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Deadlocked #1

Deadlocked

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David was caught in the middle of the city when the zombie outbreak started. His wife and daughters were at home, stranded on the roof as zombies waited below. He would have to fight through hordes of undead, merciless other survivors, and a series of death defying stunts to get home. However, even if he makes it there, how can he be sure they're safe?

Deadlocked puts you into David's head as he struggles to get home. Then a final confrontation occurs that will guarantee his family's survival, but at what cost?

61 pages, ebook

First published November 9, 2011

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1951 people want to read

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A.R. Wise

38 books280 followers

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5 stars
825 (28%)
4 stars
918 (32%)
3 stars
734 (25%)
2 stars
281 (9%)
1 star
110 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
Profile Image for Giselle.
1,006 reviews6,593 followers
February 25, 2012
Note: This is a combined review of book 1 and 2 of the Deadlocked series.

A zombie apocalypse is far from a unique plot. George Romero made his epic zombie movie way back in 1968 and it's safe to say we've had our share of undead cannibals since. A.R. Wise tackles this widely used horror icon by giving us novellas from different point of views that, although short, are stacked with emotions, horror and realism.

As I mentioned, you can only go so far with originality in zombie stories, but I have to admit that this series has some twists that I never would have even dreamed of. Some are heartbreaking, others are disturbing, but it all comes down to realistic representation. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds most zombie movies more amusing than scary, simply because they're either cliché or outrageous. In Deadlocked, we're sent on a journey with a family who is bent on surviving, and A.R. doesn't shy away from the truth of how it would be. He shows us how Zombies are never the only ones to fear either. With everyone in a panic, some would go to great lengths to get what they need, losing all sense of humanity in the process. This one's not for the faint of heart!

We first meet David when the zombie apocalypse starts. We go with him while he's trying to get from his office to his family in the midst of this chaos. Then in book 2, we're following the story through Laura's eyes - David's wife and mother of his two small children. Both of these characters go through unimaginable ordeals to save the ones they love. David's story is a great start, but I enjoyed book 2 the most. We're thrown in the middle of the apocalypse where every page is filled with high speed survival. I also found Laura's character growth remarkable. She turns into this power house survivor that would do absolutely anything to save her kids. I found it admirable. It also makes us wonder how we would fare in her shoes. Would we be strong enough to survive?

As every installment is from a new point of view, we get to experience this gruesome apocalypse through different eyes, which gives us an original take on how different minded people perceive such horror. Written as novellas, the Deadlocked hands gives us quick, highly intense stories that I would recommend to any zombie fan out there.

--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
Profile Image for Paige  Bookdragon.
938 reviews645 followers
October 12, 2015
description

Deadlocked is a short story about David on the wake of a zombie apocalypse. It's not your usual zombie book and one of the reason why I like this book is because it's short and the author knows how to scare the shit out of you. I love the feeling of not knowing if the characters would survive or not.

And then there's the ending that would certainly make this book a favorite to all zombie fans. Totally one of a kind. Thanks A.R. Wise.

description

Profile Image for Olethros.
2,724 reviews535 followers
August 3, 2016
-Historia “realista” de zombis.-

Género. Novela corta.

Lo que nos cuenta. David está trabajando en la oficina cuando ve informativos que hablan sobre algún tipo de brote infeccioso que está causando incidentes. Durante el peligroso camino de vuelta a casa, intentando reunirse con su familia, descubre lo hostil que se ha vuelto el mundo que conocía. Primer volumen de la serie Deadlocked.

¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Profile Image for Kat.
477 reviews184 followers
February 23, 2012
David is your average kinda guy, salesman with a young family who finds himself thrust into the zombie apocalypse with no warning, and no easy escape. Watching events unfolding with horrifying speed at work, he begins his pilgrimage home to find his wife and daughters.

There’s no ‘down-time’ in Deadlocked. It’s fast paced action from the opening scenes right to the very end, making for a quick and enthralling read.

David is a good main character, there’s nothing unlikable about him, and his desire and determination to make it home to the ‘burbs and his family is nothing short of admirable. But what will stay with me the most is the incredible imagination of Wise in creating a realistic, scary storyline with some ideas that I’ve not read before in zombie-book-land. The writing is excellent – believable, well-structured and captivating.

The ending completely surprised me – it didn’t turn out at all how I expected which made it an even more memorable read.

If you do read this, you should also read the author’s comments at the end – there are some truly fascinating ideas about zombie writing and why so many of us enjoy these type of books. I’m really looking forward to Deadlocked 2!
Profile Image for The Digital Ink  Spot.
54 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2012
Deadlocked is a zombie novella of a four part series. The author is A.R. Wise. The Digital Ink Spot interviewed Mr. Wise recently and gave some insight to the story, that interview can be found here.

I was first attracted to the ebook cover. It looks like a screaming stone statue to me. Ever since watching the weeping angels on Doctor Who, I am weary of statues. My second attraction of course was that it was free.

Now remember this is a zombie story. All the elements are there to tell a zombie story. Plus, Wise adds character development to his story. Something that lacks in zombie short stories. Many can be just a meat grinder story. I liked the main character, a lot. He has heart. He has real feelings and emotions and maybe most of all regret. It's that regret that drives David forward to do the things he does to reach his family across town and then do what ever it takes to keep his family alive and together.

Who I really liked and did not get enough of was David's wife, Laura. She is one little firecracker. She is like Ripley from Aliens on steroids. The second book in the series tells the same events in the first, plus more but from her perspective. That sounds too cool.

I liked it and I think you will too.
Profile Image for David.
Author 20 books404 followers
February 19, 2014
This free Audible download describes a man fighting to get back to his family during a zombie outbreak. It was entertaining enough and the writing was okay, but basically it brought nothing new at all to the genre. The free sample consisted of the first chapter and part of the second, enough to give you a taste. I'm afraid it didn't captivate me. It was okay, but unless you're into all things zombie and just can't get enough of zombie apocalypses, I can't recommend it as a stand-out.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,799 reviews46 followers
October 23, 2014



Wow is all I can say about the first installment of the DEADLOCKED SERIES. This is David's story and what he would do to get to back to his wife and girls.

A.R takes us on a rollercoaster ride in this novella. He grabs you from the very first page and takes us right into the danger and trials of one man and his flight to get home to save them. A.R sets us up from the very beginning and just keeps adding to the terror that is going on. There is so much going on as the zombie apocalypses starts. The paranoia that goes along with it.

I know that it was just a novella David's story but I got hooked. I can't wait to read more . Laura's story will be a good one to read . and whatever happened to the policemen on the pontoon. These are all questions that are coming up as you read. I hope that I can figure out everyone and see if they will survive.

This book is reminisced of the Walking Dead, with the survivors doing anything that will help them survive. So if you like THE WALKING DEAD you will like DEADLOCKED.

So if you want a good quick read for this HALLOWEEN season check out DEADLOCKED Thanks Denise for recommending this set of books to me . YOU ROCK GIRL
Profile Image for Eric Dunn.
78 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2012
Plot: The plot was a little too abrupt for my liking in this book. There was no build-up to anything. The suspense of the plot was lacking in my opinion. It was almost like reading a check list. The thought of the plot was good, but the it just didn't get there for me.

Characters: I know I harp a lot on this blog about characters and the right amount of development. Having said that, I feel like the characters in this book were very much under-developed. They lacked depth in my opinion therefore it made it hard to get into the book as well.

Readership: This book is for someone looking for a quick read that is into zombie books.

I appreciate the author sending it to me, but I probably would not recommend it to anyone to read.

Overall Rating: 1/5
Profile Image for William Mills.
265 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2020
Although very short when read I got straight into the second deadlocked...... It is true what other reviewers have written, it is nothing new and its not as beautifully written as a robert mccammon classic but it is bloody entertaining and has me gripped and caring for the protagonist...... What more could an author want other than the reader to actually care what happens to its cast...... And I care... I like this and it is definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Hayat.
574 reviews196 followers
October 5, 2014
This is a zombie apocalypse novella with realistic story line, believable characters and a fantastic plot twist. And best of all, it is free! What more could you ask for?

'The apocalypse began when people were stabbed by tiny needles in crowded subways...Rumors of other causes of the disease started as well. people got cut by razors taped to the handles of gas pumps, water supplies were tainted, cafeteria food was infected; there was never ending stream of new theories of how it had been spread. I assumed it was paranoia, but I was wrong. This was worse than anyone's worst fears.'

David is your average Joe, a husband, father of two little girls out doing his usual 9-5 office job when suddenly he gets caught out in the middle of zombie outbreak in the city. People are attacking and eating other people. There is madness, mayhem and death at every corner and it is spreading faster than you can scream. What is a guy to do in these desperate circumstances?



Ultimately, It comes down to survival of the fittest and the most determined!



David has one thought on his mind, saving his family and getting them far away from this madness and horror.



This is the story of one ordinary man who finds and extraordinary strength of mind, will and body as he struggles to fights hordes of zombies, outwit other survivors who are even more deadlier than zombies and save his family no matter the cost to himself.



This book is a quick and satisfying read that will leave you hungry for more! Book number two here I come!
Profile Image for Maria.
201 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2012
Interestingly enough, I was only asked to review the first book in the Deadlocked series. But it was so short (they're all novellas) and so good, that I had to read the rest!
Deadlocked starts off as your average zombie apocolypse story - although you learn pretty early on that the virus may have been may have been brought on intentionally as an act of bio-terrorism. I found the mystery to be exciting and thrilling - especially considering I could totally see see this happening in our world today! But of course, my favorite part were the...

ZOMBIES!

When it comes to the disgusting, man-eating creatures, A.R. Wise does not disappoint! His zombies move a little faster than others I've read about, they can walk underwater, and change within a matter of hours after death. It was great! LOL. Their ruthless pursuit of flesh makes every moment terrifying. Even as you read, you want to make the characters hurry up and you practically want to shout at them!
And speaking of the characters - I loved them all - every single one. There are only a handful that last throughout all four novellas and I love that Wise was not afraid to kill some of our favorites - it made the story all the more realistic. The character of Laura, a mom desperately trying to make sure her kids stay safe, is the most bad-ass character I've read in a long while. She lives through some crazy painful experiences just to keep her children from turning into zombies. Her risk-taking courage is actually quite inspiring.

5 out of 5 stars!

Maria @ GoodChoiceReading.com
Profile Image for Ren.
155 reviews11 followers
October 15, 2012
I bought this book expecting, honestly, for it not to be that great. Since I've had my kindle touch I've slowly been seeking out the hidden gems of indie authors amongst these books. In this ebook revolution, as it truthfully is, sometimes you have to expect the bad with the good. When I saw the first book in the Deadlocked series, I was drawn in by the idea. I'm a little late to the zombie craze but what better time to start then October? I love to binge on scary books during this time of the year, so I decided to stick with my first instict to give it a try. I am soooooo glad I did.

When I started this book I was having reader's block--the inability to stay focused on a book, even if its good--due to having had a big binge of books earlier. My brain was pretty much numb. I picked up this book, thoroughly expecting my reader's block to force it back down. Not what happened at all. The quickly moving plot quickly caught my attention. It was fast action, quickly paced, and rather realistic. I found myself rooting for the main character, hating the thugs, and mortified and surprised by the ending. Wise sticks true to his word when he says that no character in his books are safe..

Wise is one of those gem indie authors! My only disappointment is that his book was not nearly long enough for my taste. You can guarantee that I will be buying his next book. You're doing great, Mr. Wise! Long live the ebook revolution!
196 reviews22 followers
February 4, 2012
Lately I’ve found zombie novels especially interesting. Deadlocked immediately caught my attention with its creepy cover. The summary entices readers with a memorable zombie-filled journey and that’s exactly what you get.

Wise doesn’t waste time. He gets your attention right away with news footage that will not only fill you with dread but awaken your emotions. The plot explodes into an all-out zombie affair as David and a co-worker flee the office, heading home. David sees some of the most insane and horrifying things as he leaves the office and it only gets worse the closer he gets to home.

Deadlocked is a fast-paced and thrilling account of a father’s struggle to get to his family. In the beginning, I wasn’t invested in David’s character but as the story progressed, his character strengthened quite a bit. Wise’s zombies aren’t the typical, moaning, sluggish bodies, which made them more appealing. The flesh-eating gruesome quality is definitely there, increasing the horror of it all. The living people in Deadlocked were, in some instances, scarier than the zombies. The human condition and survival of the fittest definitely has a place in this series.

I highly recommend Deadlocked: a Father’s Journey Home Through a Zombie Apocalypse to readers that enjoy zombie tales, apocalyptic stories and of course horror.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,397 reviews284 followers
December 23, 2014
Deadlocked is one of those books I downloaded for free from Amazon ages ago. I’ve forgotten I had it on my Kindle until I paged through the books on my e-reader looking for a quick bedtime read. I didn’t even read the book summary, so I had no idea what this novella was about until I started reading it. Zombies. Nope, not interested. I’ve read too many zombie books and I’m tired of the same old story over and over again. If this was a full-length novel, I might have just deleted it from my Kindle, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. Though it doesn’t offer anything new as far as zombie stories go (despite what the author’s note claims at the end), I thought this was a great start to a zombie series, because the author took a lot of time developing his characters (as much as one can for a novella). I don’t think, though, I’ll be reading the rest of the series. I’ve had my fill of apocalypses featuring the living dead for now. Maybe one day, when I’m in the mood for an end of the world zombie story again, I might continue reading this series.
Profile Image for Katherine.
234 reviews20 followers
November 27, 2013
ok, so..... I love this book, its exciting, cool, and shocked the hell out of me - in a good way!!!!!!!! I was stunned speechless as i read the ending, and i admit - i cried too. I got pulled into the story-line at the first sentence and i couldn't put the book down.

The first part of the story put me in a state of terrified shock as i read what was happening to these characters, especially the main characters family, loved them to bits. I think that what i'm getting at is that this book was better than i ever thought it would be, and i'm glad that i downloaded it. :D

and loved the author's notes too, it gave me more information than what i was expecting, and i like the idea of knowing what the author has to say, and how they came up with the idea of their story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and will be waiting keenly for more books to be written. =D
Profile Image for Kimberly.
15 reviews
March 7, 2013
First off.. OMFG!! (O_O) That's what my eyes looked like the whole time I read the first installment of this series. A.R. Wise did an amazing job of throwing things at me that I didn't expect. Wise.. if you're reading this let me just say that I love a naughty writer that doesn't obey the writing rules. Writers in general think outside of the box only to be placed in another by critics and publishing companys. But not you, you stepped out of both boxes and took a big piss on both. Now I never thought I would enjoy a golden shower, but sir you have proved me wrong. *Laughs* I can't wait to read the next book! If you're into zombies or a great story, read this novella!!!
Profile Image for Laura Crosse.
404 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2013
This is really short and not so sweet. It was free on my Kobo and it's a Zombie novel so I said hey why the hell not. Because everything that's free is not necessarily good thats why.

I didn't particularly enjoy this book at all. It's pretty standard, run-of-the-mill zombie apocalypse stuff and most of it was too cliche and ridiculous to enjoy. The main character is just too accepting of the circumstances he's found himself in and it all goes a bit too unrealistic towards the end with him turning into the sacrificial lamb. Blah...blah...blah.

The amazing thing is the author has continued this series on with another six or seven books at least. The mind boggles....
Profile Image for Netanella.
4,741 reviews40 followers
April 12, 2015
I liked this zombie novella a lot and will definitely continue the series. A family man is caught at the office when the za breaks out, and this is the story of his attempt to make it back home to his family. I enjoyed the story because it wasn't about zombies, it was about people: dad has just found out he has terminal cancer. The world is going to shit. He's spent his life working and not being with his family, whom he loves very much. And getting home is not as easy as it used to be.

Well written, with characters that are engaging. Nicely done.
Profile Image for Rin McKenzie.
231 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2015
This book was the first in the Deadlocked Series. It's the first person account of Davis trying to get out of the city to the suburbs to save his family in the Zombie Apocalypse. He has been o battle zombies, sharks and people to get them. He's almost killed on many occasions. What will you sacrifice to save your family from certain death? It's one of those " are you kiddin me"? situations. It ended unexpectedly and quite shockingly. I will read the other books to see how this plays out. This author may have something here.
Profile Image for Tracy Mcallister.
38 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2013
I gave this 4 stars because I was thoroughly engaged by the hero's story. I appreciate the realism of the approach that no one would believe it was zombies at first. This is extremely true to life and makes the story more alive.
Profile Image for Kelly Sylvester.
111 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2013
so my guilty pleasure these days. this is a great zombie series, you gotta be into that kind of thing, but wise is a fantastic storyteller, I am always on the edge of my seat, and you fall in love with the characters. check him out...you won't be disappointed!!!
Profile Image for Lucian Barnes.
Author 14 books135 followers
October 29, 2014
For me, this story showed potential. It was intriguing enough to keep me reading, but repetitive word usage ruined it for me. By the end, I was so sick of seeing "I thought about" that I almost wanted to throw my kindle.
Profile Image for John.
328 reviews
November 8, 2013
This was a nice quick and good short story. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
Profile Image for Danette Cole.
247 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2013
I liked this short story and I like the author. If you like zombies, then I recommend this!
Profile Image for Diane.
1,140 reviews41 followers
December 17, 2014
That was the most pointless thing I've read this year maybe. It's too short and although there are more books in the series, the fact that some characters died left me annoyed and frowning.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
935 reviews19 followers
October 17, 2015
I think this was a freebie to get a taste of the series and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Will check out the next book to see if I like it.
Profile Image for Rachel.
291 reviews48 followers
February 22, 2017
3.5 stars* I knew nothing about the book so I did not expect that ending to happen :o
Profile Image for Persy.
1,078 reviews26 followers
April 25, 2025
I LOVE this genre of fiction and all things zombie.

So, for me to have been so put off by the story, writing, and characters, I think we have a problem here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews

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