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Udhængt #2
Strung II: The Valley of Death
Thirteen months after the events in the first book of the series, Randall Morgan and his family still live a life of uncertainty. A life in which they–like the other scattered groups of survivors–must be constantly on guard.
One day, however, they make a macabre discovery that leads them to believe that their pursuers will not pose a threat much longer.
But can they trust that it's not just another clever trap set by their invisible enemy?
And can they trust each other?
One day, however, they make a macabre discovery that leads them to believe that their pursuers will not pose a threat much longer.
But can they trust that it's not just another clever trap set by their invisible enemy?
And can they trust each other?
305 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2022
449 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read
About the author
Per Jacobsen
18 books562 followersPer Jacobsen is a Danish author best known for writing thrillers with supernatural elements. He got his literary debut in 2018 when he won a writing competition issued by Byens publishing house in Denmark. Shortly afterwards, he signed a contract with the publishing house Valeta, also in Denmark, who published his debut novel, The mirror cabinet. Per Jacobsen's next three books (books 1-3 in the Strung trilogy) were translated and gave him his international breakthrough as they quickly went to the top of the bestseller list in several countries, including the US and England. Today, Per Jacobsen is a full-time writer and lives permanently in southern Spain with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 28, 2025
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Per Jacobsen’s writing really won me over, even though this genre isn’t typically my first choice. His style is incredibly engaging, easy to read, and always leaves me eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Once again, I found myself participating in the “Per Jacobsen Fan Group” read-along, savoring one chapter a day.
"Strung 2" is a perfect example of a middle book in a trilogy. It doesn't offer up too many answers, but it deepens the narrative, giving readers a clearer sense of what life is like in the aftermath of the fallout. This book skillfully explores the tension that lingers in the wake of a major event, and it keeps you on edge with its subtle world-building and character development.
One of the major threads in this book is the mystery surrounding Billy. The townspeople are divided, questioning whether he’s a danger to those around him or if the threat has already dissipated. The book delves into the fear and uncertainty that pervades the community, raising compelling questions about trust and survival. Is the danger still out there, or is it now hiding within their own walls? Jacobsen masterfully weaves these elements together, leaving readers to wonder where allegiances truly lie.
The ending of "Strung 2" is a total cliffhanger, and I’m already excited to dive into book three to see how this all wraps up. Jacobsen has left me both satisfied with the progress made in this installment and hungry for answers. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
"Strung 2" is a perfect example of a middle book in a trilogy. It doesn't offer up too many answers, but it deepens the narrative, giving readers a clearer sense of what life is like in the aftermath of the fallout. This book skillfully explores the tension that lingers in the wake of a major event, and it keeps you on edge with its subtle world-building and character development.
One of the major threads in this book is the mystery surrounding Billy. The townspeople are divided, questioning whether he’s a danger to those around him or if the threat has already dissipated. The book delves into the fear and uncertainty that pervades the community, raising compelling questions about trust and survival. Is the danger still out there, or is it now hiding within their own walls? Jacobsen masterfully weaves these elements together, leaving readers to wonder where allegiances truly lie.
The ending of "Strung 2" is a total cliffhanger, and I’m already excited to dive into book three to see how this all wraps up. Jacobsen has left me both satisfied with the progress made in this installment and hungry for answers. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
September 26, 2025
Stars: 4 out of 5
I liked this book better than the first, and Randall, as a character, was less annoying. And it was refreshing to see survivors of an apocalyptic event banding together and cooperating instead of fighting each other for once... though it didn't do them much good in the end.
I'm less happy with the depiction of Thommy in this book. It almost felt like he regressed as a character between book 1 and book 2, which is very sad. Plus, the author used the trope of never letting the characters talk through their problems and disagreements, and letting them fester until it's too late. I am NOT a fan of this trope. And it was a disservice to the brothers' relationship.
The death count is rather staggering, especially compared to the first book, where most people became "empties" but were still alive. Plus, we didn't really know these people in the first book. Here, we got to meet some of them, and their demise hit harder. Especially the way it unfolded. Talk about a diabolical plan for an alien invasion.
I will definitely proceed with book 3 to see how this story ends.
I liked this book better than the first, and Randall, as a character, was less annoying. And it was refreshing to see survivors of an apocalyptic event banding together and cooperating instead of fighting each other for once... though it didn't do them much good in the end.
I'm less happy with the depiction of Thommy in this book. It almost felt like he regressed as a character between book 1 and book 2, which is very sad. Plus, the author used the trope of never letting the characters talk through their problems and disagreements, and letting them fester until it's too late. I am NOT a fan of this trope. And it was a disservice to the brothers' relationship.
The death count is rather staggering, especially compared to the first book, where most people became "empties" but were still alive. Plus, we didn't really know these people in the first book. Here, we got to meet some of them, and their demise hit harder. Especially the way it unfolded. Talk about a diabolical plan for an alien invasion.
I will definitely proceed with book 3 to see how this story ends.
February 9, 2025
Still have no idea who or what the enemy is in this trilogy, however it is giving Village of the Damned mixed with the Walking Dead mixed with (dare I say) X-Files?!?!? Slow start on this one but the ending pulled it back into a 4 star rating for me.
May 13, 2022
Couldn’t put it down!
Strung II wasn’t what I expected at all! Very well written and kept you anxiously trying to get to the next page! For those who like put of this world apocalyptic books, I highly recommend!!!
Strung II wasn’t what I expected at all! Very well written and kept you anxiously trying to get to the next page! For those who like put of this world apocalyptic books, I highly recommend!!!
August 22, 2024
Second verse, same as the first!
June 20, 2024
The Valley of Death
This is like the Walking Dead but with no zombies. Hell you don’t even know what the enemy, is still at this point. I have my guess but I am wondering if there will be a twist.
Apocalyptic horror at its best. Well here goes book 3.
This is like the Walking Dead but with no zombies. Hell you don’t even know what the enemy, is still at this point. I have my guess but I am wondering if there will be a twist.
Apocalyptic horror at its best. Well here goes book 3.
May 1, 2024
2nd book and another great read!! Looking forward to book #3!!!
October 15, 2024
Great second chapter, unknown keeps building, like it very much and don’t want the series to end!
October 25, 2024
Things are cracking on nicely, looking forward to the last book.
December 2, 2024
Rough. Anxious to see how the series wraps up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
4.25 rounded down
March 7, 2025
This series has been a complete roller-coaster and I can't wait to see what happens in book 3!
December 15, 2024
What a good series
August 27, 2025
Breath catching and a little horrifying. Third book, here I come!
April 1, 2022
I read this book as an Advanced Readers Copy.
Per Jakobsen’s scary and dark series continues. Where the first book was a thrilling story about the collapse of society, we have now moved past the collapse and into post-apocalyptic society.
In a stroke of genious, Jakobsen doesn’t copy either “The Stand” or “The Road”, meaning that he doesn’t make the survivors into caricatures of good and evil. The society is realistic and believable – normal people, who wants to return to as close to a normal life as they can get.
We still follow the same group of survivors, who have now settled down on a farm and preferring to remain outside the politics of the communes, where most people group together. The family begins to break up, though, when one of them wants to move away and move in with his girlfriend. But things begin to change, when the survivors find out that there has been a major change to the balance of power. Anything beyond this is spoiler territory…
The story is still moving along at a good pace, although not quite as breakneck as book one – which makes sense, as book one took place over just a few days, whereas this book takes place over a longer period of time. We get to know some of the characters in calmer times, however, which is nice. The dialogue is still spot-on, and we never have any doubt of the complicated family relationships in the small group of people. They love each other, sure – but just like real people, they can enrage each other as well.
My sole regret (and yes, it’s the same as the first book) is that the book is simply too short. In a perfect world, the Strung series would have been one big volume, divided into parts. But that is a first-world-problem if I ever knew one. Strung 2 picks up very well where book one left off, and if you were a fan of the first part, you will not be disappointed. Or, to pardon the pun - be left hangin'...
Per Jakobsen’s scary and dark series continues. Where the first book was a thrilling story about the collapse of society, we have now moved past the collapse and into post-apocalyptic society.
In a stroke of genious, Jakobsen doesn’t copy either “The Stand” or “The Road”, meaning that he doesn’t make the survivors into caricatures of good and evil. The society is realistic and believable – normal people, who wants to return to as close to a normal life as they can get.
We still follow the same group of survivors, who have now settled down on a farm and preferring to remain outside the politics of the communes, where most people group together. The family begins to break up, though, when one of them wants to move away and move in with his girlfriend. But things begin to change, when the survivors find out that there has been a major change to the balance of power. Anything beyond this is spoiler territory…
The story is still moving along at a good pace, although not quite as breakneck as book one – which makes sense, as book one took place over just a few days, whereas this book takes place over a longer period of time. We get to know some of the characters in calmer times, however, which is nice. The dialogue is still spot-on, and we never have any doubt of the complicated family relationships in the small group of people. They love each other, sure – but just like real people, they can enrage each other as well.
My sole regret (and yes, it’s the same as the first book) is that the book is simply too short. In a perfect world, the Strung series would have been one big volume, divided into parts. But that is a first-world-problem if I ever knew one. Strung 2 picks up very well where book one left off, and if you were a fan of the first part, you will not be disappointed. Or, to pardon the pun - be left hangin'...
January 16, 2025
Strung II had some good moments in the final chapters, but overall, it felt disappointing. The story moved so slow that it was hard to stay interested. It seemed like most of the book was just filler instead of moving the plot forward.
I liked the way the author kept the creepy vibe from the first book, and there were a few parts that grabbed my attention. But a lot of it felt unnecessary, like it was just there to stretch the story out. By the end, I didn’t feel like much had really happened to make the story progress.
If you enjoyed the first book, you might want to read this one to see what happens next, but don’t expect it to be as exciting or fast-paced. Hopefully, the third book picks up the pace!
I liked the way the author kept the creepy vibe from the first book, and there were a few parts that grabbed my attention. But a lot of it felt unnecessary, like it was just there to stretch the story out. By the end, I didn’t feel like much had really happened to make the story progress.
If you enjoyed the first book, you might want to read this one to see what happens next, but don’t expect it to be as exciting or fast-paced. Hopefully, the third book picks up the pace!
January 6, 2025
From that moment on, he was reduced to prey. A survivor, fleeing from an invisible enemy. An enemy that had the power to get those who had sworn to protect their fellow human beings to kill them instead.
Two years have trickled by and for countless survivors, it opened doorways for companionship and family for the first time since the invasion. Forming tight knit communities, it allowed people a sense of belonging and trust while also keeping supplies tradeable. Randall Morgan and his brother Tommy are trying to keep a fractured relationship alive amongst the ruins of civilization. David is gradually growing closer with his girlfriend Rose, and the two are ready for the next step where he moves in with her. Saddened by the loss of him, Randall tries to keep his emotions at bay while he still juggles the care required for Billy. Unable to really speak and mobile, Billy relies heavily on his wheelchair and Bell system for basic communication. Loading everyone up for the trek to San Hiva, Billy's favorite baseball cap would soar though the car window and end up hundreds of feet down a ravine. Forced to traverse the terrain to retrieve it, Rose, David and Randall are horrified by the hundreds of bodies littering the edge of the cliff. Police and emergence responders dead from suicides, all the bodies from this recent mass extinction were left in countless other settlements. With a plan set in motion for scavengers tobgarher all the weapons and ammunition left behind the group was devastated when three days later they returned to find it has already been taken. With mistrust running throughout the two settlements of San Hiva and Redwater.
For everyone else, it started two weeks earlier, remember?
As the groups are forced to come together, Redwater decided to host a gathering to strengthen the settlements and attracted over a thousand people to the stadium. As the doeaches were detnti ebgin, a sudden crack and scream shattered the air and Rose's crumbled body laid dozens of feet below. Looking at into the eyes of his own son, he suddenly has the ability to stand and command his limbs and he uses it to send an army of heavily armed children to massacre the survivors. Children who shared time in that auditorium in the hospital, each now possessed and holding dead eyes towards those they hurt. Seeing Tommy shot in the throat, fight or flight kicked in for Randall and he managed to escape through an emergency exit with David. As the screams of the dead and dying reach their ears, they both know they can save nobody else from the monsters traped inside. Returning three months later to the hospital, Randall retrieved the bag containing the leaden liquid and tadpoles and holds in his hand the potential first clues to what caused the collapse of the world.
On Billy. His son, the traitor. The enemy's secret weapon. The real …
Two years have trickled by and for countless survivors, it opened doorways for companionship and family for the first time since the invasion. Forming tight knit communities, it allowed people a sense of belonging and trust while also keeping supplies tradeable. Randall Morgan and his brother Tommy are trying to keep a fractured relationship alive amongst the ruins of civilization. David is gradually growing closer with his girlfriend Rose, and the two are ready for the next step where he moves in with her. Saddened by the loss of him, Randall tries to keep his emotions at bay while he still juggles the care required for Billy. Unable to really speak and mobile, Billy relies heavily on his wheelchair and Bell system for basic communication. Loading everyone up for the trek to San Hiva, Billy's favorite baseball cap would soar though the car window and end up hundreds of feet down a ravine. Forced to traverse the terrain to retrieve it, Rose, David and Randall are horrified by the hundreds of bodies littering the edge of the cliff. Police and emergence responders dead from suicides, all the bodies from this recent mass extinction were left in countless other settlements. With a plan set in motion for scavengers tobgarher all the weapons and ammunition left behind the group was devastated when three days later they returned to find it has already been taken. With mistrust running throughout the two settlements of San Hiva and Redwater.
For everyone else, it started two weeks earlier, remember?
As the groups are forced to come together, Redwater decided to host a gathering to strengthen the settlements and attracted over a thousand people to the stadium. As the doeaches were detnti ebgin, a sudden crack and scream shattered the air and Rose's crumbled body laid dozens of feet below. Looking at into the eyes of his own son, he suddenly has the ability to stand and command his limbs and he uses it to send an army of heavily armed children to massacre the survivors. Children who shared time in that auditorium in the hospital, each now possessed and holding dead eyes towards those they hurt. Seeing Tommy shot in the throat, fight or flight kicked in for Randall and he managed to escape through an emergency exit with David. As the screams of the dead and dying reach their ears, they both know they can save nobody else from the monsters traped inside. Returning three months later to the hospital, Randall retrieved the bag containing the leaden liquid and tadpoles and holds in his hand the potential first clues to what caused the collapse of the world.
On Billy. His son, the traitor. The enemy's secret weapon. The real …
July 29, 2022
Jeg kaldte første bind i Udhængt for topklasse horror af internationalt format, og det kan jeg blot gentage. Per Jacobsen skriver med en ubesværethed, der får handlingen til at udspille sig som en film for ens øjne. Siderne vender nærmest sig selv, og jeg lagde stort set ikke bogen fra mig, før jeg nåede sidste side. Nogen vil måske indvende, at historien ikke er eksperimenterende eller intellektuel nok. Men ind i mellem er det fedt at se en Hollywood Blockbuster, og bare lade sig opsluge af oplevelsen. Sådan havde jeg det under læsningen af Dødens dal, og for mig er det noget af det bedste i verden, når en bog bliver levende og verden omkring mig forsvinder.
Er du til gys uden garantier, så grib fat i Udhængt og Dødens dal. Serien kan varmt anbefales.
http://gyseren.dk/bog/udhaengt-ii-doe...
Er du til gys uden garantier, så grib fat i Udhængt og Dødens dal. Serien kan varmt anbefales.
http://gyseren.dk/bog/udhaengt-ii-doe...
February 1, 2025
This was supposed to be a book for a February reading group. We are supposed to read a chapter a day. I couldn’t help myself and started early and seriously thought about pausing then continuing when the group was on Chapter 11. Which was a fleeting moment because an hour later I am writing this review!
Strung 2 follows the aftermath of the end of the world as Randall, Tommy, and David know it. They may have rescued Billy from the unknown enemy and life has fallen into a new rhythm; but nothing is ever easy when the world ends.
As they try to navigate their new normal, find peace with other survivors, and move forward. The unknown enemy has something in store for them.
Onto Strung III….where will Per take us next?!
Strung 2 follows the aftermath of the end of the world as Randall, Tommy, and David know it. They may have rescued Billy from the unknown enemy and life has fallen into a new rhythm; but nothing is ever easy when the world ends.
As they try to navigate their new normal, find peace with other survivors, and move forward. The unknown enemy has something in store for them.
Onto Strung III….where will Per take us next?!
February 28, 2025
Well, wow Part II: The Valley of Death! A Facebook group is doing a group read of one chapter per day of Strung Part I in January and Strung Part II in February. We will start Strung III: The Last Drop on March 1st.
Thirteen months after the events of the first book of the series, Randall Morgan and his family still live a life of uncertainty. A life in which they--like the other scattered groups of survivors--must be ever vigilant and constantly on guard. One day, however, they make a horrible discovery that leads them to believe that their pursuers will not pose a threat much longer. But can they trust that it's not just another clever trap set by their invisible enemy? And can they trust each other?
Thirteen months after the events of the first book of the series, Randall Morgan and his family still live a life of uncertainty. A life in which they--like the other scattered groups of survivors--must be ever vigilant and constantly on guard. One day, however, they make a horrible discovery that leads them to believe that their pursuers will not pose a threat much longer. But can they trust that it's not just another clever trap set by their invisible enemy? And can they trust each other?
May 11, 2023
Per Jacobsen has a marvelous talent for creating a deep sence of unease and foreboding. Whilst the enemy wasn't an obvious threat throughout this book, the general unsettling nature of Strung II means you are never truely relaxed when reading this. It was an interesting contrast to the apocalyptic 1st book and did a good job of depicting how society would manage after a catastrophic world ending event. The relationships between the characters were well developed and whilst nothinng 'major' happens inmediatley, the relationships and personalities of the people in the book keep you reading and wanting more. Camt wait to get the final book to finish the set!
December 12, 2024
I still don't know what is going on, virus or aliens but I am here for this crazy ride! Book 2 is shorter than book 1 but just as fast paced and that ending had me gasping!! I read the whole book in one sitting cause I couldn't put it down! I need to know what's going on. I would totally love to see this as a tv show. The storyline and characters are so addicting, with the right casting this would be binge worthy on the screen just as much as it has been reading it. I can't wait to dive into book 3! These cliffhangers are killing me, so glad the series is already out so I don't have to wait. This series has me on the edge of my seat!
December 10, 2022
I enjoyed following the story of two brothers, Billy and the traveling companion David in this second book. I also enjoy the writing style of this author. I did start to see that there was something going on with one of the characters however, I could not decide what it was exactly. I wasn’t too surprised by the way this book ended and I am looking forward to seeing how the series ends in the next book. This book is a little bit slower than the first book in this series however, I’ve been told the third book is wonderful.
July 18, 2023
I'll be giving this series a consolidated review because it was so good I read it all in less than a week and right after each other! (thanks KU!) I love how seamless the transition is from book to book.
Disclaimer: My book reviews are based on my own personal reading experience. I do not make reviews to influence other folks to read or not read them. If it mentally, emotionally, and morally wrecked or moved me, it will be an automatic 5 ⭐ for me. Yes, it takes so little to make me happy.
Disclaimer: My book reviews are based on my own personal reading experience. I do not make reviews to influence other folks to read or not read them. If it mentally, emotionally, and morally wrecked or moved me, it will be an automatic 5 ⭐ for me. Yes, it takes so little to make me happy.
January 22, 2026
Not my favorite. just kind of lost my interest. Pretty predictable.
For me...
They save Billy in the last book but he's been pumped full of silver wormy things. Comes back with limited vocal and mobile skills. All the bad police officers are found dead in several different ditches but all their guns are gone. Now the different survivor camps are fighting against each other because why not. and then surprise surprise the kids aren't as deficient as everybody thought and Billy is their leader. shocker! honestly I'm not going to book three.
For me...
They save Billy in the last book but he's been pumped full of silver wormy things. Comes back with limited vocal and mobile skills. All the bad police officers are found dead in several different ditches but all their guns are gone. Now the different survivor camps are fighting against each other because why not. and then surprise surprise the kids aren't as deficient as everybody thought and Billy is their leader. shocker! honestly I'm not going to book three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
A great story continues
Another great story by Per Jacobsen! I enjoyed continuing the story of Randall and others in the Strung trilogy. This second book was another read that pulled you into the story and really helps you feel for the characters. A bit intense and dramatic, the book comes together with wonderful storytelling and plot. I look forward to seeing where the story will take me in the next book of this apocalyptic series with heart.
Another great story by Per Jacobsen! I enjoyed continuing the story of Randall and others in the Strung trilogy. This second book was another read that pulled you into the story and really helps you feel for the characters. A bit intense and dramatic, the book comes together with wonderful storytelling and plot. I look forward to seeing where the story will take me in the next book of this apocalyptic series with heart.
Want to read
July 11, 2025Thirteen months after the events in the first book of the series, Randall Morgan and his family still live a life of uncertainty. A life in which they–like the other scattered groups of survivors–must be constantly on guard.
One day, however, they make a macabre discovery that leads them to believe that their pursuers will not pose a threat much longer.
But can they trust that it's not just another clever trap set by their invisible enemy?
And can they trust each other?
One day, however, they make a macabre discovery that leads them to believe that their pursuers will not pose a threat much longer.
But can they trust that it's not just another clever trap set by their invisible enemy?
And can they trust each other?
January 2, 2023
This trilogy is so far so damn good, I don't even know how to properly review it. This second one came with a twist that was, though to me obvious early on, so beautifully executed and with yet another heartbreak so stunning it had me gasping out loud. I'm already so excited to read the next one and even though it's the first book I read in 2023, I can already tell that this one will be one of my top reads of the year.
Just as with the first one, this one is highly recommended!
Just as with the first one, this one is highly recommended!
July 15, 2023
I just wanted to see if I was right about Rose. Gdi! I am listening to the trilogy via audiobook and the narrator is perfection. Between the intro and the end nothing happened the way I thought it would. I “knew” what was coming and my jaw dropped when everything came full circle. I already started book 3 and I know it’s going to end with a bang!
July 21, 2023
An exciting continuation of the first book with a few crazy turns.
It felt shorter with less things happening than the first book, and a new main character Rose didn't get fleshed out as she would have deserved.
But it's still as captivating as the previous book, highly recommended!
Looking forward to listening to the last book of the trilogy.
It felt shorter with less things happening than the first book, and a new main character Rose didn't get fleshed out as she would have deserved.
But it's still as captivating as the previous book, highly recommended!
Looking forward to listening to the last book of the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews