Liberation

by Kate L. Mary

After surviving the auction and a near death experience at the hands of Asher’s father, Scarlett Moon is more than ready to settle into life in Columbus. She isn’t alone, either. With each passing day her friends look more at home in the warehouse, and even with Asher ready for more than Scarlett can give, she manages to fall into a routine that almost feels like a normal life. She has her best friend back and for the first time in years, Scarlett feels like there just might be hope on the horizon.

But one distress call is all it takes to destroy the serenity the group has managed to build.

It’s been months since the night Paget stormed out of the warehouse following a fight with Asher, and for all Scarlett knew, the other woman had moved on. Only the fear in Paget’s voice when she calls the warehouse tells a different story, and even though Scarlett never liked Asher’s ex to begin with, she can’t help feeling a little bit responsible for the trouble Paget now finds herself in.

The group heads to the seediest part of the city in search of Paget, picking up clues as they piece together what might have gone wrong. The more Scarlett learns about what the other woman has been through over the last few months, the more concerned she becomes. Even worse: there’s no sign of Paget anywhere in Columbus.

With all the clues pointing in one direction, the group leaves the city and heads for the country in hopes of finding Paget hiding among her own people in Hocking Hills. Only it seems the danger may have followed them, leaving nothing but death and destruction in its wake and putting Paget in more danger than ever before. With each turn Scarlett learns more about the woman who used to hold Asher’s heart, and she suddenly finds herself unable to deny how she really feels about him. Only, with Paget in trouble, Scarlett can’t help wondering if Asher is as over his ex as he claims to be.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic, Audiobook, Romance, Steampunk

Kindle Edition

About the author

I'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!

Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.

When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!

Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.

Awards:

Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine

When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction

Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards

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Reviews

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

This second book in Mary’s NA dystopian (slightly steampunk) series is right on par with the first—it has lots of grit and the stakes are high! In this book Scarlett, Asher and crew have to go on another rescue mission, which isn’t terribly surprising considering the bleak world they live in. This time it’s Paget, Asher’s ex, who’s in danger. The get an SOS call from her, but they have no idea where she is or what kind of trouble she’s in. When they set off to find her, they end up in a part of the country that Scarlett’s never seen—where the people live off the grid, a bit wild but free. While Scarlett has finally admitted to herself that she’s in love with Asher, she still doesn’t think she’s good for him, so she doesn’t want to give in to her impulses to start something up with him. I understood Scarlett’s motivation but I kind of wished that, a little earlier in the book, she’d managed to get over some of her insecurities because the game of will-they-won’t-they felt a bit stretched out. Still, this book is full of action and danger, and it kept me emotionally engaged throughout. I love Scarlett’s mixture of strength and vulnerability and Asher’s … well, everything. Overall, I give this book 3.5/5 stars, but it’s really close to being a 4 star book.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

[T.H. Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love this series! I was delighted to find out that Moonchild was the first book in the series and bought the sequel the day it came out. Book 2 picks up a few months after the end of Moonchild. Scarlett is still convinced she's bad for Asher and Asher is still convinced she's wrong. Things have settled into a new normal until Asher's ex, Paget, sends a distress call. With no idea where she is or where the call came from, the pirates set out to find her and bring her home. While there is no love-loss between Scarlett and Paget, Scarlett knows she must be part of the rescue effort. These are the moments I absolutely adore her. Her sense of duty and right and wrong is so much a part of who she is.

Plot
The plot centers around the search and rescue of Paget, but the romance is still a very strong subplot and incredibly well done! I love the angst and drama surrounding Scarlett and Asher's relationship. There is so much action in the plot, the story moves at a clipped pace, only pausing long enough to allow us to catch our breath. Once again the story is well-plotted and expertly executed.

Characters
All the characters I fell in love with in the first book are back and a few new ones are added. Scarlett and Asher both undergo a decent amount of development, more so than before. The good news is, there's still plenty of room for growth, so hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more of these two. The author creates so much depth in her characters that there are still many unexplored depths to discover in this installment. We not only learn more about Scarlett and Asher, but Paget really comes into her own.

World Building
The world building continues to be one of the most impressive I've read in the past few years. Kate L. Mary's attention to detail makes her settings come alive in very vibrant and realistic fashion.

What Didn't Work for Me
1. The editing. Once again, both the content and copy editing disappointed me, pulling me out of the story more than a few times.

2. The cover. The cover still doesn't grab my attention, but I'm so invested in the series now, it could be a plain brown wrapper and I'd still pick up the next book.

What I Loved About Liberation
1. The setting. Again the world the author has created just shines. I love everything from the settings to the costumes to the technology.

2. Scarlett. While I was slow to warm to her in the first book, I had no such issues this time around. I was already a big fan. It was great to see some true growth in her. While she's still a teen and has plenty of angst, she's starting to mature.

3. The plot. Another perfectly plotted and executed story!

4. Asher. If possible, I love him even more now. We get to see a new side to him, a softer, more vulnerable side and it made him more human.

5. Paget. She's still the same romantic foil and no fan of Scarlett's, but she has her own growth in this installment and seeing more of her, hearing more of her story, endeared her to me in a way she hadn't before.

Bottom Line
Liberation is my favorite book of 2016 and with tighter editing, it would have been damn near perfect!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I really didn’t think Liberation could top Moonchild, but guess what? Kate L. Mary has proven once again that she is an undeniable force in post-apocalyptic fiction. Liberation picks up a few months after the end of Moonchild. Things are still not quite right between Scarlett and Asher – she’s convinced she’s wrong form him and of course, he’s convinced she’s not. To throw a new wrench in their relationship, they must band together to rescue Asher’s ex, Paget.

I absolutely adore the angst and drama surrounding Scarlett and Asher’s relationship. Kate L. Mary still isn’t giving us an easy, flowery romance, and I love it. Scarlett and Asher are still developing as characters, which I think is so important. The good news is, there’s plenty of room for growth, and I believe there will be more in the next novel. Paget is a new character that is introduced, and I like that she doesn’t take a back seat. There is so much depth to these characters, I’ve come to think of them as friends.

There is still plenty of world-building. Damn, Kate L. Mary’s attention to detail is really awe-inspiring. I felt pulled right into the world again, and with a fast-paced plot, I once again read this in one sitting.

Much like Moonchild, Liberation has made it to my favorites of 2019 list and for good reason. I highly recommend picking up this series if you love post-apocalyptic dystopian with magnificent world-building and characters.

*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Lady Amber's Reviews and PR. All opinions are my own.*

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review: Asher, Scarlett, and their rag tag crew once again find themselves in interesting situations. The characters are developing. The storyline is progressing. The drama romance between Asher and Scarlett is well done. The narrator did a nice job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonchild Series

I totally recommend this book/series to everyone I loved it and want to see more!
I, for one, am so glad that you brought Moonchild to my attention. I absolutely fell in love with Scarlett and Asher in Moonchild and I was very happy with the way you continued their trial and tribulations in Liberation. I just wish you had gone further with this series before putting it aside. I believe you have a large enough following now that would be thrilled to see more of them. You know, you absolutely MUST give us more! You have left way too many stories untold in this series!

[Tina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful sequel to Moonchild. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series

[Tay LaRoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything that was great about Moonchild is just as great in Liberation, if not more so since we get to explore more of the world. The universe is multidimensional and complex, the story is engaging and has plenty of twists and turns, and it has plenty of action, maturity, and lightheartedness in equal measure, making it as much of a rare gem in the foggy realm between YA and NA as its predecessor.

It still blows my mind that the steampunk-dysptopia idea works. The two are perfectly balanced, creating a world that feels as vintage as it does new and dangerous, standing out as something creative and original in both genres. Also, did I mention last time how much I want these girls’ outfits? Because I do. All of them. I love Kate L. Mary’s attention to what people wear in this world. It works to make the world all the more vivid while also giving glimpses of the characters’ personalities without them saying a word, which is always great.

Unfortunately, just like Moonchild, Scarlet is Liberation’s biggest problem. Between her rivalry with another female character and her rather unfounded belief that there’s something wrong with her due to her past, her inner turmoil quickly became more annoying than sympathetic. She runs with pirates. They ALL have rough pasts and some are quite a bit darker than hers, so I really never understood where she was coming from. I don’t want to give anything away because I do still think both books are worth reading, but her angst makes it hard to root for her and Asher as a couple, especially since Asher is such an interesting and well developed character. If the focus had been exclusively on her need for independence, I think she would have been a stronger, more sympathetic character, but as is, she falls flat.

Fortunately, the rest of the cast is great, just like last time. They’re all easy to cheer for, memorable—even the ones new to the scene—and feel worth worrying about, so it’s easy enough to focus on them instead of Scarlet. I read once that every supporting character should think the book is about them and Kate L. Mary pulls that off beautifully here.

So, if you’re a fan of steampunk, dystopia, both, or you’re just looking for something new and exciting, hop aboard a coal-powered airship for a while and check out both Moonchild and Liberation.

[Shanna Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book! This book is full of action and drama! Kate always does such an amazing job character & world building. She has shot to one of the top on my favorite authors list these last few years.

Asher & Scarlett and all the rest of the pirate crew run from one dangerous situation to another. Not everyone survives this adventure and you will be on the edge of your seat at times.
If you haven’t read any of Kate’s books you need to get one ASAP! Any of them you pick up will be worth it.

Heidi does an amazing job narrating and I will definitely look for other books she narrates.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steampunk ='s Love

Right away, I was giggling… “Get that body out of my alley, Asher!” Mick, the bartender, yells as we walk by. LOL, no I'm not laughing out of morbidity. So, if you don't know why this is amusing, then stop now & read book Moonchild!


The story really took a twist that turned out to be quite moving with tons of action and awesome character development. 


I really love how Scarlett's personality has grown & matured. She was all about the world being against her & how horrible her own life was. Here we get to see her heart, compassion & selflessness.


Excellent word building! →More than once a rat squeals when I step on a tail or body. I shudder and try not to think about the diseases lingering in this dark, stinking alley.


Ah the ending, loved it and very happy it didn't end on a huge cliff hanger. It wrapped up very nicely and I can't wait for the next book! 


My star ratings include these 5 elements:

1★ story line

1★ engaging characters
1★ use of word building
1★ being well edited
1★ the ending

[Shaz X · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this second installment in the Moonchild series. There is fantastic growth from the characters, Scarlett in particular and changing relationships amongst the main and secondary characters that feel very realistic. Nothing feels too rushed, it almost feels normal even in this strange and dangerous world.
There is plenty of action, angst and drama that kept me enthralled. Along with the unpredictability of the story line of not really knowing what will happen next. That is one thing that I really love in a story.
The world that Kate L Mary feels believable and it's easy to become hooked on this series.
Kate L Mary is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I look forward to see how she continues this series.
5 fantastic stars!

*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book*

[Jennifer Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It amazes me that Kate L. Mary continues to crank out compelling stories, one after another. With the second installment of Moonchild's tale, she certainly proves her reign as "master of post-apocalyptic stories" is a title well-deserved. As someone who normally only reads Stephen King or contemporary romance, there's always just enough of a love subplot sprinkled in to keep my attention. I love how Scarlett is a tough, anti-hero type who doesn't think she needs anyone, but by breath is held as I followed her relationship with Asher, thinking they're perfect together. Fans of Kate L. Mary and post-apocalyptic tales definitely have to add this series to their TBR!

[Tina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett and the gang are back!

Liberation: Moonchild Book Two by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Heidi Drennan is an awesome second book to the Moonchild dystopian steampunk series. Highly recommend if you enjoyed the first book, steampunk/dystopian societies, or strong female leads. A solid 4 ½ stars, more like 4 ¾.

The story starts shortly after the first one ends. New characters have joined the pirate group causing tensions. The group gets a frantic message from Paget, who has moved out, indicating she is in trouble. Enemies from the first book return while new ones emerge. The book contains lots of fast-paced action blended with Scarlett and Asher’s relationship troubles.

I loved the character development/background- we learn more about Paget’s life. Once the action picked up, it was difficult to put the book down (which seems to be the case with any of Kate’s books).

The only thing I didn’t care for was sometimes Scarlett/Paget were a bit annoying- instead of being understanding with each other, it was a lot of animosity (didn’t ruin the book by any means, but it was a little disappointing regarding character development).

Once again the narrator, Heidi Drennan, does a great job! She is perfect for this series.

Over all I highly recommend this series. You can’t help but be pulled in to Kate’s worlds. I cannot wait for the third book to be released on audible.

Parental guidance/trigger warnings: They are similar to the last books- strip clubs, drinking, talk about past rape, foster homes and abuse that happened in the homes, death, weapons, and other adult situations. The majority of these characters have traumatic pasts.

*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!

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via a promo code and this is my voluntary review. After successfully rescuing her bestie Rory from the Flesh Market Auctions, Scarlett has been rechipped and is trying to settling into life as a pirate with Asher's crew. Normal is the watch word and she's tumbling around the friendzone with former child fight clubber Asher. Unfortunately, not everyone was enjoying their new family life, and Paget's attempt to get some distance over the love sick puppy eyes her ex is sharing with Scarlett, ends in a desperate call for help. Feeling responsible for the trouble Paget finds herself in, reality that the coal miner human traffickers and fighting pits could be stalking closer than comfortable prompt our band of renegade buccaneers to answer the distress call. This book is better paced than the first, and the writing fits better as the dynamic between the characters hits the grove I'm used to finding with Kate L Mary as the story expands to show us more of the post-tech&modern world (It's not exactly post-apocalypse because society is still very much there... just more Victorian poor houses and corruption) Heidi Drennan does a fantastic job bringing Scarlett to life and I loved the way this story is slow burn and allows the reader to soften along with Scarlett to the goodness that is Asher.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrator did a great job again! She was the narrator for the first book too, and gave just as good of a performance in this book as in the first. Great job with all the character’s voices, Quality performance and recording.

Another entertaining, fun adventure for Scarlett and her crew. It’s about 5 months after the events of the first book, this time Scarlett and Asher and the rest of the crew are out to find Paget; Asher’s ex-long term girlfriend. They received a distress call on the radio from her, but it wasn’t very clear, so they set out on the hunt for Paget. They meet lots of despicable people along the way, and danger is afoot. There’s more drama with a possible romance between Scarlett and Asher, but she still isn’t sure she’s who is right for Asher. Plus, you add in some new chick fawning all over Asher, and you have yourself an annoying, high school type romance going on. Not a fan of Asher’s flirty nature and that he doesn’t straight out say to other girls to back the heck up. Scarlett’s back and forth is annoying, but I’d be wary too; especially with Asher and Paget. Scarlett does make some stupid, rash decisions, but I was still getting mad that others blaming her for everything. Plus, she still insists on wearing short skirts all the time, but I still love that she sticks up for herself. I’m excited to see what the next book brings to the story!

[Melissa Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just looking through my "currently reading" books and realized this one shouldn't have been listed there. I'd listened to it almost two weeks ago. I remember typing up the review but obviously I never posted it, which is very strange of me to have done. Of course, I don't remember everything I had said in my previous review... :(

Let's see...

I know I loved this story; the series has been great so far! I'm a huge fan of Kate L. Mary also. The narrator had done a really good job and I'd definitely listen to her again. Aaaahhh... I know I wrote a fair amount last time but... can't... remember... I loved the male character (forgot his name) that Scarlet had flirted with in the bar, then later allowed him to go back to the hangar with her. When he was trying to protect her but got hurt was sweet. I was glad Scarlet and Asher progressed in their relationship. Who doesn't love a good love/hate relationship? This really annoys me that I can't remember. Either way, I'd definitely recommend this author, this series, and this narrator to others.

I received a free audiobook copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liberation (Moonchild, #2) was a good read by Kate L. Mary. Scarlett survived the auction and near death experience at the hands of Asher's father. She's now more than ready to settle into life in Columbus. Scarlett is starting to feel that there is hope on the horizon for them. That is until one distress call threatens everything they have managed to build. It's been months since the night Paget left the warehouse, but when she calls the warehouse, they know something is wrong. The group heads to search for Paget, but it seems like she's no where in Columbus. As they search it seems like danger and death are seeming to follow them. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet and Asher!! Will they, won't they....oh I was getting so frustrated with Scarlet...she is such a sweet girl on the inside..but so doubting of herself!! She is brave and wonderful heroine...I really hope we get another one...but I liked how this one ended too. I like that she and Padget formed a bond, creating a friendship bridge for them...and I love this group of characters together...they have formed a little family and its awesome!! GIVE US MORE KATE!! :)


LOVED IT!! RECOMMEND!!!!!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite wanting to smack Scarlett upside the head a whole bunch, I didn't want to put Liberation down. We learn more about some of the other characters in this one.

Looking forward to Redemption!

[Kim Lewandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Moonchild and this second book is just as good!! The plot is strong, the characters are developed even further. It was just great and I love it just as much as I did Book 1.

Heidi Drennan continued with the same exceptional job as she did before in Moonchild. I live how she uses cadence to differentiate between some characters, as well as the tone.

Awesome job!!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonchild is growing up and her life with Asher is heating up! Love this series!

[Mary Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Book two delivers as much as the first! You laugh, cheer, gasp and cry! A hard to put down book!

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this continuing story. The lives of these characters as well as the plot make it a one sitting read.
Kindle Unlimited edition

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Liberation we get to see a little bit more into Scarlett’s past to learn more about the wrench that was thrown in her life that helped to make her the person she is today. She still has those walls thrown up around her heart and Asher is slowly tearing them down. But then something happens and she slams them back up.

They get a distress call from Paget and are only able to make out a few words with one of them being trapped. Paget took off one night after her and Asher had a big fight. They haven’t heard from her in a long time until she tried to reach to them asking for their help.

Their search for Paget takes them to her home land in the Hocking Hills. Where ever they go trouble seems to follow them putting their lives in danger leaving death and destruction in its wake. Will they find Paget before it is too late?

Liberation is just as good if not better than the first book Moonchild. The world building and the descriptions of said world just seem to get better and better. The characters seem to have grown more and are thinking more about others than their selves. Scarlett is a very mature person to be able to put her feelings aside and do what is right by going with them to look for Paget without complaining.

Liberation is filled with action from beginning to end with plenty of twists and turns to keep me glued to the page trying to figure out where the story was going to go next and wondering if they were ever going to find Paget and if they did would they make it in time? Once I picked up Liberation I couldn’t put it down it had me enthralled just like Moonchild. I just can’t’ seem to get enough of these characters and their world. I can’t wait to dive into the next book Redemption.

I highly recommend Liberation to all fans of dystopia and science fiction with plenty of action and excitement that will keep you guessing right up until the end.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett carries the scar of the meeting with Asher’s father when they disrupted the slave auction. Scarlett continues to vacillate over her feelings for Asher. The poor girl will not stop demonizing herself; convincing herself that she is not good enough and will only wind up hurting him. With the jealousy triangle involving Paget in full swing, or is it a square now including Katana, tempers flare and Paget runs from the group. Months later there is no sign of Paget until a hysterical radio call comes into the airship. The group, including Asher and Scarlett, rise to the occasion to go looking for Paget. The search will cover the city and out into the country where Paget’s family lives. The desperate search and heightened emotions will bring people closer together, revealing more of our group’s history. Will our intrepid group rescue Paget? Will Scarlett figure out which end is up? Stay tuned. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really loved the first book so I purchased the second, but I was very disappointed. The tension between the heroin and her main love interested seemed unnecessarily forced unlike the first book. Also the plot was very lacking and predictable. I actually rolled my eyes at the ending... tied up with a pretty bow. Also the main underlying villain from the first book was mentioned in an afterthought in this one. I'm guessing the author trying to squeeze out a third book and will resolve it in that one? Loved the first book but this was not a satisfying continuation of the story for me.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the money & the wait

Loved the characters and the storyline. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. This series is exceptional. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book