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The Thaw Chronicles #5
Extant: Beyond the Thaw
Only the chosen shall seek.
Sea levels have receded, exposing fertile, untouched land. Virgin soil that everyone in a ravaged world is willing to fight for.
Askala knows it needs to stake a claim if they’re going to continue healing the Earth. To do that, a team of Seekers will be sent to colonize it…and assimilate those who don’t understand.
This year, the testing won’t end at the Proving. Passing is no longer just about having a kind heart and a sharp mind. To spread Askala’s word, Seekers also need to survive in this harsh new land. New tests will determine who’s strong and tough enough to be the best of the best.
Sam is determined to prove her father’s vision is what the world needs. Mercy is convinced she’ll be able to win the Outlanders over with her smile. Hawk believes he was destined to be a Seeker, but will his gentle soul be his undoing? Luca knows he’s never fitted in and isn’t about to try.
Who will pass and have the honor of representing Askala? And how will a society founded on peace succeed in a world where violence is power? Four teens are about to find out.
Sea levels have receded, exposing fertile, untouched land. Virgin soil that everyone in a ravaged world is willing to fight for.
Askala knows it needs to stake a claim if they’re going to continue healing the Earth. To do that, a team of Seekers will be sent to colonize it…and assimilate those who don’t understand.
This year, the testing won’t end at the Proving. Passing is no longer just about having a kind heart and a sharp mind. To spread Askala’s word, Seekers also need to survive in this harsh new land. New tests will determine who’s strong and tough enough to be the best of the best.
Sam is determined to prove her father’s vision is what the world needs. Mercy is convinced she’ll be able to win the Outlanders over with her smile. Hawk believes he was destined to be a Seeker, but will his gentle soul be his undoing? Luca knows he’s never fitted in and isn’t about to try.
Who will pass and have the honor of representing Askala? And how will a society founded on peace succeed in a world where violence is power? Four teens are about to find out.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2020
590 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Tamar Sloan
144 books430 followersTamar really struggled writing this bio, in part because it’s in third person, but mostly because she hasn’t decided whether she’s primarily a psychologist who loves writing, or a writer with a lifelong fascination with psychology.
She must have been someone pretty awesome in a previous life (past life regression indicated a Care Bear), because she gets to do both. Beginning her career as a youth worker, then a secondary school teacher, before becoming a school psychologist, Tamar helps children and teens to live and thrive despite life’s hurdles like loss, relationship difficulties, mental health issues, and trauma.
As lover of reading, inspired by books that sparked beautiful movies in her head, Tamar loves to write young adult romance. To be honest, it was probably inevitable that her knowledge and love of literature would translate into writing emotion driven stories of finding life and love beyond our comfort zones. You can find out more about Tamar’s books at www.tamarsloan.com
A lifetime consumer of knowledge, Tamar holds degrees in Applied Science, Education and Psychology. When not reading, writing or working with teens, Tamar can be found with her husband and two children enjoying country life on their small slice of the Australian bush.
The driving force for all of Tamar’s writing is sharing and connecting. In truth, connecting with others is why she writes. She loves to hear from readers and fellow writers. Find her on all the usual social media channels or her website.
She must have been someone pretty awesome in a previous life (past life regression indicated a Care Bear), because she gets to do both. Beginning her career as a youth worker, then a secondary school teacher, before becoming a school psychologist, Tamar helps children and teens to live and thrive despite life’s hurdles like loss, relationship difficulties, mental health issues, and trauma.
As lover of reading, inspired by books that sparked beautiful movies in her head, Tamar loves to write young adult romance. To be honest, it was probably inevitable that her knowledge and love of literature would translate into writing emotion driven stories of finding life and love beyond our comfort zones. You can find out more about Tamar’s books at www.tamarsloan.com
A lifetime consumer of knowledge, Tamar holds degrees in Applied Science, Education and Psychology. When not reading, writing or working with teens, Tamar can be found with her husband and two children enjoying country life on their small slice of the Australian bush.
The driving force for all of Tamar’s writing is sharing and connecting. In truth, connecting with others is why she writes. She loves to hear from readers and fellow writers. Find her on all the usual social media channels or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 9, 2020
(3,5 ☆)
A new generation has entered the stage: the children of the original characters. Maybe that's why I had some difficulties with the beginning of this book. New characters, but somewhat the same story. There's some new circumstances, but it felt like I read it before. Not to mention the difficulties I had with Sam, daughter of Kian and Nova... Sure, it's kind of cute that she's so naive and believes she knows what the others think (she DOES NOT!), but considering the environment they live in it feels... illogical? Sam is also extremely clumsy and uncoordinated, to the point that it almost feels ridiculous. Maybe there's an illness of some kind behind her behaviour, but nothing is said about that. Thankfully I like the other characters; Hawk, Mercy and Luca!
Another illogical thing was their difficulties finding food, or even knowing if a plant was toxic or not. Even if they've been served their food from others up until now, they should know what they can find to eat in the wild. Again, considering the environment they live in. Collecting food, making a fire and building a shelter seems like mandatory knowledge to anyone living in Askala, but I guess not.
Reading through what I've written so far it all sounds very negative... But I still appreciate the world Sloan and Catherine have created, and that this is a dystopian series that concentrates on how climate change has altered the living conditions on Earth. What's most frightening is the probability that it may come true one day... Meanwhile, I appreciate only reading about it, and of course I want to know how our characters face their new obstacles in the next installment!
(I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review.)
A new generation has entered the stage: the children of the original characters. Maybe that's why I had some difficulties with the beginning of this book. New characters, but somewhat the same story. There's some new circumstances, but it felt like I read it before. Not to mention the difficulties I had with Sam, daughter of Kian and Nova... Sure, it's kind of cute that she's so naive and believes she knows what the others think (she DOES NOT!), but considering the environment they live in it feels... illogical? Sam is also extremely clumsy and uncoordinated, to the point that it almost feels ridiculous. Maybe there's an illness of some kind behind her behaviour, but nothing is said about that. Thankfully I like the other characters; Hawk, Mercy and Luca!
Another illogical thing was their difficulties finding food, or even knowing if a plant was toxic or not. Even if they've been served their food from others up until now, they should know what they can find to eat in the wild. Again, considering the environment they live in. Collecting food, making a fire and building a shelter seems like mandatory knowledge to anyone living in Askala, but I guess not.
Reading through what I've written so far it all sounds very negative... But I still appreciate the world Sloan and Catherine have created, and that this is a dystopian series that concentrates on how climate change has altered the living conditions on Earth. What's most frightening is the probability that it may come true one day... Meanwhile, I appreciate only reading about it, and of course I want to know how our characters face their new obstacles in the next installment!
(I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review.)
October 3, 2020
Phenomenal
Just wow. This is my favourite instalment of the series so far. Gruelling Proving tests that require every ounce of stamina and savoir-faire; gripping blossoming romances, superb action, and dynamic friendships, relationships... and life questions. The dream team that is Sloan and Catherine have pulled it off again!
Just wow. This is my favourite instalment of the series so far. Gruelling Proving tests that require every ounce of stamina and savoir-faire; gripping blossoming romances, superb action, and dynamic friendships, relationships... and life questions. The dream team that is Sloan and Catherine have pulled it off again!
August 12, 2020
predictable, like the series disappointed
long, not in length which actually is short, just extra words about teen emotions. Very predictable. Hope the next is longer, and actually goes some where.
long, not in length which actually is short, just extra words about teen emotions. Very predictable. Hope the next is longer, and actually goes some where.
August 18, 2020
After reading and loving the previous four books set in this world, I knew that Extant was most definitely on my must-read list! So as soon as I knew it was available, I just had to read it!
This cover fits perfectly with the preceding book covers and I bet they look amazing on a bookstore book shelf all together!
In this book we are once again meeting the next generation, so it is the children of Kian & Nova, and Dex & Wren. There is also plenty of offspring for another couple that was hinted at in the last book but I don’t want to give too much away.
The main characters therefore are new to us and are called Hawk, Mercy, Sam and the more familiar name but of the younger generation Luca. The parents, the characters we know and love still feature in this book too. The Proving’s still go on but contain nothing as sinister as losing a finger like they used to do in the past. Now if you fail a Proving you are able to re-enter the following year. The big difference this year that is even a surprise to the present days entrants is that there is to be another, more difficult, more dangerous set of tasks to be done to choose six seekers. These seekers will go out to spread the word of Askala and their ways of respecting the earth and trying to help others to join them in being more eco-friendly. Educating people to such a different way of living is not going to be an easy job.
I really enjoyed reading the personality traits that have been passed onto the next generation, as well as the physical ones of course too. It’s interesting to learn who is going to end up in a relationship with who aswell. There are a few occasions in the book you feel like reaching into the book and grabbing the characters, shaking them and saying how can you not see what he/she feels about you.
The man put in charge of the new tests for the opportunity to become a seeker is Jagger, as always Askalan’s strives to always be fair, and it would not be right for a parent of a youngster to be in charge and there be the slightest possibility of any favouritism. Though to be honest with some of the characters I think they would be more likely to be harder and expect more from their own offspring! Jagger was one of Ronan’s men who changed sides and helped the Askalan’s win the war against them. Jagger has become a valued member of the council that leads Askala. For each test tokens are awarded, but it is up to the individual that earns the tokens as to who they give them to. They can keep them for themselves, or give them to someone else. However, no one knows who is receiving how may tokens as those taking part go to a separate area alone and place their tokens in an urn. There is an urn for every person taking part.
There are quite a few entering for the possibility of becoming a seeker, including a late surprising entrant Luca, who returns from the Outlands just in time. It is his adoptive father that asks him to enter to care for his 2sister” and try to make sure that she doesn’t do well enough to finish in the top six and become a seeker!
When those entering the new “Seeker Proving” were told that these new tests would be more difficult it was no exaggeration, in fact a couple of entrants actually die whilst taking part. The one trial I particularly loved was the stand in a bucket of sea water. There is one bucket less than participants so one is immediately ruled out. Though it is just one person’s ingenuity that helps all the others taking part. As I said there are also a couple of deaths during the tasks too, which of course are sad. Also like the real world we all live in always there are those that would prefer to cheat and steal from others rather than do their own work.
There are also the love interests and the ups and downs of budding romances and relationships. When Luca returns to Askala, he is shocked by how someone he previously thought of as a relative now provokes totally different feelings within him. At first, he tries to fight it, but can he resist his feeling when the young woman in questions makes it crystal clear she is interested in him too?
There’s another couple who have been best of friends growing up but now have romantic feelings. Each of them have feelings for the other and cannot bear it if they end up being parted with one making it as a seeker and the other one not. I really adored following this couples journey throughout the book.
Once again, I enjoyed this book from the beginning to end! The only difficulty I had was actually putting the book down to go to sleep. I truly hated having to put it down. I started reading quite late one night so I did know I wouldn’t be able to read it in one go, but it didn’t stop me wanting to continue reading it very late into the night!! One of the chapters ends with a character making the difficult decision of where they are putting their token. Should they vote for themselves? Help someone is maybe not so good at tasks but really wants to be a seeker. Should they vote tactically? Who would they want to represent Askala? Who can do the job they need to do? If they become a seeker who would they want on their team? There’s lots and lots to think about and quite a few of the characters struggle with who to give their tokens to. So, as I was saying, in this certain chapter, one of the contestants in the trials is having difficulty deciding where to put their token and just as you think its going to be revealed which urn the token goes in that chapter ends!!!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading the book were, Oh...wow....I did not see that result coming....wow....amazing! Seriously looking forward to reading more of this series.
To sum up, I am seriously loving this whole series and really pleased to learn there are going to even more books still to come.
This cover fits perfectly with the preceding book covers and I bet they look amazing on a bookstore book shelf all together!
In this book we are once again meeting the next generation, so it is the children of Kian & Nova, and Dex & Wren. There is also plenty of offspring for another couple that was hinted at in the last book but I don’t want to give too much away.
The main characters therefore are new to us and are called Hawk, Mercy, Sam and the more familiar name but of the younger generation Luca. The parents, the characters we know and love still feature in this book too. The Proving’s still go on but contain nothing as sinister as losing a finger like they used to do in the past. Now if you fail a Proving you are able to re-enter the following year. The big difference this year that is even a surprise to the present days entrants is that there is to be another, more difficult, more dangerous set of tasks to be done to choose six seekers. These seekers will go out to spread the word of Askala and their ways of respecting the earth and trying to help others to join them in being more eco-friendly. Educating people to such a different way of living is not going to be an easy job.
I really enjoyed reading the personality traits that have been passed onto the next generation, as well as the physical ones of course too. It’s interesting to learn who is going to end up in a relationship with who aswell. There are a few occasions in the book you feel like reaching into the book and grabbing the characters, shaking them and saying how can you not see what he/she feels about you.
The man put in charge of the new tests for the opportunity to become a seeker is Jagger, as always Askalan’s strives to always be fair, and it would not be right for a parent of a youngster to be in charge and there be the slightest possibility of any favouritism. Though to be honest with some of the characters I think they would be more likely to be harder and expect more from their own offspring! Jagger was one of Ronan’s men who changed sides and helped the Askalan’s win the war against them. Jagger has become a valued member of the council that leads Askala. For each test tokens are awarded, but it is up to the individual that earns the tokens as to who they give them to. They can keep them for themselves, or give them to someone else. However, no one knows who is receiving how may tokens as those taking part go to a separate area alone and place their tokens in an urn. There is an urn for every person taking part.
There are quite a few entering for the possibility of becoming a seeker, including a late surprising entrant Luca, who returns from the Outlands just in time. It is his adoptive father that asks him to enter to care for his 2sister” and try to make sure that she doesn’t do well enough to finish in the top six and become a seeker!
When those entering the new “Seeker Proving” were told that these new tests would be more difficult it was no exaggeration, in fact a couple of entrants actually die whilst taking part. The one trial I particularly loved was the stand in a bucket of sea water. There is one bucket less than participants so one is immediately ruled out. Though it is just one person’s ingenuity that helps all the others taking part. As I said there are also a couple of deaths during the tasks too, which of course are sad. Also like the real world we all live in always there are those that would prefer to cheat and steal from others rather than do their own work.
There are also the love interests and the ups and downs of budding romances and relationships. When Luca returns to Askala, he is shocked by how someone he previously thought of as a relative now provokes totally different feelings within him. At first, he tries to fight it, but can he resist his feeling when the young woman in questions makes it crystal clear she is interested in him too?
There’s another couple who have been best of friends growing up but now have romantic feelings. Each of them have feelings for the other and cannot bear it if they end up being parted with one making it as a seeker and the other one not. I really adored following this couples journey throughout the book.
Once again, I enjoyed this book from the beginning to end! The only difficulty I had was actually putting the book down to go to sleep. I truly hated having to put it down. I started reading quite late one night so I did know I wouldn’t be able to read it in one go, but it didn’t stop me wanting to continue reading it very late into the night!! One of the chapters ends with a character making the difficult decision of where they are putting their token. Should they vote for themselves? Help someone is maybe not so good at tasks but really wants to be a seeker. Should they vote tactically? Who would they want to represent Askala? Who can do the job they need to do? If they become a seeker who would they want on their team? There’s lots and lots to think about and quite a few of the characters struggle with who to give their tokens to. So, as I was saying, in this certain chapter, one of the contestants in the trials is having difficulty deciding where to put their token and just as you think its going to be revealed which urn the token goes in that chapter ends!!!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading the book were, Oh...wow....I did not see that result coming....wow....amazing! Seriously looking forward to reading more of this series.
To sum up, I am seriously loving this whole series and really pleased to learn there are going to even more books still to come.
October 18, 2022
More teenage angst? Le sigh.
I know it's a ridiculous complaint, given that this series is for young adults (of which I am so not). I enjoyed the first four books, having gotten accustomed to the teenage aspect of it. But I was quite pleased that our teenage core four (Dex, Wren, Nova, Kian) had grown into adults by the fourth book, and I suppose I was just expecting them to still be the storytellers in all their adult glory for this new bundle of books in the series. Unfortunately (for me, anyway), this is a story about the next generation of teenage children (Hawk, Sam, Luca, and Mercy) who have effectively take over the narrative duties from their parents.
More teenage angst that I was highly unprepared for (which is my own fault, but still)? Sigh. Fine. I'll deal. Ain't like I got a choice, and it's certainly not unheard of to enjoy this series despite it being all teenagers. I was fond of the first four books after all, so might as well do it all over again. This book rated equally with the original book one of this series at 3-stars. It was a decent continuation of the life of Askala, but didn't have the full package to win me over (yet). This book mostly serves as a springboard into the new journey of Askala, as well as the teenagers who are set to embark on the said journey. A new tests and new expectations.
I took a pretty big break after the fourth book, which kinda hurt me since I didn't remember which child went to which parent. And in my defense, I thought the next book would star the original core four. I wish the authors spent a bit more time subtly refreshing my memory on who the new teenagers were, but....I can't fully fault them for something I could have prevented on my own had I not take so big a break in the series. Book four would have been far fresher and I wouldn't have been in my unique predicament. I thus had to check back in with the previous book to remember whose child was who, but once I did, I was back in the game for the most part. For this go around, we are reacquainted with the teens introduced to us in book four as children:
Hawk - Son of Phoenix and Flick. He's a big ol' softy. Literally, but he's super loyal and protective.
Mercy - Daughter of Wren and Dex and Hawk's cousin. Pretty much a miniature version of Wren.
Sam - Daughter of Nova and Kian. Super sweet and smart, but fragile and clumsy.
Luca - (Adopted) Son of Nova and Kian and Sam's brother. Tough as nails thanks to his background in the Outlands.
For this go around, Askala has established a new set of tests, this time to determine the strongest most versatile of the new generation to carry on Askala's mission of repopulating the Earth, as well as surviving in the wilds of it. Furthermore, the winning group of teens (called Seekers), will also be responsible for teaching Askala's ways to even more people outside of their home, and all for the sake of protecting what the past generations of humanity did not: the planet. Now that new islands are sprouting from the receding oceans, protecting the planet is crucial. While sure, it's a fine twist on the original tests of the Proving, that doesn't mean I think it works, not the way it's presented to me. The demands of the test are rather harrowing, and it's hard to believe that Askala is this much okay with sending seemingly clueless teenagers to take part in them.
That's essentially my biggest complaint of this book: the very "mehly" developing tests. It all seems very haphazardly developed without much firm foundation to it. For such an important mission as just THROWING teenagers into the ravages of the new world, I simply couldn't buy how the teenagers get there. What this first entry should have spent more doing is to takes its time into better establishing these new bunches of teenagers as worthy contenders to even be considered for such new, harrowing tests. Unfortunately, the tests are thrown at you very quickly, seemingly without structure to them. It's hard to accept them as the norm in Askala's newly perfect society.
I was definitely still mildly entertained, of course, though at times very predictable. The characters are all likable in their own way, though I'm not sure if I have a favorite yet. They're all incredibly whiny, though, far whinier than their parents. I'm kinda leery about where the rest of the series will go. I'm just not fully convinced of anything at this point, not the tests or the reason for them to even exist. But I guess we'll see what the future entries will hold for me.
I know it's a ridiculous complaint, given that this series is for young adults (of which I am so not). I enjoyed the first four books, having gotten accustomed to the teenage aspect of it. But I was quite pleased that our teenage core four (Dex, Wren, Nova, Kian) had grown into adults by the fourth book, and I suppose I was just expecting them to still be the storytellers in all their adult glory for this new bundle of books in the series. Unfortunately (for me, anyway), this is a story about the next generation of teenage children (Hawk, Sam, Luca, and Mercy) who have effectively take over the narrative duties from their parents.
More teenage angst that I was highly unprepared for (which is my own fault, but still)? Sigh. Fine. I'll deal. Ain't like I got a choice, and it's certainly not unheard of to enjoy this series despite it being all teenagers. I was fond of the first four books after all, so might as well do it all over again. This book rated equally with the original book one of this series at 3-stars. It was a decent continuation of the life of Askala, but didn't have the full package to win me over (yet). This book mostly serves as a springboard into the new journey of Askala, as well as the teenagers who are set to embark on the said journey. A new tests and new expectations.
I took a pretty big break after the fourth book, which kinda hurt me since I didn't remember which child went to which parent. And in my defense, I thought the next book would star the original core four. I wish the authors spent a bit more time subtly refreshing my memory on who the new teenagers were, but....I can't fully fault them for something I could have prevented on my own had I not take so big a break in the series. Book four would have been far fresher and I wouldn't have been in my unique predicament. I thus had to check back in with the previous book to remember whose child was who, but once I did, I was back in the game for the most part. For this go around, we are reacquainted with the teens introduced to us in book four as children:
Hawk - Son of Phoenix and Flick. He's a big ol' softy. Literally, but he's super loyal and protective.
Mercy - Daughter of Wren and Dex and Hawk's cousin. Pretty much a miniature version of Wren.
Sam - Daughter of Nova and Kian. Super sweet and smart, but fragile and clumsy.
Luca - (Adopted) Son of Nova and Kian and Sam's brother. Tough as nails thanks to his background in the Outlands.
For this go around, Askala has established a new set of tests, this time to determine the strongest most versatile of the new generation to carry on Askala's mission of repopulating the Earth, as well as surviving in the wilds of it. Furthermore, the winning group of teens (called Seekers), will also be responsible for teaching Askala's ways to even more people outside of their home, and all for the sake of protecting what the past generations of humanity did not: the planet. Now that new islands are sprouting from the receding oceans, protecting the planet is crucial. While sure, it's a fine twist on the original tests of the Proving, that doesn't mean I think it works, not the way it's presented to me. The demands of the test are rather harrowing, and it's hard to believe that Askala is this much okay with sending seemingly clueless teenagers to take part in them.
That's essentially my biggest complaint of this book: the very "mehly" developing tests. It all seems very haphazardly developed without much firm foundation to it. For such an important mission as just THROWING teenagers into the ravages of the new world, I simply couldn't buy how the teenagers get there. What this first entry should have spent more doing is to takes its time into better establishing these new bunches of teenagers as worthy contenders to even be considered for such new, harrowing tests. Unfortunately, the tests are thrown at you very quickly, seemingly without structure to them. It's hard to accept them as the norm in Askala's newly perfect society.
I was definitely still mildly entertained, of course, though at times very predictable. The characters are all likable in their own way, though I'm not sure if I have a favorite yet. They're all incredibly whiny, though, far whinier than their parents. I'm kinda leery about where the rest of the series will go. I'm just not fully convinced of anything at this point, not the tests or the reason for them to even exist. But I guess we'll see what the future entries will hold for me.
July 31, 2020
“Beyond the Thaw” is conceived as a follow-up series to “After the Thaw”, is not so much an “spin-off” series as a continuation of the saga, and a great one indeed.
After the last group to go through the original Proving that divided merciless the members of society in ‘bound’ and ‘unbound” with ultimately dreadful consequences, succeeded in unturned the system into a much fair one, Askala has changed and with her its necessities. This is the story of how the future of Askala has developed. The climatic situation is changing again, which brings some new challenges and opportunities for the progeny of our beloved “After the Thaw” characters. Which new lands to explore, there is also a necessity for Seekers, the ones who should ultimately render these habitable. This year’s Proving will be brand new kind of test, life in the wild, outside of Askala’s society. Luca, Hawk, Mercy and Sam have each their own reason to endure the test, which will change their lives forever.
I said it already but it is worth repeating: "The Thaw Chronicle"series is without any doubt the best dystopian series of this decade, it lines effortlessly up with “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent” and surpasses them with a very carefully crafted world, the right amount of dystopia and social critique, the constantly questioning of the values and drawbacks of the system that allow the reader to understand the strengths and flaws of the system and to find unsettling similarities to our own society. As stated above I refuse to see both “After the Thaw” and “Beyond the Thaw” as separate series, they both are part of the “Askala-Verse” and flow into each other flawlessly. The only surprise her to see that “Beyond the Thaw” has already surpassed my expectations by large….. and believe when it comes to Askala I have very high expectations 😊 after all I’m confident the authors will deliver each and every time 😉
Tamar Sloan and Heidi Catherine have created a wonderful dystopian world, foreign yet familiar, beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Their writing is fluid and nuanced, with a very good editing and a powerful message, very well developed and multifaceted characters, an extraordinary thoroughly built world, action non-stop, an intelligent plot, and very satisfactory developments. It is a fast-paced book, a real page-turner, a great adventure that leaves a lasting impression without disregarding the level of pure entertainment every good story should provide.
After the last group to go through the original Proving that divided merciless the members of society in ‘bound’ and ‘unbound” with ultimately dreadful consequences, succeeded in unturned the system into a much fair one, Askala has changed and with her its necessities. This is the story of how the future of Askala has developed. The climatic situation is changing again, which brings some new challenges and opportunities for the progeny of our beloved “After the Thaw” characters. Which new lands to explore, there is also a necessity for Seekers, the ones who should ultimately render these habitable. This year’s Proving will be brand new kind of test, life in the wild, outside of Askala’s society. Luca, Hawk, Mercy and Sam have each their own reason to endure the test, which will change their lives forever.
I said it already but it is worth repeating: "The Thaw Chronicle"series is without any doubt the best dystopian series of this decade, it lines effortlessly up with “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent” and surpasses them with a very carefully crafted world, the right amount of dystopia and social critique, the constantly questioning of the values and drawbacks of the system that allow the reader to understand the strengths and flaws of the system and to find unsettling similarities to our own society. As stated above I refuse to see both “After the Thaw” and “Beyond the Thaw” as separate series, they both are part of the “Askala-Verse” and flow into each other flawlessly. The only surprise her to see that “Beyond the Thaw” has already surpassed my expectations by large….. and believe when it comes to Askala I have very high expectations 😊 after all I’m confident the authors will deliver each and every time 😉
Tamar Sloan and Heidi Catherine have created a wonderful dystopian world, foreign yet familiar, beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Their writing is fluid and nuanced, with a very good editing and a powerful message, very well developed and multifaceted characters, an extraordinary thoroughly built world, action non-stop, an intelligent plot, and very satisfactory developments. It is a fast-paced book, a real page-turner, a great adventure that leaves a lasting impression without disregarding the level of pure entertainment every good story should provide.
August 20, 2021
It's safe to say, I was fairly disappointed in this book. I loved the first 4 and the story of Kian, Nova, Dex, and Wren.
Now, as we're introduced to their children - Hawk, Sam, Luca, and Mercy - this new generation enters a new kind of Proving.
The new "proving" is to see who is strong enough to go the Newlands, live in the wild, and basically educate Oulanders of a better way of living - the Askala way.
Thr problem is... they shouldn't be being tested at all, at least not at this point. They should be being educated. You don't just randomly throw someone in the bush and say... build of a fire, find food, figure out shelter... but don't die, without teaching them how to do it first.
The whole premis of this book was a bit lackluster compared to the first. The odds seems lower somehow.
This is where the whole storyline falls apart for me and is poorly thought out. The depth and mystery that the first Proving held was entirely lost in this one. The first was basically a personality test, whereas this one was simply of learned skills and endurance.
And then we have the new set of characters...
Hawk was basically a near replica of Kian, without the confidence.
Sam was clumsy, which I didn't care about one way or the other. But she was also book smart, which I liked... but then they also made her clueless with no people skills.
Luca... I feel like there has to be more to him, and maybe there will be, but I wanted to compare him to Wren constantly but he just fell short of the strength that she possessed that made her so special.
Mercy... oh Mercy... they did that girl dirty.
I abhorred the way she relentlessly went after Hawk... they made her the least mature out of all of them. It was childish and so cringy.
We still also had a jerk who screwed with other peoples chances, the chick with unwanted advances for the main character, and.... pointless deaths that weren't mourned.
I'm just... disappointed.
I have no idea what to rate this book.
I love Askala and somehow after being completely let down... I still have hope that as the story progresses, these new characters will mature and be worth continuing the series. I haven't given up hope just yet.
Now, as we're introduced to their children - Hawk, Sam, Luca, and Mercy - this new generation enters a new kind of Proving.
The new "proving" is to see who is strong enough to go the Newlands, live in the wild, and basically educate Oulanders of a better way of living - the Askala way.
Thr problem is... they shouldn't be being tested at all, at least not at this point. They should be being educated. You don't just randomly throw someone in the bush and say... build of a fire, find food, figure out shelter... but don't die, without teaching them how to do it first.
The whole premis of this book was a bit lackluster compared to the first. The odds seems lower somehow.
This is where the whole storyline falls apart for me and is poorly thought out. The depth and mystery that the first Proving held was entirely lost in this one. The first was basically a personality test, whereas this one was simply of learned skills and endurance.
And then we have the new set of characters...
Hawk was basically a near replica of Kian, without the confidence.
Sam was clumsy, which I didn't care about one way or the other. But she was also book smart, which I liked... but then they also made her clueless with no people skills.
Luca... I feel like there has to be more to him, and maybe there will be, but I wanted to compare him to Wren constantly but he just fell short of the strength that she possessed that made her so special.
Mercy... oh Mercy... they did that girl dirty.
I abhorred the way she relentlessly went after Hawk... they made her the least mature out of all of them. It was childish and so cringy.
We still also had a jerk who screwed with other peoples chances, the chick with unwanted advances for the main character, and.... pointless deaths that weren't mourned.
I'm just... disappointed.
I have no idea what to rate this book.
I love Askala and somehow after being completely let down... I still have hope that as the story progresses, these new characters will mature and be worth continuing the series. I haven't given up hope just yet.
August 8, 2020
This is thought to be a spin off of the original series but to me it more of a continuation of the amazing adventure those who are living in Askala are experiencing. I ended up giving this a 4 rather then a 5 simply cause both Sam and Mercy started to grate on my nerves. They constantly question wheather they should be a part of this new proving and both seemed like they are destined to try and charm their ways though the tests.
Other then that the continuation of the way Askala is trying to improve life is just as unique as in the original series. This time around we have the children of the original leaders and this time they are trying to prove they have what it takes to become seekers. Those who will go into the new lands and convince those people to join up with Askala for a better world.
I almost rather of skipped this book and gone straight to the next one cause i want see what brewing in the new lands. Will those who have become seekers really be able to forge ahead and make could relationships with those who live their? What about those who choose to step down and not go? It gonna be interesting i am sure.
Other then that the continuation of the way Askala is trying to improve life is just as unique as in the original series. This time around we have the children of the original leaders and this time they are trying to prove they have what it takes to become seekers. Those who will go into the new lands and convince those people to join up with Askala for a better world.
I almost rather of skipped this book and gone straight to the next one cause i want see what brewing in the new lands. Will those who have become seekers really be able to forge ahead and make could relationships with those who live their? What about those who choose to step down and not go? It gonna be interesting i am sure.
July 29, 2020
I read the previous series and thought that no other series could come close to how amazing it was.
Reading Extant proved me wrong... This was just as great, if not better than the previous series!
Extant is a thrilling and captivating read following on the conclusion of book 4 of the previous series. Although this book is the start of a new series, you would get the most out of it by reading the others first. If I had to sum up this story in three words (it's difficult to put that level of greatness into words, but I will try) : best story ever. It's written so well and told from the perspective of four diverse, creative well built characters who amplify the story. I honestly cannot recommend it enough. I didn't even realize my heart was pounding while reading this, and really took me away from reality. I guess in retrospect, if I had to recommend you read only one book series this year, this would be it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Reading Extant proved me wrong... This was just as great, if not better than the previous series!
Extant is a thrilling and captivating read following on the conclusion of book 4 of the previous series. Although this book is the start of a new series, you would get the most out of it by reading the others first. If I had to sum up this story in three words (it's difficult to put that level of greatness into words, but I will try) : best story ever. It's written so well and told from the perspective of four diverse, creative well built characters who amplify the story. I honestly cannot recommend it enough. I didn't even realize my heart was pounding while reading this, and really took me away from reality. I guess in retrospect, if I had to recommend you read only one book series this year, this would be it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
March 10, 2025
Extant
After the Thaw #5
Dystopian
Tamar Sloan, Heidi Catherine
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴍɪꜱᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ • ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ • ᴅɪꜰꜰɪᴄᴜʟᴛ ᴅᴇᴄɪꜱɪᴏɴꜱ •
This book focuses on the next generation of Askalan survivors, although the characters from the previous books do still feature and have their own roles to play.
I'm glad that the book starts with the success of Kian, Dex, Wren, Nova and the other survivors. They managed to salvage what was left of the Oasis and create a flourishing self-sufficient garden and a fair society.
The pacing was a bit slow for me. Although there were plenty of trials and challenges that the characters had to complete, a lot of the plot was quite repetitive. The miscommunication trope began to frustrate me.
I wanted to see more of the Newlands and what has grown on the island.
After the Thaw #5
Dystopian
Tamar Sloan, Heidi Catherine
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴍɪꜱᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ • ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ • ᴅɪꜰꜰɪᴄᴜʟᴛ ᴅᴇᴄɪꜱɪᴏɴꜱ •
This book focuses on the next generation of Askalan survivors, although the characters from the previous books do still feature and have their own roles to play.
I'm glad that the book starts with the success of Kian, Dex, Wren, Nova and the other survivors. They managed to salvage what was left of the Oasis and create a flourishing self-sufficient garden and a fair society.
The pacing was a bit slow for me. Although there were plenty of trials and challenges that the characters had to complete, a lot of the plot was quite repetitive. The miscommunication trope began to frustrate me.
I wanted to see more of the Newlands and what has grown on the island.
July 20, 2020
I loved this book. Tamar and Heidi are amazing writers! They know how to keep you hanging on. One minute you're exhausted ready to fall asleep barely keeping your eyes open, then the next you're like "NOOOOOO! I have to know what happens next" lol. Many nights I stayed up late to finish just "one more chapter" which usually meant another hour and a few more chapters. The new characters were awesome and I loved Sam and Hawk. He really, really cared for her. I need my husband to take notes 😂😂. This is a great continuation of the story and I'm excited to see what the next book brings. Bring on the Newlands!
August 18, 2020
This book follows the children of Kian and Nova, Dex and Wren and Phoenix and Flick as they go through their Proving.
Sam, Hawke, Mercy and Luca now are trying to become Seekers that will travel to the Newlands to try and teach the Outlanders the ways of Askala. Along with 16 others. The trials for the Seekers are full of dangers they have never imagined. The Newlands will be dangerous and only the best six will become Seeker. They encounter 2 deaths and others dropping out because of the dangers.
I really enjoyed this book and series. It shows a lot of what could happen if we don’t take care of Earths resources.
Sam, Hawke, Mercy and Luca now are trying to become Seekers that will travel to the Newlands to try and teach the Outlanders the ways of Askala. Along with 16 others. The trials for the Seekers are full of dangers they have never imagined. The Newlands will be dangerous and only the best six will become Seeker. They encounter 2 deaths and others dropping out because of the dangers.
I really enjoyed this book and series. It shows a lot of what could happen if we don’t take care of Earths resources.
Read
December 9, 2022Another plus
Luca, Mercy, Sam and Hawk. Their lives interacting in ways you can only imagine. Hawk loves Sam and when the opportunity arrives to send them to the new island to bring knowledge to the outlanders. This group of people will spread the word on how to help the earth recover from the destruction it has. But only six will be selected. Luca and Mercy are a whole different thing. She has loved him since she was little, but he just recognized that maybe he cares for her too.
The tests are brutal and some don't make it. But will these four pass the test and be part of the first Six seekers? Only reading will tell.
Read on my friends.
Luca, Mercy, Sam and Hawk. Their lives interacting in ways you can only imagine. Hawk loves Sam and when the opportunity arrives to send them to the new island to bring knowledge to the outlanders. This group of people will spread the word on how to help the earth recover from the destruction it has. But only six will be selected. Luca and Mercy are a whole different thing. She has loved him since she was little, but he just recognized that maybe he cares for her too.
The tests are brutal and some don't make it. But will these four pass the test and be part of the first Six seekers? Only reading will tell.
Read on my friends.
August 8, 2020
Absolutely LOVED it
I love these characters. I truly hope they never want to make a movie because no one could act as well as these characters are written. I love the worldbuilding; very few writers could make me feel a lands devastation without seeing it with my own eyes but they did. I love the ebb and flow of the story and the anticipation I've come to expect that builds to an epic ending that makes it really hard to wait for the next book. One hundred books in this series wouldn't be enough!!! I can't wait to read them all again and again.
I love these characters. I truly hope they never want to make a movie because no one could act as well as these characters are written. I love the worldbuilding; very few writers could make me feel a lands devastation without seeing it with my own eyes but they did. I love the ebb and flow of the story and the anticipation I've come to expect that builds to an epic ending that makes it really hard to wait for the next book. One hundred books in this series wouldn't be enough!!! I can't wait to read them all again and again.
August 13, 2022
Not a page turner, nevertheless it is a good read
These two authors make a remarkable team. This book and the four before it are quite entertaining. The only reason for four stars is the teen romance got to be a bit much and too distracting. I surely thought that one of the lovebirds was going to pick a flower and play "loves me/loves me not." I will still purchase the next book in the series and hopefully this silliness will abate. I also find it rare that any book under five dollars is not littered with typos. This series is a very pleasant surprise, no typos.
These two authors make a remarkable team. This book and the four before it are quite entertaining. The only reason for four stars is the teen romance got to be a bit much and too distracting. I surely thought that one of the lovebirds was going to pick a flower and play "loves me/loves me not." I will still purchase the next book in the series and hopefully this silliness will abate. I also find it rare that any book under five dollars is not littered with typos. This series is a very pleasant surprise, no typos.
October 10, 2020
Survivor of the future
The saga continues with the children of the characters from the first series. You would think that the storytelling would get repetitive or boring but absolutely not. The authors find a way to keep their world fresh and exciting. This Proving plays more like Survivor. Love it.
The saga continues with the children of the characters from the first series. You would think that the storytelling would get repetitive or boring but absolutely not. The authors find a way to keep their world fresh and exciting. This Proving plays more like Survivor. Love it.
December 27, 2022
WHAT A PROVING AND ROMANCE THAT BURNS BRIGHT!!!:-)
This proving was INTENSE!!! And sooo are the prospects ahead!! The romances in this one are yearning and deep…. I CANNOT WAIT to see what transpires for each of them as I continue this series in the next installment!!:-). LOVED IT!!!:-)
This proving was INTENSE!!! And sooo are the prospects ahead!! The romances in this one are yearning and deep…. I CANNOT WAIT to see what transpires for each of them as I continue this series in the next installment!!:-). LOVED IT!!!:-)
August 13, 2020
Oh my goodness! Another great story in this series. I can't wait for more! The next book comes out the end of September. Come find out what happens next. See what Luca, Mercy, Hawk, and Sam are up to.
March 28, 2023
well shit. This was a well done contulinuatiom of the Thaw Chronicles. I enjoyed the transition of characters groups and am looking forward to this next set of books and seeing where it takes these new characters.
May 26, 2025
Okay here me out. I love the changes of the new generation BUT.. why do we have to keep talking about Luca and Mercy being cousins lmfao. Like they aren’t really related but they made it weird by bringing it up over and over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2021
This is a great series. This author is amazing . Such creativity in the characters, landscaping, survival Val, experiences.
April 11, 2021
What happened to Fairbanks parking garage group ? Dharma ?
What happened to Fairbanks parking garage group ?
Dharma ?
What happened to Fairbanks parking garage group ?
Dharma ?
What happened to Fairbanks parking garage group ?
Dharma ?
What happened to Fairbanks parking garage group ?
Dharma ?
April 30, 2021
I was expecting the book to tank now that a time hop has occurred, but thankfully that was not the case! I am falling in love with the new characters just as much as the old ones! On to book 6!
December 16, 2021
Great new era for the series
Really enjoyed this one and I loved the new (and old) characters. A great dystopian series that is really thought provoking as well
Really enjoyed this one and I loved the new (and old) characters. A great dystopian series that is really thought provoking as well
October 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️, fell a bit short from the first part of the series
June 29, 2022
Really good!
I just realized that these last couple of books end in cliffhangers. I have them all so I wasn't paying attention to that as it was just open the next one. I am enjoying the storyline and the continuity of the characters. Really great reads and would definitely recommend.
I just realized that these last couple of books end in cliffhangers. I have them all so I wasn't paying attention to that as it was just open the next one. I am enjoying the storyline and the continuity of the characters. Really great reads and would definitely recommend.
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