This book has taken me a few years (!) to read, because it – unfortunately – struck too close to home. I started this book in the autumn of 2020. Just as covid was starting to spread and people where dying everywhere. Rationally, I knew that it was just a coincidence and that Susanna couldn’t have predicted this pandemic, but it still overwhelmed me just the same.

So, I put the story aside. And now, three years later, I was finally able to finish it. Susanna does an excellent job of describing what will happen, when a pandemic outbreak with a lethal rate of over go % will do to the world. Chaos, plundering and people turning violent against each other, while the rest is dying.

In all a very captivating story. And if we hadn’t had the coronavirus during the launch of this book, I would have probably liked it a lot more. For me, it was just too much of a reminder of what happened here for real. So, three out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Forgot this was on my TBR and I guess I just kept pushing it aside. The book was too dystopian for me.

Pandemonium by Susanna Strom is book one in her World Fallen series.

Kenzie and Ripper are living through a flu pandemic. There’s attraction on both sides, but is now really the time to start a romance?

Pandemonium is a well-written sci-fi thriller. The plot is intriguing and, as we all know, believable. Susanna Strom has done her research and gets the details of pandemics, prepping, weapons, personal defense, and other technical aspects right, or so it seemed to me. The characters have complete believable backstories. The romance aspect works well with the rest of the story. I found the pace to be somewhat slow, but I enjoyed the story and will read the next in the series. I give this novel 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers of sci-fi and romance.

My thanks to Independent Publishers Group, Cougar Creek Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

Pandemonium by Susanna Strom
Publisher: Independent Publishers Group, Cougar Creek Publishing LLC
Genre: Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Release Date: August 18, 2020

Pandemonium is the first book in the World Fallen series by Susanna Strom and it so good! I could not put it down!!!!

I don't even know where to start, I just loved this book! Set in a world facing a lethal flu pandemic, we meet Kenzie, Miles, Ripper, Kyle and some of the people they meet along the way.

Considering that this book was written well before COVID-19 was actually a thing, I commend the author for her pandemic research or psychic abilities! I feel like so many of my worst case scenarios were brought to life in this book and I am here for it! It is way better to read about a extremely lethal pandemic in a work of fiction than to live it!

Ok, so the story is incredible. It is fast paced and filled with so much action. I really enjoy the characters and their interactions. I really loved the group dynamic. Also, the romance is hot and steamy (NSFW).

I'm so happy that the next book, Maelstrom, is available because I will be reading it next!!! You should definitely check out this book is you like apocalyptic or dystopian romance!

I'm so grateful to Susanna Strom, Cougar Creek Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This was just okay for me. Unlike others, I didn't think it was great and I just had a hard time making myself want to pick it back up (as evidenced by taking 2 freakin' weeks to finish!). Once I did, it was enough to keep me engaged but never was I excited about finding out what happens next. I think part of the problem was how slow things seem to progress. A lot of time passes, but nothing really seems to happen. Just too much filler. Plus, I really didn't like Kenzie. She was too naive and immature. And honestly, there is nothing badass about a girl who thinks she's a badass or wants to be more badass. Really, the best part of this whole book was the last few chapters.

At first this reminded me of Willow. A disease decimated the human population almost over night, the male MC is a biker, and the female MC a college girl with a sketchy mother. But that's about were the similarities ended. Where that series keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering if this group will survive and how, this one has them holed up inside a safe guarded house with all the food, water, and amenities one would need. Sure, there were a couple instances of excitement but they were wrapped up quick. With one of them being Kenzie's own stupid ass fault.

So like I said, what happens here is that a killer flu has infected the majority of the population almost over night. Kenzie gets dragged out of her dorm room by her best friend in a desperate attempt to get home and safe. Immediately they are confronted by the violent realities of what's happening. Fortunately for Kenzie, she has a cousin near by that is doomsday preper and she convinces her friends to drop her off there. Miles is a man with whole ton of quirks and baggage, but he was a great guy and I liked the kind of character he was. His neighbor, Ripper, is a former ranger who is now in a motorcycle club. Ripper isn't at all what one would expect from this and the way he knows how to handle Miles was just as impressive. Obviously, with the world gone to hell, it doesn't take long for Ripper and Kenzie to get together. And basically what we get from there is a long book about these two building a relationship, Ripper teaching Kenzie how to protect herself (seriously though, where the heck are they getting so much ammo that they have no issues doing target practice all the time?), and the three of them living their lives in the relative safety of this house. Eventually Kenzie's ex shows back up to add some tension and drama, which was super annoying, but thankfully didn't last too very long.

The ending was much better because their home is no longer safe. Not from the disease and not from a situation that is out of their control. With no choice, this group must flee to what they hope will be a new safe place.

If I didn't have an ARC of the next book, I probably would not be reading it. I am that uninterested in the rest of their story. But as I do, I'm seriously hoping it's better than this one.

Eerily chilling portrayal of a pandemic and what happens to people when things go terribly wrong. Kenzie a college student and Ripper, ultimate alpha male, biker, former Ranger. No common bonds, but it works. The need for survival brings them together. Passion keeps them alive. Great characters.
I received a copy from NetGalley to review.

Although the guy on the cover is hot, don't be fooled into thinking this is your typical romance. I was more drawn to the apocalyptic story going on around the sparks of attraction.
Kenzie is a college student dedicated to her success. While on a deadline for an important paper, she turns off her phone and shuts out the world. But when she emerges from her solitude, she finds the world in chaos. A flu virus with a very small survival rate is sweeping the nation. Kenzie escapes to the only family she has left, her autistic cousin Miles. He has always been into conspiracy theories and has built a compound with high tech security and all the supplies they'll need for years. Ripper, a member of a nearby motorcycle gang, lives next door to Miles and had become friends with him, looking out for him. After a rough meeting between Kenzie and Ripper, she judges him by his gang affiliation, but soon realizes there's kindness under his tough exterior. And she's always had a thing for the bad boy bikers in her favorite books.
I love Kenzie and Ripper! I can't wait to find out what happens next with this virus in the next book, Maelstrom.
Thank you to Susanna Strom and Cougar Creek Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Yes yes yes this book! I enjoyed this so much and I absolutely flew through this story! I was intrigued by the premise of a world falling apart because of a flu because of the current pandemic. This book did a great job of blending a flu outbreak, post apocalyptic vibes, romance, family, and even more into a story that was entertaining and interesting without ever being too much of any one thing. I felt a little like I was reading a season of The Walking Dead without the zombies. It was exactly what I wanted! I loved the characters. Mackenzie and Ripper were well developed and felt like real people. Even the smaller characters were well rounded and truly believable. I loved that each one felt like they were more than a plot point to move the story forward. I got the sense that they all had their own stories going on in the background. I am very much looking forward to the next book! For me, this has become one of those series where I could read through however many books the series contained all in one sitting just because I need to know what happens next and can’t make myself stop.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ripper just makes this story pop.

He offered a smug smile. “You always pepper spray your cousin’s friends...Mac?


First time author has done a excellent job with this end of the world as we know it adventure. I truly care about these characters. Really looking forward to where she takes this story next.
I just love it when I find a new author to enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and rate this book!


This was an interesting read, but sometimes it just dragged on a bit too long...
Personally, I felt like their relationship was stilted, with some uncomfortable conversations thrown in the mix...
But hey, maybe I would also have awkward conversations with a virus raging out there =P

2.5 stars.

I liked parts of this, but I think it’s main problem was that it felt too long? A lot happens that probably doesn’t need to happen, and I genuinely struggled at times to find the will to keep reading because it dragged for me quite a few times. I also think all the ‘feminism’ comments were... cringe?
Examples:
“I’d never be a doormat, someone who would smile and acquiesce whenever he laid down the law. But...I wanted to be his. I was a disgrace. If anybody survived from the Women’s Studies department, they would seize and burn my feminist credentials.”

“Kyle once suggested that we experiment with bondage, and I had bristled with indignation. Fantasy is one thing, but in real life no right-thinking woman would give a man that kind of power over her.”

“Staked his claim? The sentiment was inherently primitive and chauvinistic. No modern, right-thinking woman wanted to derision. Claimed. I should protest. Instead, I clung to the words and wrapped them around myself like a security blanket.”

I don’t personally think you can call yourself a feminist if you call women crazy for being submissive sexually or personality wise. Not every woman wants or likes to be a dominating force & that doesn’t make them crazy or not a feminist? Yikes.

Personally I won’t be continuing with book two, I was actually hoping the series would be standalone couples but book two follows these two as well. I’m also upset her cousin will no longer be a part of the story, the author did him real dirty.

Omg in times like these with Corona active, this book is an bit scary to reality 😅
But it was written before COVID-19 was even known to the world, I think the author did an awesome job.
And even though you could’ve read this book as an standalone, I think there will be an next book 📚

A lot of anxiety, drama, family drama, stress, friendship, surprises and twists, love, romance.

Definitely loved reading this book 📖

Susanna Strom writes about pandemics which such feeling and empathy you'll find yourself falling in love, not just with her characters, but with her writing. This book is so well-executed that it's hard to believe it's her first. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series holds!

Kenzie is a college student that logs off her computer for a break and when she wakes she finds the world has gone crazy. Ripper is an outlaw from an mc and not the type of guy a gal seeks comfort from or runs to at the end of the day. He is a tough guy that you want for protection in a crazy, full of criminals world. This book has events similar to what is going on now but darker and scarier. I enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to the next book.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

WOW, looking forward to the next book! First time reading this author. The suspense was awesome! This is the story of how to unlikely people meet in a world of chaos! Mac and Ripper are from two different worlds, but must somehow manage to get past their differences in order to survive in a world that has gone crazy! Can they?


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Sexy, sexy!! This book was hotness from the first chapter with great characters and a just as great storyline!!

A really interesting and thrilling romance. Good plot and characters. Nice job on the writing. Enjoyed

Exciting, well written end of the world as we know it plague story that hooked me from the get go and I could not put it down! A debut novel that packs such a punch I'm itching and desperate for the next one. The characters were so alive and unique and I fell hard for them. Especially a certain alpha male biker with a heart of gold! Kenzie and her ordered world are torn apart when a fly sweeps through it and forces her to flee to her prepper cousin Miles compund where safety is all but assured. Things get a little more complicated with the addition of Ripper, but she is determined to be strong and not be a burden. Miles is unique in his eccentricity and you will afore him. I loved every minute of it and I cannot wait for the second one!

Oh this was so GOOD. I fell in LOVE with Ripper and MacKenzie. This isn’t my first post apocalyptic romance. I’ve read many. This was so knowledgeable about prepping. I even wrote down some stuff because I’m a Prepper too. Just not as hard as Miles. Such wonderful secondary characters. Miles!!!! Kyle and Hector. This was so good. I’m so glad I found this book. I wonder what happened to Caleb. I’m definitely going to share with my post apocalyptic romance readers. There are not that many good ones out there. This author did a stellar job. I highly recommend this book.

3.5 stars

Pandemonium is the debut release by Susanna Strom. First let me start by saying this book is very similar to what is happening currently in our world. Although it's the darker side of what could happen it's still very much reminded me of our current events. Now the author states she wrote this book before the current Pandemic but if your sensitive to what's going on you may want to skip this one. Personally I wasn't bothered and really enjoyed the story. Ripper and Mackenzie were an unlikely but awesome couple. I enjoyed them together and loved their little group. I felt the author did a good job connecting me to all the characters because my heart broke with the loss of one. Now while I enjoyed this book there was just something missing for me. I felt that to much time was wasted on doing odd jobs around the house. There is some interaction with the outside but pretty much what's actually happening is glossed over. I look forward to the continuation of Ripper and Mackenzie's story and hope there is more excitement since they are now on the road.