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We're Alive #1
We're alive - a story of survival
A small riot in LA has spread past its containment. Three reserve soldiers are called to their deserted duty station. Believed to be the last remaining armed servicemen in the area, Michael, Angel, and Saul witness the true cause of the riot; people are starting to change and attack each other.
Armed with only what they can carry, they set out to secure an apartment building and rescue survivors scattered amongst the shattered remains of civilization.
In a world turned upside down, every day is a struggle, as those who have taken refuge in “the tower” find out that their safe haven is under constant threat. In this place, however, the strengths of those who stand together, might just be enough to live long enough to see things start to change.
Armed with only what they can carry, they set out to secure an apartment building and rescue survivors scattered amongst the shattered remains of civilization.
In a world turned upside down, every day is a struggle, as those who have taken refuge in “the tower” find out that their safe haven is under constant threat. In this place, however, the strengths of those who stand together, might just be enough to live long enough to see things start to change.
37 pages, Podcast/podiobook
First published June 23, 2011
36 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
December 23, 2025
Even better the second time. If I revisit a book/series for a second time, it is because it wowed me that much. Now it's onto a re-listen of season two!
June 8, 2011
BEST PODCAST EVER!! This podcast has the best sound effects, voice actors and plot of any out there to date. Listen and you are hooked, it's that simple. It's not your normal "zombie" story either. No, not in the least. The characters have depth, the storyline has momentum and the voice actors are so relatable that you could swear you lived next door to at least one of them at some point in your life. Don't let the zombie part fool you. This series is one of the best I've listened to in all the years that I've been listening to podcasts. It's told in a way that makes you feel like you're in the room or frantically running, or even firing on the zombies as they attack.
If you pass it up you are definitely missing out on some great podcast fiction.
If you pass it up you are definitely missing out on some great podcast fiction.
October 19, 2015
Everyone has a few books (or audio dramas, in this case ;P) they feel unbelievably passionate about. And generally, they are impossible to review, because words just won't do them justice.
It is frustrating; so very frustrating. And it is one of those moments where you wish you could simply upload your feelings so you can make others understand.
We're Alive is most definitely on my list, so I am gonna try my best to describe of how awesome this series is.
RTC.
It is frustrating; so very frustrating. And it is one of those moments where you wish you could simply upload your feelings so you can make others understand.
We're Alive is most definitely on my list, so I am gonna try my best to describe of how awesome this series is.
RTC.
February 21, 2013
I almost never give five stars! But this was great!! I understand that it was originaly a POD cast and then they put it out as an audio book. It is done like one of the old radio shows and has a full cast. It is so well done and entertaining that I didn't want to put it down.
If you have a long car ride ahead of you or work somewhere where you are lucky enough to be able to listen to audios while you work, this is just the thing.
Enjoy!!
If you have a long car ride ahead of you or work somewhere where you are lucky enough to be able to listen to audios while you work, this is just the thing.
Enjoy!!
November 1, 2015
I cannot believe I made it all the way through this. I was fed up by the third chapter, but the person who recommended it to me (over and over) promised it would get better. Long story short, it never did. The whole thing is unoriginal, the characters are laughably one - dimensional stereotypes, and the dialogue is terrible. It's also juvenile and chock full of sexism. Feels like a thirteen year old wrote this, and the acting isn't any better. I'm sorry I wasted so much time here, it's the sort of thing I usually don't bother finishing.
March 26, 2014
Before I continue my review, I'd like to point out that I had to create an audio shelf in GoodReads specifically so I could shelve it properly. That's my relationship with audiobooks. Just FYI. And yes, I realize this is a podcast, not strictly an audiobook. Blah blah blah.
I don't listen to audiobooks because the best time for me to do so is while I'm driving. I've tried fiction, and the experience falls in one of two camps: 1. Dangerous, because I'm concentrating on the story and not on my driving, or 2. Unfulfilling, because I'm concentrating on my driving and therefore miss big chunks of story. I can do two things at once, but one of them will suffer and I'd rather wait a bit and read an old-fashioned book at home than transform an otherwise great book into a chore. Nonfiction is doable, since I'm not worried about missing big plot elements, but I rarely think to listen to anything since my commute is relatively short.
So why did this one work for me? I have no idea. Here are some guesses: It was full cast, and thus sounded more like conversation than narrative, and my brain has gotten used to conversing and doing myriad other things simultaneously. It was more podcast, less narrative, so there weren't big chunks of carefully written description to get lost in. There was lots of action, sound effects, and all those wacky zombies.
Whether it was one of those reasons, a combination of them, or something else entirely, this worked for me! It was stressful at times, with the sudden noises and imminent peril, but it was also exciting and very entertaining. Non audiobook folk take note - this gets the anti-audio-reader stamp of approval.
I don't listen to audiobooks because the best time for me to do so is while I'm driving. I've tried fiction, and the experience falls in one of two camps: 1. Dangerous, because I'm concentrating on the story and not on my driving, or 2. Unfulfilling, because I'm concentrating on my driving and therefore miss big chunks of story. I can do two things at once, but one of them will suffer and I'd rather wait a bit and read an old-fashioned book at home than transform an otherwise great book into a chore. Nonfiction is doable, since I'm not worried about missing big plot elements, but I rarely think to listen to anything since my commute is relatively short.
So why did this one work for me? I have no idea. Here are some guesses: It was full cast, and thus sounded more like conversation than narrative, and my brain has gotten used to conversing and doing myriad other things simultaneously. It was more podcast, less narrative, so there weren't big chunks of carefully written description to get lost in. There was lots of action, sound effects, and all those wacky zombies.
Whether it was one of those reasons, a combination of them, or something else entirely, this worked for me! It was stressful at times, with the sudden noises and imminent peril, but it was also exciting and very entertaining. Non audiobook folk take note - this gets the anti-audio-reader stamp of approval.
September 22, 2015
These character are probably some of the stupidest people I have read about in a long time. The only reason that I will continue reading is because I hate to leave stuff undone. The only character that I like is "the old guy"!
September 16, 2015
A podcast turned into an audio book. Performed like a radio-drama with different actors, sound effects and a beautiful soundtrack. Highly recommend.
December 12, 2022
One of my favorites..... the characters especially will stay with me a long time.
November 9, 2012
This story is AWESOME! I'm sorry I had to yell, I'm just that excited. This is an audio-only story, created in serial form and released originally online through a podcast at zombiepodcast.com. It has a full cast narration and lots of sound effects. At first in struck me as a bit corny, because I am used to the type of audiobook that is read from a novel. This is read from an original script. However, I quickly got over it and just loved the heck out of this story. It's zombies but they have created a unique enough version of the myth that it is intriguing. They have done an excellent job through accents, gender differentiation, and more that it is easy to follow who is speaking in the story. The sound effects are fun, but I they significantly raise the suspense and creepy factors for me. I find myself becoming very paranoid when I listen for too long of a time period. And when I finally get out of the car I'm all creeped out and jump at the slightest noises. This is a fast-paced adventure and is a bit dangerous because I am loath to get out of the car and will sit listening long after I've arrived at my intended destination. It's great and I can't wait for more.
May 1, 2013
The best audio drama I have listened to! This and Sigler's work have got me addicted to audio narrative. The quality of the show is great, it's almost like closing your eyes while watching a high budget thrilling TV show, but obviously making more sense by audio alone.
Besides the quality, this zombie tale has some rather unique monster types and survival tales. I would rate this far higher than the Walking Dead any day!
When discovering the show during university, it was such a treat to have two whole seasons to snack upon. However when I had to wait for weekly episodes, the wait to find out what happens next was so brutal.
Give the show a try even if you are not a horror fan, because it's more drama than horror.
Besides the quality, this zombie tale has some rather unique monster types and survival tales. I would rate this far higher than the Walking Dead any day!
When discovering the show during university, it was such a treat to have two whole seasons to snack upon. However when I had to wait for weekly episodes, the wait to find out what happens next was so brutal.
Give the show a try even if you are not a horror fan, because it's more drama than horror.
January 27, 2012
Wow. This was GREAT. I am so used to audiobooks where there is just one narrator and normally I am quite conscious they are reading from a book. This podcast has a whole cast, sound effects (excellent ones) and a real ambiance that made it feel more like a movie without pictures. A little slow to start but by the last third I was sneaking off to listen to just a little bit more. Lots of action, zombie gore, suspense and humour. Loved it. Season 2 already downloaded :)
April 23, 2019
Very dramatic podcast. That ending got me going straight to season 2.
Zombies are attacking but these isn't just any zombies. They are different smarter.
But if they not fighting zombies the group is fighting each other and another group of survivors.
Zombies are attacking but these isn't just any zombies. They are different smarter.
But if they not fighting zombies the group is fighting each other and another group of survivors.
March 8, 2024
One of my favorite audiobook podcasts ever.
Like most zombie tales, this one is more about surviving against humans than zombies. Which I enjoy more than the zombie parts. Cool part about these zombies is they aren’t like the traditional type. They’re fast and some are intelligent but I think some have other traits that will show up in the sequels. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a zombie audiobook.
Like most zombie tales, this one is more about surviving against humans than zombies. Which I enjoy more than the zombie parts. Cool part about these zombies is they aren’t like the traditional type. They’re fast and some are intelligent but I think some have other traits that will show up in the sequels. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a zombie audiobook.
March 10, 2020
I just could not seem to find a reason to care about 90% of the characters. The author started to do something interesting with the 'zombies' but that turned out to be too Mad Max for me. I could only get through 60% DNF
January 16, 2023
Season 1 is extremely goooood the zombies are weird and quirky and good sound affects I like I like
July 31, 2022
So I've been binge listening to this series non-stop for the last few days. I'm obsessed.
It's not a book. It's a podcast. But wait. It's like Graphic Audio. If you don't know what GA is, it's a company that makes audio books with voice actors and sound effects. It sounds just like a movie, only without any visuals. Their tagline is "It's a movie in your mind." That's how I first got hooked on Mistborn. The Graphic Audio for that series is epic.
Now this right here is a zombie apocalypse. And if you know me, I love that stuff. I live for survival. And the zombie apocalypse lends itself well to that. We all know the limitations of the genre... it's not exactly the best prose. But if you want people blowing up stuff and the sound effects and swearing that goes with that, Walking Dead-style, look no further.
Pros:
1. It's a fricken movie in your mind. I love it.
2. Excellent voice acting
3. Scary as heck sound effects. When those things roar.... oooh.
4. Some original settings and events that I haven't seen done in any other zombie book
5. Some great main characters
6. Super creepy and scary stuff happens
7. Tension, suspense, horror, but not too much gore. It's not one of those where they explain in graphic detail how something happens to a victim's insides.
8. Some feels. There are moments where the characters are self-aware and really react emotionally to certain situations. It makes them more real.
9. Strong female characters
10. Great antagonists
11. It's not JUST zombies. There's something different...
12. Burt.
Cons:
1. I couldn't stand Pegs. Sorry, just a personal bias. And that coloured my view of the whole series unfortunately. So you may not hate her, but you are going to hate someone.
2. If you're used to the zombie genre this isn't going to be a surprise - the characters do some stupid stuff sometimes.
3. Season 2 and onwards weren't my favourites. Season 1 was superior in every way. I think the author may have used up his best ideas on 1.
4. Some minor plot issues later on.
Warning: there is swearing. I personally don't like swearing, BUT I can't see how you can write something like this, with soldiers in bad situations, and no swearing. It fits the story. It may not be for everyone.
Can't believe I only found out about this now. WHY?! Whyyyyyyyyyy!?
Anyway, give it a listen if you like The Walking Dead :) Just listen to the first half hour, I dare you. If you don't like it after 30 minutes, then it's probably not for you.
It's not a book. It's a podcast. But wait. It's like Graphic Audio. If you don't know what GA is, it's a company that makes audio books with voice actors and sound effects. It sounds just like a movie, only without any visuals. Their tagline is "It's a movie in your mind." That's how I first got hooked on Mistborn. The Graphic Audio for that series is epic.
Now this right here is a zombie apocalypse. And if you know me, I love that stuff. I live for survival. And the zombie apocalypse lends itself well to that. We all know the limitations of the genre... it's not exactly the best prose. But if you want people blowing up stuff and the sound effects and swearing that goes with that, Walking Dead-style, look no further.
Pros:
1. It's a fricken movie in your mind. I love it.
2. Excellent voice acting
3. Scary as heck sound effects. When those things roar.... oooh.
4. Some original settings and events that I haven't seen done in any other zombie book
5. Some great main characters
6. Super creepy and scary stuff happens
7. Tension, suspense, horror, but not too much gore. It's not one of those where they explain in graphic detail how something happens to a victim's insides.
8. Some feels. There are moments where the characters are self-aware and really react emotionally to certain situations. It makes them more real.
9. Strong female characters
10. Great antagonists
11. It's not JUST zombies. There's something different...
12. Burt.
Cons:
1. I couldn't stand Pegs. Sorry, just a personal bias. And that coloured my view of the whole series unfortunately. So you may not hate her, but you are going to hate someone.
2. If you're used to the zombie genre this isn't going to be a surprise - the characters do some stupid stuff sometimes.
3. Season 2 and onwards weren't my favourites. Season 1 was superior in every way. I think the author may have used up his best ideas on 1.
4. Some minor plot issues later on.
Warning: there is swearing. I personally don't like swearing, BUT I can't see how you can write something like this, with soldiers in bad situations, and no swearing. It fits the story. It may not be for everyone.
Can't believe I only found out about this now. WHY?! Whyyyyyyyyyy!?
Anyway, give it a listen if you like The Walking Dead :) Just listen to the first half hour, I dare you. If you don't like it after 30 minutes, then it's probably not for you.
November 8, 2020
6 out of 10
I... don't know, to be honest. I know that this audio drama is beloved by a large audience and I've seen recommendations for it everywhere. I thought this was just up my alley, because I love zombie stories. And while the zombies are really cool in this story, I can't get over how annoying and useless some of the characters are (ahem... Pegs) and how cringey the voice acting for some of them is. The story did pick up toward the end of the first season, so I'm going to keep listening and hopefully will fall more in love with this audio drama during the second season.
I... don't know, to be honest. I know that this audio drama is beloved by a large audience and I've seen recommendations for it everywhere. I thought this was just up my alley, because I love zombie stories. And while the zombies are really cool in this story, I can't get over how annoying and useless some of the characters are (ahem... Pegs) and how cringey the voice acting for some of them is. The story did pick up toward the end of the first season, so I'm going to keep listening and hopefully will fall more in love with this audio drama during the second season.
June 22, 2016
The main character in the book is Michael. He is an irritating prick and I wanted to slap him if that were possible. I think this story is only available as an audio version. It is acted, not read and I didn't like that either. The ending is a cliff hanger and that was another strike against it. The people in the story were often very juvenile and stupid. I only give it a 2 because I did listen to it all but won't be getting anymore in the series.
April 4, 2024
A really well-written and performed audio-drama (/radio-play).
I find this format a lot easier to follow than a traditional audiobook. It does a lot more showing than telling, instead of describing how guns are shot, you hear guns shot. You hear the zombies and the characters tell you how they behave through their reactions.
The first season has so much - hope, betrayal, war, recon-missions, scavenger-hunts, survival, smart-zombies, zombie lairs, world building. I really enjoyed it. The main thing that could have been done better is making the characters a bit more interesting, with a lot more depth to them.
4/5
I find this format a lot easier to follow than a traditional audiobook. It does a lot more showing than telling, instead of describing how guns are shot, you hear guns shot. You hear the zombies and the characters tell you how they behave through their reactions.
The first season has so much - hope, betrayal, war, recon-missions, scavenger-hunts, survival, smart-zombies, zombie lairs, world building. I really enjoyed it. The main thing that could have been done better is making the characters a bit more interesting, with a lot more depth to them.
4/5
August 11, 2023
4.5 stars. Dramatization + zombies, yes this is right up my alley.
The voice acting is decent and the story is interesting and fully entertaining. There are characters to love and some to hate. I was sucked right into the story and can’t wait to start the next season.
The voice acting is decent and the story is interesting and fully entertaining. There are characters to love and some to hate. I was sucked right into the story and can’t wait to start the next season.
November 3, 2024
Only adding this now, but listened to the whole series when it first came out. I remember the pure dopamine I’d get when I would check and there would be new episodes. So amazing, I LOVED this as a kid!!
Read
June 14, 2022Got to 27%. It’s an interesting format but I don’t care about the story or maybe it’s that the characters annoy TF out of me. Either way, I don’t want to continue.
June 3, 2025
Might be a podcast but I’m still gonna review it.
As soon as I heard the intro music I was sent into a deep PTSD for something I have zero memory of how the story goes… I am worried.
As soon as I heard the intro music I was sent into a deep PTSD for something I have zero memory of how the story goes… I am worried.
May 11, 2022
I listened to the first season and the sound effects, and voice acting are both well done. I can see why so many people love this series.
The action is pretty much nonstop. The zombies themselves are becoming more interesting as the series continues.
My problem is with the main character, Michael Cross, who is a tantrum throwing asshole. I honestly don't see why anyone would feel confident in his leadership. Most of his decisions are fly by the seat of his pants instead of well considered. And again, he's an asshole.
Don't like the misogyny either. Pegs is basically there to get yelled at, or do something dumb. Riley is the only woman that is useful. All the others... well some of them get to shine in the next season.
One of the reasons I'm continuing is that there is a new series that's just started called We're Alive: The Descendants. The series is now being produced by Rusty Quill who brought us The Magnus Archives. I'm looking forward to that segment.
The action is pretty much nonstop. The zombies themselves are becoming more interesting as the series continues.
My problem is with the main character, Michael Cross, who is a tantrum throwing asshole. I honestly don't see why anyone would feel confident in his leadership. Most of his decisions are fly by the seat of his pants instead of well considered. And again, he's an asshole.
Don't like the misogyny either. Pegs is basically there to get yelled at, or do something dumb. Riley is the only woman that is useful. All the others... well some of them get to shine in the next season.
One of the reasons I'm continuing is that there is a new series that's just started called We're Alive: The Descendants. The series is now being produced by Rusty Quill who brought us The Magnus Archives. I'm looking forward to that segment.
October 30, 2020
I listened to the audiobook of this, it is also free as a podcast. I tried the podcast first. The podcast is free but they are short chapters with ads. While binge listening, it became to add driven for me. I guess had I listened 1 at a time weekly, it would have been a different experience. The audiobook is the podcast with no ads and all put together like a seamless book.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. The Audiobook reminded of old time radio shows. Each character has his/her own voice actor. There are sound effects and music through out. The characters are not annoying and are very believable. No major character, as they divided the love out among 6 or 7 main characters. All these characters are flawed but, still lovable. Not too much gore, sex, or language so far, so would be OK for YA.
I will listen to the next book soon!
I really enjoyed the audiobook. The Audiobook reminded of old time radio shows. Each character has his/her own voice actor. There are sound effects and music through out. The characters are not annoying and are very believable. No major character, as they divided the love out among 6 or 7 main characters. All these characters are flawed but, still lovable. Not too much gore, sex, or language so far, so would be OK for YA.
I will listen to the next book soon!
June 23, 2023
Wayland's entire "We're Alive" radio drama is fantastic, well written, well acted & well produced. I missed the last season's podcast and decided to stop being a free loader and buy it on Audible. Creative, exciting, frightening and entertaining this last stretch does a great job of closing out this series while leaving the door open for future possibilities (you know never to leave a door open when there are zombies around, right?). Listen to the whole production and you won't be disappointed.
August 31, 2016
I listened to the audiobook, which seemed more like the audio from a tv series then a regular audiobook. Nevertheless, there was a lot of action and the story was intriguing, but there was no conclusion. A lot of books leave you hanging so you will buy the next one in the series, but they usually wrap up the main story. This one just ended in the middle of the action. I wish I could have my listening hours back.
July 28, 2017
I love the theme of the story. Rapid tempo and accelerating from start to beginning. It had everything to succeed if there would have been some creative writing supporting the story.
Goofy monologues and bad acting destroys it. I would rather have read it on paper instead of Podcast. Credit for great sound effects though. I strongly doubt I will be following the series any further from this.
Goofy monologues and bad acting destroys it. I would rather have read it on paper instead of Podcast. Credit for great sound effects though. I strongly doubt I will be following the series any further from this.
March 21, 2015
Amazing character audio drama, go start listening now! You will be right there with the characters from the very beginning. Thrilling story, great range of characters and very good audio story experience. I got into it because of zombies, but this is really more of a character drama and a good one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews