geo_ix's review against another edition
3.0
interesting, didnt really like the characters because they were just so unlikeable, and i think for a prequel novella it was a little much? it just felt like there was pointless parts to it, but im going to not judge that until after ive read book one, im hoping there was a point to it all? if it ends up being to show why she is the way she is itll be pointless imo because to me it never really showed a change in character at all lol. it wouldnt have been as bad if there was some growth but from the get-go shes purposefully picking fights and blaming others for her actions and it was tiring to read.
staceyinthesticks's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first read by Claire C. Riley but one I've been meaning to read for years. It's not the first post-apocalyptic zombie book I've read either, but that was a few years ago too. Now, I love The Walking Dead and have been with it from the beginning so I guess I had a sort of idea/image in my head when I went into it.
I was drawn into this from the very first page as there was action pretty much from the go. As the title suggests, this one is about Nina, and her husband Ben features too - without giving too much away!
With Riley's writing, it's very easy to picture what a post-apocalyptic world overrun with zombies - or "deaders" in this case - looks like. She's a very descriptive writer, but not so much that it takes away from the story or just feels like filler.
Aside from the zombies, there was a lot of emotion through the pages as it's not just a story about a post-apocalyptic world - there's also scenes around forming relationships, breaking away and realisation. Above all though, it's about survival.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
4.5*
I was drawn into this from the very first page as there was action pretty much from the go. As the title suggests, this one is about Nina, and her husband Ben features too - without giving too much away!
With Riley's writing, it's very easy to picture what a post-apocalyptic world overrun with zombies - or "deaders" in this case - looks like. She's a very descriptive writer, but not so much that it takes away from the story or just feels like filler.
Aside from the zombies, there was a lot of emotion through the pages as it's not just a story about a post-apocalyptic world - there's also scenes around forming relationships, breaking away and realisation. Above all though, it's about survival.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
4.5*
ltg584's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like I should add all kinds of warnings to this book. First? Obviously, it's for a mature audience. There are tons of swears, violence, gore and mature themes. So, no kids please!
But that's not even what I mean. This book broke me. (More than Claire's books usually do...) This book delivers a bleak look at the post-apocalyptic world. This origin story is pretty much humanity's way of hitting rock bottom. Greed, depravity, starvation and desperation. Where would we draw the line, when the world as we know it sputters and dies? I'm so glad that I had read the rest of the series first, just so that I knew there was a glimmer of hope for Nina. It's no wonder she has such a tough outer shell!
I felt like going back to the beginning gave me a new level to understanding Nina's character. Her gruff demeanor makes perfect sense under the circumstances. But the best part was seeing her before the sh*t hit the fan. Her fierce nature was a part of her even then, but you could also see her warmth.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
But that's not even what I mean. This book broke me. (More than Claire's books usually do...) This book delivers a bleak look at the post-apocalyptic world. This origin story is pretty much humanity's way of hitting rock bottom. Greed, depravity, starvation and desperation. Where would we draw the line, when the world as we know it sputters and dies? I'm so glad that I had read the rest of the series first, just so that I knew there was a glimmer of hope for Nina. It's no wonder she has such a tough outer shell!
I felt like going back to the beginning gave me a new level to understanding Nina's character. Her gruff demeanor makes perfect sense under the circumstances. But the best part was seeing her before the sh*t hit the fan. Her fierce nature was a part of her even then, but you could also see her warmth.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
More...