Awards, Reviews, and Trailers
1
The Edge of Life: Love and Survival During the Apocalypse (Love and Survival #1)

🥈 2023 Reader’s Favorite Silver Medal: Romance-Science Fiction
🥇 2024 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
“Prepare for impact with this action-packed and thought-provoking apocalyptic novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
–Sublime Book Review
“Readers who enjoy original dystopian stories with a growing romance will enjoy The Edge of Life.”
–Readers’ Favorite
“The Edge of Life is a compelling read that combines the thrill of apocalyptic survival with a touching romance. Lena Gibson’s ability to balance action with emotional growth makes this novel a must-read for fans of both genres.”-
- Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
2
The Wish

🥇 2024 Next Generation Indie Awards – Best Second Novel
🏆 2023 Maxy Award Winner – Romance & Women’s Fiction
🔥 2023 Firebird Book Award Winner – Cross Genre
🥇 2023 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
“Overall, this is an underrated book! For romance readers out there who enjoy the time travel setting, second chance trope, and more, please check it out.”
–Anne Clarence, The Reading Life
“Readers will fall headlong into this book. Even after the last page, you’ll be thinking about the characters, in particular Elizabeth, for a long time.”
Eileen Cook, author of You Owe Me A Murder
“For readers who enjoy mystery, intrigue, and romance, The Wish will check the boxes on everything they hope to find when they pick up a novel.”
–Readers’ Favorite
“The Wish by Lena Gibson is a captivating and emotionally charged tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of romance, time travel, and suspense.”
–A Look Inside: Books, Movies & Music
“There was plenty of spice and I would say the ending was both expected and unexpected which is a flawless thing to be able to write for the reader.”
–Catarina Meeks, NetGalley Reviewer
“The Wish is one of the most engaging and thrilling books I have read so far this year. The author does an exemplary job of creating a story that has elements of a thriller/romance, with a little bit of fantasy and fairytale thrown in.”
–San Francisco Book Review
“Blending elements of romance, magical realism, mystery, and science fiction, Gibson has crafted a unique story that grabs your attention right from the start and never lets go.”
The Nomadic Librarian
“Blending elements of romance, magical realism, mystery, and science fiction, Gibson has crafted a unique story that grabs your attention right from the start and never lets go.”
The Nomadic Librarian
3
Switching Tracks: Out of the Trash (Train Hoppers #1)

🏅 2024 American Writing Awards – Science Fiction Finalist
🏆 2024 Indie Reader Discovery Winner – Dystopian
🥇 2024 PenCraft Fall – Science Fiction Winner
🧭 2024 Reader’s Favorite – Adventure Finalist
📘 2024 Best Indie Book Award Finalist – Science Fiction & Adventure
🪐 2024 Maxy Awards Finalist – Sci-Fi & Fantasy
🏛️ 2024 Eric Hoffer Awards , Montaigne Medal Finalist , Honorable Mention , Ebook , Grand Prize Shortlist
🥇 2023 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
“This engrossing and gritty survival romance pulls no punches in revealing its enviro-economic dystopia.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Switching Tracks: Out of the Trash spins romance and action from a futuristic dystopian setting in a manner that defies any sense of pat categorization as sci-fi, romance, or adventure story.”
–Midwest Book Review
“Lena Gibson’s SWITCHING TRACKS: Out of the Trash is a gripping opening to a new book series that breathes new life into many of the tired tropes of similar genre titles.”
–IndieReader
“I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. It’s well paced and the character development was well thought out. I’m not a big romance fan but even the romance was engaging. Will definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out in June.”
–Joshua Williams, NetGalley Reviewer
“Switching Tracks resonates as a tale of resilience, camaraderie, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life. It’s a compelling narrative that invites readers to reflect on the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.”
–A Look Inside Book Review
“In a literary landscape often saturated with familiar themes and predictable narratives, Switching Tracks by Lena Gibson emerges as a breath of fresh air.”
–American Writing Awards
“I highly recommend Switching Tracks by Lena Gibson for readers who like exciting love stories full of danger and passion.”
Readers’ Favorite
“Gibson lays the tracks into an exciting new post-apocalyptic world where corporate greed controls the necessities of life, one ancient society’s trash is today’s salvation, and the heart of one heroine can save a country’s soul.”
–D. Lambert, author of Son of No Man series
“Switching Tracks: Out of the Trash by Lena Gibson is the perfect read for fans of dystopian novels. You’ll be glued to the pages.”
–San Francisco Book Review
“Switching Tracks: Out of the Trash by Lena Gibson is the perfect read for fans of dystopian novels. You’ll be glued to the pages.”
–San Francisco Book Review
4
The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope (Train HoppeRs #2)

🏅 2024 American Writing Awards – Science Fiction Finalist
🥇 2024 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
🎖️ Reader’s Favorite – Honorable Mention: Dystopia
✅ Indie Approved by IndieReader
“The Long Haul is a testament to the power of solidarity and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.”
The American Writing Awards
“Libraries and readers seeking post-apocalyptic adventures that juxtapose nonstop action and train-hopping tension with equally provocative moral and ethical issues will find The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope an astute story of survival and growth.”
–D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Lena Gibson’s The Long Haul is a remarkable addition to the post-apocalyptic fiction genre. With its immersive storytelling, engaging characters, and expertly crafted plot, this novel is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.”
–Literary Titan
“If you are looking for a dystopian novel with a post-apocalyptic touch, Lena Gibson’s The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope is just what you should be looking for.”
-Readers’ Favorite
“Lena Gibson’s THE LONG HAUL has a self-assured prose style, sympathetic characters, and a plot with as much powerful momentum as the trains that tie its agro-capitalist dystopia together.”
-IndieReader
“Gibson lays the tracks into an exciting new post-apocalyptic world where corporate greed controls the necessities of life, one ancient society’s trash is today’s salvation, and the heart of one heroine can save a country’s soul.”
–D. Lambert, author of Son of No Man series
“What a ride! In a decimated 22nd-century America with one slim hope for the future, Lena Gibson’s The Long Haul propels readers on an unrelenting journey of survival, love, and unwavering determination.”
–Cam Torrens, award-winning author of Stable and False Summit
“Fans of dystopian fiction will stay up all night reading The Long Haul. It stays with you long after you read the last sentence, and you’ll wonder what epic conclusion awaits Elsa’s adventure as she kindles the spark of a revolution.”
–Michele Amitrani, author of the Omnilogos Singularity series
“Another five-star read from Lena Gibson-a series you won’t want to miss.”
–A.J. McCarthy, bestselling author of the Charlie & Simm mystery series
“Switching Tracks: Out of the Trash by Lena Gibson is the perfect read for fans of dystopian novels. You’ll be glued to the pages.”
–San Francisco Book Review
5
Aftermath: Into the Unknown (Love and Survival #2)

🏅 2024 American Writing Awards – New Age Finalist
⭐ Reader’s Favorite – 5-Star Review
✅ Indie Approved by IndieReader
🥇 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
🥇2025 Maxy Award Finalist for Science Fiction
“Lena Gibson’s ongoing Train Hoppers series demonstrated that she is adept at conjuring gripping and entirely believable narratives set in the aftermath of disaster, where society has gone beyond the brink of chaos. AFTERMATH further shows that she is one of the current masters of the dystopian YA novel, able to create thrilling drama while also building empathetic characters who will live long in the memories of her readers.”
-IndieReader
“Most current post-apocalyptic novels are dark and depressing. The protagonist(s) meet nothing but danger and death as they travel the devastated landscape. Ms. Gibson chooses something closer to reality, and her world is equally populated with evildoers and the sort of good folk we humans are inclined to be as a rule when disaster strikes.”
Liz Burton for ReaderViews
“Aftermath: Into the Unknown, by Lena Gibson, exceeded my expectations. With its vivid world-building, strong characters, and an unpredictable well-written plot, it delivers an engaging and satisfying read. Lena Gibson once again proves her talent for weaving an intricate and suspenseful narrative. This is a must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, as well as those looking for a blend of romance and survival.”
-Literary Titan
“Aftermath: Into the Unknown by Lena Gibson is a compelling post-apocalyptic narrative infused with romance, humanity, and realism. The author creates a world that a catastrophic event has wrecked, yet it is immersive.”
–Reader’s Favorite
“Aftermath is more than a story of survival; it’s a tale of love and the will to find meaning in a world where everything seems lost. Gibson has crafted a page-turner in the post-apocalyptic genre, with characters that linger in your mind long after it is finished.”
-American Writing Awards
“Libraries and readers seeking dystopian fiction that rests on powerful characterization, romance, and revised intentions to achieve more than simply survival will find Aftermath: Into the Unknown a soul-satisfying journey.”
–D. Donovan, Sr Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Compelling, riveting, and ultimately a testimony to the power of belief in something better, Aftermath is Gibson’s best to date.”
Karen K. Brees, author of The WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen
“Highly-recommended for lovers of dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction and those who enjoy a sizzling contemporary romance with an edge.”
Troy Hollan, author of Clucked
“Life is tenuous. Love isn’t. Aftermath is Stephen King’s The Stand on a collision course with HBO’s The Last of Us!”
Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn series
“Aftermath is a powerful story of survival, perseverance, and love as a young couple battles enemies and the elements to find a new life. Gibson delivers an instant classic in the post-apocalyptic genre.”
–Gary Gerlacher, author of the AJ Docker series
“Lena Gibson’s latest novel is a fast-paced, tension-filled read that will keep you rooting for Robin and Kory all the way to the end. The meticulous plotting, vivid descriptions, and well-drawn characters make Aftermath: Into the Unknown a must-read adventure! Don’t miss this one!”
-Travis Tougaw, award-winning author of the Marcotte/Collins Investigative Thrillers
“Lena Gibson’s latest novel is a fast-paced, tension-filled read that will keep you rooting for Robin and Kory all the way to the end. The meticulous plotting, vivid descriptions, and well-drawn characters make Aftermath: Into the Unknown a must-read adventure! Don’t miss this one!”
-Travis Tougaw, award-winning author of the Marcotte/Collins Investigative Thrillers
6
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom (Train Hoppers #3)

⭐ Reader’s Favorite – 5-Star Review
⭐ Reader Views – 5-Star Review
🥇 2025 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
✅ Indie Approved by IndieReader
🥇 2025 NextGeneration IndieBook Awards Finalist for Action/Adventure
“The theme of hope that underlies seemingly impossible situations and confrontations is one that feels especially relevant to modern times.”
-D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“the narrative skillfully balanced some very large-scale action moments with intimate character conversations, creating a rich tapestry of struggle, hope, and determination. These themes of hope and unity emerge organically through the characters’ dialogue and experiences and the well-developed relationships…”
K.C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite
“REBELS AND SAINTS by Lena Gibson is a riveting dystopian thriller that immerses readers in a fight for survival and liberation in a brilliantly imagined future. Gibson’s ability to weave complicated plots with fascinating character journeys makes this novel a great finale to the Train Hoppers trilogy, resonating with themes of resistance and optimism in the face of oppression. Fans of thought-provoking excursions will enjoy this fascinating and gratifying read.”
IndieReader
“With high-stakes train-hopping, underground bunkers, and daring escapes, the book is a thrilling blend of adventure and rebellion, all while exploring themes of survival, autonomy, and hope in a bleak world.”
Thomas Anderson, editor in chief Literary Titan
“With immersive storytelling and intricate plotting, Rebels and Saints delivers a
powerful conclusion to the Trainhoppers trilogy. Gibson cements her place as
a compelling voice in dystopian fiction.”
-American Writing Awards
“Overall, Lena Gibson’s “Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom” is an inspiring and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of power and corruption, friendship, survival, and identity.”
Reader Views
“Multiple storylines are skillfully intertwined into a complex tale of survival.”
-Gary Gerlacher, author of the AJ Docker series
“Fitting conclusion to an enthralling dystopian series!”
-Bill Schweitzer, author of Doves in A Tempest
“Get a running start, leap for a handle, and pull yourself aboard for the epic conclusion of the Train Hoppers trilogy.”
-Cam Torrens, award-winning author of Stable, False Summit, and Scorched
7
Racing Towards Destiny: Love on the track - COMING SOON!

⭐ Reader’s Favorite – 5-Star Review
🥇 2025 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
“Lena Gibson has crafted a romance with believable characters, a captivating setting, and a seductive narrative voice. It was a page-turner for me.”
- Readers' Favorite (5-star review)
“Racing Towards Destiny is an emotional, fast-paced story about starting over when life crashes at full speed.”
-Priscilla Evans, Managing Editor, Literary Titan
“Ultimately, Racing Towards Destiny is for readers who crave character-driven storytelling with emotional honesty and empowering transformation.”
-A Look Inside: Books and Music
“Readers seeking superior stories of personality-building, strength, and the process of growing beyond one’s self-imposed limitations and perceptions will find Racing Towards Destiny not just enlightening, but the perfect title to introduce to book clubs interested in vivid discussions about all these ideals.”