Apocalypchix

by K.A. Riley

What happens when the first day of school is the last day of the world?

For sixteen-year-old Virtue, navigating 11th grade is hard enough. Throw in the mass carnage of the Purple War, the brain-mangling Lemming Plague, and the overnight, post-apocalyptic breakdown of civilization, and suddenly, arguing with her parents, being picked on by bullies, and tyrannized by her teachers doesn’t seem quite so devastating.

Instead, her new priorities are saving her best friend (and potential boyfriend?), fending off Clique Baiters and Serial Daters, and rescuing Beynac—her golden retriever service dog. Oh, and surviving.

It took sixteen years of torment and insecurity to make Virtue a wallflower. It took a single day of classes (and an academy full of brainwashed killers) to turn her into the school’s most feared and deadly badass.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2022

About the author

K. A. Riley is a writer of speculative and science fiction, dedicated to creating worlds just different enough from our own to be entertaining, intriguing and a little frightening all at once. For Riley, writing isn't a job. It's a laboratory where readers can wander into a land of ideas; it's a playground where they can scamper around, giggling, gasping, and freaking out to their hearts' content.

Riley is the top-secret pen-name of a NYT and USA Today best-selling author.

Reviews

[Tascha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When reading the premise of this book, I was so intrigued and interested in the Lemming Plague and the Purple War, especially given the COVID pandemic bringing deadly viruses to the forefront of our minds right now. But what really sold me on it.. Beynac! I'm an absolute sucker for an animal sidekick and this one did not let me down.

Considering some of the heavy themes of war and plague, this book managed to stay on the fun and almost adventurous side of the apocalypse with a book that I flew through the day I picked it up. We get to follow an unlikely group of friends through all sorts of bizarre moments caused by the Lemming Plague (I won't give away more here as some are just too amusing when reading), and it's truly a unique premise that I personally haven't read before.

Although this does present as a light-hearted read, I found it really quite poignant in places, giving some meaningful insight to mental health issues, the confusion of romantic feelings during the teen years, and the morality of war and killing to survive. I didn't expect to find such thoughtful prose in a high school apocalyptic book, but it was the perfect topping on an enjoyable book... I can't wait to find out what happens next for the Apocalypchix and Beynac!

Massive thanks to K.A Riley for giving me an advanced copy of this book, although my wishlist is now cursing you for all the additions!

[Ashley Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get an ARC for this from the author. I loved this book, it was a bit slow to start but once the action started it never stopped. I found some of the characters descriptions to be overly descriptive at times but the world building and characters were fantastic. I loved the humour that was weaved through the story and how the main character used humour as a coping mechanism making her feel more relatable despite her completely unusual circumstance. There’s also a super adorable dog which makes it even better.

[BookWorm_Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read. Be sure to check your trigger warnings.

This was an interesting read, definitely not what I was thinking it would be tbh.

One thing that was odd to me was that Virtue is supposedly in love with her best friend, however it didn’t even feel like they were friends.. never mind she had feelings for him. Then she ended up focusing on other guys.. and in a weird, instant way.

The book was about her finding her dog, that’s really it. I wish there’s been more to it, but I suppose book 2 will have more. Some of the scenes felt very repetitive without adding to the overall story, as well.

The story itself is interesting- there’s a virus but also a war. The virus is different than what we usually see with these types of stories in that it doesn’t create zombies… however it does change the infected. I love that the author created this new idea for a virus/apocalypse story.

This is a pretty fast paced story. It’s got some funny moments and it kept me on my toes. I wasn’t quite sure where it was going or what was going to happen next. I enjoyed reading this book and delving into the world the author created.

[Laura Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Thank you so much to K.A. Riley for sending me an advanced copy. This was a fantastic story that kept me interested page after page.
*read the Trigger warnings, while I found this story light and entertaining, some may have difficulty with the violence and setting of this story.

I found this book to be a quick, fun read and I can't wait for the next instalment. I'll acknowledge the title gave me pause, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was a fantastic YA story that takes real world issues and turns up past societies breaking points, then follows high school students as they try to navigate a new and dangerous world. K.A. Riley has a great way with words, spending time to paint the picture, giving you all the details but in a way that doesn't bog down the story. While there is a decent amount of violence in this story it remained light and entertaining. I definitely recommend giving this a book a read.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an easy to read, fast paced story. It was dark and full of gore with bits of humor. I liked perusing the map the author included. It helped connect this reader with the fictitious world of crazed killers and mayhem.
There were events of war and plague that troubled the world the readers get to see through the eyes of an extraordinary high school student. I received an advanced copy and I am looking forward to the next in the series.

[Cheryl Woolsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was honored that I received an advanced copy of Apocalychix.

Make sure to read the trigger warnings before reading this book.

The beginning of the book, while K.A. Riley was painting this elaborate picture of this incredible world she created, wasn't the "knock your socks off, sucks you right in" book that I found in her Recruitment series.

I really enjoyed the characters' (though the boys' names made me want to throw my phone across the room) development and seeing their bonds with one another while navigating this school of hell.

Once the students made it outside, the book picked up and it was fabulous from there. (I was hoping that the bird that scared them was Render. #cameo)

Virtue's choice of boy is cringeworthy, but I hope she comes to her senses in book two.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super excited to have gotten an advanced copy of this book.
I found it an easy read. It didn't overwhelm with pre details of what you need to know but instead used moments between action to fill us in. I highly recommend reading the warning on this book before reading it as she comes out of the gate strong. There is humorous moments that make you chuckle, and break the tensions. Some of the name selections were not my favorite however, you get used to them quickly enough. I did find the end dragged a little. I look forward to seeing how they manage in book 2. And hope we get a bigger look at the world they love in even if its just the one we have already seen.
Overall it made for a good weekend read.

[Rebecca Dee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I will say thank you to KA Riley for the chance to review this book, and regardless, all opinions are my own.

I'm a bit of a sucker for a post apocalyptic story and this was no exception. Virtue is not only in the middle of a War and a virus outbreak that makes people crazy.... she has also lost her service dog whose purpose is to help her control a rare condition which causes her to black out and do things she would rather not do, and leaves her with no memory of what she has done.

Virtue, her group of friends and a teacher have to find Begnac - who has been dognapped - in their school which has became a playground for the infected. The virus affects people in different ways but generally quite violent and/or the infected seem to have no inhibitions.

Touching on some big topics like mental health, friendships and relationships, it also remains quite jovial at times and the commentary by Virtue made me laugh on occasion, but at the same time, the high stakes remain and the story keeps you gripped.

Looking forward to book two!

[MJ Symmonds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided this year that I would try to read some books outside of my comfort zone/usual reads to see if I might find some books or authors that I might otherwise miss.

Apocalypchix is a high school, end of the world, apocalyptic scenario. The Lemming Plague has invaded the boarding school of Virtue and her friends who must do whatever they can to survive while trying to rescue Virtue's service dog, Beynac.

While this isn't my usual read it did keep my interest and I really need to know how things work out for this crew who has to keep their their burgeoning teenage feelings in check, avoid contracting the plague and oh yeah, stay alive at all cost.

Thanks for the advanced copy and my first time reading this author. Will definitely be reading more of her work & can't wait for book 2.

[Debbie Mathis PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtue attends a private High School which is virtually a fortress. Designed to protect its students but when the Purple War strikes and the Lemming Plague hit, no one is safe. The Lemming Plague turns most of the Academies students into brain-washed killers. Virtue has a 'disorder' of sorts and when the plague hits the school, she loses her service dog Beynac. While most of the school's population is going crazy, Virtue and several friends go on the search to find him.

I liked how you get a sense of who each of the characters are and how they come to the aid of Virtue in helping her find her dog and stay alive. We also see Virtue grow into one serious badass ApocalypChix. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an action packed, post-apocalyptic story.

[Kyare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a slower start with a lot of internal dialogue which I was unsure of at first. However, after a chapter it definitely felt like one of the Zombie movies where the main character is narrating what is happening. It was a very unique way of writing that really worked for the apocalyptic tone of the book. I adored the range of characters and the connections between the book world and our real world. My favorite being how it is the “purple war” and they were two factions who fight over politics. The red and blue sides of American politics fit so well for that idea.
I adore the main characters and felt it had moments of real emotions and valid feelings that made the book seem realistic even as though the book is a beautiful work of fiction.

[Jai Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous, dark, exciting, and surprising. I sincerely loved this book. The imagery is phenomenal and the twists shocked the heck out of me. I loved all of the characters but officially now have the biggest book crush on a golden haired pup!! K.A. Riley’s ability to take my heart from racing from fear to tears streaming down my face from laugh out loud laughter in a matter of lines is epic. I highly recommend!

[Colleen Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. It was a very fun read, started a little slow but once you got into it a couple chapters it sped up. I really like the dark humour and narration that almost gives the feel of breaking the fourth wall as it were. Virtue has a special place in my heart as the mom of a child with several parasomnia conditions (thankfully not this extreme).

[Kerri Macpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. Even though it's a YA book and I am an adult, I loved this book. It was witty, fun and kept you on the edge of your seat. At some point in our lives we have all been Virtue. This book made me relate to this 16 year old girl living in a futuristic world dealing with plague and war....and made me envy how she stood up and fought for herself, in a hilarious, badass way!
Can't wait to share this with my neices!

[David Hoyt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I should love this more than I do.

I’ve enjoyed this novel. I think I should be all over it. The sensibility, direction, humor all is in my happy place. Unfortunately, I’m just not feeling it. I like the book. I’ll almost certainly reread it. A few Guinness under my belt might make it less interesting that it should.

Ultimately, I like the story, the MC is a bit formless, I’m not feeling compelled.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed

I absolutely loved this book.... I'm so excited for this story to continue. The banter in this book and how the main character is narrating the story. The crazy news in this book is amazing. Can't wait for more. K.A. Riley is a great author. Definitely checking out more of their work.

[Nathalya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

I have never read anything like this (wich is a good thing, I think?) I was really exited to read this book after gettingthe ARC, but it wasn’t exactly what I expected... Still, it was an enjoyable read.

The idea itself is interesting, it's the end of the world, there's a war going on, an apocalypse with other symptoms than what we usually see in fiction and the main character also has some unusual issues she has to work through.

What I didn't like is that there were some parts that felt a little unnecessary and took me out of the story.

⚠️Spoilers, kinda? ⬇️
And what disappointed me is that the main character talks about liking her best friend, but then after he's introduced they barely interact with eachother and instead she gets with another guy? She has three options and picks (in my opinion) the worst one...(even tho I feel like she'll eventually end up with one of the other 2 options in a later book)⚠️

Overall, it was a fun read, but not my favorite.
[Please read the trigger warnings before reading this book]

[Annie Kosar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a FUN & FANTASTICAL RIDE!!!:-)

Welcome to the apocalypse….but with TONS of wit, dark humor, shifting relationships and SPECTACULAR characters!!! Once you meet them and of course Beynac, you won’t be able to wait to go on every adventure with them!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)

[K. Weikel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading this book (well, I listened to the audiobook, but it was still fun). I loved the humor and the depth of each character. I even loved the love.... square? To me, this was a new take on an apocalypse, and it wasn't with zombies, necessarily, but with something that brought out the worst version of you. It was entertaining and made me laugh a few times, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Great read!

[Laneie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to get an advanced copy of the book. The name are werid but it was an interesting read. I do recommend it. Please check your trigger warnings.

[Leyla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually love books by K.A. Riley but I think this book was disappointing. It was really REALLY slow paced and there were chapters upon CHAPTERS of her questioning life and yapping about fate or some shit. Also MC was really annoying and had 3 boys fighting over yet the one that appealed to her for half the book was the short and hairy gorilla-like one? The only character I liked was the dog.