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As The World Dies Untold Tales #1
As the World Dies: Untold Tales Volume 1
THE FIRST DAYS: AS THE WORLD DIES introduced Jenni and Katie and their harrowing journey to the makeshift fort in the Texas Hill Country. But theirs is not the only tale to be told. In the first volume of the AS THE WORLD DIES UNTOLD TALES experience three terrifying tales of those who are forced to face the unrelenting and hungry walking dead.
Deep in the Texas Hill Country, a man and his little dog takes refuge in a bed and breakfast located in the hills above a doomed town where an infested rescue center might unleash the hungry undead…
On a deserted highway slicing through the desolation of West Texas, a woman struggles to survive as she faces the horrifying aftermath of the rise of the zombies…
And finally, discover what happens on the first day to Katie’s beloved wife, Lydia, as the world dies…
Deep in the Texas Hill Country, a man and his little dog takes refuge in a bed and breakfast located in the hills above a doomed town where an infested rescue center might unleash the hungry undead…
On a deserted highway slicing through the desolation of West Texas, a woman struggles to survive as she faces the horrifying aftermath of the rise of the zombies…
And finally, discover what happens on the first day to Katie’s beloved wife, Lydia, as the world dies…
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
24 people are currently reading
2314 people want to read
About the author
Rhiannon Frater
68 books1,656 followersRhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor) as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog).
She was born and raised in Texas where she currently resides with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).
She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.
She was born and raised in Texas where she currently resides with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).
She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 19, 2012
I will never get enough of this series.
With its extraordinary characters that all left a mark on my heart, and a story that kept it beating hard - As the World Dies by Rhiannon Frater has become one of my favorite series ever (and it's a short list). Thus, I rejoiced at the idea of the Untold Tales, where she takes us into the lives of different characters prior to their appearance in the original series.
In this volume, we get familiar with the stories of Lydia, Monica and Eric. Lydia is a significant character in the whole trilogy. Even though she is dead from the start, she has a huge influence on Katie's thoughts and decisions. She's the reason for Katie's unrelenting determination and strength, not only to survive, but to rebuild, to love again. I loved finding out what exactly happened in her final moments, as well as getting a glimpse at their previous lives together. It was truly bittersweet. As for Juan's cousin, Monica, she is a character I felt I never really got to know, so it was great to get a sense of who she is. Even though these stories are short, they're definitely still intense, with an abundance of emotion.
Eric's story is quite a bit longer. He is also a character that, although present quite a bit, I craved to know even more about. What he went through before the fort is terrifying; we see him struggle with heartbreak, loneliness, and of course, zombies. I feel like I know him SO much more - so much so that a re-read of this series is forthcoming! Additionally, Eric's story is filled with cameos of other well loved character that gave me an immense feeling of nostalgia to the point of tears. It's like there were all these precious moments that was previously missed due to all the chaos of the first days, and now we get to see it, to live it.
Even if, like me, you don't generally read short stories, do not look these over - especially if you're already a fan of the As the World Dies series. They are filled with as much humor, love, horror and thrill as the full length novels. If you're new to this series, you will get to glimpse Rhiannon's impeccable talent of leaving you on the edge of your seat, while making you ADORE these characters completely.
Seriously.
"Fuck you, Aliens!"
With its extraordinary characters that all left a mark on my heart, and a story that kept it beating hard - As the World Dies by Rhiannon Frater has become one of my favorite series ever (and it's a short list). Thus, I rejoiced at the idea of the Untold Tales, where she takes us into the lives of different characters prior to their appearance in the original series.
In this volume, we get familiar with the stories of Lydia, Monica and Eric. Lydia is a significant character in the whole trilogy. Even though she is dead from the start, she has a huge influence on Katie's thoughts and decisions. She's the reason for Katie's unrelenting determination and strength, not only to survive, but to rebuild, to love again. I loved finding out what exactly happened in her final moments, as well as getting a glimpse at their previous lives together. It was truly bittersweet. As for Juan's cousin, Monica, she is a character I felt I never really got to know, so it was great to get a sense of who she is. Even though these stories are short, they're definitely still intense, with an abundance of emotion.
Eric's story is quite a bit longer. He is also a character that, although present quite a bit, I craved to know even more about. What he went through before the fort is terrifying; we see him struggle with heartbreak, loneliness, and of course, zombies. I feel like I know him SO much more - so much so that a re-read of this series is forthcoming! Additionally, Eric's story is filled with cameos of other well loved character that gave me an immense feeling of nostalgia to the point of tears. It's like there were all these precious moments that was previously missed due to all the chaos of the first days, and now we get to see it, to live it.
Even if, like me, you don't generally read short stories, do not look these over - especially if you're already a fan of the As the World Dies series. They are filled with as much humor, love, horror and thrill as the full length novels. If you're new to this series, you will get to glimpse Rhiannon's impeccable talent of leaving you on the edge of your seat, while making you ADORE these characters completely.
Seriously.
"Fuck you, Aliens!"
August 28, 2019
I guess there are a few things to say about this.
I bought the audiobook which cost something a little north of $15. And I don't think it's worth that much. It contains 3 stories, first of all is Lydia who died one the first day and has only been heard from as a ghost in the main series. Then there is Monica and finally Eric.
Lydia and Monica were really just scraps and hardly worth the effort. The stand out was Eric's story which was pretty good. Just not $15 good.
Untold Tales 1 is available in kindle format for $4 and I think that's a fair price.
I bought the audiobook which cost something a little north of $15. And I don't think it's worth that much. It contains 3 stories, first of all is Lydia who died one the first day and has only been heard from as a ghost in the main series. Then there is Monica and finally Eric.
Lydia and Monica were really just scraps and hardly worth the effort. The stand out was Eric's story which was pretty good. Just not $15 good.
Untold Tales 1 is available in kindle format for $4 and I think that's a fair price.
August 22, 2011
YES... Rhiannon Frater put together a collection of three short stories to go along with her As The World Dies trilogy (for all her DIE HARD fans... *ahem* that would definitely include me!)
First short story was Lydia's... *sobs*
Lydia is totally one of my favorite characters in the As The World Dies series... even though she is already dead at the beginning of the first book. I know right? She is such a HUGE part of Katie's memories, that we care about her as deeply as we do Katie or Jenni! When I found out that Lydia's story was in this book I could NOT get to my computer fast enough to download it! You will cry. You have been warned.
Second short: *Monica*
Monica is Juan's cousin and we find her making her way across Texas, after the apocalypse trying to get to her family in Ashley Oaks... Does she make it before the zombies or a fellow human gets to her?
If you've read The First Days then you'd know! *Brunette taunting you*
Third short: *Eric*
Eric promised Brandy a romantic weekend alone... no cell phones... no TV... no computer *gasp*... So when the dead began to rise, it came as no surprise that they knew nothing about it.
Eric HAD noticed people around him behaving strangely, a bit apprehensive- having strange conversations on the phone, "Grandpa attacked the mail man?! What do you mean he BIT him?" but Eric ignores these things to appease Brandy.
After over hearing a phone call he wasn't supposed to- that had confirmed Brandy to be a lying cheater and Brandy finding out her sister had been 'bitten' the night before and was now laying in the hospital... Brandy LEAVES Eric stranded at the B&B. Nothing but him, his dog and you know... the zombies!
________________________
God, NO ONE tells a story like Rhiannon Frater! I'm not usually a fan of short stories, I always end up wanting more... Yeah, I'm greedy. As The World Dies: The Untold Tales is a bit different, because I am already so deeply invested in this series and I feel so connected to the characters that I will devour anything to do with the these books! LOVED it- hardcore!
Lydia and Monica's stories are really short, but no less powerful and compelling than Eric's story (which makes up the majority of this book.)
First short story was Lydia's... *sobs*
Lydia is totally one of my favorite characters in the As The World Dies series... even though she is already dead at the beginning of the first book. I know right? She is such a HUGE part of Katie's memories, that we care about her as deeply as we do Katie or Jenni! When I found out that Lydia's story was in this book I could NOT get to my computer fast enough to download it! You will cry. You have been warned.
Second short: *Monica*
Monica is Juan's cousin and we find her making her way across Texas, after the apocalypse trying to get to her family in Ashley Oaks... Does she make it before the zombies or a fellow human gets to her?
If you've read The First Days then you'd know! *Brunette taunting you*
Third short: *Eric*
Eric promised Brandy a romantic weekend alone... no cell phones... no TV... no computer *gasp*... So when the dead began to rise, it came as no surprise that they knew nothing about it.
Eric HAD noticed people around him behaving strangely, a bit apprehensive- having strange conversations on the phone, "Grandpa attacked the mail man?! What do you mean he BIT him?" but Eric ignores these things to appease Brandy.
After over hearing a phone call he wasn't supposed to- that had confirmed Brandy to be a lying cheater and Brandy finding out her sister had been 'bitten' the night before and was now laying in the hospital... Brandy LEAVES Eric stranded at the B&B. Nothing but him, his dog and you know... the zombies!
________________________
God, NO ONE tells a story like Rhiannon Frater! I'm not usually a fan of short stories, I always end up wanting more... Yeah, I'm greedy. As The World Dies: The Untold Tales is a bit different, because I am already so deeply invested in this series and I feel so connected to the characters that I will devour anything to do with the these books! LOVED it- hardcore!
Lydia and Monica's stories are really short, but no less powerful and compelling than Eric's story (which makes up the majority of this book.)
April 17, 2017
The Untold Tales series is a great companion novella anthology to the As the World Dies series. I'd advise reading book one in that series before reading these stories. I'm going to write just a few comments on each story and how good each one is so I don't ruin the plot! And how gorgeous is the cover of this book? I love the colours and design.
1) The Broken Heart
As Katie rushes off to get to court on time, her wife Lydia is at home, getting worried about the strange behaviour of her blood covered neighbour. What has he done to his wife?
Even in this short story I knew that Lydia is a character that I would have loved-certainly much nicer than Jenni! It is tougher to read this short story because you already know the outcome if you have read The First Days, but it is a great addition to this book.
2) Dangerous Highways
Monica has decided it is time to leave her boyfriend and then the zombie apocalypse hits, leaving her alone on the road, trying to find gas and safety, when zombies are on the prowl.
This was a decent background story, telling what dangers Monica faced in the early days of the zombie apocalypse.
3) Vacation of the Undead
Eric is on vacation with his gold digger girlfriend who he wants to marry and his beloved dog Pepe. When Brandy decides she is leaving, Eric is left alone at the property with only internet contact with a survivor at a compound to keep his spirits up. But should he try to find other survivors or hide where he is? The choice is about to be taken out of his hands.
This was a good story, though I wanted to hit Eric for being a doormat, and throttle Brandy for being the bimbo bitch from hell! I liked all the levels of the story and the way Eric discovers the fort and the possibility of a new life-if he can get there. Good story!
Overall I enjoyed this volume of stories. I have bought the other two in the series but don't plan to read them until I finish the As The World Dies trilogy. I look forward to reading them all soon.
1) The Broken Heart
As Katie rushes off to get to court on time, her wife Lydia is at home, getting worried about the strange behaviour of her blood covered neighbour. What has he done to his wife?
Even in this short story I knew that Lydia is a character that I would have loved-certainly much nicer than Jenni! It is tougher to read this short story because you already know the outcome if you have read The First Days, but it is a great addition to this book.
2) Dangerous Highways
Monica has decided it is time to leave her boyfriend and then the zombie apocalypse hits, leaving her alone on the road, trying to find gas and safety, when zombies are on the prowl.
This was a decent background story, telling what dangers Monica faced in the early days of the zombie apocalypse.
3) Vacation of the Undead
Eric is on vacation with his gold digger girlfriend who he wants to marry and his beloved dog Pepe. When Brandy decides she is leaving, Eric is left alone at the property with only internet contact with a survivor at a compound to keep his spirits up. But should he try to find other survivors or hide where he is? The choice is about to be taken out of his hands.
This was a good story, though I wanted to hit Eric for being a doormat, and throttle Brandy for being the bimbo bitch from hell! I liked all the levels of the story and the way Eric discovers the fort and the possibility of a new life-if he can get there. Good story!
Overall I enjoyed this volume of stories. I have bought the other two in the series but don't plan to read them until I finish the As The World Dies trilogy. I look forward to reading them all soon.
June 4, 2015
So this is 3 short stories from the first days of the zombie outbreak. I wish I'd of read it closer to finishing the series. It took me a minute to remember who was who. Still good and I really liked Eric's POV the best. My favorite zombie books are the early days of the ZA.
Lydia's story:
This one is the selling point of the book since Lydia is such a presence throughout the series. It was just way too short. I kinda felt cheated lol.
Monica's story:
I'd forgotten what a tough cookie Monica is. She wasn't afraid to take care of business lol…especially in this one!
Eric's story:
This one was my favorite and it was the longest. Poor guy finds out his "I'm about to propose to you" significant other is cheating on him and has the ZA break out all in one day. Eric had more sense than anyone else he was around at the B&B. Especially his spoiled girlfriend. We also get a tie in to the fort where Jenny & Katie are.
Lydia's story:
This one is the selling point of the book since Lydia is such a presence throughout the series. It was just way too short. I kinda felt cheated lol.
Monica's story:
I'd forgotten what a tough cookie Monica is. She wasn't afraid to take care of business lol…especially in this one!
Eric's story:
This one was my favorite and it was the longest. Poor guy finds out his "I'm about to propose to you" significant other is cheating on him and has the ZA break out all in one day. Eric had more sense than anyone else he was around at the B&B. Especially his spoiled girlfriend. We also get a tie in to the fort where Jenny & Katie are.
June 23, 2016
I love this book! It brought back all the memories of what I felt when I was first introduced to Jenni and Katie's world and I wanted to go and read the whole trilogy again.
This book and the other volumes that follow, give us an insight into the tale that very few authors give to the readers that enter their world. A small look into the lives and thoughts of other characters, not central in the plot line but important enough that they made an impact on us. Like Lydia, who was always the tragic beauty, who we wish could have been saved. Eric and Stacey, who managed to find love in a time where love and hope was scarce.
I finished it, craving the next! Any fan of As the World Dies, should purchase these books. They are not a disappointment but just exceed the expectations you didn't even know you had!
This book and the other volumes that follow, give us an insight into the tale that very few authors give to the readers that enter their world. A small look into the lives and thoughts of other characters, not central in the plot line but important enough that they made an impact on us. Like Lydia, who was always the tragic beauty, who we wish could have been saved. Eric and Stacey, who managed to find love in a time where love and hope was scarce.
I finished it, craving the next! Any fan of As the World Dies, should purchase these books. They are not a disappointment but just exceed the expectations you didn't even know you had!
December 8, 2014
Once again Ms Frater has hit the nail on the head! I loved getting to know what happened to some of the characters from the main story and their friends and loved ones. The untold tails of the desperate survivors (and the unlucky ones) was exciting, scary, sad, disturbing, heart-warming and at times darkly humorous. The only down side is that the short story on what happens on the first day to Katie’s beloved wife (Lydia) was a bit too short. I would've loved for there to have been more on this story. But on the whole, I'm very happy with this volume of Untold Tales of the series called As the World Dies. I can't to wait to read the rest of the short story volumes.
March 28, 2013
Great follow up stories to the As the World Dies series! I really enjoyed learning the stories of some of my favorite characters. You can never go wrong with a Rhiannon Frater book!
July 20, 2013
I love me some Rhiannon Frater!
July 27, 2015
Originally posted on Book Chick City. 7/10 on the blog.
I don't often read short stories. Not because I don't think they are good but because I prefer the longer story and character arc that a novel can give. But when I found that one of my all time favourite series had a companion volume of short stories, I had to read it.
I'm not sure if readers coming in as a completely new reader will find this small collection of short stories as riveting as I did. The first two stories are short and I think were written for readers already familiar with the 'As The World Dies' trilogy. Because I had read the first two novels in the series, I was able to read the short stories with a mind already full of the world and the characters and the groundwork and foundations had already been set so to speak. However, as a companion to the trilogy they are fab.
The Broken Heart ~ Lydia's Story
This was the story I was most looking forward to reading, as well as dreading. Katie, one of the main characters in the full length novels in the 'As The World Dies' trilogy is such a wonderful character. Her sorrow and pain she feels about the death of her beloved wife, Lydia, is really poignant and one of the reasons I love Katie so much, so to finally see how Lydia died is sad but a must read all the same.
It was lovely to see Katie and Lydia together in happier times, good to see Katie smiling and buoyant rather than fighting for her life and tormented by memories of Lydia as a zombie. But at the same time the ending to Lydia's story is inevitable, we know what happens, and it's this ending that is so sad and heartbreaking, but very fitting to the trilogy and Katie's ongoing story.
Dangerous Highways ~ Monica's Story
It was nice to see Monica's journey before she arrived at the Fort. Not a pleasant journey by any means having been threatened at gun point by a man who had lost his sanity with hungry zombies all around. After seeing his wife being bitten and turned into a zombie and then see her kill and turn their children into zombies, you can understand why he's gone a little bit loopy.
But this is a different world now and it boils down to survival. Monica has to do what she can to stay alive so she can get to her home town and her family in one piece. As with all of Frater's work, there's an abundance of tension and suspense that makes this story exciting and heard to put down. But because it's very short, you don't have to wait long before it's ended - far too short in my opinion, but a great little story.
Vacation of the Undead ~ Eric's Story
I didn't find Eric particularly charismatic in 'Fighting to Survive'. He was a bit weedy. But this short story, which is a much better length, changed all that. Eric is actually pretty cool.
This short story is Eric's journey to the Fort and what a journey it is. After a huge fight with his girlfriend, Brandy, Eric finds himself, and his little dog, Pepe, in a bed and breakfast with zombies shuffling outside the front door. Before he enters the Fort we see him fighting off hordes of zombies, saving lives and falling in love.
The first half of the story seems to have been influenced by the novel, 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson. Although Matheson's novel deals with vampires rather than zombies, there are many similarities; a male character, who thinks he's all alone in a post-apocalyptic world, barricades himself inside a house, drinks himself into a stupor on a daily basis in despair, who owns a dog...
However, despite these similarities, Frater puts her distinct stamp on Eric's Story. Her ability to draw you into the action, of which there is plenty, to captivate you with her descriptive prose, to capture your heart with endearing characters, is now a definitive Frater trait, and as with everything I've read by Frater so far I enjoyed it immensely.
I loved the duo of Eric and his dog, Pepe. The relationship between them is sweet, and a man who loves animals is a great man indeed in my opinion. However, the human facial expressions Frater continually plasters on Pepe does become a bit unrealistic. Whether it was intended to be how Eric interprets his dogs behaviour is unclear. However, the love Eric has for his little dog is one of the reasons I like him so much, and a love I can totally understand. I heart animals.
I was surprised at how strong, capable and dynamic Eric became throughout this short story. He grew in my estimations and transformed into a sort of unwitting hero. Now that I have a better understanding of who he is, I hope he has a larger role to play in, 'Siege', the third novel in the trilogy.
VERDICT:
I LOVED 'The First Days' and 'Fighting to Survive' - they will both go down as two of my all time favourite zombie horror novels *I can't wait to read 'Siege'. When I began reading this volume of short stories I was instantly pulled back into the zombie infested world Frater had created in her full length novels and I didn't want it to end. As this is a self-published work there are a few editing issues and some repetition, but Frater's writing talent shines through and these small issues soon became insignificant.
'As The World Dies Untold Tales' is a great insight into some of the lesser known characters, but Lydia and Monica's stories were not long enough for my liking, but that's probably just because I love this world so much. A wonderful companion to the 'As The World Dies' trilogy. I hope there's a volume two.
I don't often read short stories. Not because I don't think they are good but because I prefer the longer story and character arc that a novel can give. But when I found that one of my all time favourite series had a companion volume of short stories, I had to read it.
I'm not sure if readers coming in as a completely new reader will find this small collection of short stories as riveting as I did. The first two stories are short and I think were written for readers already familiar with the 'As The World Dies' trilogy. Because I had read the first two novels in the series, I was able to read the short stories with a mind already full of the world and the characters and the groundwork and foundations had already been set so to speak. However, as a companion to the trilogy they are fab.
The Broken Heart ~ Lydia's Story
This was the story I was most looking forward to reading, as well as dreading. Katie, one of the main characters in the full length novels in the 'As The World Dies' trilogy is such a wonderful character. Her sorrow and pain she feels about the death of her beloved wife, Lydia, is really poignant and one of the reasons I love Katie so much, so to finally see how Lydia died is sad but a must read all the same.
It was lovely to see Katie and Lydia together in happier times, good to see Katie smiling and buoyant rather than fighting for her life and tormented by memories of Lydia as a zombie. But at the same time the ending to Lydia's story is inevitable, we know what happens, and it's this ending that is so sad and heartbreaking, but very fitting to the trilogy and Katie's ongoing story.
Dangerous Highways ~ Monica's Story
It was nice to see Monica's journey before she arrived at the Fort. Not a pleasant journey by any means having been threatened at gun point by a man who had lost his sanity with hungry zombies all around. After seeing his wife being bitten and turned into a zombie and then see her kill and turn their children into zombies, you can understand why he's gone a little bit loopy.
But this is a different world now and it boils down to survival. Monica has to do what she can to stay alive so she can get to her home town and her family in one piece. As with all of Frater's work, there's an abundance of tension and suspense that makes this story exciting and heard to put down. But because it's very short, you don't have to wait long before it's ended - far too short in my opinion, but a great little story.
Vacation of the Undead ~ Eric's Story
I didn't find Eric particularly charismatic in 'Fighting to Survive'. He was a bit weedy. But this short story, which is a much better length, changed all that. Eric is actually pretty cool.
This short story is Eric's journey to the Fort and what a journey it is. After a huge fight with his girlfriend, Brandy, Eric finds himself, and his little dog, Pepe, in a bed and breakfast with zombies shuffling outside the front door. Before he enters the Fort we see him fighting off hordes of zombies, saving lives and falling in love.
The first half of the story seems to have been influenced by the novel, 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson. Although Matheson's novel deals with vampires rather than zombies, there are many similarities; a male character, who thinks he's all alone in a post-apocalyptic world, barricades himself inside a house, drinks himself into a stupor on a daily basis in despair, who owns a dog...
However, despite these similarities, Frater puts her distinct stamp on Eric's Story. Her ability to draw you into the action, of which there is plenty, to captivate you with her descriptive prose, to capture your heart with endearing characters, is now a definitive Frater trait, and as with everything I've read by Frater so far I enjoyed it immensely.
I loved the duo of Eric and his dog, Pepe. The relationship between them is sweet, and a man who loves animals is a great man indeed in my opinion. However, the human facial expressions Frater continually plasters on Pepe does become a bit unrealistic. Whether it was intended to be how Eric interprets his dogs behaviour is unclear. However, the love Eric has for his little dog is one of the reasons I like him so much, and a love I can totally understand. I heart animals.
I was surprised at how strong, capable and dynamic Eric became throughout this short story. He grew in my estimations and transformed into a sort of unwitting hero. Now that I have a better understanding of who he is, I hope he has a larger role to play in, 'Siege', the third novel in the trilogy.
VERDICT:
I LOVED 'The First Days' and 'Fighting to Survive' - they will both go down as two of my all time favourite zombie horror novels *I can't wait to read 'Siege'. When I began reading this volume of short stories I was instantly pulled back into the zombie infested world Frater had created in her full length novels and I didn't want it to end. As this is a self-published work there are a few editing issues and some repetition, but Frater's writing talent shines through and these small issues soon became insignificant.
'As The World Dies Untold Tales' is a great insight into some of the lesser known characters, but Lydia and Monica's stories were not long enough for my liking, but that's probably just because I love this world so much. A wonderful companion to the 'As The World Dies' trilogy. I hope there's a volume two.
July 18, 2020
Listened to an audio of this. The two short stories were very good. I enjoyed the heck out of the last story the most. It was very well done and I was happy it was not a short. I liked meeting the cast of characters and the things they did to try and survive. I will look for more books by Rhiannon.
November 5, 2018
Backstory
I read the series several years back and always knew I would eventually get to these backstories. I just wish I'd have done it sooner as my memory of some of the characters are not so fresh.
I read the series several years back and always knew I would eventually get to these backstories. I just wish I'd have done it sooner as my memory of some of the characters are not so fresh.
May 18, 2019
Good Short stories
I enjoyed each of theses short tales. I connected with these characters so easily and it left me wanting more. I'm about to get volume 2 right now. I will be reading more by this author.
I enjoyed each of theses short tales. I connected with these characters so easily and it left me wanting more. I'm about to get volume 2 right now. I will be reading more by this author.
July 28, 2020
This was good.I did not read the original series,but I liked the characters,even the ghosts, that these stories were about. Kathy Bell Denton was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
November 12, 2023
Enjoyable addition to the As the World Dies trilogy-it’s fun visiting characters from the series and seeing how others found their way to safety. Now I have to find my copies of the original trilogy and reread them!!
August 2, 2017
I really love the series by Rhiannon Frater...and these short stories of the characters I love were fun to read.
January 17, 2018
I want more Eric and Stacy!!!
November 1, 2018
After reading the trilogy, it is refreshing to go back and explore other aspects of the book. Well done.
November 9, 2018
Great additional stories are added to this world.
Amazing talent for character & wold building. Thank you for bringing the characters to life.
Amazing talent for character & wold building. Thank you for bringing the characters to life.
October 15, 2019
Amazing fill in for the backstories for the characters of the series. I recommend this if you are a fan.
September 30, 2020
Lot of stories about different ends to the world.
October 25, 2025
This was a really good way to show the side characters' stories. I love that Rune ran into and came across so many on his travels.
August 31, 2025
Amazing! I love the As the World Dies series by Rhiannon Frater, and this was the perfect addition. It’s a collection of short stories that follow different characters during the first days of the zombie outbreak. Dark, intense, and emotional, and it gave me even more depth to a world I already adored. A must-read for fans of the series.
March 17, 2012
I have a few blogger friends who absolutely swear that I need to read the As The World Dies series. After reading this I am totally going to. This book goes into the stories of some of the characters in the series, who as the title states, stories are untold. I have gotten to know some of the characters through their own stories and I need read more about everything having to do with this series. Rhiannon Frater sure knows how to do the whole zombie thing. It's intense, creepy, and totally addictive. She grabs a hold of you and pulls you right in. Each of the three stories in this book are amazing and really makes you feel how they are feeling.
The first story is Lydia's story called Broken Heart. Lydia and her wife Kate are getting ready for work and going about their normal morning routine. They are a bit bothered by the news about the riots, but don't really think about it. You can tell how much they love each other and it's really sweet. Their neighbor has been infected and Lydia sees first hand what is happening, and it's not just riots. The final pages of this story were very intense.
The next story in the book is Monica's story called Dangerous Highways. I will start off my saying that I freaking love Monica! She is totally badass, and super brave. She has a huge friggin monster truck (which works great for running over zombies) and she has a gun. The story starts with her syphoning gas from an abandoned vehicle that has been crashed. There are crazy psycho zombie children in the back of it, but she is getting her gas and then she's back on the road. Well apparently there was a survivor out of the vehicle and he is one scared mo-fo. I mean to the point that he is absolutely in a panic and doesn't even want help. He's friggin nuts after watching his family all get zombiefied. I won't tell you what happens, but I will say I need to read The First Days (book 1 in the As The World Dies series) because I want to learn more about this chick for sure!!
The last story in the book, and also the longest is Eric's story called The Vacation of the Undead. Eric is a pretty wealthy average guy who has a super hot model girlfriend. She is superficial, snobby, spoiled, and just really unlikable. I just want to smack him for even being with her. So they are on a vacation at a bed and breakfast because Brandy feels neglected. She wants his full attention, no phone, no Internet, no TV, nothing. He happens to catch a bit of the news when he is at the front desk and hears about the "riots" he is a little unsettled about it, but tries to shrug it off to make Brandy happy. She is already pissed that he happened to watch some TV for a minute. *rolls eyes* She ends up on the phone one night and finds out that her sister is in the hospital because she got hurt during the riots. We all know obviously she is going to be zombiefied right? She ends up leaving to go to her sister, leaving Eric behind.
Eric and his little dog Pepe find out about the Zombies and decide to hole up at the bed and breakfast. There is some food, and a gun so they have protection. They have an escape plan in place in case they need it. All goes well for a while, but of course the zombies make it there. He goes on the run with some new allies and they try to make it to a fort they heard about. This story is truly intense reading about their close calls and how they are trying to survive. Will they make it to the fort and escape the zombies? I'll never tell.
These stories, while all very different, are all about trying to survive. The zombies are gruesome and creepy, and the people need to learn to be tough if they want to live. There is no gloss over on this. It is graphic and awesome! You want a good zombie book, this is it. It's jut some of the untold stories of the characters, but I now know I have to read the As The World Dies series. I have had a taste of Rhiannon's work and need more now. 5 out of 5 stars!!
The first story is Lydia's story called Broken Heart. Lydia and her wife Kate are getting ready for work and going about their normal morning routine. They are a bit bothered by the news about the riots, but don't really think about it. You can tell how much they love each other and it's really sweet. Their neighbor has been infected and Lydia sees first hand what is happening, and it's not just riots. The final pages of this story were very intense.
The next story in the book is Monica's story called Dangerous Highways. I will start off my saying that I freaking love Monica! She is totally badass, and super brave. She has a huge friggin monster truck (which works great for running over zombies) and she has a gun. The story starts with her syphoning gas from an abandoned vehicle that has been crashed. There are crazy psycho zombie children in the back of it, but she is getting her gas and then she's back on the road. Well apparently there was a survivor out of the vehicle and he is one scared mo-fo. I mean to the point that he is absolutely in a panic and doesn't even want help. He's friggin nuts after watching his family all get zombiefied. I won't tell you what happens, but I will say I need to read The First Days (book 1 in the As The World Dies series) because I want to learn more about this chick for sure!!
The last story in the book, and also the longest is Eric's story called The Vacation of the Undead. Eric is a pretty wealthy average guy who has a super hot model girlfriend. She is superficial, snobby, spoiled, and just really unlikable. I just want to smack him for even being with her. So they are on a vacation at a bed and breakfast because Brandy feels neglected. She wants his full attention, no phone, no Internet, no TV, nothing. He happens to catch a bit of the news when he is at the front desk and hears about the "riots" he is a little unsettled about it, but tries to shrug it off to make Brandy happy. She is already pissed that he happened to watch some TV for a minute. *rolls eyes* She ends up on the phone one night and finds out that her sister is in the hospital because she got hurt during the riots. We all know obviously she is going to be zombiefied right? She ends up leaving to go to her sister, leaving Eric behind.
Eric and his little dog Pepe find out about the Zombies and decide to hole up at the bed and breakfast. There is some food, and a gun so they have protection. They have an escape plan in place in case they need it. All goes well for a while, but of course the zombies make it there. He goes on the run with some new allies and they try to make it to a fort they heard about. This story is truly intense reading about their close calls and how they are trying to survive. Will they make it to the fort and escape the zombies? I'll never tell.
These stories, while all very different, are all about trying to survive. The zombies are gruesome and creepy, and the people need to learn to be tough if they want to live. There is no gloss over on this. It is graphic and awesome! You want a good zombie book, this is it. It's jut some of the untold stories of the characters, but I now know I have to read the As The World Dies series. I have had a taste of Rhiannon's work and need more now. 5 out of 5 stars!!
October 22, 2013
For those of you who haven’t read the As The World Dies Trilogy or even volume one, The First Days, never fear. These three tales only tell us a small part of what is occurring in The First Days and mainly focuses on a few characters, spotlighting them and giving them their due.
The Broken Heart (Lydia’s Story)
Lydia, Katie’s wife, is already dead in the beginning of the series, but even in death she steals the hearts of fans. This is her story.
It’s a perfect dawn and Lydia is enjoying her morning tea, letting Katie sleep in. Screams from across the lake interrupt the quiet, giving her the willies. But as they don’t continue she puts it from her mind. She doesn’t know it yet, but this will be the last normal morning they share.
This is in the beginning, before the world dies and zombies are everywhere.
The companionship and closeness of these two really made me smile. I knew the outcome wasn’t going to be rosy, but I enjoyed getting to know Katie and Lydia and was so wrapped up in their story I forgot for a while that this was going to end badly. Such is the excellent writing of Rhiannon Frater. My first taste of it and craving more.
Dangerous Highways (Monica’s Story)
This short story takes place between The First Days and Fighting To Survive.
Monica is alone now. She manages to escape El Paso thanks to her dead boyfriends pistol and trusty monster truck. She keeps an eye on the undead kids in the station wagon as she siphons gas to put in her tank.
She’s leaving the memory of his death behind her, like a dust plume behind the truck. Heading to her home town of Ashley Oaks, Texas and her cousin Juan.
She doesn’t know if the town is overrun or even still standing but that’s her plan. She knows how to kill the zombies thanks to all of the movies she’s watched. But that doesn’t make it any easier. It’s a whole other ball game when you come face to face with the unbelievable in real life.
And zombies aren’t the only thing she has to fear. As a woman traveling alone, Monica knows full well the dangers of encountering strangers.
I really like Monica. She’s rough and tough, takes care of business, and makes hard decisions with no hesitation. I could only hope to be half as tough as her.
The Vacation of the Undead (Eric’s Story)
This a quite a bit longer than the first two tales.
Eric is staying at a bed and breakfast with his supermodel girlfriend, Brandy, and his best friend, Pepe, a Jack Russell Terrier.
Eric is wondering if he’s really in love with Brandy, or in love with the idea of her. She’s excellent eye candy on his arm, but she’s not really a nice person. Her true colors come out when the apocalypse begins.
Eric may come across as a bit of a nerd, but he’s smart and has a big heart. He’s also a dog lover and Pepe will steal your heart. Whenever a pet is introduced into a story, it becomes more real to me. It’s strange that we become so upset if harm comes to an animal, and take it in stride sometimes when it’s a human. I guess it’s their innocence and trust that does it.
I would like stories with animals in them to start with a disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the writing of this story. I’m not spoiling it when I say Pepe’s tail is still wagging, as he appears in The First Days and Fighting To Survive.
Rhiannon’s characters are brought to life and fleshed out in these three untold tales and reading these in no way spoiled it for me as I haven’t read the series YET.
I got to know them, like or dislike them, fear for them and cheer for them. Now that I’ve experienced the author’s writing, been sucked into her world, I have to know more. Have to know everything.
I received this book for my honest review. My review is in no way influenced and I'm looking forward to more in this exciting series.
The Broken Heart (Lydia’s Story)
Lydia, Katie’s wife, is already dead in the beginning of the series, but even in death she steals the hearts of fans. This is her story.
It’s a perfect dawn and Lydia is enjoying her morning tea, letting Katie sleep in. Screams from across the lake interrupt the quiet, giving her the willies. But as they don’t continue she puts it from her mind. She doesn’t know it yet, but this will be the last normal morning they share.
This is in the beginning, before the world dies and zombies are everywhere.
The companionship and closeness of these two really made me smile. I knew the outcome wasn’t going to be rosy, but I enjoyed getting to know Katie and Lydia and was so wrapped up in their story I forgot for a while that this was going to end badly. Such is the excellent writing of Rhiannon Frater. My first taste of it and craving more.
Dangerous Highways (Monica’s Story)
This short story takes place between The First Days and Fighting To Survive.
Monica is alone now. She manages to escape El Paso thanks to her dead boyfriends pistol and trusty monster truck. She keeps an eye on the undead kids in the station wagon as she siphons gas to put in her tank.
She’s leaving the memory of his death behind her, like a dust plume behind the truck. Heading to her home town of Ashley Oaks, Texas and her cousin Juan.
She doesn’t know if the town is overrun or even still standing but that’s her plan. She knows how to kill the zombies thanks to all of the movies she’s watched. But that doesn’t make it any easier. It’s a whole other ball game when you come face to face with the unbelievable in real life.
And zombies aren’t the only thing she has to fear. As a woman traveling alone, Monica knows full well the dangers of encountering strangers.
I really like Monica. She’s rough and tough, takes care of business, and makes hard decisions with no hesitation. I could only hope to be half as tough as her.
The Vacation of the Undead (Eric’s Story)
This a quite a bit longer than the first two tales.
Eric is staying at a bed and breakfast with his supermodel girlfriend, Brandy, and his best friend, Pepe, a Jack Russell Terrier.
Eric is wondering if he’s really in love with Brandy, or in love with the idea of her. She’s excellent eye candy on his arm, but she’s not really a nice person. Her true colors come out when the apocalypse begins.
Eric may come across as a bit of a nerd, but he’s smart and has a big heart. He’s also a dog lover and Pepe will steal your heart. Whenever a pet is introduced into a story, it becomes more real to me. It’s strange that we become so upset if harm comes to an animal, and take it in stride sometimes when it’s a human. I guess it’s their innocence and trust that does it.
I would like stories with animals in them to start with a disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the writing of this story. I’m not spoiling it when I say Pepe’s tail is still wagging, as he appears in The First Days and Fighting To Survive.
Rhiannon’s characters are brought to life and fleshed out in these three untold tales and reading these in no way spoiled it for me as I haven’t read the series YET.
I got to know them, like or dislike them, fear for them and cheer for them. Now that I’ve experienced the author’s writing, been sucked into her world, I have to know more. Have to know everything.
I received this book for my honest review. My review is in no way influenced and I'm looking forward to more in this exciting series.
May 26, 2012
Posted here:
http://www.betweenthepagesreviews.com...
I love that Rhiannon Frater wrote these short books that include some characters in the books you really do not get to learn about. Now you do, and I thought Vol. 1 was a great addition to read after reading the 1st book in the As The World Dies series The First Days. You will get to learn more about Lydia, Monica and Eric.
One of the characters that I really loved in The First Days that you don't really get to "know" about is Lydia. So I was ecstatic to read and learn about her!! I felt very strongly about her while reading The First Days, even though she was not really in the story, because she is of course dead. By the hands a zombie. After reading about Lydia, and now knowing what happened on that day, my heart is even more broken for Katie. My god. I am not one to cry while reading books. But, that little story about her touched my heart. Lydia's last word. *cries all over* You can understand more about how Katie is feeling, why she feels the way she does. Because of the love that her and Lydia had. And then for her to be taken away.. Literally I had goosebumps.
We learn about Monica. Who is Juan's cousin. She is on the hunt for her family. Monica is kick ass in her huge monster truck. And she's not afraid to use it. Everything about her part in this short story was great. I love how I can picture Rhiannon's writing. Very vivid. Monica is siphoning gas from a car that had terrifying zombie children in there. But she soon realizes that there is a survivor. This survivor has lost all his marbles though. Watching his family turn into zombies was just to mush for him.
You will learn about Eric. He is taking his girlfriend who is also a bitch, on a vacation, along with the dog pepe, that she ungratefully didn't want any more. This is a time for them to be together without all of the distractions in the world now. TV, Phone, Cable, Internet.
After hearing Brandy on the phone one night he learns more about his, bitch of a girlfriend, and what she has been doing, he also learns that these riots he heard about are not just simply riots. After Brandy's sister was attacked she decides to leave. Even though Eric is pleading with her to not go.. UMMMM HELLO STUPID GIRL. ZOMBIES ARE OUT THERE!!
Of course this know-it-all fancy smancy girl is not listening to no one. She makes the decision they are leaving, only to leave Eric and pepe behind, stranded. At this point I literally called her every freaking horrible name I could think of.. After some major close zombiefied calls. He meets some people who are in search for a safe place they heard about. The fort. Making it there in one piece is the only thing they need to worry about. Will Eric and his new friends make it to Ashley Oaks human?
Rhiannon Frater knows how to write a book. Whether it is a full length novel, or a short story like this. She knows how to create something that will pull you in, completely. Even if you do not like reading short stories, I suggest if you are reading the As The World Dies series you should read these!! They are just as amazing as the full length novels, and they give so much more to the series. Filling in the missing pieces of the characters, and making you fall more in love with this zombie infested world, full of strong amazing characters, who will do whatever they need to do to live. Survive.
Rhiannon Frater is amazing. Bottom Line.
http://www.betweenthepagesreviews.com...
I love that Rhiannon Frater wrote these short books that include some characters in the books you really do not get to learn about. Now you do, and I thought Vol. 1 was a great addition to read after reading the 1st book in the As The World Dies series The First Days. You will get to learn more about Lydia, Monica and Eric.
One of the characters that I really loved in The First Days that you don't really get to "know" about is Lydia. So I was ecstatic to read and learn about her!! I felt very strongly about her while reading The First Days, even though she was not really in the story, because she is of course dead. By the hands a zombie. After reading about Lydia, and now knowing what happened on that day, my heart is even more broken for Katie. My god. I am not one to cry while reading books. But, that little story about her touched my heart. Lydia's last word. *cries all over* You can understand more about how Katie is feeling, why she feels the way she does. Because of the love that her and Lydia had. And then for her to be taken away.. Literally I had goosebumps.
We learn about Monica. Who is Juan's cousin. She is on the hunt for her family. Monica is kick ass in her huge monster truck. And she's not afraid to use it. Everything about her part in this short story was great. I love how I can picture Rhiannon's writing. Very vivid. Monica is siphoning gas from a car that had terrifying zombie children in there. But she soon realizes that there is a survivor. This survivor has lost all his marbles though. Watching his family turn into zombies was just to mush for him.
You will learn about Eric. He is taking his girlfriend who is also a bitch, on a vacation, along with the dog pepe, that she ungratefully didn't want any more. This is a time for them to be together without all of the distractions in the world now. TV, Phone, Cable, Internet.
After hearing Brandy on the phone one night he learns more about his, bitch of a girlfriend, and what she has been doing, he also learns that these riots he heard about are not just simply riots. After Brandy's sister was attacked she decides to leave. Even though Eric is pleading with her to not go.. UMMMM HELLO STUPID GIRL. ZOMBIES ARE OUT THERE!!
Of course this know-it-all fancy smancy girl is not listening to no one. She makes the decision they are leaving, only to leave Eric and pepe behind, stranded. At this point I literally called her every freaking horrible name I could think of.. After some major close zombiefied calls. He meets some people who are in search for a safe place they heard about. The fort. Making it there in one piece is the only thing they need to worry about. Will Eric and his new friends make it to Ashley Oaks human?
Rhiannon Frater knows how to write a book. Whether it is a full length novel, or a short story like this. She knows how to create something that will pull you in, completely. Even if you do not like reading short stories, I suggest if you are reading the As The World Dies series you should read these!! They are just as amazing as the full length novels, and they give so much more to the series. Filling in the missing pieces of the characters, and making you fall more in love with this zombie infested world, full of strong amazing characters, who will do whatever they need to do to live. Survive.
Rhiannon Frater is amazing. Bottom Line.
May 9, 2012
*The Writer's View - a unique approach to book reviews. For more, visit me at www.camillepicott.com.*
I am totally flipped out over Rhiannon Frater's As the World Dies trilogy. Seriously, it's been a long time since I've been this in love with a series. I go to bed at night dreaming about zombies, which I think worries my husband a little. I think the last time I was this obsessed, it was with the Hunger Games. But I can't even compare this series with The Hunger Games -- they're nothing alike.
I'm just about finished with the third book in thes series, which I'll post about later. In the meantime, I couldn't just read one As the World Dies book at a time -- I had to get this first collection of short stories from the same series, which features other characters from the main books. It's what I consider a crowd pleaser. If you're into the books, these stories are a blast. I wouldn't recommend reading them without reading the main series first -- they won't pack the emotional punch, IMO.
Technical Craft vs Creative Craft
I began thinking about the craft of writing while I was reading Frater's As The World Dies, Untold Tales Volume 1. In my opinion, there are two sides of the coin when it comes to writing: technical craft and creative craft.
I define technical craft as the nuts and bolts of writing: correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. I think the technical craft of writing can be mastered by anyone. Sort of like anyone can learn how to multipy and divide.
The creative craft is less tangible. It's that umph factor in a book -- stellar characters, magical worlds, and rip-roaring kick-ass plot. Being a master of the Creative Craft isn't something that can necessarily be taught. I'm pretty sure Ray Bradbury or Jane Austen didn't take any Creative Writing classes. Writers like Bradbury and Austen are born with a gift. To continue with my math analogy -- I can learn how to do a certain amount of math, maybe up to algebra and geometry, but there comes a point where my brain just can't take the next step.
There are a lot of typos, mis-spellings, and gramatical errors in As The World Dies, Untold Tales Volume 1. So many, in fact, that if I wasn't a die hard fan of the series, I wouldn't have finished it. But I love-love-love the characters and devoured these extra stories. For me, the Creative Craft trumped the lack of Technical Craft.
This doesn't happen very often. I get annoyed when I see lots of typos and errors -- it distracts me from enjoying the story. I was surprised to find myself so engrossed in the world and the characters that I could ignore the typos. I think this is a tribute to Frater's natural gift for storytelling.
What do other readers things about Technical Craft vs. Creative Craft? Is one more important than the other? Can one be overlooked if the other is present? I'd love to hear thoughts on this.
I am totally flipped out over Rhiannon Frater's As the World Dies trilogy. Seriously, it's been a long time since I've been this in love with a series. I go to bed at night dreaming about zombies, which I think worries my husband a little. I think the last time I was this obsessed, it was with the Hunger Games. But I can't even compare this series with The Hunger Games -- they're nothing alike.
I'm just about finished with the third book in thes series, which I'll post about later. In the meantime, I couldn't just read one As the World Dies book at a time -- I had to get this first collection of short stories from the same series, which features other characters from the main books. It's what I consider a crowd pleaser. If you're into the books, these stories are a blast. I wouldn't recommend reading them without reading the main series first -- they won't pack the emotional punch, IMO.
Technical Craft vs Creative Craft
I began thinking about the craft of writing while I was reading Frater's As The World Dies, Untold Tales Volume 1. In my opinion, there are two sides of the coin when it comes to writing: technical craft and creative craft.
I define technical craft as the nuts and bolts of writing: correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. I think the technical craft of writing can be mastered by anyone. Sort of like anyone can learn how to multipy and divide.
The creative craft is less tangible. It's that umph factor in a book -- stellar characters, magical worlds, and rip-roaring kick-ass plot. Being a master of the Creative Craft isn't something that can necessarily be taught. I'm pretty sure Ray Bradbury or Jane Austen didn't take any Creative Writing classes. Writers like Bradbury and Austen are born with a gift. To continue with my math analogy -- I can learn how to do a certain amount of math, maybe up to algebra and geometry, but there comes a point where my brain just can't take the next step.
There are a lot of typos, mis-spellings, and gramatical errors in As The World Dies, Untold Tales Volume 1. So many, in fact, that if I wasn't a die hard fan of the series, I wouldn't have finished it. But I love-love-love the characters and devoured these extra stories. For me, the Creative Craft trumped the lack of Technical Craft.
This doesn't happen very often. I get annoyed when I see lots of typos and errors -- it distracts me from enjoying the story. I was surprised to find myself so engrossed in the world and the characters that I could ignore the typos. I think this is a tribute to Frater's natural gift for storytelling.
What do other readers things about Technical Craft vs. Creative Craft? Is one more important than the other? Can one be overlooked if the other is present? I'd love to hear thoughts on this.
October 21, 2013
This review is also posted on My Book Addiction as part of #zOctober2013
I have been wanting to read the Untold Tales for quite some time now, but I wanted to get through the entire As The World Dies series first. It didn’t work out that way. So far I’ve only read The First Days — my review can be found here – and it was brilliant, of course, just as all of Frater’s work. When this blog tour hit my radar I knew I had to jump on it, even though I hadn’t read the rest of the series. I’m so glad I did. Volume 1 is a compilation of three short stories that fill us in on the history of three of the characters from the series. First up… Lydia’s story.
Lydia is a favorite character to most fans of the series even though she is dead from the start. I’ve always wanted to know more about Lydia and now that wish has come true. As if I didn’t mourn her enough after reading The First Days, I bawled my eyes out once again, all while screaming, “No! Get away from him! Run, Lydia, Run! Tissues are a must for this one.
Next up is Monica, Juan’s cousin. Her story made me cringe. Child zombies totally make my stomach flip. It’s probably because I have children and I have a giant fear of not keeping them safe. It’s the same reason the beginning of The First Days totally messed me up! Monica had to kill her ex-boyfriend to escape her first zombie experience. She heads in the direction of her remaining family in Ashley Oaks. Along the way she has to stop to siphon gas and runs into some trouble, both the zombie and the human kind. Does she make it out alive? Ooh, ooh.. I know the answer!
Eric’s story is the longest of the shorts in this first volume. He and his girlfriend are off at a B&B for a romantic weekend when shit hits the fan. They have no idea what is coming because Eric promised Brandy he would keep his phone off and watch zero television for the duration of their trip. Brandy is a total WITCH – with a capital C, if you know what I mean. I wanted her to get ripped apart before there was even a hint of apocalyptic action. I was desperate for zombies to come and take her down. Did she get overrun by a horde and make my dreams come true? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Rhiannon Frater quickly became my favorite author of horror after reading The First Days and her In Darkness We Must Abide series. She has a way of pulling the reader into the story and living through the terror right along with the characters, then dumping you out with your head on backwards. That’s exactly what reading horror should do to a person. Reading this first volume of the Untold Tales makes me frantic to dive into Fighting to Survive!
I have been wanting to read the Untold Tales for quite some time now, but I wanted to get through the entire As The World Dies series first. It didn’t work out that way. So far I’ve only read The First Days — my review can be found here – and it was brilliant, of course, just as all of Frater’s work. When this blog tour hit my radar I knew I had to jump on it, even though I hadn’t read the rest of the series. I’m so glad I did. Volume 1 is a compilation of three short stories that fill us in on the history of three of the characters from the series. First up… Lydia’s story.
Lydia is a favorite character to most fans of the series even though she is dead from the start. I’ve always wanted to know more about Lydia and now that wish has come true. As if I didn’t mourn her enough after reading The First Days, I bawled my eyes out once again, all while screaming, “No! Get away from him! Run, Lydia, Run! Tissues are a must for this one.
Next up is Monica, Juan’s cousin. Her story made me cringe. Child zombies totally make my stomach flip. It’s probably because I have children and I have a giant fear of not keeping them safe. It’s the same reason the beginning of The First Days totally messed me up! Monica had to kill her ex-boyfriend to escape her first zombie experience. She heads in the direction of her remaining family in Ashley Oaks. Along the way she has to stop to siphon gas and runs into some trouble, both the zombie and the human kind. Does she make it out alive? Ooh, ooh.. I know the answer!
Eric’s story is the longest of the shorts in this first volume. He and his girlfriend are off at a B&B for a romantic weekend when shit hits the fan. They have no idea what is coming because Eric promised Brandy he would keep his phone off and watch zero television for the duration of their trip. Brandy is a total WITCH – with a capital C, if you know what I mean. I wanted her to get ripped apart before there was even a hint of apocalyptic action. I was desperate for zombies to come and take her down. Did she get overrun by a horde and make my dreams come true? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Rhiannon Frater quickly became my favorite author of horror after reading The First Days and her In Darkness We Must Abide series. She has a way of pulling the reader into the story and living through the terror right along with the characters, then dumping you out with your head on backwards. That’s exactly what reading horror should do to a person. Reading this first volume of the Untold Tales makes me frantic to dive into Fighting to Survive!
September 4, 2012
I've read the AS THE WORLD DIES TRILOGY and absolutely loved it. I bought the two short story collections set in the same world--for my Kindle--because I wanted to know more about some of the supporting characters. I also wanted to try out my new Samsung Galaxy Note. :)
This is the first Volume:
The Broken Heart: The title of this story pretty much sums up how sad this tale is. I mean, it's about Lydia--Katie's wife--so right away we know that it's not going to end well. Still, it was nice to see them interacting together, and to finally see how/what happened to her that horrible morning shortly after Katie left to go to work.
Very sad, but also very well written.
Dangerous Highways: Yeah, another story where the title is perfect! This one's about Monica--Juan's cousin--and how she gets away from the undead. When the truck she's driving runs out of petrol, she has to siphon some, and in the process comes face to face with just how dangerous and insane the world has become. It's not just the zombies that are a real threat...
I enjoyed it!
The Vacation of the Undead: This happens to be the longest story in the collection, and centers around Eric and his dog Pepe. The weekend he decides to go away with his girlfriend and intends to pop the question, also happens to be when the world goes to hell.
I loved this story because it gave me an insight into not just what Eric went through after the zombies started to appear, but it also showed a different angle and shed some light on the fact that this was happening all over the world. I also got a kick out of finding out just how Stacey and Eric meet, because in the trilogy they're pretty tight from the beginning. Oh, and Pepe. He's such a cutie!
This was an excellent, and very tense story. I was on the edge of my seat most of the way. (It did have a few typos here and there, but it certainly didn't distract me from the story.)
I love me some zombies!
This is the first Volume:
The Broken Heart: The title of this story pretty much sums up how sad this tale is. I mean, it's about Lydia--Katie's wife--so right away we know that it's not going to end well. Still, it was nice to see them interacting together, and to finally see how/what happened to her that horrible morning shortly after Katie left to go to work.
Very sad, but also very well written.
Dangerous Highways: Yeah, another story where the title is perfect! This one's about Monica--Juan's cousin--and how she gets away from the undead. When the truck she's driving runs out of petrol, she has to siphon some, and in the process comes face to face with just how dangerous and insane the world has become. It's not just the zombies that are a real threat...
I enjoyed it!
The Vacation of the Undead: This happens to be the longest story in the collection, and centers around Eric and his dog Pepe. The weekend he decides to go away with his girlfriend and intends to pop the question, also happens to be when the world goes to hell.
I loved this story because it gave me an insight into not just what Eric went through after the zombies started to appear, but it also showed a different angle and shed some light on the fact that this was happening all over the world. I also got a kick out of finding out just how Stacey and Eric meet, because in the trilogy they're pretty tight from the beginning. Oh, and Pepe. He's such a cutie!
This was an excellent, and very tense story. I was on the edge of my seat most of the way. (It did have a few typos here and there, but it certainly didn't distract me from the story.)
I love me some zombies!
April 11, 2014
If you have not read any of Rhiannon Frater As The World Dies series than I suggest you stop what your doing and get your ass to a bookstore or on a kindle and get it NOW! This is by far, the best zombie series out there. I don't care if you don't like zombies and think they are gross. The series is so much more than a bunch of mindless undead beings walking around trying to eat your brain out. It's about the human condition and what society will or won't do when forced out of their comfort zone and made to try and survive devastation when everything looks bleak. In the Untold Tales we get a glimpse and a back story on some of the characters from As The World Dies Series and what happened to them when all hell broke loose.
In the first story we get the backstory of Katie and her wife Lydia. Lydia is dead in book 1 of AS The World Dies Series and Katie mourns her death. In the Untold Tales we find out exactly what transpired that first day and how Lydia died.
Monica's story is next. Although short, it is well written and answers all your questions.
The last story, which is the longest in the book, situates on Eric's story and how he, his dog Pepe, and his GF had been at a Bed and Breakfast on vacation when everything went to hell. WE find out Eric loses Brandy when she insists on trying to get to her sister. However Eric gains a friend when he helps a young girl named Stacey escape from a Zombie horde chasing her, her brother, and her father. Stacey loses her brother and father, but she and Eric manage to escape by climbing a water tower and holing up there until they are rescued by the Survivors at The Fort ( You have to read the series to find out what The Fort is.
No one can tell a story like Rhiannon Frater. I've said it before and I will say it again that she has the ability to grab you on the very first page and not let you go until you are done with the story. Even then, the story will haunt you long afterwards and wanting more.
In the first story we get the backstory of Katie and her wife Lydia. Lydia is dead in book 1 of AS The World Dies Series and Katie mourns her death. In the Untold Tales we find out exactly what transpired that first day and how Lydia died.
Monica's story is next. Although short, it is well written and answers all your questions.
The last story, which is the longest in the book, situates on Eric's story and how he, his dog Pepe, and his GF had been at a Bed and Breakfast on vacation when everything went to hell. WE find out Eric loses Brandy when she insists on trying to get to her sister. However Eric gains a friend when he helps a young girl named Stacey escape from a Zombie horde chasing her, her brother, and her father. Stacey loses her brother and father, but she and Eric manage to escape by climbing a water tower and holing up there until they are rescued by the Survivors at The Fort ( You have to read the series to find out what The Fort is.
No one can tell a story like Rhiannon Frater. I've said it before and I will say it again that she has the ability to grab you on the very first page and not let you go until you are done with the story. Even then, the story will haunt you long afterwards and wanting more.
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