nniltiacc's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Zombies, apocalypse, pretend gay people, friendship, guns
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
5.0
Read for Fun/Listened for Review (Kindle/Paperback/Brilliance)
Overall Rating 5.00
Story Rating 5.00
Character Rating 5.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: The First Days by Rhiannon Frater was even better the 2nd time around. I stand by my 5 and give it an additional "WTG" star for staying great on reread!
NOTE: I picked this up because of Ashley, The Bookish Brunette. She was right this book sticks with you and that is a good thing!
What I Loved: Realism! I wish there was a way to accurately describe just how realistic The First Days truly was. From the moment the story begins until the Epilogue, everything read like a true account of what it was to run into the Zombie Apocalypse. It brought up a million questions: What would you do? How would you react? Could you make it through? Could you do what was needed to survive? Each character (major and minor) gave you a glimpse into so many facets of surviving that sometimes you forgot this was a work of fiction. There were small fractions of humor mixed into the story but it was macabre and gut-wrenching overall. I was literally trying to read faster to figure out who was going to survive, how they were going to do it, and how this little society was going to grow. This was a read in one day book with very little "take a break" time.
Creepy Baby Fingers I swear that opening sequence is one of the best out there. It has always stuck with me but listening to it on audio made it just a little more horrifically brilliant.
Audio Thoughts:
I am a fan of Cassandra and she does an excellent job with The First Days. I had to get over my preconceived notions of how Katie and Jenni sounded but I think that had to do with me having already the books. I do know as the series went on (I have listened to them all) now I hear both exactly the way Cassandra delivers them!
Final Thoughts I just loved every minute of this story.
Overall Rating 5.00
Story Rating 5.00
Character Rating 5.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: The First Days by Rhiannon Frater was even better the 2nd time around. I stand by my 5 and give it an additional "WTG" star for staying great on reread!
NOTE: I picked this up because of Ashley, The Bookish Brunette. She was right this book sticks with you and that is a good thing!
What I Loved: Realism! I wish there was a way to accurately describe just how realistic The First Days truly was. From the moment the story begins until the Epilogue, everything read like a true account of what it was to run into the Zombie Apocalypse. It brought up a million questions: What would you do? How would you react? Could you make it through? Could you do what was needed to survive? Each character (major and minor) gave you a glimpse into so many facets of surviving that sometimes you forgot this was a work of fiction. There were small fractions of humor mixed into the story but it was macabre and gut-wrenching overall. I was literally trying to read faster to figure out who was going to survive, how they were going to do it, and how this little society was going to grow. This was a read in one day book with very little "take a break" time.
Creepy Baby Fingers I swear that opening sequence is one of the best out there. It has always stuck with me but listening to it on audio made it just a little more horrifically brilliant.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Cassandra Campbell / Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
I am a fan of Cassandra and she does an excellent job with The First Days. I had to get over my preconceived notions of how Katie and Jenni sounded but I think that had to do with me having already the books. I do know as the series went on (I have listened to them all) now I hear both exactly the way Cassandra delivers them!
Final Thoughts I just loved every minute of this story.
lorathelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
That first chapter was beyond disturbing....and I LOVED it! The rest of the book didn't let me down either. I really loved the kick-ass ladies in this book (even though at some points they could be slightly annoying when discussing their love life). I also loved how so much of this story was about actual survival skills and plans and not just relationships like so many other zombie novels. And bonus....fast zombies! I'll definitely be picking up the second book.
trudilibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
If you like fast-paced, action-packed, gore-filled, apocalyptic zombie stories, then this is one you don’t want to miss. I had a helluva good time reading it even though at times a few of the characters (Jenni) and some of the dialogue seriously grated on my nerves.
In Book 1 of a trilogy, Frater offers up a textbook genre zombie story, borrowing a lot from Romero canon (who she gives ample homage to) and a little from Danny Boyle (damn those quick-moving zombies!!) So while there are really no surprises here, or anything “new”, The First Days still manages to be a quick, fun, ruthless portrait of well … the first days of a zombie apocalypse: the panic, confusion, shock, grief, terror and insanity.
At first I questioned the seething hatred experienced by some of the characters – why they should so immediately loath the zombies and lust to kill them. Something about that wasn’t ringing true to me. Killing anything is pretty traumatic and I felt it would take longer for survivors to become adept at it or need more time to fuel the flames of their hatred. But maybe when you lose everything in one vicious blow and you have these vile “things” in front of you that only want to tear you apart and eat you alive your priorities and your rationality change pretty quickly. I’m sure people’s minds would snap in most cases, and fear and rage are pretty interconnected emotions. While some of the overkill seemed out of place, at the same time Frater is probably completely spot-on in her observations of human behavior.
There is also a scene at the beginning of the book that makes this book worth picking up.
The writing is rough in places, but it does get stronger as the novel goes on, and what Frater lacks in finesse, she more than makes up for in her ability to write incendiary action scenes.
For two-thirds of the novel I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters, but I was pleasantly surprised when by the end I was beginning to feel like I “knew” them, even though I still didn’t like them very much. I’m invested now though, and cannot wait to read on in the series. This is the utmost compliment to Frater – I do need to know what happens next and so will you I bet.
In Book 1 of a trilogy, Frater offers up a textbook genre zombie story, borrowing a lot from Romero canon (who she gives ample homage to) and a little from Danny Boyle (damn those quick-moving zombies!!) So while there are really no surprises here, or anything “new”, The First Days still manages to be a quick, fun, ruthless portrait of well … the first days of a zombie apocalypse: the panic, confusion, shock, grief, terror and insanity.
At first I questioned the seething hatred experienced by some of the characters – why they should so immediately loath the zombies and lust to kill them. Something about that wasn’t ringing true to me. Killing anything is pretty traumatic and I felt it would take longer for survivors to become adept at it or need more time to fuel the flames of their hatred. But maybe when you lose everything in one vicious blow and you have these vile “things” in front of you that only want to tear you apart and eat you alive your priorities and your rationality change pretty quickly. I’m sure people’s minds would snap in most cases, and fear and rage are pretty interconnected emotions. While some of the overkill seemed out of place, at the same time Frater is probably completely spot-on in her observations of human behavior.
There is also a scene at the beginning of the book that makes this book worth picking up.
Spoiler
I won’t ever forget those tiny little fingers reaching under the door – so ghoulish! Children are usually exempt from zombie stories, but Frater dares to go there and she does it very effectively. While I will probably forget most of this book, I will never forget that scene.The writing is rough in places, but it does get stronger as the novel goes on, and what Frater lacks in finesse, she more than makes up for in her ability to write incendiary action scenes.
For two-thirds of the novel I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters, but I was pleasantly surprised when by the end I was beginning to feel like I “knew” them, even though I still didn’t like them very much. I’m invested now though, and cannot wait to read on in the series. This is the utmost compliment to Frater – I do need to know what happens next and so will you I bet.
briannarengland's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
I went into this novel with high expectations. A good friend of mine recommended it to me because she adored it. I honestly cannot see why.
Sure, it was intriguing. I didn't want to put it down. But I can't put my finger on what made me want to continue reading.
The plot was kind of slow and more unexciting than boring. The fight scenes were great and. There was a lot of repetition in the way that the characters were sent from place to place on rescue and supply missions. Though, I'm assuming that's how it would be in an actual zombie apocalypse. I feel like there should have been more character development for Jenni and Katie, though Jenni went from forced female housewife to a kind of badass, instead of constant descriptions of journeys.
The zombies were gross and lovely. Their descriptions and characteristics were one of the best parts of the book.
The female protagonists, Jenni and Katie, were supposed to be strong and badass. And they were half the time. But the other half was spent reading about their weaknesses (WHY COULDN'T THEY BE LIKE NERIT??). I get that people have weaknesses - that's what makes humans who they are - but it didn't fit with the strength they were supposed to have. I don't understand how they went from being fearless warriors one second, and then the next they're breaking down into tears. It was constant. Smiles, laughter, badassery, and then tears. I wanted them to be more like a hero. Instead of breaking down ALL THE TIME, I feel like it should have been saved for times when they were alone. The routine of their characters felt forced and unnatural.
Katie started the book stating she was a lesbian. Then around half way she tells someone (I honestly can't remember who) that, nope, she's actually bi. WHAT THE HELL. I loved the idea of this fearless lesbian. It meant that there would be no romantic interests forced upon her. I admit that I ship Katie with Jenni, but that's mostly due to the fact that they CONSTANTLY HELD HANDS AND KISSED EACH OTHER ON THE CHEEK. I have female friends that I'm close to, and we never, EVER, do that. Not as a comfort thing, not as silly thing. It's just not what we do. I take that as a romantic sign. So, yes, I would have been okay with Katie/Jenni, but then all of a sudden Katie likes men too?? That was a lot to take in. AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, Travis wanted some of that? And Katie gave in?
My feelings are just dsOIHDSOUHFDSOHFDSODGOUHFD and keyboard smashing is entirely relevant.
I like Juan. I'll continue reading the series for Juan and because I promised my friend I would.
And I have hope that a few characters I don't like will be offed.
Just please, please let it be better and more exciting and scary than this one.
I went into this novel with high expectations. A good friend of mine recommended it to me because she adored it. I honestly cannot see why.
Sure, it was intriguing. I didn't want to put it down. But I can't put my finger on what made me want to continue reading.
The plot was kind of slow and more unexciting than boring. The fight scenes were great and
Spoiler
when Nerit came with her truck and ran over all the ones at the front gate, I was in aweThe zombies were gross and lovely. Their descriptions and characteristics were one of the best parts of the book.
The female protagonists, Jenni and Katie, were supposed to be strong and badass. And they were half the time. But the other half was spent reading about their weaknesses (WHY COULDN'T THEY BE LIKE NERIT??). I get that people have weaknesses - that's what makes humans who they are - but it didn't fit with the strength they were supposed to have. I don't understand how they went from being fearless warriors one second, and then the next they're breaking down into tears. It was constant. Smiles, laughter, badassery, and then tears. I wanted them to be more like a hero. Instead of breaking down ALL THE TIME, I feel like it should have been saved for times when they were alone. The routine of their characters felt forced and unnatural.
Katie started the book stating she was a lesbian. Then around half way she tells someone (I honestly can't remember who) that, nope, she's actually bi. WHAT THE HELL. I loved the idea of this fearless lesbian. It meant that there would be no romantic interests forced upon her. I admit that I ship Katie with Jenni, but that's mostly due to the fact that they CONSTANTLY HELD HANDS AND KISSED EACH OTHER ON THE CHEEK. I have female friends that I'm close to, and we never, EVER, do that. Not as a comfort thing, not as silly thing. It's just not what we do. I take that as a romantic sign. So, yes, I would have been okay with Katie/Jenni, but then all of a sudden Katie likes men too?? That was a lot to take in. AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, Travis wanted some of that? And Katie gave in?
My feelings are just dsOIHDSOUHFDSOHFDSODGOUHFD and keyboard smashing is entirely relevant.
I like Juan. I'll continue reading the series for Juan and because I promised my friend I would.
And I have hope that a few characters I don't like will be offed.
Just please, please let it be better and more exciting and scary than this one.
strangecandy's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed the zombie story...I just didn't like the character of Jenni. Her jealousy of Katies friendship with others and the way she pouted about things just got on my nerves. I'll still read the rest of the series though.
litwrite's review against another edition
2.0
A fun book, typical zombie plot with a 'Thelma and Louise' spin of 2 women very much like Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis making their way through an apocalyptic landscape. The writing was a bit ragged in some parts but I attribute that to its humble beginnings as an internet serial. Nevertheless, it held my attention and I enjoyed reading it.
pingthevile's review against another edition
5.0
Terrific first volume of a trilogy. Frater works the zombie mythology extremely well, has interesting characters, and plenty of perilous action. Highly recommended for fans of the zombie genre!
theladygonzalez's review against another edition
5.0
How do I even begin to describe The First Days? Well, I guess I could start with fabulous, stunning and completely kickass. How’s that?
In all seriousness, The First Days is quite possibly the best zombie book I’ve ever read. It’s got everything you could ever ask for; two complex and interesting heroines, an exciting yet terrifying plotline and a healthy (or should I say unhealthy) dose of killer zombies.
What really makes The First Days stand out from other zombie books is definitely the characters. While Frater is great at the action parts of the story, she is phenomenal at the character development. Truthfully, most zombie books have great action. And The First Days does too – which is outstanding. But you can really tell that Frater put into a ton of effort in creating her characters. They are likable, dynamic, intelligent and just plain interesting. The story doesn’t simply rely on the zombies to sell the book; the characters do that on their own.
Like I said before, there are two main heroines – Katie and Jenni. While they both are marvelous, I must say Jenni takes the cake for me. Jenni is understandably a little damaged by the zombie apocalypse and it sets her a bit off kilter. She develops an incredibly aggressive side and takes up zombie killing as an official hobby. Honestly, she is just a hoot. Let’s be honest, the zombie apocalypse is not exactly a cheery topic and she adds a touch of humor to the book. At the same time though, Jenni is incredible fragile. The woman witnesses her family turn into zombies. As much as I loved her warrior woman side, I also loved seeing her breakdown. I also loved the relationship between Katie and Jenni. They think of themselves as “War-buddies” and are incredibly protective of each other.
As the book progresses, the two meet a few different groups of people, most notably Juan and Travis. Juan and Travis are two construction workers who sort of unofficially run survival group that is holed up in a small town. The two men befriend Katie and Jenni and the four of them together are just magic. My favorite of the guys was easily Juan. Like Jenni, he has a humorous streak and a rather sharp tongue.
The only aspect of the story that I did not like was the abrupt change in Katie’s sexual orientation. Katie is introduced as one thing and then switched midway through the book. It felt like the author changed her mind halfway through in order to fit a romance in for Katie. The way it was done was incredibly abrupt; it felt like the author was trying to pull the wool over my eyes. I was told one thing and then was handed a great big old “gotcha” later on.
However, all in all, I LOVED The First Days. It was intense, interesting and undeniably entertaining. I just could not put this one down. In fact, I’ve already read the second one and now am just itching to get my hands on the third. If you are a fan of zombie books you simply must read this one!
In all seriousness, The First Days is quite possibly the best zombie book I’ve ever read. It’s got everything you could ever ask for; two complex and interesting heroines, an exciting yet terrifying plotline and a healthy (or should I say unhealthy) dose of killer zombies.
What really makes The First Days stand out from other zombie books is definitely the characters. While Frater is great at the action parts of the story, she is phenomenal at the character development. Truthfully, most zombie books have great action. And The First Days does too – which is outstanding. But you can really tell that Frater put into a ton of effort in creating her characters. They are likable, dynamic, intelligent and just plain interesting. The story doesn’t simply rely on the zombies to sell the book; the characters do that on their own.
Like I said before, there are two main heroines – Katie and Jenni. While they both are marvelous, I must say Jenni takes the cake for me. Jenni is understandably a little damaged by the zombie apocalypse and it sets her a bit off kilter. She develops an incredibly aggressive side and takes up zombie killing as an official hobby. Honestly, she is just a hoot. Let’s be honest, the zombie apocalypse is not exactly a cheery topic and she adds a touch of humor to the book. At the same time though, Jenni is incredible fragile. The woman witnesses her family turn into zombies. As much as I loved her warrior woman side, I also loved seeing her breakdown. I also loved the relationship between Katie and Jenni. They think of themselves as “War-buddies” and are incredibly protective of each other.
As the book progresses, the two meet a few different groups of people, most notably Juan and Travis. Juan and Travis are two construction workers who sort of unofficially run survival group that is holed up in a small town. The two men befriend Katie and Jenni and the four of them together are just magic. My favorite of the guys was easily Juan. Like Jenni, he has a humorous streak and a rather sharp tongue.
The only aspect of the story that I did not like was the abrupt change in Katie’s sexual orientation. Katie is introduced as one thing and then switched midway through the book. It felt like the author changed her mind halfway through in order to fit a romance in for Katie. The way it was done was incredibly abrupt; it felt like the author was trying to pull the wool over my eyes. I was told one thing and then was handed a great big old “gotcha” later on.
However, all in all, I LOVED The First Days. It was intense, interesting and undeniably entertaining. I just could not put this one down. In fact, I’ve already read the second one and now am just itching to get my hands on the third. If you are a fan of zombie books you simply must read this one!
andimontgomery's review against another edition
4.0
Zombie apocalypse stories are becoming very common, but this was a fast-paced and refreshing addition. While there were a few minor annoyances (like Jenni's self-absorption and immaturity, and Katie's inability to let go of her wife), this was a well-written story that held my attention.
I really liked the strength and resolve of these women in dealing with the inevitability of their situation. I also appreciated the fact that they were not only capable shooters, but they were also able to kill when needed.
This was rather expensive for a Kindle book, but I'm hooked. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
I really liked the strength and resolve of these women in dealing with the inevitability of their situation. I also appreciated the fact that they were not only capable shooters, but they were also able to kill when needed.
This was rather expensive for a Kindle book, but I'm hooked. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!