Description
From the author of the Amazon best-selling Broken World series comes book two in an exciting new zombie apocalypse series!
There was something evil living in Andrew. I’d seen it in his eyes, reflecting back at me like a spotlight. It was the brightest darkness I’d ever seen, bright enough to snuff every one of us out….
Still reeling from loss and with the harsh Oklahoma elements seemingly working against them, Kellan and Regan set out to rescue Harper from Andrew and his men. Only now they aren’t just fighting to free a teenage girl, they’re fighting to keep a promise to the man who saved them, knowing if they fail, Harper won’t be the only one at risk.
Joining forces with a new group means having help and making friends, but it also brings new conflict and the risk of losing everything they’ve worked to build over the last eight years. With zombies banging at their door and the threat of Andrew around every corner, Regan and Kellan will have to fight to keep their world secure and their secret from getting out.
Tina G. –
The Brightest Darkness: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Novel (Oklahoma Wastelands, Book 2) by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Heather Firth is a great second for the series. Recommend if you are looking for a new z series (make sure to listen in order) or have listened to the first and wondering about the second.
What’s it about? The group is dealing with the fallout from the previous events while trying to move forward, only it’s not so easy to trust in this harsh post-apocalyptic world. Those immune to the virus are no longer able to keep their secrets hidden as Andrew hunts them down. New members shake things up and the Z’s are getting smarter. The result is a fast-paced story with a good amount of action. There is a bit of romance between a few couples with the main focus on Regan and Kellan. The book ends in a cliffhanger of sorts (I need the next book ASAP please!). I love it’s set in the same world as Agnes James (another must listen for z lovers)- nice to have it all tie in.
The narrator, Heath Firth, was marvelous- love her narrations! She brings the characters to life and helps pull you into the story. Between her narration and Kate’s writing, it’s a perfect team.
Overall, I recommend, especially if you are new to Kate or Heather.
“If there’s no goodness, no humanity left in the world, we deserve to follow the dinosaurs into extinction.”
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: It’s the zompoc folks, so things like death, weapons, and not nice people doing not nice things. Threats of rape, reliving the trauma that occurred in the previous book, PTSD, some sex (semi-detailed). Language used: Sx49, Fx2.
RJ –
The story in volume two of this apocalypse romance has grown along with Regan’s love for Kellan. Starting out the story with an eight-year jump was a bit disconcerting but eventually, the past caught up with the present and everything worked out. Our long-time couple first had some issues to clean up concerning Harper from the prior volume. And they were still grieving and recovering from the personal losses incurred at the hands of Andrew, also from the prior volume. Wanting to break the doldrums they found themselves in they looked for something new. Jasper’s computer provided an opportunity by introducing them to a new contact; a new group of people to hopefully spend time with. This new group of survivors headed by Bill and Ernie primarily takes the focus of the story from this point. Andrew was still out there somewhere to contend with. Ernie was used to giving orders and was less than content to accept a younger Kellan as the leader. Interaction between the two groups, or the lack thereof, is the focal point. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Carole Wooten –
I had a great time listening to this audiobook. I listened to the first book in this series shortly after its release last year and enjoyed it so that I went on to read many of more of the author’s works during the past year. It goes without saying that I was excited to start listening to this book and it did not disappoint. This is the second book in the Oklahoma Wastelands series, which is a series that should be read in order if at all possible. I really enjoyed slipping back into this world for a bit to check in on Regan and Kellan.
Please note there may be spoilers in this review for the first book in the series.
This book picks up shortly after the events of the first book. Regan and Kellan are determined to rescue Harper from Andrew. In a world filled with zombies and humans out to take advantage of others, things are never easy. Regan, Kellan, and their group are all really good people and are determined to protect everyone in their group. There were a lot of really exciting scenes in this book and quite a few twists that kept me guessing throughout the story.
I really like Regan and Kellan. They make a great pair and just seem to fit each other perfectly. They both feel some responsibility to others in their group and are willing to put themselves in danger to protect others. They are both very supportive of each other and Kellan doesn’t hold Regan back even though he might want to at times. It was great to see their relationship grow over the course of this story. I think that they have wonderful chemistry with each other and their history together makes everything even more believable. It was really easy to cheer them on.
Heather Firth did a fantastic job with the narration of this book. I liked all of the character voices that she used and I thought that all of the dialogue in this story felt very natural. I think that she was able to add a lot of excitement and emotion into the story. She read the story with a very pleasant voice and I had no problems listening for hours at a time.
I would recommend this series to others. I really liked the fact that this story was exciting from beginning to end. I cared about the characters and wanted to see everything work out for them. I can’t wait to read more of this exciting series and more of Kate L. Mary’s work!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.
Shan MC –
Was super excited to read this 2nd book after enjoying the 1st book, and this didn’t disappoint! Some more awesome zombie action! Loved the connection between Regan and Kellan; they are too sweet and so supportive of each other! They both are so protective of each other, and would do anything for the other. The whole group is still worried about psycho, Andrew, from the 1st book. Andrew is looking for those that are immune to zombie bites; plus, he’s just an all around disgusting, rapist individual out to take out Regan and Kellan’s group. Luckily, they find some other survivors, but with more people involved, more problems arise. There’s those individuals that are still decent, but there’s also plenty of bad survivors out there. Trust is very hard in this zombie apocalyptic world. It does get so frustrating when the group doesn’t think things through properly; especially since they’ve watched the tv show, The Walking Dead. They should know better! The characters need to go with their guts more, and should really be more vigilant; especially after surviving so long in this world. Still would love more zombie action; it would be great to see those zombies take out some of the bad guys! This one does end on a cliffhanger, so I’m excited to read the next book! Really enjoying this series so far!
Also, I listened to the Audible version of this story, and the narrator did great. She really fits the tone and characters of the story. Strong performance and a quality recording. Recommend it!
Malinda Spriggs –
Ugh! The cliffhanger! Sooo good! Feeling Kellan and Regans relationship develop more and Andrew…. This continuation is fantastic! Heather Firth slays it with her narration again. Kate L. Mary you’ve made your fellow Ohioan proud!
John Mckeown –
Slow burner to start with but picks up nicely and ends of a cliff hanger making you want to listen to the next book. As a lover of anything zombie apocalyptic I’m finding this, albeit a live story between the two main characters in the middle of the apocalypse, surprisingly intriguing enough to keep in listening, so if you are on the fence about weather to listen or not I would recommend giving it a go you will be pleasantly surprised.