Call me Dahlia. They call me a Plaguer, one of the few who survived the Bloody Death. The virus swept through the world with brutal speed, and I lived while so many didn’t. But survival isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of everything that comes after.
Dal made it through the plague. Now she faces the Wilds, a place as merciless as the disease itself. Enemies close in from every side, and danger waits at every turn. Her journey leads through chaos, revelation, and a love she never expected.
Title: The Wilds
Author: Donna Augustine
Genres: Fantasy > Paranormal > Post Apocalyptic / Magic
Read Format: Kindle Edition
Total Pages: 1,207
Reading Date: 11th July 2025 – 14th August 2025
The reading order – How to Read The Wilds Series by Donna Augustine
- 1 The Wilds
- 2 The Hunt
- 3 The Dead
- 4 The Magic
The Wilds
My name is Dahlia, but I’m called a Plaguer, a person who survived the Bloody Death. When the virus first hit the world, it ravaged the human race. I thought I was lucky to survive it, but survival comes at a cost. Ever since the sickness, I see things, and I’m hunted for these visions.
Some seek me out because they want to keep their secrets safe. They don’t want the world to know the truth of what they are. Others, like Dax, want my knowledge. Dax has secrets of his own, but as long as he helps me evade the Dark Walkers, he can keep them.
This book is for all the Plaguers, the truth sayers branded and marked as liars, often hunted and sometimes forgotten. This book is for the girl who was right.
My thoughts…
Dahlia, oh Dahlia, I’m torn between wanting to throttle her for her recklessness and admiring her unwavering loyalty and determination.
I’ve been curious about the secrets Dax might be hiding, and thankfully, he revealed some intriguing fact by the end, enough to leave me eager to read the next book.
There are still so many unanswered questions in this post-apocalyptic world. What created the villains, who’s their leader, and why do they want Dahlia and Dax? What will their next move be?
I’m eager to learn more about Dax and her group, especially their background and how they came together. Additionally, I’m curious about the little girl, Tiffy. She mentioned her friends wanting to see Dahlia. So, who are they, a group of beasts?
The Hunt
Living in the Wilds isn’t any picnic, but I thought I had a handle on things: avoid the beasts and I won’t get eaten, avoid the waterways and the pirates won’t kill me, and stab every Dark Walker I see.
That was before I found out Tiffy’s friends were real and back when I’d never heard of the Skinners. Now my magic is on the fritz, and people are disappearing. Dax doesn’t want me to kill any Dark Walkers, and avoiding the beasts is impossible when I live with one. Amidst all this, I’ve become the most wanted woman around.
My thoughts…
Book two, the Hunt, contains very little action. To be blunt, it’s a bit boring. However, if you’re curious about who Tiffy’s friends are, the answer is revealed in this book.
In the romance department, there’s not much progress between Dahlia and Dax. However, Dax might have a new rival! Still, we all know it’s predetermined for the hero to end up with the girl.
As for power development, Dahlia gains better control over her fighting skills, especially after the magic block is lifted. Personally, I can’t wait to see what other abilities she might have. The question remains: why do the Dark Walkers want her?
The Dead
I’m young to have so many enemies. The Skinners, Dark Walkers, Wood Mist, they all want me for their own reasons. But those were enemies I could fight. Now the disease that changed me forever is back.
It’s reaping death and havoc everywhere it strikes, and I’m nearly helpless to stop it except for one chance. There’s a rumour of a cure. But Dax, my ally here in the Wilds, has vengeance on his mind. As I prepare to fight the Bloody Death by any means I can, I might have to leave behind the only man who has ever stood beside me.
My thoughts…
This third instalment in the Wilds series is much more engaging compared to the previous book, with more action and emotional moments in the story.
I especially enjoy reading the part after Dahlia takes control of her life by leaving the compound. Her solo journey, as well as the shared quest with Dax, stood out in this story.
On the romance front, Dax and Dahlia are finally moving forward to the next level, and I hope the next book focuses less on their back-and-forth and more on addressing the threats of the Dark Walkers and the mist.
The Magic
For as long as I’ve lived, Dark Walkers have been hunting Plaguers, seeking them for their magic. But there’s one Plaguer they want most of all. Me.
Since the fall of civilization, the human race has been barely surviving. Another outbreak of the Bloody Death could be our final straw, and there’s only one way to ensure that doesn’t happen. I need to kill the leader of the Dark Walkers.
I’m stronger than ever, but with more to lose than I ever thought possible. For the first time, I feel like I’ve got a family, a home…Dax.
So here I am; ready to fight. Winner takes all.
My thoughts…
I’m happy to have finished this series, but I didn’t particularly care for the heroine; I found her immature at times and not as powerful as I had hoped she would become. I’m also a bit let down by the story in this book, as I feel it still focuses overly much on relationship issues rather than the issue with the enemies.
After three books of the Dark Walkers tormenting Dahlia, the resolution felt rushed and too easy, and with someone else’s power conveniently appearing out of nowhere to help in the battle. I had hoped Dahlia would play a crucial role and showcase her abilities, but that never happened. It was just me, daydreaming about a different ending.😅
