Kim McMahill

For those of you who are new to my blog, welcome. For those who have been following along, thank you! For anyone who is unfamiliar with my writing, here’s a little bit about what I do. I started out writing non-fiction, publishing over eighty travel and geographic articles, but my passion for exotic world travel, outrageous adventures, stories of survival against the odds, and happily-ever-after endings soon drew me into a world of romantic suspense and dystopian adventure fiction. My current project, The Beartooth Chronicles , is dystopian adventure. My previous series, The Risky Research Series , is crime fiction, a bit of a deviation from my adventurous norm.   All of my novels are available in print and ebook, and several are even available in audiobook. My writing goal is simple—to entertain readers with stories of survival against the odds and take them on outrageous adventures around the world. Thank you again for your interest and I hope you’ll continue to follow ...

I often download novels from writers I’m unfamiliar with when I see books that sound interesting and that are deeply discounted. Sometimes the story doesn’t pull me in enough to finish it, but most of the time I’m introduced to a new author that piques my interest. Either way, a $0.99 download is a small risk for a potentially satisfying reward. Many times, authors discount the first in a series to hopefully hook a reader into downloading the next. I recently finish a post-apocalyptic novel that was good, not fantastic, but enough was left unfinished that I was contemplating downloading the next in the series. When I located it on Amazon, I saw that I just finished the first of twenty-six novels in the series. I’m not sure if any story could be good enough to entice me to commit to that many books, so I stopped at just one. So, how many books in a series is too many? It probably depends on the series. If each novel has recurring heroes or heroines and contains a complete story, at ...

The Beartooth Chronicles was published by Fire & Ice Young Adult Books, which is in an imprint of Melange Books, LLC, that focuses on young adult/new adult books. The series was primarily marketed under young adult since there don’t seem to be many new adult (between 18 and 25-30 years old) specific marketing option, though I sometimes wonder if that was the correct approach. Similar to The Hunger Games which garnered the interest of teens and adults alike, the primary characters, Ashley (Ash) and Caleb are eighteen and twenty respectively in book one. The supporting cast fall in a wide range of ages. The series takes place in a small isolated community, so the founders of Beartooth are adults who established the community only decades ago to give their families a better life. Ash and Caleb’s age group came to Beartooth at a young age so have varying recollections of life before Beartooth. Those born in Beartooth know no other way of life. My original vision for the series was ...

When I write a series, I focus on a different topic in each novel while building on the previous book. With this method, each novel can be read as a stand-alone, but a deeper connection with the recurring characters builds if read in order. In the Risky Research series, the first novel, A Dose of Danger , unveils the discovery of a potential miracle weight-loss drug. The suspense builds when those who want to steal the formula and those who want to keep it off the market collide. The second focuses on artificial sweeteners, the third on the political side of the diet and nutrition industries, and in book four the deadly criminal consortium begins to unravel and the chase is on. Note: there are also two free prequels for this series to download. The Beartooth Chronicles conforms to a similar pattern, following the lives of Ashley and Caleb as they confront a myriad of threats to their survival. In book 1, Refuge from the World , they endure tragedy and grief and learn about love. Th...

THE WAIT IS OVER! The fifth and final installment of The Beartooth Chronicles, Winter Resurgence , has been released. I’ve included the book blurb, a short quote, and the Amazon buy link. This novel can be read as a stand-alone action-adventure dystopian thriller, though I hope you’ve had the chance to read the preceding novels in the series and have fallen in love with Ash and Caleb’s story. ABOUT THE NOVEL In the shadow of a crumbling world, Ash and Caleb have helped build something rare: a community that thrives against the odds. High in the rugged Beartooth Mountains, they’ve forged a life with those they hold dear, far from the chaos of a society on the brink of collapse. But survival has never been simple. A volcanic eruption rains ash down on the community, the government’s desperate geoengineering plan threatens untold consequences, and the wilderness teems with predators both animal and human. To make matters worse, their nearest neighbors are an extremist faction whose ...

With a full month of summer behind us, it’s time to enjoy. The garden is up, and I’m already harvesting lettuce and a few other veggies. Mostly though, I’m just loving the warm temperatures and watching the landscape transition from winter brown to brilliant shades of green dotted with colorful flowers. I hope everyone is having a fun and exciting summer. WRITING The release of Evil Under the Mountain ( The Beartooth Chronicles, Book 4 ) has been going well, but there’s no time to rest. I’ve been working on the fifth and final novel in the series, Winter Resurgence . In the meantime, here’s more on Evil Under the Mountain . Summary: After Beartooth’s first encounter with an extremist faction turns deadly, a small group embarks on a mission to prevent the fanatics from returning. They discover a much more disturbing place than they ever imagined; however, predators, natural disasters, and an environmental crisis may prove more difficult to overcome than the evil under the mountai...

They had no doubt the continuous shaking and the sound akin to a sonic boom would have roused their cadre of geologists along with the rest of the community. When they reached the flatbed trailer, there were dozens of residents including Dan, Graham, Fiona, and Melora, standing and looking southwest. Ash and Caleb turned and could see a huge, brilliant, orange, glow in the distance with massive streaks of orangish-red colors shooting high into the sky, choreographed to a cacophony of roaring and rumbling blasts. As they stood staring at the epic pyrotechnic exhibition, people trickled in until nearly everyone in Beartooth huddled together in the center of the community, looking toward the fireball in the sky. Olivia, Owen, Miranda, Ryan, Dillon, and Evelyn crowded in around Ash, Caleb, and Sara. For a moment, no one spoke. The most extreme forces of Mother Nature were showcased against a black sky ablaze with a humbling display of supremacy. Caleb held Sara tight to his chest a...

I’ll be sharing reviews occasionally for each book in  The Beartooth Chronicles . Here’s another one for book 3, Isolated from Anarchy , from an Amazon reviewer,  Above the Abyss . 5.0 out of 5 stars  Suspense at its best Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2025 A threat from four-legged predators and human invaders is never far away in Beartooth. While the residents including Caleb and Ash prepare for the winter months ahead, danger comes calling. After sighting a helicopter, the council sets up an evacuation plan, and a safe place for residents to shelter. While summer turns to fall the fear lessens, and the community enjoys the holidays, and Ash and Caleb await the birth of their first child. Then their idyllic life is shattered. Ms McMahill invests the reader in her characters with a great deal of action and suspense.

If you haven’t checked out my latest release in The Beartooth Chronicles , here’s an from Evil Under the Mountain (The Beartooth Chronicles, Book 4). I hope you’ll check out this epic dystopian adventure series. Enjoy! “It definitely can’t…” Ash stopped in mid-sentence and flung out her arm to stop Miranda from going any further. She was momentarily frozen in place, her brain frantically trying to process the sight in front of her as hives one and two came into view. The two honey Supers on each hive were toppled over. The boxes were broken up and the frames were scattered. The two brood boxes on each hive were tipped over but appeared to still be intact. She usually checked the hives multiple times a day ever since she could remember but hadn’t checked last night. She’d never seen anything like this. “What could do this?” Miranda whispered. Hearing Miranda’s voice brought Ash out of her shock. “Here, take Sara and get behind me.” They quickly transferred the baby sling fro...

I’ll be sharing reviews occasionally for each book in  The Beartooth Chronicles . Here’s one for book 3, Isolated from Anarchy , from an Amazon reviewer,  Above the Abyss . 5.0 out of 5 stars  Reader of Post-Apocalypse Books Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2025 Ash and Caleb seem to have a lovely, peaceful life in their isolated, mountain community. But nothing ever stays the same as you discover in Ms. McMahill’s third book of the Beartooth Chronicles, Isolated from Anarchy. It’s a recommended read that will carry you through their journey which requires strength and courage for them to face the unknown.

With each new release in The Beartooth Chronicles , I post a few excerpts, and when reviews come in, I try to post a few of those as well. So, here’s my first excerpt from Evil Under the Mountain (The Beartooth Chronicles, Book 4). I hope you’ll check out this epic dystopian adventure series. Enjoy! After she finished her tea, she stepped out onto the porch. Before long the sound of approaching horses cut through the silent early morning air. Bob and Maggie Thorn’s ranch was the next place over from Ash and Caleb’s cabin, so it didn’t take them long to arrive. As she watched Caleb ride up astride the big black stud, she had to smile. He was so strong, handsome, kind, and caring that she couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have him in her life. She prayed that situation would never change. He got off his horse, and Ash quickly stepped into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his passionate kiss. When he finally let her go, she was breathless. “Thank you...

I’ll be sharing reviews occasionally for each book in  The Beartooth Chronicles . Here’s one from an Amazon reviewer of Book 2,  Above the Abyss . 5.0 out of 5 stars  Can't wait for book 3! Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024 OH My Gosh! When I read the last page, I’m thinking Ms. McMahill had better hurry and write the next book. I can’t wait for Book 3, Isolated from Anarchy. The journey of Ash and Caleb has been a page turner as unexpected situations arise keeping this couple on their toes. At one point they feel safe in their secluded mountain community, but there’s always the fear of invasion from the outside world…including rabid animals. Keep the stories coming Ms. McMahil. 

The Beartooth Chronicles follows the story of Ashley McPhee, who arrived in Beartooth with her mom, Sara, when she was three years old, and Caleb Solomon, who arrived about the same time. They have been best friend ever since, but as the story begins, their relationship enters a new phase as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. Series Blurb: In a world unraveling from relentless natural and human disasters, a determined group of individuals forms a cooperative community built on sustainability and hope. Their mountain haven, Beartooth, offers safety and solace, but as environmental catastrophes escalate and humanity's darkest instincts emerge, their fragile sanctuary is threatened. Now, the residents must confront an unyielding wave of challenges—both from within and beyond their borders—that will push their resilience, unity, and will to survive to the brink. Will their vision of a better future endure, or will the chaos of the world consume all they’ve built? Ref...

I’ve shared a couple of reviews for Book 1 in The Beartooth Chronicles . Here’s one from an Amazon reviewer of Book 2, Above the Abyss . 5.0 out of 5 stars  Cliffhanger Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2024 The story of the idyllic town of Beartooth continues as the residents fear both human and animal predators are invading their paradise. Striving to develop ways to feed their community, the town welcomes the innovations of newlyweds, Ash and Caleb. While they’ve lived in Beartooth most of their lives, they step into their newly found roles as leaders. While the world outside is tormented by hate and destruction, and the weather is every changing with severe thunderstorms and earthquakes, they feel safe in their mountain seclusion, or are they? Ms McMahill delivers once again! Powerful scenes and unexpected circumstances will entertain the reader to the last page, then leave you hoping the next book will release soon.

Here is a nice review for Refuge from the World (The Beartooth Chronicles, Book 1) from Kathryn M. (Net Galley reviewer). This was a strong start to the Beartooth Chronicles series, it had everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the world and story. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the concept of what was going on. I enjoyed the dystopian elements and left me wanting to read more in this series and from Kim McMahill

Reviews are important to writers and readers, so I plan to share them here occasionally. This one was done by N.N. Light’s Book Heaven and appeared on Amazon and a number of other sites. 5 stars for Refuge from the World (The Beartooth Chronicles, Book 1) My Review:  A chilling scenario depicting the future consequences of global warming sets the stage for this YA dystopian tale. In Beartooth, Ashley McPhee lives a quiet life with her mother, Sara, her best friend Caleb, and a small group of families in a self-sustaining small community. With water levels rising and shifting tectonic plates, the United States is shrinking, and the residents of Beartooth fear the chaos and violence in nearby settlements will find them. Especially, after they learn the government plans to use an untested, geoengineering process to cool the planet, threatening their fragile ecosystem and potentially destroying their crops. To complicate matters even further for Ashley, her mother’s health is...

I often mention how important reviews are to me, so I thought it would be nice to copy and paste reviews every now and then. This one for Refuge from the World (The Beartooth Chronicles, Book 1) was copied from Amazon. 5.0 out of 5 stars   Chilling YA Dystopian Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024 This is a wonderful, YA dystopian book for fans of Hunger Games. It depicts a future society dealing with the chilling consequences of global warming. The main character, Ashley, lives in Beartooth, a small mountaintop community, with her mother, Sara. Their town is separate and independent from the rest of the USA, including the government. But as the state of the world worsens, governments contemplate using a potentially devastating scientific experiment to cool the planet. The residents of Beartooth worry about the survival of their crops and beehives, and they also fear their small community will be discovered and attacked by outside groups looking to control their s...

The Beartooth Chronicles follows the story of Ashley McPhee, who arrived in Beartooth with her mom, Sara, when she was three years old, and Caleb Solomon, who arrived about the same time. They have been best friend ever since, but as the story begins, their relationship enters a new phase as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. The Beartooth Chronicles is a story of survival in a crumbling world, but unlike many dystopian novels, the series is not about fighting against the government. The series focuses on the residents of a small, isolated community who work together to find solutions to each new challenge the community faces. Though insulated from many of the problems threating the survival of humanity, their future is far from secure. They are determined to hold on to what they’ve built and will fight to protect their community and each other from outside threats, both human and animal predators. Series Blurb: In a world plagued by natural and human disasters, a gro...