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The Badlands #2
Outland
The battle for the wastelands continues as Dani and Kate struggle to find common ground.
As White River burns, Danielle Clark wants revenge. She rejoins the Resistance, only this time, her friends are by her side. With Simon now in pursuit and her relationship with William wavering, her only hope to stay one step ahead of the fight is to trust her once sworn enemy and the general’s daughter, Katelyn Turner.
Back within the ranks of the National Armed Forces, Kate struggles to understand the push for power and dominance over the wastelands. Her time spent as a prisoner in White River has left her conflicted about her command, and her growing attraction for Dani has awakened a desperate need to protect her from a new lethal force introduced by the general.
Through it all, Danielle and Kate can’t seem to stay away from each other even as the war over the Badlands tests their loyalty to each other and to their people.
As White River burns, Danielle Clark wants revenge. She rejoins the Resistance, only this time, her friends are by her side. With Simon now in pursuit and her relationship with William wavering, her only hope to stay one step ahead of the fight is to trust her once sworn enemy and the general’s daughter, Katelyn Turner.
Back within the ranks of the National Armed Forces, Kate struggles to understand the push for power and dominance over the wastelands. Her time spent as a prisoner in White River has left her conflicted about her command, and her growing attraction for Dani has awakened a desperate need to protect her from a new lethal force introduced by the general.
Through it all, Danielle and Kate can’t seem to stay away from each other even as the war over the Badlands tests their loyalty to each other and to their people.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
16 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Keppler
6 books44 followersKristin is married and lives with her family and their two dogs in the suburbs of Washington, DC. A lifelong sci-fi and film nerd, she spends most of her time chauffeuring her two sons to their many obligations, and planning their next trip to Disney. She enjoys video games, concerts, and cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies. If only she could find time to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2024
Fascinating read!
A much better book #2 in the ongoing 'The Badlands' series.
Highly recommended book and series!
A much better book #2 in the ongoing 'The Badlands' series.
Highly recommended book and series!
July 4, 2022
I don’t read enough dystopian books, but when I get my hands on one I am also super excited and don’t want to put it down. Outland is the second book in the Badlands Series and you should read Wasteland before you dive into this one.
Outland picks up right where Wasteland ended and I am rather happy for it. There is so much going on in these books, in the war, that you can’t skip any time. As in Wasteland this book has alternating chapters in both Dani’s and Kate’s perspective. And again I have the feeling these authors divvied up the chapters, one writing Dani and the other Kate. I won’t say much about the story because it is so closely tied to Wasteland and I don’t want to spoil either read for anyone. Let’s just say it all kicks into another gear. There aren’t as much gruesome battle details in this one, this one is a bit more focused on strategy and (inner) conflict than actual battles. I’d say for those looking for romance, these aren’t your books, this one has a little more of it than Wasteland, but it really isn’t about the romance. But I do love the pairing!
These books aren’t for everyone, but I enjoy this. Any lover of dystopian or action/ adventure would enjoy this series. What I do like to add is that, especially in later chapters, I noticed some “sloppy” editing. Some sentences got a little confusing to read, which is a shame, but all is forgiven because I am here for all this dystopian action. Please give me/ us book 3 really soon!
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Outland picks up right where Wasteland ended and I am rather happy for it. There is so much going on in these books, in the war, that you can’t skip any time. As in Wasteland this book has alternating chapters in both Dani’s and Kate’s perspective. And again I have the feeling these authors divvied up the chapters, one writing Dani and the other Kate. I won’t say much about the story because it is so closely tied to Wasteland and I don’t want to spoil either read for anyone. Let’s just say it all kicks into another gear. There aren’t as much gruesome battle details in this one, this one is a bit more focused on strategy and (inner) conflict than actual battles. I’d say for those looking for romance, these aren’t your books, this one has a little more of it than Wasteland, but it really isn’t about the romance. But I do love the pairing!
These books aren’t for everyone, but I enjoy this. Any lover of dystopian or action/ adventure would enjoy this series. What I do like to add is that, especially in later chapters, I noticed some “sloppy” editing. Some sentences got a little confusing to read, which is a shame, but all is forgiven because I am here for all this dystopian action. Please give me/ us book 3 really soon!
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
July 17, 2022
Who doesn't love a good dystopian read! Outland is the sequel to wasteland, and I highly recommend that you read the first in the series to be able to follow the storyline. It continues where the story dropped off, where we were just left hanging with lots of unanswered questions. It's jam-packed with action and adventure, suspense with a tad bit of romance involved.
I've given outland a 3.7/5
I've given outland a 3.7/5
June 30, 2022
In this second book in Badlands series we gave Resistance leader Dani and Kate a major in the NAF reuniting. Each are fighting for the survivors of a Third World War. The NAF is the current military government that is forcing the survivors to choose the NAF or be killed. The Resistance is fighting for democracy and freedom. Kates mother is the head of the NAF and is hell bent on destroying every town and city in her pursuit of Dani and her team
of resistance fighters. Kate is forced to choose between her mother and her growing attraction to Dani.
Keppler and Bahney did a great job with this sequel. It was better than the first book. I really liked the build up of emotion between the two MCs and the side characters were well done, both the good guys and the villains. The action scenes and the plot moved along well. I throughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next installment. Highly recommend for all dystopian story lovers.
Arc received for a voluntary and honest review.
of resistance fighters. Kate is forced to choose between her mother and her growing attraction to Dani.
Keppler and Bahney did a great job with this sequel. It was better than the first book. I really liked the build up of emotion between the two MCs and the side characters were well done, both the good guys and the villains. The action scenes and the plot moved along well. I throughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next installment. Highly recommend for all dystopian story lovers.
Arc received for a voluntary and honest review.
August 1, 2022
Outland by Kristin Keppler and Allisa Bahney is another novel I’ve been looking forward to for a while now. This is the second book in the “The Badlands” series and continues the dystopian adventure/romance tale that began with Wasteland. I was totally hooked on this series with the first novel, and I believe this second one is equally as good, if not better than the first.
The adventure continues in book two with even more action and danger for our main characters Danielle (Dani) Clark and Katelyn (Kate) Turner. White River, Dani’s home for the past seven years has been destroyed by Simon and the NAF (National Armed Forces) and Dani, wanting revenge, has rejoined the Resistance with her family and friends. Kate is back at her post with the NAF and under the command of her mother, the general. She unsuccessfully tries to warn Dani of the fate of White River, and is very conflicted by the actions and decisions she sees her mother and the NAF taking in the war with The Resistance. Kate and Dani can’t seem to stay away from each other even though they are technically enemies. When Kate sees what the general is about to unleash against Dani and The Resistance, she becomes even more determined to help them.
This second book really lives up to all my expectations. The action begins on the first page and keeps going all the way to the last. The setting, which is well-developed in the first novel, continues to portray the desperate, dystopian aura of the tale. Dani, Kate and all of the secondary characters will pull you even more into the story. They are so real, so human, especially in the dangerous situations they find themselves in. The romance between Dani and Kate also continues to develop despite the opposite directions their lives seem to take.
The story does not end with this novel. There will be at least one more book in this series, and after reading the first two, I can’t wait for the third one to get here. This is not a standalone novel. You should read Wasteland and Outland in order. You will be glad you did.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
The adventure continues in book two with even more action and danger for our main characters Danielle (Dani) Clark and Katelyn (Kate) Turner. White River, Dani’s home for the past seven years has been destroyed by Simon and the NAF (National Armed Forces) and Dani, wanting revenge, has rejoined the Resistance with her family and friends. Kate is back at her post with the NAF and under the command of her mother, the general. She unsuccessfully tries to warn Dani of the fate of White River, and is very conflicted by the actions and decisions she sees her mother and the NAF taking in the war with The Resistance. Kate and Dani can’t seem to stay away from each other even though they are technically enemies. When Kate sees what the general is about to unleash against Dani and The Resistance, she becomes even more determined to help them.
This second book really lives up to all my expectations. The action begins on the first page and keeps going all the way to the last. The setting, which is well-developed in the first novel, continues to portray the desperate, dystopian aura of the tale. Dani, Kate and all of the secondary characters will pull you even more into the story. They are so real, so human, especially in the dangerous situations they find themselves in. The romance between Dani and Kate also continues to develop despite the opposite directions their lives seem to take.
The story does not end with this novel. There will be at least one more book in this series, and after reading the first two, I can’t wait for the third one to get here. This is not a standalone novel. You should read Wasteland and Outland in order. You will be glad you did.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
September 24, 2022
4 stars even. Welcome back to the complex world of this dystopian version of the United States. We pick right up from the last book where the resistance fighters attacked one of the bases of the National Armed Forces, and our two main characters, Dani and Kate are caught right in the middle of it. In this book we learn the leadership of the Armed Forces are not as noble as they seem, the resistance is fractured and needing leadership, and that Dani and Kate are in love with each other.
This is not a traditional romance, but I would still consider it to be one as the relationship between our two leading ladies is important to a lot of their decision making. This is especially true for Kate, as she's slowly seeing the world through the lens of the resistance fighters, and a lot of that has to do with how Dani is and her leadership skills. They spend a lot of time apart, but that doesn't make their relationship less important. This is Kate's book mostly, and she is finding out a lot of things about the organization she was proud to represent at first. I doubt she would have dug as much without her knowing Dani and her band of fighters, either.
While, I believe as the story unfolds, we can clearly see there are bad guys in the traditional sense, it does go out of its way to show the effects of propaganda and misinformation for the folks on both sides just trying to get by. And when the action hits, it doesn't shy away from showing the devastation a fight between desperate people and a well armed, better supplied organization can get.
I am having a lot of fun with this book and can't wait to see what the third book will bring.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is not a traditional romance, but I would still consider it to be one as the relationship between our two leading ladies is important to a lot of their decision making. This is especially true for Kate, as she's slowly seeing the world through the lens of the resistance fighters, and a lot of that has to do with how Dani is and her leadership skills. They spend a lot of time apart, but that doesn't make their relationship less important. This is Kate's book mostly, and she is finding out a lot of things about the organization she was proud to represent at first. I doubt she would have dug as much without her knowing Dani and her band of fighters, either.
While, I believe as the story unfolds, we can clearly see there are bad guys in the traditional sense, it does go out of its way to show the effects of propaganda and misinformation for the folks on both sides just trying to get by. And when the action hits, it doesn't shy away from showing the devastation a fight between desperate people and a well armed, better supplied organization can get.
I am having a lot of fun with this book and can't wait to see what the third book will bring.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 13, 2022
Wow I'm left speechless, this is easily one of my favorite series ever!
I read through the first two books without a break, keeping me up a whole night, this storyline is just *so* great.
Kate and Dani are such fantastic characters and I love the switching of POVs.
This is the first book series where I honestly love all supporting characters, especially Lucas. These two authors really know how to balance plot action with romance and I was always squealing with joy when I got to the parts where the MCs could finally spend a little time together.
I have no clue how this will end and it's so refreshing when usually storylines can be pretty obvious from the beginning. I'm so here for the journey though!
Such clever and engaging plotlines, a phenomenal insight into the depths of all characters in a world which is just so believingly created by words alone. I can only recommend this high quality dystopian novel with a touch of sapphic fiction, honestly where has this been all my life?!? If you're only interested in pure romance, read this anyway, the fact that there's a little less romance makes those scenes so much better!
Without spoiling too much, I honestly can't wait for the codename Songbird explanation moment, I just know it'll hit right in the feels.
*Spoilers below*
Really good books make you feel all the feelings and for someone who barely cries, I shed a few tears at the end, that was just brutal and painful and beautiful and I'm so excited for the next book.
What a cliffhanger. Again.
I read through the first two books without a break, keeping me up a whole night, this storyline is just *so* great.
Kate and Dani are such fantastic characters and I love the switching of POVs.
This is the first book series where I honestly love all supporting characters, especially Lucas. These two authors really know how to balance plot action with romance and I was always squealing with joy when I got to the parts where the MCs could finally spend a little time together.
I have no clue how this will end and it's so refreshing when usually storylines can be pretty obvious from the beginning. I'm so here for the journey though!
Such clever and engaging plotlines, a phenomenal insight into the depths of all characters in a world which is just so believingly created by words alone. I can only recommend this high quality dystopian novel with a touch of sapphic fiction, honestly where has this been all my life?!? If you're only interested in pure romance, read this anyway, the fact that there's a little less romance makes those scenes so much better!
Without spoiling too much, I honestly can't wait for the codename Songbird explanation moment, I just know it'll hit right in the feels.
*Spoilers below*
Really good books make you feel all the feelings and for someone who barely cries, I shed a few tears at the end, that was just brutal and painful and beautiful and I'm so excited for the next book.
What a cliffhanger. Again.
July 7, 2022
Apocalypse continued and to be continued
This is the continuation of Wasteland and picks up where we were left hanging last time: Keppler and Bahney again pull off great characters. I was not always convinced of the world-building and the Resistance seems to be quite rag tag, but what can I say I am a sucker for a good dystopian tale with a good pinch of resistance story.
The story is still unfolding in this second installment, but the plot thickens and as readers we get the idea that there is even more cooking than we have already suspected. We are left on a cliff (literally) hanging around for the next installment. I have high hopes for a big bang ending where all is revealed.
PS.: Scratching my head: what happened with editing in the last chapters? There were an usual amount of „glitches“ up to using the wrong military ranks after much ado about promotions.
Thanks to BSB and netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
This is the continuation of Wasteland and picks up where we were left hanging last time: Keppler and Bahney again pull off great characters. I was not always convinced of the world-building and the Resistance seems to be quite rag tag, but what can I say I am a sucker for a good dystopian tale with a good pinch of resistance story.
The story is still unfolding in this second installment, but the plot thickens and as readers we get the idea that there is even more cooking than we have already suspected. We are left on a cliff (literally) hanging around for the next installment. I have high hopes for a big bang ending where all is revealed.
PS.: Scratching my head: what happened with editing in the last chapters? There were an usual amount of „glitches“ up to using the wrong military ranks after much ado about promotions.
Thanks to BSB and netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
July 22, 2022
Breaking out of the gates at a hell for leather pace, Outland is an action packed, full throttle sequel to the authors’ debut novel, Wasteland.
As the plot thickens and tensions rise in both the Resistance and the NAF, lines are drawn and irrevocable choices are made. The battle for control of the Badlands continues to rage, and Dani and Kate must rely on the fledgling trust between them, if they are to find common ground and achieve the seemingly unachievable. But to trust each other, however incompletely, is to question where their loyalties really lie and whether the ’cause’, or each other takes priority.
I found that I enjoyed Outland significantly more than book one in the series; in so much as being the second book and therefore a continuation of the story, I felt I really knew the characters and because the story picks up exactly where book one finished, the action and depth flows from the outset.
Where as book one focuses a little more on Dani’s back story, I was pleased to find that Outland delves deeper into Kate’s history, in particular, the strained if not none-existent relationship she has with her mother, General Judy Turner. The authors do a great job at portraying Kate’s turmoil as she tries to align her morals with her actions, and her anguish as she considers that to align the two may ultimately mean betraying both her family, and the ’cause’; leaving everything she’s ever known behind could prove to be the point of no return.
When it comes to Dani, the authors let us glimpse the buried side of her personality, the one filled with rage and rash decisions. As she fights to keep a level head, her return to the Resistance is not quite as she expected; Dani’s been out of the game a long time and the people she once idolised and held in high esteem are no longer who she thought they were.
This time around, the focus is on the intricate relationships between the Badlands many inhabitants, from enemies across the line, to friends, lovers and familial ties, the authors explore the stresses, joys and struggles of living, loving and fighting in a dystopian world. As the plot progresses and each side continues to up the ante, both Dani and Kate are forced to explore their inner turmoil over their thoughts and feelings not only for each other, but their comrades and their ’cause’; tough decisions are made resulting in ramifications no one could have foreseen.
As Outland draws to a dramatic close, the authors leave no doubt that this is just the beginning of the ultimate war between the Resistance and the NAF, and with emotions already running high, book three is sure to begin with a bang!
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As the plot thickens and tensions rise in both the Resistance and the NAF, lines are drawn and irrevocable choices are made. The battle for control of the Badlands continues to rage, and Dani and Kate must rely on the fledgling trust between them, if they are to find common ground and achieve the seemingly unachievable. But to trust each other, however incompletely, is to question where their loyalties really lie and whether the ’cause’, or each other takes priority.
I found that I enjoyed Outland significantly more than book one in the series; in so much as being the second book and therefore a continuation of the story, I felt I really knew the characters and because the story picks up exactly where book one finished, the action and depth flows from the outset.
Where as book one focuses a little more on Dani’s back story, I was pleased to find that Outland delves deeper into Kate’s history, in particular, the strained if not none-existent relationship she has with her mother, General Judy Turner. The authors do a great job at portraying Kate’s turmoil as she tries to align her morals with her actions, and her anguish as she considers that to align the two may ultimately mean betraying both her family, and the ’cause’; leaving everything she’s ever known behind could prove to be the point of no return.
When it comes to Dani, the authors let us glimpse the buried side of her personality, the one filled with rage and rash decisions. As she fights to keep a level head, her return to the Resistance is not quite as she expected; Dani’s been out of the game a long time and the people she once idolised and held in high esteem are no longer who she thought they were.
This time around, the focus is on the intricate relationships between the Badlands many inhabitants, from enemies across the line, to friends, lovers and familial ties, the authors explore the stresses, joys and struggles of living, loving and fighting in a dystopian world. As the plot progresses and each side continues to up the ante, both Dani and Kate are forced to explore their inner turmoil over their thoughts and feelings not only for each other, but their comrades and their ’cause’; tough decisions are made resulting in ramifications no one could have foreseen.
As Outland draws to a dramatic close, the authors leave no doubt that this is just the beginning of the ultimate war between the Resistance and the NAF, and with emotions already running high, book three is sure to begin with a bang!
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2022
I want to start this review by saying I have not read the previous book in the series, and have read the book as a stand alone. When I read the synopsis I feared I would have a hard time with the characters when I didn't know what happened in the previous one. It turns out I had nothing to worry about. This book caught me from page 1, and I will buy the first book of the series just to get more time with the characters.
Pro:
+ Fast paced and catching
+ Strong female characters
+ Believable dystopian book
+ Wonderful secondary characters
+ Perfect amount of angst
Con:
-
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Pro:
+ Fast paced and catching
+ Strong female characters
+ Believable dystopian book
+ Wonderful secondary characters
+ Perfect amount of angst
Con:
-
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
January 29, 2025
I think one main reason for looking more of a war book than a apocalyptic book is both our heroines are at a privilege side so though it's dystopian world life for them is pretty easy and we get these two's pov's.
Once I got over the genre change from apocalyptic to warfare, I'd have to say story is well written and always keeps u on edge, never tire u.
The romance is what makes it worth reading to me.
Our heroines are back together from opposite ends of the war to finally on the same side.
A devastating death of a main side character.
not my go to genre but have to know how it ends now
So Off to the last part.
Once I got over the genre change from apocalyptic to warfare, I'd have to say story is well written and always keeps u on edge, never tire u.
The romance is what makes it worth reading to me.
Our heroines are back together from opposite ends of the war to finally on the same side.
A devastating death of a main side character.
not my go to genre but have to know how it ends now
So Off to the last part.
November 21, 2023
Perfect, just perfect. I shed a few tears in this one. Dying by your own worst fear is just crushing-author really wanted us to feel the impact. I'm just torn. The second book is so much better than the first and I thought the first was excellent. It's late but I will not sleep until I read the next book. I can't. Wow.
dnf-no-chance
November 16, 2025For being the general's daughter Kate is staggeringly incompetent and the personal conflict between the two characters is tedious. While the world conflict is hard to believe. Both characters are suppose to be competent women but they are aggravatingly incompetent.
November 9, 2022
Wow…this series is intense. Love it. Waiting for 3rd book.
June 17, 2023
3.75 Stars
January 5, 2025
I could not put this down, and now that I’ve finished it I can’t stop crying either. I rarely find the 2nd book of a series better than the 1st, but this absolutely was.
August 24, 2022
The second in The Badlands series, Outland is exactly what it says on the tin. It's ages after the end of the world and the survivors are warring over what is left of America. Kate and Dani's relationship continues to grow deeper, and Kate's general mother (who also killed Dani's father for extra ~drama) continues off the Manifest Destiny deep end.
In terms of prose, Outland (like the prior book) is nothing particularly special. It's about the level of an above average fanfic, with alternating perspectives. The storyline is also rather predictable, hitting all the major romance and dystopian action tropes. But those tropes were what I wanted so it met all my expectations.
In terms of prose, Outland (like the prior book) is nothing particularly special. It's about the level of an above average fanfic, with alternating perspectives. The storyline is also rather predictable, hitting all the major romance and dystopian action tropes. But those tropes were what I wanted so it met all my expectations.
February 11, 2025
Even better than the first book! More action, more romance, more intrigue and betrayals; I was glued to the pages. One thing I am going to mention is that the editing in the last, maybe, quarter was pretty lacking. I know and readily accept that mistakes happen, nobody is perfect, but in the last part there were errors every few pages. I decided not to deduct anything from the rating because the story was great and the editing of the rest of the book was quite good, but I am mentioning this in my review in the hopes that the people who need to see this see it and don't repeat this mistake in the future.
Now, back to the book. Dani's parts were awesome; we really get to see why she's considered such a badass by both the Resistance and the NAF. Lucas continued being his unique, adorable self. Kate's parts, though, were more painful to read: That's a sign of great writing, right there. Dani and Kate's relationship progressed and they were really sweet and precious together.
"Outland" was better from "Wastelands" and I can only hope that this trend will continue with the third book.
Now, back to the book. Dani's parts were awesome; we really get to see why she's considered such a badass by both the Resistance and the NAF. Lucas continued being his unique, adorable self. Kate's parts, though, were more painful to read: That's a sign of great writing, right there. Dani and Kate's relationship progressed and they were really sweet and precious together.
"Outland" was better from "Wastelands" and I can only hope that this trend will continue with the third book.
October 29, 2022
This series is awesome
I’ve read over 600 lesbian fiction novels and I can’t remember when I enjoyed a series more. The characters are so engaging and real. Unfortunately from the way things have been going in America and the rest of the world, this future may not science fiction. War Is complicated and messy and in the time in between, people still live, find love, and the courage to fight. I didn’t want the story to end and can’t wait for the sequel!
I’ve read over 600 lesbian fiction novels and I can’t remember when I enjoyed a series more. The characters are so engaging and real. Unfortunately from the way things have been going in America and the rest of the world, this future may not science fiction. War Is complicated and messy and in the time in between, people still live, find love, and the courage to fight. I didn’t want the story to end and can’t wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews