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Evolution
Brian Jameson left behind a world of chaos—vicious Stalkers, ruthless survivors, and an unforgiving landscape of bitter cold and snow—and escaped to an idyllic island paradise with the love of his life. But now he must abandon everything he fought for and return to the warped remnants of America, land of the lost and the home of the depraved.
His sizzling affair with hotheaded Cajun Louis Lavellé came to a boil when Louis’s secrets surfaced: among them, the fact that he left his sister in the clutches of a twisted, infected psychopath and let Brian think she was dead. Unable to bear Louis’s betrayal or the enigma of Eva’s fate, Brian flees the island—without Louis—and returns to New Orleans to begin his search for the missing girl.
If Brian can find his friends, gregarious D and her badass brother, Antoine, he thinks he might have a shot of fighting his way back to Eva’s last known location. But the Stalkers haven’t died out—in fact, they’re exhibiting frightening new patterns of behavior. And memories of Louis continue to torment Brian…along with the strong probability that Louis hasn’t forgotten him either.
Hopes and fears of reuniting with the Lavellé twins drive Brian as he navigates through familiar but shifting surroundings and obstacles. Sweltering heat has melted the snow, revealing once-buried horrors and allowing both Stalkers and other survivors to emerge from hiding. Everything Brian thought he knew about this warped world is shaken by mounting revelations, and each one chips away at his hopes for a happy ending.
But at this point, he doesn’t even know what his version of a happy ending could be.
His sizzling affair with hotheaded Cajun Louis Lavellé came to a boil when Louis’s secrets surfaced: among them, the fact that he left his sister in the clutches of a twisted, infected psychopath and let Brian think she was dead. Unable to bear Louis’s betrayal or the enigma of Eva’s fate, Brian flees the island—without Louis—and returns to New Orleans to begin his search for the missing girl.
If Brian can find his friends, gregarious D and her badass brother, Antoine, he thinks he might have a shot of fighting his way back to Eva’s last known location. But the Stalkers haven’t died out—in fact, they’re exhibiting frightening new patterns of behavior. And memories of Louis continue to torment Brian…along with the strong probability that Louis hasn’t forgotten him either.
Hopes and fears of reuniting with the Lavellé twins drive Brian as he navigates through familiar but shifting surroundings and obstacles. Sweltering heat has melted the snow, revealing once-buried horrors and allowing both Stalkers and other survivors to emerge from hiding. Everything Brian thought he knew about this warped world is shaken by mounting revelations, and each one chips away at his hopes for a happy ending.
But at this point, he doesn’t even know what his version of a happy ending could be.
ebook
Published December 2, 2019
12 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Hasbrouck
4 books8 followersI'm an INTJ (you might not put much stock into MBTI types but INTJ describes me better than I can describe myself). Also, when I play D&D, I align Chaotic Neutral. Apart from that, I'm always interested in art, prose, all things creative, psychology and true crime, and I've been a fan of anime and video games since my single-digit years. If I had to pick aesthetics, I'd go Dark Paradise ala Silent Hill or an umbrella of Dreamwave. I'm also a huge Pokemon dweeb.
My work typically includes diverse voices and speculative qualities with a dash of romance and slow-burn sexual tension. I am the author of two published series: the high fantasy The Lineage of Tellus, first published in 2014 by Greyhart Press, and the post-apocalyptic thriller Stalker/s, first published in 2019 by NineStar Press. NineStar Press also published my sci-fi novel The Gemini Strand in 2021. In addition, my short story, “The Hole”, has been published in the horror anthology Welcome Home from Lycan Valley Press. I’ve also been a professional editor since 2021 and signed with my agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency in 2024.
My work typically includes diverse voices and speculative qualities with a dash of romance and slow-burn sexual tension. I am the author of two published series: the high fantasy The Lineage of Tellus, first published in 2014 by Greyhart Press, and the post-apocalyptic thriller Stalker/s, first published in 2019 by NineStar Press. NineStar Press also published my sci-fi novel The Gemini Strand in 2021. In addition, my short story, “The Hole”, has been published in the horror anthology Welcome Home from Lycan Valley Press. I’ve also been a professional editor since 2021 and signed with my agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 16, 2019
Well, this definitely ended a lot better than the first one lol. ;) And in case you decide to read this one, which I hope you do, if you have not read book 1, Stalker\s, you need to read it first or you will be lost. Things will not make sense whatsoever. I’m glad this one had a happier ending, than book 1. But I will warn you, this is a gory book. If you can’t handle that kind of stuff, then you need to be careful. Stalkers is another word for a form of zombie. And while some zombies are mindless, some are not. Which make them more dangerous. And we find out how dangerous in this one. Along with some secrets which leave Brian and his friends in shock.
Brian hates that he had to leave that island. He finally thought they could be happy, he and Louis, until Louis confessed everything and Brian is still pissed over it. He can’t get past it, and that means he can’t forgive Louis right now. His main goal is to find his friends, Toine and D, and the old plantation and see if he can find Eva, Louis’s sister, and see if she’s ok. He finds his friends and the plantation, and they agree to help him. But what he doesn’t expect is to see Louis saving his life on the way. And now tensions are high as they have a lot to resolve and Brian doesn’t know how. All while trying to survive these stalkers. But while they are traveling, they are noticing a difference in behavior in these stalkers. When they reach a place where they finally find Eva, it turns to hell in a handbasket. Eva tries to kill them, their old enemy the King is back and there are secrets surrounding him, and Louis has finally gotten to where everything is too much. With the power going out in this town, and the stalkers surrounding them, it’s time to take action. And hope that everyone comes back alive.
This one, like book 1, will play on every emotion you have. Holy cow. You want to rage, cry, laugh, all of it and if you’re like me, you will do all of them. It’s insane how hooked this book will make you. This series. I feel for everyone in this book. I do. Well, except for the bad guys, of course. Brian, Louis, D, Toine, everyone, they’ve all been through some kind of hell. They’ve had to kill people they never thought they would, they’ve had to watch others being killed because of what they’ve become and it’s all become a jumbled mess. But they’ve had to survive. It’s been a question of you or me. But no one should have to live with those choices. And the damage it does to your psyche, it takes a toll. I’m surprised they haven’t all cracked before now and when they have a bit, I certainly don’t blame them. But forgiveness is key. Communication. It’s never easy trying to survive in a world of monsters. Even fictional ones.
I like how this ended. It was definitely much better lol. I hate cliffhangers. But not one this time. In fact, despite everything, it was a happy one. I’ve really enjoyed these books and glad I got the chance to read them. You guys should give them a try. Zombies, secrets, betrayals and all kinds of fun. It’s some great reading.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Brian hates that he had to leave that island. He finally thought they could be happy, he and Louis, until Louis confessed everything and Brian is still pissed over it. He can’t get past it, and that means he can’t forgive Louis right now. His main goal is to find his friends, Toine and D, and the old plantation and see if he can find Eva, Louis’s sister, and see if she’s ok. He finds his friends and the plantation, and they agree to help him. But what he doesn’t expect is to see Louis saving his life on the way. And now tensions are high as they have a lot to resolve and Brian doesn’t know how. All while trying to survive these stalkers. But while they are traveling, they are noticing a difference in behavior in these stalkers. When they reach a place where they finally find Eva, it turns to hell in a handbasket. Eva tries to kill them, their old enemy the King is back and there are secrets surrounding him, and Louis has finally gotten to where everything is too much. With the power going out in this town, and the stalkers surrounding them, it’s time to take action. And hope that everyone comes back alive.
This one, like book 1, will play on every emotion you have. Holy cow. You want to rage, cry, laugh, all of it and if you’re like me, you will do all of them. It’s insane how hooked this book will make you. This series. I feel for everyone in this book. I do. Well, except for the bad guys, of course. Brian, Louis, D, Toine, everyone, they’ve all been through some kind of hell. They’ve had to kill people they never thought they would, they’ve had to watch others being killed because of what they’ve become and it’s all become a jumbled mess. But they’ve had to survive. It’s been a question of you or me. But no one should have to live with those choices. And the damage it does to your psyche, it takes a toll. I’m surprised they haven’t all cracked before now and when they have a bit, I certainly don’t blame them. But forgiveness is key. Communication. It’s never easy trying to survive in a world of monsters. Even fictional ones.
I like how this ended. It was definitely much better lol. I hate cliffhangers. But not one this time. In fact, despite everything, it was a happy one. I’ve really enjoyed these books and glad I got the chance to read them. You guys should give them a try. Zombies, secrets, betrayals and all kinds of fun. It’s some great reading.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
January 20, 2020
Evolution... the much awaited sequel to Stalker. Did I enjoy it as much as the first book? Honestly though the ending was sweet and delectable, I didn’t feel the same rush of excitement to gush about it in a review than the previous book. I attribute this to the lengthy first section of the book.
To me, the book is divided into 4 sections, before Louis found Brian, integrating Louis back into Brian’s life, finding Eva, getting rid of the King. In my opinion, too much time was spent on the first 2 sections where there was more drama than action involved. I remember picking up Stalker for the promise of an action/horror filled treat.
Although I absolutely ship the romance between Louis and Brian, I also wanted my dosage of horror 😜
That said, I enjoyed the refreshing perspective on how the virus may not degenerate the entire intelligence of the host, and that kids may be less affected. There is great potential to the further exploration of this theory. I imagine another book detailing Felicia’s study of the King, perhaps his subsequent escape culminating in the final war between men and stalker. In my opinion, the King was too easily subdued.
I’m giving this one a 4 for the effort on originality. If I were to be extremely partial though, I would have given it a 3 for too much focus on drama.
To me, the book is divided into 4 sections, before Louis found Brian, integrating Louis back into Brian’s life, finding Eva, getting rid of the King. In my opinion, too much time was spent on the first 2 sections where there was more drama than action involved. I remember picking up Stalker for the promise of an action/horror filled treat.
Although I absolutely ship the romance between Louis and Brian, I also wanted my dosage of horror 😜
That said, I enjoyed the refreshing perspective on how the virus may not degenerate the entire intelligence of the host, and that kids may be less affected. There is great potential to the further exploration of this theory. I imagine another book detailing Felicia’s study of the King, perhaps his subsequent escape culminating in the final war between men and stalker. In my opinion, the King was too easily subdued.
I’m giving this one a 4 for the effort on originality. If I were to be extremely partial though, I would have given it a 3 for too much focus on drama.
December 5, 2019
(The first book in the series, Stalkers, needs to be read first to understand the characters and the storyline).
Brian returns to Evergreen to start his search for Eva. Leaving Louis behind has him questioning everything. He is reunited with his friends (really his family). As they all need a safer place to live Brian combines that need with his search. As to Louis showing up, Brian couldn’t decide if it was good or bad. He definitely wasn’t going to forgive him for his lies. As the group head north, it’s not a happy band. Everyone distrusts Louis. Heck, even Louis distrusts himself.
Stalkers are changing. Is it possible they are regaining some part of themselves? Brian and Louis keep trying to connect but the past still has them in its grasp. Even when they reach a supposed safety they still doubt.
There was so much going on in this book. Pain, loss, insecurity, hatred, but above all, even with the doubts there is still a glimmer of hope about their future. Great apocalyptic story, realistic characters, not pulling any shots when it comes to the would be end of the world. But people are still falling in love, or refalling as the case may be. I enjoyed it.
I received an arc of this book from the author.
Brian returns to Evergreen to start his search for Eva. Leaving Louis behind has him questioning everything. He is reunited with his friends (really his family). As they all need a safer place to live Brian combines that need with his search. As to Louis showing up, Brian couldn’t decide if it was good or bad. He definitely wasn’t going to forgive him for his lies. As the group head north, it’s not a happy band. Everyone distrusts Louis. Heck, even Louis distrusts himself.
Stalkers are changing. Is it possible they are regaining some part of themselves? Brian and Louis keep trying to connect but the past still has them in its grasp. Even when they reach a supposed safety they still doubt.
There was so much going on in this book. Pain, loss, insecurity, hatred, but above all, even with the doubts there is still a glimmer of hope about their future. Great apocalyptic story, realistic characters, not pulling any shots when it comes to the would be end of the world. But people are still falling in love, or refalling as the case may be. I enjoyed it.
I received an arc of this book from the author.
April 28, 2021
Luckily I had both books on this series so I could read them back to back. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been happy with the previous book's cliffhanger.
These two stories were awesome to read. Scary as shit. Panic inducing. 'What is going to happen next!' kind of scenes. Very satisfying.
These two stories were awesome to read. Scary as shit. Panic inducing. 'What is going to happen next!' kind of scenes. Very satisfying.
October 11, 2025
A dangerous and lonely journey Brian begins, retracing his steps back through the hellish American landscape where the Stalkers are changing, evolving; also evolves; expanding into a circle of friends, trying to find someone left behind. A dark and dangerous bond transforms through hardship, survival, and interacting with others into a love where two young men mirror each other’s flaws and virtues, sharing strength.
The Stalkers may be evolving into a mystery, which is harder to hunt, harder to elude; but so are the humans; headed toward a happiness; which takes them by surprise. First, the characters have to face their mistakes and forgive others who’ve hurt them, if they can, if forgiveness doesn’t harm the small community they find themselves forming. To forgive or not to forgive is a major theme in this book, stalking the footsteps of the living as much as the walking dead do. To do either carries grave consequences, giving this book and the relationships within it a depth and richness beyond the fight for survival in a changing world.
The Stalkers may be evolving into a mystery, which is harder to hunt, harder to elude; but so are the humans; headed toward a happiness; which takes them by surprise. First, the characters have to face their mistakes and forgive others who’ve hurt them, if they can, if forgiveness doesn’t harm the small community they find themselves forming. To forgive or not to forgive is a major theme in this book, stalking the footsteps of the living as much as the walking dead do. To do either carries grave consequences, giving this book and the relationships within it a depth and richness beyond the fight for survival in a changing world.
April 24, 2021
A strong followup to a promising first novel. Expands on the relationships and worlds developed in the prior novel and brings it to a more palatable ending, if HEA are your thing. It might've come off as cheesy but the author pulls it off well, making the scares and torment worth the pain and loss. There's still beauty in the world even if it's complicated. Reach for the moments of humanity and growth. Forgiveness can reward ugliness.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews