This is the second book in the Dead Hunger series. Just thought we'd make it clear in case you found this one first . . .
As Flex, his niece Trina, Gem, Hemp and Charlie brave the wild world teeming with the walking dead, they make up the rules as they go along. Flex Sheridan was an electrician before the world took a nasty turn; Gem, an artist. Hemp is a scientist who specializes in epidemics and also carries in his bag of tricks a mechanical engineering degree. Charlie is a metal and punk rocker in her mid-twenties who has learned how to take out two zombies at once with her crossbow. Each one of them has their own story.
This one is Gem's chronicle.
They know they need to stay safe. But they also know that to hole up and hide away is to allow the creatures who crave human flesh to walk the world forever. Join with them as they struggle to balance their natural tendencies toward self-preservation with their strong desire to rid the world of the zombie scourge. Our band of machine gun-toting nomads moves from place to place in fortified vehicles, keeping their eyes peeled for survivors, and zombie battles ensue at nearly every turn. But this is not a world where love dies. This is a moment in history when human connections and things of beauty are more important than ever; things to be embraced and held tightly to.
So hop in the Crown Victoria with the ballistic steel body and the swiveling AK-47 on the top, and hang on to your seat as Gem powers the car through hoards of zombies and gets her precious Trina and Flex where they need to be. Learn what Hemp and Charlie discover in the lab – a huge clue to what caused the epidemic that has 90% of the world hunting the rest. But after you meet this group, youll begin to wonder: Who are the hunters, and who are the hunted?
The Scabs Trilogy in my rearview mirror, and Dead Hunger long finished, I introduce Emma's Rose: The Cave! It's my new ZOMBIE series.
It has been a while since I delved into the zombie world. I really enjoyed writing the Scabs Series, but something was pulling me . Perhaps they were dead arms, peeling and gray, reaching for flesh. My flesh.
As usual my stories are character driven. Emma's Rose is no exception. I hope you enjoy the whole new cast of characters, and the new adventure, along with the new zombies.
A HUGE thanks to all of you who have read any of my work.
Now ... about me.
Eric A. Shelman was born in 1960 in Fort Worth, Texas. He now lives in Cape Coral, Florida with his wife of thirty years, Linda.
A DROP WHAT YOU'RE DOING PAGE-TURNER! For a person not usually a zombie-reading fan, I've changed my mind. Feeling as if I've known the characters all my life, I care about them and actually worried for their safety as I turned each page. They are not only brave but extremely entertaining as they make their journey in this frightening new world of the undead. Shelman has taken the "not your usual" zombie story and brought 'sit-on-the-edge-of-the-chair' excitement around every turn, leaving me with a strong craving for the next book in the series. Same as with the first book, I had to force myself to put this one down and go to sleep. But, unable to turn off my thoughts, I continued to dream many nights about what I'd read and about the fate of my new "friends." For anyone wanting an action-packed, thrilling read, I highly recommended this series by Eric Shelman. I anxiously await the next chronical to come out!
I have to say that once again I am blown away. I loved book one and I thought there was no way that book was going to better but I was wrong. The writing got stronger and the story got stronger. You get to know the core characters more and the action is even more graphic. It was just a pleasure to read and easy to devour. I tried to make it take a few days but of course I couldn't put it down. I'm trying to get all my friends to start the series because I want to talk about it. I mean I want to discuss all the jaw dropping moments with them. I'm hoping they jump on this bandwagon soon otherwise I will refuse to talk to them.
In the first book I just loved Flex and I still do. He took a back seat in this story because it was Gem's story. Of course he was still around but you really get to know Gem. I thought she was a badass Uzi loving gal with a love for Flex but she is way more than that. She is kind, motherly, generous, loving, and she is fierce when it comes to her family. You really begin to feel how deep each of these characters are. She was my favorite character in this book because I just overall loved her story.
My favorite moment was when her and Flex were in the convenience store. It was near the beginning of the story but what happened there made Gem become completely vulnerable for the first real time. It was heart breaking and devastating. It was a moment that will stay with me for the rest of the series. I had about 15 other favorite moments because every time Hemp discovered something it made my mouth drop. I just want to talk about it.
Overall I am falling madly and deeply in love with this series. It is fast paced with a little bit of romance, science, horrifying and some of the most disgusting death scenes I have ever read. I love this genre and I love this unique twist on zombies.
I read Dead Hunger The Flex Sheridan Chronicles and thought it was fantastic. Dead Hunger II is the story of Gem Cardoza, the start of her adventure, and the continuation of the Dead Hunger Chronicles.
For a zombie story I like twists, turns, straight lines, new takes, old takes, and everything in-between, and this offers that in spades as well as something many stories over look. The world has changed dramatically. In reality, if a zombie apocalypse were to happen table manners would go out the window, four letter words would become commonplace, as survival becomes the goal. The importance of family, and friendships would become the focus of any individual or group, and in such a tense situation where emotions are always running high and you never get downtime those friendships will be the glue that holds you and your band of survivors together.
That is what Shelman does with the Gem Cardoza chronicles. We see the new world through her eyes. And while it might not be pretty, and at times is downright terrifying as the sheer number of undead they are dealing with becomes overwhelming. Gem manages to keep the group together and create a family.
This is a great story that give you the perspective of a woman who would do anything to protect her new family, and also adds new elements to the zombie genre to separate itself from other novels.
If you loved the characters in DHI like I did, and want a fun sassy take on the apocalypse, with a dose of realism I highly recommend this book.
Dead Hunger continues with Gem taking over the chronicles from her point of view. She is tough, strong, caring and loving. She tells the story her way and makes no excuses for what she writes down. The first book was ride that kept me rooted to my kindle and this one was no different. By now Hemp has discovered the knockout eye gas the zombies use to immobilize humans but upon leaving the CDC after picking up Max, Cynthia and her daughter Taylor, the come upon the dead literally coming out of the ground ala George Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead'. Unnatural gasses have animated the dead but nature provides the answer to why this is happening and maybe how to stop them. Hemp is quick to see it and not only does his new zombie cloaking device work, he might have found a way to stop and kill the Z's. With such knowledge they decide they can no longer stay hidden but must seek out other survivors, giving humankind the chance to fight back as well as finding a place for all to have some measure of safety. I began reading in the morning and completed it the next morning, yep that good. I love the interaction between the characters as they become closer as a family, each with their own wit, sarcasm and determination. And with Gem giving her point of view the ride is fast, sexy and intimate. Kudos to Mr. Shelman who has not only made me believe it was a woman writing this portion of the chronicles but has taken this genre and given it a new believable twist. Now on to the third book!
I had nightmares with this one. I'm not a big Zombies Apocalypse loving person. Some of my friends are, I decided to see what they were talking about. Since I met the author after reading one of his non-fiction books I decided to give this series a try. It is good. I enjoyed the first book, but I think I need to space out the rest of the series and read other books in between. They are fast read books, well developed characters and the storyline is believeable.(Hence my nightmares) My zombie friends will probably like these books. (If they don't then I am getting nightmares for naught) This book is narrated by Gem and each book will have a narration by a different character. This book picks up a couple of weeks after the last book ended.
I like the way the writer has come from a different point of view and how he's showing gems back ground. it shows to me even though it's about zombies he still wants to create characters so you can follow them through out n also root for them. again a great book n I can't wait to read the next one
Love this series,And a bit Glad I found it late so I don't have to wait until the next one comes out to find out what happens to the crew of wonderfully written characters👍
Tell in love with the characters in the first book, the well written and believable story of how they deal with the zombie apocalypse,Please keep writing about them,i Highly recommend this series to all of the zombie genre the author has made these diverse and wonderful characters come alive, i feel like I know them and I believe that is high praise for any author to hear,Oh and I love how the author writes from different characters views,very unique and entertaining as well as helping them come alive and makes me feel like I know them better than it only one person narrated the story,well I'm sure I could say many more wonderful thinks but don't want to do any spoiler words so I am off to buy the next book, Hope you listen to my recommendation and go start reading book 1,Happy reading all you Book Junkies out there📖
An awesome zombie apocalypse story. Great cast of characters each story is from a different point of view of a different character. But the story is the same group of people just a few different aspects. Plenty of action zombie killing a lot of very detailed scientific information as well as weapon types and styles and a very inventive character that can invent and build just about anything to destroy zombies or help our characters get through life. And addictive Siri to read looking forward to the next book. Check them out
Love this series! A new twist on zompoc, didn't think that was possible but this series is living, err, dead proof! Seriously, I am truly enjoying this series, cannot wait to start the next book. Word of warning, tho, there is a huge amount of profanity but if trying to live in this world wouldn't make you swear, nothing would! Also, the way next book is presented is genius, each one is written by a main character, giving their insights and thoughts as things progress. Gotta go, got a great book to resd!
The story of Gem, Flex, Hemp, Charlie and Trina continues on, with many trials and conflicts. The characters continue to develop, and the relationships solidify. In this story, they discovery the origin of the plague, and a way of fighting it that gives them at least a chance of winning, but to do that they need more people and a new location. While going to that new location, they begin to gather the people they need.
Well written likeable characters interesting take on the zombie apocalypse. I can't wait to see what happens next for gem and flex and all the rest. Just finished book one and I'm downloading 2 tonight.
Sorry I was really meant to write this review a couple of days ago, but I literally finished this book and started the next one, and I just couldn't tear myself away from it.
So here we are with the continuation of the story, but this time told as it is seen through Gem's eyes. I must say I like this idea of chronicles by the various characters, it's great to get to know them better and to see their perspective on things. I had a major problem though. When I discovered Eric Shelman I watched a video in which he reads an excerpt of Dead Hunger: The Flex Sheridan Chronicle I think. I really got drawn by his voice, and I kind of read the first book with his voice in my head, which was quite suitable with the image of Flex I had in my mind. When I started the Gem Cardoza Chronicle, I had that same voice in my head still... A few pages in, I really had to stop and think WTF !!??
So here, we continue with the action, the humour, the zombies, the guns, the science stuff, and it all flows absolutely fine. If you liked the first book, you'll have no problems getting drawn in again... Actually I bet you were looking forward to it. I sure was. Don't know what kept me from reading it straight after the first one. Maybe I was doing my usual "if I spread the books I'll enjoy them over a longer time". Couldn't even resist with book three!
Gem definitely brought a bit of a feminine touch to the story. You could feel her love for the "family" and humanity in general, and it's so much more than the usual heartless works that are just about people gunning down everything they can see. And goodness me didn't I laugh! The dialogs feel so real, and the interaction between the characters is totally fab, you can't but love them !
Great book! Cant wait to start the next one of this series. SPOILER ALLERT I am already at book number 7, and pls believe me it getts better and better. If you like real, human feelings, Imperfect humans that are somethimes making mistakes and just try to survive this book is a must read. Pls make sure that you will just get the book set from book one to 5, because i know that you will enjoy it! It not happens manny times that you get a warm feeling with each page, that you almost feel like you are part of the gang, and just try to live, one day afther another. Sorry if i mix a litle up the events, this series is already so much a part of my life, and it is my most favorite Zombie series. This is the Gemina Cardoza chronicle, and i can just say , Gem is badass. You gett to know Charlie and Hemp better, and everything starts to gett a shape, this book is packed with action and great scenes, but has also a highly emotional charge. I love the fact that Eric A Shelmans creates real, hones, believable characters, he does not try to push you under some superhumans You cant read Dead Hunger without Feeling anny Kind of emotions, only if your heart is made of Stone! What can i say, you have to read the next, because you will learn some amazing stuff about reanimated dead guys.... Stay tunned! Eric A. Shelman makes you laugh annd cry, it will make you hold on to your kindle or book and hope that your favorite carachter will make it. When Gem getts bitt i was like, pls, pls, pls pls, dont turn, dont turn!!!!
What an interesting follow up to Book I This is written again as a journal but this one follows Gems story.
A really clever way to introduce each characters story without making a whole book just back stories this one lets you get to know Gem better, how she discovers the world had changed forever and how she gets to find her way back to Flex.
But this is Eric writing here... It not only follows Gems story to getting to Flex but seamlessly picks up the story where Flex broke off leading us deeper into the scary new world. More action, love, sadness and laughter follows our crew who are getting to know each other, some are lost, others found.
You will laugh, shake your head with disbelief and fear, cry with sadness and compassion. How this guy makes such an easy read contain so much is his true skill. Second book in and I already care about these people like they're my friends not characters created in someones scary and super talented mind BUY this book, treat yourself xx
I am less satisfied with book two, which is a chronicle of recent events told by Gem Cardoza. Narrative seemed long, drawn out, not producing the same excitement or interest as book one. Also, Mr. Perry's portrayal of a female voice leaves much to be desired. Much of book two involves the professor, Hemp, performing experiments on zombies that they captured and brought to their lab. Fairly interesting, but well over done in my opinion. The professor develops an oil distilled from poison ivy plants which is deadly to the zombies. Their journey now is to go back to the CDC to publish and distribute the deadly weapon. Decided to check out the full series, so I wanted to start over for a fresh go at it.
Gem Cardoza is one determined woman!! You may not want to tell her she can't do something and then expect to remain among the living. This is one tough, stubborn, determined, talented, not to be messed with chick. And don't think about letting go of love and all the things that still make them human, oh heck no, if anything to Gem it's a time to dig in, grab your panties, your uzi and hop into your freaking tank-ified crown vic and kick some serious zombie booty... If you're looking for a book with passion, love, lust, undead butt kicking, scares, screams, tears and laughter you don't want to pass them up... The series is only getting better and better... "You have to be on guard and fearless at the same time...." Be fearless, read this book!!!!!
I really enjoyed the first book in the Dead Hunger series and started reading this almost immediately after I finished that. In my honest opinion it's better than the first one and the first one was pretty damn good. Mr. Shelman picks up right where the first book left off and just keeps it flowing. The book kept getting better and better as I delved deeper into it, I couldn't help but to keep turning the pages. So far this is one of the best book series I've read since the Death Gate Cycle, almost impossible to put down and each book leaves me wanting more, and excited to see what happens next.
A fantastic second book in this series. I really love the chronicle style, and the fact that the Author has changed to another member of the group. Really well written, and some great unique features for the Genre. Definitely wants to make you keep reading the series, and it is time well spent.
The characters in this book grow well from the first one, the interplay between them and the added sass and humour make it a really enjoyable read that will make you Laugh out loud in places, and want to hide behind the sofa from the monsters in others.
Interesting read. Not as much action I don't think in this one but it was so we could have character development and have questions answered. I will say though the parts with action more than made up for any lacking. Can't wait to see what happens next in this series. Mr. Shelman is a fantastic writer.
This woman can kick ass. I hate when some writers only make the men out to be the protectors in a story. Gem can kick major Zombie butt and still be all woman. I love the way she takes the front in the second book of the Dead Hunger series and makes it her own. She loves her man and family and can beat down the Zombie menace at the same time. Go get them Gem the Zombies await you.
This book is even more frightening than the last one. We learn more about what is causing people to turn zombie. We also learn more about the creatures themselves. On to the next one.
Rarely do I like the second book in a series better than the first but this one, "Oh yeah! I love it." The characters get fleshed out into real people you care about.