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Colorado Chapters #3
The Journey is Our Home
The final installment in the Colorado Chapters trilogy!
Plague has changed the world, and most of the people left alive as well. In Colorado, survivors are learning to adapt to a new way of life. Naomi, a housewife in the time before, struggles to redefine her place in the world, as the Woodland Park community looks to her for leadership. Her daughter, Piper, follows Jack in search of his sister, but neither can leave the past behind completely. And when the violent gang in control of Colorado Springs threatens everything the Woodland Park survivors have been struggling to build, it is brilliant young Grace who has the answers and a plan, and who could end up paying the ultimate price.
In a world where humanity’s evolution has complicated even simple social interactions, underestimating an opponent can have lethal consequences, and understanding yourself can mean the difference between life and death. But in the end, survival isn’t enough. For those who would not just survive, but thrive, the path leads within, and the soul’s journey becomes the place all people call home.
Plague has changed the world, and most of the people left alive as well. In Colorado, survivors are learning to adapt to a new way of life. Naomi, a housewife in the time before, struggles to redefine her place in the world, as the Woodland Park community looks to her for leadership. Her daughter, Piper, follows Jack in search of his sister, but neither can leave the past behind completely. And when the violent gang in control of Colorado Springs threatens everything the Woodland Park survivors have been struggling to build, it is brilliant young Grace who has the answers and a plan, and who could end up paying the ultimate price.
In a world where humanity’s evolution has complicated even simple social interactions, underestimating an opponent can have lethal consequences, and understanding yourself can mean the difference between life and death. But in the end, survival isn’t enough. For those who would not just survive, but thrive, the path leads within, and the soul’s journey becomes the place all people call home.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
481 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
51 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Miner
5 books44 followersKathy Miner lives in Colorado with her family and her critters. She has a degree in English with an emphasis in both creative and practical writing, and has called herself a writer since she was eight years old. She worked as a high school English teacher for several years and loved every minute of classroom time, but would rather have root canal than grade another 5 paragraph essay EVER again.
Kathy’s interest in futuristic fiction began during her high school years with Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and 1984 by George Orwell. The Colorado Chapters trilogy started when she dreamed about the main character, Naomi, and wondered, “What could transform a suburban housewife so completely?” Her novels answer that question, and many more. She is planning a related series to take place in her home state of Michigan.
When Kathy isn’t writing or “momming,” she enjoys reading everything from current scientific research to the Harry Potter series to Shakespeare. She also loves hiking in all kinds of weather, especially when she can bully her ridiculously fluffy dog into coming along, and she will try her hand at any kind of hand-craft there is. You can learn more about her, and her novels, at www.kathy-miner.com, or find her on Facebook at Kathy Miner Books.
Kathy’s interest in futuristic fiction began during her high school years with Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and 1984 by George Orwell. The Colorado Chapters trilogy started when she dreamed about the main character, Naomi, and wondered, “What could transform a suburban housewife so completely?” Her novels answer that question, and many more. She is planning a related series to take place in her home state of Michigan.
When Kathy isn’t writing or “momming,” she enjoys reading everything from current scientific research to the Harry Potter series to Shakespeare. She also loves hiking in all kinds of weather, especially when she can bully her ridiculously fluffy dog into coming along, and she will try her hand at any kind of hand-craft there is. You can learn more about her, and her novels, at www.kathy-miner.com, or find her on Facebook at Kathy Miner Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 4, 2017
Like the first 2 books of Kathy Miner's trilogy, I just couldn't put this book down once I began reading it.
It's my new favorite series on dystopian and science fiction cross.
It's my new favorite series on dystopian and science fiction cross.
November 23, 2016
Didn't want it to end
I am having a book hangover. I didn't want this book to end! I tried to pace myself, but I still wound up devouring it. Rarely have I been so emotionally invested in characters in a book. These characters practically leap from the page and draw you into their lives. I even loved Brody.
Thank you, Kathy Miner, for these fabulous characters; and for so vividly bringing them to life. I am not sure how I'm going to move on from here. The other two books I tried to read after this one have both been tossed aside. There is no comparison and I'm not ready move on away from these characters. I think I will just reread them all again from the beginning.
I am having a book hangover. I didn't want this book to end! I tried to pace myself, but I still wound up devouring it. Rarely have I been so emotionally invested in characters in a book. These characters practically leap from the page and draw you into their lives. I even loved Brody.
Thank you, Kathy Miner, for these fabulous characters; and for so vividly bringing them to life. I am not sure how I'm going to move on from here. The other two books I tried to read after this one have both been tossed aside. There is no comparison and I'm not ready move on away from these characters. I think I will just reread them all again from the beginning.
November 6, 2016
Amazing!!
Kathy Miner is a master of world building. Finishing this trilogy makes me hope for more from these characters. I just get the feeling that the story doesn't end here.
Kathy Miner is a master of world building. Finishing this trilogy makes me hope for more from these characters. I just get the feeling that the story doesn't end here.
February 12, 2020
5 stars for the "Colorado Chapters" trilogy, where I'll definitely be rating Books 1 & 2 with the same rating but will drop (reluctantly!!!) Book 3 down to 4 stars, simply because it left some incredible story-lines hanging (the death of Ignacio, the further adventures of, well, just about anyone, etc.) and jumped a bit fast from one scene to the next (e.g. Jack is riding away from a dire situation and suddenly Jack is with Cass at their parents' home). Otherwise, at the risk of being accused of hyperbole, this is the most beautiful dystopian series I have ever read. Yeah, you don't read that sentence all the time...
I am combining my reviews for all 3 books into a repeated (copy/paste) format simply because I did not take a break from the beginning of Book 1 until the end of Book 3. Well, that's not true, I think I stopped briefly between the end of Book 2 and the start of Book 3 simply because I was emotionally exhausted. These books will leave you that breathless and spent. Anyway, if you asked me to separate the actual books from the story-lines, I wouldn't be able to do it without a lot of prompts.
Yes, I generally love dystopian tales anyway (noting as well that this series does NOT include zombies no matter what someone posted on goodreads) but find they SOMETIMES too bogged down in either the jorney from point A to point B or with testosterone laden gun-play. Sure that has its place and there are damn good tales out there that follow this structure (see Nicholas Sansbury Smith et.al.). But every now and then, you'll come across a book that gets it so right - from how humanity nearly gets wiped out to the real effects on the survivors, from grief to the violence that arises to the hope (or lack thereof) that we eventually can embrace, no matter how tenuously. Another author I can put in this category would be Alice Sabo, who's "Changed World" books were amazing!
OK but enough small-talk. Kathy Miner has put together an incredibly believable, stunningly emotional and wildly ranging set of stories that shook me to my very core. I have - with no exaggeration or whatever you want to call it - never CRIED this much reading a set of books in my life. The characters are AMAZING, from the craziest to the most evil to all in between. Honestly, if these books don't pull you in and rip at your heart strings (or make you bellow on occasion in rage or frustration) then I would suggest this isn't the genre for you. Just looking back at how these characters evolve - from Naomi to Piper, Grace, Martin and even many of the bad guys, heck even many of the animals - still makes me teary-eyed!
Conclusion? These books are extremely!!! well-written, expertly structured, with edge-of-your-seat tension and sickening horror that is at least handled with as much 'taste' as can be managed under the circumstances (yes, there is sexual violence and some gore for those that don't follow and shy away from current events). Kids, I can't do these stories justice with my own words. I truly treasured this experience and will revisit them again some day. That good. I can only stress that I hope Kathy Miner is still writing. Just wow.
I am combining my reviews for all 3 books into a repeated (copy/paste) format simply because I did not take a break from the beginning of Book 1 until the end of Book 3. Well, that's not true, I think I stopped briefly between the end of Book 2 and the start of Book 3 simply because I was emotionally exhausted. These books will leave you that breathless and spent. Anyway, if you asked me to separate the actual books from the story-lines, I wouldn't be able to do it without a lot of prompts.
Yes, I generally love dystopian tales anyway (noting as well that this series does NOT include zombies no matter what someone posted on goodreads) but find they SOMETIMES too bogged down in either the jorney from point A to point B or with testosterone laden gun-play. Sure that has its place and there are damn good tales out there that follow this structure (see Nicholas Sansbury Smith et.al.). But every now and then, you'll come across a book that gets it so right - from how humanity nearly gets wiped out to the real effects on the survivors, from grief to the violence that arises to the hope (or lack thereof) that we eventually can embrace, no matter how tenuously. Another author I can put in this category would be Alice Sabo, who's "Changed World" books were amazing!
OK but enough small-talk. Kathy Miner has put together an incredibly believable, stunningly emotional and wildly ranging set of stories that shook me to my very core. I have - with no exaggeration or whatever you want to call it - never CRIED this much reading a set of books in my life. The characters are AMAZING, from the craziest to the most evil to all in between. Honestly, if these books don't pull you in and rip at your heart strings (or make you bellow on occasion in rage or frustration) then I would suggest this isn't the genre for you. Just looking back at how these characters evolve - from Naomi to Piper, Grace, Martin and even many of the bad guys, heck even many of the animals - still makes me teary-eyed!
Conclusion? These books are extremely!!! well-written, expertly structured, with edge-of-your-seat tension and sickening horror that is at least handled with as much 'taste' as can be managed under the circumstances (yes, there is sexual violence and some gore for those that don't follow and shy away from current events). Kids, I can't do these stories justice with my own words. I truly treasured this experience and will revisit them again some day. That good. I can only stress that I hope Kathy Miner is still writing. Just wow.
September 28, 2018
Wonderful series
Where to begin, first, this is a series anyone can enjoy. Teen through adult. I did not want it to end. Skillfully told without fluff, explicit sex or blood and guts violence. Most violent scenes left to the readers imaginations. Kudos to the author for that. All the survival issues seem appropriate without excruciating unnecessary detail for the average reader.
I read hundreds of books, dozens of post apocalyptic books and found this a the top of the list for reader satisfaction. My only gripe is.............. I WANT MORE OF THIS SERIES. the short time elapsed makes it perfect for a book 4. Many more story lines to follow.
Very well done Ms Miner. It will be hard to forget Naomi, Piper, Hades, Persephone, Jack, grace, Loki, Quinn, Ben, Aries. I could go on and on. Thank you for three books with such high quality writing it took me to another place and time. Bravo!
Where to begin, first, this is a series anyone can enjoy. Teen through adult. I did not want it to end. Skillfully told without fluff, explicit sex or blood and guts violence. Most violent scenes left to the readers imaginations. Kudos to the author for that. All the survival issues seem appropriate without excruciating unnecessary detail for the average reader.
I read hundreds of books, dozens of post apocalyptic books and found this a the top of the list for reader satisfaction. My only gripe is.............. I WANT MORE OF THIS SERIES. the short time elapsed makes it perfect for a book 4. Many more story lines to follow.
Very well done Ms Miner. It will be hard to forget Naomi, Piper, Hades, Persephone, Jack, grace, Loki, Quinn, Ben, Aries. I could go on and on. Thank you for three books with such high quality writing it took me to another place and time. Bravo!
July 14, 2018
So sad series is finished
What a fabulous series , I was very sorry to finish book 3as I knew it was the last . I WOULD HAVE LOVED an extra chapter maybe 10 years later with a catch up of the characters ( there were little clues throughout the book , but a confirmation would have satisfied my greedy little self !)
This was a very readable book . The characters very human and believable if God forbid anything like this befalls the human race . No zombies (hurray ) , just a great take of human fortitude in hard times .
I was particularly taken with the spiritual strand in the story .
What am I going to read now !!!It's probably going to be a good while before I find another series that has me reading well into the early hours .
What a fabulous series , I was very sorry to finish book 3as I knew it was the last . I WOULD HAVE LOVED an extra chapter maybe 10 years later with a catch up of the characters ( there were little clues throughout the book , but a confirmation would have satisfied my greedy little self !)
This was a very readable book . The characters very human and believable if God forbid anything like this befalls the human race . No zombies (hurray ) , just a great take of human fortitude in hard times .
I was particularly taken with the spiritual strand in the story .
What am I going to read now !!!It's probably going to be a good while before I find another series that has me reading well into the early hours .
January 10, 2019
Wonderfully satisfying
A heartstring-tugging and extremely satisfying installment to the trilogy. The title is most fitting as you follow the journeys of a cast characters you got to know, love, fear for, got frustrated for, got frustrated with, cheered on, and wept with, through the first two installments: What Survives of Us and Where the Light Enters. This journey to finding peace, acceptance, family, and purpose, in a new world filled with violence and uncertainty but also with newly-discovered intuition and hope was both entertaining and relatable. I could feel parts of myself healing as these very broken characters figured out how to each move forward on their individual paths. I immensely enjoyed this book and this series.
A heartstring-tugging and extremely satisfying installment to the trilogy. The title is most fitting as you follow the journeys of a cast characters you got to know, love, fear for, got frustrated for, got frustrated with, cheered on, and wept with, through the first two installments: What Survives of Us and Where the Light Enters. This journey to finding peace, acceptance, family, and purpose, in a new world filled with violence and uncertainty but also with newly-discovered intuition and hope was both entertaining and relatable. I could feel parts of myself healing as these very broken characters figured out how to each move forward on their individual paths. I immensely enjoyed this book and this series.
September 7, 2020
This trilogy was the most emotional roller coaster I have EVER read. I love Kathy Miner!!! These characters have become family. I have never experienced the amount of emotions, some I was unaware of, that this book took me through. Despair, shock, disgust, fear, sorrow, pity, love, joy, hope, horror, anger, awe, and other emotions I have no words for. I almost put it down a few times because of the intensity of it all but I just couldn't. I blame you Kathy for a few very short nights of sleep...;) I know this was a very large part of you life and time from your family, but please don't ever stop writing. I look forward with anticipation to whatever you write next. You are awesome and deep. Thank You.
Carolyn Lemmer 4ever fan
Carolyn Lemmer 4ever fan
December 24, 2019
4.5/5 The final book of the Colorado Chapters trilogy was really really really good, though felt to me like it was missing just a little *something* that gave the first two their astonishing spark. Let me be very clear, though… this was still an amazing book that I couldn’t put down and raced through because the story, the characters, the world, the challenges, and the writing had me hooked completely. An utterly outstanding trilogy about what people will or won’t do when challenged and changed, and who we become when we can’t be who we were, both individually and as a society. It’s one of the best versions of this that I’ve ever read. Highly recommended, but start with the first.
March 29, 2024
Excellent. I'm very sorry to get to the end of the series. I wish there were a few more books!
I liked that the characters were a bit softer in book 3. I found some characters a bit harder to like than others in books 1 and 2.
I was also very impressed by the author's talent. Though book 3 was less "apocolyptic" than I like (I like the disaster and how everyone deals with it) and it had a much more spiritual/paranormal bend to it, I still really enjoyed it. Where normally that would turn me off, I thought it was really well done and interesting.
I liked that the characters were a bit softer in book 3. I found some characters a bit harder to like than others in books 1 and 2.
I was also very impressed by the author's talent. Though book 3 was less "apocolyptic" than I like (I like the disaster and how everyone deals with it) and it had a much more spiritual/paranormal bend to it, I still really enjoyed it. Where normally that would turn me off, I thought it was really well done and interesting.
September 27, 2018
A must read series
I will read everything this author writes. The amazing characters,plots, twists and turns. It's like no other end of the world book I've ever read. The sophisticated thoughts, insights. No other story has had so many twists and turns and come back each time to the psychology of the characters involved. This story gives us a glimpse of what we can be under extreme circumstances. Why not apply the lessons today?
I will read everything this author writes. The amazing characters,plots, twists and turns. It's like no other end of the world book I've ever read. The sophisticated thoughts, insights. No other story has had so many twists and turns and come back each time to the psychology of the characters involved. This story gives us a glimpse of what we can be under extreme circumstances. Why not apply the lessons today?
November 23, 2019
Riveting from the first page to the last
If you enjoy SHTF stories you'll be in your element with this series. I expected the same ole same ole, but what i got was a quality read from cover to cover. I miss the characters already so I'm sure these will be re-read several times in the years to come. Do yourself a favour and delve into these. You'll not regret it, not even one tiny bit!
If you enjoy SHTF stories you'll be in your element with this series. I expected the same ole same ole, but what i got was a quality read from cover to cover. I miss the characters already so I'm sure these will be re-read several times in the years to come. Do yourself a favour and delve into these. You'll not regret it, not even one tiny bit!
January 29, 2017
There are no words to describe how great this series is. Just read it. I am very curious on how Ms. Miner thinks she can possibly top this, though. I'll be putting her on my list of authors to watch.
September 25, 2018
Absolutely amazing
This trilogy is a must read. I haven't enjoyed a book (or rather, three books) so much in years! The characters are warm and likable and I loved everything about these books.
This trilogy is a must read. I haven't enjoyed a book (or rather, three books) so much in years! The characters are warm and likable and I loved everything about these books.
October 9, 2018
Riveting -
Gave pause for thought provoking reflection on humanity, the threads that connect us through the good and bad that lies within us.
Excellent writing and an exciting read.
Gave pause for thought provoking reflection on humanity, the threads that connect us through the good and bad that lies within us.
Excellent writing and an exciting read.
April 10, 2021
Number4?
I loved the strong women of these books and the story line itself was great. I read the first book from My Kindle Unlimited and I never BUY books, but yours I did. That should say everything.
I loved the strong women of these books and the story line itself was great. I read the first book from My Kindle Unlimited and I never BUY books, but yours I did. That should say everything.
June 10, 2018
Recommended trio to read.
I really enjoyed this series of books. Following the stories of different groups of people to the almost end. Got me thinking!
I really enjoyed this series of books. Following the stories of different groups of people to the almost end. Got me thinking!
June 15, 2018
Last book of the series. Really enjoyed reading this story. Would make a great movie
September 16, 2018
Well written.
Very good story line. All three books were as good as the first. I enjoyed reading this series very much. Tim.
Very good story line. All three books were as good as the first. I enjoyed reading this series very much. Tim.
October 3, 2018
Lost in the story
Rich characters and a story line that draws you in from the beginning. I will miss this bunch of people now that the series is over.
Rich characters and a story line that draws you in from the beginning. I will miss this bunch of people now that the series is over.
October 11, 2018
Loved This
I loved this series. Wish it didn't end. Love these characters, both Dark and Light. Loved the Reincarnation theme. Just a Very Good Read.
I loved this series. Wish it didn't end. Love these characters, both Dark and Light. Loved the Reincarnation theme. Just a Very Good Read.
October 16, 2018
This series was excellent. I could not put it down. The characters were so well fleshed out and the action was nonstop. Well worth the money.
October 18, 2018
Loved it!
Just finished book 3. I believe this series will continue and am very much looking forward to more. I hope theres more!
Just finished book 3. I believe this series will continue and am very much looking forward to more. I hope theres more!
December 8, 2018
Great read!
I really enjoyed all three of this author's books---such a breath of fresh air that she makes everything so interesting. I hope there is another one from this series.
I really enjoyed all three of this author's books---such a breath of fresh air that she makes everything so interesting. I hope there is another one from this series.
December 18, 2018
Great story
I couldn't stop reading until i finished all three books. I highly recommend reading this series.. I hope the author considers continuing the tale.
I couldn't stop reading until i finished all three books. I highly recommend reading this series.. I hope the author considers continuing the tale.
July 17, 2019
Took me awhile to find this series, but I am so happy I did. Wonderful all the way through and I wish there were more.
January 26, 2021
I really loved this series so much and wished it didn’t have to end! But the final book really wrapped things up.
July 2, 2018
Not the same tone
I really loved the first two books, but the tone of this one just didn’t have the same exciting stress that the others had. It was too focused on wrapping up instead of having its own storyline. Still a good series overall.
I really loved the first two books, but the tone of this one just didn’t have the same exciting stress that the others had. It was too focused on wrapping up instead of having its own storyline. Still a good series overall.
May 31, 2023
Once invested, I had to see how the story would play out and where the characters would end up, including the furry ones. Maybe that's why I liked this series so much. Miner brought everyone to life and gave them so much heart. I wasn't sure how she was going to wrap it all up, and it certainly wasn't in a happily-ever-after tidy bow, but it was satisfying.
March 9, 2017
Wonderful conclusion to this fantastic story - loved them all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews