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Dead Trees
Dead Trees
Undergrounders have risen from the belly of the planet to wreak havoc on humanity. They hunt in darkness, dragging bodies into tunnels teeming with primitive life.
Elise is a widowed mother trying to keep her daughters alive, but bloody battles with beasties define survival road. Even when Elise finds Jason – a strong, capable man – she feels no safer, no more confident that her babies will see a tomorrow. Barely staying alive becomes the norm.
Against all odds, Elise and her group reach a sanctuary.
Yet there is no rest for the weary.
Doctors O’Toole and Peters have been experimenting on the humanoid monsters… but they aren’t interested in saving humanity. Elise assists them reluctantly, all the while working secretly with Nick and Jamie to return the world to what it once was—
Before the undergrounders came out to play on the surface.
(Dead Trees is a classic dystopian, post-apocalyptic, Sci-Fi novel. It contains scenes of graphic violence, mild romantic elements, and some foul language).
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Reader Comments:
"I must congratulate you on what looks to be a well crafted story. Well written, too. You have obviously put a lot of thought and effort into your writing and it shows." -John P. Authonomy Reviewer
"What a nice change from zombies, vampires, trolls, aliens and giant earthworms. Quadruped humanoids who eat their dead are certainly monstrous enough to qualify for the role of abomination bent on killing off humankind. Your protagonist, Elise, using the first person POV makes the narrative introspective and immediate- a sympathetic character worth cheering on from one impossible situtation to the next. The dialogue is to the point, even raw at times, but always true to character. Thank you so much for the intriguing read." -Ken E.L. Authonomy Reviewer
"I'm à huge fan of sci-fi and the occasional zombie stories. Though this didn't have zombies per se, there was the same feel to it. With very few inconsistencies, it was a story that can keep you interested in finding out what happens next. Whenever you think things are becoming "normal," it gets the adrenaline rushing all over again. It was nice to have a strong female lead in the story! I can easily see this being made into a movie. Very entertaining and I was sorry to have it end." Donna Davis - Amazon Reviewer
Elise is a widowed mother trying to keep her daughters alive, but bloody battles with beasties define survival road. Even when Elise finds Jason – a strong, capable man – she feels no safer, no more confident that her babies will see a tomorrow. Barely staying alive becomes the norm.
Against all odds, Elise and her group reach a sanctuary.
Yet there is no rest for the weary.
Doctors O’Toole and Peters have been experimenting on the humanoid monsters… but they aren’t interested in saving humanity. Elise assists them reluctantly, all the while working secretly with Nick and Jamie to return the world to what it once was—
Before the undergrounders came out to play on the surface.
(Dead Trees is a classic dystopian, post-apocalyptic, Sci-Fi novel. It contains scenes of graphic violence, mild romantic elements, and some foul language).
-------------------
Reader Comments:
"I must congratulate you on what looks to be a well crafted story. Well written, too. You have obviously put a lot of thought and effort into your writing and it shows." -John P. Authonomy Reviewer
"What a nice change from zombies, vampires, trolls, aliens and giant earthworms. Quadruped humanoids who eat their dead are certainly monstrous enough to qualify for the role of abomination bent on killing off humankind. Your protagonist, Elise, using the first person POV makes the narrative introspective and immediate- a sympathetic character worth cheering on from one impossible situtation to the next. The dialogue is to the point, even raw at times, but always true to character. Thank you so much for the intriguing read." -Ken E.L. Authonomy Reviewer
"I'm à huge fan of sci-fi and the occasional zombie stories. Though this didn't have zombies per se, there was the same feel to it. With very few inconsistencies, it was a story that can keep you interested in finding out what happens next. Whenever you think things are becoming "normal," it gets the adrenaline rushing all over again. It was nice to have a strong female lead in the story! I can easily see this being made into a movie. Very entertaining and I was sorry to have it end." Donna Davis - Amazon Reviewer
463 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2012
6 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Eli Constant
77 books83 followersEli Constant also writes as Eliza Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 16, 2017
Elise is on the run with her young daughters, trying to survive the invasion of the planet by underground humanoid cannibals who are adapting to life above ground and killing everyone they can. She is following broadcasts of safe havens where survivors gather and there is safety in numbers, as she heads north towards Canada, and hopefully safety.
I really loved this book. It was great to have a different kind of monster instead of the traditional zombie, though this story has everything good that you'd expect to find in a zombie tale. Every time Elise stops for gas, medicine, food, change of car, or sleep, she risks being attacked by the beasties. She also has to look after the needs of two very young girls which adds a different element to the story. We see Elise as a fighter when she is attacked, and a mother trying to look after her girls in a world gone mad. I mean, what other book do you have a woman trying to drive as much as she can in daylight with one daughter not toilet trained and the other with the weakest bladder in America? I loved touches like that!
The beasties are brilliant and scary. They might not infect you like zombies but their claws and teeth will rip you to pieces. The beastie attacks really are tension filled as you hope that everyone will survive, and for the first half of the book the beastie attacks come thick and fast. Hotels, gas stations and shopping malls with dark corners all become danger zones even in the relative safety of daylight so every time they stop the car, I was on edge wondering what was going to happen. But I also liked the fact that the beasties begin to adapt to sunlight, grow smarter and start operating in groups. As the book progresses this enemy becomes more dangerous, more chilling, so the author is continually taking the plot forward and evolving her bad guys. That is the mark of great writing. Keep your readers guessing!
The second half of the book switches to life in the safe zone which gave the book an intriguing turn. Thankfully the people in the complex were all good characters and we now see a new side of Elise as she has to let her girls have space, deal with her feelings for Jason and become a scientist again.
I'm not generally a fan of people having relationships during an apocalypse based on my own opinion that I'd have enough to deal with without worrying about men! However, I did like the relationship between Elise and Jason. It evolves slowly, based on shared danger but it is complex and never perfect, giving it more realism. I liked the way the girls characters developed through the book with both having to grow up damn quick is such hostile surroundings but there were a lot of really sweet 'family' moments in there to balance the danger and horror. I also liked other characters like Benson and the scary chef! Meg was an interesting twist. I'll say no more about that!
Niggles? Just one. The few science bits flew right over my head! I got the general plan-engineer a virus that will eradicate the inhuman bits of the beasties which will turn them 'human' or kill them. But when Elise starts explaining HOW the virus is made and works, my eyes began to glaze over. Phrases like vector behavior, oxygen bonded nanotechs, il vivo principle, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, Percoli gradient and isolating chromosomes were too much for me to take in and I didn't understand a word of it. For those like me who don't get science, do what I did-don't try to understand, just remember that the virus is to turn them human or kill them! That will keep you right! Seriously, not getting the science did not in any way spoil the book as you'll see from my star rating, so don't be put off by those bits if you don't get it as there isn't much of it to read.
I found out about this book when I was looking at the blog of another author and took a chance on buying the paperback. I'm really glad that I did and I'll be passing it on to my dad to read. I'm sure he'll love it too! I'm very much looking forward to reading book two!
I really loved this book. It was great to have a different kind of monster instead of the traditional zombie, though this story has everything good that you'd expect to find in a zombie tale. Every time Elise stops for gas, medicine, food, change of car, or sleep, she risks being attacked by the beasties. She also has to look after the needs of two very young girls which adds a different element to the story. We see Elise as a fighter when she is attacked, and a mother trying to look after her girls in a world gone mad. I mean, what other book do you have a woman trying to drive as much as she can in daylight with one daughter not toilet trained and the other with the weakest bladder in America? I loved touches like that!
The beasties are brilliant and scary. They might not infect you like zombies but their claws and teeth will rip you to pieces. The beastie attacks really are tension filled as you hope that everyone will survive, and for the first half of the book the beastie attacks come thick and fast. Hotels, gas stations and shopping malls with dark corners all become danger zones even in the relative safety of daylight so every time they stop the car, I was on edge wondering what was going to happen. But I also liked the fact that the beasties begin to adapt to sunlight, grow smarter and start operating in groups. As the book progresses this enemy becomes more dangerous, more chilling, so the author is continually taking the plot forward and evolving her bad guys. That is the mark of great writing. Keep your readers guessing!
The second half of the book switches to life in the safe zone which gave the book an intriguing turn. Thankfully the people in the complex were all good characters and we now see a new side of Elise as she has to let her girls have space, deal with her feelings for Jason and become a scientist again.
I'm not generally a fan of people having relationships during an apocalypse based on my own opinion that I'd have enough to deal with without worrying about men! However, I did like the relationship between Elise and Jason. It evolves slowly, based on shared danger but it is complex and never perfect, giving it more realism. I liked the way the girls characters developed through the book with both having to grow up damn quick is such hostile surroundings but there were a lot of really sweet 'family' moments in there to balance the danger and horror. I also liked other characters like Benson and the scary chef! Meg was an interesting twist. I'll say no more about that!
Niggles? Just one. The few science bits flew right over my head! I got the general plan-engineer a virus that will eradicate the inhuman bits of the beasties which will turn them 'human' or kill them. But when Elise starts explaining HOW the virus is made and works, my eyes began to glaze over. Phrases like vector behavior, oxygen bonded nanotechs, il vivo principle, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, Percoli gradient and isolating chromosomes were too much for me to take in and I didn't understand a word of it. For those like me who don't get science, do what I did-don't try to understand, just remember that the virus is to turn them human or kill them! That will keep you right! Seriously, not getting the science did not in any way spoil the book as you'll see from my star rating, so don't be put off by those bits if you don't get it as there isn't much of it to read.
I found out about this book when I was looking at the blog of another author and took a chance on buying the paperback. I'm really glad that I did and I'll be passing it on to my dad to read. I'm sure he'll love it too! I'm very much looking forward to reading book two!
November 19, 2019
Bloody brilliant! If you like dystopian sci-fi, this is a must read. Eli Constant is a superb writer, who has created believable and loveable characters- good and bad alike.
The plot goes a mile a minute with barely a second to breathe... Until the end when all you can do is beg for more.
The plot goes a mile a minute with barely a second to breathe... Until the end when all you can do is beg for more.
May 14, 2014
DEAD TREES is a morlock-esque take on the apocalypse. This reads much different than what you will find in the zombie genre (NO, this is NOT a zombie book, but rather a post-apocalyptic tale with "Beasties" as they are dubbed by the narrator hat have emerged from underground a la H.G. Wells.) First, know that there is some exceptional attention to detail here that is often lacking in the genre.
One thing that makes this book stand out is a strong female protagonist. SO often this genre is dominated by uber-military MacGyver types that have all the answers and can get out of every scrape. Elise is a mother simply trying her best to keep her daughter's alive, and while she does "hook up" with Jason, you get the impression that she can do with or without him just fine.
What you need to know is that this book is a page turner. It has plenty of action and strong character development. There are time when it gets "sciencey" but those times flow within the scope of the story and are not cumbersome. There are some editing flaws, but nothing that will make you pause or detract from the flow of the story (and the author has worked to make improvements in that area for those wondering). This is a strong book and you WILL be pestering her Ms. Constant about the sequel. I did not rate this book 5 stars because it was perfect. Truly, nothing really is. I rated it 5 stars because it took chances (that paid off) and it kept me wanting to read more.
One thing that makes this book stand out is a strong female protagonist. SO often this genre is dominated by uber-military MacGyver types that have all the answers and can get out of every scrape. Elise is a mother simply trying her best to keep her daughter's alive, and while she does "hook up" with Jason, you get the impression that she can do with or without him just fine.
What you need to know is that this book is a page turner. It has plenty of action and strong character development. There are time when it gets "sciencey" but those times flow within the scope of the story and are not cumbersome. There are some editing flaws, but nothing that will make you pause or detract from the flow of the story (and the author has worked to make improvements in that area for those wondering). This is a strong book and you WILL be pestering her Ms. Constant about the sequel. I did not rate this book 5 stars because it was perfect. Truly, nothing really is. I rated it 5 stars because it took chances (that paid off) and it kept me wanting to read more.
May 31, 2015
Eli Constant is an amazing writer. I knew that when I finished her first book, a dystopian novella, DRAG.N, which I loved so much I went on to read another of her books, a full-length novel, Mastic, which was very beautifully written. Therefore I couldn’t miss Dead Trees, and I’m happy I had the chance to read it because as with the first two books, it combines powerful writing with excellent characterization.
Dead Trees is a dystopian novel where humanity is attacked by undergrounders – humanoids who lived hundreds and thousands of years underground and now made their appearance to put humanity’s existence at risk.
The main character is Elise Swanson, a 41-year-old widow and mom of two little girls, fleeing from one place to another in hope to find shelter from the undergrounders, which is never an easy task. The book description on Amazon and Goodreads is detailed enough so I won’t go into too much detail about the book’s plot. What I’d love to say is that for the third time I was amazed at Eli Constant’s ability to create loveable 3-D characters who you get to know so well you start thinking of them as someone you really know and care about.
I’m a huge fan of Eli’s writing and I hope to read more books by her in the near future.
Dead Trees is a dystopian novel where humanity is attacked by undergrounders – humanoids who lived hundreds and thousands of years underground and now made their appearance to put humanity’s existence at risk.
The main character is Elise Swanson, a 41-year-old widow and mom of two little girls, fleeing from one place to another in hope to find shelter from the undergrounders, which is never an easy task. The book description on Amazon and Goodreads is detailed enough so I won’t go into too much detail about the book’s plot. What I’d love to say is that for the third time I was amazed at Eli Constant’s ability to create loveable 3-D characters who you get to know so well you start thinking of them as someone you really know and care about.
I’m a huge fan of Eli’s writing and I hope to read more books by her in the near future.
March 25, 2014
I wasn't sure of this book to start off with, as recently I've read a number of books in which the world has gone belly up and people are fighting to survive. Some of these book have been really good and some run of the mill average. Dead Trees is up there with the best. It build on a world of horrific and unruly beasties running a mock on a forever changed world. The main Character Elise is a strong, intelligent and a fighter and you will her on to keep her children safe throughout the story. The underlying love story plays out well and add a different dynamic as the story progresses. The other character all fit in well to this world that's overtaken by beasties. One of the things that stood out the most about this book from others I've read in this genre was it wasn't just about survival but also trying to find a cure/solution to the problem. The science/genetics involved was fascinating (sometimes confusing, as I'm no scientist) but broken down very well. I think Eli has done a brilliant job with this book and I look forward to seeing what happens with Elise and her family in Dead Trees 2 which I've heard is coming out in May 2014.
March 8, 2013
Not my usual book but loved it! Fast paced and totally gripping! Brilliant :)
August 28, 2014
In this dystopian sci-fi novel, we meet Elise, a mom with two young girls trying to survive an invasion of subterranean humanoids. After a harrowing rescue at the safe zone, Elise is drafted to use her scientific knowledge to reclaim humanity.
I love the creativity behind the undergrounders' entire existence, from their creepy physical appearance to their cannibalism. This is one of those novels that stands out from others in its genre.
You know how we say kids will grow out of their fear of the dark? Well, thanks to Eli Constant, I'm reversing in that department, afraid that the beasties are going to claw their way into my nightmares when I turn the light out at night.
The story is well-paced with action in all the right places. However, when Elise reaches the safe zone and begins working with the other scientists, there are moments when the science lingo makes my eyes glaze over, much like Elise's when another scientist is enthusiastically explaining a procedure to her that Elise herself doesn't understand. While I admire the author's scientific knowledge - and a science background is definitely important in a sci-fi novel - there is a fine line between basic understanding and excessive science lingo. After all, some of us barely passed high school biology.
Elise is a strong female protagonist, which I always admire in an apocalyptic world. She had her moments of indecisiveness and bonehead mistakes, but that just makes her character feel more real. I like to pretend I'm tough, but I know I wouldn't be able to keep it together all the time if underground monsters had taken over our world. And while there are plenty of intense, scary scenes, there are just enough heart-warming moments to keep it all balanced.
Aside from the spelling issues, Dead Trees is an exciting, yet scary and suspenseful read, and I recommend it to all dystopia and science fiction fans. And with the release of Dead Trees II only two months away, I can't wait to see what the future holds for Elise and her band of survivors.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review originally posted to Twisted Book Junkie.
I love the creativity behind the undergrounders' entire existence, from their creepy physical appearance to their cannibalism. This is one of those novels that stands out from others in its genre.
You know how we say kids will grow out of their fear of the dark? Well, thanks to Eli Constant, I'm reversing in that department, afraid that the beasties are going to claw their way into my nightmares when I turn the light out at night.
The story is well-paced with action in all the right places. However, when Elise reaches the safe zone and begins working with the other scientists, there are moments when the science lingo makes my eyes glaze over, much like Elise's when another scientist is enthusiastically explaining a procedure to her that Elise herself doesn't understand. While I admire the author's scientific knowledge - and a science background is definitely important in a sci-fi novel - there is a fine line between basic understanding and excessive science lingo. After all, some of us barely passed high school biology.
Elise is a strong female protagonist, which I always admire in an apocalyptic world. She had her moments of indecisiveness and bonehead mistakes, but that just makes her character feel more real. I like to pretend I'm tough, but I know I wouldn't be able to keep it together all the time if underground monsters had taken over our world. And while there are plenty of intense, scary scenes, there are just enough heart-warming moments to keep it all balanced.
Aside from the spelling issues, Dead Trees is an exciting, yet scary and suspenseful read, and I recommend it to all dystopia and science fiction fans. And with the release of Dead Trees II only two months away, I can't wait to see what the future holds for Elise and her band of survivors.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review originally posted to Twisted Book Junkie.
February 10, 2014
The world ended, not with disease or famine, but by the eruption of a subterranean race that has evolved under and with us all along. You are a single mother with two little girls and the only safe thing to do is stay on the move. How do you cope, how do you function, how do you survive? Well this may be the chronicle of exactly how it happens.
I want to believe that I can be this strong, I want to believe that I will be a survivor if something cataclysmic ever happens, but when I read this story I felt things I never thought I would feel. I believe my heart was actually pounding a few times when the scrapes would be a bit too close. I am in love with this story, and with this idea of the things that can happen when humans stick together. Now if we can just outsmart our enemy…. I am not sure I can wait for Dead Trees 2
I want to believe that I can be this strong, I want to believe that I will be a survivor if something cataclysmic ever happens, but when I read this story I felt things I never thought I would feel. I believe my heart was actually pounding a few times when the scrapes would be a bit too close. I am in love with this story, and with this idea of the things that can happen when humans stick together. Now if we can just outsmart our enemy…. I am not sure I can wait for Dead Trees 2
May 14, 2013
This was an action packed story of a mothers fight for her children. I think everyone who reads this apocalyptic tale of hope will take away something a little different.
Quick paced and very easy to read.
Quick paced and very easy to read.
July 14, 2013
I simply enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. Morally, ethically - it makes you think about racial prejudice in the current day, not just in the "what if" setting of the story. Well done.
September 23, 2017
Intriguing story!
This story of beasties and hymns is both intriguing and horrifying. The author writes with such finesse , it keeps you wanting more! I highly recommend this one. Please give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
This story of beasties and hymns is both intriguing and horrifying. The author writes with such finesse , it keeps you wanting more! I highly recommend this one. Please give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
December 28, 2025
This book was really good. I just wish there were less god and divine references.
Another purge of man by god. 🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮
Another purge of man by god. 🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮
March 22, 2015
I’m not going to lie; Dead Trees really surprised me. It caught me off guard in all of the best possible ways. Believe it or not, it does take a lot to surprise me, but I really do love good surprises! Dead Trees is COMPLETELY worth taking the time to read!
Dead Trees follows the story of Elise Swanson, a mother of 2 who is making her way from her home in Georgia to her ultimate destination of Alaska after the world as she knows it has crumbled around her. A species of subterranean humanoids referred to as “beasties” or “under-grounders” has made its way to the surface and has started killing off the humans who have always lived above ground. They sound really nasty, violent, and peace negotiations are not an option. “Beasties” is a perfect way to describe these creatures. It’s essentially, where DNA went wrong. One group went above ground (humans) and the other below ground (beasties).
As a mom, one of my biggest fears is being in a situation where the safety of my children is being threatened. Most of the post-apocalyptic themed books that I have read have not really addressed the concept of trying to protect your children and yourself at the same time. I honestly can’t think of any of them that actually deal with a situation like that. I don’t mind sticking my head in the sand about this topic. Eli Constant does a great job of showing the strength of a mother trying to keep her children safe in a world gone crazy. Elise is a great mother doing the best she can on her own, trying to help her children retain some level of innocence in such a bleak world. I hope that if I were ever in this sort of situation, I could be the kind of mom Elise is.
Dead Trees was beautifully written and really shows Constant’s potential as an author. One of the reasons I say this is because despite the fact that there comes a point in the book where science becomes a pretty big piece of the story, she doesn’t lose me! I hate admitting this, but I really don’t understand a lot of science type stuff. Normally my eyes will start to glaze over and I just completely lose interest at the first hint of science. Anyone that can keep my interest in the presence of that level of science deserves stars out the whazoo.
The twists within Dead Trees are surprising and full of new to me types of ideas that I really enjoyed being introduced to. Dead Trees is more than just a surface story. It is multifaceted in ways I didn’t think possible and made the story fly by.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Dead Trees 2.
Dead Trees follows the story of Elise Swanson, a mother of 2 who is making her way from her home in Georgia to her ultimate destination of Alaska after the world as she knows it has crumbled around her. A species of subterranean humanoids referred to as “beasties” or “under-grounders” has made its way to the surface and has started killing off the humans who have always lived above ground. They sound really nasty, violent, and peace negotiations are not an option. “Beasties” is a perfect way to describe these creatures. It’s essentially, where DNA went wrong. One group went above ground (humans) and the other below ground (beasties).
As a mom, one of my biggest fears is being in a situation where the safety of my children is being threatened. Most of the post-apocalyptic themed books that I have read have not really addressed the concept of trying to protect your children and yourself at the same time. I honestly can’t think of any of them that actually deal with a situation like that. I don’t mind sticking my head in the sand about this topic. Eli Constant does a great job of showing the strength of a mother trying to keep her children safe in a world gone crazy. Elise is a great mother doing the best she can on her own, trying to help her children retain some level of innocence in such a bleak world. I hope that if I were ever in this sort of situation, I could be the kind of mom Elise is.
Dead Trees was beautifully written and really shows Constant’s potential as an author. One of the reasons I say this is because despite the fact that there comes a point in the book where science becomes a pretty big piece of the story, she doesn’t lose me! I hate admitting this, but I really don’t understand a lot of science type stuff. Normally my eyes will start to glaze over and I just completely lose interest at the first hint of science. Anyone that can keep my interest in the presence of that level of science deserves stars out the whazoo.
The twists within Dead Trees are surprising and full of new to me types of ideas that I really enjoyed being introduced to. Dead Trees is more than just a surface story. It is multifaceted in ways I didn’t think possible and made the story fly by.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Dead Trees 2.
July 9, 2015
In a world that has been turned on its ear Elise Swantson needs to adjust quickly, if she is going to keep her two young daughters (Meg & Kerra)safe.David is no longer around to help,the Beasties got him.How do you potty train a toddler when a bathrooms are not easily accessible,is but one issue that plagues her.Life on the run in search of safety is hard enough without haveing two little ones in tow.They leave Georga and tries to find the place that the radio voice keeps promising as a safe haven.Along the way she meets up with Jason Chambers,He believes his Ex wife and son are dead.He is annoying at first to Elise and is not going to take No for an answer.He feels the need to help out this little family.Even if it is to help Elise drive. Two drivers is better than one.So Elise relents and lets Jason get into the van,he seems capable enough. Along the way he is reunited with his son Mikael and his girl Allison.Together they find temporary safety.Each of them are put to work in the field of employment they had before the Beasties came through the ground and started to exterminate their kind, humans that is. Elise was a scientist and Jason a mechanic.Allison laundry and I forget what Mike's job was.Elise need to get along with Dr.O'tool and Dr.Peters who seem cold to her if she wants to stay.They have a nursery and school classes for the kids as well as a play room for both young and old. But this is only the beginning pick up the book to find out more.Find out who Sheila 1 & 2 are find out what H2h is and how it affects both Humans and Beasties.Find out what happens to Jason and this little group.
Eli Constant is a Pioneer in the field of Monsters and the Apocolypse.This is a fresh take on the Apocalypse and how it was brought forth.
Eli constant made 3D characters, complete with real human reactions and emotions. This world she has created is frightening and it shows the length that a mother will go to protect her own.The places described in this world is so real you can see it. Her knowledge of the scientific field and medicine is true to life, yet it does not bog down the story with a bunch of scientific jargen.I can hardly wait to read book 2.
Eli Constant is a Pioneer in the field of Monsters and the Apocolypse.This is a fresh take on the Apocalypse and how it was brought forth.
Eli constant made 3D characters, complete with real human reactions and emotions. This world she has created is frightening and it shows the length that a mother will go to protect her own.The places described in this world is so real you can see it. Her knowledge of the scientific field and medicine is true to life, yet it does not bog down the story with a bunch of scientific jargen.I can hardly wait to read book 2.
March 25, 2013
I read this book because of the wonderful reviews given to it by other readers, and I'm sorry that I have to disagree with them somewhat.
This book, which I read for Kindle, shared with so many other Kindle books the hundreds of instances of wrong grammar, wrong spelling, wrong punctuation, and completely wrong words being used (like calling a couple "viral" when "virile" was meant).
More importantly to me, the first half of the book, before the protagonists reached Washington, consisted of very little character development mixed with dozens of repetitions of the same theme: do something really stupid that obviously invites attack, get attacked, and miraculously escape. The violence was excessive and not enjoyable. I almost quit reading the book after getting tired of this gory pattern over and over again.
The second half of the book, after they reached Washington, was for the most part less gratuitously gory but more absurd, with its totally unbelievable fake science, like talking about concealing a man-made virus (molecularly large) in an "artificial oxygen atom" (impossible, and molecularly small).
Sorry, I just didn't get a lot of enjoyment from the book, but I must admit that the underlying idea of having an underground race of formerly hidden humanoids attacking the human population was clever.
This book, which I read for Kindle, shared with so many other Kindle books the hundreds of instances of wrong grammar, wrong spelling, wrong punctuation, and completely wrong words being used (like calling a couple "viral" when "virile" was meant).
More importantly to me, the first half of the book, before the protagonists reached Washington, consisted of very little character development mixed with dozens of repetitions of the same theme: do something really stupid that obviously invites attack, get attacked, and miraculously escape. The violence was excessive and not enjoyable. I almost quit reading the book after getting tired of this gory pattern over and over again.
The second half of the book, after they reached Washington, was for the most part less gratuitously gory but more absurd, with its totally unbelievable fake science, like talking about concealing a man-made virus (molecularly large) in an "artificial oxygen atom" (impossible, and molecularly small).
Sorry, I just didn't get a lot of enjoyment from the book, but I must admit that the underlying idea of having an underground race of formerly hidden humanoids attacking the human population was clever.
April 17, 2014
I would like to start by saying, this book would make a great movie.
Elise is one kick-butt momma. She will do anything to protect her young children from the beasties. I really like her as a character. She is strong, super scientist smart, and has a sarcastic sense of humor. She is also willing to let people in when she has been on her guard for so long, and grieving the loss of her husband.
Her and her young children are on the road to find sanctuary from the "under-grounders" by radio concordances. They pick up a few people along the way, & do find a place to call home with other survivors. It did get a bit tedious when they started talking chromosomes and research lab stuff, but I didn't mind. I was constantly wondering if they would succeed in making the beasties more civilized humans, or if they truly were smarter and more advanced than humans.
Overall, I enjoyed the suspense when they were on the road, fighting under-grounders, the sarcastic humor narration Elise had going on in her head, and when there were loving conversations. Now I have to wait for the next book!
Elise is one kick-butt momma. She will do anything to protect her young children from the beasties. I really like her as a character. She is strong, super scientist smart, and has a sarcastic sense of humor. She is also willing to let people in when she has been on her guard for so long, and grieving the loss of her husband.
Her and her young children are on the road to find sanctuary from the "under-grounders" by radio concordances. They pick up a few people along the way, & do find a place to call home with other survivors. It did get a bit tedious when they started talking chromosomes and research lab stuff, but I didn't mind. I was constantly wondering if they would succeed in making the beasties more civilized humans, or if they truly were smarter and more advanced than humans.
Overall, I enjoyed the suspense when they were on the road, fighting under-grounders, the sarcastic humor narration Elise had going on in her head, and when there were loving conversations. Now I have to wait for the next book!
November 13, 2014
There's something about the way Eli Constant writes - she grabs the reader by the hair & drags them into her fictional world. I always end up feeling like I'm one if her characters - seeing, hearing, smelling, touching & tasted everything they sense.
People may think I'm exaggerating but its true! Iwas a serious emotional wreck whilst reading Dead Trees 2 - it took me a while to recover from the raw intensity of Eli's words.
Rarely am I left speechless, I usually have plenty to say, but as I reflected on this novel, I realized there would be no surefire way to describe this book but to say "amazing!"
I don’t think it there is much of a middle road with this one. The Dead Trees series is a MUST READ for sure! I guarantee you won't look at life the sane way once you finish.
October 16, 2014
I listened to the Audible edition of this book and LOVED it.It's quite a page turner!The characters are actually people you can care about.The story is good.A nice twist on the planet being invaded.I enjoyed the narrator a lot.Her voice covered a lot of ground.I know the sequel is out there.I hope it comes to Audible soon!
September 1, 2015
A great story if a somewhat improbable premise. well written and draws the reader in.
Some of the threads were a little farfetched; finding lost ones, the science. I read this over a couple of days on a moderately long journey and wasn't disappointed apart from the ending which seemed to read as the prologue for another book.
Some of the threads were a little farfetched; finding lost ones, the science. I read this over a couple of days on a moderately long journey and wasn't disappointed apart from the ending which seemed to read as the prologue for another book.
June 17, 2014
A brilliant read,loved this book and looking forward to no 2.
December 24, 2014
Omg! Dead Trees is very different & thats why I loved it so much! Cant wait to read Dead Trees 2 & every book Eli Constant writes!
November 10, 2015
lots of typos, fairly ridiculous story line. Also read part of the 2nd book and want to warn anyone that it is stalker/rapist and disturbing.
April 5, 2017
The beasties have risen and are decimating the human race. They came from underground and attack at night. One woman Elise and her two daughters Megan and Kara are struggling to survive to get to safety. There are various safe zones but sometimes they aren't safe anymore. This follows this family thru the struggle to survive and fellow survivors. Well written and a page turner. I enjoyed this and have already started book two
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