Happy Little Horrors: Freak Show

  No review... just shameless self promotion:

There is an awesome, new book available... just in time for Halloween! 

Description
Happy Little Horrors is an anthology of short stories, produced by author David Reuben and editor Monique Happy. 

Some of the best authors in the horror genre are represented, including Michael Robertson, Craig McDonough, Derrick LaCombe, David Reuben, C.L. Hernandez, Joseph A. Coley, James Michaels, Tania Cooper, Eila Oakes, Brandon Ryals, Michael Clary, Kya Aliana, Allen Gamboa, Dean Wild, John McIlveen, Toni Lesatz, Brandon Cracraft, and Steven G. Bynum.

If you look closely, you might notice my name sharing space with seventeen other amazing authors. It is an honor to be featured in this book!

Don't miss out. Get your copy today! Available in paperback and Kindle format. 

Outage by T.W. Piperbrook

Synopsis
When newlyweds Abby and Rob awaken, the power is out, the neighborhood is covered in snow, and the house is freezing. 

They'll soon find out that the storm is the least of their worries. 

Somewhere outside, something else is lurking. 

Waiting for the chance to strike...

Publisher: Post Script Publishing (June 16, 2014)
Print Length: 99 pages

Review
This review can also be found on The Bookie Monster. For more great book reviews, visit their site!

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on TBM and Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinion or review of the book.

The beast watched her through the trees. It could smell her scent from several hundred yards away— the odor of fear and sweat, cutting through the air like the sharp edge of the knife she was holding. It didn’t care about knives. There were a lot of things it didn’t care about. It didn’t have to. It could heal from most of them. Ever since the start of the storm, the neighborhood had become the beast’s playground, its hunting quarters, and it would do whatever it pleased. The snow was little more than a prop in its game, a backdrop for the kill. It had waited for this moment for what seemed like forever, and now that it was here, the beast could barely contain itself. -- Excerpt from Outage.

T.W. Piperbrook's Outage is a quick read, and not just because it's shorter than most novels. I read it quickly because I couldn't put it down. The story oozes creepiness from the very first page and doesn't let up until the final word at the end of the book.

In many ways, the telling of this story is reminiscent of Stephen King. Like King, Piperbrook creates tension through the thoughts and feelings of his characters. When it's done right, the reader's fears rise and fall right along with the characters' fears... and T.W. Piperbrook does this very well.

I was not expecting the story to end how it did and it definitely left me wanting more. Outage is scary, intense, and a lot of fun-- sort of like a roller coaster ride for the mind.  And like any great roller coaster, once you're off, you want to get back on! Fortunately for us, Piperbrook is supposed to have Outage 2 out very soon. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

I recommend Outage to anyone who enjoys a well-written story filled with heart-pounding thrills and chills!


About the Author

T.W. Piperbrook was born and raised in Connecticut, where he can still be found today. In addition to writing, the author has also spent time as a full-time touring musician, touring across the US, Canada, and Europe.

He now lives with his wife, a son, and the spirit of his Boston Terrier.

Follow Piperbrook on Facebook

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Visit his website here!

Girl Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie by C.A. Verstraete

Synopsis Life can suck when you're sixteen. It can suck even worse when you're not- quite- dead.  Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Herrera Hayes faces every teenager's biggest nightmares: bad skin, bad hair, and worse . . . turning into one of the living dead.

Becca's life changes forever when her cousin Spence comes back to their small Wisconsin town carrying a deadly secret—he's becoming a zombie, a fate he shares with her through an accidental scratch.

The Z infection, however, has mutated, affecting younger persons like her, or those treated early enough, differently. Now she must cope with weird physical changes and habits no girl wants to be noticed for. Then she meets Gabe, a good-looking part-Z like her, and fears falling for him. After all, how can he, who shows hardly any Z symptoms, be interested in someone like her?

But time is running out... Becca needs his help as she and her cousin Carm search for their missing mothers and fight off hungry Zs.

Most of all, she needs to find something, anything, to stop this deadly transformation before it is forever too late...

Publisher: Intrigue Publishing (July 29, 2013)
Print Length: 206 pages
Young Adult Fiction 

Review 
This review can also be found on The Bookie Monster. For more great book reviews, visit their site!

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on TBM and Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinion of this book or the content of this review. 

C. A. Verstraete's novel, Girl Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie, is the first zombie book I've read that fits into the "Young Adult" category. Prior to this, I often wondered how an author would handle the zombie fiction genre when written for a younger audience. Although I have nothing to compare it to, I appreciate the approach taken by Verstraete.

In Girl Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie, Verstraete tells a scary tale without being overly gory or using language that is inappropriate for the audience. The issues that Becca, the main character,  faces are realistic for someone who is sixteen-- realistic except for the whole zombie thing, that is. Her biggest concerns include school, being accepted by her peers, clothes, friendship, and boys. These become somewhat minimized, however, when she finds herself infected with a virus that turns people into zombies.

For the most part, the values represented by the main characters are admirable. Becca and her cousin, Carm, are not only family, they are best friends whose relationship gets tested beyond the ordinary. Through it all, they remain fiercely loyal to each other. Family is also very important to these girls. They treat their aunt and moms respectfully, which is a refreshing change compared to much of what is portrayed on television and in other stories.  The consequences of hooking up with the wrong friends and teenage pregnancy are addressed briefly and with sensitivity. As I read Girl Z, I asked myself if I would be okay with my teenager reading it. My conclusion: if I had a high school age child, this book would be appropriate for him/her.

There are humorous parts of the book when the main character tries not to take herself or her situation too seriously. The characters are endearing and fun. For a zombie story, it is quite positive and light-hearted. The book did not end the way I expected it to, making the story even more enjoyable.

The last quarter of the book is where the action picks up. Prior to that, a lot of the story is spent discussing clothes, starting school, and makeup. I wouldn't have minded some of that since those are important parts of most girls' lives.  There was just a bit too much of it for me, especially considering the world was supposed to be going downhill quickly.

The story seemed to have a few inconsistencies in the first three quarters of the book, as well. For example, the television news footage showed hordes of zombies wandering the streets and being eliminated by the military, yet the main characters were able to take cabs, start school, and pretty much be out in public without seeing any of the undead in person.   In addition, the girls' moms were unable to get home due to the zombie population. I found myself wondering why they didn't just call a cab. I'm not exactly a zombie purist, but these inconsistencies bothered me, which is why I give the book four stars instead of five.

I recommend this fun book to readers who are in their early to late teenage years.

If you found my review of this book helpful and decide to purchase it, I'd appreciate it if you would use the link above. Amazon throws a few pennies my way when purchased through my blog. Thank you! 

                          

About the Author (in her own words)

As the family "bookworm," I think my writing desire was a natural progression. I always read and still do, enjoying books by Barbara Taylor Bradford, Debbie Macomber, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and many others. 

My career has mostly been in newspapers and magazines, although fiction writing always called to me. Discovering online writing groups inspired me to get more involved in short fiction. 

 A favorite pastime, building dollhouses and miniature rooms, has served as inspiration for nonfiction stories, my nonfiction book, In Miniature Style II, a Christmas eBook and influenced my kid's mystery, Searching For a Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery. Visit my Miniatures gallery to see photos of some of my miniature projects. Follow C.A. Verstraete on Facebook and Twitter Website: Site of Christine A. Verstraete

The Trip by Tim Morgan

Synopsis
Meghan, Dave and Chris have planned the trip of a lifetime: they’re going to spend the summer after their senior year of high school on a bicycle trip across America. As they plan their trip, a previously unidentified flu virus is detected in Mumbai, India and begins a relentless march across the globe. 

As the three teens set out on their journey, details begin to emerge about the virus, which is not a simple flu virus… this virus turns its victims into flesh-eating zombies. And it’s arrived on our doorstep. 

The three make a desperate bid to get home by riding through infected territory. Can they survive THE TRIP?

Publisher: Self Published
Print Length: 232 pages

Review

This review can also be found on The Bookie Monster. For more great book reviews, visit their site!

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on TBM and Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinion of this book or the content of this review. 

I don't think of this as a zombie story. I think of this as a story about growing up set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. --Tim Morgan, Author of  The Trip

As the author states above, this wasn't written to be a zombie story. If it were meant to be just a zombie story, I would have given it three stars instead of four. In terms of zombie action, The Trip was decent. I won't spend time discussing the zombie aspect of the story, however, since-- once again-- it's not really about the zombies.

So, now that I've clarified that this is not a zombie story, I will explain why this book gets four stars. Mainly, I enjoyed the background story of the three main characters in The Trip. The story hops back and forth from the present (during the zombie apocalypse) to a few months prior. These flashbacks are what really make the story good. I found myself looking forward to the flashback chapters because I became very interested in what had been going on prior to the onset of the apocalypse.

Even though I've been out of high school for more years than I care to mention, I could relate to the typical high school issues the three main characters have to deal with.  Tim Morgan presents the process of  becoming independent adults, the consequences of choices, and of looking forward to the future and weaves it all into a great story of friendship, courage, and survival. The author handles the coming-of-age issues in The Trip realistically and with thoughtfulness. Meghan, Dave, and Chris could be anyone's friends, sister, brothers, or children.

I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't normally read zombie fiction since it has a lot to offer outside of the zombie experience. For fans of zombie fiction, I recommend reading this if you are looking for something just a little different from most books in the genre.

I hope to see more from this author!

Purchase The Trip

About the Author

A self-professed geek with an artistic streak, Tim Morgan lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and two daughters. By day he's a mild-mannered web developer. By night (and on weekends) he's a writer/filmmaker.

Tim Morgan's Website

Follow Tim Morgan on Facebook and Twitter

Blog: Musings of a Lonely Mind

And After (Until the End of the World, Book 2)

Synopsis
Cassie Forrest could almost believe life at Kingdom Come Farm is perfect, with Adrian and her friends at her side and spring on the way. The spring thaw also means millions of defrosting zombies, however, and if the past year has taught her anything, it’s that life in this new world is highly imperfect. 

When Safe Zones throughout the country begin to disappear and the zombies at the fences grow in number, Cassie clings to the hope that if she has the people she loves most, it will be all right. But the highly imperfect world makes only one guarantee—zombies never die, never stop and are never satiated. 

Publisher: Self Published
Print Length: 353
Until the End of the World Series #2

Review

This review can also be found on The Bookie Monster. For more great book reviews, visit their site!

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on TBM and Amazon.

Sarah Lyons Fleming continues to impress me with this fantastic series! There is no question that she has what it takes to captivate an audience with her story-telling abilities. I read this book in a day. It's not that I'm a fast reader or that the book is short; it's just so good, I didn't want to put it down.

And After picks up a few months from where Until the End of the World leaves off. Things seem to be going pretty smoothly for Cassie, Adrian, Nelly, and the rest. The Lexers are still a problem, but the winter months slowed them down quite a bit, allowing the survivors living in the Kingdom Come Safety Zone a small reprieve from the months of terror they had to face when the undead started to take over the world.

The relative sense of safety is short-lived, however, as the winter turns to spring and the zombies thaw.  Cassie and the rest of the survivors are snapped out of their comfort zone in an instant as the story takes a surprising turn about a quarter of the way through. I do not want to give away what happens, but I will say there were two times when I cried reading And After and this was one of those times.

At times, the story becomes a little bogged down with dialogue and introspection, but just before those moments start to become too much, they are counterbalanced with horrifying zombie action. Fleming has the unique ability to describe scenes in such a way that I feel like I'm part of the story-- and there are some very intense moments!

Although the events that happen at the end of the book seem to be inevitable, I was still taken by surprise. I'm not going to explain what I mean by that. You'll just have to find out for yourself.  What I will say is And After is a roller coaster ride of highs and lows and twists and turns when it comes to exciting moments and emotions.

I am happy that Sarah Lyons Fleming is working on the next book in the series. I will definitely be picking it up as soon as it's available.

Purchase And After

Related Reviews
Until the End of the World
So Long, Lollipops

 About the Author (in her own words)

I'm a Laura Ingalls devotee, wannabe prepper and lover of anything pre-apocalyptic, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic--or anything in between. Add in lots of humor and some romance, and I'm in heaven.

Besides an unhealthy obsession with home-canned food and Bug Out Bag equipment, I love books and making artsy stuff. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I now live in Oregon with my family and, in my opinion, not nearly enough supplies for the zombie apocalypse. But I'm working on it.

Sarah Lyons Fleming's website

Connect with the author on Facebook and Twitter

Wolf Running by Toni Boughton

Synopsis

She is born as the world is dying. 

A woman with no memory wakes to a nightmare. A strange new virus is sweeping the planet, killing millions. 

And a vast majority of those that die come back as mindless creatures intent on devouring their prey - humans. 

In this desolate new reality there is only one person she can trust; a fellow captive of the ravenous hordes. And when they get separated she will fight both the living and the dead to get back to her friend. 

On her journey from the untamed mountains of Wyoming to a ruined city in Colorado, she must also fight with an unexpected foe: the wild wolf with which she shares her body and mind. 

First of a planned trilogy.
Publisher: Toni L.H. Boughton; 1st edition (May 13, 2014)
Print Length: 161 pages

Review
I gave Wolf Running 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads
This book was obtained through Kindle Unlimited (30-day trial)

Toni Boughton approached me via email to ask if I would read and review her book. I had never heard of her before, so I took a look at Wolf Running on Amazon. I do this with all the books I review, since, like most people, I don't like to read books that don't appeal to me.  I thought the synopsis looked very interesting, so I agreed.  I'm happy to say, my pre-assessment that the story would be interesting was correct!

While the story takes place during the onset and aftermath of the zombie apocalypse, it is more than a zombie versus survivor story. The main character is... hmm... I wouldn't really call her a werewolf, at least not in the way I think of werewolves. She's also not really a shapeshifter. Whatever she is, it's pretty darn cool! The not-really-a-werewolf aspect complements the story nicely and doesn't overshadow the zombie apocalypse. The zombie purist in me appreciates that. 

There is plenty of action and enough gore to keep fans of zombie fiction satisfied. If you're looking for a story filled with guns, shooting, military operations, or survival tips for future apocalypses, you're not going to find it here.  What you will find is a story of how one woman, with a unique ability and seemingly no past, manages to survive in a world overrun by the dead. The reader gets to travel along with the main character, Nowen, as she learns to control and eventually work cooperatively with the wolf inside her.

In addition to Wolf Runner being a great story, Toni Boughton can write!  I was impressed with her style of writing immediately. Her imagery flows smoothly, painting the scenes of the story very clearly.  At the same time, she does not go overboard on the details.  It's surprising to me that this is her first novel because she writes like a veteran author.

There are a few proofreading/editing errors in the book, but not enough to be a distraction.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and will definitely be reading the sequel to Wolf Running when it is available.

If you found my review of this book helpful and decide to purchase it, I'd appreciate it if you would use the link above. Amazon throws a few pennies my way when purchased through my blog. Thank you! 

About the Author

Toni L.H.Boughton has been reading since she was four years old. She grew up in libraries and bookstores; in fact, her one and only rebellious act during her teenage years was to run away from home - to the library! Other than a one year stint in a craft store, Toni has worked around books all her life, and for many years longed to be a writer. Finally she decided to stop making up excuses not to write and just write.

Reading The Stand at an early age inculcated a love of apocalyptic fiction in Toni. Reading  The Shining at an even earlier age set in stone a love of horror novels. Some of her favorite authors include Stephen King, Jeff Long, Justin Cronin, Robin McKinley, and Ben Tripp. She never misses an episode of The Walking Dead and is addicted to MST3K.

Toni Boughton lives in Wyoming with too many cats. She is currently working on the sequel to Wolf Running.

Toni's Blog
Follow Toni on Facebook and Twitter

Dead Earth: Sanctuary by Mark Justice & David T. Wilbanks

Synopsis
Jubal Slate has stopped a madman controlling an undead army and survived the destruction of the aliens responsible for the plague that decimated humanity. Now he leads a small band of survivors across the shattered landscape of America, fighting off the forces of the living and the dead. The group races north pursuing a legend, a post-apocalyptic fairy tale: a town protected from the walking dead. 

Tired of the war and his nomadic life, Slate follows the path to Sanctuary, even while doubting its existence. Along a journey filled with hordes of zombies, Slate and his companions face new enemies and find themselves pursued by the final weapon of the vanquished necros. Is sanctuary even possible on a dead Earth? And if so, is the cost more than Jubal Slate is willing to pay? 

Even after alien invasion and zombie armies, Slate will discover that the worst horrors are home grown. 

Publisher: Permuted Press, March 17, 2013
Print Length: 252 pages
Series: Dead Earth (Book 3)

Review
This review can also be found on The Bookie Monster. For more great book reviews visit their site!
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on TBM and Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinion of this book or the content of this review. 

Dead Earth: Sanctuary is the third book in the Dead Earth series. It is also, without a doubt, my favorite. From the first page to the last, the story is packed with spine-tingling action and suspense.  When it comes to overall creepiness, the authors nailed it!

The central characters in the series remain the same, but this book introduces us to some new ones. Some are good, some are bad, and some are really bad. As if the walking dead and cruel space aliens weren't scary enough, Sanctuary delves into a very real evil-- that which that can be found lurking in the hearts of the living.

Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of monsters in this installment of the Dead Earth series. The undead are still a major threat to Jubal and the other survivors, as is to be expected. There is a new threat, however, in the form of a mysterious predator who won't be satisfied until he has annihilated Jubal.

Much of Dead Earth: Sanctuary reminds me of Dean Koontz's earlier novels, which I consider to be a good thing. Mark Justice and David T. Wilbanks do a fine job balancing action with insight into human nature. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, scary story. It is well-written and definitely does not disappoint.

There is nothing I didn't like about Dead Earth: Sanctuary.  It is just that good.

Purchase Dead Earth: Sanctuary

Related posts: Reviews of Dead Earth: The Green Dawn &  Dead Earth: Vengeance Road

About the Authors

 David T. Wilbanks is a writer, editor and publisher. His short stories have appeared in Horror Drive-In, Postscripts and other publications. He and Mark Justice write the DEAD EARTH series, the latest and third book being SANCTUARY (2013). With Craig Clarke, he edited and published LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT, a dark fiction anthology from their own Acid Grave Press. David lives in Minnesota with his wife. 

David T. Wilbanks' Blog

Follow on Twitter

Goodreads

Mark Justice is the author of Looking at the World with Broken Glass in My Eye, and co-author of Dead Earth: The Green Dawn and Dead Earth: The Vengeance Road, both with David T. Wilbanks. His short fiction has appeared in Damned Nation, In Laymon’s Terms, Legends of the Mountain State 1,2, 3 & 4. The Horror Library Vol. 2 & 3, The Avenger Chronicles, The Green Hornet Chronicles, Dark Discoveries and many other anthologies and magazines. He co-edited the holiday horror anthology Appalachian Winter Hauntings. The Dead Sheriff, a supernatural western prose and comics series, will debut from Evil Eye Books in 2011. 

Justice also produces and hosts the popular genre podcast Pod of Horror. He lives in Kentucky with his wife and cats.

Mark Justice's Blog

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The Terrors of Mardi Gras by Derrick LaCombe

The Terrors of Mardi Gras 
by Derrick LaCombe

Synopsis
A southern twist to a classic horror story. Enter the heart of the Louisiana swamp and explore the mind of a genius and maniac, where Cajun culture meets cutting edge technology. Forget about what you've heard, for fear is only the beginning as you run for your life down world famous Bourbon Street. Don't be late for the biggest free show on Earth. Laissez lês tetes roulent!

Publisher: Independent, June 16, 2014
Length: 55 pages

Review
I gave The Terrors of Mardi Gras 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads
Acquired for the Kindle using Kindle Unlimited (30-day trial)

This story is so much fun! This is the first book by Derrick LaCombe I've read, and I will definitely be reading more of his work. What I most appreciate about this story is LaCombe's ability to create rich scenes with colorful characters. 

The book is quite humorous, but this does not make it any less macabre than it is intended to be. There are a couple loose ends that do not detract from the story, but that seems to be common with short stories. I'm hoping the loose ends mean there will be a sequel to The Terrors of Mardis Gras!

Purchase The Terrors of Mardi Gras

About the Author

Derrick LaCombe was born and raised in New Orleans,La. Growing up in "The Big Easy," he was exposed to a unique culture, culinary treats, the arts, and of course Mardi Gras! All of these ingredients and a heaping more shaped his creativity and zest for life. He puts this passion into the things he writes about; whether it's holiday fantasies, zombies or Twilight Zone style enigmas, and creates an awesome literary gumbo. Join him on the many adventures YOU'LL both take as he explores the rest of his imaginative mind.

Follow Derrick LaCombe on Facebook and Twitter.

So Long, Lollipops by Sarah Lyons Fleming

So Long, Lollipops 
(An Until the End of the World Novella) 
by Sarah Lyons Fleming

Synopsis
**WARNING** 
This novella contains major spoilers from the novel Until the End of the World.  You can read the review I wrote for Until the End of the World here.

It’s suggested you read the novel before you read SO LONG, LOLLIPOPS. Unless you’re someone who likes to read the last page of a book first—in that case, enjoy! 

SO LONG, LOLLIPOPS description below:

****************************************

 
Peter watched his new family drive away, certain it was the last time he’d ever see them. But sometimes plans go awry in the best way. 

Now, the plan is to get back to them. But sometimes plans go awry in the worst way. 

Sometimes the only plan is to believe it will be all right, even when it’s almost impossible to believe. 

Review
I gave So Long, Lollipops 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads.
This review is also posted on The Bookie Monster website.

Warning: This review contains spoilers for those who haven't read the first book in the series, Until the End of the World.

As the warning in the synopsis states, this novella will be a spoiler if you haven't read the first book in the series. If you're reading this review and you haven't read Until the End of the World, stop reading this review right now. Go and get it. Well, what are you waiting for? Go-- you won't be sorry!

If you have read Sarah Lyons Fleming's first book in the series and are wondering why you should buy this short little book that falls between Until the End of the World and And After, stick around. Wow! I'm bossy today!

                                  ****************************************

Remember Peter? If you're like me, you got misty-eyed when he insisted on staying on that dumpster surrounded by a horde of hungry zombies. You probably also rejoiced when he showed up at Kingdom Come and was reunited with his friends. Did you wonder what happened to Peter between the time he got separated and the time he showed up at the farm? Me too! That's why you should read this novella.

This is Peter's story. We learn how Peter escaped certain death at the hands teeth of zombies and what happened after that. New characters are introduced in So Long, Lollipops and they are a great addition to the story. It's fun to watch Peter's friendship with the new characters develop. His story is filled with scary, uncertain moments. We watch him struggle and ultimately succeed in his quest to reach those he considers his family. The book may be short, but it is not lacking in excitement.

I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. Sarah Lyons Fleming's fun-- yet gripping-- writing style shines in this novella, just as it does in the first book.

Purchase So Long, Lollipops.

About the Author (In her own words)

     I'm a Laura Ingalls devotee, wannabe prepper and lover of anything pre-apocalyptic, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic--or anything in between. Add in lots of humor and some romance, and I'm in heaven.
     Besides an unhealthy obsession with home-canned food and Bug Out Bag equipment, I love books and making artsy stuff. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I now live in Oregon with my family and, in my opinion, not nearly enough supplies for the zombie apocalypse. But I'm working on it.

Sarah Lyons Fleming's website

Connect with the author on Facebook and Twitter

Until the End of the World by Sarah Lyons Fleming

Until the End of the World 
(Book #1 in the Until the End of the World Series)
By Sarah Lyons Fleming

Synopsis

Cassie Forrest isn't surprised to learn that the day she’s decided to get her life together is also the day the world ends. After all, she’s been on a self-imposed losing streak since her survivalist parents died: she’s stopped painting, broken off her engagement to Adrian and dated a real jerk. Rectifying her mistakes has to wait, however, because Cassie and her friends have just enough time to escape Brooklyn for her parents’ cabin before Bornavirus LX turns them into zombies, too. 

This is difficult enough, but Cassie’s tag along ex-boyfriend and her friend’s bratty sister have a knack for making everything, even the apocalypse, more unpleasant. When the two attract a threat as deadly as the undead to their safe haven, Cassie’s forced to see how far she’ll go to protect those she loves. And it’s a lot farther than she’d anticipated. This, coupled with Adrian’s distant voice on Safe Zone Radio and, of course, the living dead, threaten to put Cassie right back into the funk she just dragged herself out of. 

Survival’s great and all, especially when you have leather armor, good friends and home-brewed beer, but there’s something Cassie must do besides survive: tell Adrian she still loves him. And to do that, Cassie has to find faith that she’s stronger than she thinks, she’s still a crack shot and true love never dies. 

Review
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads.
This review was originally posted on The Bookie Monster.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I have a confession: this is the first zombie apocalypse book I have read that was written by a female. Yes, I am hanging my head in shame. In my defense, this genre has a lot more male authors than female authors. With that said, it seems more female authors are joining in on the zombie fun. If Sarah Lyons Fleming's Until the End of the World  is an example of what a female perspective can bring to this genre, I hope to see more women authors' names on zombie apocalypse book covers.

Until the End of the World gets a five star rating from me. Why? Let me start with the characters. Fleming does an amazing job creating characters that are believable and fun. The main character, Cassie Forrest, is downright likable. She's a little nerdy, clumsy, and insecure. At the same time, she is tough, resourceful, and fiercely loyal. I connected with this character almost immediately. The other main characters are also enjoyable, especially Nelly who is one of Cassie's best friends. The way they banter back and forth is endearing and made me laugh out loud at times.

Then there is the story itself. Obviously, I like zombie fiction, so that aspect is a given. There is more to the story than flesh-eating undead people and all the problems that come with them. It is also about friendship, relationships, grief, and forgiveness. I was a little worried the story would be too sweet and sappy for me since there are some "love connections" being made during this particular zombie apocalypse. Turns out I didn't need to worry about the story becoming a romance novel as there is not too much emphasis on romance. There is enough tension and action in the story to balance out the relational side.

As I was reading, I wondered if I would enjoy the book as much as I did if I were a man. Since I am not one, I can't answer that on a personal level. I have to assume it would appeal to some men and not to others, just like any book appeals to some-- regardless of gender-- and not others.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes zombie fiction, post-apocalypse stories, "bug out" scenarios, and/or wants a fun story to get lost in for a while.

Purchase Until the End of the World.

About the Author (In her own words)

I'm a Laura Ingalls devotee, wannabe prepper and lover of anything pre-apocalyptic, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic--or anything in between. Add in lots of humor and some romance, and I'm in heaven.
Besides an unhealthy obsession with home-canned food and Bug Out Bag equipment, I love books and making artsy stuff. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I now live in Oregon with my family and, in my opinion, not nearly enough supplies for the zombie apocalypse. But I'm working on it.

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