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Collapse #1
Collapse
Jan Worthington’s life was once one of normalcy and routine, until the variant swept across the globe, leaving destruction in its wake.
As society crumbles around her, Jan’s trust becomes either her greatest strength or her gravest weakness. With the looming threat of marauders on her doorstep, Jan must choose her allies carefully in order to protect what little she has left.
The Collapse Series, an action-packed young adult saga, follows Jan on her journey through a post-apocalyptic world as she fights to keep her family safe amidst chaos and devastation.
Join award-winning author Angela D. Shelton, in this gripping alternate reality and discover the unparalleled power of familial bonds in the face of destruction.
2023 Christian Indie Awards First Place in the Young Adult Category
2022 Angel Award Winner in the Young Adult Category
As society crumbles around her, Jan’s trust becomes either her greatest strength or her gravest weakness. With the looming threat of marauders on her doorstep, Jan must choose her allies carefully in order to protect what little she has left.
The Collapse Series, an action-packed young adult saga, follows Jan on her journey through a post-apocalyptic world as she fights to keep her family safe amidst chaos and devastation.
Join award-winning author Angela D. Shelton, in this gripping alternate reality and discover the unparalleled power of familial bonds in the face of destruction.
2023 Christian Indie Awards First Place in the Young Adult Category
2022 Angel Award Winner in the Young Adult Category
234 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2022
21 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 25, 2023
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
4 stars for this book! This one was pretty good, and is the first book in a new series.
The cover first drew me to this book, and the story pulled me in quickly! While it's set in a post-virus and dystopian era, it wasn't depressing or too violent which I appreciated.
I enjoyed reading about Jan and her family as they worked to grow and preserve food for themselves, as well as to trade and barter with others at the local market days.
Their determination, teamwork and grit were admirable and made for a great book.
The only thing I didn't like in this book was the brief bit of mild language.
(Sucked, butt, and another word that was more name calling but was just kind of cruel and gross- diarrhea mouth.) 🤢
Otherwise, this made for a good read, and I'm ready to read the next book in this series as soon as I can.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary e-book I received theough Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.
4 stars for this book! This one was pretty good, and is the first book in a new series.
The cover first drew me to this book, and the story pulled me in quickly! While it's set in a post-virus and dystopian era, it wasn't depressing or too violent which I appreciated.
I enjoyed reading about Jan and her family as they worked to grow and preserve food for themselves, as well as to trade and barter with others at the local market days.
Their determination, teamwork and grit were admirable and made for a great book.
The only thing I didn't like in this book was the brief bit of mild language.
(Sucked, butt, and another word that was more name calling but was just kind of cruel and gross- diarrhea mouth.) 🤢
Otherwise, this made for a good read, and I'm ready to read the next book in this series as soon as I can.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary e-book I received theough Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.
September 28, 2022
A Fictional Book Right Out of Today’s Headlines
Money doesn’t exist, it’s all a game of barter. Friendships are a thing of the past. Trust is no more. It’s now all about survival. The Pandemic hit and everything changed. Supply chains halted. Fuel is in short supply. Marauders are on the loose.
Jan learned all about this the hard way. If only she could forget and forgive herself. Trying to do a good deed for a young hungry boy was an expensive lesson. This is a fictional story that rings a bell so true. The variant hit and everything collapsed. Jan’s dreams of using her artistic talents in advertising was just that…. dreams.
Thankfully, her parents bought a farm before the variant. They now literally live off the land bartering their food and cattle for everyday necessities. While picking peas Jan comes across a hungry 10 year old boy named Jacob. She invites him to dinner and to get a good night’s sleep in their spare bedroom, after hearing his dad died and his mother ran off.
Jan’s trusting heart turned hard that day. See, that little boy set her up. They wake up the next morning to find the family truck gone. It is their means of transportation that carried their wares to the weekly auction. You can’t walk a bull 30 miles down the road. By inviting a stranger home, Jan’s good deed cost them dearly. No longer will she lend a helping hand to those in need.
And all this only is the first part of this intriguing book. A book that shows how easily society can collapse when not prepared for the unforeseen… a book that shows realistic entanglements when law enforcement is limited… a book that’s all too real.
🤔OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ Jan dearly misses her best friend Renee, who moved to the big city with her parents to find work. But things aren’t good there either, in fact it’s worse. Scavenging for jobs proves to be harder than growing food and hunting for deer. Renee confides to Jan: “It’s terrible here. You can’t go out once the sun sets. We stay locked up all night in our apartment. You can hear gunshots all night long. It’s like one of those old Westerns.”
Eventually Jan’s friend moves back…. and teaches Jan an important lesson on friendships and softening her calloused heart.
✒︎ Loved Jan’s parents. They both are survivors in their own way. Her mother has a strong faith that she shows and shares when things get tough.
✒︎ Yes, Jan brought the stranger home but mama reminds her that little Jacob fooled them all. She says they forgot a crucial lesson when letting Jacob in.
“Mom handed over the Bible. “Read Matthew 10:16.”
Jan fumbled through the pages to Matthew. At least, it was the first book in the New Testament. It would disappoint Mom if she couldn’t find the book and chapter after all the times they’d read Bible stories before bedtime when she was little. She cleared her throat and read, ‘I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.’ ”
✒︎ Later mama teaches Jan a lesson on forgiveness by making her a pillow with Proverbs 17:9 embroidered on it: —‘Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
✒︎ And wait till you see what love can do…. Little Jacob saw it first hand.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Money doesn’t exist, it’s all a game of barter. Friendships are a thing of the past. Trust is no more. It’s now all about survival. The Pandemic hit and everything changed. Supply chains halted. Fuel is in short supply. Marauders are on the loose.
Jan learned all about this the hard way. If only she could forget and forgive herself. Trying to do a good deed for a young hungry boy was an expensive lesson. This is a fictional story that rings a bell so true. The variant hit and everything collapsed. Jan’s dreams of using her artistic talents in advertising was just that…. dreams.
Thankfully, her parents bought a farm before the variant. They now literally live off the land bartering their food and cattle for everyday necessities. While picking peas Jan comes across a hungry 10 year old boy named Jacob. She invites him to dinner and to get a good night’s sleep in their spare bedroom, after hearing his dad died and his mother ran off.
Jan’s trusting heart turned hard that day. See, that little boy set her up. They wake up the next morning to find the family truck gone. It is their means of transportation that carried their wares to the weekly auction. You can’t walk a bull 30 miles down the road. By inviting a stranger home, Jan’s good deed cost them dearly. No longer will she lend a helping hand to those in need.
And all this only is the first part of this intriguing book. A book that shows how easily society can collapse when not prepared for the unforeseen… a book that shows realistic entanglements when law enforcement is limited… a book that’s all too real.
🤔OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ Jan dearly misses her best friend Renee, who moved to the big city with her parents to find work. But things aren’t good there either, in fact it’s worse. Scavenging for jobs proves to be harder than growing food and hunting for deer. Renee confides to Jan: “It’s terrible here. You can’t go out once the sun sets. We stay locked up all night in our apartment. You can hear gunshots all night long. It’s like one of those old Westerns.”
Eventually Jan’s friend moves back…. and teaches Jan an important lesson on friendships and softening her calloused heart.
✒︎ Loved Jan’s parents. They both are survivors in their own way. Her mother has a strong faith that she shows and shares when things get tough.
✒︎ Yes, Jan brought the stranger home but mama reminds her that little Jacob fooled them all. She says they forgot a crucial lesson when letting Jacob in.
“Mom handed over the Bible. “Read Matthew 10:16.”
Jan fumbled through the pages to Matthew. At least, it was the first book in the New Testament. It would disappoint Mom if she couldn’t find the book and chapter after all the times they’d read Bible stories before bedtime when she was little. She cleared her throat and read, ‘I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.’ ”
✒︎ Later mama teaches Jan a lesson on forgiveness by making her a pillow with Proverbs 17:9 embroidered on it: —‘Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
✒︎ And wait till you see what love can do…. Little Jacob saw it first hand.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The story drew me in because I could relate to some of the feeling Jan was going through - once someone betrays your good intentions its sometimes hard to be able to be trustful again but the reminder of Matthew 10:16 was wonderful. The writing was well done and really drew me in from the start. I also liked the idea of a post-apocalyptic book from a teenage girl's point of view.
YA Post-apocalyptic coming-of-age story about 16yo Jan. Before the variant (covid-19) destroyed life as they knew it Jan's life revolved around art, Friday night football games, and hanging out with friends. Now, her days are filled with the daily workload of the family's farm to be able to have enough to eat. Everyone she knew had moved away looking for work. When her best friend's family finally does the same Jan feels completely alone. So when a young boy appears in the green bean patch Jan, desperate for friendship, instantly welcomes him into their house, only for him to steal their truck in the night. Hurt by the betrayal she now becomes suspicious of everyone new she meets. With the threat of marauders looming over the ranch, Jan learns to trust outsiders again.
--------------Content Review, Contains Spoilers----------------
YA Post-apocalyptic coming-of-age story about 16yo Jan. Before the variant (covid-19) destroyed life as they knew it Jan's life revolved around art, Friday night football games, and hanging out with friends. Now, her days are filled with the daily workload of the family's farm to be able to have enough to eat. Everyone she knew had moved away looking for work. When her best friend's family finally does the same Jan feels completely alone. So when a young boy appears in the green bean patch Jan, desperate for friendship, instantly welcomes him into their house, only for him to steal their truck in the night. Hurt by the betrayal she now becomes suspicious of everyone new she meets. With the threat of marauders looming over the ranch, Jan learns to trust outsiders again.
--------------Content Review, Contains Spoilers----------------
July 24, 2023
I am a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, and I'm always looking for those with a unique story. This is the first book I have read in this genre that has a faith-based focus. Aimed at a young adult (or even younger) audience, the book is also enjoyable for those of us who are far older than the target group!
Jan Worthington was a normal teenager when a disease called The Variant swept through, killing many and changing her world forever. In fact, her own mother nearly died from the disease. The author mentions COVID-19 and the recent pandemic that we have all experienced and ties it into this story well.
Fortunately, Jan's parents had purchased a farm and had a thriving enterprise going, bartering for trade at the local market with their homegrown produce and cattle. The book focuses a lot on the running of the farm and would be informative for people who have never experienced that type of life.
Mostly, Jan misses her friends and the fun they had before everything changed. When she discovers a young boy stealing peas on their farm, she opens her heart to him. But she soon becomes disillusioned when this act of kindness causes her family a lot of hardship. Jan's mother has held onto her faith in God, while her father isn't so sure. As Jan loses her friends and her trust in others, she has to learn to rely on God to guide her decisions. As her mother says, "Forgiveness isn't for the other person. It's for the person who has the forgiving to do."
As with all books in this genre, you also have groups of people who are willing to do anything to take away the good things people have amassed. Jan and her family have to deal with the violence that is threatening their way of life while retaining their humanity and love.
The book is fast-paced and easy to read, and it should be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of this genre. It is full of friendship, love, forgiveness, and trust and gives the reader a lot to think about as they become immersed in this post-apocalyptic world. "Because when we forgive others, it frees our hearts to love again."
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Two Oaks Publishing through Interviews & Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion.
Jan Worthington was a normal teenager when a disease called The Variant swept through, killing many and changing her world forever. In fact, her own mother nearly died from the disease. The author mentions COVID-19 and the recent pandemic that we have all experienced and ties it into this story well.
Fortunately, Jan's parents had purchased a farm and had a thriving enterprise going, bartering for trade at the local market with their homegrown produce and cattle. The book focuses a lot on the running of the farm and would be informative for people who have never experienced that type of life.
Mostly, Jan misses her friends and the fun they had before everything changed. When she discovers a young boy stealing peas on their farm, she opens her heart to him. But she soon becomes disillusioned when this act of kindness causes her family a lot of hardship. Jan's mother has held onto her faith in God, while her father isn't so sure. As Jan loses her friends and her trust in others, she has to learn to rely on God to guide her decisions. As her mother says, "Forgiveness isn't for the other person. It's for the person who has the forgiving to do."
As with all books in this genre, you also have groups of people who are willing to do anything to take away the good things people have amassed. Jan and her family have to deal with the violence that is threatening their way of life while retaining their humanity and love.
The book is fast-paced and easy to read, and it should be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of this genre. It is full of friendship, love, forgiveness, and trust and gives the reader a lot to think about as they become immersed in this post-apocalyptic world. "Because when we forgive others, it frees our hearts to love again."
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Two Oaks Publishing through Interviews & Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 9, 2022
This is the second book that I read from this author and I must say it doesn’t disappoint, this is YA but adults can enjoy as much.
The main character Jan she has to grow up, this takes place 4 years after the variant, and all Jan friends have gradually left with their families is search of a better life in the city… but until her BFF leaves with her father, Jan struggles to keep going… Jan lives with her mom (she has a form of long covid and need a bit of care), her father and his older brother.
Jan father is an Ex militair, he knows how important it is to keep is family safe even when her mom doesn’t agree with his tactics or the way he sees things… since they live in a farm, and they have cattle and can grow things their life is not that bad, one day Jan decides to do things her way and because of that they were stolen, and Jan closes her heart to new people… even with her mom trying to sway her to open her heart like she used to do in the past…
Eventually our favourite Lizzy and her father from the prequel make their way to the next door farm (where Jan BFF used to live) and every time Lizzy tried to get to know Jan, Jan would close the door. The world building is good, you get to see how the world would go on after a collapse, not all because I think Jan is really sheltered from the worse of the hardship and that is what keeps this book so light hearted we just get to see a girl having a change of heart and letting her world to get bigger. There can not be death without rebirth ;) even a seed needs to die for a plant to grow…
You know what, I did enjoy this book, and I highly recommend it, thank you storyOrigin for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
The main character Jan she has to grow up, this takes place 4 years after the variant, and all Jan friends have gradually left with their families is search of a better life in the city… but until her BFF leaves with her father, Jan struggles to keep going… Jan lives with her mom (she has a form of long covid and need a bit of care), her father and his older brother.
Jan father is an Ex militair, he knows how important it is to keep is family safe even when her mom doesn’t agree with his tactics or the way he sees things… since they live in a farm, and they have cattle and can grow things their life is not that bad, one day Jan decides to do things her way and because of that they were stolen, and Jan closes her heart to new people… even with her mom trying to sway her to open her heart like she used to do in the past…
Eventually our favourite Lizzy and her father from the prequel make their way to the next door farm (where Jan BFF used to live) and every time Lizzy tried to get to know Jan, Jan would close the door. The world building is good, you get to see how the world would go on after a collapse, not all because I think Jan is really sheltered from the worse of the hardship and that is what keeps this book so light hearted we just get to see a girl having a change of heart and letting her world to get bigger. There can not be death without rebirth ;) even a seed needs to die for a plant to grow…
You know what, I did enjoy this book, and I highly recommend it, thank you storyOrigin for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
July 1, 2023
This is such an interesting dystopian coming-of-age story. Without any preamble, we’re thrust directly into a world where “the variant” (it never names COVID-19) has caused the death of millions around the world and the complete collapse of the supply chain. It sounds like we’re 3-4 years out and the only way to survive is to grow and/or raise your own food supply and/or rely on trade. Jan is a teenager and her family is farming and living better than most. It’s a great story and I especially loved the faith aspect. There’s also quite a bit of excitement along the way and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I see that there’s a series with some of the same characters and I intend to read it too. I definitely recommend this book; I was provided a copy, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
July 12, 2023
This is a great post-apocalyptic story! Jan is a wonderful main character, a teenager living in a post-Covid-like world. This world was hit harder than ours, and normal life has completely broken down. The book deals with Jan's life in her new reality, and touches on some big themes like trust and friendship, as well as faith.
The characters, especially Jan, are great. Very realistic and well-written. Everything they do and say makes sense given what we already know about them. I liked the way the major characters changed as the story progressed and they had to deal with serious issues.
There is also a good bit of action and excitement in the story. These are dangerous times, after all! So there's never a dull moment.
I also liked the faith element, mainly portrayed through Jan's parents. It's not overwhelming, and adds a nice human touch to the story.
Five stars!
The characters, especially Jan, are great. Very realistic and well-written. Everything they do and say makes sense given what we already know about them. I liked the way the major characters changed as the story progressed and they had to deal with serious issues.
There is also a good bit of action and excitement in the story. These are dangerous times, after all! So there's never a dull moment.
I also liked the faith element, mainly portrayed through Jan's parents. It's not overwhelming, and adds a nice human touch to the story.
Five stars!
August 13, 2022
This story is mainly about Jan a teenage girl living on a farm with her family after the world changed due to millions of deaths due to a variate. Jan seems to think losing her friends is worse than not attending school anymore. Through her experiences we see how she changes her outlook and much she has changed. Her family works hard on the farm and her mother has strong Christian beliefs which help keep the family together.
I enjoyed the story. The relationship with her brother, mother and father want you to see what happens with Jan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the story. The relationship with her brother, mother and father want you to see what happens with Jan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
I liked that the author kind of played off the COVID-19 theme, as if things had gone a different way. Almost like an alternative history. I wouldn't call it apocalyptic yet because things seem to be teetering on the edge of slipping back towards normalcy, but could also potentially become far worse. I love that Jan's emotions and priorities were that if a typical teenage girl, I could relate to her because I remember! Definitely a read I would not hesitate to hand off to my middle grade children, although it kept me engaged as well! I'm also excited that there is a sneak peek at book 2 included, and that it appears to be from her brother Caleb's point of view.
February 19, 2025
I loved this so much! Angela writes such fantastic YA Dystopians! I liked this especially because it was very realistic. A look at what the world could have been had COVID mutated severely. People forced to go back to bartering for goods and services, money is nearly useless, food is scarce and the internet a iffy at best. Jan, a teen girl who just wants to meet new friends after her BFF has to leave town. She learns a hard lesson in trust and friendship when she comes across a young boy who comes with unexpected baggage.
If you love stories with Faith in a Dystopian setting this is definitely for you!
If you love stories with Faith in a Dystopian setting this is definitely for you!
June 1, 2022
Although this book is labeled YA, I think parents will enjoy reading it also--and perhaps be reminded what it's like to be a teenager. The scenario that unfolds is eerily realistic. How would we survive if current events took such a turn? With this first book, the author explores the world through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old girl, but Jan has little time to moan over boys, makeup, and such. Her day is filled with the practical problems of survival in a hostile environment. She reacts without thinking sometimes but eventually learns important life lessons about people and relationships.
September 22, 2022
The Death of Friendship is book one of the Collapse series. It is a well-written and easy-to-read story. I found it entertaining that the main character, Jan, had pet dogs. I always worry when animals are written into books because they usually die but not here. The author has written this story cleanly and with a touch of spirituality about going through a Covid pandemic. It shows the trials and complications of living during this time.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book, but that does not affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book, but that does not affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
March 13, 2025
Collapse really shines through its excellent characterization, bringing to life a cast of relatable, authentic human figures navigating a world in crisis. What sets this book apart is its clean content—you could almost call it a cozy dystopian—offering a refreshing narrative that’s suitable for all ages. Rooted in Christian values, Collapse weaves themes of faith, hope, and redemption into the storyline. For YA readers seeking an engaging, wholesome story with compelling characters, this book delivers!
February 13, 2023
Audiobook: I enjoyed this first book in the "Collapse" series. The story was about the survival of a young girl and her family, after the collapse of society, due to the death of millions because of a pandemic. Once the audiobook started, I was so engaged that I had to listen until the end. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Amanda Kennedy's narration was fine and kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
May 12, 2024
I loved “Collapse”!!!! It is a book directed at a teenage audience, but as an adult, I could not put it down. The setting is after a time when a variant virus has claimed lives and civilization is no longer as it once was. The ways of living simple and knowledge of farming are now valuable tools, rather than luxury and technology. My heart went out to the character of “Jacob”. I could feel his hurt and pain. Look forward to reading all the books in the series!
July 8, 2022
A really good first book in this new & exciting end of the world story! I really like all of this, the characters & story ideas make this a real interesting read! I must say there is a little teenage angst involved! Overall a very enjoyable read & series so far! I can't wait for he next part! I do recommend!
January 14, 2023
Entertaining, clean coming of age dystopian tale
Collapse takes a look at living in a post apocalyptic world through a teen’s viewpoint. I enjoyed it and especially like the lack of vulgarity and the faith of the protagonist’s Mother. The characters don’t have a lot of background information but the storyline kept me engaged.
Collapse takes a look at living in a post apocalyptic world through a teen’s viewpoint. I enjoyed it and especially like the lack of vulgarity and the faith of the protagonist’s Mother. The characters don’t have a lot of background information but the storyline kept me engaged.
June 8, 2023
I love the whole apocalyptic genre, this one was a different version on Covid, if things had gone differently. The book kept me entertained til the end, Which was intense. Collapse was rated for young adults but I feel as though middle schoolers would even enjoy it and of course adults like me that have a young heart! ;)
June 19, 2023
So much to be learned from this one.
I’ll admit it started very slow and was a bit boring for this 50 year old but it got so much better. It is definitely a good clean book for YA and teens. I will add there is a lot of religious stuff in this one. Not so much that it was bothersome for me though. The characters well well written and likable.
Narration was great by Amanda Kennedy.
I’ll admit it started very slow and was a bit boring for this 50 year old but it got so much better. It is definitely a good clean book for YA and teens. I will add there is a lot of religious stuff in this one. Not so much that it was bothersome for me though. The characters well well written and likable.
Narration was great by Amanda Kennedy.
July 18, 2022
Wonderful story showing how the collapse of modern civilization can lead to the collapse of being able to have friends in a back to the farm world. This character driven story does not leave out conflicts but rather exposes the problems that ordinary people must surmount to keep their now simple lifestyle. Nifty gritty at times and at others it has you close to tears, it is a really good read!
March 31, 2025
I recommend for young teens, a very YA apocalypse-ish book. The characters were likeable, writing was okay, story pleasant and semi-engaging, it wasn’t particularly exciting or unpredictable but it was nice
July 6, 2022
The book was excellent! I read it and gave it to my daughter to read. I know she will enjoy it as much as I did!
May 17, 2023
Good story
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written with really good characters. Just regular people trying to make it in a post collapse society.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written with really good characters. Just regular people trying to make it in a post collapse society.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews