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The Dead Will Rise First
The Christian rapture occurs and the now soulless bodies of Christians are left to terrorize all those left behind. TJ flees across Texas with his best friend, Ryan, and the remnants of his family, hoping for happiness, struggling just to survive. As they trek farther and farther South toward the coast, TJ and Ryan find comfort and love with one another. Their relationship is tested and they labor to stay alive and stay together in a world that God has unfortunately started to pay attention to.
Words: 63,100 (approximate)
Words: 63,100 (approximate)
189 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2013
12 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Logan Kain
1 book48 followersHi, I’m Logan. My first book, The Dead Will Rise First, I wrote with no thought on marketability. I just wrote the book I wanted to read, the type of book I wish I would have had in high school to read. There is actually a lot of me in the character and I really do have a dog named Cujo. I recently celebrated my 2 year anniversary with my amazing husband and am excited to spend my life with him. If you like my book please follow or subscribe or keep in touch in some way so that you can be updated to my future releases.
Thank you for your support.
Logan Kain
Thank you for your support.
Logan Kain
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 10, 2018
FUCK. THIS. ENDING.
FUCK. THIS. BOOK.
SPOILER -->
I'M. OUT.
March 9, 2014
I fail to comprehend three things:
1. Why a book with a blurb that begins so brilliantly (I still haven't read past the first line) exists without being in my hands right fucking now;
2. How it's possible for a zombie book to have a cover that great and a title that funny, at the same time;
3. What the hell this life is, anyway, if an author this immediately awesome can even be alive without also being my life-partner.
I'm going to go read the rest of the blurb, now.
and a taste of the first chapter, just to get a sense of the—
—aaaaand i just finished the book.
right.
well.
here we go:
fuck Christianity, and fuck you if you think a million soup kitchens outweighs the suffering of a single Matthew Shepard, anywhere, ever.
that's pretty much the thesis of this book, and if I were this author's professor, I'd have given him his doctorate with my phone number and "lets make out" scribbled at the bottom of his paper with the "a" in "make" replaced with a big fat red heart.
anyway, the story's good.
I can't believe I need to specify this, but it is not MM, and not romance, so the focus is not will-timmy-see-the-love-in-cody's-eyes-in-time-for-prom.
it's a satire of the apocalypse, okay?
and it's really good. funny, and clever, and more and more intelligent the more you think about what happens, to whom, and when.
it's self-pubbed, it's got various egregious line-editing errors, and at least two moments that made me roll my eyes [both betraying a uniquely American grasp of what's physically possible after catastrophic injury].
and y'all know that is a particular irritation to me.
it's got problems beyond those, too—but still: look at them.
three, solid, tempted-to-add-another-because-the-author-is-cute stars.
why?
because those embarrassing errors cannot compare to the laughs, the disgustingly self-aware squicks, and the references to classic genre cinema.
it's fun, in other words.
because of passages like this:
I couldn’t be strong anymore. I tried to be, but I couldn’t. Inside, I felt something fall. Not down, but in and forever, like looking into a trick mirror that goes on indefinitely.
and because of the gloriously sharp zombie finger pointed at all things religious that SOMEHOW offer the excuse to hurt people HERE AND NOW on the basis of an I.O.U for eternal love and kindness SOME OTHER TIME, conveniently AFTER YOU ARE DEAD.
which, you know, bonus.
***
PS: i never forgot you, matthew, and nobody who loves me ever will, either.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_...
1. Why a book with a blurb that begins so brilliantly (I still haven't read past the first line) exists without being in my hands right fucking now;
2. How it's possible for a zombie book to have a cover that great and a title that funny, at the same time;
3. What the hell this life is, anyway, if an author this immediately awesome can even be alive without also being my life-partner.
I'm going to go read the rest of the blurb, now.
and a taste of the first chapter, just to get a sense of the—
—aaaaand i just finished the book.
right.
well.
here we go:
fuck Christianity, and fuck you if you think a million soup kitchens outweighs the suffering of a single Matthew Shepard, anywhere, ever.
that's pretty much the thesis of this book, and if I were this author's professor, I'd have given him his doctorate with my phone number and "lets make out" scribbled at the bottom of his paper with the "a" in "make" replaced with a big fat red heart.
anyway, the story's good.
I can't believe I need to specify this, but it is not MM, and not romance, so the focus is not will-timmy-see-the-love-in-cody's-eyes-in-time-for-prom.
it's a satire of the apocalypse, okay?
and it's really good. funny, and clever, and more and more intelligent the more you think about what happens, to whom, and when.
it's self-pubbed, it's got various egregious line-editing errors, and at least two moments that made me roll my eyes [both betraying a uniquely American grasp of what's physically possible after catastrophic injury].
and y'all know that is a particular irritation to me.
it's got problems beyond those, too—but still: look at them.
three, solid, tempted-to-add-another-because-the-author-is-cute stars.
why?
because those embarrassing errors cannot compare to the laughs, the disgustingly self-aware squicks, and the references to classic genre cinema.
it's fun, in other words.
because of passages like this:
I couldn’t be strong anymore. I tried to be, but I couldn’t. Inside, I felt something fall. Not down, but in and forever, like looking into a trick mirror that goes on indefinitely.
and because of the gloriously sharp zombie finger pointed at all things religious that SOMEHOW offer the excuse to hurt people HERE AND NOW on the basis of an I.O.U for eternal love and kindness SOME OTHER TIME, conveniently AFTER YOU ARE DEAD.
which, you know, bonus.
***
PS: i never forgot you, matthew, and nobody who loves me ever will, either.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_...
November 27, 2016
All I can say is, "Wow!"
Imagine one day most of the people you know are suddenly left with no conscience, free to do whatever they want. This is the world that TJ finds himself in when his mother suddenly goes nuts and starts to attack him one day. Seems the rapture has come and taken the souls of all those that believed and left their soulless bodies behind to do as they pleased.
The whole story is quite intense right from the start. TJ is gay and in love with is best friend Ryan. After the world comes to an end, they both finally admit their love for each other. But as with all end of the world stories, things never stay the same for long. The story is well written and although the characters are not really developed in any real depth you know them well enough to understand their motivations. The book is too short to really expect anything more than that.
Right from the beginning you see the ending of the book coming. The author makes it pretty clear what's going to happen but it's still quite a shock when it does. It really adds to the suspense and intensity of the plot. Very well done! It made it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Anyone who wants to understand what it might feel like to be Christian and gay should read this book. Unfortunately, those who really need to, never will.
July 12, 2013
This book is one of the more intelligent and clever takes on the zombie genre that I've read in some time. It deserves a much wider audience, especially compared to something like Apocalypse Z, which is dull, derivative, yet inexplicably popular.
First up, this is not an m/m romance. It is YA gay fiction with a love story at its heart, and there's a difference. The blurb reads to romance readers as a romance blurb, but please be aware that it is a romance novel in the way Wuthering Heights is a romance novel. . Fellow m/m fans, do not expect your favourite tropes, but I think you might enjoy this anyway.
Romero zombies remain classics because they reflected the concerns of a rapidly changing society. It is with this level of brilliance that Kain has created his Neighbours: soul-less Christians whose every good quality has been removed, leaving hollow violence and a desire to twist everything beautiful until what remains destroys itself.
As Simon Pegg says, “The zombie trumps all by personifying our deepest fear.” Only here that fear is not death: it is hate.
The book has a compelling storyline, is based on an intriguingly original idea, and has nice human touches. The relationships are heartbreakingly believable.
It deeply satisfied the zombie fan in me, with the large cast, which you just know will not all make it to the closing pages. Remember: it isn’t the zombies you have to look out for, it is ourselves.
Yet the book offers more than what is on the surface: it examines the nature of sexual identity, community, and love. The big question for me is, is Kain falling back on a 20th century trope that is past its use-by-date: , or is he rightly bringing into focus that fact that in many places it still sucks to be a gay young adult? Because of the homage in here to the classic genre, I like to believe it's the latter.
And doing that with zombies? Inspired.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
***SPOILER FOR END OF BOOK IS IN THE VERY SPOILERY COMMENTS***
First up, this is not an m/m romance. It is YA gay fiction with a love story at its heart, and there's a difference. The blurb reads to romance readers as a romance blurb, but please be aware that it is a romance novel in the way Wuthering Heights is a romance novel. . Fellow m/m fans, do not expect your favourite tropes, but I think you might enjoy this anyway.
Romero zombies remain classics because they reflected the concerns of a rapidly changing society. It is with this level of brilliance that Kain has created his Neighbours: soul-less Christians whose every good quality has been removed, leaving hollow violence and a desire to twist everything beautiful until what remains destroys itself.
As Simon Pegg says, “The zombie trumps all by personifying our deepest fear.” Only here that fear is not death: it is hate.
The book has a compelling storyline, is based on an intriguingly original idea, and has nice human touches. The relationships are heartbreakingly believable.
It deeply satisfied the zombie fan in me, with the large cast, which you just know will not all make it to the closing pages. Remember: it isn’t the zombies you have to look out for, it is ourselves.
Yet the book offers more than what is on the surface: it examines the nature of sexual identity, community, and love. The big question for me is, is Kain falling back on a 20th century trope that is past its use-by-date: , or is he rightly bringing into focus that fact that in many places it still sucks to be a gay young adult? Because of the homage in here to the classic genre, I like to believe it's the latter.
And doing that with zombies? Inspired.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
***SPOILER FOR END OF BOOK IS IN THE VERY SPOILERY COMMENTS***
August 25, 2013
I love to support new authors, but this book was just steeped in so many grammatical errors (your instead of you're was a frequent issue) that I had a hard time reading it without gritting my teeth. The story, while somewhat original, was also lacking in depth and detail.
This isn't a zombie story. It's more a satirical tale about what happens when we're stripped of our morals and our basest, ugliest instincts take over. Your Christian neighbor thus screws his wife in the middle of the driveway after making a meal of his puppy dog, and this is the guy who dared to judge you for being gay.
Again, the idea here is interesting enough, but the execution is lacking. The romance between TJ and Ryan was also underwhelming. Granted, it wasn't the focus, but was a little contrived and flat.
This isn't a zombie story. It's more a satirical tale about what happens when we're stripped of our morals and our basest, ugliest instincts take over. Your Christian neighbor thus screws his wife in the middle of the driveway after making a meal of his puppy dog, and this is the guy who dared to judge you for being gay.
Again, the idea here is interesting enough, but the execution is lacking. The romance between TJ and Ryan was also underwhelming. Granted, it wasn't the focus, but was a little contrived and flat.
July 16, 2013
There are only a handful of books, out of the thousands I’ve read, which have had a deep impact on me. The Dead Will Rise First was one of them. No matter how many times I tried to come up with a meaningful and concise description for this book, I just couldn’t do it. I eventually realized that the author says it better than I ever could, here is what he says:
Before I get into my opinion of the book, you should know something about me. I avoid religion based books like the plague. When I pick up a book, I want to be transported and see into someone else’s life. I do not want to be preached at or feel as if my lifestyle is being condemned by an author. As much as I was intrigued by the blurb, I was more than a little worried about the religious tone it would take. If you share these concerns, you have no reason to worry. Religion is a large part of story, but it’s because the characters are questioning their core religious beliefs. At the center of this book is a group of young adults who have been condemned by religious zealots for their beliefs, choices, or actions. The characters don’t all converge on one definitive truth, it’s more about everyone finding what is right for themselves.
If you are looking for an erotic romance or need a HEA ending, this is probably not the book for you. If you are up for a darker read, this may be right up your alley. The soulless Christians left on Earth are hell-bent on causing as much pain and terror on the remaining people as they can. TJ and the group he is traveling with are constantly faced with murders, rapes, torture, and dismemberment. It is bloody and it is graphic.
Now that I’ve reassured everyone about the religious tone, and warned others off because of the bittersweet romance, I’ll tell you what makes this book so amazing. The path TJ finds himself on is a journey of self-discovery which I will never forget. He is faced with trying to understand how the love and hope he feels for Ryan, which feels so pure and right, could possibly be the reason for him being condemned by God. He had already been questioning everything he was raised to believe before the rapture. Now, he is trying to decide if he was wrong to ever believe in any of it in the first place. God was supposed to be loving, but if the state of the Earth is any indication, this God is vicious and cruel. Why would he want to follow a God like that?
The greatest, most powerful part of the book is something I can’t even mention without ruining the book for you. I will say this, the final message filled me with both hope and despair. The afterward did even more to bring the entire tale full circle. I was dumbstruck when I closed the book. I think I was in shock when I finished it. It took a full 15 minutes for me to process everything I was feeling. Trust me when I say that this book is absolutely amazing!
Foremost this book was written to be an entertaining satire and I hope you enjoyed it. However, it was also born of the tragic death of a friend who killed himself after struggling to cope with an opposing identity and religion, and as such, it represents the war within a person as he searches for purpose, God, and love. It is a story about the human condition, and I hope it helps people not feel so alone.
Before I get into my opinion of the book, you should know something about me. I avoid religion based books like the plague. When I pick up a book, I want to be transported and see into someone else’s life. I do not want to be preached at or feel as if my lifestyle is being condemned by an author. As much as I was intrigued by the blurb, I was more than a little worried about the religious tone it would take. If you share these concerns, you have no reason to worry. Religion is a large part of story, but it’s because the characters are questioning their core religious beliefs. At the center of this book is a group of young adults who have been condemned by religious zealots for their beliefs, choices, or actions. The characters don’t all converge on one definitive truth, it’s more about everyone finding what is right for themselves.
If you are looking for an erotic romance or need a HEA ending, this is probably not the book for you. If you are up for a darker read, this may be right up your alley. The soulless Christians left on Earth are hell-bent on causing as much pain and terror on the remaining people as they can. TJ and the group he is traveling with are constantly faced with murders, rapes, torture, and dismemberment. It is bloody and it is graphic.
Now that I’ve reassured everyone about the religious tone, and warned others off because of the bittersweet romance, I’ll tell you what makes this book so amazing. The path TJ finds himself on is a journey of self-discovery which I will never forget. He is faced with trying to understand how the love and hope he feels for Ryan, which feels so pure and right, could possibly be the reason for him being condemned by God. He had already been questioning everything he was raised to believe before the rapture. Now, he is trying to decide if he was wrong to ever believe in any of it in the first place. God was supposed to be loving, but if the state of the Earth is any indication, this God is vicious and cruel. Why would he want to follow a God like that?
The greatest, most powerful part of the book is something I can’t even mention without ruining the book for you. I will say this, the final message filled me with both hope and despair. The afterward did even more to bring the entire tale full circle. I was dumbstruck when I closed the book. I think I was in shock when I finished it. It took a full 15 minutes for me to process everything I was feeling. Trust me when I say that this book is absolutely amazing!
July 28, 2013
4.5 stars
“Maybe religion is only comfortable if you think that God is good.”
It’s TJ’s seventeen birthday. The presents have been unwrapped and it’s a day of hanging out, playing video games, and watching old zombie movies. And then his world is suddenly set on end. What starts as a beautiful, clear, sunny day becomes a waking-nightmare. Suddenly, parents and friends turn against you, and neighbors become Neighbors— marauding Id’s, soulless bodies with only one goal: to wreak havoc and spread the madness.
So starts a chilling, gripping ride unlike anything I’ve read recently. There are two stories running parallel, really: one, a relentless, hellacious, zombie chase; the other, a look at how exclusionist interpretation of biblical doctrine condemns and alienates our young protagonist. TJ’s transgression is that he is gay, and has turned away from the fundamentalism he’s been raised to follow. His soul is set apart and in this cataclysmic zombie apocalypse, this ‘rapture’, he sees himself as abandoned by the God represented in that exclusionist doctrine.
Much of TJ’s story is about his battle with self acceptance. Why shouldn’t he be worthy of salvation? It’s here that the story grabs— that TJ is left behind, that in his world, he is ultimately left on the outside. But he fights back— in his flight from the monsters, he struggles against becoming one of ‘them’ (and in his inner musings, he imagines a history-changing, super-hero, alter ego), and he falls in love. What TJ wants is what we all want— to belong and find community. But the reader senses that fate has never been on TJ’s side. So, what are we left with? What I take away is that his story is the expression of abandonment and alienation felt by anyone who’s been disenfranchised and discriminated against. The ray of light is that amidst the madness, TJ redefines himself, loves himself, and sees his worth.
Books with religious subtext are hard for me to read, let alone review. It’s a loaded subject. But this one… this is powerful, clever stuff, this zombie apocalypse-meets-religion-meets-nightmare road trip. It pits compassion and social justice against bigotry, and reminds of the directive to ‘love one’s neighbor as one’s self’. It still manages to entertain as it sucks you in, then lingers and eats at you… zommmbies…
Want to read
July 11, 2013Boys and girls RUN to get this book while it is FREE on Smashwords! Coupon code = SW100! Maybe until the end of July?
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
July 2, 2013
Logan Kain's debut novel is a tour de force… more, a force of nature, the force of love and an indomitable spirit overcoming all the chaos and horror of apocalypse. Religion, or perhaps faith, is at the core of gay teenager TJ's spirit, for in losing the "good" Christian God he has been taught to revere, but a deity which rejects the love between men and boys, he finds his own inner peace through remaining true to himself and his belief in promises made. While the central themes of The Dead Will Rise First have only some confluence with that magnificent (and also short) 20th-century novel of inner chaos,
The Day of the Locust
, Logan Kain has captured the the sense of dread that drove Nathanael West's masterpiece from page one to the bitter end and yet where West found only despair, Kain imbues his story with hope… "Hopefully I become the universe…"
September 1, 2013
I admire the intent and sentiment expressed in this story that love is good and do you really want to devote your life to something that spews hate. This I applaud and I'll point to Marcus Aurelius as my personal guidance and moral compass:
That said there were some issues with execution or rather the logic involved that really confused me. I'm going to ignore the entire Rapture argument because frankly I lack sufficient knowledge to make a cogent one, but I for the life of me cannot comprehend how the lack of morals leads to cannibalism. That and if one accepts the Rapture argument why is it that China was hit at a substantially smaller percentage than the US or western Europe (yes, I'm accepting that Americans are sinners, but Chinese aren't a Christian majority)?
Needless to say, I had problems with the fundamental principles which lessened my enjoyment because I found them to be contradictory in the world building. Did I like it? It was fine. I'm not a huge zombie fan and don't get off on gore as such. So I'm probably not the target audience. That said, I'm with TJ in the end game.
Favorite quotes:
“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
That said there were some issues with execution or rather the logic involved that really confused me. I'm going to ignore the entire Rapture argument because frankly I lack sufficient knowledge to make a cogent one, but I for the life of me cannot comprehend how the lack of morals leads to cannibalism. That and if one accepts the Rapture argument why is it that China was hit at a substantially smaller percentage than the US or western Europe (yes, I'm accepting that Americans are sinners, but Chinese aren't a Christian majority)?
Needless to say, I had problems with the fundamental principles which lessened my enjoyment because I found them to be contradictory in the world building. Did I like it? It was fine. I'm not a huge zombie fan and don't get off on gore as such. So I'm probably not the target audience. That said, I'm with TJ in the end game.
Favorite quotes:
"Ask enough, and you will begin to look at the world with new eyes."
"There was no fear of death, just acceptance. Here I come God, you have some explaining to do."
June 16, 2013
This was just what I was looking for; a queer character in an apocalypse has to be one of the best combinations. The author even took it a step further and had something to say about finding peace within yourself, no matter how chaotic and harmful society can be.
Religion is a big topic in this novel and questions how it affects the lives of the believers and the outcastes. A lot of deep and very daring questions were brought up - why should we believe in a god who does not believe in us? While the opinions of the main characters could be critical at times, he had his reasoning and the author represented both sides of the debate. The story treats Christianity as though it were real, so it never came off Atheistic. Just inquisitive. It gives the readers something to chew on while being entertained with action, gore, and a bumpy -yet honest- romance.
The pacing was flawless; the main character would stop suddenly and skip to important scenes because he had limited time to write. Not only did this keep things edgy, but it also illustrated the urgency he was experiencing. Loved that detail. Hell, even the story the he was writing was good! It only featured when he was in need of escapism.
I may not recommend this book to someone who is sensitive when it comes to religious beliefs, but I’d encourage those to still consider it if you are open to empathize to the shunned. It accurately represents how Christianity hurts the glbt community. This book is mostly intended for those who need to know they are not alone in a harsh and judgmental world, but just about anyone could benefit from reading this.
Religion is a big topic in this novel and questions how it affects the lives of the believers and the outcastes. A lot of deep and very daring questions were brought up - why should we believe in a god who does not believe in us? While the opinions of the main characters could be critical at times, he had his reasoning and the author represented both sides of the debate. The story treats Christianity as though it were real, so it never came off Atheistic. Just inquisitive. It gives the readers something to chew on while being entertained with action, gore, and a bumpy -yet honest- romance.
The pacing was flawless; the main character would stop suddenly and skip to important scenes because he had limited time to write. Not only did this keep things edgy, but it also illustrated the urgency he was experiencing. Loved that detail. Hell, even the story the he was writing was good! It only featured when he was in need of escapism.
I may not recommend this book to someone who is sensitive when it comes to religious beliefs, but I’d encourage those to still consider it if you are open to empathize to the shunned. It accurately represents how Christianity hurts the glbt community. This book is mostly intended for those who need to know they are not alone in a harsh and judgmental world, but just about anyone could benefit from reading this.
September 1, 2013
Grim yet interesting satire about religion and its effects on life and a person's identity.
This is the story of TJ a just-turned 17 year old who suddenly finds himself a minority survivor after the Rapture takes place in this world. However, instead of God taking his chosen (Christian) people he has taken only their souls leaving behind their soulless (and more evil) living bodies behind. TJ is joined by his best friend Ryan, brother, SIL and her sister in his fight for survival. TJ has loved Ryan for many years but both have been pretending to be straight for just as long. After their world is taken over by what the call "the neighbors" there is no point in pretending anymore.
I am not a fan of apocalyptic stories. Yes, I am a very optimistic person and only like to explore worst case scenarios rarely. Reading The Walking Dead, Compendium 1 had fulfilled my desire of reading these sort of grim stories that deal with the ugliness of surviving an apocalyptic event. However, this is an interesting story in that it discusses religion and the effects on those who follow it and those who do not. You have four different types of people discussed in this book: the deeply religious who have been rewarded heaven yet leave behind their ugliness. In Ryan you have those who are not deeply religious yet fear the implications of not following the doctrine they have been familiar with for years. In TJ you have those that are not religious at all and in fact have turned their back on God (religion) yet can't completely turn their back on those they love but who still embrace religion somehow (Ryan). This is why it was hard to see TJ not be able to accept Maxie and what he offered: the premise that God is forgiving to all.
The story is good at giving some food for thought. But don't expect a happy ever after.
This is the story of TJ a just-turned 17 year old who suddenly finds himself a minority survivor after the Rapture takes place in this world. However, instead of God taking his chosen (Christian) people he has taken only their souls leaving behind their soulless (and more evil) living bodies behind. TJ is joined by his best friend Ryan, brother, SIL and her sister in his fight for survival. TJ has loved Ryan for many years but both have been pretending to be straight for just as long. After their world is taken over by what the call "the neighbors" there is no point in pretending anymore.
I am not a fan of apocalyptic stories. Yes, I am a very optimistic person and only like to explore worst case scenarios rarely. Reading The Walking Dead, Compendium 1 had fulfilled my desire of reading these sort of grim stories that deal with the ugliness of surviving an apocalyptic event. However, this is an interesting story in that it discusses religion and the effects on those who follow it and those who do not. You have four different types of people discussed in this book: the deeply religious who have been rewarded heaven yet leave behind their ugliness. In Ryan you have those who are not deeply religious yet fear the implications of not following the doctrine they have been familiar with for years. In TJ you have those that are not religious at all and in fact have turned their back on God (religion) yet can't completely turn their back on those they love but who still embrace religion somehow (Ryan). This is why it was hard to see TJ not be able to accept Maxie and what he offered: the premise that God is forgiving to all.
The story is good at giving some food for thought. But don't expect a happy ever after.
September 26, 2013
This story was disturbing, deliberately exaggerated, and heavily satirical. In a word, it was creepy. Although arguably it was a condemnation of Christianity, I think perhaps more accurately it cast light upon the utter absurdity of religion in general. Some of the scenes were gruesome, to say the least. Much of it was implausible. The romance within the story really wasn't depicted, but then the story itself wasn't actually intended to be a romance.
Perhaps this makes no sense, but my feeling was that the story didn't have a judgmental tone. And yet it was an indictment. I guess you'll have to read it yourself to understand what I mean by that, because I'm not eloquent enough to accurately explain what I mean.
How could God be so selfish? How could he hate his creation so much? And how could people be such stupid sheep that they'd ever worship a God like that? Fear, perhaps. Basically I came away feeling like religion sucks.
This story is a mind bender, and it's one the reader cannot quickly dismiss. Some of the graphic descriptions were a bit much, and I'd like to wipe them from my mind's eye. Overall, I think the story is a great conversation piece and incredibly thought provoking.
Perhaps this makes no sense, but my feeling was that the story didn't have a judgmental tone. And yet it was an indictment. I guess you'll have to read it yourself to understand what I mean by that, because I'm not eloquent enough to accurately explain what I mean.
How could God be so selfish? How could he hate his creation so much? And how could people be such stupid sheep that they'd ever worship a God like that? Fear, perhaps. Basically I came away feeling like religion sucks.
This story is a mind bender, and it's one the reader cannot quickly dismiss. Some of the graphic descriptions were a bit much, and I'd like to wipe them from my mind's eye. Overall, I think the story is a great conversation piece and incredibly thought provoking.
June 24, 2013
I cant begin to describe how incredibly powerful this book is, it is truly one of a kind. I couldn't put it down once I had started reading it. You cant help but be swept up into this brilliantly written story set in a newly post-raptured world, cant help but be immersed completely into the lives of TJ and those few who are trying to survive with him.
Logan Kain skilfully captures what it is to be a gay teen who is in love, believes in god and the raw hope, anger and confusion that goes along with it. Sexuality and religion play big key roles in The Dead Will Rise First but it is handled in a tactful, yet honest way that doesn't over power the other great aspects of the book and also in a way that doesn't make you feel like an opinion is being forced on you. This book will move you, lift you up and tear you down and in the end leave you with a very touching message and you definitely wont want to leave its pages.
I highly recommend this book and cant wait for more amazing books from Logan.
Logan Kain skilfully captures what it is to be a gay teen who is in love, believes in god and the raw hope, anger and confusion that goes along with it. Sexuality and religion play big key roles in The Dead Will Rise First but it is handled in a tactful, yet honest way that doesn't over power the other great aspects of the book and also in a way that doesn't make you feel like an opinion is being forced on you. This book will move you, lift you up and tear you down and in the end leave you with a very touching message and you definitely wont want to leave its pages.
I highly recommend this book and cant wait for more amazing books from Logan.
August 17, 2013
Started out feeling as shallow as any other of the myriad zombie stories out there. With a twist. The MC and narrator is a young gay man. As the story unfolds, the characters become better defined, though only the MC actually reaches full potential. A shame, really. The post-apocalyptic setting comes through loud and clear, though. Kudos to the author on succinctly conveying the stark reality of the breakdown of society.
Then about the half-way mark, I realized this was no longer a zombie comic. This story made me stop and think, ask myself many questions. That impressed me. It's been a while since it happened, and very seldom in a YA story. Some of the ideas posited in this book are still percolating in the back of my head. Many questions raised are still unanswered.
Read this with an open mind. Don't let the beginning fool you, stay the course and you'll see it's worth it. Be prepared to change your mind on many of what you believed were opinions set in stone.
Then about the half-way mark, I realized this was no longer a zombie comic. This story made me stop and think, ask myself many questions. That impressed me. It's been a while since it happened, and very seldom in a YA story. Some of the ideas posited in this book are still percolating in the back of my head. Many questions raised are still unanswered.
Read this with an open mind. Don't let the beginning fool you, stay the course and you'll see it's worth it. Be prepared to change your mind on many of what you believed were opinions set in stone.
Read
November 5, 2013DNF
I'm afraid I couldn't finish this. It's a promising story but one that's seriously in need of polishing. The lack of editing (just one small example: the continual use of "your" for "you're") kept grating on me, as did character inconsistencies and kind of herky-jerk pacing. What finally did me in, though, was the fact that nobody had enough freaking sense to kill that zombie baby -- a huge TSTL moment that made me realize I didn't care if all these characters ended up under a zombie pile-on.
What a great cover, though!
I'm afraid I couldn't finish this. It's a promising story but one that's seriously in need of polishing. The lack of editing (just one small example: the continual use of "your" for "you're") kept grating on me, as did character inconsistencies and kind of herky-jerk pacing. What finally did me in, though, was the fact that nobody had enough freaking sense to kill that zombie baby -- a huge TSTL moment that made me realize I didn't care if all these characters ended up under a zombie pile-on.
What a great cover, though!
September 3, 2013
okay, so this was a very interesting book. it felt very much like a mixture between the movies "shaun of the dead" and "zombieland" in the first say 75 %. I really liked tj as narrator of the stor. especially in the beginning of the story it was often funny, but at the same time really horrible.things happen that are not for ppl with weak stomachs. violence, cannibalism, rape ... the book shows some of the.most terrible facettes of ppl and pits it against love and hope. the journey is very compelling even though the literal interpretation of the bible didn't stopt right with me. but since.this.is.a satire I guess it achieved its goal well for me. I must admit hat this book's.narrator showed a lot more understanding for the bigotry many religious groups cling to than I have for them. I was raised loosly catholic and have always been very interested in religion. I was an altar boy and loved cathlic class. we were actually taught a lot about other religions as well and were taught that the bible was written a by humans and could never be verbatim word of god, is b a selection of texts made by humans and may be faulty (excluding women, ...), is C written in a time where people were not very literate and easy and powerful symbols and stories were used to explain concepts and were more important than strict truth and d some of the authors wrote about events from hundreds of years before them and it would have been impossible to have the knowledge they claim to have. The bible was explained to us as a collection of important texts that laid out an early inspiration to modern law and showed ppl some ways to apply the laws of god in their own time and culture. In some ways they can all still be inspirational and relevant, but even Jesus revised them to what was really important. Loving each other and treating people as one would like to be treated. I think those are wonderful guidelines that transcend cultures and time and are always relevant. However, humans always carry their own predjudices and try to do things for their own gain. No one is beyond reproach. As the church is still sticking with it's policy to take it's time to open up to modern cultural turns and defend the traditions, I found myself building more and more a personal relationship with god that didn't require church (where ppl didn't give their hand to my mom for the message of peace, because my father and her are from a different part of germany). I am gay in a very conservative part of my coujntry, but while they are surely many ppl who would have a problem with it, all my friends and my family have accepted me and my boyfriend of 2.5 years with open arms and if anything we are closer now. I know many very religious ppl in my circle of friends, but none of them believe that I will end ujp in hell (nor did I at any point in my live think so, though I knew I was attracted to guys. I waited to come out mostly, because I knew it would change my live and my relationships in some way and wanted to be ready for that). When I lived in the us, I even went to a catholic privat school in a very conservative school in south carolina. Though it was episcopal, I learned that there are actually gay ministers in that religion and I was accepted in the school and the church services though I am catholic. I had a jewish art teacher as well, so I felt like they were rather open religiously. I can appreciate aspects of all religions and while my basic understanding of religion is catholic, my personal relationship with god has been influenced by all religions I learned about and came in contact with.
The book took a rather bleak look at human nature and religion in general, and while I thought it was a great and interesting read, I just had to mention that there are ways to believe in a positive god and in acceptance, even religions that are inclusive. I understand that there are a lot of people blinded by fanatic beliefs or those who are either led astray by people spreading hate or ancient words that were written in and for a different time. It simply doesn't make sense to condem the original armaic version of the bible as the devil's work and only believe in the king james version, verbatim. As I said, there are valuable lessons to be found in the bible, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't question why the bible is pretty much all about men and the women are largely ignored or whether god truly meant that ppl should not covet their neighbors possessions and slaves. The bible was written by people. Not by god. Whoever or whatever he/she/it is.
Anyway, Great book but for me it didn't show any possibility to truly be happy as a gay man believing in god. Especially after reading the interesting afterword, I was sad that there wasn't more hope to be found for. I believe religion/ sience and being gay don't have to exclude each other. I believe religion has caused many wars, much hatred and grief, but that is mostly, imo, because ppl used it for such. It can also give hope and love and strength and much good can be found there.
The book took a rather bleak look at human nature and religion in general, and while I thought it was a great and interesting read, I just had to mention that there are ways to believe in a positive god and in acceptance, even religions that are inclusive. I understand that there are a lot of people blinded by fanatic beliefs or those who are either led astray by people spreading hate or ancient words that were written in and for a different time. It simply doesn't make sense to condem the original armaic version of the bible as the devil's work and only believe in the king james version, verbatim. As I said, there are valuable lessons to be found in the bible, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't question why the bible is pretty much all about men and the women are largely ignored or whether god truly meant that ppl should not covet their neighbors possessions and slaves. The bible was written by people. Not by god. Whoever or whatever he/she/it is.
Anyway, Great book but for me it didn't show any possibility to truly be happy as a gay man believing in god. Especially after reading the interesting afterword, I was sad that there wasn't more hope to be found for. I believe religion/ sience and being gay don't have to exclude each other. I believe religion has caused many wars, much hatred and grief, but that is mostly, imo, because ppl used it for such. It can also give hope and love and strength and much good can be found there.
June 21, 2013
It was a good solid book. The plot drove forward at a good pace without dragging along, the characters were enticing and real, and the idea for the story was intriguing. I was especially happy that the author fleshed out Maxie instead of making him a stereotypical "James Marsden as Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Bride" type character. Also the book is chalked full of allusions to other literary characters, movies, and music which adds to this interesting read. I would've wanted to see a different ending, but that's just my opinion, has nothing to do with the writing. Without giving too much away, I simply wanted a different outcome for these characters who I went on this journey with. But overall, a very enticing and entertaining book.
Edit: The author wrote me after reading my review and took the time for taking constructive criticism and giving constructive advice to me as a writer. That action shows me the mark of a writer who cares enough to engage his audience. If for no other reason (although there are many more) this earns him the chance to read his book.
Edit: The author wrote me after reading my review and took the time for taking constructive criticism and giving constructive advice to me as a writer. That action shows me the mark of a writer who cares enough to engage his audience. If for no other reason (although there are many more) this earns him the chance to read his book.
Read
July 30, 2013I'll refrain from giving any stars since I DNF.
Sadly this one didn't work for me.
Pros: FANTASTIC concept. AMAZING cover.
Cons: Needs editing. Plot problems. No connection (read: spark) between the MC and his love interest. General flow.
Perhaps it gets better; I just couldn't make it past about 20 percent.
Sadly this one didn't work for me.
Pros: FANTASTIC concept. AMAZING cover.
Cons: Needs editing. Plot problems. No connection (read: spark) between the MC and his love interest. General flow.
Perhaps it gets better; I just couldn't make it past about 20 percent.
July 17, 2017
Didn't really hate this but struggled too much with it to give it 2 stars.
Weak, wobbly reasoning and logic for this story. Unconvincing characters.
I think this should sum up the story. I may be wrong. It was hard to follow and failed to make sense several times.
Weak, wobbly reasoning and logic for this story. Unconvincing characters.
I think this should sum up the story. I may be wrong. It was hard to follow and failed to make sense several times.
July 1, 2013
I won't give away anything that shouldn't be given away because that would be cruel. I will say that this novel though somewhat brief (at least to me because I read ravenously) will suck you in. Logan has managed to create a world so real and so surreal that you may find yourself like me confused in the moment you put it down to say answer the phone grab a bite or some fluids or light a cigarette. Confused because when you hear a noise or see a shadow you'll briefly look for someplace to hide or brace for impact. Logan raises questions that will have you questioning some of your beliefs, morals, and for some your faith. I completely fell for TJ and felt sad for him because all he wanted was to love and be loved in return. On that journey he lost so much and learned a lot in return. I said I wouldn't give anything away so I won't in order for you to gain what you will when you read this novel. It's excellent. I was disappointed but simply because my heart wanted to pull TJ where I wanted him to go, but his journey was still fascinating. If you've read it send me a message if you want to discuss it I'd love to hear your thoughts.
July 12, 2013
I don't want to summarize the plot or give spoilers. I do want to give a huge cheer for the new author for writing a marvelous vook! I'm a fan of a good zombie story even if they scare the shit out of me every time. This book went to the top of my favs with it's multi level story and cultural references. It was also a very visual read for me *shudder*. I hate to go to bed now after finishing it though, the ending broke my heart. But it was the only way to end it, it is what really made the book for me.
December 28, 2013
Zombies - seems to be the theme this week...
Maybe I shouldn't have read it so shortly after "Sevener".
This was an ok read. The beginning was even brilliant. It was gripping and creepy and great.
But the story somehow didn't live up to it later on. It kind of dragged a bit for me. And it's never a good sign when I wish for a book to be shorter...
The small m/m drama with teenage angst was fairly well done, but not my cup of tea.
Maybe I shouldn't have read it so shortly after "Sevener".
This was an ok read. The beginning was even brilliant. It was gripping and creepy and great.
But the story somehow didn't live up to it later on. It kind of dragged a bit for me. And it's never a good sign when I wish for a book to be shorter...
The small m/m drama with teenage angst was fairly well done, but not my cup of tea.
August 1, 2016
A story about angsty first love in a world dominated by evil Christian zombies whose only purpose is hate. Sounds familiar? Delete the word zombies in the sentence above and this could be the true story of many of us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2013
I genuinely do not know how to begin this review. The Dead Will Rise First by Logan Kain was an amazing novel. The premise that one day, for seemingly no reason the good that is within us will flee, “freeing” us to act upon our basest and darkest desires is just terrifying. This was not a typical Zombie story—not by a long shot. This was a reflection of how we as a society use religion as a weapon against those who are different—specifically gay men and women.
While Tj watches, his mother becomes some horror right before his eyes. He escapes with Jake, his older brother, her wife and sister and his best friend, Ryan. While he knows Ryan is straight, Tj has been in love with him for the last few years and has never acted upon it—until the world goes crazy and Tj realizes that this may be his last chance to tell Ryan exactly how he feels. SO begins a novel that races with one intense moment after another to the end. This is not an HEA—or even an HFN. Instead the author opts to allow the ending to hang, we readers never knowing what befell our hero in the end.
The incredible emotion, the characters that lived and breathed inside this novel, the story that kept me on the edge of my seat—all these made this one of the finest novels I have ever read. The Dead Will Rise First is not an easy read; there are profoundly radical thoughts about religion and God that may make some of you uncomfortable. But the love that lives inside Tj and spreads out to enfold those he cares for is just stunning to behold.
I highly recommend this novel to you!
While Tj watches, his mother becomes some horror right before his eyes. He escapes with Jake, his older brother, her wife and sister and his best friend, Ryan. While he knows Ryan is straight, Tj has been in love with him for the last few years and has never acted upon it—until the world goes crazy and Tj realizes that this may be his last chance to tell Ryan exactly how he feels. SO begins a novel that races with one intense moment after another to the end. This is not an HEA—or even an HFN. Instead the author opts to allow the ending to hang, we readers never knowing what befell our hero in the end.
The incredible emotion, the characters that lived and breathed inside this novel, the story that kept me on the edge of my seat—all these made this one of the finest novels I have ever read. The Dead Will Rise First is not an easy read; there are profoundly radical thoughts about religion and God that may make some of you uncomfortable. But the love that lives inside Tj and spreads out to enfold those he cares for is just stunning to behold.
I highly recommend this novel to you!
July 20, 2013
I won this book at a giveaway and I really enjoyed reading it. I've never read a zombie-themed book before, but I really like how this book tries to be different than a typical zombie-story. It tries to explain it in an original way and at the same time critique on the way people use religion, which I find especially smart written. I loved the gay love story, which is why I was interested in the book in the first place. The only part that I didn't like was how the female characters were portrayed, it felt like a missed opportunity to show a strong female character, instead of just women who need protection. The book was also very violent, but I feel like it worked in this story, because it tries to tell the story of how you can lose who you are in a "end of the world" setting. For me the last part of the book really stood out, because It was very unexpected and made me want to keep reading till the heart wrenching end. And the fact that this was written by a debuting writer just blows my mind.
June 2, 2013
This is honestly one of the most gripping novels I have read in a very long time. This is not in the genre I usually read, so for anyone hesitant about the book… READ IT! It is worth every moment of your time. The author pulls you into a story about a boy fighting not only for survival, but also to find meaning in this new world he has been thrown into. The writing is so vivid and real that by the end you feel as though you have been living right along with the characters. I cannot wait to see what else the author has for his fans.
In short, if this is on your “to read” list, move it to the top and read it. You wont regret it.
In short, if this is on your “to read” list, move it to the top and read it. You wont regret it.
August 12, 2013
Shame really, I started reading this just after I had finished 'I Am Legend(which was utterly engrossing, terrifying and a wonderful read.) I am not a fan of churchy-preachy stories, or where the church is portrayed as evil and unforgiving, (and it is always the christian religion as well!) and this was a little over the top for me. dnf simply because I didn't care about any of them.
September 21, 2013
Paced nicely with a really interesting premise. Some ridiculous bits (the baby) and some that were really horrifying (how the Neighbours acted once freed from the constraints of conscience and morals and how much we as humans rely on our ethics and social rules to govern our behaviour). Religion is such a contentious issue and I was really intrigued by that particular theme in the book.
Not your typical zombie story. Not a romance and there is no HEA.
Not your typical zombie story. Not a romance and there is no HEA.
November 15, 2013
Sniff...it doesn't end well.
But I completely understood going in that this was a horror story and even though I wanted things to end differently, I wanted Ryan to accept himself, and I wanted Ryan and TJ to sail away to paradise and safety...but, alas, it is a horror story and we don't always get what we want. Just ask TJ.
PS.. that "changed" baby will be giving me nightmares for a long, long time.
But I completely understood going in that this was a horror story and even though I wanted things to end differently, I wanted Ryan to accept himself, and I wanted Ryan and TJ to sail away to paradise and safety...but, alas, it is a horror story and we don't always get what we want. Just ask TJ.
PS.. that "changed" baby will be giving me nightmares for a long, long time.
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