Vehicles

by Patrick Lestewka

Mini-Hardcover Edition

A father and his daughter awake with no significant memory of their lives. They journey through a ravaged landscape in search of answers, where they are met by another survivor with the same lack of memory.

The world is deteriorating as fast as the father's flesh. He fights, after being bitten and infected with a contagion which has spread to many, reducing them to mindless shells fueled by the hunger for flesh. As his mind and body erode to the disease, he struggles to protect his daughter before he must fully succumb to being one with the horde.

Genres: Horror

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Benjamin Uminsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a lengthy novella... well worth the read though. We have here another apocalyptic/post apocalyptic tale put out by Delirium this year. I don't really think this one can be fully compared to the Rinalli (UNEARTHED)... but I will say that this was definitely the stronger of the two, particularly in terms of thematic exploration, character development, and even prose style. The Lestewka even had a clever ouroboros twist at the end, which further distinguished it from the Rinalli.

The underlying motif in this tale was that of transportation. The characters made their way accross a desolate landscape through the use of vehicles (be it a car, motorcycle, or even boat). Likewise, in this story, humans themselves serve as a vehicle... or more specifically, carriers of some unknown and unexplained virus.

I really like Lestewka's exploration of this theme throughout the entire novella, and by planting this motif along the way, the revelation in the last 30 pages was able to bloom very niceley.

I thought the author did a great job developing the individual characters as much as he could possibly have done so, given the nature of their being (I'm trying not to spoil things...). The use of amnesia for these characters served as an effective plot device, and the revelation at the end never made me feel cheated out of character development. In other words, the amnesia made sense and didn't leave me feeling like the author was being lazy about not further developing the characters. I particularly liked the "Paige" character, and thought that Lestewka did a great job exploring her relationships with the other main characters.

My only criticism (and it was the same for the Rinalli) was that there was very little in the way of a macro explanation as to how the apocalypse came to be. Granted, this story felt heavily character driven and we didn't necessarily need the full nitty gritty as to how the apocalypse came to be. I will give Lestewka credit in that, the bulk of the macro information came at the end, and did serve to provide enough of an explanation. Likewise, time (in the macro sense) really ceased to be. It did leave the story feeling a little un-moored, but I can see that Lestewka was trying to drive home a point. In a sense, when the whole world dies, time really is no longer important.

Excellent novella. This is my first Lestewka piece, and I look forward to the next one. Definitely recommended!!

[Grimgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - on so many levels. I loved it cause it's a spin on what I've come to think as the traditional modern zombie, because you get the perspective of the zombie and not just those reacting to them, and because - well frankly, who wouldn't love the zombie dad that transcends those primal urges to take care of his loved ones. That said, I haven't spoiled it for you if you haven't read it yet because this book is intelligently written and full of pleasant and satisfying surprises. Very clever, very smart and very different.

[Johnson Manila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vehicles today have evolved far beyond mere transportation, combining technology, comfort, and efficiency in ways that make daily travel both convenient and enjoyable. Modern cars, trucks, and motorcycles offer a wide range of options tailored to different needs—whether it’s the fuel efficiency of compact cars, the power and durability of SUVs and trucks, or the thrill of high-performance sports vehicles. Advanced safety features, including automated braking, lane-assist systems, and adaptive cruise control, have significantly improved road safety, while innovations in electric and hybrid technology are making vehicles more environmentally friendly. For added peace of mind, tools like the uk mot checker allow drivers to easily verify the roadworthiness and legal compliance of their vehicles. Design and aesthetics have also become a major factor, with sleek exteriors and luxurious interiors enhancing the overall driving experience. Overall, vehicles today represent a seamless blend of functionality, innovation, and style, catering to both practical requirements and personal preferences.

[Niall Cavanagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this but the story was a bit rudimentary I thought. I most enjoyed the horrible yet hilarious way a character slowly deteriorating into a zombie was handled. That aspect of taking a reader inside the mind and body of that occurring was excellent. The part where the character literally embalms himself to slow down the rate of change was brilliantly imaginative. I've never read anything like that before. Also the father/daughter relationship at the heart of Vehicles was very well done and is an early sign of Cutter's ability to make readers feel something emotionally that would be well demonstrated in later works (The Fighter, Precious Cargo, The Troop and Little Heaven especially). Only thing holding this back was its story. It's a tad "been there done that" and lacks creativity.

[Alessandro Hand-glider-Hawthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good ! <3

i liked the concept and the ending confused me lots ...

a full review later ( im *tired*-tired :( ) and maybe i do some plot summary. stuff. bc theres not much about this book online so yeah !

great book (:

[Brook Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A very interesting take on a zombie book.

The title had me in suspense until the very end.

The slow rotting of the body, the becoming of a zombie, the feeling that you've lived this life before, but you have no clue where you came from.

[Sheri White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great start to the book; didn't care for the last part. Review to come soon at Xomba for Delirium Books.

Review can be found here: http://www.xomba.com/book_review_vehi...