Strung III: The Last Drop

Udhængt #3

by Per Jacobsen

In this third—and final—book in the STRUNG series, Randall Morgan and David Pearson face their biggest challenge yet.

In the form of a half-empty IV bag once connected to Randall's son, they have found a means that might be used to fight the evil that has infected the world.

The question remains, though, whether they can bring themselves to use it. Because during the massacre at Redwater, their enemy finally revealed his true face … and it looks so damn innocent.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Audiobook, Post Apocalyptic, Death

305 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2022

About the author

Per 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.

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series, my only issue is we never find out what caused this issue.

[Elena Linville-Abdo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: 4 out of 5

This was a good conclusion to the trilogy. I admit that I was a bit irritated with Randal's decisions at times and found them to be pig-headed, but in the end, he made the right choice.

I would have loved to get a little more details about these alien parasites, though - did they invade the whole of USA? The whole of Earth? Or are they localized to the northeast portion of the United States? If they are all over the globe, then there probably are other Billies out there, so the fight is far from over. However, I understand that this story is told from Randall's point of view, and it's not like he has a satellite phone and secret codes to get in touch with the government, military, etc.

All in all this was a quick and spooky read, perfect for the spooky season.

[cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

i have never before disliked a main character as much as i HATE randall. i wish only bad things upon him

[Alissa Sammons · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book was good, caught my attention, and the second one was ok, but it seemed to take so long to get to the point climaxed so quickly, then ended. So, I was excited for the third to take that ending and run, flop.
Ended how you expected, I assume since these are so short, the story could be elaborated on, which is odd for me. i dislike books that detail too much, and this one did too little. Boom, it was over, and I felt like i missed the meal and got just the appetizers. Dont get me wrong, i found them great thing to listen to while working, but it never made me stop and go oh shot, replay.

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I felt completed invested in knowing what was going to happen and how this was going to play out in then end with a solid conclusion….but I’m learning that is not this author’s m.o. He does keep you on the edge of your seat though!

[☆♡ Amanda ♡☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man I wanted to like the ending more. I really enjoyed this trilogy but the ending felt more rushed and unresolved for me.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, for a finale...it was good.
I, personally, am happy with the ending.

My qualms lie with the overall apocalypse...everywhere else.
Okay, so we solved...what? Pennsylvania? What about the rest of the world?
Were there more like Billy?!

[robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series was fantastic. A very quick read. If you like horror/dystopian books, this is for you.

[Karen K - Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always hard to create a perfect ending to this type of book. There were definitely some questions left unanswered. But it wasn’t bad.

[Penny Cipolone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel in three parts very much. A really fast read, hard to put down once you start. Reminiscent of Stephen King's style. A bit disappointed with the ending. I feel that a lot of questions went unanswered.

[Richard Howard · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a bloody letdown! I'm tempted to give this 1*, that's how bad it is. There is no explanation of why the 'invasion' took place. There isn't even a cursory attempt to make any sense out of the scenario the first two books set up so well. Instead there's a lot of mawkish nonsense about fathers and sons and completely unrealistic behaviour by the main protagonists. At the end there is no closure at all. It's as if the author just couldn't be bothered. (In fact, upon reflection,I'm so pissed off, I've re-rated it as 1*.)

[❤ArtfullySinful❤ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even if you wanted to, you couldn't do it. You'd rather let David and all the others die than kill me. It's in your DNA. And why? Because you're my dad ... and a father won't sacrifice his son, no matter the cost.

Finding his son was taking every ounce Randall Morgan had left to give, but actually saving him would prove to be his fatal undoing. It’s been months since the RedWater Massacre that took Rose Levine from David Pearson and left a gaping hole where his heart once resided. Trekking across Pennsylvania and unleashing a killing spree on innocent survivors, Billy Morgan haa become a terrifying legend who ha the ability to control the children. Having only received four of the five parasites necessary for total control, he lacked the one that controls the frontal lobe so he can walk a fine line between people and parasites. Still managing to channel an innocent boy to pull on his father's heartstrings, Randall unknowingly in his dreams open the vault to reveal the attack plan to capture him. Outsmarted and nearly losing their lives in the process, they manage to use Billy's own dream manipulation against him and trace him to the school they are using as their hive. Sedating him and bringing him back to Maryland, Helen Walker is overjoyed as the experiments can resume and a potential cure could be reviewed. Unfortunately, she failed to pass down the state of the experiments which involved electrocution to successfully shut down the telepathy they used to communicate to one another. Deciding between his own son and David, he chose to turn the dial all the way and kill Billy andbit allowed David a chance to make it from the elevator unscathed.

They were the ones who were sick, Dad. Not me, not us.

[Claus Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an Advanced Readers Copy

At last, the conclusion to Per Jacobsen’s ”Strung”trilogy is here, and from page one, you can tell that we are coming to the end of the story. After the apocalyptical mass murder in book 2, we are now left with only two of our beloved heroes. They decide to team up with a group of scientists and soldiers, we haven’t seen the likes of since “Day of the Dead.” I don’t want to give away too much about the plot of the other books in the series in case you read this review before completing them, but it’s still Billy, that is the central point of the book – wht to do about him, how he can be saved, and whether the scientists with their microscopes and secret plans truly are the right ones to help him…
Where the enemy in book 1 were the horrific killer cops, and where book 2 took a long time to show us the real villain, book 3 goes balls to the wall with it. We know who and what they are – but can our heroes actually bring themselves to fight them?
Jacobsen has slowed the story down a notch, and that makes the story better. We now get a chance to actually enjoy some of the setpieces (the abandoned school is my favorite) for a little while longer thn the first 2 books. As a reader, you will often think you’ve figured the story out – only to have the whole thing turn around on you and you have to guess again.
With characters you still find compelling after 3 books, and with tension that doesn’t let up until literally the last page, Strung 3 is a worthy conclusion to the trilogy.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wraps up the trilogy, but I have to say that I felt a little dissatisfied with the ending. Randall Morgan and his friend, David Pearson, find an IV bag that might hold the answer to the horrors that recently beset the human race. When they arrive at a government lab to turn it over for answers, they instead find themselves facing even more problems.

Randall is still determined to find his son, Billy, who seems to be controlling the children that are infected with a parasite. These kids are killing everyone they can and Randall has to make a hard choice: try to save his son or (maybe) save humanity.

I enjoyed this trilogy, but I would have liked to know more about where this parasite came from, what its purpose was and what was happening in the rest of the world. There were some poignant moments as Randall grapples with his decision and it does make the reader think about what they would do in his situation.

The narrator did a good job and added a lot to the book. I would recommend this series to those who enjoy horror mixed with a little something more.

[James McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary

Now that I've completed all three books in this series its time to review! Loved it and all the characters. I bought the first book not knowing this was going to be an end of the world set of books. Not usually interested in this genre but having said that....excellent read. First I thought 'stepford wives', then 'walking dead' but then it took on a life of its own and I devoured these books! Written in a way that you're invested in the characters and looking for a reasonable outcome. Not going to ruin it for you but will strongly suggest you read it. You won't be disappointed😁

[Amanda Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wild apocalyptic ride with a emotional ending. I'll say it again, this should be a TV show or mini series! I would love to see this on screen with the right casting. From the first book till the last I could not get enough! What I loved most about this end of the world novel was how it was realistic in you don't exactly get all the answers. You know what the MC knows like it would be in real life and it ends with, for me, a satisfying end to Randall and David's story during the invasion. I can't wait to read more by Per Jackson. I really enjoy his fast pace writing that just pulls you in from the beginning until the end!

[Sally Vrooman Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strung III is a great ending to the trilogy. Per Jacobsen ties up all the loose ends and gives readers the closure they were hoping for. The story is intense and full of surprises, just like the first two books. The characters feel real, and their struggles keep you hooked from start to finish.

What really stands out is how Jacobsen brings everything together. Questions from the earlier books are answered, and the final moments feel satisfying and earned. While some parts were a little slower than I expected, the emotional payoff makes up for it.

If you’ve read the first two books, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s a strong conclusion to an unforgettable series!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cheyenne Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Strung series by Per Jacobsen. I read this book in two hours!

Randall and David have both survived The Collapse and suffered unimaginable loss. Driven by their will to survival and Randall’s love for his son, Billy, they tackle more obstacles in the new world.

Billy is the key to surviving this new world that was thrust upon them. The after math of the events at Redwater Stadium have left Billy in the wind. Will they find him? Will they be able to continue to sacrifice their humanity? Is a million more important than the one?

Onto the prequel….

[Tania Rook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get the feeling maybe I should have paid attention to the Walking Dead. Or Strung parts I and II. In Part III, the thrilling climax, a bunch of people I do not know get together for a final showdown.

Read parts I and II, I guess would be my suggestion with this one. Because the premise is great and the exploration of relationships engaging. Plus there's all these ethical questions and practical issues about surviving the zombie apocalypse. Lots to think about in nihilism given just enough science fiction to not come off as likely to happen for real in the next decade.

[Tami Waldron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but loose ends

I enjoyed the book, however it seemed like at times the author repeated things that the reader just read in the previous chapter. It never gave an explanation of what the creatures were and where they came from and what their ultimate purpose was about. The characters were well developed and the storyline was good. I just wanted a little more closure. Perhaps there will be a fourth book that will finish it up.

[Catherine Coe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was ok. This last book was still pretty much plot and no real characterization, and the plot part was slim. It was a short read that brought the series to a conclusion, but with many questions still unanswered. I’m not entirely bummed that I spent time reading the books, but it wasn’t all that satisfying to read a series that didn’t hold a candle to the work of some of the horror writers I’ve been reading lately.

[Beatrix Starling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think what bothered me a bit was that the series started as a large scale cosmic horror, and as it went on it became more and more localised small scale horror with less and less happening. Kinda fizzled out.

Still a brilliant story, i was well engaged and overall enjoyed it.

Would have loved some explanation or actual focus on the parasite, as opposed to just family ties. That could have been explored to a great extent to keep the story at a larger scale.

[Bree Lyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Revenge in the mind of anyone is a dangerous thing. Revenge in the mind of a patient man is always worse."

"For he knows that life goes on. And he knows that little miracles like this will continue to appear every now and then. And that other bumblebees like this one will continue to fly off on adventures. Even when the world around them tries to tell them that they can't."

Man, disappointing ending for sure after being invested in three books. 🫤

[Sara Ferrarese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I loved the first 2 books in this series, this book kind of fizzled for me. After so many hours spent speculating on the mystery of this series, I just REALLY wanted a more definitive answer to the central mystery of this story. I will definitely continue to read more from this author, as he does write captivating stories with compelling characters, and hopefully the enemy/adversary in other novels are less nebulous and more defined.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per Jacobsen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and the "Strung" trilogy is another example of his wonderful storytelling and world building. Throughout the books I enjoyed following Randall's journey and others who were introduced along the way. While the overall story of "Strung" is often heartbreaking, this final book was a truly satisfying conclusion for this fantastic trilogy. Well done, Per Jacobsen.

[Laura Drumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different and enjoyable!

I enjoyed a plot that didn’t involve zombies or aliens. I cared about the characters and felt with what the characters felt. I know making the main villain the person that they did but it certainly was a huge belief in coincidence. Without though there wouldn’t have been a complete story.

[Cheryl A. Rathbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous

I really love this series and I feel like I will definitely go back and read it again. These are the type of books that make me feel alive. I love the characters And I love the plot and I love the twists. This is a great series that deserves to be A movie or a TV series... Read it!

[LISA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the series was well done and made a permanent fan out of me for Per Jacobsen's writing. The characters are well drawn and pull you right into the story with them. It was a fast paced and adventure filled ride; I couldn't put it down and finished in two sittings. I would love for this to become a miniseries. I can hardly wait to start another of his books.

[MidnightxHaze · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third book made me so mad… it got exciting at the last hour and we never found out WHY everything happened!! So I read three books for no conclusion?! I like the authors writing style and I enjoyed the characters but I am dissatisfied with the conclusion. I’ll still give his other stuff a try but to say I’m disappointed is an understatement 😭