The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on July 7, 2019 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.04 with 2,750 ratings and 326 reviews
Broken World by Kate L. Mary Series: Broken World #1
Published by Self-Published on July 2, 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction
Pages: 239
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
When a deadly virus sweeps the country, Vivian Thomas sets out for California in hopes of seeing the daughter she gave up for adoption. But when her car breaks down she’s faced with a choice: give up or accept a ride from redneck brothers, Angus and Axl. Vivian knows the offer has more to do with her double D’s than kindness, but she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to reach her daughter.
The virus is spreading, and by the time the group makes it to California, most of the population has been wiped out. When the dead start coming back, Vivian and the others realize that no electricity or running water are the least of their concerns. Now Vivian must learn how to be a mom under the most frightening circumstances, cope with Angus’s aggressive mood swings, and sort out her growing attraction to his brooding younger brother, Axl.
While searching for a safe place to go, the group meets a pompous billionaire who may be the answer to all their problems. Trusting him means going into the middle of the Mojave Desert and possibly risking their lives, but with the streets overrun and nowhere else to turn, it seems he might be their only chance for survival.
I wasn’t sure if I would like Broken World because the theme of zombies borders on horror, but I really enjoyed it. I did have the recommendation of Carole. I do love scifi and dystopia and there is a lot of that here. The main characters are not all great people. They are very gray with plenty of flaws. But in this kind of situation, you have to do what is needed to survive.
Vivian seems like she has had a rough background and hasn’t stepped out of it. But when the world goes badly, she heads for California to see the daughter, Emily, she gave up for adoption. Sadly although her background has given her some survival skills, it did not teach her much about being a parent.
Angus and Axl are a bit scary. They can be nice but they can also be violent jerks. Their life has also taught them some street smarts / life skills. Vivian seems to handle them a bit; I’d be more frightened than she is.
It’s a difficult time and how does one decide who to trust? At least, with so many dying, there is not a lack of supplies and food yet. There’s bound to be some shortages and big changes in their lives. I look forward to reading on in the Broken World series.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don’t include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
Please join in the fun, and link up your freebie reviews below. You review can be in many places (Goodreads, blog, facebook or wherever).
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About Kate L. Mary
Kate L. Mary is an award-winning author of Adult, New Adult, and Young Adult fiction, ranging from Post-apocalyptic tales of the undead to Speculative Fiction and Contemporary Romance! Her YA book, When We Were Human, was a 2015 Children’s Moonbeam Book Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction, and a 2016 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal winner for Young Adult Science Fiction. Her book, Outliers, was a Top 10 Finalist in the 2018 Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction, and a First Place Winner in the 2018 Kindle Book Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
I’m a little afraid of Angus and Axl and I haven’t even read the book! Now I’m curious to see where the next book goes.
Me too on both those things. These are not always the smartest or best people but they are trying to survive.
I am so glad that you started this series, Anne! I really had a great time with it. She really does write great characters. Great review!
Yes I really enjoyed it but these are truly, flawed characters. I knew about them from you. Thank you.
sounds like a fun one. i would love to drive route 66. would make for a fabulous road trip
I rode Route 66 on my Harley in parts from Interstate 35 into California. Sometimes I ride back roads and sometimes Interstates depending on timetables and services available.
It’s not as much fun with people eating people though.
LOL
Yes, I remember Carole’s reviews on the series. I thought it was a bit over my horror border, but I’m glad it was as good as you hoped. My blog review for my freebie isn’t up yet so I just did my Goodreads review link instead.
Thanks for sharing your freebie! It can be Goodreads; that works too. It’s just fun to be reading them finally.
I do like zombie/apocalyptic stories. I always imagine myself in the situation and wonder what I’d do. At least you enjoyed this Thrifty Find more than the others. This sounds like a promising series to me. I think I’d be more afraid in Vivian’s situation too!
I thought I might like it because Carole did. And it is a good one. I hope to read on in the series. They have it at my library and on audio also.