Release Day, Review & Giveaway for State of Rebellion (Collapse Series # 3)

State of Rebellion (Collapse # 3) by Summer Lane

Publisher: WB Publishing http://writingbellepublishing.com/

Release: January 24^th, 2014

Genres: YA, NA, Post-apocalyptic, dystopian fiction

Everything has changed.

After a devastating ambush that left the militia group Freedom Fighters struggling to survive, Cassidy Hart has been lucky to escape with her life.

Along with her Commander and former Navy SEAL Chris Young, she’s made a shocking discovery concerning the whereabouts of her father. The militias have moved further into the mountains. And the secret that is kept there will come with a price.

But when the National Guard arrives, Cassidy is faced with a choice that will force her to decide between friends and family. Omega is getting stronger. The fight for freedom looms on the horizon.

It’s all or nothing.

And Cassidy has no intention of giving up.

Apocalyptic fiction is one of my favorite genres, and Lane has written a very good series that describes that horrors and devastating aftermath of an EMP –electromagnetic pulse that has hit the United States, destroying all the technology we have come to increasingly rely upon in our day to day lives and, in effect, paralyzing our country leaving it vulnerable to further attacks. I highly recommend reading the series in order in order to fully appreciate the scope and depth of the plot and to witness the transformation of Cassie Hart, the protagonist of the story who must learn to survive in a society that disintegrates before her very eyes.

The first book in the series, State of Emergency introduces Cassie and details the shock, fear, and chaos that ensue when the EMP hits. Cassie is nineteen and still trying to find her direction in life when her entire world is irrevocably changed. Thus begins her journey to find to survive and rendezvous with her dad at their remote cabin in the mountains outside of L.A. Cassie’s dad has taught his daughter to be prepared in case of a catastrophe, so she has a plan of action to find safety while many around are stunned and panicked. However, Cassie’s young and in many ways naïve about the lengths people will go to for self-preservation. Fortunately, she crosses paths with former Navy SEAL, Chris Young, who has the knowledge and skills to help protect her against threats posed by human predators and imprisonment from a mysterious enemy that has invaded the U.S. known as Omega. Cassie and Chris grow closer in the midst of the chaos and we see the beginning of a romance between the two.

Omega becomes Cassie and Chris’s main adversary when the story picks up in State of Chaos, and we begin to see the strength and fortitude Cassie has to stay under Omega’s radar while she continues to search for her father. The novels are narrated from Cassie’s perspective, and I developed an affinity for her brassy personality, and sometimes snarky, sarcastic attitude, even when she’s terrified on the inside. Chris proves to be an amazing hero – fiercely protective of those he cares about and loyal to Cassie even when he disagrees with some of the decisions she makes. Cassie has always been a loner but soon realizes how much easier it is to remain hopeful when she has the support of her new friends, especially Sophia who helps keep her going when her situation seems hopeless after she is captured and enslaved by Omega forces.

Each book in the series gets better, and State of Rebellion is my favorite so far. Cassie and Chris have become part of a rebel army determined to fight back against Omega, even though they are outgunned and outnumbered. Under Chris’s leadership, Cassie and other civilians learn the skills and tactics to fight a brutal war in their quest to reclaim the U.S. The tension, action, and suspense ratchets up several notches in this third installment, and although the book contains violence, it isn’t gory or too graphic for young adults or those who may be squeamish about these type of scenes. Cassie has matured so much at this point but continues to struggle to hold on to her humanity as she experiences the brutality and callousness that is prevalent in war.

Chris is the embodiment of loyalty, honor, and commitment to his country and his fellow soldiers. Furthermore, he has the ability to instill these traits in those who fight alongside him, especially Cassie who shows courage and bravery even when she’s afraid, no matter how dire their situation. As the series evolves, I have begun to really get to know and connect with other significant characters whose diverse personalities enhance the storyline and kept me engaged, especially when their actions made me question their true motives.

So far the romance between Cassie and Chris has been light, limited to kissing and handholding, and, overall, secondary to the major plot. While their affection for each other is certainly genuine, I’m uncertain about whether they have truly fallen in love and their future together.

State of Rebellion has an emotionally gripping cliffhanger ending that left me clamoring for more, and I hope Ms. Lane won’t keep us waiting too long.

Source: I purchased the first two books in the series and received an ARC of State of Rebellion from the author for an honest review.

Rating

“This,” he says, “is all yours.”

I step into the room. Weapons and equipment are hanging from every nook and cranny. It’s a goldmine of war goodies. Chris, however, is holding up a single object. A rifle. It’s brand new, it’s sleek, and it’s awesome. He hands it to me.

It’s mine.

I curl my fingers around the weapon, the metal cool against my skin. I test the weight. Not too heavy. Just right for my size. A scope is mounted on top of the weapon.

“I’ve really needed one of these,” I say.

“You’re a great shot without optics,” he replies. “With it you’ll be unstoppable.” He hoists a backpack. “I packed this for you. It’s got a new uniform, supplies, equipment. Upgraded radio, night vision goggles.” He grins and pulls out a small handgun. “There are some nice toys in here, too. This one’s just your size.”

“You packed this for me?” I asked, touched. Because with all of the things he’s got to worry about, it’s beyond sweet that he would go to the trouble of getting supplies together for me. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” He drapes one strap of the pack over my shoulder. “You’re really in the military now, Cassie. It suits you.”

“I don’t know.” I gaze up at his sure, handsome face. “Does it?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.” He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “There’s not a lot of people that would adjust to this sort of lifestyle so well. You’ve got a gift.”

“I’ve got a great leader,” I reply, standing on my tiptoes. “You.”

He laughs softly, placing one hand on each side of my waist.

“Is that so?” he asks.

“Yes.” I kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Chris. For everything.”

“Don’t thank me yet.”

Summer Lane is the author of the national bestselling YA/NA Romantic Adventure novels, State of Emergency, State of Chaos, and State of Rebellion, the first three installments in The Collapse Series. She is a freelance writer, publicist and lover of all things feline. Summer owns WB Publishing, a digital publishing company devoted to releasing exciting survival and adventure stories. In her spare time, Summer is the creator of the online magazine/blog, Writing Belle, in addition to being a co-founder and frequent contributor at NA Alley, a website dedicated to all things New Adult. She works as a creative writing teacher and consultant, as well.

Summer began writing when she was 13 years old, due to the fact that the long afternoons after school were somewhat boring, and writing stories seemed to make the time pass a little quicker. Since then she has written many books about jungle cats, secret agents, princesses and spaceships. She is also a non-fiction writer, but her debut novels of The Collapse Series are her favorite books yet. You can find Summer hopping around on the Internet by following her on Twitter @SummerEllenLane. Want to talk to Summer? Email her at: summerlane101@gmail.com

Author Links

Website: http://summerlaneauthor.com/

Blog: http://writingbelle.com/

WB Publishing: http://writingbellepublishing.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SummerEllenLane

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Purchase Links

Amazon: State of Rebellion (Collapse Series) (Volume 3)

B&N/Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/state-of-rebellion-summer-lane/1117889368?ean=2940148263616

Paperback on CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/4583942

Read State of Rebellion to find out what’s in store for Chris and Cassidy! Do you write post-apocalyptic, survivalist, dystopian or adventure stories? Submit your manuscript to WB Publishing:

http://writingbellepublishing.com/

Start the Series- Click on the book cover to visit Amazon

State of Emergency (Collapse # 1)