this was a good series. My only issues were that I found Alisa's part of the story distracting and unrealistic. The story of Kate making her way home during the epidemic was a good one. I simply did not enjoy the Alisa story. It seemed unrealistic that nearly every official in that small town was so incredibly corrupt. Dean's girlfriend acted unrealistic ways. Nicco, the gang member, wouldn't just spontaneously reform, at least not without a lot more background info on why he wanted out of the gang and how he hoped the flu epidemic would give him a new start. It was all just too "extra."
September 24, 2021
This has been a fantastic and gripping post-apocalyptic series that I have to make sure I have the afternoon free to read cause once I join this world I cannot leave. The world building is so descriptive and realistic you actually feel as though you are fighting to survive alongside these amazing, strong characters. Through the action, the violence and the suspense we fight our way to a thrilling conclusion. All in all I have throughly enjoyed this series and is one I would definitely recommend.
October 19, 2021
This is book three and the finale of the Escaping the Virus series and follows two sisters, Ailsa and Kate, who are trying to get back together after a deadly Siberian Flu virus hit the country. Kate has joined forces with her former medical student colleague, now a doctor like her, Will and along the way they rescued his mother Ellis and her neighbour’s dog, as well as coming across a former soldier Clay and his young daughter Joyce, who had been stuck in quarantine with his wife in the hospital until she died from this flu. Clay and Joyce were tested and are apparently immune to this disease. They have all been a great help as they travel across the country, coming across danger and chaos at every turn. Supplies are in short demand and they face death in every town and city they have to travel through or around. Some have set up roadblocks and rob those coming through, whilst others have more nefarious matters in mind, especially for any young females!
Ailsa has been facing her own nightmare as she finds out that she is no longer safe with her stepbrother Dean, nor her stepfather Richard. Richard has taken control of the town on the mayor’s orders, which allows him and his group of sick individuals, to continue with their human trafficking ring and while Ailsa and Tayla are now out of the horrific warehouse, where many of the women were left to die, they are now stuck with all the other surviving young women in the centre of town, with lies being told about them. All the town folk have been hoodwinked by Richard’s lies about them all being delinquents of drug abusers, that he has taken in by the good of his heart, when nothing could be further from the truth! Lizzie, Richard’s favoured right hand and her favourite thug Randy, now have their eyes on harming Ailsa at the earliest opportunity. Ailsa wants to help get these young women out of Richard’s clutches and escape to her uncle Flint’s, before they are all used and abused by Richard’s cronies. The sisters are now closer than ever, but neither knows of the others movements or plans. Each will have to come up with something to get eyes off them, to get close enough to reach the other and find out if they are safe, or have been caught up with the chaos and death of this virus sweeping the country.
Ailsa learns to rely on Nicco, one of her former guards now someone on her side, who hates what Richard and Dean have been doing. She also finds a lovely ally in an old lady called Maeve, who ends up sticking up for her as well as the other abused women Richard has taken prisoner and allowed to be used and abused. She is also close now with Tayla who recommends one of the other young women, Sammy, to include in her planning of their escape. Richard is very good at twisting stories to make him look good and a saviour to all the town, so she will have to play on his weakness for adoration and have them all in one easy place to escape from and communicate with each other. They are all going to have to fight for their freedom and it could be a close call if Richard has managed to persuade all of the town’s police officers of his of things, as a perilous showdown turns into a gun battle, as two sides face off against each other, in a battle for domination and the truth. A satisfying end to the series, with some surviving to live another day, whilst others are finally taken down as they deserve. Lots of lives have been wasted in Richard’s sick trafficking scheme, with innocents sacrificed for profit, all whilst a more deadly foe crept up on them silently and without warning! Family becomes the most important thing in this series and some new families are made from people coming together in adversity and helping each other out, proving that blood doesn’t always matter the most. Many were torn from their own families and taken far away, but they now have a new family to welcome them with open arms and once the virus is contained, will help them find what remains of their family if they wish to. Another gripping storyline from the authors, with characters to love and lots to hate, whilst all struggling against what has happened and those who are oppressing them. Adding in a bit of romance at all levels of the story and a young girl who sees far too much, but has a stranger’s dog to comfort her. Uncle Flint is finally able to convince others of what he has known for years and the two sisters are finally reunited and safe in their new and extended family. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Ailsa has been facing her own nightmare as she finds out that she is no longer safe with her stepbrother Dean, nor her stepfather Richard. Richard has taken control of the town on the mayor’s orders, which allows him and his group of sick individuals, to continue with their human trafficking ring and while Ailsa and Tayla are now out of the horrific warehouse, where many of the women were left to die, they are now stuck with all the other surviving young women in the centre of town, with lies being told about them. All the town folk have been hoodwinked by Richard’s lies about them all being delinquents of drug abusers, that he has taken in by the good of his heart, when nothing could be further from the truth! Lizzie, Richard’s favoured right hand and her favourite thug Randy, now have their eyes on harming Ailsa at the earliest opportunity. Ailsa wants to help get these young women out of Richard’s clutches and escape to her uncle Flint’s, before they are all used and abused by Richard’s cronies. The sisters are now closer than ever, but neither knows of the others movements or plans. Each will have to come up with something to get eyes off them, to get close enough to reach the other and find out if they are safe, or have been caught up with the chaos and death of this virus sweeping the country.
Ailsa learns to rely on Nicco, one of her former guards now someone on her side, who hates what Richard and Dean have been doing. She also finds a lovely ally in an old lady called Maeve, who ends up sticking up for her as well as the other abused women Richard has taken prisoner and allowed to be used and abused. She is also close now with Tayla who recommends one of the other young women, Sammy, to include in her planning of their escape. Richard is very good at twisting stories to make him look good and a saviour to all the town, so she will have to play on his weakness for adoration and have them all in one easy place to escape from and communicate with each other. They are all going to have to fight for their freedom and it could be a close call if Richard has managed to persuade all of the town’s police officers of his of things, as a perilous showdown turns into a gun battle, as two sides face off against each other, in a battle for domination and the truth. A satisfying end to the series, with some surviving to live another day, whilst others are finally taken down as they deserve. Lots of lives have been wasted in Richard’s sick trafficking scheme, with innocents sacrificed for profit, all whilst a more deadly foe crept up on them silently and without warning! Family becomes the most important thing in this series and some new families are made from people coming together in adversity and helping each other out, proving that blood doesn’t always matter the most. Many were torn from their own families and taken far away, but they now have a new family to welcome them with open arms and once the virus is contained, will help them find what remains of their family if they wish to. Another gripping storyline from the authors, with characters to love and lots to hate, whilst all struggling against what has happened and those who are oppressing them. Adding in a bit of romance at all levels of the story and a young girl who sees far too much, but has a stranger’s dog to comfort her. Uncle Flint is finally able to convince others of what he has known for years and the two sisters are finally reunited and safe in their new and extended family. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 22, 2021
This series has it all amidst fast paced action and adventure never loses what it is to be human and you have loss, loss, fear, courage, happiness, saddeness and much more. Great storyline with well put together characters that you truly feel like you know. Throughout the series you watch our two awesome female leads grow and involve through thier past anf overcoming the trauma that meant they were the people they began this journey as. They end as true survivors, not victims culminating in an epic finale. Can be read as a stand alone but is far better as part of the series.
Thank you Stephanie and Misty, another fantastic read
Thank you Stephanie and Misty, another fantastic read
April 13, 2022
Just when you think evil has won
I liked this book because the actions of the characters reflect behavior that rings true. There are parts I found disturbing; such as, when the towns people all believed the lies told by one of the main characters. I thought that the police would have been more skeptical when seeing the two girls for the first time. It's a small town, everyone knows each other and would have known who the trouble makers are. Overall a good read, and it is set during an epidemic, so, maybe it's possible and I'm being picky. I have read a couple of the post-apocalyptic books out there, and I'm amazed at the creativity of the authors.
I liked this book because the actions of the characters reflect behavior that rings true. There are parts I found disturbing; such as, when the towns people all believed the lies told by one of the main characters. I thought that the police would have been more skeptical when seeing the two girls for the first time. It's a small town, everyone knows each other and would have known who the trouble makers are. Overall a good read, and it is set during an epidemic, so, maybe it's possible and I'm being picky. I have read a couple of the post-apocalyptic books out there, and I'm amazed at the creativity of the authors.
August 10, 2022
One of the thugs gets killed while in the hospital. Nicco and her have to get back to the town so Dean doesn't have any of the girls killed. Some have made it to uncle's place and from that point on Alisa and the others make plans to take the town back. Kate arrives and we find out who murdered Kate's mother.
The fight is on and I like the ending. The story was brutal in parts but still showed how some people will stand up to thugs and managed to put them where they belong. The story does show, too, what can happen when conditions become so far removed from 'normality' that many people will not be able to survive.
The fight is on and I like the ending. The story was brutal in parts but still showed how some people will stand up to thugs and managed to put them where they belong. The story does show, too, what can happen when conditions become so far removed from 'normality' that many people will not be able to survive.
October 29, 2022
I finished this series but it was a close thing. How many times could they be captured by the bad guys? It was ridiculous. They would just run into danger thinking they could out think evil and stop bad stuff from happening without killing people. There was finally a "you got what's coming to you" but it almost didn't happen. They wanted to turn him into the authorities which is one guy holding on by a thread, who still wants to follow all of the previous laws of the land while is going on right under all of the "good" people's noses. It was just too much. I love apocalyptic books but this one was far fetched. Not my favorite.
December 14, 2024
Audiobook: Book 3 was as gripping as the first two books in the series. I was captivated by this story as it flowed from one energetic scene to the next. I really liked the two sisters and their drive to succeed in their chosen goals. I admired the character growth that Alisa went through. I appreciated the basic premise of the series that family matters most, and I thought that sentiment was expressed well by the actions of the sisters. I thought J. S. Arquin's narration was entertaining. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
September 27, 2021
The rescue of Alisa and some of the other younger women was so exciting. Actually thought they would make it without any violence. Not! Ricard almost succeeded in his scheme. There was still lots of twists and suspense but it gave you a satisfying ending. Loved the whole series. The trauma, danger, violence, hate, fear, manipulation, and the love and support Kate and her sister Alisa have for one another. They banished the evil and made new friends and acquaintance's. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2021
Amazing story
This book is told about 2 sisters who find themselves separated when the pandemic starts. I found the format very interesting. One chapter told about one sister and her adventures and the next chapter told by the other sister about her travel experiences trying to get home. It is very easy to read and a really good story that all comes together in this, the third book.
I would recommend this series to anyone who loves adventure, mystery, a little romance, and a large dose of living during a pandemic.
This book is told about 2 sisters who find themselves separated when the pandemic starts. I found the format very interesting. One chapter told about one sister and her adventures and the next chapter told by the other sister about her travel experiences trying to get home. It is very easy to read and a really good story that all comes together in this, the third book.
I would recommend this series to anyone who loves adventure, mystery, a little romance, and a large dose of living during a pandemic.
October 3, 2021
Deadly Rescue: A Post-Apocalyptic Pandemic Survival Thriller (Escaping the Virus Book 3) by Misty Zaugg, Stephanie Mylchreest is an amazing story to read. This is book number three in this amazing series that I have been so hooked on from the beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
October 19, 2021
This finale surpasses anything I could possibly foresee. While Kate and her friends continue to work their way to Kate's hometown and her sister, many obstacles they must overcome. Meanwhile Lissy is becoming more focused on protecting and rescuing the women who are imprisoned with her by an extremely twisted man. During this final confrontation the sisters after being reunited discover an explosive truth about a childhood tragedy. Excellent series
October 1, 2021
They are not going to stop them fighting their way to find their family. They are facing more dangerous situations and they hope they will finally get to their destination soon. Will they get there? How will they get there? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2021
Entertaining
A most interesting apocalyptic series with a twist. It’s action pack with plenty action and high tension. Not only is the small town hit with a deadly very contagious virus, Alisa finds out her stepfather and stepbrother are human traffickers. She has to do something to save these girls.
A most interesting apocalyptic series with a twist. It’s action pack with plenty action and high tension. Not only is the small town hit with a deadly very contagious virus, Alisa finds out her stepfather and stepbrother are human traffickers. She has to do something to save these girls.
November 13, 2021
Not a bad series but honestly, i had to keep reminding myself that Alisa wasn’t 12 years old. Her character read as extremely immature and so her actions where quite jarring at times. Several other characters (Joyce, Ellis, Clay) seemed to be there just to prop up the narrative. Still, the series was interesting enough.
February 14, 2022
Book 3 has a great ending.
Family whether relatives or brought together by circumstance can survive and do amazing things. Alisa trying to help free the women from her evil stepfather with help from Nicco
with a virus destroying so much. Kate and others who are trying to get back to help how courage also.
Family whether relatives or brought together by circumstance can survive and do amazing things. Alisa trying to help free the women from her evil stepfather with help from Nicco
with a virus destroying so much. Kate and others who are trying to get back to help how courage also.
April 17, 2022
Absolutely brilliant
These three books were a joy to read. They were filled with just enough pace but not overly dramatic to the point it’s unrealistic. The braveness of the young women the story centres around is done with perfection. They aren’t straight go ho protagonists. The fill the role slowly and perfectly. Love these books.
These three books were a joy to read. They were filled with just enough pace but not overly dramatic to the point it’s unrealistic. The braveness of the young women the story centres around is done with perfection. They aren’t straight go ho protagonists. The fill the role slowly and perfectly. Love these books.
May 4, 2022
An entertaining read
I read these 3 books in a row & found them difficult to set aside. Engaging characters with emphasis on a group of people as opposed to details of the virus and the breakdown of civilization. The story is well written and I look forward to more from these authors.
I read these 3 books in a row & found them difficult to set aside. Engaging characters with emphasis on a group of people as opposed to details of the virus and the breakdown of civilization. The story is well written and I look forward to more from these authors.
May 23, 2022
Family First
There were times when I thought that evil would prosper. That young lives wouldn’t matter. All the way through Alisa worked to make them safe, and to find her sister. Kate was fighting to get back to her family too. The virus didn’t pick or choose. But it takes a committed effort to bring down that evil. It takes family.
There were times when I thought that evil would prosper. That young lives wouldn’t matter. All the way through Alisa worked to make them safe, and to find her sister. Kate was fighting to get back to her family too. The virus didn’t pick or choose. But it takes a committed effort to bring down that evil. It takes family.
July 9, 2022
a must read series
Great series! The characters from the beginning to the end we’re very well developed to the point you felt you knew them. Cheering and hoping for the best in all the dire situations that arose. Each time those that were easy to dislike they made it easier to fully hate them. Exciting, surprising, teeth biting even happiness you get it all.
Great series! The characters from the beginning to the end we’re very well developed to the point you felt you knew them. Cheering and hoping for the best in all the dire situations that arose. Each time those that were easy to dislike they made it easier to fully hate them. Exciting, surprising, teeth biting even happiness you get it all.
September 22, 2021
Good story family a
Enjoyed this series about how a pendemic effected a family and country,some violence and sexual content no sexual explity or profanity .would read more by these authors .
Enjoyed this series about how a pendemic effected a family and country,some violence and sexual content no sexual explity or profanity .would read more by these authors .
September 26, 2021
Different
This is different from the EMP books that I love, but, such a great read considering the covid pandemic we are experiencing. This is very much what might happen in the near future.
This is different from the EMP books that I love, but, such a great read considering the covid pandemic we are experiencing. This is very much what might happen in the near future.
October 7, 2021
A great series
This series just draws you right in. I went straight thru the three book series. Great characters with a plot that just meshed together. You won’t be disappointed.
This series just draws you right in. I went straight thru the three book series. Great characters with a plot that just meshed together. You won’t be disappointed.
October 16, 2021
Glad I stuck it out!
This book was a lot better than the others. I loved how the authors did not feel the need to kill off some of the main characters. This book had a faster pace and more action. Get the books and leave your reviews. Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited.
This book was a lot better than the others. I loved how the authors did not feel the need to kill off some of the main characters. This book had a faster pace and more action. Get the books and leave your reviews. Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited.
October 26, 2021
Fun and intense
What a story! Heart wrenching and caring and what it means to be family. Highly recommend! If you like feel god apocalyptic stores this series is for you. Sometimes stories can be so dark we lose how humanity can come together.
What a story! Heart wrenching and caring and what it means to be family. Highly recommend! If you like feel god apocalyptic stores this series is for you. Sometimes stories can be so dark we lose how humanity can come together.
November 7, 2021
AMAZING
I love this book!! The storyline and plot were so good! I loved the connection between the characters and the growing intensity throughout the story! I definitely recommend this for anyone wanting a fun exciting read!
I love this book!! The storyline and plot were so good! I loved the connection between the characters and the growing intensity throughout the story! I definitely recommend this for anyone wanting a fun exciting read!
February 23, 2022
Intriguing series
This series combines apocalypse and Crime thriller into a good plot line. Fast, exciting, allows the reader to see both worlds of crime thriller and apocalypse adventure
This series combines apocalypse and Crime thriller into a good plot line. Fast, exciting, allows the reader to see both worlds of crime thriller and apocalypse adventure
February 25, 2022
Great finale for this series!
Deadly Rescue concludes the series in a tense and action filled way that ties all of the threads together in a very satisfying way. Great characters and world-building. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Deadly Rescue concludes the series in a tense and action filled way that ties all of the threads together in a very satisfying way. Great characters and world-building. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
May 16, 2022
A very good read
For a Post Apocalyptic type book this one is a very good read, lots of tension, and surprises keep you on your toes as you read this series. Well developed characters and a good story line just keep you involved with this series.
For a Post Apocalyptic type book this one is a very good read, lots of tension, and surprises keep you on your toes as you read this series. Well developed characters and a good story line just keep you involved with this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews