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Nuclear Dawn #4

Into the Fire

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How far will you go to save your family?
Thirteen American cities devastated by nuclear bombs. Hundreds of thousands of people dead. And a nation descending into chaos.

After fleeing the radioactive ruins of Miami, Dakota and Logan finally reach their destination--a cabin deep in the Everglades, surrounded by a million acres of sawgrass rivers, cypress forests, and gator-infested swampland.

It was supposed to be safe. It's not. Now, Dakota and Logan must fight to save the place that was supposed to save them. It's not only their home, it's their future.

But something much larger and more insidious lurks, waiting and watching, preparing to destroy America for good...

Featuring riveting, edge-of-your-seat action and compelling characters, the acclaimed Nuclear Dawn apocalyptic survival series explores what could happen if terrorists executed a nuclear attack on the United States, told from the perspectives of ordinary people determined to survive.

Perfect for fans of Ryan Schow, Logan Keys, Harley Tate, Bobby Akart, and Grace Hamilton.

*Rated PG-13 for mild language and moderate violence.*

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2019

About the author

Kyla Stone

63 books1,187 followers

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5 stars
573 (51%)
4 stars
380 (33%)
3 stars
135 (12%)
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26 (2%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Maria Vargas.
234 reviews38 followers
April 3, 2024
There was so much happening on this book that kept me entertained! I'm so ready for the last book because Eden finally said if you won't do it, I will.

☢️ Finally we got the real thing that happened for Eden's scar and why Dakota took her and ran away. I would have done the same thing that cult is fucking nuts!
☢️ Maddox has no way to redeem himself besides been so blindsided on making his dad proud. The guy doesn't even care that son is alive, he wanted the other one.
☢️ The author does a really good job on selling that cult to be as extremist as ones that we know of and currently exist. There's something on that Kool-Aid.
☢️ Dakota needs to stop trying to be the hero, at this point she really needs all the help she can get. We got to bruise our egos every once in a while.
☢️ I'm so proud for Logan, I just hope we makes it unharmed until the end and try to start enjoying life a bit more and ignore the demons.
☢️ I'm so pissed how the rest of Ezra's neighbors showed their true colors under pressure but then decide to help when things already went to shit.
☢️ Eden is going to show us she is no longer a little girl, she is ready to help, and she will do it even she is scared shitless. Proud of this girl!

Here we go, one more book!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,346 reviews29 followers
November 28, 2019
Love this story of Dakota and her sister Eden, Logan, Julio and the rest. It is full of action and emotion. I want to tell you who dies, who lives and who escapes, but you will have to read it yourself.
I listened to it and the narration was very good.

My favorite character is Logan, who is wracked with guilt from his past deeds and thinks he is not good enough for Dakota. He has already gone through a metamorphosis or sorts and this continues, though he has fallen back too. I want to see how this character continues to grow, so please, Kyla, don't kill him off!

Kyla Stone is such a good story teller. I am excited to read book #5.
Profile Image for Kristina  Wilson.
1,296 reviews67 followers
December 18, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up

It was great to learn more about the cult aspect of the story, but there's still so much filler. This could have easily been a trilogy...but on to the final book
Profile Image for Bradley Noell.
278 reviews12 followers
June 10, 2021
I struggled with what to rate this. The overall story was good and the characters continue to develop nicely but it felt like we were going back to the first book where there was a lot of filler. It seems each book has a designated end and that the pace of the book slows when that end is coming up to fast. That being said the end was really good and I'll definitely be moving on to the last book in the series. This was probably a 3.5 but since I have to choose an entire star we're going with 3 because of the filler.
Profile Image for Darcy.
13.4k reviews515 followers
November 6, 2023
Finally they made it to Ezra's cabin, but things aren't all rainbows and puppies. Ezra's a bit bitter over the way Dakota left and it takes a bit for him to warm up to have the girls back, let alone all the people they brought with. He finally relents and they all start fortifying the homestead and trying to come up with a plan for when Maddox comes for Eden. Dakota knows it will be a battle, Ezra, things not so much. It's also interesting to see how Ezra's neighbors are doing and what they think. I think they have the right of it, they all need to stick together, but Ezra being ornery disagrees.

When Maddox does come the battle is bad, there are huge losses and everyone is left devastated. They thought they won, but towards the end, Dakota realized that the battle just moved to the compound and it's going to be hard for her to do it alone. Good thing Logan once again steps up and changes his mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marilee.
1,374 reviews
February 15, 2023
It was nice to get more background on Logan and what he's been through, why he's the way he is. And I really liked getting to know Ezra. He's grouchy but you can tell he has a soft spot for the people he cares about. The series seems to be turning into guns, guns, and more guns, which I don't love, but now I need to see it through.
Profile Image for XR.
1,810 reviews100 followers
January 13, 2020
ARGH!! I loathe when things don't turn out no matter how prepared you are. This was all action but so dang frustrating, and I'm so annoyed. But I liked it!
Profile Image for Nisareen.
458 reviews14 followers
November 24, 2019
“Evil has a way of spreading beyond its boundaries. People think you can contain it, but you can’t. The evil in that place would’ve spilled into our lives sooner or later. It’s not your fault.” - Haasi

Dakota, Logan, Julio, Park and Eden arrive at the bunker in the Everglades. As they approach the cabin, they see several bodies and come to the terrible realisation that they are too late. With the element of surprise on their side, they are able to overcome the remaining Shepherds and rescue Ezra who has been brutally tortured. Ezra is less than pleased that Dakota has revealed the location of his bunker to strangers. He softens when he sees Eden however.

Dakota knows that the Prophet will seek retribution for the death of his men and that the next onslaught will possibly be led by Maddox at the helm. She sets about strengthening their defences and tries to enlist the help of their neighbours. Ezra has always been a recluse however and their neighbours are not willing to risk the lives of their loved ones. Can Dakota and her small group protect Eden from what’s to come and if so, at what price?

Meanwhile Shay learns that a Category 3 hurricane has been predicted to hit Miami the following night and tries to warn the group..

Into the Fire is the fourth penultimate instalment of the Nuclear Dawn series. The book alternates between Dakota, Logan, Maddox, Shay and Eden’s point of view. Once again the author has delivered a well executed, tense and compelling instalment powered by adept character development and relentless pacing. From the offset, I was impressed by the graphically detailed scenes which made it easy to visualise the intense battle between Dakota’s group and the Shepherds.

While the tension throughout the book had me anxiously turning the pages, it was the character’s that had me enthralled. Ezra was everything I was expecting and more. Several of his one on one scenes with Dakota had me weeping uncontrollably which is a testament to the author and her writing skills. We also witness the long awaited confession between Dakota and Eden as the former recounts her reasons for taking Eden from the compound. I liked how the author alternated between Dakota and Eden’s point of view as they recalled their individual viewpoints of their traumatic past.

We finally learn the truth about Logan’s tortured past and his need to atone for something that he was helpless to prevent. One can’t help sympathising with him and what happened. Last but not least is Maddox. Throughout the series I have found him to be the most complex character of all and I still feel that he will be a deciding factor in how the book ends.

All in all, this has been an exciting, nail biting and emotional addition to what has been an memorable series. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store in the conclusion of the next book.

I received an advanced free audible copy of Into the Fire and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Stacey Glemboski has masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,980 reviews157 followers
October 30, 2020
A couple of things I liked about this conclusion to the series: first, I liked the way Stone contrasted the extreme lunacy of a cult with the absolute truth of what love (and God) are. She could have left the impression that all religion is terrible, or that it's full of terrorists, or that it's a complete delusion. But she instead chose to offset all that with the goodness and small miracles that inevitably happen in a disaster. And the belief that love is all the things listed in I Corinthians 13 (patient, kind, forgiving, selfless, etc.).

The ending is highly emotional. But it was a good conclusion. I feel like I left that world in a good place. And I think I wouldn't have liked this nearly as much if not for the excellent narration by Stacey Glembowski.
Profile Image for L. J..
Author 1 book43 followers
May 15, 2024
This review is recycled because it’s basically just the same thing.

At first, it was promising; I thought I was in for some epicness, you know? But then, it went nowhere real fast. Like, I expected more action for an apocalyptic kind of book. Stop showing and telling, just do the doing; stop over explaining. The characters… Hmm. They exist. And I read this whole series… Well, skimmed it, more like.
Profile Image for Cath.
951 reviews16 followers
July 15, 2019
The fourth book of the Nuclear Dawn series sees Dakota, Eden, Logan, Julio and Park finally closing in on the safe location they had been heading for, ever since the nuclear attack in the midst of Miami. Miami was only one of thirteen cities that was left devastated and the entire nation thrown into chaos, by these nuclear attacks. No-one knows who is responsible and matters could start to escalate all over the world. Dakota and her small group have made it away from the ruins and lethal radioactivity of Miami, on their way to the Everglades, where Dakota has persuaded them all that there is a sanctuary with plenty of supplies.

As they near the cabin, where Dakota and Eden spent two years after escaping the Shepherds, they slow down and see signs that someone has reached the cabin before them. It should have been a safe location, but the shepherds have reached there before them, meaning Maddox must still be alive and told them where they would be heading. Now they have to fight to rescue the owner, Ezra, and reclaim the safety of his cabin, where they expected to be able to hold out as chaos descends everywhere outside. This was to be their safe haven for the future until some realm of normalcy exists.

They meet some of Ezra’s neighbours, but they are reluctant to help them, especially as Ezra has become a total recluse and doesn’t allow even his close neighbours onto his land. Once they manage to overcome the force holding Ezra, they have to strengthen the defences, as the Shepherds will not give up, especially Maddox. But, for the rest of the country, there may be even more evil plans afoot, which will cause much larger destruction. Someone is prepared to destroy America itself, for good. What that entails will be for the final book in the series.

This has got to be the best book yet in the series! Wow! There is so much action having to take place. We are also kept in touch with what Shay is doing, after she stayed to help in the medical tents. There are more and more people acting in desperation and doing anything they can to get food, guns, or transport to flee Miami. Not just looting deserted houses, but attacking others they think they can overcome or force to give up their goods. Where this series will go next is anybody’s guess.

I’ve loved this whole series and will be sad to see it ending so soon. I would recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good read, stories about apocalyptic worlds, or just a book with lots of actions but also strong relationships and people having to rely on one another, strangers or not. The struggles the main characters have to endure and overcome are intense and make you think about what you might do in some of these situations. Would you know what to do? Would you be strong enough and have the knowledge and skills to survive? I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
1,041 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2019
Title: Into the Fire
Author: Kyla Stone
Publisher: Paper Moon Press
ISBN: B07SQ3ZY83
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Nuclear Dawn 4
How far will you go to save your family?
Thirteen American cities devastated by nuclear bombs. Hundreds of thousands of people dead. And a nation descending into chaos.

After fleeing the radioactive ruins of Miami, Dakota and Logan finally reach their destination--a cabin deep in the Everglades, surrounded by a million acres of sawgrass rivers, cypress forests, and gator-infested swampland.

It was supposed to be safe. It's not. Now, Dakota and Logan must fight to save the place that was supposed to save them. It's not only their home, it's their future.

But something much larger and more insidious lurks, waiting and watching, preparing to destroy America for good...

Featuring riveting, edge-of-your-seat action and compelling characters, the acclaimed Nuclear Dawn apocalyptic survival series explores what could happen if terrorists executed a nuclear attack on the United States, told from the perspectives of ordinary people determined to survive.


Total Score: 5/5

Summary:
Logan, Dakota and friends made it out of Miami arriving at the Everglades where they are sopposed to be safe, but the danger has just begun. Others made it out alive, but some of their motives re not as clear. Their arrival has not met acceptance form all sides, but Dakota is determined to keep her little sister safe no matter what it takes. Their past difficulties have yet to find them and the battle for survival is not over yet.

This is an incredible edition to the series and the audio-book brings the characters alive for the enjoyment of the reader.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,178 reviews69 followers
August 4, 2019
ONE EXTREMELY THRILLING ADVENTURE!!!
Crash and burn! Kyla rocks this baby bouncing it on home to the rhythm of its own beat. Satisfying is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that's sure to please. All the turmoil and distress running rampant hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Sparks fly as suspense and danger ensues in epic proportions showcasing this thrilling storyline and gripping plot. A throng of vexing circumstances and a bevy of surprising mishaps keep you flipping page after page. One amazing wild ride that keeps you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat as everything falls into place with such perfection it leaves you craving more. Emotions, personalities, attitudes are 100% on point with such realism it blazes through this baby melding it together seemlessly. Dynamics, revealations and presentation are so skillfully laid out in all its glory as chaos and mayhem rule supreme. One rollercoaster with all the trials and tribulations that propels the intense speculation bursting into play smoothly. Hurtling the trials and tribulations along with a horde of twists and turns, you have the making of one amazing experience. Scenes, characters, location and details are so realistic there's no trouble interpreting each scenario as they play out perfectly. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it makes a perfect backdrop for this amazing read. Incredible job Kyla, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
631 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2020
With this addition to the Nuclear Dawn series Kyla Stone proves yet again she’s one of the best at writing apocalypse fiction. I’m really hooked on this series and can’t get enough of Dakota and Logan. With each book I’m always left asking, ‘What can Kyla Stone do next; where will she take this?’ I suppose the simple answer is: anything! She sends the story one way and then takes it off on another route hitting us with nail biting tension the whole way. This time things are possibly more dire than they’ve been before. The long threatened attack by The Shepherds is finally upon our heroes and it’’l take all they’ve got to make it out alive. Kyla Stone proves yet again she’s one of the very best at writing post-apocalyptic survival stories crammed with action and tension. Into The Fire really starts to show the characters begin to grow toward each other as well as into the strange new world they find themselves in. The trials they’ve experienced together have formed a bond. Despite each of them still struggling with their own inner demons they now have each other to lean on. This is another entertaining story of tension and surviving against the odds but also one of learning to trust again and overcome those impossible odds. I say this after each book in the series but I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
1,975 reviews37 followers
January 11, 2020
A great continuation to a great series! This book is full of action, but it has so much more. Kyla Stone has created amazing characters, full of flaws and just trying to survive in a world decimated by nuclear attack.

The author tells the main characters' stories with great emotion and the narrator does an amazing job in portraying these emotions. You could really feel the pain as Dakota, Eden and Logan finally revealed their innermost feelings. I have been waiting for these stories since the very first book, so I am glad that the author did such a great job in telling them.

Of course, some characters that the reader has come to love are killed (no spoilers from me), but I have come to expect that in a post-apocalyptic book. Emotions are laid raw as the other characters try to deal with the losses and I could really feel their pain.

The narrator, Stacey Glemboski, does a fantastic job. Her pacing and emotion is perfect and her performance really added a lot to my enjoyment of this book. I am so glad that I have the final book in this series in my Library because I don't wait to see how the whole thing ends!

I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/publisher/narrator and chose to review it.
234 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2019
Dakota, Logan, Eden, and Julio, are headed into the Everglades. Knowing Maddox, and other members from the Shepherd's of Mercy, will most likely be holding Ezra hostage. Will they make it in time, or will will Dakota lose the man she considers family? If he is alive, will Ezra welcome her and Eden back, or tell them to hit the road?

This 4th book in the series is, pretty much, non-stop action. How can Dakota keep Eden, and herself safe? CAN she keep them safe? What about Logan and Julio? The Everglades may have been a safe zone from the fallout, but it's nowhere NEAR safe, as it's closer to the Shepherd's compound. With the fire power and trained militia from the compound, will Dakota be able to bring the others in the area to the table for safety's sake?

The author tugs on your heartstrings in this one. Hard decisions have to be made, and Dakota isn't the only one who has to make them. This book will fire you up and make you want to kill some characters. It will make you cry and agonize over others, and be surprisingly proud of some you previously wondered about.
250 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2019
Fast paced – page turning – exciting! Another winner! The story continues and is even more intriguing. Miami and 12 other major US cities are struggling to survive the nuclear attacks. People are looting, dying from radiation poisoning and are making a mass exodus from the major cities. The gangs are causing chaos. The hospitals and the make shift medical areas are over flowing. There aren’t enough doctors or nurses to help. Everyone is desperate. Dakota and her friends are on their way to find the cabin in the Everglades. The trip to the Everglades is difficult. They have to deal with many obstacles. Once they get to the cabin, Ezra is another big obstacle. They needed to make sure that they are safe from the Shepherds. Will Dakota and her friends survive? Read this book for an exciting adventure filled with love, hidden secrets, disappointment and unquestioning loyalty.
Profile Image for Ez.
384 reviews
February 11, 2023
I'd rate this 4.5 stars. I'm really enjoying this series and Book 4 is my favourite in Nuclear Dawn so far. Dakota, Logan and the crew finally make it out of Miami to Ezra's, going off the grid with the knowledge that any day Maddox and the River Grass compound's followers will be at their doorstep. As people continue to flee the city, their way of life is threatened and Dakota will do whatever it takes to keep her sister safe. There was plenty of action and I found myself more on the edge of my seat in this one. While I found the ending a little predictable, it was still done well and the cliffhanger was a tearjerker. Both Dakota and Logan continue to fight their own personal demons and while they finally take a step closer to admitting their feelings for each other, it's never that easy and there are plenty of obstacles putting their potential romance on the backburner. I'm looking forward to Book 5.
Profile Image for Francesco.
990 reviews37 followers
January 26, 2024
Vote: 3,50
Class: L-A3 (FP)

(fourth book out of five)

This is the second apocalyptic series by Kyla Stone after The Last Sanctuary and it is somewhat similar (well, it has the same feel about it!).
It's about a terrorist attack on U.S. soil with catastrophic consequences.
I've already read all the books in this series and the story and characters are quite good but it only follows the story of a group a people without telling us much about the world at large.
Fast pacing and well written I quite enjoyed reading this series but it didn't really make it to four full stars in my opinion.
Profile Image for Manfred.
482 reviews
July 14, 2019
Dakota, Logan and their friends reach the Everglades and have to witness that Ezra's cabin has been assaulted and he is captured by some of the shepherds. They manage to free him and kill the shepherds. Dakota and Eden meet some old friends from their time at the cabin. Myseries are revealed (what happend to Logan, Dakota and Eden before the attacks) and the shepherds led by Maddox attack again. An intense battle for the cabin and their lives starts. And when the readers think it has a kinda happy ending, Kyla Stone gives out a GoT twist. Another awesome read and I'm very much looking forward to the conclusion in Darkest Night.
Profile Image for Brian.
401 reviews
January 1, 2020
An epic rollercoaster of action, tension, emotional discovery and....

Kyla Stone is obviously an incredible author of skills and high talent who knows how to write spellbinding stories. This series has earned itself 5 stars for each book and provides some factual information that is obviously well researched. Tidbits of fact salted throughout the series enhances the story and provides much for one to think about while this exciting story unfolds. A memorable read and I have found another super talented author in which to follow and enjoy all their works, past, present & future. Give this series a read. You won’t be disappointed !!
Profile Image for Kevin Barry.
Author 9 books6 followers
September 16, 2019
Another hit

I love the style this series is written in. It’s hard to believe only four weeks have passed since the bond went off in Book one. It’s fast paced and detailed. There was one part I thought was a little strange, but it’s a spoiler so I’ll stay quiet about the details. It was something a young kid just wouldn’t have thought about.

It didn’t take away from the story and I can understand why the author did it, however.

All in all, still a great read and I can’t wait to dig into the final book.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,799 reviews58 followers
October 3, 2019
There was a lot of action in this book as well as some good backstory presented. I was also glad to have Hawthorne and Shay continue in the story, especially since they were a reminder that nuclear detonations had occurred. That part of the story is a bit submerged with the Shepherd drama, though I am very curious to find out their role in what happened to the cities. Most of the characters, even crusty old Ezra, were able to get some decent growth and there was a great setup for the next book.
Profile Image for Smiling_dragon.
92 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2019
Continuation of a great series

The depth of the characters is outstanding. Logan’s backstory was perfect for his character.

The interaction between Logan and Dakota when they were in the boat may be the best scene in the series.

The action sequences are well thought out as they valiantly defended Ezra’s compound. Admittedly, the outcome was predictable. I think we all knew that they couldn’t hold off the Shepard’s alone and backup would show up at the last moment. But it was still well done.

Sadly, I think it was obvious Park was going to die. But he died bravely (if that matters).

I’m looking forward to the next, and final, book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2022
This was a great read.

I loved all the characters.
I felt emotionally drained at the end. I am glad Logan came back for her. I can't wait to find out how she will get Eden back. In my opinion Kayla Stone is an awesome writer cause she makes these characters come alive. I gave her a 5 star rating because it brought out every kind of emotion and you wanted more. You almost didn't want the story to end. I would recommend the book to anyone that wants action and drama with a tear jerking ending. I am anxious and excited to see how this series ends.




Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 69 books321 followers
November 4, 2023
I have the box set of this series and this instalment continues the tale of survivors battling against a nuclear blast, radiation, a dangerous, small-minded cult and their internal thoughts and feelings.

I like how each chapter switches to other characters, not only giving depth to the story as a whole but also highlighting their personalities. I also like the development of relationships.

The theme of insanity is prevalent, especially in regard to the cult.

An engaging and enjoyable story I would recommend to those who like this genre.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,347 reviews20 followers
December 9, 2019
This fourth installment finds Dakota and the crew achieving their travel goal, but sometimes achieving your goal may not really be what you want. Along with nonstop action and intrigue, this episode provides more insight into several of the characters. Once again Kyla Stone has crafted a story that grabs the reader/listener from the beginning and refuses to let them go until that final sentence. Stacy Glemboski’s narration is excellent as usual.
549 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2020
The pace picked up a little in this episode of the story, but it's become more contrived. The interpersonal relations between Dakota and Logan deteriorated into utter absurdity. Again, the story is incomplete, ending in another cliffhanger.

Stacey Glemboski delivers an excellent performance. She gives distinctive voices to the characters and paces her narration well.

Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
216 reviews
February 8, 2020
I won’t say much about the storyline otherwise I will spoil it for others. I listened to this book on Audible and it does not disappoint. The narrator is brilliant, she really captures the emotions. Put it this way, I was crying near to the end. I have already started listening to book 5 in the series.

I really love that there are strong female lead characters in this book and a diverse range of other characters. It makes it easy for me to relate. Epic series and author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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