Outage Book Two: The Awakening by T.W. Piperbrook

Synopsis

The first several pages of the story parallel Abby and Rob's experiences that take place in Outage. Then the story picks up where Abby's story ends. Tom has lost his wife and is on the run, desperately trying to escape the creatures that seem to be everywhere. He knows his odds of survival are slim, but he is determined to go down fighting if need be.

Along the way, he picks up two young, stranded survivors and together they seek refuge from the storm and the creatures dwelling in it. Will they find safety? Can they survive the night? 

When it comes to Piperbrook's fast-paced, spellbinding way of telling a story, anything is possible.

Publisher: Post Script Publishing
Print Length: 93 pages

Cover Art: Keri Knutson
Editor: Cathy Moeschet
Proofreader: Linda Tooch

Review
Kindle Edition
5 out of 5 stars

Everything I loved about Outage (book one) is found in its sequel. Outage Book Two: The Awakening is a thrill ride. From the first page to the last, the story engages and delivers a fun experience to the reader. I found I could not put the book down once I started reading. 

T.W. Piperbrook is a talented writer and storyteller. Though the book is relatively short, each page is packed with excitement and what I think of as "concentrated story." What do I mean by that? Well, think of one of your favorite books, take out the fluff, and you have story-concentrate. That's not to say this book is lacking in character development and descriptive scenes; it has just enough of both to keep the story vivid in the mind's eye. 

As a writer and editor/proofreader, I sometimes forget that reading is supposed to be for pleasure, not just "work." Outage Book Two was pure pleasure reading for me, and it was great to experience that again! The book is both edited and proofread very well, which was refreshing since I didn't find myself getting distracted by errors.

I have a hard time recommending this book only to those who are fans of horror. Outage Book Two: The Awakening is a story that can be enjoyed by just about anyone who likes an engaging, fun tale. Don't miss out on this series!

Purchase Outage and Outage Book Two: The Awakening on Amazon.

My review of Outage (book one) can be found here.

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

Sign up for T.W. Piperbrook's Newsletter  

Visit his website here!

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

Sign up for T.W. Piperbrook's Newsletter  

Visit his website here!

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