The Last Sanctuary Omnibus #1-5: The Complete Post-Apocalyptic Survival Series by Kyla Stone

The Last Sanctuary Omnibus #1-5: The Complete Post-Apocalyptic Survival Series Reviews

• 
  Ez

  While I took a few breaks between the first book and the rest, once I picked it back up I couldn't put it down again until I'd knocked out the remaining novels in the series. I found the series strayed closer to Young Adult than I'd normally choose to read, being that most of the main characters are all quite young (around 18 to low 20s), but by Book 2 there was so much going on that it didn't worry me, especially since the characters developed as the series continued. For the romance lovers such as myself, there's a slow burn but it definitely floats about as there's a love triangle between three of the main characters. This wasn't a focus of the story line, but the past, fleeting relationship between two of them crops up here and there. And before I dive too much into the series, I think a couple of trigger warnings might be helpful for some readers. Firstly, there's an attempted assault on one of the female characters in the first book. Secondly, the post-apocalyptic nature of this book focusses on a global pandemic that wipes out most of the population. I went in pretty much blind to this series and still wasn't one hundred per cent sure this was where it was going by the end of the first book as I thought it might be more about a terrorist group (there are so many issues in the dystopia created by an elite, wealthy and powerful contingent that it could have gone in a couple of directions), but I thought I'd mention it considering I read it in 2021/2022 and am aware that this might be the last thing people want to read about (it's definitely worth picking up, though).
  
  The book is told from the point of view of four of the main characters: Gabriel, Amelia, Micah and Willow. Their chapters are pretty evenly dispersed throughout the series and they're supported by a small but diverse number of secondary characters that circumstances throw together. I wasn't particularly fond of Willow as I found her whiny and too much in the New Adult category, but I'll admit that she grew on me after the first couple of books. As the oldest sibling who lost family members in the attack that had Book 1 hitting the ground running, she tried a little too hard to be tough, settling more into the 'annoying' category for the first part for me. I loved Amelia, a member of the elite whose pampered position and wealthy, brilliant and powerful (but emotionally abusive) father throws her into the thick of things. Her character probably had the most growth going from a sheltered daughter desperate to please her father to someone with great inner strength. Gabriel and Micah were brothers, once close but now on opposing sides as the former was a member of the terrorist group, the New Patriots, and the latter being extremely idealistic, believing positive virtues can save the world's evil. Amelia and Gabriel fall hard for each other, smacking of instalove, in the first book but after events unfold, their relationship is over and remains complicated for the series as she becomes close to Micah. I loved both the brothers. They were opposites but each added a lot to the story line.
  
  The first book takes place on a cruise that's hijacked by terrorists, with most of the ship trying to survive as the New Patriots, who you kind of sympathise with throughout the series, try to take control of the elite members present to save the world from the extreme poverty and totalitarian-like authority from the government and elites that've created an unequal distribution of world wealth. I enjoyed the first book, but to be honest it was my least favourite out of the five in the boxset because it's Book 2, when the gang are out on the road and separated from everyone in a country where the pandemic is killing everyone rapidly, that the novels really show their teeth. Human nature does what it does best and traverses between innately good and evil as the kindness of others wars with those that will do anything to survive and strive for power.
  
  As the group try to find some semblance of safety and deliver an unexpected glimmer of hope that might save the human population to the powers that be, you know that nothing is going to be simple. There are attacks from other groups, terrorism, kidnappings, secret missions, killer dog packs, betrayal and double crosses, threats from the infected and the virus in general, gangs, human trafficking, mass fire, mutated plague killer rats, secret weapons and communities, bad weather, and no one to trust - you name it - not to mention the daily struggle for food, water and shelter. Not everyone survives, there are a few great twists and it's a great ride to be on as a reader as the adrenalin ran continually with a good helping of action that kept me turning the pages. The big question? As they try to survive, will the characters make choices they can live with all while trying to deliver a cure? Friendships are forged in the strangest of circumstances as each person grapples with who they need to become to survive.
  
  The world the author created was a great blend of familiar and new technology. Simulated food, modified animals, high tech weaponry and personal electronic devices, computer chips in people and personally compiled and targeted artificial intelligence to make daily living more convenient gave a solid futuristic slant to the story line and characters. What I really liked about this series was that not everything was rosy. There were more lows than highs and the plot didn't always go where I thought it would, especially considering the almost YA vibe. I gave it five stars overall because the books got better and better and I loved how it finished. I'll probably reread it again in the future because I enjoyed the author's style, the characters and overall plot development with the choices the author made.
  
  I felt kind of weird reading this while a global pandemic is going on, but it was done well, especially since it was written several years ago before our current predicament sprung up. I've got no idea if I would have enjoyed it more or less depending on if I'd picked it up earlier, but I guess that might be part of the draw, too. I've read a couple of books by this author and have loved them so much that I'm pretty sure she's going on my very short one-click list. Her books are well written, don't take themselves too seriously while also having enough depth and detail that they draw me in while dragging out a few of my favourite tropes. This series really tossed out good versus evil when society goes to pieces. One of the quotes from the books summed it up for me: 'For humanity to truly survive, we have to preserve what keeps us human.' I think this book did that justice and kept this sentiment at its core with its main characters without making the story line turn cheesy, so it was a really entertaining read for me. Oh, and I was really glad to read that Australia and New Zealand survived the pandemic when the rest of the world was thrown to hell lolol. Go Aussies :)
• 
  Emily Goodman

  3.5 Stars
  I bought this box set after being hooked into Kyla's No Safe Haven story that is set between books one and 2 of this box set. Raven's story was so addictive and fast paced, I was intrigued about the remainder of the box set. The Last Sanctuary was good in comparison.
  
  In this series we start off on out in the middle of an ocean while a pandemic spreads rapidly in the US. We are fast forwarded into the future of electric cars, holoports, printed food, etc. However, only the richest Elite exist in a world full of flavor, opulence, and an abundance of riches. Within the ship you have a variety of characters ranging from terrorists to innocent victims that survive the turmoil within the ship. Leading you into book 2... survival on land.
  Books two through 5 are all about surviving the new world. Various groups compete to drive out the Hydra Virus that has ravaged the world's population. The richest Elite are still in charge and with a mixture of Elite and commoner, Stone creates a novel that will keep you guessing throughout the story line.
  Here is what I did like: the animals and how they hunted survivors... Kept you on your toes.
  Gabriel's and Silas character arcs- nothings better than a story line that changes your value in a character. Raven, Willow, Finn and Benji- this group you just can't help but love and root for. Lastly, the love triangle between two brothers and the main female character. You just never know where that'll end.
  What I didn't like: This story needs more action, more survival, more fear. I kinda wished the hydra virus did more than just slowly make people die. Just not enough gut wrenching moments. This boxset was soooo long. It felt like they spent forever trying to accomplish one goal. It was slow going, but with enough interest to keep me reading.
• 
  Kaye

  ONE NAILBITING EXPERIENCE!!!
  Wow! Talk about one killer collection. All the emotional trama, heartache, loss and anger really fuel this bad boy for one incredible adventure. This is one non-stop action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, nerve racking, spine tingling, page turning thrill ride that holds your attention from start to finish. So much drama, tension, fear, uncertainty, danger and suspense lurking from every shadow. Frozen on a razors edge, barely breathing, heart pounding, pulse racing and trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. When your back is against the wall not knowing which direction to turn without hitting a dead end, yeah you come up with a plan real quick. Twixted and twined and put through the wringer. Walk softly, stand strong and fight the good fight for the people you love. All the ups and downs, ins and outs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there bring this remarkable read roaring to life flawlessly. The Kyla pulled out all the stops for this amazing storyline and strong plot. The characters are complex and believable with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate. The scenes are so graphically detailed and descriptive you have no trouble picturing each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Thanks Kyla, for sharing this bad boy with us.
• 
  Leonardo Acebo

  I really enjoy Ms. Stone's books. The character development is awesome. Everyone's storyline is well panned out and she makes sure to bring them all to a satisfying conclusion. In this series, the action/adventure is great and most fans of post-apocalyptic novels will approve. Starting her series on a doomed luxury cruise sets the stage for what's to come. I also like that Ms. Stone is inclusive of a multicultural approach to her characters and has many from different backgrounds, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and beliefs. Ms. Stone's books are always full of imagery and wonderful descriptions that add to the storyline.
  The only thing I would change is that if the book is supposed to be a series, then some repetitive basic facts can be edited from the subsequent books. I know that some readers have the memory of a fruit fly but most, I feel, are capable of remembering character traits and backgrounds of the main characters. If they were meant as stand alone books, then I totally understand the need to explain thoroughly.
• 
  Donna

  I enjoyed reading this series and was delighted that it was all there in completed form to read. No waiting for months or years to get the next book.
  
  This is a mix of dystopian and post apocalyptic stories. Amelia is raised by her wealthy father isolated from what is really going on in the world, but she feels very browbeaten by her father. It all starts on a cruise ship and the entire first book is on the ship. I almost put it down when I started reading, wondering how this was going to proceed. I am glad I stuck with it. So many young people who had chances to grow and redeem themselves.
  Oh, and of course there is the virus released on an unsuspecting public that kills of most of the population. It is known to be 100% fatal. The people on the cruise ship find out about it. And there are terrorists aboard too.
  
  Very worth the read.
• 
  Tiffany

  A powerful commentary on unchecked power, fear, hope, and the cry of freedom
  
  Warning - you will become attached to these characters and so emotionally invested that you will get angry, cry, and yell at them. You will wonder how they can be so brave and smart sometimes and so stupid and reckless at other times, and then remember that they are trying to make sense of a world that doesn't. The circumstances that trigger the apocalypse strike a bit too close to home when I look at our world today. Though this book is a work of fiction, at times it doesn't feel too fictional. The psychology of survival is spot on, making the characters so believable that you have to remind yourself that they are not real. This series is the second one of Kyla Stone's that I have read and I have become a fan.
• 
  Brian

  A Read Worthy of 5 STARS & more !
  
  The complete Last Sanctuary series is quite spellbinding, and entertaining; a worthy read with very compelling situations that often gave the reader pause to think. This series held me tightly in its grasp as I would unwittingly read well into the early morning hours, 2 or 3 a.m., and on a work night no less ! The characters are well developed, the plot and sub plots were co-joined and deftly interwoven. A beautiful read that was created by an obviously highly skilled and gifted author serious about her craft. You will be thoroughly entertained.
• 
  Karen

  The Hydra
  
  This KU library selection is the third post-apocalyptic box set by Kyra Stone I've read, back to back, and an important secondary character has her own followup book, which I'll be reading next. The main characters in this series are on average a younger group, late teens and early twenties, scrambling to survive after a 100% deadly mutating virus is unleashed on the US, spreading quickly to the rest of the world. Only one known person survives contracting the hydra virus, but can she survive the dangers getting to the last sanctuary? This series gets 4.5 stars.
• 
  Stephanie

  The Last Sanctuary
  
  I read the entire box set in a matter of days. It kept me up reading late at night instead of going to bed so I would be rested for work! I was intrigued by all the characters but Silas, Amelia & Micah were my favorites. Silas had that attitude you wanted to hate but only grew to love more as time went on. Can't wait to read the Raven spin-off & then the nuclear series.
• 
  Frank Dupree

  Hope
  
  This series was a journey. There were bright places and dark “alleys”. So much was there. The struggles of the common people were so real and the pain that they felt touched me deeply. I’m glad I read Raven’s story first. It made all the difference as the story moved from one book to the next. It’s worth the time to read it. We need to learn the lessons Kyla Stone gives us here.
• 
  Shana Pare

  What is the definition of good vs. evil?
  
  Where does your moral compass rest when it comes to survival, yours or that of someone you love? It's a tricky question I think. It's one thing when you're safe and secure. It may be something entirely different when your safety and survival has been stripped away. That is what this series is a!I about. It is well written and easy to read. The questions posed, on the other hand, are not so easy.
• 
  Tina

  Good
  
  I enjoyed reading this series, and had a hard time putting it down most of the time. The characters are fleshed out really well, the good ones and the bad ones. It was hard to read sometimes, due to the subject matter. And there were some painful parts as well. Very well told. Saw very few errors overall. Recommend.
• 
  Sandy McCulloch

  Last sanctuary
  
  Wow. From start to finish, following a group of mixed survivors from a hijacked voyage. Age, race, sex, fear, and strength, working together to find safety and sanctuary.
  Struggling with hunger, illness, evil predators, finding safe havens, but are they. Read on live their lives, enjoy.
• 
  Patricia Goodsell

  A riveting tale of survival
  
  In this epic tale you find yourself entranced by a rag-tag group of characters first fight to survive the plague and desperately trying to protect each other. Then when they find one member of the group holds hope for the world it's a riveting race to the finish. Loved this series and highly recommend!
• 
  Su

  Captured by the story
  
  This was such a good series. The characters are so real. I laughed and cried. I cheered and jeered. I loved and I disliked. I got caught in the story and I lived it. I'm still living it. I probably will until I can find something else to read. I would recommend this series to anyone. The story will capture you too!