Afterimage & Encender (The Enertia Trials Books 1 & 2) by J. Kowallis

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

Afterimage
J. Kowallis
(The Enertia Trials #1)
Publication date: May 7th 2015
Genres: Dystopian, New Adult

Reggie’s dreams . . .
aren’t dreams.
Visions of the future flood her mind like shards of broken puzzles. Caged in her cell, every morning begins the same. She’s drugged, tortured, and images are torn from her memory by Public One.
Until the morning everything changes. The vision is different. The future’s never been about her, and now she knows they’re coming for her:
Nomads.
How will she convince them to keep her alive when Nate, their leader, doesn’t like or even trust her? To him, she’s a science experiment. A machine.
When Public One will do anything to keep her, Reggie must make a decision: remain a slave to her past, or risk her future to venture into a world more terrifying than she’s ever known.

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Encender
J. Kowallis
(The Enertia Trials #2)
Publication date: February 29th 2016
Genres: Dystopian, New Adult

They say you feel cold when you die.
The people I’ve killed would beg to differ.
For twenty-something Ransley, the adopted daughter of famed street fighter Estevan Benitez, fighting is all she knows. One hidden detail separates her from the endless string of her pathetic opponents: she can craft and influence heat and fire.
When she’s pitted against the strongest fighters at the infamous Argolla, Ransley faces something she never expected:
A man like her.
Roydon can duplicate himself. When the two collide in the ring, a chain of deals turns Roydon over to Public Four and he’s taken away to undergo the disturbing process of the Nexis. What it is, or what it does, no one outside of The Public knows.
Driven by guilt and a desire to release the only person she’s ever met who’s like her, Ransley isn’t about to leave him for dead—not when he might hold the answers to her missing past. Now she must trust a pair of strangers: a former military man out to collapse the system, and a woman whose premonitions could tear them all apart.

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Author Bio:
J. Kowallis, the only girl of four children, grew up in northern Utah with a head full of wild stories (most often unreal). At the age of 9, she wrote her first poem, a dedication to E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. It was so intriguing, her third grade teacher requested to keep the original. Between living in various fictional worlds, and spending time on her studies, she managed to graduate from Weber State University’s creative writing program. She now lives in Utah with her Mini Schnauzer, Etta, and spends most of her time still bouncing between this world and the fantastical while enjoying delectable über-dark chocolate and lavender baths. She enjoys dreaming about, flying to, and writing about distant lands (real or unreal).

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Overall Rating: ★★★★

 

J. Kowallis has a gift for telling a brutal dystopian story. I had the privilege of reading the first two books of The Enertia Trials, Afterimage and Encender. As soon as you start with Afterimage, you immediately become entwined with the entire plot line. You will immediately fall for the characters and find yourself imagining the story as if you are one of Kowallis's characters. Kowallis develops her characters in such a way that you feel as though they have become your best friends and part of your family. As a result, you will be turning the pages nonstop to find out what happens next. This continues through both novels and takes on some truly unique plot twists and story lines. 

The Enertia Trials is the series fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner have been waiting for. These novels are full of heart wrenching moments and brutal action and adventure. Kowallis does not focus on the typical dystopian plot lines. Instead the reader is transported to a unique and devastating world and thrust into a fascinating dystopian and sic-fi future. 

There is something for every reader with The Enertia Trials. You have the brutal action sequences, the heartbreaking character deaths that would make George R.R. Martin proud, and a realistic love story (without the sappy buildup). 

The characters in the series are constantly developing and growing and the story lines make for a page turning and exciting read. You will not be disappointed with The Enertia Trials and I highly recommend these books to readers looking for new adventure and a well written novel. J. Kowallis is an author to watch and I am excited to see where this series goes. There are so many questions to be answered and I am sure more hearts to be broken!

 

Make sure to check out the Afterimage & Encender Blog Tour Here!

 

When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

 

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Rating: ★★★★

 

It is no surprise that Kate L. Mary's novel, When We Were Human, was awarded the Silver Medal for YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction from the 2015 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. This novel is everything a science fiction story should be. Not only has Mary created an incredible dystopian world, but she has given readers characters they can relate to and fall in love with!

The moment I began reading this story, I was hooked. Mary has a talent for writing and keeping her readers entertained from the very first page. When We Were Human is a fantastic story of survival and the importance of remaining hopeful and not giving up on love. Kate L. Mary introduces her heroine in a vulnerable way and shows her readers that even the strong fall down and need to be picked back up. As the story progresses, we get to watch our heroine grow and learn to trust again. The world created in When We Were Human is everything a fan of dystopian and science fiction genres looks for when trying to find that novel. 

This is a great read for Young Adults and is the go to book when trying to get your friend into science fiction. It is a well written and fast read that is perfect for a rainy day. My only regret is that I did not read this novel sooner! Watch out for Kate L. Mary, she has a bright future ahead of her!

Interview with The Ungoverned Author Jaq C. Reed

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Stephanie: Your novel, The Ungoverned, is a fantastic example of well-written dystopian fiction. What inspired this story and the characters you developed?

Jaq C. Reed: First of all thank you for letting me answer some questions. The story was inspired by real life, the headlines in our current news. I just took them and pulled them to the extremes of ‘what if’.  I toyed with the power structure and how it appears to be and broke it down into what I thought very well could come to pass, maybe not in the extreme form that is in the novel, but in other small ways that could affect us all in the future.

 

Stephanie: The outdoors and the environment are very important to you. How do you find nature and everything the environment has to offer influence your writing and your take on what a dystopian future may look like?

Jaq C. Reed: We have to take time now to look after our resources in the future.  By continuing to sell out our resources and test experimentally with fracking, I think the long-term effects could be quite negative.  So it offers me a playground to write in for this genre, the possibilities are limitless.  

Stephanie: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing?
Jaq C. Reed: Pros of self-publishing: You remain in complete control. I don’t have to bend my stories to someone else’s whim to put it out there.  

Disadvantages: You are in complete control and sometimes you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. The expenses are higher and I didn’t have a lot/any experience in the publishing world beforehand.

 

Stephanie: If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting published that you would change?

Jaq C. Reed: I would play with the marketing differently, and perhaps a few craft issues that I have learned to deal with better over the last year.

Stephanie: What was your favorite scene to write from The Ungoverned? Is there a particular scene that you found surprised you or changed the story unexpectedly?
Jaq C. Reed:  My favorite was when Andras and Arturo were finally free to express who they were.  This was more than Ara’s story.  I think some readers were able to pick it out beforehand, but for some there was an element of surprise until they looked back and it made sense. I wanted to personally challenge myself by writing LGBT characters into a book where the focus wasn’t on their sexuality, but on whom they were as people, and what repression can do to someone.  The more we try to push diversity into the open playing field the more tolerant I believe the world will come, and the braver we will all become to stand up to injustices.  

Stephanie: As a writer of dystopian fiction, do you find yourself preparing for the unexpected? Do you feel you would do well/survive in the world you created?
Jaq C. Reed: Oh God no.  I’d die in five seconds in real life.  In the novel, I would try to survive but I don’t know if I would find happiness.  

Stephanie: Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two?  How does this translate in your writing process?
Jaq C. Reed: Intuition.  I research certain facts, but then I play with them.  Intuition then takes over. I have a rough idea of the idea I would like to touch on and then my characters take the lead.  I try to write a human story first, and the logic second.  Sometimes we are not rational as humans, and logic goes out the window.  But the background is static.

Stephanie: A good villain is hard to write. How did you get in touch with your inner villain(s) to write this book? Was there a real-life inspiration for him/her/it?
Jaq C. Reed: We all know a handful of crummy people to draw inspiration from.  We also have an entire world history to look back on and try to figure out motivations.  But often a true villain has good things about them as well, and that is where it becomes tricky for me and I get so attached to my characters it is hard when they actually do something dark.  Felix confused a lot of people but we have to understand that Felix also grew up in a harsh, emotionally unattached environment and that power was to be his.  Control was one thing he knew and what he was indoctrinated into.  Was his love genuine?  Did he know another way to express it?  Is he a villain?  Or is he just doing what he has been taught?  It’s not like life/family was held in that sentimental regard that a lot of us know.

Stephanie: If you could spend time with any character from your book, with whom would it be? And what would you do/talk about?
Jaq C. Reed: I have a soft spot for Arturo.  He would walk through fire for those that he loves.

Stephanie: Please take a moment to use this space to promote or tell us about any new projects and future endeavors! Feel free to also add your social media accounts so your fans can connect with you and stay up to date on all of your projects!

Jaq C. Reed: You can find me on Facebook under Jaq C. Reed or my website jaqreed.com.  I am doing the last rounds of edits on an up and coming novel right now. It is still untitled; titles are usually the last thing I get to.  It’s a braver novel than The Ungoverned and the playing field is wide open. 

FERTS by Grace Hudson

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★

 

Grace Hudson delivers a new take on dystopian fiction with, FERTS. This story looks at a world controlled by men. These men see women as nothing more than sexual objects created to breed, fight, and please the men of the surrounding communities and within the containment facility. We are shown what life looks like inside the facility from the point of view of one of the prisoners. Not worthy of a name, Beth 259201, goes about her day and tries to fit in. but she is not as complaint as the other Beths. This leads to some trouble for the young woman and is the catalyst for the entire story as outsiders attempt to take back the world they lost and 259201 looks to find her place. 

Hudson does a great job of creating a unique universe with dynamic characters. Hudson includes the lovable heroine and the easily despised antagonist. This is a book for fans of such dystopian novels as, The Hunger Games, The Divergent Series, and The Maze Runner. Hudson branches out and creates a new world and a new look at the apocalypse and what would happen if men ruled (shudder)! Pick up this book and quench your dystopian needs with a fast paced and page turning story.

Interview with Flotilla Author Daniel Haight

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Stephanie: Is there a specific message in Flotilla that you would like your readers to come away with?

Daniel: Good question – there are a number of messages that people have drawn from the series, but I think the biggest personal choice I wanted people to come away with is that they have a choice in the future they’re walking into. Just like Doc Brown said: “Your future is whatever you make of it, so make it a good one.” The world we’re living in now goes out of its way to make us feel powerless and vulnerable but each of us has the responsibility and the opportunity to make good choices, even in bad circumstances. So I wanted to show people how that might work, someone going from feeling powerless to powerful. That informs Jim’s journey.

 

Stephanie: Would you say you relate to your main protagonist, Jim, in any way? If so, was this intentionally done or a subconscious coincidence?

Daniel: Oh sure, Jim is the kid you want to hug and then kick in the pants. He’s a lot of fun to write for because I rarely agree with him. I can’t justify his choices, but it’s interesting to see how he talks himself into (and out of) trouble.

 

Stephanie: Flotilla is not your typical science fiction novel. What led you to take this particular path and how important was it to maintain the science fiction aspect as you developed the plot?

Daniel: Absolutely! I don’t want typical Sci-Fi. Typical is boring. I want interesting. I think other people do, too. The path I take is “How do we legitimately get to the future, and what kind of people are we when we get there?” So developing it was as easy as thinking about how a company like Wal-Mart would develop a green tech business in the future.

 

Stephanie: What type of research did you do in order to make certain Flotilla was told with accuracy and realism?

Daniel: Ooh, tons! Lots of time behind the keyboard on Google, Wikipedia and elsewhere to make sure that whatever I’m saying matches up with what we know about mariculture, seasteading and future tech. I spent weeks looking up every aspect of the book, from the addresses of the restaurants that Jim visited to the correct coordinates of The Colony. Other people lent their support, too – the book’s been through a gauntlet of military and nautical professionals. I want it to sound and feel real – that’s one of the things people enjoy about the series.

 

Stephanie: You mention on your webpage that you are a huge fan of volunteering and partaking in charitable endeavors. How do you think your volunteering influences your writing and writing style/process? 

Daniel: Had to stop and think about this question. I’m not sure how much it influences my writing; I know it influences me personally. I love to be able to give to people – I’m helping a close friend get their family to Disneyland this week – that makes me feel like I’m finally getting close to who Dan is supposed to be. He’s supposed to be the guy who gives to other people. I used to think that you could only give if you had achieved a certain level of success but later I realized you can help people in meaningful ways no matter how rich or poor you are. I started giving away my books to survivors of Child Abuse, for example, and I found that to be very rewarding. In the future, I’d love to expand on that because I don’t get to help as much as I want to.

 

Stephanie: What has been the toughest criticism you've received for Flotilla? How did this alter the story and how you approached the promotion of the novel?

Daniel: Oh, I’ve heard the average ‘you suck’ comments both online or in reviews. You have to learn how to be okay with criticism, both of your work and how you might come across online. One of the best lines I heard about this came from Sinbad, the stand-up comic. He said, “Being an artist means I am willing to take the hits.” It’s a process.

 

Stephanie: Flotilla is told from the perspective of Jim, your main protagonist. Why did you choose this method of storytelling? Do you plan on using different perspectives in the follow up (i.e. Jim's father, little sister, etc.)?

Daniel: Interesting behind-the-scenes note: when I first wrote the book I couldn’t decide between first or third person, so I ended up writing some scenes as diary entries and others as third-person descriptions. Everyone hated it. I ended up going back and re-writing the novel as told by Jim and that flowed much better. Sometimes we try different experiments in our writing and change it as we go along. As for other perspectives, my answer is ‘Sure, absolutely!’ I think it’d be a narrative goldmine to tell some sci-fi stories from other perspectives like Madison or one of the supporting characters of the next book, Iron Mountain. The entire series follows Jim like a Steadicam through the end of the world but we can take that camera and point it in any direction – the possibilities are endless.

 

Stephanie: Are there any other genres you'd love to explore? Do you have any particular scenes that you find challenging to write or are there any subjects you classify as 'off limits?'

Daniel: Interesting that you should ask that – I was writing some scenes in an upcoming project and I had to step back because they were getting too dark for the overall tone and audience I want to write for. One of the most powerful parts of science fiction is its ability to be accessible to younger audiences. I’m sure it was a stretch for guys like Asimov or George Lucas to constantly pull the reigns back on their creativity but it made it possible for a young sprog like me to discover their universes, so I want to carry on that tradition.

Later on, other genres might be fun but for now I’m sticking with sci-fi. As a frontier, it’s more than big enough for me. 

 

Stephanie: Did you learn anything from writing this story? In what way(s) do you see the experiences of creating Flotilla effecting your future projects?

Daniel: Sure, I think you learn something from every book. The process of writing is something like 40% creativity, 20% nuts-and-bolts business, and 40% audience building. ‘Real artists ship,’ as Steve Jobs says. That means I’m involved in every aspect of the book production process and all of that grunt work informs the creativity. That’s actually a good thing: if all I did was write, my characters and I wouldn’t be as down-to-earth as I want us to be.  From Flotilla, I learned the value of having a chapter and book outline before I start writing. Writing a book without a plan is like building a house without a plan…neither will keep a roof over your head.

 

Stephanie: Please take a moment and use this space to let us all know what you have in store for the future and anything else you'd like your audience to know. What projects are you working on currently? Do you have any convention appearances coming up? Book tours? What are the best ways for your readers to connect with you?
Daniel: Thank you! This has been a lot of fun – I really enjoyed your questions – very insightful! Upcoming projects include a short story called “I am Patient Zero” and a novel code-named “Project Cascade.”  You can follow along with me as I release new blog posts over at www.flotillaonline.com, or join the mailing list or talk with me on Twitter.

 

Crossbones (Omega Days Series #4) by John L. Campbell

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★★

 

Crossbones is the fourth novel in John L. Campbell's Omega Days series. This story picks up with our survivors on the Nimitz and introduces a few new not-so-friendly faces. Crossbones is certainly not lacking when it comes to suspense and ultimate thrills. The characters are forced to face something even deadlier than zombies when it comes to protecting their prize, the Nimitz.  

Campbell continues to impress with his ability to tell a realistic down and dirty fight. Crossbones is filled with heartbreak, revenge, and pain. This novel will leave you chomping at your fingernails and cringing with anticipation. We continue with some of our favorites from the Omega Days series and some favorites finally meet their demise with this story. 

As a huge fan of John L. Campbell and the Omega Days series, I am impatiently waiting for the next book in this series. The ending of Crossbones will leave you counting down the days until the release of book five. Campbell is a master at telling a horrifying zombie story and tugging at your heartstrings with his characters. Keep an eye out for the next book in this series and of course my review when it comes out!

The Compounders (The Compounder Series #1) by Julie Trettel

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★

 

The Compounders is a fantastic story of love, survival, and the importance of family. Julie Trettel paints a very realistic version of a post apocalyptic America after it falls to civil unrest and the loss of governmental structure. The Compounders focuses on a man who spent a large portion of his life preparing for the worst and being ridiculed as the crazy man on the mountain. However, when America falls, it is this crazy man, his family and a select few who are free from the torment of this new society. 

Our main protagonist is a young girl coming into her own and trying to learn who she is outside of the compound. She struggles with the limits set upon her by her father and ends up getting involved in more than she bargained for. This story is a very realistic look at post apocalyptic America. It does not deal with the usual apocalyptic themes such as zombies and viruses. The Compounders is a very real version of "what if" and a look at what many consider crazy when we look at the lives of "Preppers." 

Trettel does a great job of combining love, adventure, and suspense in this book. The ending is a mix of emotions and will certainly leave the readers on the edge of their seats. This is the perfect story for fans of dystopian societies and survival stories. I can not wait for the follow up to see how our protagonist redeems herself and decides between love of an outsider and her family.

Yosemite Rising: A Zombie Novel by Julie Dawn

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★

 

Julie Dawn's novel, Yosemite Rising, is a unique zombie tale. The plot is intriguing and has the potential of being a fantastic zombie series. I found some of the storytelling to be a bit scattered at moments, but I can still see the potential in this novel and the future series. The story takes on a unique approach with the zombie apocalypse by incorporating Native American folklore into the "origin story." Dawn has a knack for describing the setting in a realistic and accurate manner that aids in the overall reading experience. The characters were a bit hard to follow. I would have personally liked a bit more background information in regards to our main protagonists and some of the other supporting characters.

Yosemite Rising is a good read for zombie fans and is one I would recommend. I had a few moments of confusion, but the overall story is there and I look forward to the next book in the series. There are a lot of questions left unanswered and I am hopeful that the next novel will address and satisfactorily answer these plot holes.

Zombie Games: The Series (Books 1-5) by Kristen Middleton

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★

 

Zombie Games: The Series is a collection of five stories from Kristen Middleton. Those stories include, Origins, Running Wild, Dead Endz, Road Kill, and End Zone. Each story is very precise and does not wait to jump into the zombie action. From book one to book five, the reader is immersed in a fantastic apocalyptic story with fantastic comedic relief peppered in. 

Zombie Games is an excellent series that depicts the strong female protagonist and has some great supporting characters and villains. Each character has his or her own personality that is described and shown in depth throughout the entire series. Middleton takes the reader on a fantastic adventure and does a great job differentiating this zombie series from others in its genre. The twist thrown into the plot makes for an interesting read that keeps you in suspense from the moment Middleton hints at it. 

The overall storyline for this series made for a great, fast, and easy read. As a reader, it was enjoyable and written in a way that made for a fast paced adventure that could be completed with an enjoyable ease. The writing style is simplistic, which keeps the story from becoming confusing and long winded. This is certainly a great adventure, with some great comedic relief, for all zombie and apocalyptic genre fans to pick up and enjoy. 

Aftershock: A Collection of Survivors Tales by Valerie Lioudis & Kristopher Lioudis

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★

 

Aftershock: A Collection of Survivors Tales is my first attempt at an audiobook. I must say I was pleasantly surprised at how the audio version of this novel made the entire experience more realistic and enjoyable. The narrator does a fantastic job portraying each of the characters and their adventures and journeys of survival. Kristopher and Valerie Lioudis have created a fantastic apocalyptic story with some unique and memorable characters. Each character is given the appropriate attention and his or her story is told in great detail to help grab the reader (or listener) to make sure you are completely absorbed in the journey. 

The book is fast paced and utilizes an easy to follow structure that does not leave the reader or listener confused with the many characters/storylines. The authors do a great job with connecting each character, so that ultimately everyone will collide in this hellish world. The characters also represent the various survivors you may happen upon in the apocalypse. Each character deals with their own inner demons and the paths they must take in order to survive, ultimately questioning their overall morals. I look forward to the continuation of this story, as I was a tad disappointed at the abrupt ending of the novel. However, I believe there is a fantastic series here and look forward to reading more from these characters.

As for my experience with audiobooks, I will certainly give them another go.  They have a very relaxing aspect to them and allow for multitasking, which can be a good and bad thing! 

Children of Fiends by C. Chase Harwood

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★

This is C. Chase Harwood's follow-up to the previously reviewed Of Sudden Origin. I was very excited to see how this unique story would progress. I was not disappointed with this continuation of the Of Sudden Origin saga. Harwood continues to explore the post-apocalyptic landscape of the new USA and takes us beyond the relative security of the protective boarder set up to protect the few remaining Americans. As opposed to the previous book, this omnibus focuses on the children of the fiends. These children are the creatures of your nightmares and posses the ability to telecommunicate and control the few remaining humans and cause them to bend to their will. We meet a new set of characters as this book takes place some years after the initial outbreak.  

Overall, the writing is very easy to follow and has a page turning effect. I found myself excited to see what else could go wrong and to see just how these characters were going to escape from some of the outrageous situations they are forced in to. 

I would highly recommend this saga to any zombie loving, dystopian genre, apocalyptic fan. Harwood takes us past the stereotypical zombies and shows us what could be when you factor in the idea of the survival of the fittest and evolution. 

The Outbreak (Fyre Trilogy #1) by Tayler Wright

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★

I have to admit I was a bit leery of this book upon receiving it. I was curious as to how the story of a zombie apocalypse could be told in under 200 pages. However, once I began Tayler Wright's, The Outbreak, I could not stop. I was intrigued by the simplicity and ease of Wright's writing and the page turning way she went into this story. By skipping all of the usual build up, Wright jumped right into the action. 

My only criticism would be the lack of a background story for some of the main characters. There was a brief glimpse into the character's past, but some more background would have made the entire book a bit more entertaining. Some explanations for why the main character seemed more than prepared and a reason for her excellent marksmanship would have been very useful for the reader. 

The ending was fantastic and is not the usual ending you expect from this genre. It was a great twist that you will definitely not see coming. I can not wait to continue this trilogy and see how the characters develop after that surprise ending. 

The End: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel (The New World Series #1) by G. Michael Hopf

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Rating: ★★★

G. Michael Hopf's post-apocalyptic novel, The End, is not your average apocalypse novel. This story does not have the roaming zombies or nuclear wasteland "Mad Max" gangs. It tells the story of how a real life incident can lead to the end of the world as we all have come to know it. An EMP explosion leads the main characters to make drastic life altering decisions to help preserve what little is left of the United States and their families. As technology becomes obsolete, the true survivors make it known what is important in this new world.

The character development in this book is phenomenal and really makes you feel connected, as if they were your neighbors and not characters in a book. Human behavior during times of crisis can become quite irrational for some and for others they simply thrive on the ability to survive and take care of their own.

I gave the 3-star review for a simple reason. I am hoping the follow-up will delve deeper into the world outside and bring us a bit more action in terms of survivor versus survivor encounters. The brief glimpses of this in The End are very encouraging and I look forward to continuing this saga. 

Quarantine Series by Lex Thomas

 

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Overall Rating:★★★★

The Quarantine Series (The Loners, The Saints, & The Burnouts) by Lex Thomas is a modern age Lord of the Flies. As you begin the series you are taken back to the days of high school and the numerous cliques within. Every school had the Nerds, Pretty Ones, Varsity, the Burnouts, and of course the Loners. Lex Thomas takes these cliques to the next level when tragedy strikes a seemingly normal high school. The students are left to fend for themselves when a virus breaks out that causes contact with juveniles to kill any adults who come within feet of them.

As the series progresses we see some characters grow and earn leadership roles while we also watch others fall from their pedestals of popularity. The overall story and the adventures that each group and individuals encounters are all telling of a society run by juvenile minds.

I must say I enjoyed the books and Lex Thomas' style of writing. You soon find it hard to stop after each chapter and will keep saying, "just one more page," numerous times during each book. Overall, there will be moments where you find yourself routing for the socially awkward to come out on top. The only way to judge the series is to take a stab at it yourself and see just how deadly high school can truly be, especially when your life depends on graduation day.

Poxland by Bryan Cassiday

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

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Rating: ★★★★

Bryan Cassiday's Poxland is a refreshing take on the ever so popular zombie and post apocalyptic genre. By incorporating government conspiracies with the thrilling encounters of flesh eating monsters, the reader is given a complex puzzle to try and solve as he reads. Cassiday's writing style is quite easy to follow and encourages the reader to keep going until the story is finished. I would have to say my only pet peeve, which was resolved later in the books ending, would be the main character's inability to use his special ops skills to take out a relatively small group of zombies in a more efficient manner. 

Ultimately, I would recommend the Zombie Apocalypse series by Bryan Cassiday to any zombie aficionado. I look forward to continuing the journey with each of the characters.

Of Sudden Origin by C. Chase Hardwood

**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an HONEST review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are NOT bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**

Buy this book here!

Rating: ★★★★★

Of Sudden Origin by C. Chase Hardwood is one of the most unique and exciting apocalyptic books I have had the pleasure of reading in quite some time. The unique "zombies" that were portrayed in this book resemble what I have always imagined the "zombie apocalypse" to be. It is frightening, thrilling, gut wrenching and a book you will refuse to put down until the very last page. I can not wait to continue this journey with it's well developed characters and the author's page turning and adventurous writing! A must read for dystopian and zombie genre fans alike.