What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cascadia Series #1
World Departed
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2020)In the zombie apocalypse, your worst enemy may be yourself.
From the Until the End of the World and City Series universe comes the story of the virus on the West Coast. Where the end of the world is only the beginning…
Rose Winter has enough problems. With a marriage going down the tubes and a dreaded anniversary party on the horizon, the last thing she needs is the zombie apocalypse. She wanted to get drunk and sing karaoke, not murder her undead neighbors. It’s clear the party’s over, however, and now Rose has more problems—a missing husband, an overbearing houseguest, and keeping her family alive.
From the Until the End of the World and City Series universe comes the story of the virus on the West Coast. Where the end of the world is only the beginning…
Rose Winter has enough problems. With a marriage going down the tubes and a dreaded anniversary party on the horizon, the last thing she needs is the zombie apocalypse. She wanted to get drunk and sing karaoke, not murder her undead neighbors. It’s clear the party’s over, however, and now Rose has more problems—a missing husband, an overbearing houseguest, and keeping her family alive.
Tom Jensen has inflexible rules. Rule number one? Don’t deviate from the plan. But when his life is overturned in the space of minutes, his plans die along with everything else. The world is finished, the future is uncertain, and survival means living in the last place he’d planned to be. Maybe his rules weren’t meant to be broken, but if he can’t change his tune, he risks losing the one thing he has left—his daughter.
Craig Matthews has a mission: get to Oregon. Doable, maybe, if he could bring himself to leave his apartment. With his food and water near gone and death closer than ever, a chance encounter may lead to finding his friends—if he can first find his courage.
Unfortunately, the new world doesn’t always mean leaving old problems behind, and as the West Coast succumbs to the virus, the survivors face more than the undead—they face themselves. But in an existence where fences offer dubious safety and zombies certain danger, people may save you in more ways than one.
710 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2020
615 people are currently reading
3907 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lyons Fleming
16 books1,479 followersI'm a wannabe prepper and lover of anything pre-apocalyptic, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic—-or anything in between. Add in some humor and romance, and I'm in heaven.
Besides an unhealthy obsession with home-canned food and Bug Out Bag equipment, I love books, making artsy stuff and laughing my arse off. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I now live in Oregon with my family and, in my opinion, not nearly enough supplies for the zombie apocalypse. But I'm working on it.
Besides an unhealthy obsession with home-canned food and Bug Out Bag equipment, I love books, making artsy stuff and laughing my arse off. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I now live in Oregon with my family and, in my opinion, not nearly enough supplies for the zombie apocalypse. But I'm working on it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
August 10, 2024
I've hit a funk and the only way for me to get out of it is to jump into this genre, so here goes, new to me author, fingers x it pulls me out of this funk I'm in..
So this is definitely getting me over my funk 🙌 3 days later, off and on reading, I’m finally finished! 😅 this was one long assed book, but definitely worth the reading.
I loved how this one focused on this group of survivors inner relationships, making it more unique over others in this genre I’ve read. And how everything was just like a normal day like any other, until it wasn’t. Many start after the world ends, so this one made it more enjoyable and refreshing allowing me a better connection with the characters.
Now with a horde of zombies heading towards their safe zone it’s time to move before they are all obliterated, who stays and who goes as they search for somewhere safer will be interesting.
Totally excited to start the next book in this series.
So this is definitely getting me over my funk 🙌 3 days later, off and on reading, I’m finally finished! 😅 this was one long assed book, but definitely worth the reading.
I loved how this one focused on this group of survivors inner relationships, making it more unique over others in this genre I’ve read. And how everything was just like a normal day like any other, until it wasn’t. Many start after the world ends, so this one made it more enjoyable and refreshing allowing me a better connection with the characters.
Now with a horde of zombies heading towards their safe zone it’s time to move before they are all obliterated, who stays and who goes as they search for somewhere safer will be interesting.
Totally excited to start the next book in this series.
May 9, 2022
Wow! Calling all my zombie, post-apocalyptic book lovers out there, this one is REALLY fantastic!
Little to no steam, so go in prepared for that, but expect fabulous storytelling, wonderful characters, and an incredibly realistic take on the zombie apocalypse. (I mean, if that was to actually happen). This is a long long long book, but I never once got bored. This story contains so many authentic characters, with real voices, and genuine emotions. I was surprised how many times I laughed while reading, humor was the perfect antidote when things became too stressful. Multiple POVs, and lots of zombie action.
While this is definitely not a romance, there was the sweetest budding romances and it's all inclusive, mm/ff/mf.
Highly recommend!!!
Little to no steam, so go in prepared for that, but expect fabulous storytelling, wonderful characters, and an incredibly realistic take on the zombie apocalypse. (I mean, if that was to actually happen). This is a long long long book, but I never once got bored. This story contains so many authentic characters, with real voices, and genuine emotions. I was surprised how many times I laughed while reading, humor was the perfect antidote when things became too stressful. Multiple POVs, and lots of zombie action.
While this is definitely not a romance, there was the sweetest budding romances and it's all inclusive, mm/ff/mf.
Highly recommend!!!
March 9, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I loved this book! There are a handful of authors that I will drop everything when she releases a new book so that I can immediately start reading it. Sarah Lyons Fleming has made her way onto that list of authors. I knew that a book would be coming out soon but I wasn't exactly sure when it would be. Once I saw that this book was available, I couldn't download it fast enough. Let's just say that my expectations were high. This book was even better than I could have hoped it would be. I feel like I have been on a journey with these characters and I loved every moment of it.
It is no secret that I love a well-told zombie story. I think that this is a book that could appeal to readers who wouldn't consider themselves to be fans of zombie apocalyptic fiction. That's because this book is all about the characters. Sarah Lyons Fleming can write characters that work their way into your heart and leave you feeling like they are family. This is really a character-driven story. Sure, those characters get the chance to stab zombies in the eye from time to time but the focus is really on how this group of people can band together to survive the worst-case scenario. This book is set in the same world as the Until the End of the World and City Series but it is set on the west coast and features a brand new cast of characters. This is a great place for readers new to Sarah Lyons Fleming's work to jump in since it is the start of a brand new series.
I liked the fact that this book was told from multiple points of view. Rose is the mother of two young adult children who home from college when tragedy struck. She was set to host an anniversary party so her dad and best friend are also around, despite the fact her husband is missing. Clara is a college student who happens to be best friends with Rose's daughter, Holly. She came home from school when her dad asked her to because he was worried about the virus and her whole world has fallen apart. Tom is Rose's difficult neighbor and Clara's father. He has been through a lot and has a really hard time dealing with everything happening but he will do whatever it takes to keep Clara safe. Craig is one of Rose's best friends but he didn't make it to the party and is stuck miles away. He will have to find the strength he doesn't know he has to make to Oregon.
I loved seeing the group adjust to their changing situation. I loved seeing them work together to put ideas into place and do what was needed to help the group. These people felt so real and I really enjoyed seeing how compassionate they were to others. I cheered for them when things were going well and feared for them when situations were less than ideal. I was able to relate to these characters and found myself wondering if I would have handled certain situations in the same way they did.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This was a book that was almost impossible to put down even though I had to since life will not wait for me to read a book that is almost 800 pages long. This is one of those books that I will be reading again and already have plans to add the audiobook to my personal library once it is available. I cannot wait to read more of this author's work!
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
I loved this book! There are a handful of authors that I will drop everything when she releases a new book so that I can immediately start reading it. Sarah Lyons Fleming has made her way onto that list of authors. I knew that a book would be coming out soon but I wasn't exactly sure when it would be. Once I saw that this book was available, I couldn't download it fast enough. Let's just say that my expectations were high. This book was even better than I could have hoped it would be. I feel like I have been on a journey with these characters and I loved every moment of it.
It is no secret that I love a well-told zombie story. I think that this is a book that could appeal to readers who wouldn't consider themselves to be fans of zombie apocalyptic fiction. That's because this book is all about the characters. Sarah Lyons Fleming can write characters that work their way into your heart and leave you feeling like they are family. This is really a character-driven story. Sure, those characters get the chance to stab zombies in the eye from time to time but the focus is really on how this group of people can band together to survive the worst-case scenario. This book is set in the same world as the Until the End of the World and City Series but it is set on the west coast and features a brand new cast of characters. This is a great place for readers new to Sarah Lyons Fleming's work to jump in since it is the start of a brand new series.
I liked the fact that this book was told from multiple points of view. Rose is the mother of two young adult children who home from college when tragedy struck. She was set to host an anniversary party so her dad and best friend are also around, despite the fact her husband is missing. Clara is a college student who happens to be best friends with Rose's daughter, Holly. She came home from school when her dad asked her to because he was worried about the virus and her whole world has fallen apart. Tom is Rose's difficult neighbor and Clara's father. He has been through a lot and has a really hard time dealing with everything happening but he will do whatever it takes to keep Clara safe. Craig is one of Rose's best friends but he didn't make it to the party and is stuck miles away. He will have to find the strength he doesn't know he has to make to Oregon.
I loved seeing the group adjust to their changing situation. I loved seeing them work together to put ideas into place and do what was needed to help the group. These people felt so real and I really enjoyed seeing how compassionate they were to others. I cheered for them when things were going well and feared for them when situations were less than ideal. I was able to relate to these characters and found myself wondering if I would have handled certain situations in the same way they did.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This was a book that was almost impossible to put down even though I had to since life will not wait for me to read a book that is almost 800 pages long. This is one of those books that I will be reading again and already have plans to add the audiobook to my personal library once it is available. I cannot wait to read more of this author's work!
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
March 9, 2021
Set in the same world as Sarah Lyons Fleming's previous two series', World Departed retells the same story of the zombie apocalypse, only this time set in Oregon. But despite the story essentially hitting the same points as nearly all zombie books she somehow manages to build on the story and the lore of the sub-genre.
There was a lot of focus on family in World Departed and in some ways that is the main theme with the zombies just providing the background. It feels a little like American Beauty with Zombies which sounds completely ridiculous but for some reason it works. I really loved it and I can't wait for book 2.
(added - re-read)
Sarah Lyons Fleming is one of the rare authors whose books get better after re-reading them. Picked up the audiobook and it's worth the effort.
There was a lot of focus on family in World Departed and in some ways that is the main theme with the zombies just providing the background. It feels a little like American Beauty with Zombies which sounds completely ridiculous but for some reason it works. I really loved it and I can't wait for book 2.
(added - re-read)
Sarah Lyons Fleming is one of the rare authors whose books get better after re-reading them. Picked up the audiobook and it's worth the effort.
July 20, 2021
This book was better than I thought! There was zombies around a really great story, I liked a lot!
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 19, 2020
Trigger Warning: graphic death, drug abuse
The night before her twentieth anniversary, Rose Winters catches her husband using. Again. It's the last straw, but she's got a party to plan, kids to feed and now...a zombie apocalypse happening right at her doorstep. And a missing husband. Rose has a lot to deal with, and it's only just getting started. Because the zombies aren't going away anytime soon.
Whew. I knew that this was going to be intense, and reading a book on the zombie apocalypse during a pandemic probably wasn't the best idea, particularly since there were an alarming amount of similarities in how the two were handled and how they got so out of hand (minus, you know, the zombies).
I also knew that the points of view that were going to be followed would make me fall in love with the characters, particularly based on the previous two trilogies (all set in the same universe) and I wasn't *quite* wrong.
While I liked Rose and her various neuroses, I felt like she was an author-inserted character. I'm probably wrong, but a lot just felt...weirdly specific? I dunno. But she was funny, and I really, truly felt for her, particularly with her fucked up relationship with her husband (damn he was awful). Being married to a drug abuser means that you're in a relationship with two people—the person you originally fell in love with an occasionally still see glimmers of, and the drug addiction.
I also liked Tom and Craig, although I felt like I didn't get to see as much of Clara on-page as I would have liked, and much of her page-time was devoted to either Holly or Tom and not much of her own development as a person.
Craig was probably my most-favorite main character, although he was easily my least favorite character at the beginning of the book. His development skyrocketed, and while I was a little irked that he was saved because of the stuff his dad taught him, I did like that he still never really forgave his dad for being an abusive asshole because fuck that stuff. And I loved the crew that he fell in line with, and how they all boosted him up and made him part of the team. Troy, Daisy, Lana and Francis were wonderful, and the bro boys actually grew on me.
Anywho, this was Fleming's most inclusive book, as she had a diverse cast of characters, and a lot of LGBTQIAP+ rep (and none of them died! Yes!), plus one of the main characters was aro ace, which was so nice to see represented.
However, it's the secondary characters and the relationships that I loved. And I hate falling in love with them, because in this zombie-filled world you can never get too comfortable, and you just know that your most beloved character is going to die.
But what really elevated this book from a solid four star read to five stars was that it took place in my (kinda) home town and more importantly, it made sense. Fleming captured the feel and spirit of Eugene so fucking well, and her descriptions of the rest of the state were *chef's kiss*. I'm tickled that she called out the unfortunately named town of Drain, which is super duper close to where I actually grew up.
Now I'm homesick.
So thanks for that, I guess?
Anywho, the book ends on a massive holy shit moment, but not as holy shit as the previous other books? Book 2 is going to be intense.
2021 can't come soon enough.
The night before her twentieth anniversary, Rose Winters catches her husband using. Again. It's the last straw, but she's got a party to plan, kids to feed and now...a zombie apocalypse happening right at her doorstep. And a missing husband. Rose has a lot to deal with, and it's only just getting started. Because the zombies aren't going away anytime soon.
The fact that people fled, didn't listen to reports to stay inside, is why we're in this mess. They left, they were bitten, and now California is crawling with zombies.
Whew. I knew that this was going to be intense, and reading a book on the zombie apocalypse during a pandemic probably wasn't the best idea, particularly since there were an alarming amount of similarities in how the two were handled and how they got so out of hand (minus, you know, the zombies).
I also knew that the points of view that were going to be followed would make me fall in love with the characters, particularly based on the previous two trilogies (all set in the same universe) and I wasn't *quite* wrong.
I refuse to think of how a forty-two-year-old woman singing at the top of her lungs might look to other drivers. It's better than therapy, and everyone knows you're invisible in your own car.
While I liked Rose and her various neuroses, I felt like she was an author-inserted character. I'm probably wrong, but a lot just felt...weirdly specific? I dunno. But she was funny, and I really, truly felt for her, particularly with her fucked up relationship with her husband (damn he was awful). Being married to a drug abuser means that you're in a relationship with two people—the person you originally fell in love with an occasionally still see glimmers of, and the drug addiction.
I also liked Tom and Craig, although I felt like I didn't get to see as much of Clara on-page as I would have liked, and much of her page-time was devoted to either Holly or Tom and not much of her own development as a person.
Craig was probably my most-favorite main character, although he was easily my least favorite character at the beginning of the book. His development skyrocketed, and while I was a little irked that he was saved because of the stuff his dad taught him, I did like that he still never really forgave his dad for being an abusive asshole because fuck that stuff. And I loved the crew that he fell in line with, and how they all boosted him up and made him part of the team. Troy, Daisy, Lana and Francis were wonderful, and the bro boys actually grew on me.
Anywho, this was Fleming's most inclusive book, as she had a diverse cast of characters, and a lot of LGBTQIAP+ rep (and none of them died! Yes!), plus one of the main characters was aro ace, which was so nice to see represented.
However, it's the secondary characters and the relationships that I loved. And I hate falling in love with them, because in this zombie-filled world you can never get too comfortable, and you just know that your most beloved character is going to die.
"Whoever designed Eugene should've been taken out back and shot."
I've had that thought many times. In Eugene, streets end and don't go through. They curve and dog-leg without notice, as if modeled on the aerial view of a toddler's scribbling.
But what really elevated this book from a solid four star read to five stars was that it took place in my (kinda) home town and more importantly, it made sense. Fleming captured the feel and spirit of Eugene so fucking well, and her descriptions of the rest of the state were *chef's kiss*. I'm tickled that she called out the unfortunately named town of Drain, which is super duper close to where I actually grew up.
Everyone goes on and on about how pretty Oregon is, but the ride from Eugene to Portland is like the road from Purgatory to Hell. Except for the eight seconds when it's not raining and you can see distant mountains.
Now I'm homesick.
So thanks for that, I guess?
Anywho, the book ends on a massive holy shit moment, but not as holy shit as the previous other books? Book 2 is going to be intense.
2021 can't come soon enough.
October 26, 2021
Another truly amazing piece of literature from Sarah Lyons Fleming. Strong story telling, with nail biting action sequences and emotional scenes that had me both cheering and in tears at various points.
Her attention to detail is phenomenal! I have no freaking clue how she kept all the highways, byways, railways, and trails of the PNW (Pacific Northwest) straight!
I was totally unsurprised to find myself falling in love with these new characters. I am especially thrilled with several of the main characters aged 40+. The effort the author put forth to create variety and differentiation of character personalities, and their neuroses, never fails to astound me. She makes every character so REAL, and I believe that is why her readers adore her work.
The POV changes with each chapter, and varies between 4 main characters. I like this because I'm always wondering what the other characters are thinking. The author manages this quite cleanly and clearly.
I wasn't surprised to find myself rooting for characters I didn't think I'd care for, because she does such an awesome job of making her readers care for each and every one of them. I also think her work will continue to draw new readers due to her continued inclusion of differing sexual orientations.
We're finally getting some more background on the virus and the mold mentioned in her 1st 2 series, the Until the End of the World series and The City series. I was like "Yes! Answers!" I actually clapped! However, you do NOT need to read the other series to appreciate or understand this one. But, I strongly encourage readers to do so simply because they are so incredibly good.
Until the End of the World series:
#1 Until the End of the World
#1.5 So Long, Lollipops (novella)
#2 And After
#3 All the Stars in the Sky
The City Series:
#1 Mordacious
#2 Peripeteia
#3 Instauration
The Cascadia series:
#1 World Departed
Her attention to detail is phenomenal! I have no freaking clue how she kept all the highways, byways, railways, and trails of the PNW (Pacific Northwest) straight!
I was totally unsurprised to find myself falling in love with these new characters. I am especially thrilled with several of the main characters aged 40+. The effort the author put forth to create variety and differentiation of character personalities, and their neuroses, never fails to astound me. She makes every character so REAL, and I believe that is why her readers adore her work.
The POV changes with each chapter, and varies between 4 main characters. I like this because I'm always wondering what the other characters are thinking. The author manages this quite cleanly and clearly.
I wasn't surprised to find myself rooting for characters I didn't think I'd care for, because she does such an awesome job of making her readers care for each and every one of them. I also think her work will continue to draw new readers due to her continued inclusion of differing sexual orientations.
We're finally getting some more background on the virus and the mold mentioned in her 1st 2 series, the Until the End of the World series and The City series. I was like "Yes! Answers!" I actually clapped! However, you do NOT need to read the other series to appreciate or understand this one. But, I strongly encourage readers to do so simply because they are so incredibly good.
Until the End of the World series:
#1 Until the End of the World
#1.5 So Long, Lollipops (novella)
#2 And After
#3 All the Stars in the Sky
The City Series:
#1 Mordacious
#2 Peripeteia
#3 Instauration
The Cascadia series:
#1 World Departed
March 7, 2020
I can't believe I have to wait until next year for the next book!!!!
When you're reading the book it's like you're reading about your new best friends, or I at least wish they were my new best friends hehe. To be honest, I didn't want this book to end so when I saw I was at 100% I was pretty shattered... I even read the acknowledgements and stuff at the end.
Also, Ms. Sarah... please don't kill the lesbians!
When you're reading the book it's like you're reading about your new best friends, or I at least wish they were my new best friends hehe. To be honest, I didn't want this book to end so when I saw I was at 100% I was pretty shattered... I even read the acknowledgements and stuff at the end.
Also, Ms. Sarah... please don't kill the lesbians!
July 1, 2020
Sarah Lyons Fleming writes zombie apocalypse books. This is the 7th book of hers I’ve read and, seriously, there are not enough stars in the sky to rate her books. They’re ALL amazing!
In book 1 of the Cascadia series, we are back in the same apocalyptic world of her first two series, but this time on the west coast.
In World Departed, most of the action takes place in Eugene, Oregon when the zombie plague hits. Rose, her dad Sam, her two adult kids, neighbor Tom and his adult daughter, and best friend, Mitch (Michelle), all hunker down in Rose’s house where they have some protection and enough food and water to last until the zombies are predicted to die off (30 days).
In Fleming’s books, the stories are not about the zombies. The stories are about the families that are formed among the survivors and the love they have for each other. And she’s outdone herself once again with this new series. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to wait for book 2 in this series!
I love the apocalypse genre. You never know when some of the minor survival skills you read about could be useful in real life. (Who knows when fiction could possibly imitate real life when you’re instructed to shelter in place and toilet paper, water, pasta, and sanitizer becomes impossible to find?)
In book 1 of the Cascadia series, we are back in the same apocalyptic world of her first two series, but this time on the west coast.
In World Departed, most of the action takes place in Eugene, Oregon when the zombie plague hits. Rose, her dad Sam, her two adult kids, neighbor Tom and his adult daughter, and best friend, Mitch (Michelle), all hunker down in Rose’s house where they have some protection and enough food and water to last until the zombies are predicted to die off (30 days).
In Fleming’s books, the stories are not about the zombies. The stories are about the families that are formed among the survivors and the love they have for each other. And she’s outdone herself once again with this new series. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to wait for book 2 in this series!
I love the apocalypse genre. You never know when some of the minor survival skills you read about could be useful in real life. (Who knows when fiction could possibly imitate real life when you’re instructed to shelter in place and toilet paper, water, pasta, and sanitizer becomes impossible to find?)
April 27, 2021
**I am 50% into this book. **
Something you should know about me...... I wont finish the last of something because I don't want it to be gone. The last sip of juice, the last cookie, that one last avocado I know will go bad if i don't eat it. I am notorious for not finishing a tv series because I don't want it to be over. (Still have not seen the last episode of GoT)
That being said, I don't want this book to be over! It is an internal struggle, finish it, make it last, read, stop. I find myself thinking about the characters, wanting to know what happens next.
The first book I picked up by Sarah was Mordacious, her Until the End of The world Trilogy was already finished, Peripetia was already out. It was only a few month wait for me until Insatuaration. So by the time I found Sarah i had plenty of content to hold me over. I have listened to both series multiple, multiple times!
This book is absolutely on Par. Her characters are so relateable, Her writing in incredible! I can not say it enough, that even if you are not into "zombies" these books are worth it. They are so much more than zombies. They are human relationships, survival, real situations with real consequences. Thank you Sarah for another incredible story, I cant wait to finish and then will stalk your Facebook page for news on #2.
Love you!
**EDIT**
finished the book! re-listened, and re-listened again, then started all her books again. Obsessed! I know!
Something you should know about me...... I wont finish the last of something because I don't want it to be gone. The last sip of juice, the last cookie, that one last avocado I know will go bad if i don't eat it. I am notorious for not finishing a tv series because I don't want it to be over. (Still have not seen the last episode of GoT)
That being said, I don't want this book to be over! It is an internal struggle, finish it, make it last, read, stop. I find myself thinking about the characters, wanting to know what happens next.
The first book I picked up by Sarah was Mordacious, her Until the End of The world Trilogy was already finished, Peripetia was already out. It was only a few month wait for me until Insatuaration. So by the time I found Sarah i had plenty of content to hold me over. I have listened to both series multiple, multiple times!
This book is absolutely on Par. Her characters are so relateable, Her writing in incredible! I can not say it enough, that even if you are not into "zombies" these books are worth it. They are so much more than zombies. They are human relationships, survival, real situations with real consequences. Thank you Sarah for another incredible story, I cant wait to finish and then will stalk your Facebook page for news on #2.
Love you!
**EDIT**
finished the book! re-listened, and re-listened again, then started all her books again. Obsessed! I know!
October 2, 2020
I hate to give this such a low rating because I LOVED the other 2 series. Unfortunately, this book doesn’t have the addictive flare the others do. It’s also missing the witty humor that helped balance out all the gore and death. I also drags on and on without much excitement. I haven’t even finished it and don’t want too. I will though, in hopes the next books retains some of the old flare.
February 24, 2021
As I have stated before, I like apocalyptic, end of the world as we know it type books. I like to put myself in the character's shoes and imagine what I would do.
I especially like the books by Sarah Lyons Fleming...the End of the World Series and the City Series are some of my favorite. I really like the start of the Cascadia series and am desperately awaiting the next in the series (hint, hint!).
I read World Departed and then purchased the audio book - I fall to sleep listening to it almost every night (yes, it is my bedtime story) so I feel I can really share some insights.
SPOILER ALERT! - There are Zombies!!!!!!
I have read other interviews where some have thought that Rose was whiny. She's insecure and a worrywart, but not really whiny. Did she worry about everything (helium balloons!), yes, but I didn't read it as whining.
Craig - I really like reading/listening to him grow as a person.
I liked the other characters...except...HOLLY - I don't like the way Rose pampers and protects Holly, but Holly is a whiny, spoiled child of 20. I almost hope the zombies get her in book 2, but that would really upset Rose.
I especially like the books by Sarah Lyons Fleming...the End of the World Series and the City Series are some of my favorite. I really like the start of the Cascadia series and am desperately awaiting the next in the series (hint, hint!).
I read World Departed and then purchased the audio book - I fall to sleep listening to it almost every night (yes, it is my bedtime story) so I feel I can really share some insights.
SPOILER ALERT! - There are Zombies!!!!!!
I have read other interviews where some have thought that Rose was whiny. She's insecure and a worrywart, but not really whiny. Did she worry about everything (helium balloons!), yes, but I didn't read it as whining.
Craig - I really like reading/listening to him grow as a person.
I liked the other characters...except...HOLLY - I don't like the way Rose pampers and protects Holly, but Holly is a whiny, spoiled child of 20. I almost hope the zombies get her in book 2, but that would really upset Rose.
August 16, 2022
Another winner from Sarah Lyons Fleming! If you're into military-type shoot-'em-up zombie thrillers, then this isn't the book for you. But if you're into character-driven fiction (even if you're not into zombies), then you should definitely check out Fleming's work.
There are people in these books -- real, well-drawn three-dimensional characters. There's heartbreak and drama, but there's also laugh-out-loud humor. And Fleming has spent enough time in this world that she has a good handle on her particular brand of zombies, their behavior, and the spread of the virus.
This is the start of a new series set in the Pacific Northwest. Her other two series are set in the same world, but you do not have to read them to enjoy this book. However, I'd recommend that if you like this book, you grab those up, too! You will love them!
By the way, I was a proofreader for this series, but I went ahead and bought the Kindle book anyway (and I'll buy it on audio when available). Good writing should be financially supported.
There are people in these books -- real, well-drawn three-dimensional characters. There's heartbreak and drama, but there's also laugh-out-loud humor. And Fleming has spent enough time in this world that she has a good handle on her particular brand of zombies, their behavior, and the spread of the virus.
This is the start of a new series set in the Pacific Northwest. Her other two series are set in the same world, but you do not have to read them to enjoy this book. However, I'd recommend that if you like this book, you grab those up, too! You will love them!
By the way, I was a proofreader for this series, but I went ahead and bought the Kindle book anyway (and I'll buy it on audio when available). Good writing should be financially supported.
November 14, 2022
The world has ended. It's the zombie apocalypse and this author decides that it's the perfect time to go all woke and crap. How dare she state that the most evil being during a zombie apocalypse is a "straight, white male". She's clearly trying to win over the woke idiots who ACTUALLY do harm to the world than form a narrative where every person is responsible for his/her OWN actions.
March 4, 2022
This really was too long and had way too much mundane day to day life stuff that really didn't feel like it added much. I was consistently getting bored of some of the slower moments of story telling that really could have been left out in favor of something that builds tension.
The zombies also feel kinda weak here, after a while and especially in a few notable scenes, the zombies feel oh lost way too easy to kill. It's surprising that anyone could be killed by zombies honestly with the way they were sometimes portrayed here. You'd have to be brain dead yourself to allow something brain dead to get ya. Some good leathers and standard equipment really felt like was all the plot armor these people needed. The zombies just never gave off the vibe of being overly dangerous enough except in these specific plot forced moments that ended up feeling way too forced.
I really only liked the beginning stages of this book. The initial discovery and getting settled in to an apocalypse. The shock of some people being oblivious still and getting caught off guard. One they all get settled in to their new reality the excited for this book takes a sharp dive and the other 2/3rds of this felt like a chore.
None of the characters really excited me either. Maybe Craig did a bit, his story arc felt more noticeably meaningful but you still don't really know much about him or anyone else. They obviously are all focused on their situation and survival so not a lot of time could be spent deep diving I guess. Made me feel kinda bored and not care what happened to any of them in the end.
Overall this was just so basic. The most basic of basic. If you watched any zombie movie or read any other traditional zombie book before, then you've already experienced a book like this. This won't enrich you.
The zombies also feel kinda weak here, after a while and especially in a few notable scenes, the zombies feel oh lost way too easy to kill. It's surprising that anyone could be killed by zombies honestly with the way they were sometimes portrayed here. You'd have to be brain dead yourself to allow something brain dead to get ya. Some good leathers and standard equipment really felt like was all the plot armor these people needed. The zombies just never gave off the vibe of being overly dangerous enough except in these specific plot forced moments that ended up feeling way too forced.
I really only liked the beginning stages of this book. The initial discovery and getting settled in to an apocalypse. The shock of some people being oblivious still and getting caught off guard. One they all get settled in to their new reality the excited for this book takes a sharp dive and the other 2/3rds of this felt like a chore.
None of the characters really excited me either. Maybe Craig did a bit, his story arc felt more noticeably meaningful but you still don't really know much about him or anyone else. They obviously are all focused on their situation and survival so not a lot of time could be spent deep diving I guess. Made me feel kinda bored and not care what happened to any of them in the end.
Overall this was just so basic. The most basic of basic. If you watched any zombie movie or read any other traditional zombie book before, then you've already experienced a book like this. This won't enrich you.
April 10, 2020
It is a tough decision - do I start the new series now, because I love Sarah Lyons Fleming's writing? Or wait till the last book is written? I caved. And there is something a bit funny with reading a zombie apocalypse book as the world around you is collapsing. Fortunately we are only on lockdown, our battle for survival involves staying home and eating too much, not quite the zombie apocalypse here.
I loved seeing yet another angle on the world that Fleming has created. Different people respond quite differently in times of crisis, we all know that, and having the even revisited through different eyes shows that quite spectacularly. I find it incredible that the author continues to bring an original, authentic voice to each scenario, but she does.
I will say that this one is a little slower to get off the ground in some respects, but I don't say that as a negative. Not everything is going to be up and at them action stations, and this setting illustrates that perfectly.
And now, I have to wait for the next one, sigh.
I loved seeing yet another angle on the world that Fleming has created. Different people respond quite differently in times of crisis, we all know that, and having the even revisited through different eyes shows that quite spectacularly. I find it incredible that the author continues to bring an original, authentic voice to each scenario, but she does.
I will say that this one is a little slower to get off the ground in some respects, but I don't say that as a negative. Not everything is going to be up and at them action stations, and this setting illustrates that perfectly.
And now, I have to wait for the next one, sigh.
September 28, 2020
Well that’s my first zombie book and I really think I could read more. Now to wait for book 2!
April 9, 2021
This is not my usual Genre, but I did enjoy this zombie book. I did not realize it was such a long one until after I was already knee deep. I’m glad I stuck with it because it really was good.
July 25, 2024
This is a slow burn zombie apocalypse survival romance with found family. I mean, what's not to like?
I really appreciated the diversity and representation in this book. From characters in their 40's to ace and queer rep this has a bit of everything...even curly hair rep!
Anyway, this book is long and the next book picks up right where it leaves off, but I was not bored. This gives you great character development. I really felt like I came to understand our main 4 and liked seeing them all grow in this one. I also think it is action packed without being too stressful!
Post-apoc romances are my favorite and this is a must read.
Very good audio.
I really appreciated the diversity and representation in this book. From characters in their 40's to ace and queer rep this has a bit of everything...even curly hair rep!
Anyway, this book is long and the next book picks up right where it leaves off, but I was not bored. This gives you great character development. I really felt like I came to understand our main 4 and liked seeing them all grow in this one. I also think it is action packed without being too stressful!
Post-apoc romances are my favorite and this is a must read.
Very good audio.
January 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and connected to the majority of the characters. I like how Rose and Tom's friendship began and I adore Rose's relationship with her father, Sam. It took me awhile to warm up to Craig, due to his lack of self confidence and how he continually put himself down at first. I like how he became "family" with Troy/Lana/Francis/Daisy (and Lance and Gabe). It was nice to see him slowly lose his self doubt and begin to have a bit more confidence. Looking forward to book 2.
June 9, 2021
A bit too mushy for my taste
This was a nice book, but a bit too much romance for me. Still I enjoyed it, but I were to recommend this book I would give warning regarding all the lovey dove stuff
This was a nice book, but a bit too much romance for me. Still I enjoyed it, but I were to recommend this book I would give warning regarding all the lovey dove stuff
October 9, 2020
This was so good. I loved all the POVS, although I'm a sucker for Rose and Craig. I do love Tom and Craig too, because they have an incredible amount of character development and it is amazing. Clara took a tad bit to grow on me, but I ended up liking her POV as well. Also, fun fact. I sometimes followed along with their journeys on google maps. I'm such a nerd. But you can do that with this book!! Fleming gets the roads correct and the ranges correct as well; it's so so cool.
This is so well done. I'm character reader and this gives me alllll the good good of characters and their relationships. It also has suspense and a sense of foreboding, but, at the same time, is filled with love and generosity. I appreciate the amount of human kindness shown here. This is excellently written and feels like such a journey. I NEED THEM ALL TO GO LIVE IN THE IDAHO 15 MILLY HOUSE TOGETHER!! Ugh its such a perfect place come on Rose, you have the pictures with you remember the Idaho house pleaseeee.
I need the next one, I'm ridiculously invested in these characters.
. I just really appreciate that this gave me my dose of romance (I am consistently weak for romance I can't help it), while also giving me other deep relationships and also having great representation across the board. Also, it's in a zombie world hell yes.
I hadn't heard of this author before, but liked the premise of this and read the sample to start. I literally had to buy the book the next day and now I MUST READ EVERYTHING ELSE Sarah Lyons Fleming has written. I mean it; I will be reading another one of her books if not right after this one, very soon.
***Edit: Omg the other books are also set in the same zombie apocalypse world just in different places??? Is that correct? EFF YES EXCITED.
This is so well done. I'm character reader and this gives me alllll the good good of characters and their relationships. It also has suspense and a sense of foreboding, but, at the same time, is filled with love and generosity. I appreciate the amount of human kindness shown here. This is excellently written and feels like such a journey. I NEED THEM ALL TO GO LIVE IN THE IDAHO 15 MILLY HOUSE TOGETHER!! Ugh its such a perfect place come on Rose, you have the pictures with you remember the Idaho house pleaseeee.
I need the next one, I'm ridiculously invested in these characters.
. I just really appreciate that this gave me my dose of romance (I am consistently weak for romance I can't help it), while also giving me other deep relationships and also having great representation across the board. Also, it's in a zombie world hell yes.
I hadn't heard of this author before, but liked the premise of this and read the sample to start. I literally had to buy the book the next day and now I MUST READ EVERYTHING ELSE Sarah Lyons Fleming has written. I mean it; I will be reading another one of her books if not right after this one, very soon.
***Edit: Omg the other books are also set in the same zombie apocalypse world just in different places??? Is that correct? EFF YES EXCITED.
April 26, 2021
Sarah Lyons Fleming's post apocalyptic world is completed addictive. As a reader of her previous two series, I jumped right into World Departed, Cascadia Series' first novel. You absolutely do not have to read the first two series to read this one! This time, set on the West coast, three long time friends do what it takes to come together and survive this atrocious world they live in.
All three of the main characters in this novel are in their 40's. This novel has many different perspectives ranging from the adults down to a new adult in her early 20's. Fleming tackles her story from many different perspectives, but each have an interesting outlook on their new normal. Fleming does a great job of painting the life of each survivor. From worries of a mother to survivalist tactics, Fleming really does her detail work when writing this novel.
As much as I love Fleming's novels, I struggled a bit in this one. I understand this one it set in Oregon/ California . Values, beliefs, politics are much different there than where I am from. With that being said, I read these novels to escape the current world. While this novel rings true to our social climate, I didn't really enjoy reading it in the novel. Books are my escape and I didn't really want to check mark each character's belief or preferences to current day societal norms. I will probably face hard criticism for this paragraph, however it's just how I felt about it. Fleming's enclosure of it did not deter me from reading or enjoying her story. I will definitely still pick up the next copy as I do love her books. It wasn't as much of an escape as I wished it had been.
All three of the main characters in this novel are in their 40's. This novel has many different perspectives ranging from the adults down to a new adult in her early 20's. Fleming tackles her story from many different perspectives, but each have an interesting outlook on their new normal. Fleming does a great job of painting the life of each survivor. From worries of a mother to survivalist tactics, Fleming really does her detail work when writing this novel.
As much as I love Fleming's novels, I struggled a bit in this one. I understand this one it set in Oregon/ California . Values, beliefs, politics are much different there than where I am from. With that being said, I read these novels to escape the current world. While this novel rings true to our social climate, I didn't really enjoy reading it in the novel. Books are my escape and I didn't really want to check mark each character's belief or preferences to current day societal norms. I will probably face hard criticism for this paragraph, however it's just how I felt about it. Fleming's enclosure of it did not deter me from reading or enjoying her story. I will definitely still pick up the next copy as I do love her books. It wasn't as much of an escape as I wished it had been.
March 29, 2020
I am once again blown away by another one of Fleming’s books. It was absolutely fantastic. I adored all the characters and the stories they had told throughout the book. It was exciting and entertaining. And it had one of my favorite parts to any zombie story: a beginning. Nothing I love more than seeing an epidemic start up. Strangely, I started reading this one right after it’s release, which was when the Coronavirus was amping up here in the US. But dude!! This book was a beast. It was forever long. Not complaining. I love a book that is long as long as I am loving the story. And love it, I did. All the stars!!
April 28, 2020
Beautiful and heart stopping
I've read and loved Sarah's other books (Until the End of the World series and The City series ).
This book is wonderful. With deep, rich characters full of quirks and flaws. I felt connected and totally drawn into what was happening with their lives enmeshed with zombies, new and old friendships and new love. So much so that I didn't want the story to end.
I've read and loved Sarah's other books (Until the End of the World series and The City series ).
This book is wonderful. With deep, rich characters full of quirks and flaws. I felt connected and totally drawn into what was happening with their lives enmeshed with zombies, new and old friendships and new love. So much so that I didn't want the story to end.
October 29, 2020
Read : October 29, 2020
Rating : 5 Stars
Holy shit, this was so awesome.
I've read her other books and they're amazing as well, but she does it again with this one, which is again zombies but has a different set of characters, and feels different than the rest, but just as awesome.
I liked Rose, she felt real, as did the other characters.
The overall feel of this book is hopeful, even through the hardships they face and I really like that.
Rating : 5 Stars
Holy shit, this was so awesome.
I've read her other books and they're amazing as well, but she does it again with this one, which is again zombies but has a different set of characters, and feels different than the rest, but just as awesome.
I liked Rose, she felt real, as did the other characters.
The overall feel of this book is hopeful, even through the hardships they face and I really like that.
May 5, 2020
Good
I enjoyed the book without being blown away with the story. Compared to some of the other zombie type stories that I have read this one was a little slow and maybe over thought? For me a zombie story is all action almost from the beginning where this book is very dialogue driven, and it makes me think (😊) which is not something I read a zombie story for...
I enjoyed the book without being blown away with the story. Compared to some of the other zombie type stories that I have read this one was a little slow and maybe over thought? For me a zombie story is all action almost from the beginning where this book is very dialogue driven, and it makes me think (😊) which is not something I read a zombie story for...
December 31, 2024
Only 13% in and I love these characters so much! Wish I could spend the next 9 hours 13 minutes (accessing to Kindle) reading and finish it today. Alas, real life interferes...
March 5, 2020
World Departed has all the elements that fans of Sarah Lyons Fleming have come to expect: excellent characterization, a tight plot, and good pacing. The main characters are sympathetic and relatable, people you want be friends with. Definitely people you can see yourself riding out the zombie apocalypse with. Some of them need to grow on you because they have to grow themselves, some of them you like immediately, and the turds are, well, turds.
While Word Departed is set in the same universe as her other two series, the unfolding situation is not. What I find so enjoyable about her books is that they are about the PEOPLE, which is what a good zombie story is always about. The climax of this story isn't surviving zombies, there's plenty of time for that, but Rose's journey from where she was at the start to where she is at the end. That doesn't mean there isn't lots of zombie action and terror, because there is, so don't say you weren't warned that at times your anxiety level will sky rocket.
Stories about real people, who in this case happen be living through the end of the world, always produce deeper emotional reader satisfaction. I've been thinking about the characters since I finished this book, and speculating about where their lives will take them, how they will change, and who will survive. World Departed will stay with you, and is worth the lack of sleep because you cannot rip yourself away from reading 'just one more chapter.' I am already tapping my toes while I wait for the next book.
While Word Departed is set in the same universe as her other two series, the unfolding situation is not. What I find so enjoyable about her books is that they are about the PEOPLE, which is what a good zombie story is always about. The climax of this story isn't surviving zombies, there's plenty of time for that, but Rose's journey from where she was at the start to where she is at the end. That doesn't mean there isn't lots of zombie action and terror, because there is, so don't say you weren't warned that at times your anxiety level will sky rocket.
Stories about real people, who in this case happen be living through the end of the world, always produce deeper emotional reader satisfaction. I've been thinking about the characters since I finished this book, and speculating about where their lives will take them, how they will change, and who will survive. World Departed will stay with you, and is worth the lack of sleep because you cannot rip yourself away from reading 'just one more chapter.' I am already tapping my toes while I wait for the next book.
November 11, 2021
The trouble with a lot of survival-books - especially zombie books - is that there's only so much you can write without becoming repetitive. AS well, there's usually a lot of action, that can be exhausting for the reader in the long run.
Then there are the other books, that are just a series of surviving events that doesn't really give you anything other than something to fill your mind with.
So it does take a good author to combine the two well, and in a way that keeps the reader interested for over 700 pages!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It had character and intrigue and just general humanity. I have to admit that I found the latter half of the book - the one at the fair grounds - a little trite compared to the earlier part, but it all had to be done.
I also have to admit that I'm a little miffed at the ending. I know there's something huge on the horizon, but the way this ended, it didn't really give me a reason to read book 2 - whenever it comes out - which was very frustrating.
Oh well, this was a pleasant surprise and really not a bad zombie book, all things considered!
I may even consider giving the original series a look - this was a spin off, as far as I can tell.
Then there are the other books, that are just a series of surviving events that doesn't really give you anything other than something to fill your mind with.
So it does take a good author to combine the two well, and in a way that keeps the reader interested for over 700 pages!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It had character and intrigue and just general humanity. I have to admit that I found the latter half of the book - the one at the fair grounds - a little trite compared to the earlier part, but it all had to be done.
I also have to admit that I'm a little miffed at the ending. I know there's something huge on the horizon, but the way this ended, it didn't really give me a reason to read book 2 - whenever it comes out - which was very frustrating.
Oh well, this was a pleasant surprise and really not a bad zombie book, all things considered!
I may even consider giving the original series a look - this was a spin off, as far as I can tell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews