Interview with a Zombie

Okay, so he's not really a zombie, but he did get cast as a zombie for a yet-to-be-released film. He's also a new writer, whose first book is one all readers of zombie fiction will enjoy. Even those who don't read zombie fiction might enjoy this story, as it is about more than flesh-eating creatures. Read on to meet P. Mark DeBryan and to learn more about Family Reunion.

First of all, thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to answer my questions.
You are quite welcome, Sara.

Please tell a little about your book, Family Reunion.
Well, the book began its life as a short story. It was created for John O’Brien and published in his book Untold Stories, which was a companion book to his series A NEW WORLD. He then allowed me to extend the story to a full length novel. It begins with our main character, Ryan, stuck on a ferry boat in the Puget Sound when the zombie apocalypse starts. In all honesty, they are not zombies, as they aren’t undead, but they prey on the living as a food source so they get lumped into the zombie genre. The book follows the entire Brant family as they are headed to a long overdue family reunion. Each group is coming from a different location in the USA and their goal is to survive and see if they can’t locate the others in the family. Some are driving, some are flying, and one is even in a luxury motor-coach.

How did you get into writing? Who are your inspirations?
As stated above, it was a contest of sorts; John O’Brien asked his fans to write short story based in his world. As far as inspirations? I would have to say Stephen King introduced me to the post-apocalypse genre, but John O was the one that got me going.

How is Family Reunion different than other zombie stories?
It is about family and the strength the characters get from each other to go on. The hope of reuniting and the different ways the crisis affects each member of the family. They are not trained soldiers, and most are just average people facing a completely devastating situation.

Can you give your readers a little glimpse into what Ryan and his gang of survivors will face in the next book?
Hmm … that would be cheating, but just between you and me, Sara? Ryan sets out with Maddie and Harry and a few others to go look for the ones they left behind at home. They travel in the Marathon Coach, which is a luxury RV with many prepper amenities. The story will follow them and also keep the reader abreast of what is happening back on Whidbey Island and those that stayed on there to begin clearing the place for use as a new freak-free sanctuary. Look for some major twists right off the bat; it should get interesting very quickly.

I know your family has been very supportive of your writing. I also know many of the characters are based on real-life family members. What do they think of being used as zombie-story material?
Some are mad at me for killing them off in the first story, more are mad that I killed their wives, daughters, husbands and such. Minor spoiler coming ... my best friend in real life was the first to die. I did it in self- defense. I mean, who in the family can complain when I took out my best friend first, right? When I say they are mad at me, it is an exaggeration. They all are thrilled to be immortalized in the story, or so I tell myself.

Have you ever been a zombie?
As a matter of fact, yes. I just got home from the set of a new movie called My Uncle John is a Zombie. It was written and co-directed by John Russo, who co-wrote the original The Night of the Living Dead. I am a zombie in the movie, and it was a blast to be involved in the film. Several actors from the original movie are also in this one, with many new faces too. Gary Lee Vincent, who plays Oscar in the movie has become a close friend and was instrumental in getting me cast as an extra. My wife, Jonie, is in it also. We had so much fun that we may decide to run off to Hollywood together soon.

The movie is a Zom-Comedy, where John Russo’s character from The Night of the Living Dead escapes alive—or I should say not killed again from the sheriff’s wrath in the original—and is rescued by his niece and hid in her basement. She protects him and teaches him to be more selective in who he eats and the whole movie goes insane when he becomes a modern day celebrity.

I am seen wandering while chewing on an unidentified bit of intestine, and then again when I attack another character and end his career. (I will include a picture of me as the “Dude Zombie” for your pleasure.) If you would like to help the movie get distributed, you can help by donating at http://www.MyUncleJohnisaZombie.com, as it is an independent film just like us independent authors.

In a real-life zombie apocalypse, how long do you think you’d survive? Do you have a plan?
I have a plan, but I need more slow people to join me, as that is my plan. I don’t really think I would last long, as I have been told I am a sweet guy, and what zombie could resist that?

If you could see one non-zombie TV series get thrown into a zompoc scenario, which would you choose and why?
Hmm, let me think. Oh, I know. Survivor! Could you imagine the hilarity that would ensue as the zombies chase the cute blond girl down the beach, or a horde shows up to the immunity challenge. Oh yeah, that would be good TV there. The tribe has spoken/groaned, it’s time for you to go!

List five things about yourself that your readers probably don’t know.
- I went to seminary for two years to become a Baptist Preacher.
- I had a crepe restaurant when I was seventeen called DeBo’s Place.
- My nickname throughout my Coast Guard career was Breezly.
- The Pirate Parrot was a friend of mine.
- I was an honorary member of Jeff Gordon’s pit crew at his last race in NASCAR … Don’t tell Jeff, somebody might get fired!

Something to Fight For (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Book 5) by W.J. Lundy

Synopsis

Brad and his team have returned to the United States only to find that the nation is as devastated as the rest of the world. The Primals are not the only threat to those who survived the outbreak. Hunger, disease, and other survivors are bigger problems to contend with. 

There seems to be a glimmer of hope, however, as Brad's team is enlisted to recover the key to developing a cure to the Primal virus. Time is not on their side as others seek the same objective. This is where loyalty and trust part ways, leaving the team questioning everything they have been fighting for.

Meanwhile, one soldier finds himself in the position of keeping the key to the cure protected at all costs.   

This is a Zombie War Story.

Publisher: PHALANX PRESS; 1 edition (December 10, 2014)
Print Length: 333 pages

Review
Five out of Five Stars (I would give it more, if it made sense to do so)
Purchase Something to Fight For on Amazon

When I read the very first book in this series by W.J. Lundy, I never expected it to gradually become my favorite zombie apocalypse series— there was some tough competition for that spot. Up until Something to Fight For, I considered the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series one of my favorites. By the time I got half-way through this most recent installment, I knew that had changed.

Enough of my fangirling. I will tell you why I like Something to Fight For so much. First, of all the books in this series, this has the most depth; the characters continue to develop, the plot is becoming more intense, and there are some new, interesting characters added to the mix. 

Another reason I like this book so much has to do with the side story that is woven through the plot. The story of Brad and his crew eventually connects with this side story, and I can't help but hope Lundy follows up on this twist as he continues the series. 

What is the "side story" I'm referring to? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but it has to do with a former soldier who finds himself in the position of being the sole protector of a little girl. The story that follows the man and the little girl is both terrifying and endearing. Their story sucked me in and kept me thoroughly engaged to the point where I felt emotionally invested in the book.

W.J. Lundy's storytelling has gotten better with each new book and this one is no exception. I recommend this series highly to fans of zombie fiction, military fiction, horror, suspense, and anyone looking for a fun, excellent read.

About the Author 

W. J. Lundy is a still-serving Veteran of the U.S. Military with service in Afghanistan. He has over 14 years of combined service with the Army and Navy in Europe, the Balkans, and Southwest Asia. W.J. is an avid athlete, writer, backpacker, and shooting enthusiast. He currently resides with his wife and daughter in Central Michigan.

I developed the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series from notes and ideas I had put together while deployed to Afghanistan. I had been jokingly asked how we would defend against a zombie attack. Escaping the Dead was written in a small spiral notebook and later clicked one key at a time into a word document once I arrived back home. At the success of the short story, the series was born.

All along, I wanted to tell a story that portrays the military that I know, the people I serve with, their characteristics, and something that shows our true, actual capabilities. These are my thoughts. I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for reading.

Follow W.J. Lundy on Facebook and Twitter.

Splinter (Banished from Hell) by H.J. Harry

Synopsis

For close to a thousand years they waited, waited for the old knowledge to fade away into the mists of myth. Imprisoned, banished, and separated, they waited as the population grew to numbers that could sustain their appetites. Humanity developed habits that made them fat; slow and ripe, memories of the old ways forgotten. They waited for a re-birth of the time of legend, for the time when demons ruled and man was naught but the fodder upon which they fed. They waited for the time when the old gods die and the new were anxious to take their place. They waited for today.
 
A young man resisted the sweet words of compulsion, forsaking money and unlimited power to be with the woman he loves. It was a condemning of his self to the focus of a demon who had once been banished to a minuscule grain of sand. A demon worthy enough to turn that grain of sand into the vehicle that starts the destruction of the sum of humanities freedom, enslaving an entire species to his will he knows that he can do what no other has. A thousand years ago he was accused of having a god complex when already he has done what god would never do.  God complex hell, he was god and the earth should rue the day, every day. 

Publisher: Self
Print Length: 229 pages


Review
5 out of 5 Stars
Kindle Version, Kindle Unlimited

I've read a few short stories and another book written by H.J. Harry, so I was looking forward to reading Splinter (Banished from Hell) when I found out it was available. 

The story begins with a creepy vibe that drew me in right away. The creepiness only intensifies as the story progresses, creating a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down book that reminded me of some of Dean Koontz's earlier novels. 

The author doesn't just tell a good story, though; he tells a good story well. I love the little details he includes when it comes to the scenes and his characters. The details are not the tedious kind... he includes just enough to make the characters memorable and the scenes vivid. This tale of classic "good vs. evil" has enough layers to appeal to all types of horror fans. 

I am guessing there will be a Splinter Two, and I can't wait to see how the story continues!

Purchase on Amazon: Splinter (Banished from Hell) 

About the Author
H.J. Harry was born Joseph Hansen In the early sixties. Raised in the northern mid west by parents of faith and good will he went on to do many things as he focused on writing in his spare time. Thirty some years later he self publishes for the first time. 

A natural storyteller, who sees things with a different skew than most, he has focused on keeping things fresh and fast paced. If you came here to see a list of jobs you can just pick something and H.J. has probably done it especially in the blue collar non-agriculture fields. 

Mostly a YA author, you will see multiple fiction genres coming available in future months from true-to-life fiction, to prehistoric fantasy, to post apocalyptic, including zombies. When H.J. Harry is not writing, drawing his covers or fishing, then he is working in his private wood shop, working on his house, helping a friend on their projects, driving a semi or trying to finagle time to go fishing.

Winter of Zombie Blog Tour Featuring Jay Wilburn

Sometimes the Story Picks You

by Jay Wilburn

My greatest breakout success to date has been a weird little zombie story titled “Dead Song.” I never intended it to be great even as I was writing it. Maybe it is really not. There have been some less than stellar reviews. Maybe it is just some strange, mass delusional halo effect that has some people thinking it is good. I’ve tried more than once to leave it behind along with zombie stories, but time and again opportunity pulls me back into the genre and this story keeps shambling onward. I working on a novelized version of “Dead Song” now.

I used to only write zombie stories. My first story ever published was a zombie story. I got a check with the note line reading “Payment for Zombies.” I slowly ventured out into other stories. I would eventually be writing full-time on the back of several genre and ghostwriting.

I write zombies whenever the opportunity arises. The genre, fellow writers, and publishers have pulled me back again and again even as I worked to expand in other areas. I have theory that my zombie stories actually got better and sold better because I was writing other things which expanded my tool box and improved me as a writer.

“Dead Song” was a strange idea. It hatched from a thought of creating a screenplay as a short story. It would evolve into a narrative format, but just barely. The concept is that a documentary is being made about the evolution of music during the zombie apocalypse. In reality, the story is a guy in a sound booth doing a voice over. If I have ever been accused of telling and not showing, this is my masterpiece of that.

This story was going to be published nowhere and I knew it.

Elektrik Milk Bath Press put out a call for strange zombie stories for a charity anthology. This one was strange, so I submitted “Dead Song” and forgot about it. The anthology came out and was full of zombie weirdness as advertised.

    Some time later, I started getting messages from Ellen Datlow. I thought I was being scammed. I was offered forty dollars to have the story reprinted in Best Horror of the Year volume 5. It turned out to not be a scam.

After the book came out, a few reviewers mentioned my story positively. I actually went back a read the story to try to see what was in it that I had missed. It was better than I remembered. The horror sort of snuck up on you in it.

Some time after that, Prime Books approached me and asked to pay me forty dollars to reprint it again in their Zombies: More Recent Dead featuring the best zombie stories of the last few years. The book features work by  Neil Gaiman, Joe McKinney, Jonathan Mayberry, Joe Lansdale, and more. I read the story again.

I began outlining a novelized version of the events and characters described in the story. As I went into the actual world detailed in “Dead Song,” I realized how dark, campy, twisted, and gritty that world was going to be. This place is full of zombies, drag queens, epic landscapes, Southern gothic, mystery, and magic. As I have churned out short stories while neglecting novels, I realized this story was choosing me again.

I have already been surprised myself by what has been revealed in the first few thousands words. I’m just more convinced that this story has more to offer still. I hope you get a chance to check out “Dead Song,” the weird little zombie short story that won’t quit and eventually the novel, Dead Song: The Legend of Tiny “Mud Music” Jones.

*   *   *   *   *

The stench of frozen rotted meat is in the air! Welcome to the Winter of Zombie Blog Tour 2014, with 10 of the best zombie authors spreading the disease in the month of November.

Stop by the event page on Facebook so you don't miss an interview, guest post or teaser… and pick up some great swag as well! Giveaways galore from most of the authors as well as interaction with them! #WinterZombie2014

https://www.facebook.com/events/1524813084430035/?ref_notif_type=plan_user_joined&source=1

AND so you don't miss any of the posts in November, here's the complete list, updated daily:

http://armandrosamilia.com/2014/11/01/winter-of-zombie-post-list-winterzombie2014/

All Things Zombie: The Gathering Horde by ATZ Publications

Synopsis

This collection of zombie stories features some of the top zombie authors in the genre; T.W. Piperbrook, A.J. Brown, Chris Philbrook and Eric A. Shelman. There are many newcomers here too, having had their dream of being published realized for the first time. You will find that telling them apart may be difficult - we had hundreds of submissions, and this is the cream of the crop. We hope you enjoy this romp through the apocalypse.

Publisher: ATZ Publications, November 7, 2014


Review
I give The Gathering Horde Five out of Five Stars

*Disclaimer one of the stories in this book was written by me, but my story is just one of the awesome stories in this book.*

I'm going to keep this review short. I've been super busy with my novel and need to get back to it. I just had to take the time to share this gem of a book. There are stories here by some well-known names in the zombie/horror genre as well as some new authors. 

The publishers and editors did a fantastic job selecting the best stories out of over one hundred that were submitted. I am truly impressed with the talent of the authors who wrote for this book as well as in the editing that was done. This is ATZ's debut publication, but the quality and professionalism put into this work are first-class.

If you're a fan of The Walking Dead, horror, zombies, or just being entertained, this is the book for you!  

It's only $2.99 or free if you have Kindle Unlimited. Get it by using the link below:

Tales of the Forgotten (A Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Novel, Volume Two) by W.J. Lundy

Synopsis
The world is at war with the Primal Virus. Military forces across the globe have been recalled to defend the homelands as the virus spreads and decimates populations. 

Out on patrol and assigned to a remote base in Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Brad Thompson’s unit was abandoned and left behind, alone and without contact. 

They survived and have built a refuge, but now they are forgotten. No contact with their families or commands. 

Brad makes a tough decision to leave the safety of his compound to try and make contact with the States, desperate to find rescue for his men. 

What he finds is worse than he could have ever predicted. 

This is a Zombie war story, The follow up to: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (Escaping the Dead) 

Publisher: Phalanx Press (May 29th, 2014)
Print Length: 298 pages
Edited by Monique Happy

Review
Kindle version purchased on Amazon
I give Tales of the Forgotten 5 out of 5 Stars 

This book has been on my "to read" list ever since I finished the first book in this series. For a review of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (Escaping the Dead), click here. Tales of the Forgotten is quite a bit longer than Escaping the Dead, but it didn't feel like it. It is one of those books I couldn't put down. 

I notice on Amazon that this edition is described as a "New Edited Version". I don't know what the previous version was like, but this one is flawless. I appreciate the professional "finish" of the book. If there were errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar, I didn't notice them. I don't usually give a lower rating for books with those types of errors, but when I see a book without mistakes, it tells me that the author respects his or her readers and takes pride in his/her work.

I like the pacing of the story. It's fast, but not to the point where the action becomes unbelievable. As I said above, I couldn't put the book down. I carried my Kindle with me everywhere. I read while brushing my teeth, cooking dinner, watching TV... well, you get the idea. I was invested in the four central characters and wanted to keep track of them, hoping they would survive from one scene to the next.

I noticed something about the main character, Brad, that makes him different from most main characters in this type of story: he is not the "leader" of his group of survivors. He defers to his more experienced, higher ranking counterparts, Sean and Brooks. Brad learns from them and there is absolutely no ego on his part. I point this out only because I find it refreshing to have a main character in this type of scenario who isn't also the leader with a seemingly endless supply of knowledge and extraordinary skills.

I have a long "to read" list and lots of books in my Kindle that are getting dusty (virtually). I will not wait to read book number three in this series. I need to find out what happens next!

Do yourself a favor: read this series!

 
Click the links above to purchase books 1 & 2-- You won't regret it.

About the Author

W. J. Lundy is a still serving Veteran of the U.S. Military with service in Afghanistan. He has over 12 years of combined service with the Army and Navy in Europe, the Balkans and Southwest Asia. W.J. is an avid athlete, writer, backpacker and shooting enthusiast. He currently resides with his wife and daughter in Central Michigan.

I developed the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series from notes and ideas I had put together while deployed to Afghanistan. I had been jokingly asked how we would defend against a zombie attack.

I wanted to tell a story that portrays the military that I know, that displays our actual capabilities. These are my thoughts, I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for reading.

Follow W.J. Lundy on Facebook and Twitter.

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. 

Time of Death: Induction (A Zombie Tale) by Shana Festa

Synopsis
When no one or nowhere is safe, where do you go to escape the monsters? 

In a few short days, 37 year old Emma Rossi’s hard work will finally pay off. She will don her cap and gown and graduate with a degree in nursing, but not before she loses her first patient and is confronted with a new reality. In Cape Coral, Florida, a storm approaches. The dead are coming back to life. 

And they’re hungry. 

Infection ravages the Eastern Seaboard with alarming speed while attempts to contain the spread of infection fail. Within days, a small pocket of panicked survivors are all that remain of civilization. Fighting to survive the zombie apocalypse alongside her husband Jake and their dog Daphne, Emma comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare. 

Relying on snarky wit and sheer determination, she is forced to commit atrocious acts to protect her family and avoid joining the ranks of the undead.

Publisher: Permuted Press
Print Length: 198 pages

Review
I purchased Time of Death: Induction from Amazon (Kindle Version)
I give this book 5 out of 5 Stars (5= I love it)

Shana Festa's debut novel Time of Death: Induction is a fun, fast read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! The story's easy flow, plot, and intensity kept me engaged from the beginning to the end. 

The characters are likable and highly believable. There are no superheroes in this story and no guarantee that the main characters will survive from one scene to the next. This makes for an exciting, emotionally rousing read. 

There are plenty of humorous moments in the book, especially having to do with the main character, who is also the narrator of the story.  The humor balances out the intensity of the story-line just enough to create a few chuckles in the midst of all the gore, death, and horror. 

The zombies in the story are true zombies. Understandably, many authors are trying to make their zombies a little different for the sake of originality. This is the first book I've read in a while that doesn't stray from the traditional idea of a zombie. It's refreshing and made the story that much more fun for me.

I recommend Time of Death: Induction to all fans of zombie books, movies, or television shows. It's a fantastic book filled with all kinds of zombie goodness!



About the Author

Shana Festa was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 17, 1976 and grew up in Northboro, Massachusetts. She currently lives in Cape Coral, Florida with her husband and two dogs, Daphne & Casey.

Shana is a registered nurse with clinical experience in mental health, geriatrics, HIV and substance abuse. In addition to her clinical background, Shana possesses over 15 years of experience with project management and data analytics.

Under her alter ego, The Bookie Monster, Shana reviews horror and paranormal books, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) zombie fiction. With a background in Psych Nursing, Shay brings her unique perspective to the literary community.

Shana loves hearing from readers. Visit her author website, www.shanafesta.com for more information on Shana and her writing. She can also be found on Twitter, @BookieMonsterSF, and Facebook, www.facebook.com/timeofdeath.book.

Gone Feral by Ted Nulty

Synopsis
A world wide chemical attack has left society in ruins. The chemicals used not only affect humans, but all mammals. The cannibalistic rage brought on by the toxin soon destroys almost everything man has built. 

In San Diego a group of survivors struggle to survive and rebuild. 

In Bemidji, Minnesota another group fights their way through ground zero, and then begins to fight back...with the help of a 12 year old boy. 

In Atlanta the CDC has been virtually destroyed, but a female Doctor is determined to find the answers everyone is looking for.

As these groups come together to deal with the catastrophe, they have to find a way to prevent the next attack, which will mean the end of them all.

Publisher: Self Published (July 25, 2014)
Print Length: 310 pages

Review
I obtained a copy of this book via Kindle Unlimited
I give Gone Feral 4 stars (I really like it)

Ted Nulty's Gone Feral is a unique take on zombies. First of all, I've never read a book in this genre where animals are infected and respond the same way people do to whatever agent turns them into cannibalistic beasts. I use the word "zombies" for lack of a better word, but his zombies aren't zombies in the traditional sense. They are scarier in many ways. I am not going to say why. I don't like spoilers.  

The characters in Gone Feral are a lot of fun. They're the kind of people I'd like to be friends with... especially since they are so well-prepared for any sort of catastrophe. There are a lot of characters, so it's important to keep up with them, but it's worth it. 

Ted Nulty seems to have a sense of humor, based on the dialogue and descriptions in the story. This makes the book even more fun to read. The humor comes across especially well with his main character, Mark.

My favorite character comes a little later in the story. He is a preteen feral killing machine (rhyme not intended there). Barry loses his whole family and ends up on his own for a while but becomes an unlikely hero. Mr. Nulty has just published his second book in the Gone Feral series called Barry's Walk. I'm looking forward to reading more about this character. 

There is a very strong militaristic theme in Gone Feral, which I like. For me, the drawback in this case is the amount of military-style dialogue found in the book. It was difficult for me to follow certain scenes because I had no idea what the characters were talking about. For readers with a military background, I'm sure this won't be an issue at all. I do hope the dialogue is more mainstream in Barry's Walk.

I am also going to point out that there are quite a few punctuation errors and capitalization issues in the book. This doesn't affect the rating I gave the book. I point it out with the hope Mr. Nulty will fix these issues because it is a great book and it deserves to look as professionally "polished" as the story is.

Buy Gone Feral from Amazon.


About the Author

Ted Nulty graduated from Coronado high school before attending Northern Arizona University on a "Seven year, drink beer" graduation program. Having never received a grade above a 'C' in English in high school, his life was changed when his first year English professor got him into creative writing and actually gave him an 'A'. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he began a second career in Law Enforcement and then Private security. Having an entrepreneurial streak, Ted has invented several items and started several moderately successful businesses. A lifelong horror and zombie fan, he began writing Gone Feral in 2013. Discovering that the best cure for writers block is to have another book in the works to distract him. He began and completed his second book The Locker shortly thereafter. 

Follow Ted Nulty on Facebook.

Mace of the Apocalypse by Dan Williams

Synopsis
Mace Marconi is a man haunted by his past. Operating as a bounty hunter in San Francisco, his life is slowly gaining meaning as he falls in love for the first time and becomes mentor to a lonely child. As things start to fall in place for him, a deadly toxin is released in the City's transit system, causing the dead to rise and rage against the living. 

When a man with anger issues and a dark past is compelled to fight for the very existence of mankind, all hell is gonna break loose!

Publisher: J Ellington Ashton Press (February 10, 2012)
Print Length: 338 pages

Review
I purchase this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
I give Mace of the Apocalypse 4 stars (4 stars= "I really like it")

As indicated by my star rating, I really like Dan William's first book in his Mace of the Apocalypse series. Most of the story takes place after a suicide bomber targets the transit system in San Francisco. The toxins released by the bomb cause people to turn into flesh eating, zombie-like creatures. The number of infected grows and soon, the world is overtaken.

I like the protagonists in the story. Mace is a man with a rough past. His girlfriend, Jade, is tough and smart. My favorite character is the priest who plays a pretty big role in the story. He is edgy and very likable. Some of the other survivors include a brother and sister and a single mom with a young daughter. 

There are also some very bad people in the story. These characters are actually scarier than the monsters created by the blast of the bombs. There is an ample supply of drugs and alcohol, no law enforcement, and a seemingly endless supply of weapons. All this brings out the worst in certain groups of people. 

The story starts with a bang and the action doesn't let up. I will definitely be reading to find out what happens next to Mace, Jade, and the rest of the survivors.

Purchase Mace of the Apocalypse on Amazon.




About the Author

Daniel J Williams grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. Some of his favorite activities as a kid included scaring the bejesus out of kids on Halloween, terrorizing neighbors playing doorbell-ditch, and excelling in the ultimate sport of Dodgeball. He somehow managed to score a business degree and wasted years toiling in the business world, writing technical sheets and marketing materials.

He finally realized what was missing in his life: Zombies! Spending several years working on his breakthrough novel, Mace of the Apocalypse, he then couldn't help himself and penned three more novels with the same characters in a continuation of the story.

Follow Dan on Facebook.

A New World: Storm

Synopsis

A vengeful darkness… 
Gathers in the night… 

One threat has been destroyed - another grows stronger. 

Even though Jack and the teams have won a major confrontation, their lives still hang by a thread. There are decisions to be made, and ones that have never been more critical. 

Leonard continues to try to keep his crew together after being hit by another soul-shattering blow. They’ve only recently become aware of this new world, and it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon as they silently plunge through the Pacific, looking for answers Leonard knows they may never find. 

Michael knows he can no longer stand idle and wait as he feels thousands of his kind disappear from his mind night after night. The weight of the survival of his kind weighs heavily on his shoulders and he pushes forward to end the threats to their existence. 

The new world must find its balance… 
And the scales are about to tip… 

Publisher: Self
Print Length: 264 pages

Review
I purchased this book from Amazon for my Kindle.
I gave A New World: Storm 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads

I finished reading A New World: Storm a few minutes ago. I was going to wait to write the review until I had a chance to process the story and its ending but decided not to. I want to write while my mind and emotions are still bound to the story. 

I am simultaneously "wowed" beyond words and feeling something else that I will not describe. If I try, I will fail miserably and will most likely end up creating an unintentional spoiler.

In past reviews, I think I have made it clear that John O'Brien is my favorite writer in this genre. I hope I've also made it clear that he is one of my favorite writers of all the genres I've read. Storm solidifies that conviction for me. Why? The answer is simply this: John O'Brien is a talented writer and an amazing story-teller.

The first part of the book is dedicated to tying some loose ends together and setting the stage for the rest. There is not much action during this portion, which is unusual for most of the books in the series.  Rest assured, the necessity to slow down for a bit does not mean it's boring. I mean, this is John O'Brien. Are his stories ever boring? No.

The action picks up once Jack hits the road sky in order to take care of some unfinished business. It continues through the rest of the book as he and his group encounter new threats, as well eliminate some old ones.  In addition, a couple new groups of survivors are introduced and plans to work with them are established. Meanwhile, Jack is doing his best to lead, although he is tired and not always certain he knows the direction he needs to take.

It is the last part of the book that made me clench my Kindle in a state of tightly-wound emotions and caused me to scowl at any poor soul who dared to interrupt my reading. As I write this, I am still reeling from the roller coaster ride Mr. O'Brien created. The ending packs a punch so be prepared, but do NOT read ahead. You will be kicking yourself forever.

As with all of the A New World books, I appreciate the hard work and pride O'Brien obviously poured into writing Storm. He is a first-class writer and can tell a story with the best of them.

If you have not read A New World series, you can find a chronological list of his books here.


About the Author

John O'Brien is a former Air Force fighter instructor pilot who transitioned to Special Operations for the latter part of his career gathering his campaign ribbon for Desert Storm. Immediately following his military service, John became a firefighter/EMT with a local department. Along with becoming a firefighter, he fell into the Information Technology industry in corporate management. Currently, John is writing full-time on the series, A New World.

As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.

A New World
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The Orphans by Mike Evans

Synopsis
Source: Amazon

Bio chemist, Frank Fox, has been single since losing his first wife to cancer eight years ago.  There is a constant struggle between himself and his son Shaun, who blames him for not being home when his mother passed.  She passed while he was working on the cure to help soldiers.  He went home a broken man to care for a young child.  He misses what happens with the cure developed in the army. 

Now, eight years later, Frank finds new love but receives news that she is losing a battle to cancer. Frank takes the cure from the army not knowing what happened eight years ago with it. His cure is anything but that; it is hell unleashed.  The Orphans is an intense ride, suspenseful and emotionally charged!

Publisher: Self Published, June 2014
Print Length: 363 pages

Review
I gave The Orphans 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon 
Purchased from Amazon in Kindle format

I have expressed this in past reviews, but I'm going to say it again-- the most important part of any story, to me, is character development. That means I get to know the characters well enough to form an emotional connection to them. Sometimes the connection is negative, sometimes it is positive.

The Orphans is a book that satisfies my desire to grow attached to the characters perfectly. The story starts out with a very brief introduction of two of the main characters in the midst of firing at a large group of zombies.  Then, Mike Evans does something somewhat unique; he spends the rest of the book telling the story of the main characters and the events leading up to the apocalypse. By the time I finished The Orphans, I knew the complete story behind the spread of the zombie outbreak, I got to know the characters thoroughly, and I grew to care about them. 

In addition to Evan's impressive ability to build up his characters, he's also a talented writer. He has a natural gift for the craft, with a style that is straight-forward.  He doesn't add unnecessary descriptions or dialogue. He seems to know his audience and delivers a story that flows with consistency, making it a fast-paced and enjoyable read.

The author is currently working on the second book in this series.  I will definitely be picking it up as soon as it is published. 

To purchase a copy of this terrific book for yourself, click on the box below!



About the Author

As a fan of suspense and all things that go bump in the night, Mike Evans believes readers should be pulled in, made to feel for the characters, and always be left wanting more. He hopes that, by reading his work, you will laugh, cry, and be terrified ... love, hate and worry for the characters and their predicaments, but, most of all, he hopes you've enjoyed what he's written and had the opportunity to laugh out loud, especially in a public place, where other fans of science fiction will want to see what you're reading.


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