The Sweetest Torment

Oklahoma Wastelands #3

by Kate L. Mary

I wanted Andrew to suffer, and part of me thought watching his torment might be the sweetest victory I would ever experience.

Stranded hours from home and empty-handed, with Kellan on the brink of death, Regan finds herself facing the most difficult challenge yet. Their enemies are still out there, lurking in the shadows and seeking revenge, and with nowhere else to turn, she must put all her faith in the hands of strangers if they have any chance of surviving.

Traveling by and land and water, and with the help of people they just met, Regan and Kellan must brave zombies, humans, and harsh conditions in the ruins of what was once the United States as they make their way back to Oklahoma. But the real challenge is yet to come. Andrew isn’t finished with them. Only this time Regan is determined to be ready for him. More importantly, she isn’t going to let him get away without paying for the things he’s done.

Genres: Horror, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2019

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

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 3rd installment of the OK Wastelands series, Regan and Kellan find themselves in Tennessee. They've been saved from Andrew's clutches - but how will they get back? Can they trust these people who saved them? How will they get back home?

New friends, some old friends and all the answers are found along the way.

[Emily Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just about the time you think there is nothing that Kate L Mary can write that will surprise me, I stand corrected. OK Wastelands #3, The Sweetest Torment, absolutely had me guessing the entire way through of what would happen next.

In this one, Kellan and Regan are together, trying to get home to their beloved family within the bunker in the middle of OK. Traveling from TN back to OK has proven to be difficult as they, and their group of immune friends, try to avoid Andrew, an ATL kidnapper set on capturing the immune for the CDC.

Just when you think they are save, Mary rips the rug out from under you. Whether it's the weather, crazy cults or just life in a post apocalyptic world, Mary keeps it entertaining and engaging from cover to cover. I couldn't put this one down! I absolutely loved Regan and Kellan's relationship but most of all I love the strong woman Regan was. Mary really gave the reader someone to admire as they faced unbelievable adversity! I love this one!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story

I enjoyed the Reagan and Kellan romance. My only issue was that a lot of the suspense of the series was built on separating them and then having them worry about each other. I get that, but after three books of it I felt like this book took it one or two separations too far. I would have rather seen them spend more of this last book fighting together to kill some bad guys who deserved it.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would I do if he didn’t make it? I couldn’t even imagine a world where Kellan didn’t exist. It seemed too dark and horrible, even compared to the one we were currently living in.

I am beyond sad that this series is over. But I will forever love Kellan and Regan. Honestly...forever!! Their story has positively been one of my most favorite of favorites. I have cried over them, laughed along side of them and even been a bit angry a time or two over the crap they not only put each other through, but us readers as well.

So much goes down in this one, it will literally keep you on the edge of your seat. It was so intense and exciting not knowing where she was taking the story or the characters. How was this going to end? Who would make it out alive? Is this the end of Kellan and Regan? My heart could barely take it!!

I have only read book 1 in the Broken World series but I loved seeing the easter eggs Mary gave her loyal fanbase in THE SWEETEST TORMENT. It sparked a need in me to hurry and get to the rest of that series. Great job, Mary!!

Once again...5 Stars!

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the series!

I’ve been trying to read this world in order and I re-read the Broken World series and then continued with the Twisted series a few months ago and had to take a break to focus on ARCs that I had to read! I then decided to start this trilogy to continue the reading books set in the same world! After reading, I can say that I loved every second of reading this trilogy! I honestly couldn’t put it down until I had finished reading and I was reading a few more chapters every chance I had! There was romance in the plot and I loved the way it developed and it was sort of enemies to lovers and brothers best friend! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes too! There was also a lot of action and suspense in the plot of the books, which added to them and made me enjoy them more! I also felt like the stakes got even higher as the books progressed! The characters were also amazing and made this trilogy for me! Regan was the main character, and at the beginning of this trilogy she was unsure and I think that she understood more about what she had to do as the trilogy progressed and she learned more about how dangerous the zombie world really was! Regan also grew a lot and I liked her more and more as the trilogy progressed! Kellan was the love interest of Regan! Kellan was a guy who was quite rough at the beginning and he tried to avoid putting Regan in danger! This was because she meant a lot to him and he didn't want to lose her! Eventually Regan stood up to Kellan and he let her learn how to defend herself! It was easy to see how much Regan meant to Kellan and he was a strong guy! This trilogy was only written from Regan’s point of view! I was maybe expecting it to be written from maybe dual point of view before I started reading, so I was a bit surprised that it was written fully through Regan’s eyes! I guess it made sense for the story to be written this way because it was Regan’s story and it was her journey in the zombie ridden world! I was still able to connect with the other characters and they all added to the story! It was also a lot of fun to see characters from the Broken World series make appearances in this book or at least be mentioned! I now can’t wait to continue reading the books set in this world! I know that the next series I have to read is seven books and will start right from the beginning of the apocalypse with a new set of characters! I’ll definitely be reading them next and I can’t wait to read their journey! The covers for this trilogy suit the feel of the books and would draw me to the books if I didn’t already know the author’s name! I love how well it suits the covers for the prequel series as well!

[Tina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Torment: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Novel (Oklahoma Wastelands, Book 3) by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Heather Firth is another good addition to the series (hoping it’s not the last). Recommend if you’ve been listening to this series and if not, you should def start! I had a difficult time putting this one down.

What’s it about? Kellan and Regan are back and dealing with the psycho Andrew while encountering new crazies of the religious variety (don’t worry, there’s a couple normal folks too). When Kellan and Regan become separated, a harsh reality sets in for Regan. There are heavy loses and gains, a good amount of focus on their relationship development, and some surprises. I LOVE this world overlaps with her other books (nope, not saying who, listen to the series). There is bonus content at the end for one of the new characters back story, which was a nice surprise.

The narrator, Health Firth, was fabulous (yet again!). Great voices, pacing, and overall adds to the book.

“I knew I was living in a twisted world when I found myself rooting for a zombie, but I couldn’t help it.”

Parental guidance/trigger warnings: It’s the zompoc so things like violence, death, torture, PTSD, or like situations occur. Language used: F x1, S x28.

*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!

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3, so definitely go read the previous books first. This has been such a fun series, and I've loved how Regan matured throughout the series; she's a strong character. Kellan is awesome too! This book starts right where book 2 left off; Kellan's bite from a crazy human has become infected and he needs antibiotics, and Regan and Kellan find themselves being rescued by a new group of people. Lots of new characters in this book. More zombie adventures and trust issues! These books mainly deal with the weirdos and dangerous humans in this zombie world, but it's nice to see that there are those that still have good intentions. Some great action; the riverboat was cool. I would've loved more of the zombies taking out the bad guys; they deserved to be munched on. Absolutely love the connection between Regan and Kellan! They are one of my favorite couples in Mary's books. This was a good ending to this series; sad in parts, joyous in others, fully entertaining!

In addition to the regular story, there's a short story about Brady, who we are introduced to in the regular story. It's a longer version of the story he tells Regan in this book; about Him dealing with his wife dying.

Also, I listened to the story on Audible. The narrator does an excellent job. She gives a quality performance, and fits the characters really well. I even liked her guy voice!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read several post-apocalyptic books by Kate L. Mary and have enjoyed them all. Right now, I’m listening to The Oklahoma Wasteland series.

Like the first two books, there’s not much down time in The Sweetest Torment. Regan and Kellan face so much in this crazy post-apocalyptic world. Just when they thought all hope was lost, they meet the Immunes. They have grouped together to go after people like Andrew, the man who is hellbent on taking Regan to the CDC. Although they have a nice setup and become good friends, Regan and Kellan still want to return home to Oklahoma. A couple of the Immunes go back with them, but it’s not easy going. This was one of those books that I had to keep listening to even when I was supposed to be doing something else.

These characters go through so much, and I found myself crying near the end. BUT there is a lot of hope at the end which I thought was an amazing ending to the series.

I recommend The Sweetest Torment, but it would be best to read all three books in order to get the most out of it.

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via a promo code and this is my honest review. If you are looking for a GOOD zombie apocalypse story... well you just found a GREAT one. I've read a few of the shorter novellas by Kate L Mary and recently stumbled across the Oklahoma Wasteland series. This girl has TALENT! If the first addictive few seasons of TWD could be bottled and poured out of a speaker.. that is this series! Book 3 finds us back with Regan and Kellan miles from home in the company of some new allies, Logan and his group. They are still being hunted by Andrew and theres no shortage of twists to their journey back to Shelter. They lose people, they get into natural disasters... theres an insane cult wedding. The drama with the dead is secondary to the peril caused by the CDC and the new government. The world is vibrant and the narration... Heather Firth could read the dictionary and I'd still be content. Her voice was perfect for this series. I enjoyed it so much I'm going onto the Broken World Series next to see other survivors in this world.

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great apocalyptic tale by Kate Mary. Her writing never fails me and this series is no different. I find this volume in particular, and this series in general, too be more intense and violent than we are used to from Kate Mary. Reagan is a strong female protagonist, who is Kate’s hallmark, a beautiful strong-willed young woman rushed into maturity due to the circumstances. Escaping from or avoiding one situation after another, Regan and Kellan continue their journey to Oklahoma. The American Queen was an exciting episode filled with tension and danger. Andrew is still out there and unfortunately, is quite lucky. Epilogue and conclusion are well done and satisfying as usual. Heather Firth’s performance was amazing as well. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Torment (Oklahoma Wastelands #3) was a good read by Kate L. Mary. They are stranded hours from home, with Kellan on the brink of death. Regan finds herself with no where else to turn. She has to put all her trust into strangers if they want to survive. They travel by land and water, and must brave zombies, humans and harsh conditions. Unfortunately Andrew isn't finished with them. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[CaraDico · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have five stars but I felt like the whole bit towards the end with the religious cult just didn't belong in the book. It seemed to be a filler to make the book longer and didn't add anything to the plot. Otherwise, I loved how Regan turned into a strong heroine.

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe it’s over. I want so, so much more. Don’t get me wrong, it ended perfectly, but I’m so sad to let these characters go. This was such a fun and amazing trilogy. I really wanted to pick it up and read it 24/7 and never wanted to put it down.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series, absolutely loved it! Great characters that you care about. And thanks to the author for knowing when to end it and not drag it out for another 4 or 5 books!

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review will come a bit later.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns!!

Very exciting!! These characters are very loveable!! I do wonder what happened to one of the guys! Maybe I missed it!? Great story!!

[Angie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A damn fine book!

Kate L. Mary is an Awsome writer. She has created characters that are easy to care about and a world that is easy to envision.

[C.M. Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow-up to the first book of the series. I am really getting into the story.

[M.vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

It painful to come to the end of the story, I've grown attached to the characters in the story will miss reading about them.

[Danielle Vandehaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay zombie action, nice crossover with the other series, but I called the twist right away.

[Jay Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good!

[Jo D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending

Although really sad in some spots ..it was good to see Kellan and Regan come out on top . There is lots of action and the epilogue is great . Loved this series

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

Regan and Kellan are trying to make their way back home to Oklahoma. They were rescued by a group of people who have been looking for Andrew and his people as well for a long time. Kellan is very sick and needs medicine to recover. Their new friends Logan and Beth may just know a way to save him or at least some people who might can.

Regan is still healing and hurting from her experience with Andrew and his group. She knows he is still out there somewhere and she intends on finding him and making him pay for all the hurt he caused her and to stop him from hurting anyone else ever again.

Logan and Beth’s journey in life at the moment is helping people and trying to make sure they are safe so when they hear that Regan and Kellan are planning on returning to Oklahoma they decide to go with them to make sure they get there safely.

They have a long journey ahead of them on land and by sea either way they are determined to make it back alive. Regan knows Andrew is out there and she is on the lookout for him. Zombies are not the only deadly things out there no humans can be just as deadly or dangerous.

Regan and Kellan have the worst luck of all time as they keep running into some mighty bad people who want to force them to do their will. Will they make it out alive? Will they ever find their way home? Will the humans be the death of them? Or will it be the zombies?

The Sweetest Torment is filled with some happy times and some sad times that kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next. Just when I thought I had it all figured out then bam it would take me in a whole other direction. Just their fight to survive and stay alive kept me going and turning the pages and I admit I was so sad to see it end but the ending was awesome and a great ending it was. I hope to see more of these characters in future stories.

I highly recommend The Sweetest Torment as well as the first two books The Loudest Silence book one and The Brightest Darkness book two in the Oklahoma Wastelands to all zombie and or post-apocalypse fans. One click yourself a copy today to begin this journey with all these wonderful characters living in a zombie infested world.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate L. Mary does it again and I’m not surprised. Her writing is incredible. Every book I read by her hits all the check marks of the genre she’s writing in. The Sweetest Torment is no exception. The third book in the Oklahmoa Wasteland series.

I’ve read all three books and I am absolutely obsessed with Kellan and Regan. They were the perfect leads to this amazing book. I laughed with them, I cried (real tears by the way). It was a rough journey for these characters. I felt their pain and their joy. These characters were just written so well.

This is a fast-paced plot. I forgot to mention, I recommend reading these books in order. They build on each other and this finale was intense. I could not set the book down, I needed to know the end.

I highly recommend this novel! Kate L. Mary is fantastic and I will forever be a fan of her writing. Check it out!

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

Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com

[Erin Remen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action pact conclusion !

Reagan and Kellan have faced their share of horror and tragedy. It never seems to get any easier. Captured by Andrew, Kellan being sick and beyond terrified about what horrors the future holds for them Reagan is surprised when they are rescued by another group. Things however never unfold thru way you expect them too and their journey home is fraught with peril and death. Their love for each other is intense and every safe moment is spent in each other's arms. Will they see their friends again? Will they make it there together? Exciting, action pact and intense! I could not put it down!

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicking butts and spitting out names

As usual I'll start by saying Kate L Mary writes the only zombie series I'll read. There's something different about her stories that just resonate with me, yes zombies can resonate. Her books have it all, sex, violence, good guys, bad guys, weirdos, and "normal" people. You just can't find a better bunch of zombies or people who are going to kill them.

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the winner is...

Us! Kate has delivered a home run again. I honestly didn't think Kate could surprise me, but Andrew tripped me up. And the American Queen!! What a twist I didn't see coming. All in all a super wrap up to another great series. Thank you Kate and I look forward to what you have coming up next.

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Torment

This was a good ending to this series. I'm a post-apocalyptic world things have not been easy. The danger and excitement seems to never stop.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending for the book. Could be the end of the series, or maybe not. Lots of action. Same great characters…some new, some old. Liked seeing Brady again. Love seeing "old" characters in Kate's books.

[Debbie Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetest torment

Another great series from a amazing author,l am bummed it ended ,love the character's and hope to see more in this series of the kids. Well done !