Sleeping Among Wolves

by Robert Royal Poff

How far would you go to save the one you love?


Six months after a devastating infection collapses society as they knew it, Atlas and Moose barely survive an attack on the base they had been living in.


Stranded and alone, with Atlas battling the deadly infection, a sketchy radio transmission speaks of a safe zone somewhere in Pennsylvania. Atlas makes it his mission to get Moose there safely.


What begins as a hunt for safety and freedom, turns into a deadly race against time, as they soon learn that the world has been hiding something far more sinister than the cannibalizing disease that is swiftly eradicating mankind.

Genres: Horror, Zombies, Queer, LGBT, Post Apocalyptic, Gay, Thriller

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Royal Poff was born a baby, growing into adolescence where they were the first ever person to put pen to paper and hallucinate in word format. Royal Poff is best known for their first novella, SLEEPING AMONG WOLVES, which is a queer coming of age horror romance, as well as their Exquisite Corpse series which combines the voices of 13 different authors into one nightmareish continuous tale.

Royal Poff's writing focuses on the horror found in every day life, in addiction, the queer experience, and the wellbeing of those around you. Their quieter take on horror is more reflective and introspective but never forgets about the grime and gore of the genre!

Message Royal on Facebook (Royal Poff), Instagram (royalpoff.exe), or through email (robertroyalpoff@gmail.com)!

Reviews

[james]

dnf at 40%

i found it boring and the writing also wasn't for me, i expect my cannibalism books to have more bite

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty much non-stop action, it drops you right in the middle of it and only later does it clarify the context. Some of the characters are caricaturally weird but there's an odd level of self-awareness to the whole thing that gives it a certain campy charm.
I enjoyed the twist on the zombie genre (if I had realized that's what this book was I would have read it sooner!).

[Oliver Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manages to be both gripping and moving. An effective and action packed horror tale.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part zombie novella part love story.

Atlas and Moose have left a hole in my heart.🖤💔

Full review coming soon.


Update:

I highly doubt that the person currently reading this review has never picked up and read a zombie book. With that thought in mind, it is extremely hard to produce something that hasn't been seen before. The zombie tale has been told,  torn open,  resurrected, and told again.  There is a lot in this novella that you have seen before and will probably see again. But what made this story unique and resignate with me was the interwoven love story of Atlas and Moose. These two lovebirds left an irreparable hole in my heart.

If you love zombie horror, you have absolutely nothing to lose by reading this book. It has decent enough gore and is fast-paced. You get the thrills you have come to expect from the genre with the added bonus of  a little romance. Atlas and Moose aren't only fighting for their lives. They are fighting for their love.

The ending they needed but not the one any of  us wanted. I will hold these two men in my heart for a long time to come. I can't recommend this book enough.  Please grab a copy and give it a try!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Roz Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love post-apocalyptic, dystopian, end of the world, and especially some zombie/infected Cannibal types thrown into the mix. I listened to the audiobook, and it had it all and so much more. 

First off, the book throws you right into the action, and the pacing stays fast and tense throughout. However, despite all the horrors and breakdown of society as we know it, this book is ultimately about love and sacrifice. 

The book is focused on the relationship between Atlas and Moose. When Atlas becomes infected, he does everything he can to ensure Moose can find safety, whilst Moose wills Atlas to somehow recover so they can stay together. As with all such stories, we see that not everyone else is fighting to survive but are willing to use the new lawlessness to assert their own dominance.

With thanks to the author for proving a copy of the audiobook. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.

[DA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting your typical zombies but what you get it so much more. What a fresh spin on the zompoc trope!
While there is the typical survival aspect, the foundation is a love story. Moose and Atlas are trying to get to a safe zone, but there's more to it than that. The ending left me devastated because I really had hope for the two of them.

[Sonia LeeAnn Hyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do to protect the person you love? Set in the world during an outbreak of a virus this story weaves love, chaos, and heartbreak in one gut wrenching read. I thoroughly enjoyed the feelings this novella made me feel as well as the fact that it made me think about the what ifs of a situation of that caliber. The story flowed nicely other than when the past met the present. The difference of the two was hard to distinguish at first, but that is something I definitely looked past because the themes of the story were so well thought. I would definitely recommend this novella to my friends and look forward to reading more from this author. 

I was presented with the opportunity to read the novella in exchange for an honest review. 

[Jason Nickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something different and unique, this apocalyptic story takes you through a range of emotions as you follow the characters on this fast paced journey. Well written and grabs you quickly.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He who sleeps among the wolves can only expect to be bit. Yer a wolf, a killer, simply put, yer wearing a lamb’s skin so convincing you’ve convinced yerself yew can break the cycle.”

Such an emotional roller coaster and a great way to finish off my reading for Pride Month! The writing in this novella was spectacularly well done, I loved the unique way the author described the disgusting and brutal gore! I love zombie stories, but I seriously appreciate when they do something different and tell a story that hasn’t been told before. The way the “feeders” are humanized is so gut-wrenching and makes Atlas’ transformation so much more merciless.

You fall in love with Moose and Atlas as they fall in love with each other. In just 100 pages, the author creates such an impactful love story that’ll leave you in agony.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping Among Wolves by Robert Royal Poff is a novella about a cannibalism disease infecting people, however, the real story lies in the love between Atlas and Moose. Atlas must get Moose to safety before he turns into a cannibal. He only has a week.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for character development. I would like to read more about both MMC’s. I would like to read more about their past and more about their feelings for one another.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for plot/storyline. I love this story. I can see this turned into a very interesting full length novel. The main storyline of running to safety complements the storyline of the loving relationship between the two men.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Grammar/Punctuation/Word Choice. This is a well written novella.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the disturbed factor. Cannibalism will always get good disturbed factor from this reader.

With these stars averaged together, the overall score from this reader is 4.5 stars for this novella. It is entertaining to read, can be read in one sitting, and it’s very disturbing. What more can you ask for from a psychological and medical horror? Oh, and the diseased people turn into scary cannibals. Yes, the horror is great!

[Asha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally read one of my Twisted Retreat books! This was a good, entertaining, queer post apocalyptic horror novella. Didn’t really do anything new but I still enjoyed it!

[Billy Loper · Rating 4 out of 5]

SLEEPING AMONG WOLVES-Robert Royal Poff

*A Review Copy of this book was provided by the Author*

!Spoiler Free!

Apocalypse fiction is a difficult task in 2023. The combined fatigue of the 2010s post-apocalypse/dystopia/zombie explosions led to a deep souring of all of those genres. But of the three, stories based around a zombie apocalypse definitely took the hardest hit. For a book to break through that still-lingering fatigue, it has to make the best use of the genre's tropes that it can, while still finding a way to twist the story into something unique. SLEEPING AMONG WOLVES, is a clear indication to the potential that zombie fiction still has.

Poff interweaves the typical tropes of the genre, intense body horror, graphic violence, humans as evil as the monsters, with a thick layer of emotional realism. The story follows Moose and Atlas, lovers caught in the middle of the apocalypse as they search for somewhere safe among the chaos. Told in cycling flash back-present day chapters, the story reveals the layers of their relationship along with the dark road that still lies ahead. This emotional romance lies at the true heart of the story, with the apocalypse around serving as the antagonistic backdrop.

However, that isn't to say that all of the tropes meld well with the emotionality of the story. The presence of the primary antagonist, a clear analogue to classic characters like Neegan, feels out of place. The character's embodiment of casual violence does not add to the overall story of loss and love.

Still, that small issue does not take away from the rest of SLEEPING AMONG WOLVES' emotional honesty. Poff tackles the reality of love and loss with a raw clarity, and it is a great read for anyone looking for something new from an old genre.


4.25/5🌟

[Damien Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my eyes, the “zombie” or “undead” genre was always done best by Romero. He always crafted stories about what would happen to people in these extreme scenarios. Robert Royal Poff’s Sleeping Among Wolves is a book I think ANY Romero fan will fall in love with for that same reason. Poff’s writing is crisp, flowing, and emotional; this is a writer who is putting his full heart into the story he is writing and it shows. The passion the author writes with connects to the story in a deep way. This is a book about human emotions and having the writers emotions bleeding from the page really resonates with the reader. Much more like the movie Maggie, than The Walking Dead. If you’re tired of the cookie cutter “undead” stuff flowing out all over the place; give this a read, you’ll walk away having experienced something fresh.

[Blue Cline]

Thank you to the author for kindly sending us at BN Philly a review copy!

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping Among Wolves by Robert Royal Poff, is a brutal, emotionally charged novel that thrusts readers into a post-apocalyptic landscape where survival demands more than physical endurance. The story opens with a chilling image: Atlas, the protagonist, fighting the primal urge to kill and consume his partner Moose, despite their deep emotional connection. This striking passage sets the tone for the rest of the novel—one that combines horror, desperation, and a dark exploration of love and sacrifice.

The premise centers on Atlas and Moose, two survivors trying to navigate a world ravaged by a devastating infection. Society has collapsed, and what remains is a landscape where the boundaries between humanity and primal instinct blur. Atlas is infected, battling a virus that threatens not only his own survival but also the safety of the one person he cares for most—Moose. Their relationship is both the heart and the tension of the novel, as Atlas fights not only external threats but also the internal monster slowly taking over his body. A sketchy radio transmission about a safe zone in Pennsylvania gives them hope, but the journey is perilous, and the world hides dangers far worse than the infection itself.

Robert Royal Poff’s writing is visceral and raw, painting a world that is as dangerous as it is emotionally complex. The dialogue between Atlas and Moose is often tender, a poignant contrast to the violence and chaos around them. Moose’s optimism and love for Atlas provide brief moments of warmth in an otherwise bleak landscape, but the tension is always present. Poff masterfully balances these intimate moments with the ever-present threat of Atlas losing control.

The character development in Sleeping Among Wolves is compelling. Atlas is a man torn between his humanity and the infection slowly overtaking him. His internal struggle—wanting to protect Moose while knowing he may become the very thing that destroys him—adds a layer of psychological depth to the story. Moose, on the other hand, is a source of unwavering love and hope, making his vulnerability all the more heart-wrenching. Together, their dynamic creates a gripping emotional core that will keep readers invested. The plot steadily builds in intensity as the duo’s journey becomes a race against time. What begins as a search for safety turns into a far more dangerous mission as they uncover sinister truths about the infection and the world around them.

Poff skillfully escalates the stakes, weaving suspense and horror into the narrative as readers are left wondering whether Atlas and Moose can survive both the external threats and the emotional turmoil tearing them apart. Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction, psychological horror, and deeply emotional character arcs will find Sleeping Among Wolves both harrowing and captivating. The novel’s strength lies in its exploration of the fine line between love and destruction, and what it means to hold onto one’s humanity in the darkest of times. It’s a gut-wrenching story of sacrifice, loyalty, and the price of survival in a world where monsters are not always what they seem.

[Steve Stred · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Robert’s collection ‘Call to the Void: Definitive Edition’ and really enjoying it, I was really excited when he reached out to see if I’d be keen on an e-ARC of his upcoming novella, ‘Sleeping Among Wolves.’ I had no idea what it was about or what to expect so once I dove in, I was immediately engaged and brought into the world that he had created.

What I liked: The story follows Atlas and Moose, six months after an infection has ripped through humanity, leaving some alive and others with an insatiable desire to eat those who live. The two of them escape and decide to make their way over to where a radio broadcast is offering safety.

The reality here, is, that if you’ve read much in the way of zombie/post-apocalyptic survival books, you’ll have come across a lot of what you’ll find within. The strength of this novella though, is Atlas and Moose and their relationship. They will do whatever it takes to make sure they both survive and it’s the most compelling aspect of the story.

We get a lot of emotions laid on the reader throughout and as things take a turn and we get to the ending and discover what will be happening, it hinges on how much the reader has bought in to their relationship.

What I didn’t like: As I said, most of what we experience in here is something you’ll have come across before. I almost groaned when we got a bad guy with a baseball bat wrapped in razor wire. It’s tough to find new ground in this subgenre, but as I did say before, the relationship here definitely pulls you past a lot of the predictable plot twists.

Why you should buy this: Well, if you love this type of fiction, you’ll really want to read this because this will be your bread and butter. If you’ve not read Robert’s work previous, this is a great spot to jump in and see his ease of how he tells a story. And of course, I can’t overstate this enough – this novella features one of the strongest relationships between two primary characters I’ve read in some time.

Good stuff.

[Xochilt Avila · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sleeping Among Wolves" by Robert Royal Poff is one of the best novellas I've read in recent times, and one that spoke to me in ways I didn't anticipate.

A fresh take on the zombie apocalypse genre, this story centers on lovers Moose and Atlas as they work together to reach a safe zone before Atlas succumbs to his infection. The novella follows their journey, as well as explores their past and how they came together through flashbacks. This concept alone is engaging and heart wrenching.

Poff builds on an already interesting idea with incredible talent.

Their prose is gorgeous, painting a rich and visceral world that carries you through the fast but incredibly punchy plot. Moose and Atlas are very charming together. Their banter is genuinely funny and gave me some actual chuckles.

But what has stuck with me the most is the exploration of art and expression in such a horrible world. Without giving too much away, one of the characters is an artist, and contemplates the purpose their work can serve.

Though our world isn't (yet) plagued by flesh-eating monsters, it's hard not to feel like the end is upon us. As a budding writer, I sometimes wonder what purpose my art can serve in the face of such constant tragedy. Shouldn't I be exerting my energy toward other causes? What role can art, my art or any art, play in such a cruel and unjust world?

It's a hard question to grapple with, and it resonated to see it on the page. Personally, I think one answer can be that it simply brings us joy. And joy propels us forward.

This story both brought joy and showcased the power of joy found in love, even in the face of tragedy.

If you're looking for something gory, gorgeously written, and filled with heart, you won't be disappointed with this story. Will definitely recommend.

[James Lefebure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can love survive a zombie apocalypse?
That’s the at the absolute heart of Robert Poff debut novel “Sleeping Among Wolves”. I’m not normally a massive fan of zombie stuff because I think the genre is one of the ones that has been done the most in media. I do however love anything that steers away from “braaaaaains” type of Zombies and in “Sleeping Among Wolves” Robert Poff manages to breath some new life into a zombie tale.
First and foremost – Moose and Atlas are really lovable main characters. Their love for each other is evident in every interaction they have on their road trip across an apocalyptic hellscape. Characterisation is something that Robery Poff really excels in and they never miss a chance to add backstory and depth to the whole cast of misfits that Moose and Atlas meet.
Secondly – the zombies. Robert Poff should be really proud of themselves for how they managed to breath a bit of life into the zombie trope. In their hands, this virus is much more frightening than a standard zombie virus (which I won’t go into because it’s spoiler territory). However, as is always the case in these types of books, the danger doesn’t just stop with the zombies. There were some really tense moments across the short novella and when a book is short, it means that everything has to be killer and not filler. Something Poff manages to pull off really well.
The story is fast paced, brutal where it needs to be and heart-breaking in just the right way. The ending is clearly spelled out for you from the first page – but the journey there is as difficult for the reader as it is for the young couple in love. I would 100% read more stories set in this universe, because I feel that Robert Poff has built a brilliant landscape to explore in future work. This is my first ever Robert Poff book, but they are an author I will 100% be picking up again in the future.

[J.A. Barrios · Rating 5 out of 5]

David S. Dear's performance with Royal Poff's emotionally rich writing truly brings this character drama to life!

This is set during a post-apocalyptic world due to an infectious disease turning people into flesh eating fiends, but that's not the main focus. This story is actually about love, survival, and what one must go do to protect both. Atlas and Moose struggle to survive in this new world, but they at least have each other, that is until one of them gets infected. A crossroads opens up for the infected- to maintain their love and keep searching for a possible safe zone or separate and not risk eating the other.

Poff's poetic prose is phenomenal and I loved the descriptions of the flesh consumption. Satiating the crazed hunger is described with ecstasy, bordering sexual pleasure. It reminded me of the drug connotations the vampires had while consuming blood in "Only Lovers Left Alive." In this story the infection is also comparable to the drug addiction satisfying that hunger just enough before needing the next hit.

I felt for the characters, they were real, tangible. I know I would've been in tears had I read this as opposed to listening to the audio. I can't wait for my second round with the physical book.

[Clank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping Among Wolves is a novella about two boys, Atlas and Moose, trying to find safety during the apocalypse. Atlas has been infected with a disease that is turning people into monsters, gorging themselves on other humans. He is desperately trying to get Moose to safety, whilst fighting the urge to take a bite out of his lover.
What really stood out to me about this take on the apocalypse/zombie genre was being inside of the mind of someone in love, and hungry. I’m such a sucker for romantic cannibalism, and this hit a very specific interest of mine. I don’t know that I’ve read something before from the POV of someone turning.
This work is very descriptive, and gorey, a plus in my book. Sleeping Among Wolves manages to pack a lot of information into few pages, taking us on a journey as Atlas tries to find sanctuary for moose, as well as giving us some insight into their past. I found it hard to look away once I started.
I would recommend this to fans of Rapture, and those of you who avoid HEA’s at all costs.

For full transparency I did beta read this! I enjoyed it and all opinions are honest/my own.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a refreshing mix of zombies and werewolves (at least IMO). Atlas and Moose are two young men who are in love and just trying to stay alive during an outbreak that turns people into ravenous flesh eating wolves. There is plenty of action, gore and violence, but what really sets it apart is the lengths someone will go to in order to protect those they love.

From the very start, the reader knows how this story will end, but the author still manages to give you hope in the direst of circumstances. The emotions felt by the two main characters will truly tear at your heartstrings and stick with you for a long time. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version and the narrator did a wonderful job. My only complaint about the book is that it tended to jump around with each chapter and I often thought that I had missed something. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read if you like post-apocalyptic horror with plenty of emotion.

[River 🔪🩸 (horror.books.and.chill) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fast paced, gripping, read from start to finish. It had me hooked from the first chapter and had me hooked to the very end.

Filled with emotion, heartache, edge of your seat thrill, this little novella was phenomenal. It was highly descriptive and detailed, bloody and gory, had *gasp* cannibalism (call me a weirdo but I love me a good book about cannibalism).

The writing had such a nice, beautiful flow to it that kept me in the story.

I loved learning a little of the backstory with our two MC’s Atlas and Moose. Learning how they came to be where they’re at.

This novella was truly remarkable in all the ways I love for a novella to be; fast paced, gory, descriptive, gripping, and engaging. Robert Royal Poff did a phenomenal job writing this and I cannot wait to read more 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Kiera ☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This completely gripped me from the first page and never let go. A beautiful twisted story of a couple’s journey trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. One where the infected slowly turn to complete and utter bloodlust & hunger of the flesh. This was horrifying & grotesque but meanwhile Poff is able to intertwine such a beautiful, all consuming love story.

I never knew quite where Poff was taking it through the entirety of the read up until the very last page which absolutely wrecked me in the best way.

Parts of this novella made me nauseous and others nearly brought me to tears. I really cannot recommend this enough. It comes out March 7th, make sure you get your hands on this. Honoured to have been able to read this gem pre-launch.

[John Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go to save the one you love? That is the question posed by the author in this zombie story that is a good deal different than what you may have been expecting going in?

Yes, there are plenty of great action set pieces with the infected, but make no mistake about it, this is a love story from start to finish.

We get a nice look at the relationship between Atlas and Moose via some flashbacks, including their first date, which ends just as the infected begin to take over.

This is a tale that is equal parts sad and uplifting at the same time, as it shows the best and worst that humanity has to offer.

Sleeping Among Wolves is a story that will stick with me for quite some time.

[Andrés Menéndez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have enough words to describe the excitement, sadness, love, hate, hope, despair, and joy I felt while reading Sleeping Among Wolves, but these will have to be enough. The protagonists in this book are amazing and realistic, there is a lot of action, horror, and romance without outshining one another. It's perfectly balanced, and it's impossible to not love the relationship between Atlas and Moose and suffer every time something horrible happens. I couldn't avoid thinking about The Walking Dead by Telltale Games and The Last Of Us, reading about a journey where you so desperately want it to end with happiness and hope, but knowing the chances of that happening are close to zero. I can't recommend this book enough; it's one of the books I'll think about all my life.

[Megan Stockton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really unique spin on the "zombie apocalypse". The author's writing and descriptions are beautiful when they're allowed to flourish in this terrible world we are presented with. The gore hits the mark when it happens, too: Poff bringing a certain eroticism to the moments of brutal cannibalism and slow surrender to the craving of the infection. I also want to note that I'm usually not into romance (unless it's smutty) but the romance in this book was perfect and just enough for us to feel the sting and raise the stakes for our MCs. The ending was confident, and exactly what it needed to be.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic apocalyptic novella about a couple dealing with an infection that is killing the people around them. It starts off a bit culty, then it turns into an adventure and a race against time. I've never really been much of a romance fan, but this one was super sweet and heartbreaking. It's not exactly a romance exclusively, definitely more horror, but the two main characters and their love for each other is very central to the plot and the ending. There are some typical apocalypse tropes in here, but it was a very well-written story. I would definitely read more books by this author.

[Toby Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story of Atlas and Moose, a couple in love but caught in a new world of zombies. Atlas hears of a safe community for them to survive. Unfortunately, Atlas gets bit and slowly turns into a zombie. He tries so hard to get Moose to safety but run into some interesting individuals along the way.

There is some gore but it is definitely a love story between Atlas and Moose. Well done and I highly recommend.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Those who sleep with the wolves get bitten”

What a short engaging action packed story. It drips you right in the middle of the action and slowly it will explain what’s going on. While it’s just another zombie story it’s was done differently told through the POV of that effected I enjoyed this twist. They are trying to find safety for his bf before the virus takes him over fully. The relationship between the 2 MMC was sweet and moving.

[Amber Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella grips you from the very beginning. I was immediately drawn in. The writing does not read like an authors first work. Im definitely here for more! There was nonstop action, and the relationship that was built had me shedding a few tears. For anybody looking for a quick paced apocalyptic horror with a strong character connection, I would highly recommend it.

I purchased this novella as a special edition from Twisted Retreat, and it's absolutely gorgeous.