Into the Mire

Toxic Tides, Book 2

De: Riley Miller, Grace Hamilton

Narrado por: Maxwell Zener

They thought the wilderness would keep them safe. They were wrong.

Weeks after escaping the toxic collapse of civilization, Hazel and her found family are holding on by grit and ingenuity. Bash’s remote cabin offers a fragile refuge—and the last clean water they can find. But even deep in the Oregon wilderness, safety is an illusion.

When a group of desperate strangers stumble into their camp, kindness comes at a cost. A betrayal puts their hidden spring at risk—and draws the attention of the very people Hazel fled from: the Wellspring cult. Now armed and allied with a rogue faction of the National Guard, the cult is no longer just dangerous—they’re a rising power.

Hazel and the others face impossible choices. Every resource is limited. Trust is thinner than ever. And as tensions escalate, they’ll have to fight to keep their sanctuary from falling into the hands of those who would weaponize water itself.

They’ve survived storms, sickness, and starvation. But war is coming—and it’s not just the world outside that could destroy them.

©2025 Relay Publishing (P)2025 Relay Publishing

Another tense, human story!

Riley Miller and Grace Hamilton deliver another tense, human story in Into the Mire, and Maxwell Zener’s narration gives every scene a raw, lived-in feel. The remote Oregon wilderness setting feels both hopeful and claustrophobic, especially as Hazel and her group realize even isolation can’t guarantee safety. I liked how the story balanced survival, loyalty, and the slow unraveling of trust when kindness comes at a cost.

Such a great book!

The perfect continuation of the Toxic Tides series. This sequel picks up right where book one left off and doesn’t miss a beat. The characters stay true to themselves while still growing through new and believable challenges. I love that the tension and emotion feel real—every decision matters, and every moment carries weight. The world-building deepens beautifully without losing the fast-paced, survival-driven feel that made the first book so addictive.
The audiobook narration is once again excellent—smooth pacing, clear delivery, and distinctive voice work that makes each character instantly recognizable. It’s one of those rare performances that enhances the storytelling instead of distracting from it.
This series keeps getting better, and I’m already counting down to book three. Highly recommend if you enjoy grounded, character-driven post-apocalyptic fiction with heart, grit, and purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.