The Ark

by Lou Vane

Taken captive and held against their will, Jess and her friends are forced to live amongst their enemy. Witnessing their captors’ brutality first hand, they will do whatever it takes to protect each other, knowing discovery of their secret means certain death.

Can they keep each other safe long enough to find a way to escape? Or will their secret seal their fate?

The Ark is the thrilling third book in the young adult apocalyptic survival series, Fortune Falls. Perfect for fans of The Maze Runner and Tomorrow, When the War Began.

Genres: Dystopia, Romance, Young Adult, Post Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Apocalyptic, Science Fiction

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2022

About the author

Lou Vane is a New Zealand–born, Adelaide-based author of young adult post-apocalyptic fiction. She is best known for the Fortune Falls series, a character-driven survival story that blends high-stakes adventure with found family, loyalty, and the resilience of young people forced to grow up far too quickly.

Inspired by rugged landscapes, mountains, and remote wilderness, Lou’s stories explore what remains when the world falls apart — not just survival, but humanity, connection, and hope. Her writing is known for immersive settings, emotionally grounded characters, and friendships that feel as real as the danger they face.

When she’s not writing (or obsessing over timelines, translations, and audiobooks), Lou can usually be found planning the next adventure, working with her incredible reader community, or daydreaming about hidden valleys and end-of-the-world scenarios.

The Fortune Falls series is available in multiple languages, with audiobooks currently in production.

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full rtc in the morning

❀⋆.ೃ࿔*NOVAS°❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is the thrilling third full length instalment in the young adult apocalyptic survival series (Fortune Falls) by author Lou Vane.

I can see why this series gets thrown around alot as a must read, it had been recommended to me numerous times and I'm glad I took that leap and purchased it.

This one had my emotions all over the show, liking the angst of Jess and her opinionated personality, always the first to jump in and give her two cents worth and she has wanted me to shake her a time or two even if she is a fictional character.

And then the unthinkable happens where a much loved character is killed off, a few expletives flew out of my mouth. If I didn't love my ipad so much that would've been thrown too..

As this series moves along it does get better, ticks so many boxes, pulled me in straight away and love love love the storyline. Just note to self don't get attached to characters. lol

[Katherine ⸆⸉ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i’m sorry, i’m loving this series , i was hooked since the first book but when they killed matt ??! i didn’t think they’ll kill him, i was in shock, i just hope he somehow survived cause i can’t believe he’s dead😭, i had faith he would have an appearance at the end but i was wrong, like i don’t even ship her with ethan, it feels so wrong, the book and trope it was fine, it was getting a little boring but it was good ig

also why do i kinda ship her with miles, like i could feel the tension idk 😭

i’m excited for the 4th book

[Keianna Raee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The number of times this book killed me and revived me is astronomical! The group encounters the biggest threat they've ever faced before, The Ark. They have to rely on themselves and each other to survive it all and fight their way back home. Forced to be members of this vicious community their mission gets put on hiatus. When uncovering the thick layers of The Ark, Jess finds herself getting conflicted on what is really right and what is wrong.

Honestly this book has everything. Fluffy romance that makes you all warm and giddy. Action that has you biting your nails down to the bed. Twists and turns you'd never see for kilometers. Heartbreaking lost that makes you want to hurl. Morally grey men and a badass female main character

I fell completely in love with this book. The action was chefs kiss and with how fast pace the writing is, it really heightened the effect these scenes gave. I also found it hard to get bored as every turn had something new to further the plot, toying with our beloved characters.

I'm so fond of all these characters I just want to wrap them in a bubble, safe from further trauma. But I'm just so invested in their story that I can't wait to pick up the next installment to see what Lou has in store for them.

One of the best apocalyptic series I've had the pleasure of diving into.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This series just gets better and better. Third book in the series, but don't expect a slump, a reprieve on your emotions or an easy ride. The Ark is a pulse pounding, heart racing emotional roller coaster that you won't want to put down.

Picking up right where book 2 left off we enter the Ark and are immersed in the Guardians world. Betrayal, lies and mystery abound as we see how the other half survives.

And our Novas don't disappoint - as if they ever could. Adventures, fights and emotional rides fill their new 'home'. But what's under the surface? Is it really safe inside the walls?

Grab this book for a single sitting read because you won't want to put it down.

[Olivia Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first two very quickly, I was excited to see that the Ark was coming and I only had to wait 2 weeks! And I read the entire book in an afternoon/evening. It was great!

I have to say this may be my favorite book so far! I don’t want to give anything away yet, so I may come back later and update with more and tag as spoilers but for now, enjoy the character development with some new characters!

At first, I thought I was going to hate the introduction of new characters but as Lou Vane does, she writes so that you love or hate them but you get to know these characters!

[Elena Kosseva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending destroyed me 😭

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I refuse to proof read, so sorry for the chaos.

I was in denial for the majority of this book that Matt was dead, I was absolutely convinced they had faked his death because after he recovered they would've killed him. I thought they were going to tell Jess this or he was going to appear at the end of the book or at the end we would find out and the next book would start with us needing to find him or some shit idk SOMETHING. I thought maybe he was going to have lost his memory because he had gotten the virus and survived, I really didn't want that to happen because I thought it would just be another thing for the love triangle to be more dramatic, add a different level, a different curve ball, but he would've been alive! BUT NO, HE'S ACTUALLY DEAD. WTF. I SOBBED, like holy shit man. The moment when they all started defending Jess and admitted it was because they had promised Matt I just started to bawl and realized this might have actually happened. I was still questioning it the whole time but I was slowly accepting he wouldn't have a miraculous return. I'm still in shock, still mildly in denial, and so confused.

I honestly really love these books so far, I'm terrified to read Echoes because I don't want to have to wait almost a year for the next book and I'm afraid of the cliffhanger I know is coming.

I think killing Matt was very very abrupt. In a few pages, he went from sick to fucking DEAD. I think it should've been drawn out more in my opinion, it didn't feel real because it didn't feel like a proper send-off. I don't mean he should've been sick for longer, it felt very true to life and the situation they're in for someone to go downhill so quickly but I mean in terms of page count there should've been more focus. More emphasis on him getting worse and so on. It just felt like such an almost disrespectful send-off for such a sweet and IMPORTANT character. I did feel like a bit of a lazy way to end the love triangle, it makes her being with Ethan so much less impactful. She's not choosing him because she's madly in love, she's choosing him because her boyfriend died and he's the other option. Sure she loves him and they were my pick couple but it puts a bad taste in my mouth. It's not the romantic moment I wanted, it's just well your boyfriend died so how about now? (I'm kidding obviously, Ethan was very respectful of her grieving, he was/is grieving too).

I'm obviously still going to continue reading the series, I'm kinda of addicted and shocked these books don't have more attention?!? They're very The 100 and Maze Runner, and I did love those books.

Also, I feel toxic even thinking it but OMG do I ship Jess and Miles. Ughhh I feel like a monster even though I think that's fully what the author is hinting at? It's so clear he has feelings for her and the whole Pride and Prejudice thing was him literally describing to a t what I hope is going to happen/ what's happening? Idk because killing off Matt effectively ending the love triangle and then adding in another love interest to start it all up again is diabolical. I feel like I'm betraying Matt and Ethan by choosing Miles. I'm so easily swayed, you add in an even more mysterious, grumpy guy and I'm in. He has dark hair? He has a soft spot for her? They're sort of enemies? He's tall? He's strong? He's handsome? Count me in, you could add in another character just like that after Miles and I'd be ready to jump ship. But as of right now, I NEED NEED to have this romance at least explored. If she ends up with Ethan I understand, from where they started it makes the most sense. Feels like less of a betrayal to Matt (only a fraction less).

Anyways, I'm gonna go read the next book and hope and pray this one doesn't ruin me too and that the 5th book by some miracle comes out sooner?? No? Well damn, I at least asked.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Spoiler**

I haven't read a book this quickly in a while, it really made me feel like I was 12 again, staying up late to finish a book, not caring how tired I would be in school the next day. I then proceeded to tell my boyfriend every detail of the story even though he could not care less.

I thought the author did an amazing job once again of introducing all the new characters. I especially loved Kiri and grew to love Aaron and Dean even more than I did in the second book.

And even though I'm not usually a fan of love triangles I have to admit this one was fun to read about. A certain someone dying had me put the book down for a moment but it did not keep me from it for long as I needed to know what would happen next. I was also in denial for the rest of the book, hoping he had somehow survived and was going to appear again.

This was definitely one of my favourite books I read this year and I can't wait for the next one!

[Rosalinda Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

i hate the “chosen” literally asshats i hate them for killing matt 😭 wtf is wrong with them. jess moved on too fast and i like most of the new characters (dean soon to be gf, kiri, her husband, griffin, etc) especially miles 😩 i def think he has a little crush on jess, i honestly thing ethan should just stay as a friend! im excited for the new book especially bc i didn’t like the ending 😭 also i think the killed of matt too rushed it was so unexpected and unnecessary

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that book 4 doesn't come out till the end of October is a crime. I need it now!

[ems_booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

the series that keeps on giving

I’ll say it again - if you love tomorrow when the war began GET ON THIS!!

What a third instalment! Still so many questions and another cliffhanger!! Full of heartache and amazing new characters who I am obsessed with, and the plot thickens! Onto book 4!

[Lyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book and I thought it was way better than the others. I love Miles and wanted Jess to get toghether with him because I hate both Ethan and Matt!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly excellent third part to this so well written, apocalyptic series! Brilliant plot & character progression, kept me riveted through the whole story! Nice consistent level of excitement made this a super satisfying read! I do love this writers work & I can not wait for the next part! I do strongly recommend!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story just keeps getting better and better or worse and worse depending on your perspective. I love all the twists and turns this series has taken. As their situation gets worse, the story gets better. These people can’t catch a break! I want them to have a happy ending, but I’m loving the journey. Hopefully it will end the way I would like, but that’s the great thing about amazing books…you just don’t know how it will end up. Looking forward to the next book!

[ReadwithEmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love Lou and her writing and this book didn't disappoint. The Ark is book 3 in th fortune Falls series. It a post apocalyptic series that has you on the edge of your seat the whole way! From plot twists, action, heartbreak, romance and betrayal this book AND series has it all!
Highly recommend, all 3 books have been 5 star reads in my opinion!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book destroyed me. It had me crying a few times throughout it and honestly I wasn’t ready for some of it.

After leaving the bunker for the cure, they make their way to a lab, securing what they need to make more of the cure. They start to make their way back towards the bunker when get captured by a group of people. The people take them back to an undisclosed location that they call “The Ark“.

The group realizes they don’t have the immediate option to leave without risking the lives of the people at the bunker. Deciding to play it safe, they end up staying there for about 6 months before they find a way to escape.

Of course nothing is as easy and simple as it seems and shit hits the fan. Book 3 in the series is full of heartbreak and surprises. When you start to understand things, something switches up, throwing you off completely. I absolutely can’t wait to read book 4 and to see what happens next.

[Jennah Sobevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a MUST READ and book three does not disappoint!

I was absolutely devastated early on and sobbed so much I got puffy eyes, but there will be no spoilers in this review. Just know that I still hold out hope it’s not true (you’ll know what I mean when you read it)!

My favourite part about this series is that even though new characters are introduced in each book, it never changes the core essence of the story and we get well developed characters to fall in love with and despise! (Again, if you know, you know)

As with all the books in this series, I will be waiting impatiently for the next one and this will forever be one of my all time favourite series!

[Shawn ST · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried. This book was amazing! I loved every single page and sometimes I was reading too fast eager to find out what happened that my brain was having trouble keeping up! That’s how you know it’s a good book! I’m so glad this series is going to be six in total! There is still so much to explore and yes when one of my favourite characters died - I cried so much. I even wrote to the author to ask if there was any chance this could be a mistake - Lou was amazing and responded without giving anything away. I can’t recommend this series enough!

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was even stronger than the first two. The world building was done exceptionally well, and I liked that there was an even focus on romance, action, and even the bad guys had character flaws that made them seem more human. There's a lot that can be done to this series and I can't wait to see where it goes, especially as each book focuses on different aspects of the overall mission.

[Tess O'driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartbreaking and action packed! I loved The Ark setting and the newest characters added. I loved the characters relationships in this book!

[Mélody Bourgeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

C’était beaucoup trop bon encore une fois. J’ai lu toute la nuit jusqu’à 2:30 du matin parce que j’étais encore pas capable de le lâcher 😂

[Jay Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Book 4 not coming out until October 31, 2023!!!! Scroll down for summary of book so you dont forget.

















Bunch of high school kids at a leadership wilderness camp when virus breaks out. Jess has a thing with Ethan. He loses her Trust. She gets together with Matt who she was also close to, but still has feelings for Ethan. They find a bunker and survive. Sarge and rhys are bad. Jess kills in self defense. Owner of bunker and family come back. He makes a vaccine. Gives to jess and friends. They leave with vaccine to bring to a lab or get ingredients to make more for everyone. (Skyler, ethans sister, ollie, jackson and lily stay behind. Johnny , a good soldier with sarge and rhys , and maria, pregnant with sarges baby, also stay behind.)

Jess and friends get captured by immune people who think they are god's chosen. They infect wveryone and if they are immune they are forced to etay and rebuild gods earth. Jess and friends vaccinated, but only 90% effective. Matt , jess's boyfriend dies. They are forced to stay at camp. Chosen killl royals, people who had virus and survived. Tgey also infect any survivors. Kill and who get sick or survive. Only immune are chose. Royalsvand chosen now in war. Jess and friends try to escape with new friends. Dean cares for maisie, who killed her husband in self defense but is carrying first grandchild of chosen (except she miscarried which is why husband started beating her, but no one knows) they planned to kill her after she has baby. So with help of kiri , the doctor and her husband, lincoln, also maiaies brother, the gang escapes. Except, katie who has been setting up the power grid and ethan, jess' new boyfriend get caught. They are given two weeks to trade maise for ethan and katie.

When group gets back to the bunker, tgey see some people are missing. Tgey assume joe the owner and scientist, and soldiers peotecting him assumed they wrre dead because theyd been gone for 4 or 6 minths. Also assume they kicked out some of the gang because bunker couldmt sustain everyone. The gang had plamned on getting friends and figuring a way to get katie and ethan back.

Now dont have enough peopke and their friends are gone and not vaccinated.

One other thing, the couple who own the compound, one was a doctor working on the compound. They insisted that everone be infected and only the immune be allowed in because though they vaccinated themselves ( though everyone thinks they are immune) there kids cant be vaccinated. Theh also know that aaron , big soldier leader who came with joe jacobs and was trying to get vaccine made knows she is vaccinated.) Also katie likes a soldier named griffin. Aaron likes a teacher named jade.

Miles likes jess. Hes an asshole snd hurt her at the beginning but has been trying to protect her. Author keeps killing people off so might kill ethan and make miles new love interest.

Not sure if this is the last book in the series or not.

[Carly W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made my emotions go through the wringer! BUT regardless on how much I cried, I am so invested in these characters and I love the addicting story.

Things got chaotic so fast! It was going decent and then Matty died?! WHAT THE FREAK?! It’s hard to believe! Like no way you kill off Matty boy like that! I’m really holding onto hope that he’s maybe somehow alive? The denial is hitting hard.

I sorta kinda really ship Jess with Miles? I just really have a thing for broody men who secretly care!

I still love Ethan and I’m forever #teamethan and I swear to FAWK if anything happens to him or Katie I will riot!

Katie and Jess’s friendship was so refreshing! I love how all these books don’t have all that unnecessary drama!

I love Dean so much, he’s always been one of my favorites! He is so darn funny and he will do anything it takes to protect his loved ones! I really like all the new characters that we met! Maisie and Dean would be so cute together! And I love Kiri and Lincoln!

Lmao fuck Blake and Tyler! And I hope all those random creepy old men at the Ark die!

The ending in this one hit so hard and I hope everything works out!

[robyn dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

this one is good...

As far as the writing goes and, of course the characters are all familiar friends by this point...but ( there's always a but, isn't there? ) this was my least favorite of the three so far. Tilitant-usedmilitant compound theme -- with our characters the reluctant guests -- continued through the entire novel. On top of that, the leadership had a completely bizarre, fanatical religious explaination why they survived the plague. As well as a murderous intent toward any who survived the plague itself.
Further, at the end of the second book, the area -- where ever it is -- was about to go through winter but winter seems to have been completely forgotten in the third.
As far as location is concerned, I apologize for not taking the time to learn that the author is from New Zealand. So perhaps that is the setting of this story.
After all of the above, I have to say that the dramatic finale let me down a bit. There were no surprises. I'm taking a break from No. 4 for a bit.
Respectively,

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

UGH THIS ONE KILLED ME!
this series just keeps getting better and better, content and writing wise. so many emotions. it was definitely my favorite of the series so far.

i loved the character development of a lot of the characters and how we finally were able to introduce some new main characters into the story that i didn't absolutely hate lol. jess' development still kinda pisses me off cause she just doesnt seem to get it but i mean that could be me just being judgmental cause i found myself being like "wtf girl come one figure it out" a bunch of times lol. every time i thought, "oh she surely has to get it through her head this time" she turned around to just do the opposite. i get wanting to save her friends and take on the burden for them, but at this point its getting a little annoying.

my emotions were on a rollercoaster this whole book but i loved it. i was happy, sad, angry, and everything in-between which is why this one has been my favorite in the series.

the way it left off i cant wait to start the next one.

[Bek ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

I devoured The Ark in just one day - it was impossible to put down! Lou Vane has outdone herself, crafting a pulse-pounding, heart-racing masterpiece.

The third installment in the Fortune Falls series picks up exactly where Novas left off, plunging us into the Guardians' world within the Ark. Betrayal, lies, and mystery surround our beloved characters, testing their strength and resilience.

With each page turn, my love for Jess, Dean, and the entire Nova squad grew. Their struggles, triumphs, and emotions resonated deeply, making this story feel intensely personal.

The Ark's action-packed adventures, intense fights, and emotional turmoil had me hooked. But beneath the surface, the lingering questions - Is the Ark truly safe? What secrets hide behind its walls? - kept me guessing.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read This Series

If you love apocalyptic fiction full of great characters, action, and an impossible to put down storyline then this series is for you. I just started reading Fortune Falls Book 1 this weekend on Friday evening and haven't been able to stop. Good thing it's Thanksgiving break and I am a teacher. This series started strong and swept me in until I could not put the books down. Jess is an amazing character, complex, but full of compassion and willing to fight to protect those age cares about. All of the characters are so well written they feel like people you know. This is a story of life after a horrible virus and how a group of young people save each other and work to save those who are still out in the world. Check it out you will not be disappointed

[BookLy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just keeps getting better and better!!

Another ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC DYSTOPIAN IN THIS FREAKING AWESOME SERIES!!

So many gut wrenching things happened. We see a lot of personal growth from the main characters. And the ending had me punched in the gut and so completely anxious!! This series is so addictive! I’m dying to move on to book 4, but I bought the novella of Ethan and Skye’s story when they first left the group and found out about the virus. It’s supposed to be read after book one, so I’m starting a little late, but I REALLY want to read it!! After that on to book four and I feel like I should be praying for these characters!!!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!!! *chef’s kiss*

[Iraaaa Book addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg my heart feels like it'll burst. FIRST, MATT IS KILLED, THEN ETHAN AND KATIE CAPTURED AND THEN THE REMAINING FRIENDS!? Omg I'm so, so, so damnnn anxious. I love these books and all of these obviously except some of those stupid assholes back at the Ark and the ;$(+$+$ I love the characters so muchhhh!!! THIS SERIES IS A MUST READ and I can't wait to read the last 2 books. omg just 2 are left (〒⁠﹏⁠〒⁠)
I really hope no one else has to die but I think someone will. (⁠｡⁠ŏ⁠﹏⁠ŏ⁠)
Oh and also, I feel like Matt's death was rushed. HE DESERVED more and THEY DIDN'T EVEN GET TO VISIT HIS GRAVE!!!????
Idk why but throughout the book, I felt like we'll know that Matt is alive and survived and dug his way out of the grave but looks like that's not the case. (⁠ᗒ⁠ᗩ⁠ᗕ⁠)

[Michelle Ebraheem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not ready for that! That death hit me hard. I thought the story line was going to go in a different direction and when the character dies I had to pause for a second. Still hoping the author finds a way to bring him back some how LOL

The romance takes a backseat in this book, which I appreciated because it gave the reader time to “heal” and focus on the plot. The action is from beginning to end and the new characters are very interesting.

The ending again sets up for the next book but I have no idea what’s going to happen. So much needs to take place on just the few days the group has. Looking forward to the next book.