Member Reviews
Bedlam by Susanna Strom is book three in her World Fallen series.
Kyle and Sunny find each other during a time when losing someone is the norm. Now they have to turn childhood friendship into adult love.
Susanna Strom continues the World Fallen series with a third successful standalone sci-fi thriller. Strom consistently maintains the series continuity. The action is again revealed through the alternating viewpoints of the major characters with appropriate chapter headers. The romance between Kyle and Sunny is new, but we’re updated on the previous couples. The romances are well-developed and vibrant. The action in this story story is also overly drawn out, but is interesting. Future storylines are introduced, and I plan to read the next book in the series. Overall, I enjoyed Bedlam and give it 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this installment to readers of sci-fi romance.
My thanks to Independent Publishers Group, Cougar Creek Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
I tend to have a hard time resisting apocalyptic stories. It’s the potential of the ‘What if’ that draws me in, and I like discovering what authors come up with. I do have to admit, with the current times, this series hits a little too close to home. Although, it does put an interesting spin-on what could have happened. That said, Bedlam was a good book and while not a horrifying medical thriller, you could certainly wedge it in the things that make you go hmmm category.
Quick recap: In a pandemic world, Sunny is doing what she can to help others survive in her hometown. Her older brother’s best friend, and her childhood crush, returns to town to see if his family has survived and runs into Sunny. To do right by his friend, Kyle is determined to protect Sunny and take her back to safety where he has made his new home. A new faction comes into town at the same time presenting promises to help so long as the join forces. Deals that sound too good to be true usually are and come with prices…ones that Kyle and Sunny must decide if they are willing to pay the price.
On the whole, Bedlam was a good story. I found it intriguing but a little predictable. It’s probably all those apocalyptic stories I have read that seem to have the same kind of formula and this one was no exception. While I enjoyed the characters, I did at time find myself frustrated with them. Guess I should have looked a little closer at the blurb to catch the ages of the MCs. It explains a lot when I realize this is more of a New Adult genre. Oh well. Moving on. There’s quite a bit of action that keeps things running along at a good pace and while I have not read any of the previous books, I still had no problem keeping up. There were a few twists that pop up, saw them coming, and a few that I didn’t. Still, Bedlam made for an entertaining enough read.
Stars: 3
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A good read, the book grabbed your interest from the first chapter and kept it til the last, loved the interactions between are H/h!
As Kyle travels home at last to find out once and for all what happened to his family, he thinks he is prepared for what he might find. But nothing could ever prepare him for Sunny. A breathe of fresh air in a world gone mad he vows to protect her and bring her home to Valhalla. Sunny though is strong willed with her own agenda and dreams and Kyle must learn to accept that she has a say in her future. A future that's in jeopardy when another to good to be true offer becomes a fight to death. Action pact, passionate and full of new characters I can't wait to get to know more!
A steamy post apocalyptic romance and adventure. This is part of a series, but having not read the other books I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything even though there were characters from the other books mentioned in this one. It is a standalone, mostly HEA, at least as much as two lovers can get in a crazy post-apocalyptic world. Sunny has survived a pandemic that has killed most of the residents, not just of Boise, but the country. Her family is gone, including her brother Jake. She now works with an organization helping survivors of the virus survive the harsh new reality. Gangs have formed in the aftermath, claiming parts of the city but Sunny is determined to help survivors who can’t help themselves, like elderly Mrs. Birdwhistle. Then she runs into her dead brother’s best friend, Kyle, who is back in town from missions with his team to check on his family. Sunny has always had a crush on Kyle. Now that the end of the world is upon them, she decides it’s time to make fantasy a reality. But life in a crumbled society isn’t going to make things easy on them. This was a great adventure, plenty of steam, easy to read and very enjoyable overall. Sunny was a killer leading lady who took no BS and was very capable. Kyle was a typical alpha male who grew on me as the story unfolded. A great summer beach read with lots of spice and high stakes.
I have read all three of the World Fallen series, and this was just as much fun as the others. This series has been a great mix of romance, story and world building. It was great to get more of Kyle's story. Even though he was not my favorite character from the first two books, he grew on me in this one. I really enjoyed how he was able to grow and how the story progressed around him. I was a little frustrated with the characters at times when they didn't immediately figure out a few things that I thought were obvious, but it did not detract from the story for me. I also liked the new characters and how they fit into the larger world, as well as the expanded age range. It was nice to see more characters who represented a little bit larger range. I am so happy that this series is continuing and I can't wait to read more of it!
I had the chance to read and review the first two books in this World Fallen series and fell in love with the characters and post-apocalyptic world they're learning to survive in. Kyle Chamberlain wasn't my favorite character in the first two books. Seemingly weak in Pandemonium (especially compared to Ripper), and bitterly jealous over Kenzie's new relationship, he's grown throughout the series and now he gets his own story. After having fought alongside his friends to return Valhalla ranch to the safe haven they so desperately need, Kyle finally has a chance to return home to Boise and see how his family fared through the pandemic. But as he searches his old neighborhood for family and friends, he's met with nothing but tragedy and loss. Until he reaches the home of his childhood best friend and finds Jake's sister still alive.
Sunny always had a crush on her brother's best friend so she's astonished when he comes crashing back into her life like a white knight. Always seeing the good in people, she's shocked to see how paranoid and overprotective Kyle has become. She's determined to stay and help in her hometown where people are counting on her, but when two warring groups clash, she will need Kyle's help to survive.
I can't wait for the continuation of this series with Cataclysm featuring Bear, the rancher and owner of Valhalla.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series is just getting better and better! I enjoyed it a lot. I loved seeing Kyle come into his own. I loved how he remembered Ripper in the back of his head. I like Sunny but she got on my nerves sometimes with her ideas about not learning how to shoot a gun. I hate to say it but they drove that truck with “Valhalla “ on the side all over the place. Elliot can track them. I wonder if the author did this on purpose? That truck was very memorable in the last books. I wish I could see Elliots response when he got back home. I like how everything is lining up. I can’t wait to get Bears story. I hope our friends come out on the other side. I highly recommend this book and series.
Bedlam is the third book in the World Fallen series, but could be read as a standalone.
Sunny has been struggling to survive in post-apocalypse Boise, Idaho. She’s buried her friends and family and drives around in a bread box of a van named Daisy. Sunny is just like her name says, she’s upbeat, sweet, helpful, positive, naive, unaware, and yes, a virgin. Sunny has has had a crush on her older brother’s friend Kyle forever. If you’ve read the first two books, you know the backstory, if not, this book gives a brief recap.
I wanted to like this book so much. I really enjoyed the first two, Kenzie and Ripper were so fun to read. It took me a long time to get invested in this story, and then around the 50% mark it started to take off. Lots of action, fighting bad guys, and some steamy lovins with our main characters.
It was really hard to see Kyle as a hero when he was a whiny, preppy college boy in the last books. I mean, Ripper is a TOUGH act to follow. It could have simply been the wrong book at the wrong time for me, but every time Kyle says “What would Ripper do?” or “I wish Ripper were here.” I thought, yup, me too Kyle.
I love this kind of story, but I couldn’t get past the Kyle I knew from the previous books. I will continue this series, because more Ripper and Kenzie!
Thank you to Susanna Strom and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to review.
Another great addition to this dystopian series.
Reading about the aftermath of a worldwide pandemic, while still under restrictions due to COVID meant this 3rd book in the series wasn't well-timed LOL. The series actually commenced before COVID so the author must have had her psychic hat on when she wrote this!
This time around Kyle is getting his turn to shine. He's returning home to see if anyone is still alive. His community has been ravaged but Sunny, his best friend's little sister, has survived and is part of a community that works together to keep each other fed and safe. But when a local gang tried to make a move on the Haven, Summy and Kyle are going to have to work together to get everyone out safely.
Kyle takes up the mantle admirably from Ripper as the protector. He and Sunny have a history, so it's nice that have memories they can share together. There is plenty of action and adventure and a new big-bad to take down. I'm not sure who was the biggest baddie, senior or junior??!?
Really well-constructed world with engaging and interesting characters. And in the vein of all great stories, some of the most loved characters don't always make it to the end of the book. Can't wait to read more about Finn and see how Valhalla copes with its new inhabitants!
I definitely fell in love with this series a little-lot bit with this book. It definitely hits very close to home after this past year - and maybe takes a view on what could have happened with a different kind of pandemic.
Kyle and Sunny grew up next door to each other. Kyle was best friends with Sunny's older brother and was off at college with him when the virus exploded. Since that time Kyle has buried most of his friends and found a home with a group of other survivors on a ranch in eastern Oregon. He's no longer the happy-go-lucky, well-off college student he was. He's become a true survivor and has done things that he never would have even though of in a pre-pandemic world.
Sunny survived the virus as well - and like everyone else has lost her whole family and almost everyone she knew. She's connected with a group of other survivors in Boise who are scavenging for supplies and helping to support other survivors. Before the pandemic she had a major crush on Kyle, but never thought it would turn in to anything.
When Kyle returns back to their neighborhood to find out what happened to his parents - he and Sunny reconnect - and that triggers a whole lot of action as they try to find their way in a totally changed world. Even in the face of the book being maybe a little too close to home - I still really enjoyed this take on a post-apocalyptical world. Those aspects to it are truly terrifying and maybe a little too real. But it made the book that much more exciting to read.
I definitely recommend this for fans of urban fantasy.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley but these opinions are all my own.
Just like watching my favorite episode of Walking Dead but without the zombies.
This series hits way close to home. Kyle heads home to check on his family in Boise. He finds his best friends little sister instead but she’s not so little anymore.
“Hey, Sunny. Glad to see that you survived the great flupocalypse.”
This world has a slot of crazy power hungry survives. This is one nonstop wild ride you won’t be able to put down.
I’m glad Kyle found his HEA I felt bad for him after the last two books.
I cupped her cheeks, staring into her beautiful amber eyes. “Always. I’ll always come for you. You’re my world, Sunshine.”
Now on to Bears story. I can’t wait.
Susanna Strom has done it again! This third entry in her World Fallen series follows Kyle's story and has all of the action, heat, danger, and heart that I've come to expect. We get to meet new friends, new allies, new loves, and new enemies in a fast paced, edge of your seat ride. I love this series and I can't wait to find out what the author has in store for us in Cataclysm!
Thank you to NetGalley and Cougar Creek Publishing LLC for access to this arc.
Bedlam by Susanna Strom
Publisher: Cougar Creek Publishing LLC
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Bedlam by Susanna Strom is the third book in the World Fallen series. It can be read as a standalone novel, but the first two books are so good that you'll want to read them!
Bedlam tells the story of Kyle returning home in this post-pandemic world and what he encounters while there. I really felt moved by this story. Going home is supposed to feel good and safe, and in this new world, Kyle is faced with grief, uncertainty, and not knowing who he can trust. He also rekindles an old friendship and makes new friends along the way.
I refused to give away any spoilers because this book will keep you on the edge of your seat! The story is laid out really well and filled with twists and turns and so much suspense and excitement! The author does such an incredible job of creating this world, where I felt like I was part of it.
I love the characters in this book and have enjoyed watching the grow as they deal with the constant crisis around them. The story is incredible. It is fast paced and filled with so much action. I really enjoy the characters and their interactions. Also, the romance is hot and steamy (NSFW).
I didn't want this book to end! It was so good that I couldn't put it down! As much as I wanted to know how things would work out, I didn't want to reach the end! I'm so happy that there will be another book in the series called Cataclysm! I can't wait for it to release because I need to know what happens next!
I'm so grateful to Susanna Strom, Cougar Creek Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This post apocalyptic series really hits hard right now as here in the real world we too struggle against what can be a deadly virus. That being said in the hands of Ms Strom the effects of a pandemic are highly entertaining and certainly page turning. This story is about Kyle as he goes back to where he grew up hoping that somehow some of his family and friends have survived. Well what do you know ? There is a survivor and its his best friends little sister Sunny ! Except the Sunny he meets isn't a snot nosed kid but a young woman with ideas of her own. Sunny is determined to help her fellow survivors but a virus isn't the only threat as danger starts walking the streets of Boise and Kyle and Sunny are slap bang in its crosshairs !
I really enjoy this series although will admit I just didn't particularly want Kyle to be the hero. Both he and Sunny felt so very young at times and I know they are early twenties, so technically NA but they felt a lot younger. I do enjoy this new direction that the series is going in and this was a very exciting story. Plus we get new characters that definitely made me smile. I believe Bear will headline the next book but I cannot help but want another alpha male in charge and having enjoyed Ripper so much I'm definitely routing for the enigmatic Marcus. Twists and turns, sexy times and cuteness makes this a book I happily recommend.
This is a voluntary take of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair