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

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:

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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.

Sarah Lyons Fleming's website
Connect with the author on Facebook and Twitter

Zompoc Survivor: Exodus by Ben Reeder

Zompoc Survivor: Exodus
Ben S. Reeder

Synopsis
Dave Stewart is a man with a plan for almost everything. But the zombie apocalypse taxes even his skills as he tries to get his family and friends out of Springfield, Missouri. Caught at work, all he has to help him survive is his normal "everyday carry" gear, the contents of his get-home bag and, most importantly, his wits to keep himself alive as chaos and death reign around him. As Dave struggles to reunite with his family and friends and fight his way clear of the city, he will discover that the dead aren't the only enemies he will have to deal with. Some of the living are just as deadly, and he discovers that a sinister element in the US government may have a plan of its own for the zombie apocalypse, and that it includes the estranged wife and son of his friend and benefactor, Nathan Reid.

As he makes his way to his homestead outside of town, Dave will see the best and worst of humanity, and will be pushed to his limits and beyond. 

Can Dave overcome the dangers posed by both the living and the dead, and survive his exodus from Springfield?

Purchase Zompoc Survivor: Exodus on Amazon

Review
I purchased this book from Amazon (Kindle Edition) and give it 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads.

Before I read this book, I had heard many great things about it. It sounded like my kind of story: zombie apocalypse, survivors, weapons, etc. I won't rehash what this book is about-- that's what the synopsis is for.

I give Zompoc Survivor: Exodus 5 out of 5 stars because it exceeded my expectations. From beginning to end, the story entertained and kept me on the edge of my seat. Is it realistic? I hope not. It's a zombie story. I don't want it to be realistic. Is it fun? Most definitely. The story starts off in a fast-paced manner and only gains momentum as it goes. I was hooked from page one, fell in love with the characters by chapter 4, didn't think it could get any more exciting around chapter 10, felt hopeless by the end of chapter 13, and on the last page, found myself wishing the next book was already available so I could see what happens next. 

If you're looking for a fun read that will keep your attention from start to finish, I highly recommend Zompoc Survivor: Exodus. You won't regret it!

Purchase Zompoc Survivor: Exodus

About Ben Reeder
Ben Reeder's parents claim they found him in a pineapple patch in Hawai'i and brought him home, which was their way of telling him that he was adopted. He grew up in South Texas reading Tolkien, Asimov, and Robert E. Howard. Ben has always loved telling stories, and in high school, he wrote pulp style action adventures for his friends. Ben has been filling notebooks and hard drives with stories and ideas ever since.

After graduating from Calallen High School, Ben joined the Air Force to see the world. The Air Force had other ideas, and he ended up in Kansas. Since serving his country, Ben has had a myriad of jobs. He has worked in a video arcade, on a farm, selling ads, a clerk in a convenience store, scanning medical records, and has been a manager and in a New Age bookstore.

Over the years, he learned archery and sword fighting in the Society for Creative Anachronisms, became a solitary Wiccan, plus he has learned a little bit about a host of other religions, trained to be a massage therapist, has attained his second level in reiki and can list a dozen other skills that have no particular use outside of an historical recreation event or one of his stories.
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