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The Strandline
Beyond The Strandline
Seventeen-year-old Tessla and her teenage sisters, Ally and ZeeZee, live by one rule: don’t venture beyond the perimeter of the family ranch. Years ago, solar flares burned the power grid to ashes, plunging the country into mayhem and instability, but as long as the girls stay behind the line of their grandfather’s property, they remain protected from savagery.
But when the call of the unknown proves too alluring for rebellious Ally to resist, Tessla must enlist mysterious Richmond Parrish to help rescue Ally from the trouble she’s walked into.
The Florida coast is overrun with warring tribes and pirates, and orphaned children-turned-soldiers roam the land.
The quest to find Ally leads Tess and Richmond into the epicenter of this barbaric new world, but even if they find her, now that they’ve left the safety of life at the S-Line Ranch, will they really be able to go back?
Beyond the Strandline is a thrilling story about the struggle to stay human in an inhumane world, the importance of emergency preparedness, the illusion of safety, and the power of love to redeem even the most desperate.
But when the call of the unknown proves too alluring for rebellious Ally to resist, Tessla must enlist mysterious Richmond Parrish to help rescue Ally from the trouble she’s walked into.
The Florida coast is overrun with warring tribes and pirates, and orphaned children-turned-soldiers roam the land.
The quest to find Ally leads Tess and Richmond into the epicenter of this barbaric new world, but even if they find her, now that they’ve left the safety of life at the S-Line Ranch, will they really be able to go back?
Beyond the Strandline is a thrilling story about the struggle to stay human in an inhumane world, the importance of emergency preparedness, the illusion of safety, and the power of love to redeem even the most desperate.
324 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2015
32 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Linda L. Zern
57 books35 followersLinda L. Zern lives, works, and dreams in Central Florida.
Born in Florida, raised on sunshine and bug spray, the author read every cereal box she could find and every book she could get her hands on, and when other people's books ran out, she started writing her own:
The Pocket Fairies of Middleburg, The Long-Promised Song, ZippityZern's: Uncommon Nonsense and Fifty More; MOONCALF (a finalist for the Space Coast Writers' Guild DON ARGO AWARD) BEYOND THE STRANDLINE (Book I); Following the Strandline (Book II); Ebook short story prequels: "Puppies", "Darby's Chickens", "Storm"; (COMING SOON) The Gryphon's Glade, a rural contemporary fantasy.
"I write because there can never be too many good books or the people who love them." Linda L. Zern
Born in Florida, raised on sunshine and bug spray, the author read every cereal box she could find and every book she could get her hands on, and when other people's books ran out, she started writing her own:
The Pocket Fairies of Middleburg, The Long-Promised Song, ZippityZern's: Uncommon Nonsense and Fifty More; MOONCALF (a finalist for the Space Coast Writers' Guild DON ARGO AWARD) BEYOND THE STRANDLINE (Book I); Following the Strandline (Book II); Ebook short story prequels: "Puppies", "Darby's Chickens", "Storm"; (COMING SOON) The Gryphon's Glade, a rural contemporary fantasy.
"I write because there can never be too many good books or the people who love them." Linda L. Zern
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 4, 2015
Review found at: www.awesomebooknut.com
**I was given ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
When it comes to indie authors I am VERY selective in whom I choose to read from. Simply because in my experience they are generally poorly written and full of content I am uncomfortable with. HOWEVER, with that said, I read another book by this author called Mooncalf that was amazing. So when I was contacted to read this book I hopped to the chance.
This book is unlike her other work that I read, you could see the progression in her writing. It's a YA story with everything you could possibly want in a book. Swoon worthy romance, action that is non-stop and keeps you at the edge of your seat, as well built post apocalyptic world that is relatable, plus it gets a person to think and put one-self in these situations and you find yourself questioning ,"would I do that if I were in this situation?" seriously!
This books grabs you from the get-go, you're immediately hook and leaves you wanting more. DANG IT it's going to be a trilogy which mean I'm going to have to wait for book 2! grrrr.
Tess was a great character- relatable in every way, she is a typical
teenage girl with spunk that was at times annoying but hey she's had a hard life and lives in this time so, can you blame her?
I really like Parrish- I LOVE male characters that are kinda dark and brooding, I liked his audacity and his character that leaves a bit of mystery as to why he is the way he is.
I REALLY liked the romance, because for the love of all that is holy it is NOT insta-love! WHOOT! I like the chemistry between Tess and Parrish which totally kept me interested in the rest of the story. TEAM PARRISH!
I absolutely loved the whole idea of this story and the fact that it's completely believable. As in, the fact that this could actually happen. There were no sci-fi/dystopian aspects to this, no machines that could read people, no fantastic guns that shoot lasers. No, this was complete and utter survival that is realistic which is refreshing, yet the story itself was fascinating.
Overall: I would recommend this story to anyone of all ages who is in need of a good story which great romance that leaves you wanting more.
Sexual Content: mild (talk of rape-not graphic, mild kissing)
Violence: moderate (disturbing scenes of death-not too graphic)
Language: mild
Drugs/Alcohol: mild/none
**I was given ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
When it comes to indie authors I am VERY selective in whom I choose to read from. Simply because in my experience they are generally poorly written and full of content I am uncomfortable with. HOWEVER, with that said, I read another book by this author called Mooncalf that was amazing. So when I was contacted to read this book I hopped to the chance.
This book is unlike her other work that I read, you could see the progression in her writing. It's a YA story with everything you could possibly want in a book. Swoon worthy romance, action that is non-stop and keeps you at the edge of your seat, as well built post apocalyptic world that is relatable, plus it gets a person to think and put one-self in these situations and you find yourself questioning ,"would I do that if I were in this situation?" seriously!
This books grabs you from the get-go, you're immediately hook and leaves you wanting more. DANG IT it's going to be a trilogy which mean I'm going to have to wait for book 2! grrrr.
Tess was a great character- relatable in every way, she is a typical
teenage girl with spunk that was at times annoying but hey she's had a hard life and lives in this time so, can you blame her?
I really like Parrish- I LOVE male characters that are kinda dark and brooding, I liked his audacity and his character that leaves a bit of mystery as to why he is the way he is.I REALLY liked the romance, because for the love of all that is holy it is NOT insta-love! WHOOT! I like the chemistry between Tess and Parrish which totally kept me interested in the rest of the story. TEAM PARRISH!
I absolutely loved the whole idea of this story and the fact that it's completely believable. As in, the fact that this could actually happen. There were no sci-fi/dystopian aspects to this, no machines that could read people, no fantastic guns that shoot lasers. No, this was complete and utter survival that is realistic which is refreshing, yet the story itself was fascinating.
Overall: I would recommend this story to anyone of all ages who is in need of a good story which great romance that leaves you wanting more.
Sexual Content: mild (talk of rape-not graphic, mild kissing)
Violence: moderate (disturbing scenes of death-not too graphic)
Language: mild
Drugs/Alcohol: mild/none
Read
August 10, 2015This was given to me as an ARC for my honest opinion.
I began to read this book in the middle of the night and couldn't wait to finish it! I am hoping for a sequel soon. Linda Zern has a gift with words, had me mesmerized throughout the entire book. Tess is as real as any character, and I came to care for her and her sisters, and you just have to read the book to learn the rest! Wonderful book!
I began to read this book in the middle of the night and couldn't wait to finish it! I am hoping for a sequel soon. Linda Zern has a gift with words, had me mesmerized throughout the entire book. Tess is as real as any character, and I came to care for her and her sisters, and you just have to read the book to learn the rest! Wonderful book!
April 12, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It really pulled me into the story from the beginning and did not let up. Linda Zern is a fabulous author and I cannot wait to read the sequel!
August 4, 2015
Beyond the Strandline is the pop culture version of Alas, Babylon. Set in Florida, after the collapse of civilization as we know it, it's a story of normal people trying to survive in an extraordinary situation (at least from our current, modern perspective). The book can be bleak at times but is never oppressive to read (I'm looking at you The Road!). The young adult genre guides the book's narrative and characters into somewhat familiar and derivative territory, but it never feels cheap (I'm looking at you Divergent!). This is a unique story with three-dimensional characters that live and breathe and it's a story worth experiencing.
The book's setting is dangerous turf for authors who become too infatuated with their own fictional world. Other books in this type of genre can become overly concerned with describing grid collapse and entertaining preppers and not telling a meaningful story or providing an emotional experience. Beyond the Strandline begins, ends, and revolves around characters. It certainly takes advantage of its setting by casually mentioning arcane facts about surviving the end of modern civilization, something all preppers could appreciate, but it never becomes the focus. Once again, similar to the author's previous work, the exceptional Mooncalf, Florida, where the book is set, nearly becomes a character in itself. Florida will forever be a magical place to set a story and Linda L. Zern takes full advantage of it here. Anyone familiar with the geography and somewhat bizarre weather patterns of Florida will immediately and throughout the book recognize these unique characteristics.
Beyond the Strandline truly shines when the author slows down the narrative and lets her characters breath. Whereas in so many other books in which motivations are taken for granted and characters are merely tools by which the author moves along the dictatorial plot (I'm looking at you One Second After!), Strandline insists on the reader feeling something for the people in its pages. In some ways the characters in Strandline are its most derivative aspect; we have the elusive and battle-hardened alpha male—Richmond Parrish—and the audacious, somewhat erratic, but indomitable female protagonist—Tessla (Tess) Lane. Yet, both of these characters have a back-story and depth other young adult fiction falters in providing to the reader. Their inevitable romance, a seemingly indispensable attribute of young adult fiction, will no doubt bring grins and giggles to all of the female readers of the book. The author appears to be just as comfortable and confident writing about electrical romantic sensations up and down legs and arms as she is about the more gruesome aspects of a post-civilization world. The romance, in a very purposeful way, is one aspect of the book that keeps it from becoming too dire to enjoy.
In fear of sounding trite, the book is certainly a page-turner. Strandline opens with a truly compelling scene and more or else doesn't let up until the conclusion. Admittedly, this is where the book falters some as more and more complications start to crop up—natural, human, and otherwise. No doubt living in such a world would more than likely be one complication after another, but I felt a little whiplash as characters went from place to place to manage one crisis after another. In the end, as aforementioned, the book's greatest strength is when it reminds you why you're reading—the characters. That's the real reason why you want to get to the next page to see how they all fare in a dark and unforgiving world.
Beyond the Strandline, in the end, is good fun. It's not so depressive or heavy-handed it's difficult to get through. On the other hand, it doesn't shy away from what would be very real possibilities in a post-civilization world. Perhaps what is most admirable about this book is that it fits as comfortably within the young adult fiction genre as Mooncalf did with its literary cousins. It's a testament to Linda L. Zern's writing talent. As would be expected, Beyond the Strandline ends with certain questions unanswered and with the reader hanging onto certain cliffs. I hope Strandline finds the audience it needs to compel the author to show us where all of her memorable characters end up.
*The Thousand Club received an advanced reading copy from the author.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
The book's setting is dangerous turf for authors who become too infatuated with their own fictional world. Other books in this type of genre can become overly concerned with describing grid collapse and entertaining preppers and not telling a meaningful story or providing an emotional experience. Beyond the Strandline begins, ends, and revolves around characters. It certainly takes advantage of its setting by casually mentioning arcane facts about surviving the end of modern civilization, something all preppers could appreciate, but it never becomes the focus. Once again, similar to the author's previous work, the exceptional Mooncalf, Florida, where the book is set, nearly becomes a character in itself. Florida will forever be a magical place to set a story and Linda L. Zern takes full advantage of it here. Anyone familiar with the geography and somewhat bizarre weather patterns of Florida will immediately and throughout the book recognize these unique characteristics.
Beyond the Strandline truly shines when the author slows down the narrative and lets her characters breath. Whereas in so many other books in which motivations are taken for granted and characters are merely tools by which the author moves along the dictatorial plot (I'm looking at you One Second After!), Strandline insists on the reader feeling something for the people in its pages. In some ways the characters in Strandline are its most derivative aspect; we have the elusive and battle-hardened alpha male—Richmond Parrish—and the audacious, somewhat erratic, but indomitable female protagonist—Tessla (Tess) Lane. Yet, both of these characters have a back-story and depth other young adult fiction falters in providing to the reader. Their inevitable romance, a seemingly indispensable attribute of young adult fiction, will no doubt bring grins and giggles to all of the female readers of the book. The author appears to be just as comfortable and confident writing about electrical romantic sensations up and down legs and arms as she is about the more gruesome aspects of a post-civilization world. The romance, in a very purposeful way, is one aspect of the book that keeps it from becoming too dire to enjoy.
In fear of sounding trite, the book is certainly a page-turner. Strandline opens with a truly compelling scene and more or else doesn't let up until the conclusion. Admittedly, this is where the book falters some as more and more complications start to crop up—natural, human, and otherwise. No doubt living in such a world would more than likely be one complication after another, but I felt a little whiplash as characters went from place to place to manage one crisis after another. In the end, as aforementioned, the book's greatest strength is when it reminds you why you're reading—the characters. That's the real reason why you want to get to the next page to see how they all fare in a dark and unforgiving world.
Beyond the Strandline, in the end, is good fun. It's not so depressive or heavy-handed it's difficult to get through. On the other hand, it doesn't shy away from what would be very real possibilities in a post-civilization world. Perhaps what is most admirable about this book is that it fits as comfortably within the young adult fiction genre as Mooncalf did with its literary cousins. It's a testament to Linda L. Zern's writing talent. As would be expected, Beyond the Strandline ends with certain questions unanswered and with the reader hanging onto certain cliffs. I hope Strandline finds the audience it needs to compel the author to show us where all of her memorable characters end up.
*The Thousand Club received an advanced reading copy from the author.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
August 11, 2015
I'm a really big fan of Linda Zern's work. I had the pleasure of getting this book as an advanced readers copy and pour over it myself.
This book is like the taste of coffee. At first I wasn't sure what was happening and the taste was astringent. But after a while as the complexity took over, I began to appreciate the bitterness. This is a straight up good old fashion post apocalyptic story. There are no sci-fi, fantasy, or nuclear warfare gimmicks, which surprised me because it's been a long time since I've read something without any of those and made the plot stronger I think. It didn't rest on aliens, or explosions to liven it up. The story really focuses on people and the complexity of the world in which many of us are forced to survive in. It may sound weird, but if Mad Max and Their Eyes Were Watching God had a baby, let it go for a couple of more generations, then this is what you would get. The story unfolds and truly gets better and better with more reading. The narrative can get at times a little bit bumpy switching quickly with confusing transition, but otherwise I really enjoyed this. The main character, Tess, I really loved cheering for, and the story is one you can get behind. Also really love some of the extra notes and features at the end, not your typical epilog.
I'd really recommend this for middle school to adults. And anyone who loves central Florida is sure to appreciate this book as well!
This book is like the taste of coffee. At first I wasn't sure what was happening and the taste was astringent. But after a while as the complexity took over, I began to appreciate the bitterness. This is a straight up good old fashion post apocalyptic story. There are no sci-fi, fantasy, or nuclear warfare gimmicks, which surprised me because it's been a long time since I've read something without any of those and made the plot stronger I think. It didn't rest on aliens, or explosions to liven it up. The story really focuses on people and the complexity of the world in which many of us are forced to survive in. It may sound weird, but if Mad Max and Their Eyes Were Watching God had a baby, let it go for a couple of more generations, then this is what you would get. The story unfolds and truly gets better and better with more reading. The narrative can get at times a little bit bumpy switching quickly with confusing transition, but otherwise I really enjoyed this. The main character, Tess, I really loved cheering for, and the story is one you can get behind. Also really love some of the extra notes and features at the end, not your typical epilog.
I'd really recommend this for middle school to adults. And anyone who loves central Florida is sure to appreciate this book as well!
August 6, 2015
*I received this book as an ARC to give an honest review*
This book was amazing! It started out straight into action and seem to never stop throughout the entire book.
I have read many many books along the line of, "what would happen if something crazy happened on earth" and this book seemed to be the most believable book! You see the characters as real people that could have been you; real situations and actual consequences.
It is a mix of action, love, hate, fear... Basically it was real life if something happened to our power grid.
Now, there was a couple times where I got confused on what was happening, but I have that problem in most books. Then the ending was how I wanted it to turn out, almost, BUT I really hope there is a second book to come because I would love to continue this story!
If you're on the fence about reading it, read it! If you don't want to read it, read it! If you want to read it, make sure you have hours to sit and just read because you won't want to put it down!
This book was amazing! It started out straight into action and seem to never stop throughout the entire book.
I have read many many books along the line of, "what would happen if something crazy happened on earth" and this book seemed to be the most believable book! You see the characters as real people that could have been you; real situations and actual consequences.
It is a mix of action, love, hate, fear... Basically it was real life if something happened to our power grid.
Now, there was a couple times where I got confused on what was happening, but I have that problem in most books. Then the ending was how I wanted it to turn out, almost, BUT I really hope there is a second book to come because I would love to continue this story!
If you're on the fence about reading it, read it! If you don't want to read it, read it! If you want to read it, make sure you have hours to sit and just read because you won't want to put it down!
August 4, 2015
Beyond the Strandline
Note: I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read many young adult dystopian books. I enjoy them immensely. But this is one of the only ones that is so realistic! The characters have no superpowers; instead, they are trying to survive the changes to their lives just like we would have to if/when our world goes crazy.
I found the characters very believable. They struggle with right vs. wrong as well as protecting their family, however that may now look. In addition, the events are not so far-fetched that you have to suspend belief. The events are in some ways too scarily possible.
The action in the book is continuous. I was never bored. In fact, the book made me stay up way too late! I can't wait for the sequel!
As an educator, I think many young adults will enjoy this book. But, I think adults will too. And all of us might learn not only a little about a possible future, but also ourselves.
Note: I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read many young adult dystopian books. I enjoy them immensely. But this is one of the only ones that is so realistic! The characters have no superpowers; instead, they are trying to survive the changes to their lives just like we would have to if/when our world goes crazy.
I found the characters very believable. They struggle with right vs. wrong as well as protecting their family, however that may now look. In addition, the events are not so far-fetched that you have to suspend belief. The events are in some ways too scarily possible.
The action in the book is continuous. I was never bored. In fact, the book made me stay up way too late! I can't wait for the sequel!
As an educator, I think many young adults will enjoy this book. But, I think adults will too. And all of us might learn not only a little about a possible future, but also ourselves.
August 4, 2015
LDS friends, Mindy Milton's friend wrote this! :) I received an advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed it more than I expected to! The action starts right on page one and doesn't stop. The teenaged characters are in a safe place after the collapse of society, but life has gone back to pioneer times...and sometimes the Dark Ages when you read about how other people chose to live under the circumstances. I enjoyed the descriptions of Florida (I grew up there) and the descriptions of the land gone back to nature. I also really enjoyed Tess and Parrish. The story is slightly gruesome, but not over the top. And there were even some funny moments amid the excitement! Lots of food for thought about what could happen if things go wrong with the planet, how people might react, and how to prepare and survive. Glad I read it.
September 10, 2015
This was a very good book. It had it's moments of intense violence that might be much for a YA book but then look at the most popular YA books lately and it doesn't have any more or less than those. Well written, enjoyable style, good characters, and the action moved. I've read many 2.99 books and this one is far and above the quality of the price. I would have paid much more for this one because it's worth it.
August 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this possible series....in the future. GREAT storyline.... Characters are intriguing. Linda's ability to write descriptions of events, individuals, and emotions...truly do come alive...I understand there could be a sequel to this book. If so, I WILL READ IT!
CLEAN...by-the-way.
CLEAN...by-the-way.
August 12, 2015
The only thing I hate about this book is that the next one hasn't been released yet!! Very well written. Great imagery and a very intriguing story!! Loved it!!!
March 12, 2019
Normally I don't like dystopian novels, but this one is set in a town that I once lived in. As the characters travel through town I can imagine them making the trek. Sacrifice for family, is something I believe everyone can relate with. Finding love where it is least expected is another universal understanding. The book has twists and is not predictable, but I enjoyed the Author's Gryphon Glade more.
April 21, 2018
A believable view of life after the world changes in ways we didn't think we could imagine ... Zern imagines it for us and does a realistic and engaging job. Her practical preparedness knowledge shows - as does her belief that "good" wins (but not without great sacrifice). **I was given ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
July 28, 2018
Intriguing and Suspenseful!
This book was a departure for me, as I’m not a post-Apocalpytic, dystopian, harried-survival techniques reader in general, but this had me hooked from the start!! Linda writes her characters in such a way that I can clearly envision them, and they become real! I’m very curious to see where the rest of the series will go!
This book was a departure for me, as I’m not a post-Apocalpytic, dystopian, harried-survival techniques reader in general, but this had me hooked from the start!! Linda writes her characters in such a way that I can clearly envision them, and they become real! I’m very curious to see where the rest of the series will go!
March 10, 2021
Excellent beginning
This world Linda has created showing us what life after everything fails is eye opening. Showing us how one person has prepared for years, preparing a place to survive and how his family has benefitted from his foresight.
What a mixture of characters she has given us. What trial and tribulations!
I definitely recommend this one!
This world Linda has created showing us what life after everything fails is eye opening. Showing us how one person has prepared for years, preparing a place to survive and how his family has benefitted from his foresight.
What a mixture of characters she has given us. What trial and tribulations!
I definitely recommend this one!
March 6, 2020
This is what I believe could really happen, much more realistic than a lot of other apocalyptic books are. Raw emotion, believable characters. I just found this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books, I would definitely recommend picking up this series.
April 18, 2020
I really didn't care for it sorry.
November 1, 2015
I picked up this book for two reasons. First is that it is a post-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it book and I love the genre, and second is that it takes place in the area in which I live in central Florida.
The premise is simple enough. The book takes place seven years after a solar event that scorched the earth and ended life as we know. Tess and her two sisters have spent those years on their grandfather's property, a large piece of land he called The Strandline, safe and protected from the militias and others that roam the devastated world outside. Them one of the sisters leaves the safety of the Strandline and the safety of everyone is now in danger.
It's a pretty good story and I liked it overall. I gave it three stars but really would give it 3.5 if I could. I rounded down for two reasons: First, while I recognize the landmarks In the book and know the area well enough to easily visualize the area and the dangers without a lot of description, there isn't a lot of description in parts where a lot might be warranted for those readers who aren't locals. I read this on a kindle and didn't check if there was a map in the front of the book, but if there isn't, it would be a good touch to add one.
The second reason I gave it three stars instead of four is simple. Based on how the story ends it is clear that this book is intended to be the first book of a series or trilogy, and I have developed a personal pet peeve for the tendency of writers to create cliffhangers to end a book. You can have a complete story and it still be the first of a series..... Look at The Hunger Games or Harry Potter.
So overall, it's good book and worth the read if you like the genre.
The premise is simple enough. The book takes place seven years after a solar event that scorched the earth and ended life as we know. Tess and her two sisters have spent those years on their grandfather's property, a large piece of land he called The Strandline, safe and protected from the militias and others that roam the devastated world outside. Them one of the sisters leaves the safety of the Strandline and the safety of everyone is now in danger.
It's a pretty good story and I liked it overall. I gave it three stars but really would give it 3.5 if I could. I rounded down for two reasons: First, while I recognize the landmarks In the book and know the area well enough to easily visualize the area and the dangers without a lot of description, there isn't a lot of description in parts where a lot might be warranted for those readers who aren't locals. I read this on a kindle and didn't check if there was a map in the front of the book, but if there isn't, it would be a good touch to add one.
The second reason I gave it three stars instead of four is simple. Based on how the story ends it is clear that this book is intended to be the first book of a series or trilogy, and I have developed a personal pet peeve for the tendency of writers to create cliffhangers to end a book. You can have a complete story and it still be the first of a series..... Look at The Hunger Games or Harry Potter.
So overall, it's good book and worth the read if you like the genre.
Read
November 7, 2022I love "prepper" fiction and have been reading the genre since high school. I wrote a story that is more story than handbook, although the characters in the story are definitely living in a post apocalyptic world. If you're looking for a prepper fiction book that's heavy on character and story then you've found it. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews