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Escaping the Virus #2
Deadly Escape
No one can outrun the virus. Society is crumbling under the assault.
Both sisters are trapped. Kate fights to escape a city with closing borders as the leaders desperately try to contain the outbreak. Betrayed by family and embroiled in the chaos of an organized crime syndicate, Alisa struggles to get out before she breaks under the unbearable strain.
Even if she escapes, Kate still faces miles of lawless country with dangers even worse than the virus. Back home, Alisa can’t turn her back on the other trapped victims and is determined to find a way to save them all.
As society falls apart, laws collapse, and the virus spreads, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Racing to reach each other, the sisters will fight to overcome every obstacle in their battle to survive.
Both sisters are trapped. Kate fights to escape a city with closing borders as the leaders desperately try to contain the outbreak. Betrayed by family and embroiled in the chaos of an organized crime syndicate, Alisa struggles to get out before she breaks under the unbearable strain.
Even if she escapes, Kate still faces miles of lawless country with dangers even worse than the virus. Back home, Alisa can’t turn her back on the other trapped victims and is determined to find a way to save them all.
As society falls apart, laws collapse, and the virus spreads, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Racing to reach each other, the sisters will fight to overcome every obstacle in their battle to survive.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2021
219 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 37 reviews
August 3, 2021
OMG this post apocalyptic series is so gripping and intense that I was on my seat the whole time biting my nails. Society is breaking down as sisters Kate and Alisa are trying to escape to get to each other. There’s danger, there’s drama, there’s betrayal as we join them on their harrowing journey trying to escape the virus and overcome all the obstacles in their way. In order to survive they must fight to find the strength they will need, this is a great series and I am anxious to read the third book!
September 25, 2022
Alisa has these "TSTL" moments over and over again. I know she's a teenager but really?! Kate has slowly (much too slowly in my opinion) figured out not all is right with her sister. Even with these small comments, the book is good and the series is good so far. I'm hoping we have a satisfying resolution in the next book.
September 22, 2025
Depressing read
Well, as was to be expected based on the subject matter, that was depressing.
I am still having problems with the two plotlines. It feels like Alisa's story should be its own book. The two stories, for me, don't go together and it is distracting.
Well, as was to be expected based on the subject matter, that was depressing.
I am still having problems with the two plotlines. It feels like Alisa's story should be its own book. The two stories, for me, don't go together and it is distracting.
June 11, 2022
It jumps back and forth way to quickly. Absolutely nothing happens in each view point. One sister was stuck in a bridge with people blocking her for 5 different view shifts.. that’s a bit extreme considering the amount of time spent on the bridge was less than 5 mins. And the whole book is like this. Could be a good story line, but the author doesn’t have any character building skills, not any back ground information being given. How can the “smart sister” not know the father is into sex trafficking. Why is the young sister so obsessed with her brother. No matter how crappy of a person he shows himself to be, she’s obsessed with “reminding herself she is over him”. I don’t know how this Alabama love story is going to end up, but it’s impossible to relate to either girl.
August 9, 2021
This is book two of the Escaping the Virus series and sees sisters Kate and Ailsa both trapped in dangerous situations after the Siberian Flu pandemic takes a nasty turn with a more virulent and deadly second wave. Kate was stuck in St Louis at a medical conference when lockdowns and city borders were closed down, whilst Ailsa should have been safe at home in the small town of Green Peaks, Ohio. But Ailsa had followed her stepbrother Dean and ended up caught in a dangerous crime syndicates plans and betrayed by the very people she should have been able to rely upon. Kate has managed to team up with a former medical school colleague and now doctor, Will and his mother Ellis a nurse, and has also been joined by a soldier Clay and his ten year old daughter Joyce, who she met in the local hospital as they tried to rescue Will’s mother. Also along for the ride is Bella, a German Shepherd, who lost its owner to the pandemic, a neighbour to Ellis and Will. This group has the difficult task of travelling hundreds of miles through lawless streets and closed borders and bridges. They face townsfolk desperate to keep their own towns safe from the pandemic and gangs, but also those of a more criminal bend, who are out to get whatever they can from those they consider easy prey!
Ailsa has gotten herself stuck in a sticky situation and unable to trust the people she should have been able to and is now beginning to see the true side of those close to her. She is too much like her deceased mother, and refuses to escape her situation without trying to help the other young women also being held with her. The virus is spreading rapidly and with lax safety procedures, many civilians are leaving themselves open to infection and the virus is now killing even the healthy and strongest amongst the population, in just a matter of hours, rather than days or weeks. With so many criminals involved in this endeavour, coming and going too often, the virus has reached those in the warehouse where Ailsa is being held with the others, making escape even more important, but also so much harder in her weakening state. A battle to survive is being undertaken by both sisters, in completely different circumstances and unknown to the other, with just their determination to be reunited keeping them going as each obstacle is placed in their way. There are some shocking revelations in this second book of the series and the ability to survive is going to carry a heavy price for them all! Society falls apart within hours and blackouts spread, leaving places without any law and order, as the virus spreads ever quicker. A similarity to issues of our modern day lives, but which thankfully we have not had to experience to this degree. It does give you information on being better prepared and how to protect against a viral infection, as best as you can. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and find out what happens with both sisters and their companions. I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Ailsa has gotten herself stuck in a sticky situation and unable to trust the people she should have been able to and is now beginning to see the true side of those close to her. She is too much like her deceased mother, and refuses to escape her situation without trying to help the other young women also being held with her. The virus is spreading rapidly and with lax safety procedures, many civilians are leaving themselves open to infection and the virus is now killing even the healthy and strongest amongst the population, in just a matter of hours, rather than days or weeks. With so many criminals involved in this endeavour, coming and going too often, the virus has reached those in the warehouse where Ailsa is being held with the others, making escape even more important, but also so much harder in her weakening state. A battle to survive is being undertaken by both sisters, in completely different circumstances and unknown to the other, with just their determination to be reunited keeping them going as each obstacle is placed in their way. There are some shocking revelations in this second book of the series and the ability to survive is going to carry a heavy price for them all! Society falls apart within hours and blackouts spread, leaving places without any law and order, as the virus spreads ever quicker. A similarity to issues of our modern day lives, but which thankfully we have not had to experience to this degree. It does give you information on being better prepared and how to protect against a viral infection, as best as you can. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and find out what happens with both sisters and their companions. I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 8, 2025
'DEADLY ESCAPE' Is the second 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.
To date this series has kept my attention throughout, wreaking havoc on my nerves as these sisters
(Kate and Alisa) both go through separate terrifying ordeals as they try to reach the other.
Kate is still hours away driving with her small band of survivors, dodging gunmen every which way as she strives to get back to her hometown, Green Peaks, Ohio to her sister who is in grave danger which points directly to their step brother Dean, but she has no idea what's really going on as cell reception has been dodgy.
Alisa had followed her stepbrother Dean to an abandoned warehouse in the woods not far from their house and ended up caught in a dangerous crime syndicate led by her brother Dean and his henchmen where they have woman held captive awaiting sale, but with the second wave of the Siberian Flu pandemic more deadly than its predecessor striking its victims within hours not days things start exculating and another person Alisa trusted has her questioning everything.
I'm enjoying this series so far, action packed thrilling situations which had me sitting on the edge of my seat as each sister is thrown into scary situations. And this probably won't be the last series I read by this author. It definitely served its purpose well by getting me out of my head and making me solely focus on the action unfolding within.
To date this series has kept my attention throughout, wreaking havoc on my nerves as these sisters
(Kate and Alisa) both go through separate terrifying ordeals as they try to reach the other.
Kate is still hours away driving with her small band of survivors, dodging gunmen every which way as she strives to get back to her hometown, Green Peaks, Ohio to her sister who is in grave danger which points directly to their step brother Dean, but she has no idea what's really going on as cell reception has been dodgy.
Alisa had followed her stepbrother Dean to an abandoned warehouse in the woods not far from their house and ended up caught in a dangerous crime syndicate led by her brother Dean and his henchmen where they have woman held captive awaiting sale, but with the second wave of the Siberian Flu pandemic more deadly than its predecessor striking its victims within hours not days things start exculating and another person Alisa trusted has her questioning everything.
I'm enjoying this series so far, action packed thrilling situations which had me sitting on the edge of my seat as each sister is thrown into scary situations. And this probably won't be the last series I read by this author. It definitely served its purpose well by getting me out of my head and making me solely focus on the action unfolding within.
December 3, 2021
I had trouble getting engaged in this book. I have read this author before and enjoyed her books, and as with other other books she has written, the main characters are females that have suffered some great trauma. In this case it is two sisters who were traumatized by the death of their mother and the behavior of a controlling and abusive stepfather. The writing style and technique are good so I gave it a 3 instead of a 2, the latter representing my enjoyment. Kate's story was more interesting since she is out in the midst of the pandemic and trying to get home with the many roadblocks (some literally) in her way. I like Alisa's story less since the premise of a sex trafficking/kidnapping ring run by her stepfather and stepbrother, predating the pandemic and run under the nose of the town seems to be very far-fetched. While the virus affects the prisoners and guards at the warehouse where the women are kept, the pandemic is less of a factor in that storyline. Both sisters are constantly thinking back (and I mean constantly) on the death of their mother and the impact on their lives, and while this may very well happen to people who suffered that sort of trauma, it makes for some tedious reading.
August 4, 2022
Now that we have the pandemic and world-wide deadly viruses it's not surprising that some writers are using this as the basis for their books. The results of a global virus or other Armageddon-like event are end up with the same types of things happening such as the total breakdown of society, people desperately trying to find food, water and shelter, evil people taking full advantage of the chaos and the main characters of the story.
In this case you have an epidemic with specifically the second series of infections (as with Covid). You have a number of main characters including Alisa (young still in town) and Kate (grown-up, elsewhere for a job interview.)
You have two-bit thugs like Richard and Dean who are into capturing pretty women and selling them to someone. You've got an incredibly stupid city council, a German shepherd, relatives dying and a whole lot of violence.
You also have some very brave characters who are trying to survive and, when they can, help others. It's a very grim story with a significant body count but it's also told well. The characters are very distinctive and what happens seems realistic.
In this case you have an epidemic with specifically the second series of infections (as with Covid). You have a number of main characters including Alisa (young still in town) and Kate (grown-up, elsewhere for a job interview.)
You have two-bit thugs like Richard and Dean who are into capturing pretty women and selling them to someone. You've got an incredibly stupid city council, a German shepherd, relatives dying and a whole lot of violence.
You also have some very brave characters who are trying to survive and, when they can, help others. It's a very grim story with a significant body count but it's also told well. The characters are very distinctive and what happens seems realistic.
August 2, 2021
Not your average pandemic novel! Action packed with well thought out characters, story lines and more. This shows the very best and worst of humanity along with how fast society collapses in the face of a disaster. In the first book we saw society fall into chaos driven by panic in this we see an almost Darwinian survival of the fittest level of collapse. Having said this as well as the darkness we have in our leads and thier companions shining lights within the darkness, we see that within collapse and fear there is still room for compassion. This is an action packed, gripping novel you won't want to put down where you will watch our leads battle demons from thier pasts to find strengths they didn't know they had and see them emerging as extremely strong and capable women. So if you like strong female leads, good survival tips mixes in a fast paced story that's unlike any novel of its kind you'll find elsewhere then you must read this!
Can be read as a stand alone but is far better read as part of the series
Can be read as a stand alone but is far better read as part of the series
July 28, 2021
The two sisters are trying to get to each other. Kate and her group of survivalist made it out of St. Louis and are on the road. They run into a roadblock and they are stopped to stay the night in that town. Alisa has found out that after escaping the warehouse and thinking they have found help they end up back in the warehouse. Both sisters are starting to get a thick skin as other people are not as kind as they hope to find. Alisa has to make a choice in the hospital, a nurse or one of the creeps. Both girls are finding the strength and confidence to do what needs to be done in order to survive. Next story please. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2024
Audiobook: I was as riveted to book two as I was to the first book in this series. The creative descriptions made me feel as if I was right there with the sisters. I struggled with Kate as she traveled through the various states trying to get home. I lived on the edge of eggshells with Alisa as she dealt with the circumstances in her predicament. I was entertained by the twists and revelations. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I enjoyed J.S. Arquin's narration as his performance kept my attention. 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.
August 3, 2021
These 2 women write together very well. This book is set in Missouri and Ohio different places when a Pandemic starts.
Both groups of family and friends are both are trying to find each other and find a safe place to live. The writing style of this book is like reading 2 books in one. The characters are well fleshed out and then we have the plot which is a little strange and yet it is not. I think having the 2 groups made this seem like 2 books. Anyway, I enjoyed it as it was different style for me.
Both groups of family and friends are both are trying to find each other and find a safe place to live. The writing style of this book is like reading 2 books in one. The characters are well fleshed out and then we have the plot which is a little strange and yet it is not. I think having the 2 groups made this seem like 2 books. Anyway, I enjoyed it as it was different style for me.
July 31, 2021
Fast Paced Plot
Enjoy the characters and storyline. But frustrated that Alisa did not see Richard being the boss. Good series and shoes how fast society can breakdown. My only complaint is I felt the story could have advanced towards the system reuniting. There is a bit too much side stories and I found myself skimming over them hoping for more advancement in the main storyline.
Enjoy the characters and storyline. But frustrated that Alisa did not see Richard being the boss. Good series and shoes how fast society can breakdown. My only complaint is I felt the story could have advanced towards the system reuniting. There is a bit too much side stories and I found myself skimming over them hoping for more advancement in the main storyline.
August 9, 2021
Deadly Escape: A Post-Apocalyptic Pandemic Survival Thriller (Escaping the Virus Book 2) by Misty Zaugg is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about Sci-Fi.
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 25, 2021
Kate is fighting her way through horrific attacks in order to reach her sister. Lissy is fighting for the survival of herself and the other young women trapped with her by an unexpected pair of evil men. I started this book today and just finished reading. Not all the bad guys are what they seem. The characters are well defined and the danger encountered is mind boggling. Would give 10 stars if I could definitely a different read.
January 9, 2022
Good pandemic thriller
I enjoyed much of this story but one of the protagonists is extremely naive and self-centered. Yes, she does have a few reasons. One-she has been overly sheltered but, I know many teenagers that have internet access and they seem more world and jaded than I am in my old age! Other than that it is entertaining and has lots of twists. I’m going to get book 3 today and plan to read soon.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
I enjoyed much of this story but one of the protagonists is extremely naive and self-centered. Yes, she does have a few reasons. One-she has been overly sheltered but, I know many teenagers that have internet access and they seem more world and jaded than I am in my old age! Other than that it is entertaining and has lots of twists. I’m going to get book 3 today and plan to read soon.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
August 5, 2021
Very entertaining
Action packed packed thriller with surprises in store for Alisa and Kate. Alisa finds out her stepbrother and stepfather are mixed up in human trafficking. People are always who they appear to be in public. There are hints that the stepfather, Richard, may have abused Kate and possibly had a hand in their mother’s death. The mystery continues.
Action packed packed thriller with surprises in store for Alisa and Kate. Alisa finds out her stepbrother and stepfather are mixed up in human trafficking. People are always who they appear to be in public. There are hints that the stepfather, Richard, may have abused Kate and possibly had a hand in their mother’s death. The mystery continues.
October 14, 2021
Book 2
I am hanging on trying to get through this series. I am used to more realistic characters and a faster pace storyline. It seems that this series could have been done in two books. But I will finish the series because that’s just my personality. I recommend that you get the books and decide for yourself. Make sure you leave your reviews.
I am hanging on trying to get through this series. I am used to more realistic characters and a faster pace storyline. It seems that this series could have been done in two books. But I will finish the series because that’s just my personality. I recommend that you get the books and decide for yourself. Make sure you leave your reviews.
January 18, 2022
Great read
The story is so good. Full of twists and turns . The flu is running rampant across America . Two sisters are trying to reunite with each other. They are both experiencing hardship in their fight for survival. Will it break them or make them stronger ? Will they eventually find each other ?? I'm really looking forward to the next book.
The story is so good. Full of twists and turns . The flu is running rampant across America . Two sisters are trying to reunite with each other. They are both experiencing hardship in their fight for survival. Will it break them or make them stronger ? Will they eventually find each other ?? I'm really looking forward to the next book.
February 13, 2022
Pandemic and more continues in book 2
Alisa and the rest of the women are prisoners in a different situation from the pandemic but it touches them as well. Escaping and being recaptured makes things worse. Her sister is trying to return home from St. Louis and finding out how the world has gone mad.
Alisa and the rest of the women are prisoners in a different situation from the pandemic but it touches them as well. Escaping and being recaptured makes things worse. Her sister is trying to return home from St. Louis and finding out how the world has gone mad.
April 14, 2022
good story
Very interesting!! I thought it would be too much like Covid but they do not talk to much about the virus so it’s unknown except for the bad cough and fever. It’s a little odd because the city is falling apart in just days and we have not really seen the devastation from the virus. It is interesting and a page turner!
Very interesting!! I thought it would be too much like Covid but they do not talk to much about the virus so it’s unknown except for the bad cough and fever. It’s a little odd because the city is falling apart in just days and we have not really seen the devastation from the virus. It is interesting and a page turner!
July 30, 2021
They are trapped in the city which they want to escape it before they are stuck there. Can they escape? How will they do it? How will they get on? See how they do
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.
August 2, 2021
Guns
It was fast paced and really good. The only thing I dont get is why everyone has guns. I guess its the American culture. Thoroughly enjoyable. How is Kate going to get to her sister?
It was fast paced and really good. The only thing I dont get is why everyone has guns. I guess its the American culture. Thoroughly enjoyable. How is Kate going to get to her sister?
August 5, 2021
Deadly escape.
Two Sisters one escaping St Louis heading home. The other at home in Ohio. taken hostage by her step brother and added to his kidnapped girls for trafficking. All mid a flu pandemic. Towns closed down. Highway blockades, and people fighting for survival.
Two Sisters one escaping St Louis heading home. The other at home in Ohio. taken hostage by her step brother and added to his kidnapped girls for trafficking. All mid a flu pandemic. Towns closed down. Highway blockades, and people fighting for survival.
October 12, 2021
Not my cup of tea
I found the second installment to be somewhat boring and predictable. I skipped through Kate's part frequently. Some people may be fine reading this but it was just too slow for me.
I found the second installment to be somewhat boring and predictable. I skipped through Kate's part frequently. Some people may be fine reading this but it was just too slow for me.
June 7, 2022
Continuing from where book 1 had left off, we continue this suspenseful, thrilling and emotional of two sisters trapped during a pandemic. There were so many plot twists, so many edge of my seat moments, it was to summarize, a fantastic sequel.
October 24, 2021
Great series
The characters and the story just flow and makes it hard to put down. The adventure is heart stopping and makes the story come alive!
The characters and the story just flow and makes it hard to put down. The adventure is heart stopping and makes the story come alive!
November 1, 2021
Fast read
The story is so riveting that you just do not want to put the book down. I recommend reading this series.
The story is so riveting that you just do not want to put the book down. I recommend reading this series.
December 21, 2021
Escaping Pandemic
A real page Turner. I would highly recommend this series. The characters believable. Looking forward to next book. I felt nurse and sister naive at times.
A real page Turner. I would highly recommend this series. The characters believable. Looking forward to next book. I felt nurse and sister naive at times.
January 26, 2022
another good read
This second in the series is getting better. Still some typos and missing words, but overall, good and worth a read
This second in the series is getting better. Still some typos and missing words, but overall, good and worth a read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews