World Departed (Cascadia #1)
Published March 2nd 2020 by Independently published, paperback 710 pages
In the zombie apocalypse, your worst enemy may be yourself.
From the Until the End of the World and City Series universe comes the story of the virus on the West Coast. Where the end of the world is only the beginning…
Rose Winter has enough problems. With a marriage going down the tubes and a dreaded anniversary party on the horizon, the last thing she needs is the zombie apocalypse. She wanted to get drunk and sing karaoke, not murder her undead neighbors. It’s clear the party’s over, however, and now Rose has more problems—a missing husband, an overbearing houseguest, and keeping her family alive.Tom Jensen has inflexible rules. Rule number one? Don’t deviate from the plan. But when his life is overturned in the space of minutes, his plans die along with everything else. The world is finished, the future is uncertain, and survival means living in the last place he’d planned to be. Maybe his rules weren’t meant to be broken, but if he can’t change his tune, he risks losing the one thing he has left—his daughter.
Craig Matthews has a mission: get to Oregon. Doable, maybe, if he could bring himself to leave his apartment. With his food and water near gone and death closer than ever, a chance encounter may lead to finding his friends—if he can first find his courage.
Unfortunately, the new world doesn’t always mean leaving old problems behind, and as the West Coast succumbs to the virus, the survivors face more than the undead—they face themselves. But in an existence where fences offer dubious safety and zombies certain danger, people may save you in more ways than one.
User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I loved this book! There are a handful of authors that I will drop everything when she releases a new book so that I can immediately start reading it. Sarah Lyons Fleming has made her way onto that list of authors. I knew that a book would be coming out soon but I wasn't exactly sure when it would be. Once I saw that this book was available, I couldn't download it fast enough. Let's just say that my expectations were high. This book was even better than I could have hoped it would be. I feel like I have been on a journey with these characters and I loved every moment of it.
It is no secret that I love a well-told zombie story. I think that this is a book that could appeal to readers who wouldn't consider themselves to be fans of zombie apocalyptic fiction. That's because this book is all about the characters. Sarah Lyons Fleming can write characters that work their way into your heart and leave you feeling like they are family. This is really a character-driven story. Sure, those characters get the chance to stab zombies in the eye from time to time but the focus is really on how this group of people can band together to survive the worst-case scenario. This book is set in the same world as the Until the End of the World and City Series but it is set on the west coast and features a brand new cast of characters. This is a great place for readers new to Sarah Lyons Fleming's work to jump in since it is the start of a brand new series.
I liked the fact that this book was told from multiple points of view. Rose is the mother of two young adult children who home from college when tragedy struck. She was set to host an anniversary party so her dad and best friend are also around, despite the fact her husband is missing. Clara is a college student who happens to be best friends with Rose's daughter, Holly. She came home from school when her dad asked her to because he was worried about the virus and her whole world has fallen apart. Tom is Rose's difficult neighbor and Clara's father. He has been through a lot and has a really hard time dealing with everything happening but he will do whatever it takes to keep Clara safe. Craig is one of Rose's best friends but he didn't make it to the party and is stuck miles away. He will have to find the strength he doesn't know he has to make to Oregon.
I loved seeing the group adjust to their changing situation. I loved seeing them work together to put ideas into place and do what was needed to help the group. These people felt so real and I really enjoyed seeing how compassionate they were to others. I cheered for them when things were going well and feared for them when situations were less than ideal. I was able to relate to these characters and found myself wondering if I would have handled certain situations in the same way they did.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This was a book that was almost impossible to put down even though I had to since life will not wait for me to read a book that is almost 800 pages long. This is one of those books that I will be reading again and already have plans to add the audiobook to my personal library once it is available. I cannot wait to read more of this author's work!
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
Rating: really liked it
Set in the same world as Sarah Lyons Fleming's previous two series',
World Departed retells the same story of the zombie apocalypse, only this time set in Oregon. But despite the story essentially hitting the same points as nearly all zombie books she somehow manages to build on the story and the lore of the sub-genre.
There was a lot of focus on family in
World Departed and in some ways that is the main theme with the zombies just providing the background. It feels a little like American Beauty with Zombies which sounds completely ridiculous but for some reason it works. I really loved it and I can't wait for book 2.
(added - re-read)
Sarah Lyons Fleming is one of the rare authors whose books get better after re-reading them. Picked up the audiobook and it's worth the effort.
Rating: really liked it
Wow! Calling all my zombie, post-apocalyptic book lovers out there, this one is REALLY fantastic! Little to no steam, so go in prepared for that, but expect fabulous storytelling, wonderful characters, and an incredibly realistic take on the zombie apocalypse. (I mean, if that was to actually happen). This is a long long long book, but I never once got bored.
This story contains so many authentic characters, with real voices, and genuine emotions. I was surprised how many times I laughed while reading, humor was the perfect antidote when things became too stressful. Multiple POVs, and lots of zombie action.
While this is definitely not a romance, there was the sweetest budding romances and it's all inclusive, mm/ff/mf.
Highly recommend!!!
Rating: really liked it
This book was better than I thought! There was zombies around a really great story, I liked a lot!
Rating: really liked it
Trigger Warning: graphic death, drug abuseThe night before her twentieth anniversary, Rose Winters catches her husband using. Again. It's the last straw, but she's got a party to plan, kids to feed and now...a zombie apocalypse happening right at her doorstep. And a missing husband. Rose has a lot to deal with, and it's only just getting started. Because the zombies aren't going away anytime soon.
The fact that people fled, didn't listen to reports to stay inside, is why we're in this mess. They left, they were bitten, and now California is crawling with zombies.
Whew. I knew that this was going to be intense, and reading a book on the zombie apocalypse during a pandemic probably wasn't the best idea, particularly since there were an alarming amount of similarities in how the two were handled and how they got so out of hand (minus, you know, the zombies).
I also knew that the points of view that were going to be followed would make me fall in love with the characters, particularly based on the previous two trilogies (all set in the same universe) and I wasn't *quite* wrong.
I refuse to think of how a forty-two-year-old woman singing at the top of her lungs might look to other drivers. It's better than therapy, and everyone knows you're invisible in your own car.
While I liked Rose and her various neuroses, I felt like she was an author-inserted character. I'm probably wrong, but a lot just felt...weirdly specific? I dunno. But she was funny, and I really, truly felt for her, particularly with her fucked up relationship with her husband (damn he was awful). Being married to a drug abuser means that you're in a relationship with two people—the person you originally fell in love with an occasionally still see glimmers of, and the drug addiction.
I also liked Tom and Craig, although I felt like I didn't get to see as much of Clara on-page as I would have liked, and much of her page-time was devoted to either Holly or Tom and not much of her own development as a person.
Craig was probably my most-favorite main character, although he was easily my least favorite character at the beginning of the book. His development skyrocketed, and while I was a little irked that he was saved because of the stuff his dad taught him, I did like that he still never really forgave his dad for being an abusive asshole because fuck that stuff. And I loved the crew that he fell in line with, and how they all boosted him up and made him part of the team. Troy, Daisy, Lana and Francis were wonderful, and the bro boys actually grew on me.
Anywho, this was Fleming's most inclusive book, as she had a diverse cast of characters, and a lot of LGBTQIAP+ rep (and none of them died! Yes!),
plus one of the main characters was aro ace, which was so nice to see represented.
However, it's the secondary characters and the relationships that I loved. And I hate falling in love with them, because in this zombie-filled world you can never get too comfortable, and you just know that your most beloved character is going to die.
"Whoever designed Eugene should've been taken out back and shot."
I've had that thought many times. In Eugene, streets end and don't go through. They curve and dog-leg without notice, as if modeled on the aerial view of a toddler's scribbling.
But what really elevated this book from a solid four star read to five stars was that it took place
in my (kinda) home town and more importantly,
it made sense. Fleming captured the feel and spirit of Eugene so fucking well, and her descriptions of the rest of the state were *chef's kiss*. I'm tickled that she called out the
unfortunately named town of Drain, which is super duper close to where I actually grew up.
Everyone goes on and on about how pretty Oregon is, but the ride from Eugene to Portland is like the road from Purgatory to Hell. Except for the eight seconds when it's not raining and you can see distant mountains.
Now I'm homesick.
So thanks for that, I guess?
Anywho, the book ends on a massive holy shit moment, but not as holy shit as the previous other books? Book 2 is going to be
intense.
2021 can't come soon enough.
Rating: really liked it
Another truly amazing piece of literature from Sarah Lyons Fleming. Strong story telling, with nail biting action sequences and emotional scenes that had me both cheering and in tears at various points.
Her attention to detail is phenomenal! I have no freaking clue how she kept all the highways, byways, railways, and trails of the PNW (Pacific Northwest) straight!
I was totally unsurprised to find myself falling in love with these new characters. I am especially thrilled with several of the main characters aged 40+. The effort the author put forth to create variety and differentiation of character personalities, and their neuroses, never fails to astound me. She makes every character so REAL, and I believe that is why her readers adore her work.
The POV changes with each chapter, and varies between 4 main characters. I like this because I'm always wondering what the other characters are thinking. The author manages this quite cleanly and clearly.
I wasn't surprised to find myself rooting for characters I didn't think I'd care for, because she does such an awesome job of making her readers care for each and every one of them. I also think her work will continue to draw new readers due to her continued inclusion of differing sexual orientations.
We're finally getting some more background on the virus and the mold mentioned in her 1st 2 series, the Until the End of the World series and The City series. I was like "Yes! Answers!" I actually clapped! However, you do NOT need to read the other series to appreciate or understand this one. But, I strongly encourage readers to do so simply because they are so incredibly good.
Until the End of the World series:
#1 Until the End of the World
#1.5 So Long, Lollipops (novella)
#2 And After
#3 All the Stars in the Sky
The City Series:
#1 Mordacious
#2 Peripeteia
#3 Instauration
The Cascadia series:
#1 World Departed
Rating: really liked it
I can't believe I have to wait until next year for the next book!!!!
When you're reading the book it's like you're reading about your new best friends, or I at least wish they were my new best friends hehe. To be honest, I didn't want this book to end so when I saw I was at 100% I was pretty shattered... I even read the acknowledgements and stuff at the end.
Also, Ms. Sarah... please don't kill the lesbians!
Rating: really liked it
**I am 50% into this book. **
Something you should know about me...... I wont finish the last of something because I don't want it to be gone. The last sip of juice, the last cookie, that one last avocado I know will go bad if i don't eat it. I am notorious for not finishing a tv series because I don't want it to be over. (Still have not seen the last episode of GoT)
That being said, I don't want this book to be over! It is an internal struggle, finish it, make it last, read, stop. I find myself thinking about the characters, wanting to know what happens next.
The first book I picked up by Sarah was Mordacious, her Until the End of The world Trilogy was already finished, Peripetia was already out. It was only a few month wait for me until Insatuaration. So by the time I found Sarah i had plenty of content to hold me over. I have listened to both series multiple, multiple times!
This book is absolutely on Par. Her characters are so relateable, Her writing in incredible! I can not say it enough, that even if you are not into "zombies" these books are worth it. They are so much more than zombies. They are human relationships, survival, real situations with real consequences. Thank you Sarah for another incredible story, I cant wait to finish and then will stalk your Facebook page for news on #2.
Love you!
**EDIT**
finished the book! re-listened, and re-listened again, then started all her books again. Obsessed! I know!
Rating: really liked it
Sarah Lyons Fleming writes zombie apocalypse books. This is the 7th book of hers I’ve read and, seriously, there are not enough stars in the sky to rate her books. They’re ALL amazing!
In book 1 of the Cascadia series, we are back in the same apocalyptic world of her first two series, but this time on the west coast.
In World Departed, most of the action takes place in Eugene, Oregon when the zombie plague hits. Rose, her dad Sam, her two adult kids, neighbor Tom and his adult daughter, and best friend, Mitch (Michelle), all hunker down in Rose’s house where they have some protection and enough food and water to last until the zombies are predicted to die off (30 days).
In Fleming’s books, the stories are not about the zombies. The stories are about the families that are formed among the survivors and the love they have for each other. And she’s outdone herself once again with this new series. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to wait for book 2 in this series!
I love the apocalypse genre. You never know when some of the minor survival skills you read about could be useful in real life. (Who knows when fiction could possibly imitate real life when you’re instructed to shelter in place and toilet paper, water, pasta, and sanitizer becomes impossible to find?)
Rating: really liked it
Another winner from Sarah Lyons Fleming! If you're into military-type shoot-'em-up zombie thrillers, then this isn't the book for you. But if you're into character-driven fiction (even if you're not into zombies), then you should definitely check out Fleming's work.
There are people in these books -- real, well-drawn three-dimensional characters. There's heartbreak and drama, but there's also laugh-out-loud humor. And Fleming has spent enough time in this world that she has a good handle on her particular brand of zombies, their behavior, and the spread of the virus.
This is the start of a new series set in the Pacific Northwest. Her other two series are set in the same world, but you do not have to read them to enjoy this book. However, I'd recommend that if you like this book, you grab those up, too! You will love them!
By the way, I was a proofreader for this series, but I went ahead and bought the Kindle book anyway (and I'll buy it on audio when available). Good writing should be financially supported.
Rating: really liked it
I hate to give this such a low rating because I LOVED the other 2 series. Unfortunately, this book doesn’t have the addictive flare the others do. It’s also missing the witty humor that helped balance out all the gore and death. I also drags on and on without much excitement. I haven’t even finished it and don’t want too. I will though, in hopes the next books retains some of the old flare.
Rating: really liked it
As I have stated before, I like apocalyptic, end of the world as we know it type books. I like to put myself in the character's shoes and imagine what I would do.
I especially like the books by Sarah Lyons Fleming...the End of the World Series and the City Series are some of my favorite. I really like the start of the Cascadia series and am desperately awaiting the next in the series (hint, hint!).
I read World Departed and then purchased the audio book - I fall to sleep listening to it almost every night (yes, it is my bedtime story) so I feel I can really share some insights.
SPOILER ALERT! - There are Zombies!!!!!!
I have read other interviews where some have thought that Rose was whiny. She's insecure and a worrywart, but not really whiny. Did she worry about everything (helium balloons!), yes, but I didn't read it as whining.
Craig - I really like reading/listening to him grow as a person.
I liked the other characters...except...HOLLY - I don't like the way Rose pampers and protects Holly, but Holly is a whiny, spoiled child of 20. I almost hope the zombies get her in book 2, but that would really upset Rose.
Rating: really liked it
It is a tough decision - do I start the new series now, because I love Sarah Lyons Fleming's writing? Or wait till the last book is written? I caved. And there is something a bit funny with reading a zombie apocalypse book as the world around you is collapsing. Fortunately we are only on lockdown, our battle for survival involves staying home and eating too much, not quite the zombie apocalypse here.
I loved seeing yet another angle on the world that Fleming has created. Different people respond quite differently in times of crisis, we all know that, and having the even revisited through different eyes shows that quite spectacularly. I find it incredible that the author continues to bring an original, authentic voice to each scenario, but she does.
I will say that this one is a little slower to get off the ground in some respects, but I don't say that as a negative. Not everything is going to be up and at them action stations, and this setting illustrates that perfectly.
And now, I have to wait for the next one, sigh.
Rating: really liked it
Well that’s my first zombie book and I really think I could read more. Now to wait for book 2!
Rating: really liked it
This is not my usual Genre, but I did enjoy this zombie book. I did not realize it was such a long one until after I was already knee deep. I’m glad I stuck with it because it really was good.
