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Grace #1
Grace Lost
Twenty-year-old Zoe Kate is young and naïve, and quite frankly a loner. When her lifelong friend, Adam Boggs, comes home for the summer they find themselves thrust into the middle of a zombie plague. As they flee their hometown in hopes of finding safety, they come across two other survivors, Emilie and Gus. The group of four quickly form bonds and must make difficult choices at every turn in order to stay alive. They will witness unimaginable horrors and experience unthinkable losses as life and death mix together in ways that were never meant to be. Things aren't always as they seem when God's Grace has been Lost to humanity.
(Intended for mature audiences due to language, graphic horror, and sexual content)
(Intended for mature audiences due to language, graphic horror, and sexual content)
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
872 people are currently reading
3574 people want to read
About the author
M. Lauryl Lewis
23 books165 followersBorn and raised in the great Pacific Northwest, M. Lauryl is a wife, mother, nurse, and author of horror/paranormal/romance. An avid camper, reader, and lover of Hawaii and Alaska for traveling!
As an author, she strives to create realistic characters who are flawed, and who react to situations as "real people" might.
As an author, she strives to create realistic characters who are flawed, and who react to situations as "real people" might.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
September 5, 2025
Apocalypse narratives are a guilty pleasure of mine, but even more so are the zompoc or zombie apocalypse stories that follow similar tropes to extinction level events yet add the very provocative element of reanimated corpses that were once just like us. In the faces of the revivified dead, we can see grandma, our selves, or God save us possibly our children, and it must be by our hand that we have to put them down.
In Grace Lost, the first novel of Zoe and Adam, the Grace series, they are best friends who are out hiking when the unthinkable event occurs. They flee from pursuit, always with the idea of finding a place of sanctuary. Zoe has a very hair-raising close call which causes injury but also leaves her with an extra-sensory power to know when the undead are nearby. In addition, she can somehow feel the way the undead feel (ravenous, confused, strategic.)
Of course, the initial heroes always unite with others to expand the number of characters, storylines, drama. Also, in order to have a strong core group, people must die. It increases the pathos of having lost a valuable character. In effect, it shows that extinction level events can be triggered by man's hubris believing himself to exist beyond nature. (Truly a horrifying concept.)
If I would have written the tale, I would focus on characterization. Still and all, the story swept me up so suddenly and convincingly that I hardly realized when I reached the end. If I would have owned the series, I would continue to read the series. You do yourself a disservice, if you see the forest and ignore the individual trees. Really good book.
In Grace Lost, the first novel of Zoe and Adam, the Grace series, they are best friends who are out hiking when the unthinkable event occurs. They flee from pursuit, always with the idea of finding a place of sanctuary. Zoe has a very hair-raising close call which causes injury but also leaves her with an extra-sensory power to know when the undead are nearby. In addition, she can somehow feel the way the undead feel (ravenous, confused, strategic.)
Of course, the initial heroes always unite with others to expand the number of characters, storylines, drama. Also, in order to have a strong core group, people must die. It increases the pathos of having lost a valuable character. In effect, it shows that extinction level events can be triggered by man's hubris believing himself to exist beyond nature. (Truly a horrifying concept.)
If I would have written the tale, I would focus on characterization. Still and all, the story swept me up so suddenly and convincingly that I hardly realized when I reached the end. If I would have owned the series, I would continue to read the series. You do yourself a disservice, if you see the forest and ignore the individual trees. Really good book.
January 21, 2013
This book has potential, the main character whines through out the entire book. She acts like she is a hopeless mess. Most real folks would tell her to suck it up and grow up. She acts like a completely helpless little girl while there are several strong female leads that seem to want her to remain weak. Why the main male leads would want a girl like this is beyond me.
The book could have been so much better without her being too wimpy and crying at every opportunity.
The book could have been so much better without her being too wimpy and crying at every opportunity.
May 5, 2015
This was a good read but nothing better or nothing less.
I found the heroine to be annoying and immature ----- but I think what got me the most was all the crying.
Besides that, this story was good when it came to the description and survival tactics!
I found the heroine to be annoying and immature ----- but I think what got me the most was all the crying.
Besides that, this story was good when it came to the description and survival tactics!
January 21, 2013
"Noooooo!" is what I screamed when Grace Lost, the most amazing book I have read in a long time, ended abruptly. I then proceeded to stalk Goodreads, as well as Amazon, looking for a release date for the sequel. Sadly, I found that I would have to wait at least six months before I was able to pick up Tainted Grace. "How will I go on?" I asked myself, as tears formed in my eyes.
So if you haven't already guessed as much, I loved Grace Lost. From the very first page I was hooked, and only became more engrossed with each page I turned. I fell in love with the characters, particularly Gus. I also loved how much thought the author must have put into this story. There were very few moments where I thought to myself, "That doesn't make sense." Although, I will say that about halfway through the book I was wondering about their seemingly endless supply of ammo. However, the rest of the story was so great, that I didn't really care about something so trivial. I've read a few reviews where people have complained about Zoe's crying all the time, and the only thing I have to say is, put yourself in the same situations she went through and tell me you wouldn't shed a few tears. I liked that she cried, it made the story seem more realistic to me. And it wasn't as though she spent the entire book sobbing. There were many times throughout the story that Zoe sucked it up and did what needed to be done, despite her feelings. I found her to be brave, yet not unrealistically so.
I also loved that the author didn't shy away from the gore. It's a book about a zombie apocalypse, and reads the way it should, with plenty of blood and guts, and quite a few moments where you just have to say, "Ew, that was disgusting!" That being said, Grace Lost is definitely not for those with week stomachs! Nor is it intended for the younger crowd. There is sex, swearing, and as stated earlier, plenty of gore. I would say 16+ is the intended age group for this book.
So, all and all, I am in love with this book, and am planning on forcing every one of my book buddies to read it!
So if you haven't already guessed as much, I loved Grace Lost. From the very first page I was hooked, and only became more engrossed with each page I turned. I fell in love with the characters, particularly Gus. I also loved how much thought the author must have put into this story. There were very few moments where I thought to myself, "That doesn't make sense." Although, I will say that about halfway through the book I was wondering about their seemingly endless supply of ammo. However, the rest of the story was so great, that I didn't really care about something so trivial. I've read a few reviews where people have complained about Zoe's crying all the time, and the only thing I have to say is, put yourself in the same situations she went through and tell me you wouldn't shed a few tears. I liked that she cried, it made the story seem more realistic to me. And it wasn't as though she spent the entire book sobbing. There were many times throughout the story that Zoe sucked it up and did what needed to be done, despite her feelings. I found her to be brave, yet not unrealistically so.
I also loved that the author didn't shy away from the gore. It's a book about a zombie apocalypse, and reads the way it should, with plenty of blood and guts, and quite a few moments where you just have to say, "Ew, that was disgusting!" That being said, Grace Lost is definitely not for those with week stomachs! Nor is it intended for the younger crowd. There is sex, swearing, and as stated earlier, plenty of gore. I would say 16+ is the intended age group for this book.
So, all and all, I am in love with this book, and am planning on forcing every one of my book buddies to read it!
January 12, 2013
This turned out to be a decent book, but it could have been way better.
It started out slow and kinda boring, but eventually I got into it. It was almost like the author couldnt get into her 'groove' until she wrote for a while.
I liked the characters, dont get me wrong, but in the beginning, and some parts later on, I wanted to smack Zoe. Way too much crying for me. Yeah this is my issue, but I like my women to be a little tougher in the books I read. I want a bad ass zombie slaying chick who kicks ass and takes name, not some girl who cries at the drop of a hat.
For me while reading the dialogue between the characters I find myself asking who the hell talks like this, especially in a freaking zombie crazy world. Everything they said was extremely proper, and said in vivid detail. This was part of the reason I had trouble getting into the book in the beginning. It didnt feel real, it felt fake and forced. Like I said it got better later on, but I would still read something and roll my eyes because it just didnt fit.
I like how these are smart zombies, who are as devious as they are gross. A nice change for a zombie novel.
I dont really consider this a spoiler since it has to be running through your mind as a possibility the whole time you are reading the book. But if you dont wish to know, skip ahead. The whole pregnancy thing pissed me off. How stupid, and how naive can you possibly be to not consider this before you go and have sex a bunch of times unprotected? I think we all knew it was coming, so no surprise there but come on! I blame both Boggs and Zoe. Dumb dumb dumb!
Will I read the next book in the series? Absolutly! I really want to see where the author is going with this, and I really want to know what happens to the characters. As much as some of them pissed me off I still like them, lol.
Will I recommend it? Yes, to all my zombie loving friends. Lori this is you my dear!
1/12/13 I have changed my review from 3 stars to 4 stars after having a very enlightened conversation with the author on my blog, and after reading a blog post by the author pertaining to some of 'my issues' with the MC. Feel free to check out my blog post here
and M. Lauryl Lewis's blog post about Zoe here
It started out slow and kinda boring, but eventually I got into it. It was almost like the author couldnt get into her 'groove' until she wrote for a while.
I liked the characters, dont get me wrong, but in the beginning, and some parts later on, I wanted to smack Zoe. Way too much crying for me. Yeah this is my issue, but I like my women to be a little tougher in the books I read. I want a bad ass zombie slaying chick who kicks ass and takes name, not some girl who cries at the drop of a hat.
For me while reading the dialogue between the characters I find myself asking who the hell talks like this, especially in a freaking zombie crazy world. Everything they said was extremely proper, and said in vivid detail. This was part of the reason I had trouble getting into the book in the beginning. It didnt feel real, it felt fake and forced. Like I said it got better later on, but I would still read something and roll my eyes because it just didnt fit.
I like how these are smart zombies, who are as devious as they are gross. A nice change for a zombie novel.
I dont really consider this a spoiler since it has to be running through your mind as a possibility the whole time you are reading the book. But if you dont wish to know, skip ahead. The whole pregnancy thing pissed me off. How stupid, and how naive can you possibly be to not consider this before you go and have sex a bunch of times unprotected? I think we all knew it was coming, so no surprise there but come on! I blame both Boggs and Zoe. Dumb dumb dumb!
Will I read the next book in the series? Absolutly! I really want to see where the author is going with this, and I really want to know what happens to the characters. As much as some of them pissed me off I still like them, lol.
Will I recommend it? Yes, to all my zombie loving friends. Lori this is you my dear!
1/12/13 I have changed my review from 3 stars to 4 stars after having a very enlightened conversation with the author on my blog, and after reading a blog post by the author pertaining to some of 'my issues' with the MC. Feel free to check out my blog post here
and M. Lauryl Lewis's blog post about Zoe here
June 15, 2016
Oh God, this was... Not good.
If I didn't love my kindle like a child I birthed myself I would have flung it across the room. All the grammar mistakes and the names flipping back and forth (Emilie/Emily). Bitch, you named her! How do you mess up your own characters names??
Now, I've read some ghetto books. Books that are published and marketed by the author can sometimes have editing problems that are worth putting up with to experience that author's talent. Within the first few pages I knew it wasn't going to be one of those books. The thing I love about post apocalyptic fiction is the focus it brings to the book's current story. Yes, the mc could have had a traumatic childhood where she had to sell her hair for food, but that doesn't matter anymore! There are zombies! She nuts up and throws down and I live for it.
This however.. God. Zoe (mc) is fucking pathetic. Lots of hand wringing and whining.
Aside from her pretty major character flaw that she's a pussy, her relationship with her best friend "who is like a brother" to her was awful. There's a shower scene where he basically forces himself on her, and she lets him do it even though it feels wrong.
Let me straighten my tie and testify:
Ladies, if a man you are not interested in comes to you while you are in the shower and says he needs "comfort", it is not your problem. It is in no way your responsibility to make him feel better with your body unless you are thrilled to do it and are getting the same.
Now, if you've stuck with me through my preachin', there are some really great books out there that can suit your zombie romance needs. Kylie Scott is a great place to start.
If I didn't love my kindle like a child I birthed myself I would have flung it across the room. All the grammar mistakes and the names flipping back and forth (Emilie/Emily). Bitch, you named her! How do you mess up your own characters names??
Now, I've read some ghetto books. Books that are published and marketed by the author can sometimes have editing problems that are worth putting up with to experience that author's talent. Within the first few pages I knew it wasn't going to be one of those books. The thing I love about post apocalyptic fiction is the focus it brings to the book's current story. Yes, the mc could have had a traumatic childhood where she had to sell her hair for food, but that doesn't matter anymore! There are zombies! She nuts up and throws down and I live for it.
This however.. God. Zoe (mc) is fucking pathetic. Lots of hand wringing and whining.
Aside from her pretty major character flaw that she's a pussy, her relationship with her best friend "who is like a brother" to her was awful. There's a shower scene where he basically forces himself on her, and she lets him do it even though it feels wrong.
Let me straighten my tie and testify:
Ladies, if a man you are not interested in comes to you while you are in the shower and says he needs "comfort", it is not your problem. It is in no way your responsibility to make him feel better with your body unless you are thrilled to do it and are getting the same.
Now, if you've stuck with me through my preachin', there are some really great books out there that can suit your zombie romance needs. Kylie Scott is a great place to start.
March 22, 2013
This book grabs your attention from the first page and doesn't let go! I was reeling when it ended and even tracked down the author to push for the release of the second book!
It has been months since I finished this book, the story and characters have been on my mind ever since. This is the reason I gave it five stars.
I don't understand how someone can give a book only one star simply because they didn't "like" the main character. All of the characters in this book are living in a post-apocalyptic zombie infested world. How can anyone pretend to know or predict the choices people would make or how they would react to finding themselves in certain situations? They simply can not!
The characters are very well developed, I felt like I knew them personally. Each personality is consistent throughout the story. Nothing is predictable but, they do make choices that are consistent with their personalities. The author kept them very true to themselves and didn't change any of their thoughts or actions to appease an audience and this is why they felt so real.
The settings are described with such detail that I could picture every event as though I were watching a movie. It takes talent to make you feel like you are there, in the middle of everything, observing as though your presence was unnoticed. In would recommend this story to anyone looking for an escape onto a completely unimaginable world with people that invoke emotions and thought well beyond the final page.
I am definitely along for the entire ride!
It has been months since I finished this book, the story and characters have been on my mind ever since. This is the reason I gave it five stars.
I don't understand how someone can give a book only one star simply because they didn't "like" the main character. All of the characters in this book are living in a post-apocalyptic zombie infested world. How can anyone pretend to know or predict the choices people would make or how they would react to finding themselves in certain situations? They simply can not!
The characters are very well developed, I felt like I knew them personally. Each personality is consistent throughout the story. Nothing is predictable but, they do make choices that are consistent with their personalities. The author kept them very true to themselves and didn't change any of their thoughts or actions to appease an audience and this is why they felt so real.
The settings are described with such detail that I could picture every event as though I were watching a movie. It takes talent to make you feel like you are there, in the middle of everything, observing as though your presence was unnoticed. In would recommend this story to anyone looking for an escape onto a completely unimaginable world with people that invoke emotions and thought well beyond the final page.
I am definitely along for the entire ride!
April 14, 2013
This is great zombie book!! It actually HAS zombies in it as well as the people trying to survive. Some make it...some don't. This is a great backup to fill in The Walking Dead hiatus, though different. It's still the end/beginning of a new world...but these zombies can move a little faster that what TV leads up to believe and the threat seems more dangerous. The relationships are a little predictable in the way they pair up as couples, but it IS the end of the world and they all need a little lovin'. The only change I would make is to add more people to the group, with no obvious couplings.
Would I recommend? YES!!
Would I recommend? YES!!
November 15, 2012
This is a GRIPPING EXCITING AND ENTHRALLING WORK! It starts sweet and within moments kicks into extreme overdrive. There is Love, Sex, Action, Life and Death. A must read for anyone who loves Zombies and Erotic Fiction.
March 10, 2013
There's something in here that I love but I can't Say what because it would give it away! It has to do with her hip. I've said enough! This is a cool book it kept me very very entertained. Must go by the second one now!!
February 19, 2016
I read this as a buddy read in the group Pro-Active Destruction.
I didn't enjoy this book as I normally do most zombpoc books with romance thrown in. I felt the writing was a little juvenile, perhaps because of the age of the protagonist, 20-year-old Eva, and perhaps because the author's writing style seemed to focus more on the mundane elements of shopping and cooking then the external elements of the actual zombie apoc. It wasn't until the book was almost over that I started to really enjoy the story.
I'm not sure that I plan on continuing the series.
I didn't enjoy this book as I normally do most zombpoc books with romance thrown in. I felt the writing was a little juvenile, perhaps because of the age of the protagonist, 20-year-old Eva, and perhaps because the author's writing style seemed to focus more on the mundane elements of shopping and cooking then the external elements of the actual zombie apoc. It wasn't until the book was almost over that I started to really enjoy the story.
I'm not sure that I plan on continuing the series.
December 27, 2012
Fantastic read! Lots of action, romance and more! Really, really enjoyed it! I cannot wait for the next one! :)
February 23, 2013
ready for book two...
November 23, 2017
NOVA Reviews
FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT ZOMBIES BECAUSE THEY JUST GOT SMART! Yup, we're talking smart as in i-will-set-a-trap-for-the-weak-little-humans-just-so-i-can-catch-them-and-eat-their-brains-slowly smart... I never thought i would like these types of zombies because it's weird but M. Lauryl totally rocked them.
I find that Zombie books are actually quite addicting and the grosser the better! But Beware because this book is beyond gross! The description of the people being eaten and the slowly decaying zombies with limbs missing and even with only half of their faces are just so realistic... i actually gagged a few times. The situations were actually things that we would do in these circumstances (like i would know) and not being dumb/reckless and the scenes set all the moods for the creepy world taken by flesh eating zombies... Just so Creepily perfect!
Boggs, that’s a stupid question,” I snapped. “Half a dead guy trying to eat you is a bit more than just ‘odd.’” I was at my breaking point for the day.
“No, I mean there was no odor. He didn’t smell like he’d been dead long. And where were his legs?” Boggs opened his eyes to look at me in the mirror. “It’s almost like he was put there as a trap. Like they killed him and ate his fucking lower half and left the rest to distract us.”
Another first for me is having the leading girl feeling the zombies hungers, knowing where they're hiding and even thinking... WOW and it's totally new and awesome. Zoe is amazing and actually helps out everyone instead of just moping (usual zombie book girl) around and doing nothing all day. She is so strong but there are times when she breaks down and that really helped understand her and making me like her as much as i do now. But i still think that she's as dumb as they get because of how the end went for her...
"Can you still feel them? ”
I shook my head no. “No, they’re gone. Gus." I looked him in the eyes to get his full attention. “They’re using one of us. A human. As bait. I saw it in their thoughts. They keep one of us alive and make them walk the road till someone driving by stops to help.”
“Shit,” said Boggs from the driver’s seat. “You sure Zoe?”
I sniffled, my nose starting to run from crying. “I’m positive. And the family from the minivan. They took them into the woods. God, they tore them apart while they were still alive.
I still don't understand Boggs because i can't see if he's going to hurt Zoe or actually stick with her... I can't read him very well but i know that he's kind of awesome at surviving. He was the first one to say to gather water and supplies and get the hell out of civilization (normally they're just stupid) to survive. But until i gt a full opinion on him i'll wait for the next book and then i'll see.
Emilie and Gus are just the perfect example of people that found their equal only when the world went to shit. And without them many people that came out in the end alive would be definitely dead by now. They give so much to the book and i only hope that we get to see more of their relationship and actual life...
There will be gruesome losses of really nice people, there will be gun shootings that will be a mind blow (Literally), loads of romance and even more horror. Grace Lost may be my one of the best zombie books that also support a kick ass cover!!
FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT ZOMBIES BECAUSE THEY JUST GOT SMART! Yup, we're talking smart as in i-will-set-a-trap-for-the-weak-little-humans-just-so-i-can-catch-them-and-eat-their-brains-slowly smart... I never thought i would like these types of zombies because it's weird but M. Lauryl totally rocked them.
I find that Zombie books are actually quite addicting and the grosser the better! But Beware because this book is beyond gross! The description of the people being eaten and the slowly decaying zombies with limbs missing and even with only half of their faces are just so realistic... i actually gagged a few times. The situations were actually things that we would do in these circumstances (like i would know) and not being dumb/reckless and the scenes set all the moods for the creepy world taken by flesh eating zombies... Just so Creepily perfect!
Boggs, that’s a stupid question,” I snapped. “Half a dead guy trying to eat you is a bit more than just ‘odd.’” I was at my breaking point for the day.
“No, I mean there was no odor. He didn’t smell like he’d been dead long. And where were his legs?” Boggs opened his eyes to look at me in the mirror. “It’s almost like he was put there as a trap. Like they killed him and ate his fucking lower half and left the rest to distract us.”
Another first for me is having the leading girl feeling the zombies hungers, knowing where they're hiding and even thinking... WOW and it's totally new and awesome. Zoe is amazing and actually helps out everyone instead of just moping (usual zombie book girl) around and doing nothing all day. She is so strong but there are times when she breaks down and that really helped understand her and making me like her as much as i do now. But i still think that she's as dumb as they get because of how the end went for her...
"Can you still feel them? ”
I shook my head no. “No, they’re gone. Gus." I looked him in the eyes to get his full attention. “They’re using one of us. A human. As bait. I saw it in their thoughts. They keep one of us alive and make them walk the road till someone driving by stops to help.”
“Shit,” said Boggs from the driver’s seat. “You sure Zoe?”
I sniffled, my nose starting to run from crying. “I’m positive. And the family from the minivan. They took them into the woods. God, they tore them apart while they were still alive.
I still don't understand Boggs because i can't see if he's going to hurt Zoe or actually stick with her... I can't read him very well but i know that he's kind of awesome at surviving. He was the first one to say to gather water and supplies and get the hell out of civilization (normally they're just stupid) to survive. But until i gt a full opinion on him i'll wait for the next book and then i'll see.
Emilie and Gus are just the perfect example of people that found their equal only when the world went to shit. And without them many people that came out in the end alive would be definitely dead by now. They give so much to the book and i only hope that we get to see more of their relationship and actual life...
There will be gruesome losses of really nice people, there will be gun shootings that will be a mind blow (Literally), loads of romance and even more horror. Grace Lost may be my one of the best zombie books that also support a kick ass cover!!
March 19, 2014
I've read through the majority of the reviews of Grace Lost. There aren't very many, which makes this possible. What surprised me was the large number of relatively high ratings (3+ stars) which cited complaints about the book's protagonist, the setting or the story line. 3 stars may be considered "critical" by Amazon, but I believe most readers consider a 3-star book to still have merit. Personally I consider this type of activity to be somewhat suspicious.
My rating system is fairly specific, using style rather than enjoyment of the book to determine the star rating. My 2-star policy states that the book had a tedious tone and doesn't flow well. This is certainly the case with Grace Lost.
As another reviewer states, the author is an amateur and she needs more experience in order to earn the high ratings of these books. She uses too much passive voice in her book and it is full of "filter words," which keep the reader in her own head instead of in the mind of the character. I've written on my tumblog about how filter words make the author feel as though she's staying with one character when in fact, she's separating the reader from the character. Lewis does too much of this and leaves the reader feeling frustrated.
The worst parts of this book are lack of character and plot development. Zoe and Emilie are virtually interchangeable with one another, and Boggs' treatment of Zoe is manipulative and gross. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that his treatment of her borders on sexual assault. The sexual interactions are creepy, at best, and I find them more disgusting than the gore in this particular book. Additionally, the author failed to provide adequate plot points, and the book reads like a string of unrelated events. Instead of providing a solid plot, she describes inane everyday activities such as eating and taking baths -- over and over again. I cannot count the number of times that people went to bed in this book.
Grace Lost has potential, but it needs a lot of revision and an experienced editor.
My full review on Hubpages.
My rating system is fairly specific, using style rather than enjoyment of the book to determine the star rating. My 2-star policy states that the book had a tedious tone and doesn't flow well. This is certainly the case with Grace Lost.
As another reviewer states, the author is an amateur and she needs more experience in order to earn the high ratings of these books. She uses too much passive voice in her book and it is full of "filter words," which keep the reader in her own head instead of in the mind of the character. I've written on my tumblog about how filter words make the author feel as though she's staying with one character when in fact, she's separating the reader from the character. Lewis does too much of this and leaves the reader feeling frustrated.
The worst parts of this book are lack of character and plot development. Zoe and Emilie are virtually interchangeable with one another, and Boggs' treatment of Zoe is manipulative and gross. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that his treatment of her borders on sexual assault. The sexual interactions are creepy, at best, and I find them more disgusting than the gore in this particular book. Additionally, the author failed to provide adequate plot points, and the book reads like a string of unrelated events. Instead of providing a solid plot, she describes inane everyday activities such as eating and taking baths -- over and over again. I cannot count the number of times that people went to bed in this book.
Grace Lost has potential, but it needs a lot of revision and an experienced editor.
My full review on Hubpages.
January 28, 2014
The good:
Zoe, the main character, has a unique supernatural ability that adds to the story and makes for interesting situations.
It was nice to see some of the positives of human nature spotlighted here since everything else I've been reading seems to show that most people will be reduced to murderous, rapist assholes in an apocalypse.
The bad:
I hate sentient zombies. If you are going to create zombies capable of reasoning and emotions (beyond rage) who are intelligent enough to set traps, then please give me some medical/scientific explanation to make it seem credible.
Zoe is whiny. She cries and throws up all the time. She also apparently has the mental and emotional capacity of a 12 year old since she
In addition to Zoe being annoying, her longtime BFF Boggs is kind of an asshole so it's hard to care about him either. He disappeared for a couple of years and literally just came back at the beginning of the book. After the zombies appear, he's suddenly in love with Zoe. Is it just the drastic reduction in possible post-apocalypse partners that made him realize Zoe was the love of his life? There's no build up to make it seem plausible. There really aren't any characters that I cared about although Gus and Emilie were a cute couple.
In reading reviews of the second book to see if it will improve the story, I discovered a spoiler that totally ruins any chance of me wanting to read this soap opera of a zombie story. It doesn't make any sense and makes it impossible for me to care about any of these characters.
Zoe, the main character, has a unique supernatural ability that adds to the story and makes for interesting situations.
It was nice to see some of the positives of human nature spotlighted here since everything else I've been reading seems to show that most people will be reduced to murderous, rapist assholes in an apocalypse.
The bad:
I hate sentient zombies. If you are going to create zombies capable of reasoning and emotions (beyond rage) who are intelligent enough to set traps, then please give me some medical/scientific explanation to make it seem credible.
Zoe is whiny. She cries and throws up all the time. She also apparently has the mental and emotional capacity of a 12 year old since she
In addition to Zoe being annoying, her longtime BFF Boggs is kind of an asshole so it's hard to care about him either. He disappeared for a couple of years and literally just came back at the beginning of the book. After the zombies appear, he's suddenly in love with Zoe. Is it just the drastic reduction in possible post-apocalypse partners that made him realize Zoe was the love of his life? There's no build up to make it seem plausible. There really aren't any characters that I cared about although Gus and Emilie were a cute couple.
In reading reviews of the second book to see if it will improve the story, I discovered a spoiler that totally ruins any chance of me wanting to read this soap opera of a zombie story. It doesn't make any sense and makes it impossible for me to care about any of these characters.
May 24, 2015
I hated this book so much I couldn't get past chapter 5. I can't even write a proper review so I'm going to write the notes I jotted down while listening to the audio book.
"I hate the name boggs"
"intro was so forced and escalated quickly"
"so repetitive, the dialogue is so corny."
"we get it, your hip hurts"
"ok gus is a creep, standing there telling zoe she's too weak to 'exercise' ? and he needs to check on her hip? why do they treat her like an infant "
"soooo many unnecessary details. I don't care if you double shampoo."
"EW. boggs is like her brother. now he's pinching her 'erect nipples' ..EW"
"so painfully detailed in the wrong places, I forgot this was about zombies"
"its like a pg13 little house on the prairie"
"I know more details about the concrete hut than I do about how her family died."
"gus and boggs are so controlling . Zoe go here, Zoe do this, and Biggs says he can't lose her every time he opens his mouth. shut up boggs."
"so much crying. so annoying. I cant . I'm done."
"I hate the name boggs"
"intro was so forced and escalated quickly"
"so repetitive, the dialogue is so corny."
"we get it, your hip hurts"
"ok gus is a creep, standing there telling zoe she's too weak to 'exercise' ? and he needs to check on her hip? why do they treat her like an infant "
"soooo many unnecessary details. I don't care if you double shampoo."
"EW. boggs is like her brother. now he's pinching her 'erect nipples' ..EW"
"so painfully detailed in the wrong places, I forgot this was about zombies"
"its like a pg13 little house on the prairie"
"I know more details about the concrete hut than I do about how her family died."
"gus and boggs are so controlling . Zoe go here, Zoe do this, and Biggs says he can't lose her every time he opens his mouth. shut up boggs."
"so much crying. so annoying. I cant . I'm done."
February 11, 2019
This is a messy one for me. I liked it but I didn't like it. The story was interesting, the origin of the disaster was fascinating and the mix of characters was... alright. I didn't care for the main character or her "bestfriend/boyfriend" or the boyfriend's college fling, though. The dynamic was just wrong. It didn't work. The main character's reactions to things was annoying. Her naivete was frustrating. The sex scenes were just plain uncomfortable and the author's choice of words for genitals was cringe worthy. The "zombies" were interesting but the author doesn't seem to understand what the human body can and can not withstand by way of injuries and has people surviving things that they would not.
This book also becomes uncomfortably Christian about half way through when it wasn't in the beginning.
The whole thing is just an exercise in discomfort.
This book also becomes uncomfortably Christian about half way through when it wasn't in the beginning.
The whole thing is just an exercise in discomfort.
December 29, 2013
Wow, loving this series so far, all 4 books, I rated all 4 books 5 stars!! My husband and I are both reading it at the same time.
This is a zombie series so don't get too attached to any characters, expected the unexpected or you will not survive...true story!
Grace Lost is introducing all the characters, the main ones being Adam Boggs, Zoe, Gus & Emilene. I have come to love them all. Gus is more like the protector and hero figure in this series. You will have lots of romance, unexpected twists, lots of tragedy, lots of zombie eating flesh, and most of all, lots of all kinds of action...if you know what I mean! I hope you enjoy the series. I read the first 3 books abt 3 months ago and just read the 4th book today!
This is a zombie series so don't get too attached to any characters, expected the unexpected or you will not survive...true story!
Grace Lost is introducing all the characters, the main ones being Adam Boggs, Zoe, Gus & Emilene. I have come to love them all. Gus is more like the protector and hero figure in this series. You will have lots of romance, unexpected twists, lots of tragedy, lots of zombie eating flesh, and most of all, lots of all kinds of action...if you know what I mean! I hope you enjoy the series. I read the first 3 books abt 3 months ago and just read the 4th book today!
February 1, 2014
This is not your average shamblin' zombie book! If you're looking for something different, you may find it here. Grace Lost is book one in the Grace Series, which currently has four books in it. Zoe is an admirable and likeable character, and it was wonderful to see what her adventures would be! M. Lauryl Lewis is a great writer and managed to admirably capture what the characters were feeling, and place you right there with them. I normally would have finished this book in one day were it not for assignments I had due at the time, so I had to limit myself, but found I was longing to get back to it. There's fun, romance, suspense, and of course zombies! But be careful, these zombies will surprise you! I highly reccomend and just purchased the next installment to the series.
March 18, 2013
Cannot say enough good about this book. Totally awesome. Loved every second of it. Brilliant! Loved how the characters all felt real and loved the twists. So many unexpected plot changes. Very gory and pretty hot. For sure not for kids. Dont hesitate to read this one. Best zombie read in aaaaaages for me.
March 4, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this, anxiously awaiting the next instalment. Have never read a zombie related book,so didn't thinkit would be my cup of tea, but it was well written and very entertaining.
December 18, 2021
I feel like most of the 4 and 5 star reviews have been paid for, in some way, because there is no way that this is a good book.
I received a free copy of the book and I now understand why (face palm).
The main character is one of those annoyingly incompetent and selfish airheads that is usually used as a juxtaposition against the main character, thereby making you like and respect the main character more. In this story, you’re stuck with her throughout the series! She only survives by the grace of those more competent around her (pun intended). The main character is weak-willed, bumbling and child-like, she can barely do anything for herself and therefore she gets treated like one.
The book also has an ick factor as her friend uses manipulation to get her to sleep with him and the sex scenes makes one want to throw up as she’s been built up to be a naive little girl, in an adult’s body.
I have never hated the characters in any book, as much as I do in this one,
The boyfriend is bordering on manipulative and obsessive and Zoe is a whiny moron.
The only saving grace (pun intended) is the interesting world building.
I’ll continue the series, hoping that the characters mature or develop in any way.
Update: I finished all 6 books in a just over a day, they’re not long reads therefore it’s quite quick to get through.
My honest opinion, don’t bother to start.
If you think you’re going to get any explanation or a suitable end to the series, don’t hold your breath. Nothing is explained or concluded. The series ends with more questions which will continue to be unanswered as the author seems to have given up.
I cannot understand why someone would write a book about a completely unlikeable main character, spend effort and time to build so many types of unique zombie-like creatures and then just end the series in the middle of a thought. The author has raved about how she has finally ended the series but there is no ending… perhaps that’s what she wants, a real life scenario, but most books about zombies aren’t about real life. The reader wants escapism with a good ending.
I’ve tried to summarize my pain points with the series (there were many):
The main characters are all unlikeable - you think Gus is a good older character, used to show the immaturity of the two younger leads, but the author decides to spoil it by making Grace and Gus cheat on Boggs after she is well on in her pregnancy.
The sex scenes are used throughout the series but they serve no purpose, they’re always initiated by the guy and Grace comes across as someone who just lets the male characters have their way because it’s easier.
She gets pregnant twice in the series, once by Boggs and the second by Gus. The pregnancies are written about in painful detail and leads the reader to believe that the babies symbolize something more, however both children die and that’s about it. The second pregnancy has been prophesized and the child is said to be the savior of human kind but she doesn’t play much of a role in the series at all.
Wherever Grace goes death seems to follow, 99% of the time due to her bumbling attempts to help or her selfish, immature behavior (again I have no idea why the author wrote her in this way). The people around her die because she refuses to listen or is too emotional and wants to do things her way.
She’s too immature and emotional and instead of growing in the course of the story, she ends up becoming more inane. At one point, they pick up a newborn baby (don’t know why there’s so many references to babies), and she has a thought that it’s ok if she puts her life on the line as one of her companions, a 13 year old girl, would make a great mother.
The painful details about the food they eat, the showers they take, how often they sleep. It’s repetitive and doesn’t add much to the story. It feels like the entire series is one book, broken up in to smaller books and padded with inconsequential details to make them seem longer.
The lack of sharing off information when they meet new survivors. They don’t bother exchanging information or asking about life saving tips. It’s like the author decides to add throw-away characters and doesn’t bother with spending time to actually learn anything of value.
The “bad men” that use survivors to feed the zombies. It’s never explained why they do what they do and there doesn’t seem to be a point to them, just more padding.
The zombies are actually the only thing I liked about the book but nothing is ever explained. It feels like the different types are repeatedly used and being built up towards something but it never gets to the point of explanation. Who are the smoke zombies or the hunters, why are they helping or hunting her?
The series ends with Grace and Gus running away to the ocean, leaving a safe haven behind, because she needs time to herself. You’re in the middle of of an apocalypse and you want to run away from safety because you want to find yourself. Gus goes with her because she will most likely run away on her own anyway. It makes no sense. If I was him, I would have ditched her ages ago and would have probably saved a lot of peoples lives.
I received a free copy of the book and I now understand why (face palm).
The main character is one of those annoyingly incompetent and selfish airheads that is usually used as a juxtaposition against the main character, thereby making you like and respect the main character more. In this story, you’re stuck with her throughout the series! She only survives by the grace of those more competent around her (pun intended). The main character is weak-willed, bumbling and child-like, she can barely do anything for herself and therefore she gets treated like one.
The book also has an ick factor as her friend uses manipulation to get her to sleep with him and the sex scenes makes one want to throw up as she’s been built up to be a naive little girl, in an adult’s body.
I have never hated the characters in any book, as much as I do in this one,
The boyfriend is bordering on manipulative and obsessive and Zoe is a whiny moron.
The only saving grace (pun intended) is the interesting world building.
I’ll continue the series, hoping that the characters mature or develop in any way.
Update: I finished all 6 books in a just over a day, they’re not long reads therefore it’s quite quick to get through.
My honest opinion, don’t bother to start.
If you think you’re going to get any explanation or a suitable end to the series, don’t hold your breath. Nothing is explained or concluded. The series ends with more questions which will continue to be unanswered as the author seems to have given up.
I cannot understand why someone would write a book about a completely unlikeable main character, spend effort and time to build so many types of unique zombie-like creatures and then just end the series in the middle of a thought. The author has raved about how she has finally ended the series but there is no ending… perhaps that’s what she wants, a real life scenario, but most books about zombies aren’t about real life. The reader wants escapism with a good ending.
I’ve tried to summarize my pain points with the series (there were many):
The main characters are all unlikeable - you think Gus is a good older character, used to show the immaturity of the two younger leads, but the author decides to spoil it by making Grace and Gus cheat on Boggs after she is well on in her pregnancy.
The sex scenes are used throughout the series but they serve no purpose, they’re always initiated by the guy and Grace comes across as someone who just lets the male characters have their way because it’s easier.
She gets pregnant twice in the series, once by Boggs and the second by Gus. The pregnancies are written about in painful detail and leads the reader to believe that the babies symbolize something more, however both children die and that’s about it. The second pregnancy has been prophesized and the child is said to be the savior of human kind but she doesn’t play much of a role in the series at all.
Wherever Grace goes death seems to follow, 99% of the time due to her bumbling attempts to help or her selfish, immature behavior (again I have no idea why the author wrote her in this way). The people around her die because she refuses to listen or is too emotional and wants to do things her way.
She’s too immature and emotional and instead of growing in the course of the story, she ends up becoming more inane. At one point, they pick up a newborn baby (don’t know why there’s so many references to babies), and she has a thought that it’s ok if she puts her life on the line as one of her companions, a 13 year old girl, would make a great mother.
The painful details about the food they eat, the showers they take, how often they sleep. It’s repetitive and doesn’t add much to the story. It feels like the entire series is one book, broken up in to smaller books and padded with inconsequential details to make them seem longer.
The lack of sharing off information when they meet new survivors. They don’t bother exchanging information or asking about life saving tips. It’s like the author decides to add throw-away characters and doesn’t bother with spending time to actually learn anything of value.
The “bad men” that use survivors to feed the zombies. It’s never explained why they do what they do and there doesn’t seem to be a point to them, just more padding.
The zombies are actually the only thing I liked about the book but nothing is ever explained. It feels like the different types are repeatedly used and being built up towards something but it never gets to the point of explanation. Who are the smoke zombies or the hunters, why are they helping or hunting her?
The series ends with Grace and Gus running away to the ocean, leaving a safe haven behind, because she needs time to herself. You’re in the middle of of an apocalypse and you want to run away from safety because you want to find yourself. Gus goes with her because she will most likely run away on her own anyway. It makes no sense. If I was him, I would have ditched her ages ago and would have probably saved a lot of peoples lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
February 13, 2021DNF.
March 29, 2020
Zombie apocalypse
This was a great story with the zombie apocalypse. I loved the characters and how they came together. Now to look at starting the next in the series
This was a great story with the zombie apocalypse. I loved the characters and how they came together. Now to look at starting the next in the series
April 24, 2013
*SPOILERS*
This was an ok book but could have been way better. It has such promise with the storyline, but the characters and execution fall short. I am glad I stuck with it and followed through to the end, because although it was very slow to start off, it did pick up near the end and I did get a little hooked.
The main issue i had with this book was the main character Zoe Kate. A 20 year old virgin, fair enough, but she is so whiny and cries at the drop of a hat, throws up all the time, and is so dependant on everyone else it's honestly a wonder she is still alive. She is so naive and young mentally, she seemed SO shocked to fall pregnant after screwing around with her bf using no protection whatsoever misses her period and she still had no clue?
There weren't really any characters that stand out and grab you in this book. Sure they're likeable, but they are forgettable. Boggs annoyed me to be honey. He disappears for years without contact then shows up again declaring his love and wants to get in on all the time? Mmhmm... Yer ok, I'd be telling him to bugger off lol
The twist with her being able to communicate with the dead was unique,I really enjoyed that part is the book. Clever zombies using humans as bait? I would shit myself! Lol
Summary: an ok book worth the read if you have the time, be patient for it to get started and it does pick up into a decent storyline. If you can manage to get through the book while ignoring all the stupid whiny things the main character does, it is a good read. I am still deciding whether to bother paying for the second book or not.
This was an ok book but could have been way better. It has such promise with the storyline, but the characters and execution fall short. I am glad I stuck with it and followed through to the end, because although it was very slow to start off, it did pick up near the end and I did get a little hooked.
The main issue i had with this book was the main character Zoe Kate. A 20 year old virgin, fair enough, but she is so whiny and cries at the drop of a hat, throws up all the time, and is so dependant on everyone else it's honestly a wonder she is still alive. She is so naive and young mentally, she seemed SO shocked to fall pregnant after screwing around with her bf using no protection whatsoever misses her period and she still had no clue?
There weren't really any characters that stand out and grab you in this book. Sure they're likeable, but they are forgettable. Boggs annoyed me to be honey. He disappears for years without contact then shows up again declaring his love and wants to get in on all the time? Mmhmm... Yer ok, I'd be telling him to bugger off lol
The twist with her being able to communicate with the dead was unique,I really enjoyed that part is the book. Clever zombies using humans as bait? I would shit myself! Lol
Summary: an ok book worth the read if you have the time, be patient for it to get started and it does pick up into a decent storyline. If you can manage to get through the book while ignoring all the stupid whiny things the main character does, it is a good read. I am still deciding whether to bother paying for the second book or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2019
04/30/19 I am still reading (ch. 15), but I felt compelled to comment on the amount of "teenage" angst in this book. True, they are young adults, but it doesn't read as such. Plus the whole love triangle aspect, and the sex scenes. Really? I found myself skipping over them completely. Especially after the 1st one when Boggs practically forced himself on Zoe. When I read a zombie novel, I want ZOMBIES. Yes, I understand there are back stories and character development needed, but this read more like a romance novel with a few zombies tossed in. The one redeeming quality of the story is Zoe's new "gift". I like the new spin it give the zombie genre. I will finish this book as there is only 6 chapters left, but this is not a series that I wish to continue.
Why does Boggs and Gus keep telling Zoe what to do? She is not a child, but for some reason they handle her with kid gloves as if she has ZERO life experience. She almost 21, not 12!!!! So annoying. All the whining, moaning, and crying got old pretty fast.
And why is there so many unnecessary details? When someone is making up a bed, we don't need step by step on how you laid the sheet, tucked them under, shook open the pillow case, added the pillow etc., etc. So many instances like this as if the author was trying to fill space to make the book longer.
5/22 Meh. I didn't finish this book. I was hoping I could come back to it but nope.
Why does Boggs and Gus keep telling Zoe what to do? She is not a child, but for some reason they handle her with kid gloves as if she has ZERO life experience. She almost 21, not 12!!!! So annoying. All the whining, moaning, and crying got old pretty fast.
And why is there so many unnecessary details? When someone is making up a bed, we don't need step by step on how you laid the sheet, tucked them under, shook open the pillow case, added the pillow etc., etc. So many instances like this as if the author was trying to fill space to make the book longer.
5/22 Meh. I didn't finish this book. I was hoping I could come back to it but nope.
October 28, 2019
If it hadn't been for Gus and Emilie I would have given Grace Lost a 1 Star.
I don't usually write anything when rating books, but I just found myself unable to keep quiet about this.
I don't usually write anything when rating books, but I just found myself unable to keep quiet about this.
June 20, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through Goodread's Giveaways.
I loved this book. Zombie stories usually aren't stories I gravitate to, but I am so happy I won this book. This is not your typical zombie story.
The zombies are scary but the Lewis does a great job at keeping the gore factor down but the intensity up. She also does a great job juggling multiple characters, Zoe, Boggs, Emilie and Gus. You get a great feeling for each character, without becoming confused as to which character she is talking about.
Zoe is just a likable character. She goes experiences terrible things but doesn't seem to lose hope.
Gus is so calm and steady. He is a rock amid all the chaos. Boggs and Zoe have a real relationship, close, confusing and exciting. Life wasn't all roses and sunbeams and it was reflected in how they interacted with each other.
I am very glad I took a chance with this novel and as we speak I am starting the next in this series. This will definitely be a binge read for me!
I loved this book. Zombie stories usually aren't stories I gravitate to, but I am so happy I won this book. This is not your typical zombie story.
The zombies are scary but the Lewis does a great job at keeping the gore factor down but the intensity up. She also does a great job juggling multiple characters, Zoe, Boggs, Emilie and Gus. You get a great feeling for each character, without becoming confused as to which character she is talking about.
Zoe is just a likable character. She goes experiences terrible things but doesn't seem to lose hope.
Gus is so calm and steady. He is a rock amid all the chaos. Boggs and Zoe have a real relationship, close, confusing and exciting. Life wasn't all roses and sunbeams and it was reflected in how they interacted with each other.
I am very glad I took a chance with this novel and as we speak I am starting the next in this series. This will definitely be a binge read for me!
February 29, 2016
I didn't care much for the start or the end of the book, but really enjoyed the middle. Too often, too much detail is given on mundane things. And there were a number of sex scenes where I didn't need the details. That's not why I'm reading a zombie apocalypse story. There were a couple fairly unique parts of the story I did enjoy, but not enough to give it 4 stars. And having a whiny lead character didn't help much either. I enjoyed the story most when zombie action was going on, and there wasn't enough of it.
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