Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Edge of Collapse #3

Edge of Darkness

Rate this book
A world without power, lights, transportation...
Liam and Hannah continue their dangerous journey home. But they're hunted by a deadly adversary. Back home, Noah fights to protect both his son and the town of Juniper Springs, though someone is sabotaging his efforts.

The explosive third book in the Edge of Collapse series now.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2020

5972 people are currently reading
3504 people want to read

About the author

Kyla Stone

45 books1,620 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
10,056 (49%)
4 stars
7,370 (36%)
3 stars
2,290 (11%)
2 stars
344 (1%)
1 star
131 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
Profile Image for Fred Barnes.
316 reviews24 followers
October 2, 2024
☆☆☆☆

GOOD BOOK & SERIES THAT WILL HOLD YOU IN SUSPENSE & KEEP YOU ENGROSSED THROUGHOUT

If you're looking for a nice, warm, and fussy feeling book, this is not it. This third book in this series picks up after eight days into the aftermath and chaos after an EMP has brought rural Michigan to its knees as well as the rest of the U.S. With no power, no trucks restocking the stores, gasoline no longer available at your local gas station, no way to heat your home unless you have a wood burning fireplace and have wood stored up to do so, your just screwed.

On top of it all, your neighbors and the people you've grown up with and trusted all your life are showing their true character and greed to make sure if nothing else, they have everything to stay warm, feed, and safe from the elements even if it means taking from those that are less fortunate and less prepared to defend their loved ones, neighbors, and themselves.

You can you really trust when your life is really on the line? Friends betray friends, neighbors betray neighbors, town leaders, and even some of the local police are out to survive even at the expense of others. It's a fight for life.

Some though, aren't selfish, greedy, and sadist, and they fight and struggle to help those in need to survive just because that's just the right thing to do. These heroes have their work cutout for them, and until they figure out who's just plain selfish and ruthless, it's only going to get worse.
Profile Image for RedRedtheycallmeRed.
1,940 reviews48 followers
October 9, 2020
I'm not sure I'd continue with this series if I wasn't already buying the books for my daughter. There are parts that are good, but overall it's just ok.

Liam's continuous circle of thoughts gets old really fast, so I prefer him in action mode, or just seen through the eyes of Hannah. Ghost the dog continues to be awesome.

Noah is still meh, bordering on terrible. I hope there's more focus on Bishop in the next book, he makes Noah a little more bearable.

Quinn is the best character, and I love her grandmother too. The best parts revolved around them and how the town is dealing with the fallout.
Profile Image for Sandra "Jeanz".
1,252 reviews178 followers
March 26, 2020
This is another highly addictive series I am really into at the moment, so as soon as I knew it was available to read, I wanted it! I ended up with a migraine with all the stress of the present situation in the world or I would have read it even quicker than in three reading sessions. I warn you it will be one you will hate to have to put down!

I think the covers are really great, well thought out and represent the series well as well as being cohesive as a series too. The genres I have seen listed I totally agree with as being post-apocalyptic, along with some mystery, a lot of thriller like sections with a little suspense thrown in all because something has happened, in this case an EMP and ripped people out of their comfort zone and some element go out of control. It makes for a fantastic mix to read that should appeal to a wide audience. On another note all the food shortages and illness with not enough medication and other problem from within the book have become even more believable when you compare it to our world at the moment.

In this book the whole gang of characters are back to being featured. We get Hannah & Liam still trying hard to stay one step ahead of Pike who is still ruthlessly trailing them intent on revenge. Hannah & Liam have to make the difficult decision of whether to stop to get the treatment that Ghost badly needs.
Then there is Noah heading into a strange situation where certain people he would have trusted with his life are soon seen in a different light. There’s the aftermath of the Crossway Massacre where Noah’s own son Milo only made it out alive thanks to the quick thinking of Quinn and a sudden hesitation, maybe a small act of love from her mother Octavia.
Fall Creek wants retribution, but in what form. It’s already been proven that a jail cannot hold this local gang, and why should they sit in relative comfort and be fed everyday whilst locals do all the work finding what little food is available. A decision is made by Superintendent Rosamund Sinclair and Sutter the man in charge of the heavies she has brought in to protect Fall Creek. Its not a punishment that Noah is comfortable with but how can he argue with Sutter when it is him and his men that have sourced and brought back vital medication for his son Milo.
Sutter and his men are put in charge of collecting “tax” in the form of 10% of any food supplies people have in their home. This has also been rubber stamped by Rosamund Sinclair. When the men arrive at Molly and Quinn’s home, they seem to enjoy antagonising them and go further taking over half the supplies Molly has built up by canning and prepping for years. When Quinn protests, she is just threatened and her grandmother tells her to be quiet, fearful of what the men could do.
Molly continues helping out her local neighbourhood, explaining to them how to purify water and sending them a little food. Molly enlists Quinn & Milo into delivering the packages. Its on one of these deliveries that Quinn makes a grisly discovery, which she once again bravely shields Milo from.
There’s an out break of stomach issues due to people not boiling their water enough which means Noah, and best friend Julian going out on a search looking for medical supplies. Julian isn’t impressed when they are joined by another friend of Noah’s (who I won’t name as it, kind of could be a spoiler). It is this third person that eventually realises somewhere they may find the medical supplies they need and others may not think of trying there. All the Doctors surgeries and Hospitals are either empty, little or no supplies, or have been requisitioned and taken to the nearest FEMA camp.
I could seriously go on and on, so much happens with both sets of characters yet they have yet to all meet up in person. This book left me with so many questions as not everyone agrees with how Rosamund is running the town with her heavies, the fact they all have power, heat, and running water in the houses they have taken over in Winter Haven. Some of the Winter Haven Homes only housing one person despite having four bedrooms!! When Noah asks Molly and Quinn to move in with him and Noah, Molly immediately refuses saying she is used to her own home she shared with her husband and her and Quinn can manage how they are. Molly isn’t so keen on how Fall Creek is being run and despite stopping Quinn from getting in an argument with Sutter and his men I think she has a plan or two up her sleeve.
I don’t know which side Noah will end up on, for his sake and his sons, Milo, I hope its on the “good” side which I personally think will be tied in with whatever it is Molly will come up with for the future to help her friends and neighbours. I think Noah has some difficult decisions coming soon and though she may say she loves him like a son, I think Rosamund will do almost anything to make him toe the line on her side. Noah is well liked in the community, so that reflects well on Rosamund. With Noah appearing to be in favour of her rulings the rest of town follows someone they like and respect more easily. So far Noah has been one of my favourite characters but dependent on what happens next, I might have my mind changed about him. Perhaps he is in need of a little back up from my other favourite character, Liam. I can’t wait to see how things will change in the next book.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were, Oh wow! Scarily realistic on how people behave when things go wrong. This series honestly just keeps getting better & better!
I have so many thoughts on what might be in the near future for Liam & Hannah ... as well as Noah, Milo, Molly & Quinn and the rest of Fall Creek....so many possibilities.
So strange to be reading this during the current situation we are living through!!

To sum up. . . .hmm brilliant book containing all the characters with lots happening on both sides. This seriously is a must-read amazing series. I just want to read even more right now!
Profile Image for Carla Bulian.
1,616 reviews517 followers
February 13, 2025
This series is deeply disturbing, we don’t need much to cause pandemonium in our lives. We go through the fine line between right and wrong.
It’s worth reading.
Profile Image for Tanu.
164 reviews35 followers
August 21, 2024
3.5 stars

This series has taken over my life😫
Can they all come together already.. It's taking forever😭
Profile Image for Daniel Ray.
450 reviews8 followers
February 12, 2025
It’s going on two weeks since the country went dark. It’s apparent towns are on their own. No state or national response for help seems to be coming. Food, medication, everything is starting to get scarce. Violence is breaking out. People are getting brazen and substituting revenge for justice. Meanwhile, a pregnant Hannah and Liam continue their journey to get home with the evil Pike after them.
Profile Image for Deb.
444 reviews114 followers
November 29, 2024
A nice addition to the series

The adventure continues in the world of cruelty, bitter cold and the strength of the people trying to survive. Reading on to the next one.
Yes, its worth it.
Profile Image for The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo.
2,872 reviews380 followers
August 22, 2024
Not as thrilling or high-stakes as the prior 2 novels (unless your last name is Carter), but still some interesting developments - mostly around the militia's role in the town. Still love Molly and Quinn. Still ambivalent about Noah. Still rooting for Liam and Hannah.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,484 reviews154 followers
February 17, 2023
Genres: Dystopia/Sci-fi

This is book #3 in the Edge of Collapse series and I liked it as much as I liked book #2. It toggled between the characters introduced in book #1 as well as the ones from book #2. It felt more like a complete story with all the POVs represented. They are still in survial mode and the big reunion has yet to happen....it better happen.

I liked the father/son relationship. And Quinn provided perfect balance, as well as her grandmother. As they were anchored to the story, it opened up some new possibilities.

This one seemed a little more violent then the first two books, but it went with the dark and dangerous world the author was painting. So 4 stars.
678 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2020
This is a wonderful EMP apocalypse story. There are exciting action parts and also tragedy parts. When it is all put together it is really really good. I had to read it in one sitting. The story has the roaming gangs who attack and kill wantonly and a small town that has to protect itself. The characters are great and the ending is too. The twist in the plot will take you all the way to the end.
Profile Image for denise.
434 reviews74 followers
February 23, 2024
Although the villains absolutely enrage me to my core, this series is so freaking entertaining and beautiful despite the main idea of the story(a post-apocalyptic world). This book in particular made me cry like a baby at the end😭
Profile Image for Olivia.
751 reviews139 followers
October 13, 2020
The Edge of Collapse series is one of the best for fans of fast-paced post-apocalyptic EMP fiction.
279 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2020
This has been my favorite book so far, I just can’t say why and what all we find out without giving away too muc.
We have Liam, Hannah & Ghost trying to get away from Pike, so of course things happen that slow them down getting to Fall Crrek
The (and I have an idea, but am not positive) a group of militia come into Falls Crrek to help the town, but are they helping themselves and just a few people in tow.
I love the interaction between Quinn and Milo and then throw in Quinn’s grandmother and Milo’s Dad Noah and you probably have the best four people in Falls Creek. I hope Kyla Stone can somehow keep these four and Hannah and Liam alive until the end of the series. There are so many people that I would like to see killed off, but I don’t want the true good guys to go. This book is totally actio-packed, even if I didn’t like all the action. I started it Wednesday morning and finished it late Wednesday night. I can’t wait for the next book. Kyla Stone handles this genre better than any of the other authors I have read and for the most part, good or bad, you seem to really know the characters. If I found give ten stars to a book, this one deserves it. Thank Kyla for such wonderful writing.
Profile Image for Brenda Beza.
9 reviews
February 6, 2023
I’d give this book 1 star if the plot wasn’t so good. It has so much potential but the author really dropped the ball on this series.

The characters are so flat and lack any sort of personality. They all talk the same way and use the exact same phrases. They explain things the exact same way, as if it was cookie cutter snippets from a textbook. It’s so frustrating.

After the power outage, everyone somehow landed on the idea that it was an EMP and everyone just agreed. All “rumors” were facts and all of them were about explaining EMPs. It really is just one of the examples of how everything is handed to the reader. No thinking is required to read this book. Any question you might have, will be answered with copy-paste definitions. I’ll try not to give anything away but at one point Hannah mentions a poster she saw 8 years ago and then explains the definition of a possible diagnosis. Then the next sentence she is 100% certain that is what she has. We really didn’t need to know. Leave some mystery! We could’ve looked up the symptoms ourselves and figured it out or it could’ve been mentioned in a following book. But no. Diagnosis, with definition, AND outcome if left untreated were handed to us on a platter so that we wouldn’t have to waste precious energy thinking or wondering.

There is also such lack of creativity in her word choice to describe scenarios and feelings. There’s always a “tightness in his/her chest” or their “chest ached” or “their mouth went dry” and my favorite they “chewed on their lip.” The story is set in dead of winter Michigan but the author has such a difficult time exploring other ways to describe the cold. It’s as if she had never experienced winter herself. Or heard of a thesaurus.

There’s so much more I could nitpick but I’ll just say that overall the plot is great and this series had a lot of potential. Don’t expect this book to be anything above mediocre.
Profile Image for Maria Vargas.
584 reviews51 followers
March 19, 2024
The cover confused me who the hell is that? If that is supposed to be Hannah that didn't click with me. I had to see the table of content since the chapters has the character name to figure it out 💀 which spoiled the story for me.

❄️ A rock has more common sense than Noah. He is able to keep disappointing me, he has every single clue right in front of his noise and the idiot is like 😵 oH i HaVe No IdEa WhO dId It 😵.
❄️ Rosamond Trump (she needs a proper last name) with the assistance of the militia—who wait for it—is led by a cousin of hers. Surprised 🙄? There's no law, no taxes by the government so let's do our own thing who DOES NOT benefit the people.
❄️ The small-town of Fall Creek has turn now into ✨fall earthers and devoted Trump supporters✨ and surprisingly don't have their own militia groups.
❄️ I'm not surprised that Pike still alive, he has more lives than a damn cat. Can Liam please hurry up and kill ALREADY!
❄️ Liam you better do something and real fast, I'm getting tired of waiting for Hanna's justice. But know he is on the protector era so priorities might have changed.
❄️ Quinn is turning into my favorite character just because she sees and says things the way they are. Will not bend for the new 'rules' and keeps pushing against all... which is something Noah should be doing but we know he is useless.

It has some good moments, and the rest is boring, still going to the next one. Hope they take care of Pyke.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews73 followers
June 18, 2020
ONE OUTSTANDING JOURNEY!!!
Sensational! Kyla unleashes all the shenanigans, close calls, snags, bedlam and mayhem taking you on one thrilling ride as this bad boy plays out spectacularly. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch, exposing all those churning emotions running rampant, twining those heartstrings, keeping you riveted on a razors edge. This baby showcases 100% on point realism, kicking up a churning vortex chocked-full of vexing circumstances and a slew of unsettling mishaps that keep you flipping page after page. Buckle up baby you're in deep as we witness the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, hard fast rules and revealing revelations that keep you guessing. Toss in drama, intrigue, misgivings, electrifying suspense as tension spirals propelling this little gem to life flawlessly. Shocking twists and wicked turns abound, with a few bumps and bruises, noting the sharp corners and sleek lines fuse this bad boy together one jagged piece at a time. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and realism that blend and flow, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Kyla, thanks for sharing this lil' fella with us.
Profile Image for Heather (tales.of.a.bookbound.mom).
366 reviews35 followers
March 26, 2022
Another book in the Edge of Collapse series that was full of nail-biting moments. This one brings all of the characters from the first two books together. There are many characters involved now but I’m not finding it difficult to keep track of who’s who. That’s probably because I now feel like I know them all and am so invested in the story.
I liked this one slightly less than the first two only because some parts of the story seemed too drawn out.
Overall it was another great addition to the series and I’m looking forward to book four.
5 reviews
March 17, 2022
Too drawn out

The story needs to move along. The fact that after 2 books, a third is required to see if Hannah is reunited with her family and if Pike meets his end is ridiculous. I will not read book 3!
Profile Image for Mel.
66 reviews
March 3, 2022
Loved that the first book introduced one set of characters, the second book introduced another set of characters, and the third book intertwined both sets of characters.
Profile Image for Dinah Lynn.
108 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2023
This book is a strong 4 star, the story is gripping and holding my interest. The author does a great job at creating a variety of conflict— which makes the reader wonder what’s up next. I look forward to the next book in this series along with my other Want to Read selections.
Profile Image for Morgan Andrews.
31 reviews
August 28, 2025
There are alot of POVs in this book at first it was a little overwhelming trying to remember where each person left off but once the book started progressing jt got a lot easier. This series does a really good job of keeping you hooked and leaving on a cliffhanger so best believe I will be starting book 4 tonight!
Profile Image for Cath.
950 reviews17 followers
March 30, 2020
This is book three of the Edge of Collapse series and follows both Liam, Hannah and Ghost, as well as Quinn, Milo and Noah. Their stories are now being told in the same book and you get to see them edging closer together as the journey home continues. Liam and Hannah are recovering after the attack in the library and need to find some treatment for Ghost who was badly injured, protecting Hannah from Pike. Life for Noah and his son Milo is changing and maybe not for the good of the community. Noah and the other police in Fall Creek, accompany the new militia brought in by the town’s superintendent, to the Carter’s stronghold outside of town.

It has been a number of days since the massacre at the church run by Bishop, Noah’s best friend, and they force are going after the people responsible for this atrocity. The type of revenge wanted by some will make Noah question his own actions and those of others in his community. To be able to protect them from what may be coming, how far outside his comfort zone will he have to go? Another immense snowstorm has hit the area and people are freezing, in modern homes with no way of heating them. There is a lack of food and some have had to move to a community hub, just to get warm and have a hope for being fed.

Forceful action by the new militia in town, puts a lot of backs up and leads to some very aggressive and extreme behaviour. But, this new force may be more of a danger to the community than they could ever know. Forced regulations and sharing of food stocks no longer voluntary, lead to charged confrontations and differences of opinion. On the other side of the story, Pike is getting closer and with Hannah near to popping out her baby and Ghost being badly injured, travelling by snowmobile is no longer suitable, but leaves them more vulnerable to attacks on the road and travelling much slower on the blocked roads.

The action is definitely ramping up in this instalment of the series and brings you more details of what is happening to the characters from both sides of the story. There are more dangerous people in the storyline than just Pike, and we finally get to see more about them and one in particular is uncovered by their secret actions at the end. Pike is a tenacious foe and the hope is that Hannah will reach Fall Creek safely, but whether that will go as expected is anyone’s guess. There are other issues growing in the storyline, being weaved into a complicated web and leading to some interesting and exciting developments to come.

I can’t wait, each time, for the next book in this series! With the present worldwide crisis we are all learning about social isolation and death coming without warning. This series at least can take your mind away from reality and give you something more extreme to take your mind off matters and make you realise that the world is not falling apart quite as badly as it could! I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and absolutely loved it. Anyone who likes a bit of post-apocalyptic EMP survival reading, then you need to read this one! More of us may want to follow the lifestyle of preppers, with supplies being low for lots of essential items presently. I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.1k reviews532 followers
October 22, 2020
Wow, things are getting worse in town. What bothers me the most is that Noah sees it happening and doesn't speak out. The woman running things knows how to keep him quiet, get his son the medicine he needs and makes sure to subtly let him know they will get him more. I get it, as a parent there is much you wouldn't do for your kid. I love how Quinn is seeing things too, how Noah doesn't speak up and I think she is starting to loose respect for him. But it's Grandma Molly who is my hero in this one. She knows what's coming, knows what battles to fight and what not to. She may be old, but she is wiley!

On the other front things with Hannah and Liam were a bit crazy! I was glad they got Ghost taken care of, but then in their bid to get Hannah home, Pike was back. They took some risky moves to try to get rid of him, I only wished it would have worked better. The one bright spot was the baby coming, I'm so glad that that came out ok, not sure that I (or the characters) could have dealt with it not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chris.
755 reviews15 followers
April 9, 2021
Book 3 - the post apocalyptic saga continues...

Everything and anything in town escalates on every end and this book was much more aggressive than the other. It still had the backstory of our main characters and how they were coping and moving forward; surviving through this chaos, but there was a lot of hostility, shooting and killing as one group tries to fight back and band together to cast out the dissidents and the homemade militia and save themselves and their town. It was very real and not pleasant to read, but it was the will to do whatever it takes to survive.

Wow. I’m now really addicted to this series - never thought I would be, so this is an interesting turn of events for me.
There are more survival tips in this book too. Onward and forward!
Profile Image for EmE.
299 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2025
I actually have 30 minutes left but nothing can save this. 2 stars for Ghost. No stars for this book. I won’t be continuing with this because while the plot has potential the writing is so damn boring and generic. Liking peanut butter can’t be the single defining characteristic of a character. I’m sad to abandon Hannah and Ghost and maybe Quinn (minus points for ‘small fry’ and other generic-ass commentary) but I can’t continue with these cardboard cutout characters. Also Pike being a terminator type character is also dull. I’m out!
216 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2024
Admittedly, this is not my normal genre of book. However, I am so glad I went out of my comfort zone. I'm absolutely obsessed. I never thought I would say this, but this book had almost too much edge of your seat action. There was never a reprieve from the drama. I looked at the series and can honestly say that I'm sad there isn't more than seven books.
19 reviews
November 7, 2023
Mėgstu apokaliptinius/postapokaliptinius trilerius. Šios serijos puiki idėja, autorė nestokoja fantazijos, bet pats rašymas ganėtinai skurdus. Pagrindinė herojė nuolat minima prikandanti lūpą. Kas antroje pastraipoje. Stebiuos kaip dar jos nenusikando.
Profile Image for Wonda.
1,146 reviews9 followers
May 21, 2024
The only downfall in this novel for me was the lack of lack luster of who let out Octavia and the other town misfits! I mean, duh! Loved that all the characters' POVs are here as well! Noah reminds me of Rick from TWD, ugh! I get him, but I don't get him...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.