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Devil's Wake #2
Domino Falls
It began on Freak Day—that day no one could explain, when strangers and family members alike went crazy and started biting one another. Some thought the outbreak was caused by a flu shot, others that it was a diet drug gone terribly wrong. All anyone knew is that once you were bitten and went to sleep, you woke up a freak.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2013
5 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Steven Barnes
130 books479 followersSteven Barnes (born March 1, 1952, Los Angeles, California) is an African American science fiction writer, lecturer, creative consultant, and human performance technician. He has written several episodes of The Outer Limits and Baywatch, as well as the Stargate SG-1 episode "Brief Candle" and the Andromeda episode "The Sum of its Parts". Barnes' first published piece of fiction, the novelette The Locusts (1979), written with Larry Niven, and was a Hugo Award nominee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 20, 2022
This is a direct sequel to Devil's Wake and is another nicely executed zompocalypse quest-novel with a nicely drawn diverse group of YA characters seeking safety and salvation. Despite their various weaknesses they worked together quite well, and I grew attached to them and rooted for their success. I didn't like this novel quite as well as the first one because some odd and quirky developments that arise in the new setting aren't well explained and didn't quite come together for me. As is usual in the modern genre, some of the human survivors are more evil and a worse threat than the monsters. The book ends with more questions left hanging than answers were provided, on a very sad note as well as something of a cliffhanger. There's an authors' note that says a third book was underway, but it never appeared.
January 5, 2013
Awesome good zombie times! This is my first time reading Barnes or Due, and I was very impressed by their writing style and their unique vision of what could have been another zombie apocalypse book. However, Barnes-Due does a bang-up job and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any fans of the genre.
No spoilers. Just good times.
No spoilers. Just good times.
February 6, 2024
Is anything, better than the first novel in this unfinished trilogy, Devil's Wake. Like its predecessor, Domino Falls isn't reinventing the wheel when it comes to zombie slash post-apocalyptic literature, but Due and Barnes are such good writers that they kept me biting my nails through the whole thing.
Our ragtag group of teens coast into the titular town in their dying bus, and are provisionally allowed to stay. A place with just a little bit of the old world -- electricity for hours a day, food, and most importantly, safety -- feels like a dream at first, and just as enticing. Just outside of town lives an L Ron Hubbard-ish character, and his followers make up a decent percentage of the town, importantly including a paramilitary force. This situation is obviously bad, but no one wants to believe it, given what they've all been through.
As usual, Due and Barnes are keen observers and write excellent dialogue. And the more detailed exposition about the source of the zombie plague was legit surprising and strange. I'm going to go die mad about the fact that no one saw fit to publish book three.
Our ragtag group of teens coast into the titular town in their dying bus, and are provisionally allowed to stay. A place with just a little bit of the old world -- electricity for hours a day, food, and most importantly, safety -- feels like a dream at first, and just as enticing. Just outside of town lives an L Ron Hubbard-ish character, and his followers make up a decent percentage of the town, importantly including a paramilitary force. This situation is obviously bad, but no one wants to believe it, given what they've all been through.
As usual, Due and Barnes are keen observers and write excellent dialogue. And the more detailed exposition about the source of the zombie plague was legit surprising and strange. I'm going to go die mad about the fact that no one saw fit to publish book three.
June 30, 2019
This was book 2 of the Devil's Wake zombie story and was just as suspenseful as the first one. However, now I must wait for book #3; I hope both authors are working on the next one.
April 12, 2013
I grabbed this book at random last week, along with a few others of the same genre, while I was at the library last week and was hooked from page 1. I didn't realize it was a sequel until about halfway through - but it didn't matter.
The authors do an excellent job giving you just enough history on each character so you don't feel lost, while still keeping it mysterious. We get to know Kendra and Terry first - two teens fighting for their lives against this infestation of sorts, along with their friends who are on their way to Domino Falls - a community of other survivors. Since this is the second book, we don't get a ton of details on what started this outbreak and what things were like up to this point. We get brief glimpses of each kids pre-Freak Day life, but their backgrounds are kept to a minimum. I liked this because it makes the prequel all the more interesting for me.
While the vast majority of the characters are teens, I didn't feel like I was reading a Young Adult novel (I'm 30...still reading young adult novels all the time!). It was simply written - very to the point, no unnecessarily lengthy paragraphs or pages upon pages of writing that didn't pertain to the story. I looked forward to reading it each evening, excited to see what was coming next.
Definitely a character driven novel. Terry was my favorite, with Piranha coming in second. Terry seems to be the de facto leader of his group and, considering what these kids are up against, they are doing a damn good job! If I ever have to face the zombie apocalypse, I hope I find a team like this to help along the way.
I have already started the prequel and have learned quite a bit more about the characters, making me like Domino Falls even more. This book ends leaving the reader hanging - a third book must be in the works and I cannot wait!
The authors do an excellent job giving you just enough history on each character so you don't feel lost, while still keeping it mysterious. We get to know Kendra and Terry first - two teens fighting for their lives against this infestation of sorts, along with their friends who are on their way to Domino Falls - a community of other survivors. Since this is the second book, we don't get a ton of details on what started this outbreak and what things were like up to this point. We get brief glimpses of each kids pre-Freak Day life, but their backgrounds are kept to a minimum. I liked this because it makes the prequel all the more interesting for me.
While the vast majority of the characters are teens, I didn't feel like I was reading a Young Adult novel (I'm 30...still reading young adult novels all the time!). It was simply written - very to the point, no unnecessarily lengthy paragraphs or pages upon pages of writing that didn't pertain to the story. I looked forward to reading it each evening, excited to see what was coming next.
Definitely a character driven novel. Terry was my favorite, with Piranha coming in second. Terry seems to be the de facto leader of his group and, considering what these kids are up against, they are doing a damn good job! If I ever have to face the zombie apocalypse, I hope I find a team like this to help along the way.
I have already started the prequel and have learned quite a bit more about the characters, making me like Domino Falls even more. This book ends leaving the reader hanging - a third book must be in the works and I cannot wait!
May 15, 2022
Okay, I know there were dreams. But the reason for the world wide change was just beyond. I just could not get into it at all and I fought walking away from the book. I finished it but it was not my favorite. Sad ending.
January 27, 2013
DOMINO FALLS, book 2 in the Devil's Wake Series is a character driven tale about survival in a post apocalyptic world. An unlikely group of young people have banded together in search of sanctuary from zombie-like creatures whose bite will change you into 'one of them.' Possibly, the virus causing the change activated when people were given a flu shot after ingesting a particular mushroom. Is this true? Is there something or someone else behind this horror? Possibly aliens with a sinister plot? A good plan gone bad?
A group of seven travel to Domino Falls and safety only to find that things are not as they seem, armed with guns and their own personal alarm system, a dog, aboard an ancient bus they have named Blue Beauty. They must stick together, trusting only each other, but the lure of the town benefactor, a again Hollywood star might be too great for some of them. What secrets lie behind his gates in his compound?
Although there is action, I felt the main thrust of the story was the relationships between characters. There was loyalty, love, trust and mutual friendships that survived any dissent. The group always had each others backs. When they saw an opportunity to move to an even safer compound, several hundred miles away, they accepted the aid of another, who asked only that they rescue a young girl from the compound.
The results of that rescue tests the bonds of the group, and threatens the future of one of its members.
Unlike many of the post-apocalyptic reads out there, this one focused more on the characters than the gruesome action with raw, emotional scenes that hit hard, stay with you.
This ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Atria books in exchange for an honest review.
A group of seven travel to Domino Falls and safety only to find that things are not as they seem, armed with guns and their own personal alarm system, a dog, aboard an ancient bus they have named Blue Beauty. They must stick together, trusting only each other, but the lure of the town benefactor, a again Hollywood star might be too great for some of them. What secrets lie behind his gates in his compound?
Although there is action, I felt the main thrust of the story was the relationships between characters. There was loyalty, love, trust and mutual friendships that survived any dissent. The group always had each others backs. When they saw an opportunity to move to an even safer compound, several hundred miles away, they accepted the aid of another, who asked only that they rescue a young girl from the compound.
The results of that rescue tests the bonds of the group, and threatens the future of one of its members.
Unlike many of the post-apocalyptic reads out there, this one focused more on the characters than the gruesome action with raw, emotional scenes that hit hard, stay with you.
This ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Atria books in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2014
Alright, well, I got to directly into Domino Falls upon finishing Devil’s Wake, which was a rare treat, since I’m usually reading series about a year apart these days, and that’s when I’m lucky. Domino Falls picks up right where the prior novel left off, with the group having reached a potential safe haven. Though I’m rating this one the same, I almost rated this one up, because I think it’s getting more original and there’s awesome cult-y business in Domino Falls.
Read the full review at A Reader of Fictions.
Read the full review at A Reader of Fictions.
November 3, 2017
Loved it. It was great to be on the edge of my seat while also knowing I can safely enjoy the terror because the writers are going to take good care of their main characters. A central cast that includes 2 Native American guys, one Black girl and one Black guy, and a lesbian Latina, and is all about interdependence, love, and trust. !!!!
My only gripe was that the lesbian did not get her own love story. But I would totally read a sequel to this if they ever finally write it and I would hope it'd be addressed there.
My only gripe was that the lesbian did not get her own love story. But I would totally read a sequel to this if they ever finally write it and I would hope it'd be addressed there.
July 26, 2018
I love this book, it's better than Devil's Wake. I prolonged finishing it because of the very, very sad ending. I want to know more about the other kind. This was a buddy read and some of the others readers were surprised by the ending. What does Wells do or does he do anything? Is Domino Falls better than where they are? Patiently waiting on the next book.
February 18, 2019
Ok, so I'm not gonna lie, this book had me in some sad emotions. The story weaved from the previous book (Devil's Wake) is exquisite yet raw and gritty and so. Damn. Painful. I really need the next book to come out so I can assuage my lingering questions and all around curiousity.
April 8, 2025
what a tale. this pairing can weave a story. the way this reminded me of my love of multiple points of view. i slowly read this book and so I feel I got to know Kendra, Terry, Ursalina, Piranha, Sonia and less so the twins and Mr. Wales and even so they all had a role to play and the interconnected web of characters just augmented this dark world that has been taken over by freaks (which is this world's version of zombies.) its cool that ms. due and mr. barnes clearly did that research as named in the acknowledgements and this is a story of hope in the midst of destruction and desperation.
I want to hug the characters because they go through so much to just live another day and enjoy time together. I didn't know this was book two of a never finished trilogy it seems and im still okay with the ending because it just feels appropriate for it to linger. im not calling it a cliffhanger bc it's up to reader to decide what happens and thats life, a choice takes you down a certain path and so I can choose to think several things about how it ended which I like.
the evil guy Wales almost seemed like he was gonna have some redemption with his small pov and then he was like absolutely the fuck not. im doubling down on my evil villain ways and I was like ooh yup, so ooh I would so want this turned into a show bc the way I visualized what could have been and again bc things are left a bit open you can decide, did he die, is he wreaking more havoc in threadsville if it wasn't taken over by freaks. the way he had a whole cult going bc ppl were content to just go along to get along and be like well we eating good so let's just let the elderly and disabled basically die outside the fence?! too real in 2025 book from 2012. ofc Black authors continue to be predictors of what is happening is eerie and not bc it shows how predictable evil can be. 😒
I can ramble forever and im just glad this was first book by her and am looking forward to more as the reformatory is being discussed a lot and I can go back and real devils wake and others 💖
I want to hug the characters because they go through so much to just live another day and enjoy time together. I didn't know this was book two of a never finished trilogy it seems and im still okay with the ending because it just feels appropriate for it to linger. im not calling it a cliffhanger bc it's up to reader to decide what happens and thats life, a choice takes you down a certain path and so I can choose to think several things about how it ended which I like.
the evil guy Wales almost seemed like he was gonna have some redemption with his small pov and then he was like absolutely the fuck not. im doubling down on my evil villain ways and I was like ooh yup, so ooh I would so want this turned into a show bc the way I visualized what could have been and again bc things are left a bit open you can decide, did he die, is he wreaking more havoc in threadsville if it wasn't taken over by freaks. the way he had a whole cult going bc ppl were content to just go along to get along and be like well we eating good so let's just let the elderly and disabled basically die outside the fence?! too real in 2025 book from 2012. ofc Black authors continue to be predictors of what is happening is eerie and not bc it shows how predictable evil can be. 😒
I can ramble forever and im just glad this was first book by her and am looking forward to more as the reformatory is being discussed a lot and I can go back and real devils wake and others 💖
January 21, 2021
The sequel to the first novel 'Devil's Wake' by Steven Barnes and Tananrive Due, was one that I highly anticipated and had a bit of trouble finding a copy of if I'm being honest!
This book continues where the ending of the first book leaves us, so we aren't thrown into a random situation or anything. I love our characters and have honestly grown close to each of them, and was wondering if we were going to lose one or more of them in this book, and honestly...I'm pretty happy with how it ended up playing out.
We are focusing on the characters inside of a survivor encampment, and there is also a cult like encampment within that encampment that really interested me. I LOVE books involving cult like groups, and it really had me surprised at the direction it went. I love our answers we were given toward what is causing all of this disease that has infected the world. I love the creature horror bit at the end. If I have one problem with this book, it would be the fight scenes aren't exactly my favorite and sometimes the writing shows off its age. I wish I had taken note on it, but I recall outdated offensive words being used towards some characters that would not be ok in todays world.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Do recommend if you want a good zombie story that feels a bit different. I do not think they are going to finish the sequel however, so please be aware before reading that this story is a decent wrapped up ending, but there was supposed to be a third book and we probably aren't getting it.
This book continues where the ending of the first book leaves us, so we aren't thrown into a random situation or anything. I love our characters and have honestly grown close to each of them, and was wondering if we were going to lose one or more of them in this book, and honestly...I'm pretty happy with how it ended up playing out.
We are focusing on the characters inside of a survivor encampment, and there is also a cult like encampment within that encampment that really interested me. I LOVE books involving cult like groups, and it really had me surprised at the direction it went. I love our answers we were given toward what is causing all of this disease that has infected the world. I love the creature horror bit at the end. If I have one problem with this book, it would be the fight scenes aren't exactly my favorite and sometimes the writing shows off its age. I wish I had taken note on it, but I recall outdated offensive words being used towards some characters that would not be ok in todays world.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Do recommend if you want a good zombie story that feels a bit different. I do not think they are going to finish the sequel however, so please be aware before reading that this story is a decent wrapped up ending, but there was supposed to be a third book and we probably aren't getting it.
February 26, 2018
Second book of Devil’s Wake series. I don’t see a third book listed so this might be the conclusion of the story despite the final chapter of the book suggesting otherwise.
Okay story about a group of teens seeking safety and stability after a zombie type outbreak. Lots of action and heroics make this a fast read.
Okay story about a group of teens seeking safety and stability after a zombie type outbreak. Lots of action and heroics make this a fast read.
September 18, 2018
Not a typical zombie book
I usually don’t go for the zombie genre. But considering that this was Steven Barnes, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. I wouldn’t mind seeing a pre-quel to this, Mr. Barnes (now that you have my attention, LOL)
I usually don’t go for the zombie genre. But considering that this was Steven Barnes, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. I wouldn’t mind seeing a pre-quel to this, Mr. Barnes (now that you have my attention, LOL)
May 20, 2020
Post-apocalyptic book series always lose their edge once the survivors find a settlement and are in relative safety. The book was decent enough, but the first entry felt way more raw and visceral.
I dont know if a third book is planned, but I cant say that Im hankering to read more.
I dont know if a third book is planned, but I cant say that Im hankering to read more.
June 12, 2020
I couldn't remember anything from the first book, but this one started out ok. But the last 3rd of the book went in too many directions and didn't really come together. Maybe there will be a 3rd book to tie it all up?
July 23, 2018
I really loved this book, but am I the only person seriously pissed off about what happened to Terry? I loved him! Why did that happen to HIM!! Whyyyyyy?!?!!!! That’s all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2020
Would have loved to know what happened to Terry and their lives in devils wake
May 16, 2021
That ending...wow. The possibilities of fifth levels...wow. Can't think now, wiping tears from my eyes
October 22, 2021
Amen for zombies. I liked the first book more, more zombie action, but this ones still good. Not objectively five stars but I don’t care
November 26, 2021
Rounded up from 3.5
August 18, 2023
Surprised I liked this book as much as I did. I enjoyed the first one more but the sequel was pretty good. My only complaint is that the sequel “Freak Show” was mentioned after the final chapter and I cannot find any information as to why it never was released.
February 22, 2013
Domino Falls by husband and wife writing team Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due is a sequel to the story they began in Devils Wake. In this post-apocalyptic thriller, Zombie-like freaks abound as a small rag-tag group makes it to Domino Falls, California. Along their trek they have heard broadcasts from Joseph Wales, the leader of the Thread group. He has a Threadie sanctuary/compound in Domino Falls. After the group manages to gain admittance to the town it almost seems too good to be true - and that may, in fact, be the case. Could fighting the freaks on the outside be preferable to the sanctuary Wales' group provides?
An infection has caused the outbreak of freaks. One bite from them and a healthy person is infected. Once the freaks fall asleep, they turn into the dangerous runners. After that they change into the slower shambling freaks. Although Domino Falls doesn't quite have the full, detailed explanation of what happened, it certainly provides enough information to enjoy the novel. The explanation given is that the freak outbreak was caused by receiving a flu shot after eating a certain mushroom. After that the freaks infected people through their bites.
Characters include: Kendra Brookings, Terry Whittaker, Sonia Petansu, “Piranha” Charlie Cawthorne, Corporal Ursalina Cortez, Darius Phillips, Dean Kitsap, and Hipshot, a black terrier mix. (Dogs can detect freaks before people can.) These characters are well-drawn in this novel especially for the second book in a series. Actually Domino Falls is more of a character driven novel and the freaks are simply there, as an ever-present threat that everyone must consider. But there are other threats in this novel that may be just as creepy.
Clearly, from the ending, there will be more books in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was engaging and the plot was gripping from beginning to end. I haven't read the first book in the series, but if it is close to the quality of Domino Falls, then I'd very highly recommend it too.
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was an uncorrected proof courtesy of Atria Books and Netgalley for review purposes.
An infection has caused the outbreak of freaks. One bite from them and a healthy person is infected. Once the freaks fall asleep, they turn into the dangerous runners. After that they change into the slower shambling freaks. Although Domino Falls doesn't quite have the full, detailed explanation of what happened, it certainly provides enough information to enjoy the novel. The explanation given is that the freak outbreak was caused by receiving a flu shot after eating a certain mushroom. After that the freaks infected people through their bites.
Characters include: Kendra Brookings, Terry Whittaker, Sonia Petansu, “Piranha” Charlie Cawthorne, Corporal Ursalina Cortez, Darius Phillips, Dean Kitsap, and Hipshot, a black terrier mix. (Dogs can detect freaks before people can.) These characters are well-drawn in this novel especially for the second book in a series. Actually Domino Falls is more of a character driven novel and the freaks are simply there, as an ever-present threat that everyone must consider. But there are other threats in this novel that may be just as creepy.
Clearly, from the ending, there will be more books in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was engaging and the plot was gripping from beginning to end. I haven't read the first book in the series, but if it is close to the quality of Domino Falls, then I'd very highly recommend it too.
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was an uncorrected proof courtesy of Atria Books and Netgalley for review purposes.
January 22, 2013
Following the incredible book, Devil’s Wake, the first in this series that was literally a ‘zombie’ fest, Domino Falls offers even more of the paranormal realm by taking the reader away from the undead and into a world of aliens that are striving to bring about war between good and evil; a war that will decide what ‘genre’ of being will eventually earn control over Planet Earth.
This all begins a week after tomorrow, readers, so watch out. An infection…an epidemic….and actual biting attacks begin (no, not vampires, thankfully). But the ones bitten are actually referred to as “Freaks.” After outrunning the zombies for quite a while now, our very strong family of survivors takes a short break from the road and turns up in Domino Falls. This is a small town in California that plays home to Joseph Wales - a New Age guru living on his ranch called, Threadrunner.
After the survivors’ harrowing road trip, this town makes them more then comfortable. From the ranch to the gracious welcome - even the accommodations seem almost too good to be true. But to quote the old saying: “If things seem too good to be true…they usually are.”
Turns out the people living at the ranch are a cult responsible for kidnapping and killing people to cover up Joseph Wales’ role and the part he will play in the end of the world as we know it. Soon, what was once seen as a bunch of mindless walking undead actually turn out to be an extremely smart alien race that is all about colonizing the world and making ‘us’ like ‘them.’
This book is a true declaration of courage, friendship and the power of ‘good.’ It’s also shocking, with more than a bit of gore, and heart wrenching scenes that will play to lovers of ‘The Road Warrior.’ A novel of both struggle and surprise, readers will love the fact that the very cool ending sets them up for yet another book forthcoming in this unforgettable series.
(Amy Lignor/Suspense Mag)
This all begins a week after tomorrow, readers, so watch out. An infection…an epidemic….and actual biting attacks begin (no, not vampires, thankfully). But the ones bitten are actually referred to as “Freaks.” After outrunning the zombies for quite a while now, our very strong family of survivors takes a short break from the road and turns up in Domino Falls. This is a small town in California that plays home to Joseph Wales - a New Age guru living on his ranch called, Threadrunner.
After the survivors’ harrowing road trip, this town makes them more then comfortable. From the ranch to the gracious welcome - even the accommodations seem almost too good to be true. But to quote the old saying: “If things seem too good to be true…they usually are.”
Turns out the people living at the ranch are a cult responsible for kidnapping and killing people to cover up Joseph Wales’ role and the part he will play in the end of the world as we know it. Soon, what was once seen as a bunch of mindless walking undead actually turn out to be an extremely smart alien race that is all about colonizing the world and making ‘us’ like ‘them.’
This book is a true declaration of courage, friendship and the power of ‘good.’ It’s also shocking, with more than a bit of gore, and heart wrenching scenes that will play to lovers of ‘The Road Warrior.’ A novel of both struggle and surprise, readers will love the fact that the very cool ending sets them up for yet another book forthcoming in this unforgettable series.
(Amy Lignor/Suspense Mag)
April 14, 2013
Threadville
Domino Falls, California, just so happens to be one of few safe havens that are left in the world since that horrific day that no one has been able to explain. The day when everyone started acting crazy and biting one another. One bite made you sleepy and when you awoke, you were turned into a freak. Zombielike and red thread vines hanging from your face. These freaks had a smell that reminded one of rotten oranges.
Some of the few remaining survivors of one small town were able to make it out alive and unbitten. While trying to figure out where to go they heard over the radio a broadcast from Joseph Wales, an older actor and leader of a group in Threadville, otherwise known as Domino Falls. The broadcasts were to let survivors know of a sanctuary they could come and be safe from the freaks and the pirates. When the group arrives they see that only those that are able to offer something to this compound were to be admitted. The lame and old were to be left to their own devices outside of the compound to deal with the freaks. On the outside Domino Falls looks like it is a place that is safe but could it really be a trap for something even more sinister than they could have ever imagined?
I admit that when I began reading this novel, I did not realize that it was the sequel to DEVIL’S WAKE. Also, it was the first time I had ever read a book by either Steven Barnes or Tananarive Due. But I have to say, I was so drawn into the story and the main characters I was quickly turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. DOMINO FALLS is a cross between that movie I AM LEGEND and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of this genre. I really enjoyed both Steven and Tananarive’s writing. I plan to read their other novels in the near future. I am also looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
Domino Falls, California, just so happens to be one of few safe havens that are left in the world since that horrific day that no one has been able to explain. The day when everyone started acting crazy and biting one another. One bite made you sleepy and when you awoke, you were turned into a freak. Zombielike and red thread vines hanging from your face. These freaks had a smell that reminded one of rotten oranges.
Some of the few remaining survivors of one small town were able to make it out alive and unbitten. While trying to figure out where to go they heard over the radio a broadcast from Joseph Wales, an older actor and leader of a group in Threadville, otherwise known as Domino Falls. The broadcasts were to let survivors know of a sanctuary they could come and be safe from the freaks and the pirates. When the group arrives they see that only those that are able to offer something to this compound were to be admitted. The lame and old were to be left to their own devices outside of the compound to deal with the freaks. On the outside Domino Falls looks like it is a place that is safe but could it really be a trap for something even more sinister than they could have ever imagined?
I admit that when I began reading this novel, I did not realize that it was the sequel to DEVIL’S WAKE. Also, it was the first time I had ever read a book by either Steven Barnes or Tananarive Due. But I have to say, I was so drawn into the story and the main characters I was quickly turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. DOMINO FALLS is a cross between that movie I AM LEGEND and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of this genre. I really enjoyed both Steven and Tananarive’s writing. I plan to read their other novels in the near future. I am also looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
July 25, 2013
Domino Falls I have to mention that I didn't read the first book in the Devil's Wake series, but honestly Domino Falls reads just fine as a standalone. I was instantly impressed by the writing style, and by the simple ways that Barnes and Due separate this from other zombie books out there. I'm a huge fan of a good zombie story, and this fit the bill perfectly.
The story opens on the characters from the first book and they are traveling across the perilous landscape in a battered bus. Attempting to find a safe haven, they arrive in Domino Falls. On the surface it looks like the ideal place to survive: quiet, well-stocked and safe. However the longer they stay, the more they see beneath the grime under the shiny layer on top. This isn't just a town, it's a cult, and their buried secret is a crazy one.
I loved how easily I was able to fall into step with the characters, despite not having read the first book. This is a very character driven story. Domino Falls pulls the reader into the lives of normal young people that are just trying to survive. If I had to pick a favorite? Terry wins hands down. As the leader of the group, and an amazing individual, I couldn't help but adore him. If you're a reader who loves to feel invested in the characters when they read, you'll love this writing style.
Now that I've finished, I know I'll go back and read the first book! I'm excited to get more of a back story on the characters that I fell in love with. Being totally honest, this is a book that is well worth your time. The twist might throw you a bit, but trust me when I say it's such a fresh take on the zombie novel! Give this one a shot.
The story opens on the characters from the first book and they are traveling across the perilous landscape in a battered bus. Attempting to find a safe haven, they arrive in Domino Falls. On the surface it looks like the ideal place to survive: quiet, well-stocked and safe. However the longer they stay, the more they see beneath the grime under the shiny layer on top. This isn't just a town, it's a cult, and their buried secret is a crazy one.
I loved how easily I was able to fall into step with the characters, despite not having read the first book. This is a very character driven story. Domino Falls pulls the reader into the lives of normal young people that are just trying to survive. If I had to pick a favorite? Terry wins hands down. As the leader of the group, and an amazing individual, I couldn't help but adore him. If you're a reader who loves to feel invested in the characters when they read, you'll love this writing style.
Now that I've finished, I know I'll go back and read the first book! I'm excited to get more of a back story on the characters that I fell in love with. Being totally honest, this is a book that is well worth your time. The twist might throw you a bit, but trust me when I say it's such a fresh take on the zombie novel! Give this one a shot.
June 23, 2013
The sequel to 'Devil's Wake' finds the band of survivors limping along, looking for sanctuary. They've survived pirate attacks in Yreka (in the previous book), and they are looking for a safe haven. They hear radio broadcasts from Jonas Wales, a charismatic leader, promising shelter in Domino Falls. Jonas is a b-movie star who made a series of action films and now is the town's benefactor, and seems to have known the chaos was going to happen.
When they arrive, all is not completely rosy. Capable people who can serve the community (with skills like foraging, farming or weapons) are let in, while others are left outside the gates to fend for themselves. Also, the group must pass inspection to be sure they aren't infected. In a world ravaged by disease which turns people into something like zombies, you can't be too sure. Then there are the missing girls in the camp, which no one wants to talk about.
The main characters are fully realized and function as a family with disagreements and squabbling, but always coming together to defend each other. Barnes and Due co-wrote the book, but it feels like it was seamlessly written by one person. This story has a good emotional punch, with young characters that I cared about and would like to read more about. The characters have to make some tough decisions and live with the consequences. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
When they arrive, all is not completely rosy. Capable people who can serve the community (with skills like foraging, farming or weapons) are let in, while others are left outside the gates to fend for themselves. Also, the group must pass inspection to be sure they aren't infected. In a world ravaged by disease which turns people into something like zombies, you can't be too sure. Then there are the missing girls in the camp, which no one wants to talk about.
The main characters are fully realized and function as a family with disagreements and squabbling, but always coming together to defend each other. Barnes and Due co-wrote the book, but it feels like it was seamlessly written by one person. This story has a good emotional punch, with young characters that I cared about and would like to read more about. The characters have to make some tough decisions and live with the consequences. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 2, 2013
(Reposted from WLP)
This sequel to Devil’s Wake starts up where the first book left off. According to interviews with the authors, it was originally written as one book but was broken up due to the size of the single volume. The work done on splitting the larger work into two goes seamlessly. There is a longer over-arcing flow to it that reads like this is a book within a series.
In this chapter the character deal with the settlement of Domino Falls, or Threadville, and what that means to the group. It reminds me a lot of the second season of the Walking Dead on the farm (without the drawn out story) and a touch of the current Woodbury. You spend the book finding out how the bus full of teens and young adults can fit into this new society, while watching them deal with feelings that question if they truly want to settle in this community. Is the safety worth it.
Barnes and Due return to this book with the same skilled writing that made the first story flow. Additionally they deal with a multitude of issues that come up in a book dealing with teens and young adults on their own trying to survive with grace without shirking from the issues.
An engaging read and one that can be enjoyed from teens on up to adults. I’m ranking this one at a full five stars as it is easily one of my favorite in the recent zombie novels, and even though I am a gamer/movie geek. (That will make more sense as you read the novel.)
This sequel to Devil’s Wake starts up where the first book left off. According to interviews with the authors, it was originally written as one book but was broken up due to the size of the single volume. The work done on splitting the larger work into two goes seamlessly. There is a longer over-arcing flow to it that reads like this is a book within a series.
In this chapter the character deal with the settlement of Domino Falls, or Threadville, and what that means to the group. It reminds me a lot of the second season of the Walking Dead on the farm (without the drawn out story) and a touch of the current Woodbury. You spend the book finding out how the bus full of teens and young adults can fit into this new society, while watching them deal with feelings that question if they truly want to settle in this community. Is the safety worth it.
Barnes and Due return to this book with the same skilled writing that made the first story flow. Additionally they deal with a multitude of issues that come up in a book dealing with teens and young adults on their own trying to survive with grace without shirking from the issues.
An engaging read and one that can be enjoyed from teens on up to adults. I’m ranking this one at a full five stars as it is easily one of my favorite in the recent zombie novels, and even though I am a gamer/movie geek. (That will make more sense as you read the novel.)
January 28, 2013
An infection has caused an epidemic sweeping the world turning humans into a sort of zombie/alien life form mix called freaks. One bite, scratch or blood exchange can cause the change. Darius Phillips, Dean Kitsap, Terry Whittaker, Kendra Brookings, Sonia Petansu, “Piranha,” Charlie Cawthorne, Corporal Ursalina Cortez and Hipshot, a black terrier mix are searching for a sanctuary of safety and normalcy. This story is about their hope that Domino Falls will be that sanctuary, their courage which will be sorely tested and their faith and trust in each other making their friendships stronger than ever.
This book is an exciting, terrifying and at times heartbreaking story. I found it to be compelling and did not want to put this book down. I was on the edge of my seat many times sometimes heaving sighs of relief and other times wiping the tears from my eyes. I found myself deeply involved with each of these characters and wanting and hoping that they survive. This story is a captivating one and I cannot wait to read the next installment. This a must have for those who enjoy stories about the end of the world, zombies, aliens and all who enjoy an excellent chiller and thriller.
This book is an exciting, terrifying and at times heartbreaking story. I found it to be compelling and did not want to put this book down. I was on the edge of my seat many times sometimes heaving sighs of relief and other times wiping the tears from my eyes. I found myself deeply involved with each of these characters and wanting and hoping that they survive. This story is a captivating one and I cannot wait to read the next installment. This a must have for those who enjoy stories about the end of the world, zombies, aliens and all who enjoy an excellent chiller and thriller.
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