From the author of the Amazon bestselling Broken World series, comes an exciting new Zombie Apocalypse series…When Regan was a young girl living in the small town of Altus, OK, Kellan was just her brother’s best friend. Then the virus came, turning the world’s population into zombies, and he became so much more. They were only kids, but he saved her. Watched over her. Kept her alive. And he’s … alive. And he’s been doing the same thing every day since.
After living the apocalypse for nine years, Regan thought they’d experienced every kind of loss and terror imaginable. But when a new group starts wreaking havoc in the Oklahoma wastelands where they live, Regan and Kellan are faced with a new set of horrors.
When they cross paths with a teenage girl, offering to help seems like the right thing to do. But Regan and Kellan soon discover that lending aid to the girl very well could lead to their undoing.
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Kate L. Mary has done it again. She takes what could be just another zombie apocalypse novel, works her magic, and createscharacters you actually care about and a vivid plot you feel like could happen.
I could not put this book down. It had me on the edge of my seat, and every time I finished a chapter, I felt like I needed to keep going. The tension between Regan and Kellan is one of those things you really want in a book, and it is rarely delivered. Kate L. Mary knows how to keep the reader wanting more, and never rushing emotions.
The apocalyptic Oklahoma setting is so fantastic. I love how the weather played a huge part in Regan and Kellan’s struggles, a long with, of course, the zombies. It kept the novel exciting, nerve wrecking, and ….really, everything you could want in a zombie apocalypse novel.
Overall, this book is amazing. I cannot wait to see where this story goes. It is a page turner, with fantastic writing, beautiful characters, and terrifying circumstances. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
*I received this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
I am not a fan of apocalypse stories but a friend of mine said I should try this one and and I figured why not. I am so glad that I did! There is so much going on in this story that it is not your typical zombie story. You have survival, romance, action and so much more! This is a great listen and I can’t wait to dive into the next!
The Loudest Silence (Oklahoma Wastelands #1) was a great read by Kate L. Mary. Regan grew up in the small town of Altus, OK; and growing up Kellan was her brother’s best friend. Unfortunately a virus came that turned the world’s population into zombies. That’s when Kellan became so much more. He not only saved her, but watched over her and kept her alive. After nine years of the apocalypse, a new group starts wreaking havoc where they live. They come across a young girl they think they should help, which could lead to their undoing. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by the author.
Listened to the audio version of this story on Audible. It was a good listening experience; quality recording and a clear performance. The narrator does a good job; she fits the characters well.
I enjoy zombie apocalypse romance, so love the premise for this story. Plus, there’s a whole brother’s best friend crush thing going on that I liked. Regan’s brother died, but not before asking his best friend, Kellan, to look out for her. During the zombie apocalypse, that’s a pretty tough job; especially since they were in their teens at the time. Now, Regan is 21 and starting to feel romantic towards Kellan, but she thinks he just sees her as a little sister. Kellan is a little bit older at around 25; he cares deeply for Regan and will do anything to keep her safe. Love how protective he is! Regan and Kellan both have a couple of annoying aspects, but I liked them together. They are both sweet with each other. They are part of a group of survivors that stay in some type of bunker, so there’s a bit of story with some side characters too. Enjoyed the interaction between all the characters. We get lots about the relationships going on between the characters, some about the humans that have turned bad, and some zombie action!
Overall, an entertaining zombie romance! Love that this is a series! Excited to see where the story goes and see the characters grow. This one has a bit of a cliffhanger; not too bad of one, but there’s still lots of story to be told. Looking forward to it!
Also, in the version of this story that I listened to, there was a bonus short story. This book mainly featured Blake and Emma, who were side characters in The Loudest Silence. It’s about how Blake and Emma met at the beginning of the zombie apocalypse, the trauma they’ve suffered, and how they found themselves with a group of survivors. It was a good backstory for Blake and Emma, but it’s sad because after getting their current story in the full book; I know things don’t quite go well for them. Still liked getting to know them more. Good prequel!
The beginning of this book was very annoying to me. Regan with her teen-like behavior got to be a tad overwhelming. There’s young romance thrown into the mix. After you get past that the storyline gets active and exciting.
Ever since our families died nine years ago and we’d banded together, Kellan had felt like he was responsible for me. Maybe it was the guilt because of the words he’d so carelessly thrown at me during those few weeks we were alone, or maybe it was because I was the only person from his old life who was still around. Either way, I was tired of him treating me like a weight he had to drag around, and I’d put up with it for too long. Kellan needed to let me grow up.
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After surviving 9 years into the apocalypse, Regan and Kellan are finding out that there may be worse things in this life than the dead. The living can be a much scarier, deadlier foe. Rumors are circulating through the region and settlements that a group of vicious men are after the living. But why? And will 9 years of safety suddenly come crashing down thanks to the intrusion of these men?
I was in absolute love with this story. So much I nearly cried knowing it may be awhile before I get to see what happens next. I really hope the author is one of those that like to have a series nearly all the way written as they are publishing one book, so they can get the rest out as quick as can be. Or maybe I am just wishful thinking and setting myself up for a long wait. *cries*
Either way, I will be eagerly and impatiently waiting the release of the 2nd book. But as for this one, I couldn’t put it down. It is an awesome edge of your seat, page turner. I kept reading until I was done. And even then, my mind was racing and I couldn’t fall asleep. So I picked up a couple of Mary’s novellas and read until 4am getting more of my zombie fix.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tension and angst that ran like a live current between Regan and Kellan. I loved the build up until all that was left was to act on every emotion that was between them. It was fantastic and amazing and utterly breathtaking. My heart may never be the same.
Not only do they have the zombies to watch out for…without the advance technology of weather forecasting…they were at the mercy of stronger, more deadlier storms. Tornadoes the likes of which Oklahoma has ever seen. And life altering droughts. My weather nerd self was loving this aspect of the story right along with my zombie loving self. Double win for me.
The writing was exceptional. The story was incredible. The romance perfection!! And the zombies were…well, hungry. With my heart in my throat the entire read, I inhaled all the words from start to finish. I need more and look forward to seeing where this series goes. 5 Stars!!
The Loudest Silence: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Novel (Oklahoma Wastelands, Book 1) by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Heather Firth is an amazing zompoc adventure! I recommend if you enjoy stories with great world building/great characters, the zompoc genre, or looking for something new, give this one a try.
What’s it about? Regan and Kellan have been living underground with a small group of folks since the zombie apocalypse began. Regan, who’s been treated as the baby of the group, is now an adult and requests to learn how to survive on her own (killing zombies, going to trade with others, etc.). She has also realized she cares for Kellan. Harper, a lone teenage girl who happens to be immune to the virus, shows up at the group’s hidden bunker one day. They decide to let her in and the troubles begin…It does end in a cliffhanger, or semi-cliffhanger- it’s clear there is more books in the series. The way people were talking in reviews I was expecting way more romance, but I didn’t think there was any more than in previous books I’ve listened to of Kate’s (I felt there were more zombie elements than romance). Favorite quote from the book: “Life isn’t worth living if there’s no risk.”
The narrator, Heather Firth, did an excellent job. Her voices are distinct and her narrating is smooth and easy to listen to.
You also get a bonus called Thank You Daddy (Broken Stories Novelette). It is fantastic! It tells Emma and Blake’s story at the beginning of the apocalypse. I am hoping we get more of their story (hint hint Kate).
Overall I recommend, especially if you love stories with great world building, fun characters, or the zompoc genre. Kate has yet to disappoint me with her writing and she’s in my top three favorite authors of 2019. If you haven’t jumped on the Kate bandwagon, it’s time to do so.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings (for both The Loudest Silence and Thank You Daddy): drinking, death (zombies, people), kidnapping, occasional swearing, weapons (guns), shower between the two main characters followed by sex (not in graphic detail), some sex talk (being a virgin, learning about it, or like things- minimal), threat of/sexual assault (forced removal of clothing on a woman before it is stopped- indicated she would be raped but stops before rape occurs), execution of male with gun, hitting of male in head with bat, war talk (Iraq/Afghanistan- not in detail a mention of past service), death of parents.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
Fantastic Story & Narration Never a Dull Moment!
The Loudest Silence: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Novel
Oklahoma Wastelands, Book 1
By: Kate L. Mary
Narrated by: Heather Firth
This is my first book by Kate L. Mary, I’ve seen the praise her books received and the great feedback but I was on the fence about the whole Zombie Apocalypse storylines. But curiosity got the better of me and I had to give it a try. And I am so glad I did, the story was not like I imagined, it was so much better and so much more. Kate L. Mary is a gifted author, she creates an imaginative world where zombies roam around aimlessly looking for fresh meat. Only a fraction of the living world has survived, resources and supplies are limited and the going is tough. The book starts off with heartache, Regan’s family has been killed, her bother is on his way out. He asks his best friend, Kellan, to look out for her before he passes. Fast forward nine years, they have been living in a bunker type compound with several others and getting by. They go to other settlements to trade for goods they need but mostly stay hidden and to themselves. All that changes when a young girl appears at their gate. Being burned before they reluctantly let her in. They soon find that she draws attention to them and brings them trouble. I liked how this story played out, the camaraderie between the group, how they’ve become each other’s family and look out for each other. I loved the chemistry between Kellan and Regan, as much as they fought it, it was a losing battle. There were some great twists in this story, more heartbreaks and plenty of drama and action. I am looking forward to what comes next for Regan and Kellan. Kate L. Mary thank you for this wonderful story, you hooked me in and I am now a fan.
I listened to the Audible edition, Heather Firth is a fantastic narrator and voice performer. She brings these characters to life, gives each their own voice and personality. She does a great job projecting the emotions of the characters and the drama of the story into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen
A new zombie apocalypse series, set in the same world as the fabulous Broken World series, but in Oklahoma, starring Reagan, a 21-year-old who has been taken care of by her brother’s best friend, Kellan, since the collapse occurred, nine years before, when their families all died. They’re now in a secret underground shelter, with four others – I liked that three of the characters actually come from one of the short stories in Broken Stories – love this sort of detail/connection.
Kate Mary is as readable as ever, and this story zips along, with some great new plot ideas that make it stand out from the usual collapse/survival/fight off zombies and scary people scenarios – I liked, too, that it started nine years in.
Ms Mary does incorporate a fair bit of romantic suspense into her post apoc stories – a warning for those who don’t like this element. Whereas I was mostly fine with it in the Broken World series, because Vivian and Axl’s relationship was so heartrendingly real, I wasn’t so keen in this one. Like, we knew they were going to end up together, so I didn’t need to read about Reagan’s frustrated hormones and Kellan’s avowals of ‘I have to keep you safe’ every few pages; I was keen to get back to the survival/danger aspects. But perhaps that’s just me, not being into romantic suspense. If you are, you’ll love it.
I didn’t find the characters quite so compelling in this story as the previous series, but I still kept reading because I loved the setting, the plot is excellent, and she writes so well.
5 Loud Crazy Stars!!!
Kate L. Mary is legit becoming an automatic one click author for me. This is the first of her new series and OMG what a start is it!!
Regan and Kellan have been together since the zombie apocalypse began. Kellan was Regan’s older brothers best friend. Both of their families past away. Kellan made a promise to his best friend to take care of Regan.
Nine years later they’re still together and Kellan’s still looking out for Regan. They found refuge with Jasper. He took them in to an underground bunker made specifically for when the zombie apocalypse. It’s them, Jasper, Cade, Blake and Emma.
They’ve lived together for nine years. There was more of them but a few years ago the lost a bunch of people bc they were too trusting.
Life’s changed since the apocalypse hit. There’s different community’s were people settle for a bit, get a sleep before moving on and where they bargain, trade things (ammo, gas, soap, clothes etc). Regan and everyone in her group keep their location private. Nowadays it’s a matter of survival.
If things weren’t hard enough trying to survive, getting enough food, water, everyday living. And, staying away from zombies.
Regan has been battling herself for the past year. She’s had feelings for Kellan for a year and everyday it’s getting harder for Regan to keep her feelings and emotions in check.
Regan and Kellan bicker and fight like siblings one minute and an old married couple the next. Regan hates that Kellan treats her like a baby one minute and saying things that have her confused the next.
It’s bad enough Emma and Blake use to date and after they broke up she started dating Cade. Their love triangle is driving everyone crazy. So, Regan and Kellan know them being more then friends is a bad idea so for now they’ll do nothing.
While out on a run, Regan and Kellan come across some guys with some disturbing news. There’s guys going around trying to grab people and letting them get bit by zombies. They’re out looking for people who’re immune to zombie bites.
When Harper shows up at their fence everybody in the bunker knows things are about to change. They vote and the winner was letting her in. Regan and Emma learn that Harper’s immune.
They all know that their situation just went from bad to worse. Add in a drought and all of a sudden insanely bad, quick storms. Hail, rain and wind. Plus, the guys looking for immune people. The love triangle of Emma/Cade/Blake. Regan and Kellan fighting their own feelings. Yup block out an afternoon and evening bc you won’t want to put this down.
Kate L. Mary writes amazing stories. With extremely strong women fighting for what’s right for the people in their life that they care about the most. This was no different. I’m hoping and praying we get book two sooner then later. I loved the bonus chapters of Emma and Blake from the beginning and how they got with jasper and it was an amazing to read.
Another must read story from Kate L. Mary. I can’t wait to read the next book she releases.