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Doomware #1
Doomware
It is a future time, when brain-based cybernetic computers are all but universal throughout humanity. A computer virus of unprecedented potency has swept across the globe, laying waste to technology and leaving half of the world's population dead. The other half are neither dead nor alive – they are zombies, reanimated not by witchcraft, but by the virus infecting their brainware.
David Lawney – an acybernetic, whose body rejected brainware as a child – has survived the disaster only to face a London teeming with horrors. Against the mounting odds formed by zombie hordes, bands of acybernetic outlaws and an escaped AI construct, he must fight to protect a fellow survivor, a young boy, whose existence may hold the key to the only remaining record of all human history.
(WARNING: Contains adult themes, violence and M/M romance.)
David Lawney – an acybernetic, whose body rejected brainware as a child – has survived the disaster only to face a London teeming with horrors. Against the mounting odds formed by zombie hordes, bands of acybernetic outlaws and an escaped AI construct, he must fight to protect a fellow survivor, a young boy, whose existence may hold the key to the only remaining record of all human history.
(WARNING: Contains adult themes, violence and M/M romance.)
342 pages, Hardcover
First published December 21, 2014
53 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 16, 2018
So to be honest, the beginning was rough to get through. The writing felt super stiff, almost textbook. I felt like I had to force myself on but eventually the book picked up and I was hooked. I wanted to be scared & this definitely freaked me out a bit. I had a few issues with though. As mentioned before, the writing in certain sections. Also I felt like this author would create situations and would let the audience assume what happened rather than just telling us. Like if someone had sex, or if there were an attack, he would write in a way of saying what happened, without actually saying what happened. If that makes sense. Another issue was the ending. The book, for the most part, deals with the day to day lives of these guys trying to make it in an apocalypse. Several major truth bombs were dropped at the end of the book and then it ended way too abruptly. I spent 200 pages getting to the climax and finding out the truth only to have it wrapped up in like 2 or 3 pages. Honestly, I’ll go back and give this book an extra star in the rating if there’s a sequel but ending felt way too rushed almost like it was incomplete. Even with my issues though, it was still a fun read. If you’re debating reading this it wouldn’t hurt to give it a chance.
January 6, 2018
4.5 STARS
I picked this up from amazon while it was free. Holy Crap did I score the JACKPOT of free books. All lovers of futuristic, graphic HORROR. With a side of post apocalyptic, sci-fi tendencies which is dressed with gory blood and guts, then you need to just read it OK. My few fellow horror loving friends know what I mean. I grabbed it during 2017 but it was released during 2014 grab a copy!
So it borrows from some tropes, big deal because most novels need to. So they can bring your zombiesque needs to life ∑8-) within the genre, but it’s only snippets.
If you like the tropes I’ve mentioned. This is one of those books that uses the base tropes to get established then that’s it. Doomware TOTALLY stands upon it’s own merits. It’s base storyline is excellent and becomes more and more apparent as it progresses and I loved the concept. Don’t begin to read this book and think same, same but different. Because it’s not! So give it a chance to unravel. Oh that doesn’t take too long either but it’s not straight off the bat. You also don’t get to feel the last thread of dread as to exactly what’s happened until the very end. It’s revelation is rather disturbing to say the least.
I initially picked this up for the LGBT tag? It was on both GR and Amazon, there was a chance for it to entail a M/M romance (I despise that tag) along the way but it doesn’t really happen. They don’t really get the chance considering the circumstances with having a kid around. It would have put even more emotion into the storyline of the ruined planet. I don’t mean a sappy love story or romance at all, it wouldn’t fit either character.
Speaking of planet’s what about the discovery of this futuristic race Either way I rarely say this but have said it a few times recently. The plethora of excess material Nathan Kuzack left behind with a million questions, could turn this into an amazing series or well written sequel. I vote for series! ;)
Speaking about writing, this book is an excellent novel and it’s also very well written and edited. This sneaks up on you because I didn’t notice it until I was half way through. Do not get 20 pages into this novel thinking it’s just another post apocalyptic, zombie horror story like I was beginning to think. There is a hidden depth to what becomes it’s complex and horrific plot that’s screaming for another instalment please!
I was nervous squirming and on edge while reading this book from page one until the end. That’s not including the heart pounding moments on top of that. I think that’s a gift that very few author’s possess but Nathan Kuzack has got it sorted.
To me the most refreshing thing about this entire novel was that fact that it was not another YA/NA book that 99% of people write within this genre.
EDIT.. I just checked Nathan Kuzack website and he’s seriously considering a sequel! YAY!
I picked this up from amazon while it was free. Holy Crap did I score the JACKPOT of free books. All lovers of futuristic, graphic HORROR. With a side of post apocalyptic, sci-fi tendencies which is dressed with gory blood and guts, then you need to just read it OK. My few fellow horror loving friends know what I mean. I grabbed it during 2017 but it was released during 2014 grab a copy!
So it borrows from some tropes, big deal because most novels need to. So they can bring your zombiesque needs to life ∑8-) within the genre, but it’s only snippets.
If you like the tropes I’ve mentioned. This is one of those books that uses the base tropes to get established then that’s it. Doomware TOTALLY stands upon it’s own merits. It’s base storyline is excellent and becomes more and more apparent as it progresses and I loved the concept. Don’t begin to read this book and think same, same but different. Because it’s not! So give it a chance to unravel. Oh that doesn’t take too long either but it’s not straight off the bat. You also don’t get to feel the last thread of dread as to exactly what’s happened until the very end. It’s revelation is rather disturbing to say the least.
I initially picked this up for the LGBT tag? It was on both GR and Amazon, there was a chance for it to entail a M/M romance (I despise that tag) along the way but it doesn’t really happen. They don’t really get the chance considering the circumstances with having a kid around. It would have put even more emotion into the storyline of the ruined planet. I don’t mean a sappy love story or romance at all, it wouldn’t fit either character.
Speaking of planet’s what about the discovery of this futuristic race Either way I rarely say this but have said it a few times recently. The plethora of excess material Nathan Kuzack left behind with a million questions, could turn this into an amazing series or well written sequel. I vote for series! ;)
Speaking about writing, this book is an excellent novel and it’s also very well written and edited. This sneaks up on you because I didn’t notice it until I was half way through. Do not get 20 pages into this novel thinking it’s just another post apocalyptic, zombie horror story like I was beginning to think. There is a hidden depth to what becomes it’s complex and horrific plot that’s screaming for another instalment please!
I was nervous squirming and on edge while reading this book from page one until the end. That’s not including the heart pounding moments on top of that. I think that’s a gift that very few author’s possess but Nathan Kuzack has got it sorted.
To me the most refreshing thing about this entire novel was that fact that it was not another YA/NA book that 99% of people write within this genre.
EDIT.. I just checked Nathan Kuzack website and he’s seriously considering a sequel! YAY!
May 29, 2017
The only thing that I liked was the references used so nicely to fit in with david's stream of consciousness. However, the story was bland and got stale after a while even though i loved the premise and setting of the story. The plot was mediocre at best, while the last half was a chore to get through.
May 24, 2020
I thought this was an original and thoughtful take on Zombies - and how hard is that to find! I loved the world building, loved how zombies were created. It felt organic and possible. I even liked the long time in isolation, and how that was slowly driving David into apathy and depression. All that felt entirely possible.
But I didn't love either MC, or the writing style. It felt ponderous and heavy handed. I highlight sentences I like, but the sentences I highlighted here were ones that were clumsy or overwritten. So 4.5 stars on plot and original ideas, but 2 stars on the telling and 2 stars on characterization. Really the second MC really felt like a plot device to me rather than a cohesive person.
There is a second book in the series but I'm not going to get it. I'm satisfied with the outcome as is.
But I didn't love either MC, or the writing style. It felt ponderous and heavy handed. I highlight sentences I like, but the sentences I highlighted here were ones that were clumsy or overwritten. So 4.5 stars on plot and original ideas, but 2 stars on the telling and 2 stars on characterization. Really the second MC really felt like a plot device to me rather than a cohesive person.
There is a second book in the series but I'm not going to get it. I'm satisfied with the outcome as is.
February 13, 2018
This has everything a dystopian book should have. It was beautiful! That it also showed parental love was something I really liked.
August 21, 2020
I can't believe I got this book for free from Google play. I straight up loved it. Other reviews say that the begining is too slow and boring, but I thought it was very, very fitting, and I wouldn't have liked it to be any other way. I really liked following the main character day by day while he is alone during the apocalypse (fitting lecture for the Covid outbreak, I'd say). And once the action picked up, it had me on the edge of my seat at all times. I would definitely have liked a slower (or longer?) ending, but I am now eager to read the sequel. I devoured this book and am so happy to have found such a treasure.
February 21, 2015
This went from a creepingly haunting post-apocalyptic landscape to an powerful story of love, survival and intrigue in a very short space of time indeed. I want to see what happens next, now, I do hope we get a sequel.
March 26, 2020
i went in expecting a romance so was a bit surprised to get an apocalypse thriller, with the Tarot/David romance very much in the background and not really developed at all.
the prologue was terrible and almost made me stop reading, but the book picked up a lot, though the writing was oddly formal and the repeated use of 'the boy' for Shawn was weird.
it also felt a bit didactic/repetitive, but was also quoteable in places and disturbingly applicable to these times in places.
It felt paced well, except maybe Shawn could have arrived earlier, and was def. gripping by the end but I don't feel compelled to read book.
the relationship between David and Shawn was a high spot, I liked their dynamic and the depiction of Shawn
the prologue was terrible and almost made me stop reading, but the book picked up a lot, though the writing was oddly formal and the repeated use of 'the boy' for Shawn was weird.
it also felt a bit didactic/repetitive, but was also quoteable in places and disturbingly applicable to these times in places.
It felt paced well, except maybe Shawn could have arrived earlier, and was def. gripping by the end but I don't feel compelled to read book.
the relationship between David and Shawn was a high spot, I liked their dynamic and the depiction of Shawn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
Reading this zombie apocalypse novel was an odd one for me because there were lots of things about it that I didn't like, but I still found myself wanting to read the sequel.
I think this is because the core emotional beat of the film - the growth of a man who has always felt alone into the surrogate father of a young boy - works quite well. That and a desire to see how the story plays out kept me going, despite a number of issues along the way.
These issues conspicuously begin with the prologue, which is trying way too hard and comes across as very forced and overdone because of it. I very nearly didn't continue beyond it. Fortunately, the writing in the rest of the novel is generally more relaxed and natural.
I think this is because the core emotional beat of the film - the growth of a man who has always felt alone into the surrogate father of a young boy - works quite well. That and a desire to see how the story plays out kept me going, despite a number of issues along the way.
These issues conspicuously begin with the prologue, which is trying way too hard and comes across as very forced and overdone because of it. I very nearly didn't continue beyond it. Fortunately, the writing in the rest of the novel is generally more relaxed and natural.
January 12, 2021
wow what an outstanding mindblowing futuristic biospherical adventurous read! There's chapter upon chapters of assumptions and why what ifs,but the reasons for the apocalyptic cybercast was a catch22! I am definitely reading the sequel,I hate sequels too and if I spoiled it too bad because the sequel is nothing like Doomware it's just as good. That's why I recommend reading the authors series because each individual book is fulfilling and suspenseful!
July 14, 2017
Odd
A kind of science fiction zombie story but the writing style doesn't flow nicely & there are random flash back & dream chapters mixed in. Had to force myself to keep reading
A kind of science fiction zombie story but the writing style doesn't flow nicely & there are random flash back & dream chapters mixed in. Had to force myself to keep reading
April 23, 2024
Unputdownable
This book effortlessly combines sci fi and horror, with great characters, and a storyline that both tugs at the heart and fascinates in equal measure.
This book effortlessly combines sci fi and horror, with great characters, and a storyline that both tugs at the heart and fascinates in equal measure.
October 5, 2025
There were some moments in phrasing that made me pause
August 23, 2015
This is an excellent take on the zombie / post apocalypse / dystonia genre, with a touch of sci-fi thrown in as well.
In the near future, technology has advanced to a point where endless energy is the norm, as it having a Brainware implant installed into your head as a child to control your body, ensure you stay healthy, and live a very long life whilst remaining looking like you're in your twenties.
Alas this won't work for small minority, such as our hero David Lawney which makes him an outcast, frequently picked on for having limited abilities, even though he still managed to be ninety at the start of the book.
However, when a virus infects all Brainware's, turning it against the humans it is inside, until they are little more than dead flesh kept alive by machines, out hunting for something to eat. Only those without Brainware survive, living as David a very lonely life with just a cat for company, until into his life comes a small boy, who gives David a reason to continue as things go from bad to worse until another survivor turns up. From there, the full horror behind the virus is explained, leading up to a high impact ending.
There are two distinct parts to this book. The first features David surviving and then, in the second, on a sort of quest, with a notable change in tone between the two, that is only partly due to David no longer being alone.
Perhaps the only downside comes with the arrival about halfway through the book of a character who is just a little too good to be true which is a shame as in all other respects this book truly deserves the full five out of five that I'm still going to give it, just for trying something different.
In the near future, technology has advanced to a point where endless energy is the norm, as it having a Brainware implant installed into your head as a child to control your body, ensure you stay healthy, and live a very long life whilst remaining looking like you're in your twenties.
Alas this won't work for small minority, such as our hero David Lawney which makes him an outcast, frequently picked on for having limited abilities, even though he still managed to be ninety at the start of the book.
However, when a virus infects all Brainware's, turning it against the humans it is inside, until they are little more than dead flesh kept alive by machines, out hunting for something to eat. Only those without Brainware survive, living as David a very lonely life with just a cat for company, until into his life comes a small boy, who gives David a reason to continue as things go from bad to worse until another survivor turns up. From there, the full horror behind the virus is explained, leading up to a high impact ending.
There are two distinct parts to this book. The first features David surviving and then, in the second, on a sort of quest, with a notable change in tone between the two, that is only partly due to David no longer being alone.
Perhaps the only downside comes with the arrival about halfway through the book of a character who is just a little too good to be true which is a shame as in all other respects this book truly deserves the full five out of five that I'm still going to give it, just for trying something different.
August 30, 2015
In a world full of the undead to be able to find companionship and fulfillment was a interesting story line. Though zombies for me are not my favorite villains, the way they worked in this story was a nice mix. You will want a strong vocabulary and understanding of the English language to appreciate this book. I liked that the m/m romance was seen not as a representation of just sex but a building love and companionship. I would recommend this book for those who like zombies, action and cultivated vocabulary.
May 12, 2018
among the best i've read so far this year. certainly among the best apocalyptic books i've ever read. a guy who survives most of the world that was zombified rescues a boy who also survived and is rescued by another guy. can't say more than that without giving anything away. but m/m romance? well, not so much save for a massage and a kiss. its centuries into the future. why wouldn't people be less concerned about who you might fall in love with? anyway, this book just can't be put down without wanting to see what happens next.
February 2, 2016
3.5 stars. Some of the writing is brilliant here (the two very intense action sequences were both pulse-racing and terrifying), and some of it seemed to be trying to hard to add deep philosophical meaning where it would have been better left unsaid. I loved the main characters and the setting and the situation and the emotional realities. I didn't love the "explain-it-all" ending and I wasn't crazy about the epilogue. But I'd read a sequel.
September 6, 2015
The first 50% gets 5 stars. It was fantastic. But after that it felt like the author handed this really great story over to someone else who made a shit show out of it. It was no longer the beautiful, poetic story that I was enjoying so much. I don't know what happened. And the character that showed up at the half way mark I totally hated. Overall- 2 stars.
August 19, 2015
aweeeessomeeee :)
March 13, 2016
I think it had potential but it just dragged on too long. The information provided was way over the top. I didn't even want to finish it.
July 1, 2016
Wonderful!
Most of the time I hate books that are part of a series, but I wish there was another book so I could find out what happened to David and Shawn. 5 outta 5
Most of the time I hate books that are part of a series, but I wish there was another book so I could find out what happened to David and Shawn. 5 outta 5
August 17, 2016
Review to follow.
November 26, 2016
5 Oh My Fucking God Stars.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews