Tested by the Wild: "Survival" by Joanne Taylor is a Gritty and Gripping Middle Grade Adventure

What happens when the world ends—and you're still standing? Joanne Taylor’s Survival, the second installment in The After Series, dives deep into this question with a thrilling, heartfelt, and at times harrowing exploration of what it means to endure when everything familiar is gone.

Published by FriesenPress and book tour sponsored by iRead Book Tours, this middle-grade to young YA dystopian novel blends survival skills, emotional complexity, and fast-paced suspense. With no shortage of danger, resourcefulness, and tough choices, Survival is a must-read for young adventurers and dystopian fans alike.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. Be sure to read my full review below!

🧭 The Story: Survival Isn’t Just Physical—It’s Emotional

Set in the wilds of Nova Scotia after an unspecified catastrophic event, Survival follows Charlotte and Anna as they navigate the brutal demands of staying alive. From building shelter and sourcing food to coping with emotional upheaval, the girls are forced to mature quickly in this new world.

But just when they begin to find a rhythm, a mysterious newcomer throws off their fragile balance. The tension escalates, and a devastating turn of events splits them apart—physically and emotionally. The stakes couldn’t be higher as each girl struggles to find her way back, not just to safety, but to each other.

💬 What I Loved

I was immediately drawn to Charlotte, our main character. She’s not just brave—she’s clever, resilient, and refreshingly real. The dialogue throughout the book is a huge highlight. It feels natural and unforced, something that’s rare in dystopian fiction aimed at younger readers. The characters talk like actual kids under stress, with all the emotions, fears, and sharp instincts you’d expect.

Another standout element? The survival tips woven into the story. Whether it’s purifying water, building shelter, or staying warm, Survival offers valuable lessons without feeling preachy. You’re not just reading about survival—you’re learning it. It gave me that “what would I do?” kind of vibe that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

👧 Characters Who Feel Like Friends

Charlotte and Anna’s friendship is the emotional heart of the story. It’s raw and real, with highs and lows that mirror what real-life relationships look like under pressure. Their bond gets tested—not just by external threats, but by trust, jealousy, and miscommunication. These are two fully-formed characters whose struggles feel personal.

The mysterious stranger who enters their world adds just the right amount of tension. Is he friend or foe? His presence disrupts the dynamic, forcing the girls to reassess what they know about survival, loyalty, and themselves.

🌲 A Setting That’s Beautiful and Brutal

Taylor paints the Nova Scotia wilderness in vivid detail. It’s both stunning and treacherous, much like the story itself. From icy rivers to dense woods, the setting becomes its own character—one that tests the girls at every turn. You can feel the cold, hear the wind, and smell the pine. It's immersive in the best way.

🧠 Themes That Go Deeper

Survival isn’t just about staying alive. It’s about resilience, friendship, trust, and personal growth. The book doesn’t shy away from hard truths: people change, fear can drive a wedge between even the closest friends, and sometimes being strong means knowing when to ask for help.

There’s also an underlying commentary on how young people can rise to challenges in unexpected ways. These aren’t adult heroes in kid-sized bodies. Charlotte and Anna are realistically young, and their decisions reflect that—but so does their strength.

🧭 Final Thoughts

If you enjoy fast-paced survival stories with emotional depth and engaging characters, Survival is a great pick. Joanne Taylor delivers a thrilling sequel that’s both educational and entertaining, especially for middle grade and early YA readers.

You’ll walk away not just with a deeper appreciation for wilderness survival, but for the inner strength it takes to keep going when everything feels lost. I'm definitely excited to see where The After Series goes next!

⭐ My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4/5 Stars)

✅ Engaging dialogue

✅Memorable characters

✅Wilderness realism

✅Room for a bit more world-building or clarity on the event that changed everything—but still a strong, solid sequel in a compelling series!

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