Fortune Falls

A deadly virus. A group of teenagers trapped in the mountains. Their survival depends on each other.

Seventeen-year-old Jess Maddox leaves home excited and hopeful, certain the leadership camp she’s about to join will change her life forever. And she’s right.

When a deadly virus outbreak makes the world too dangerous to return to, Jess and the other students are forced to flee to the mountains. As they learn to survive in the wilderness and live together as a community, Jess finds herself drawn to two of her friends. Torn by her feelings for both of them, she needs to make a choice, knowing it could damage the harmony of their group.

As their community prepares for the onset of winter, Jess and her friends are faced with a new threat, and soon realise that the virus isn’t the most dangerous thing out there.

Can Jess save her friends before it’s too late? Or will she lose everything in their attempt to survive?

Fortune Falls is the gripping first book in Lou Vane’s YA apocalyptic survival series about found family, impossible choices, and the cost of staying alive. A story with characters you'll grow to love... maybe even more than your own friends.

© 2026 Lou Vane (Audiobook): 9781764255387

Release date

Audiobook: 25 March 2026