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X
X knows she's as good as dead. Seems like the perfect time to start a diary.
Shacked up in a farmhouse cellar, a doomed survivor calling herself 'X' starts a diary to document her final few days. Much less than a few days if the uglies manage to get in.
Shacked up in a farmhouse cellar, a doomed survivor calling herself 'X' starts a diary to document her final few days. Much less than a few days if the uglies manage to get in.
28 pages, ebook
First published September 2, 2013
26 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Jack Croxall
10 books311 followersTrained as a scientist, Jack Croxall concluded a life in the lab wasn't for him. After discovering a passion for words and stories he's now a writer!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 2, 2023
X Marks the Spot!
This story is about a teenage girl who calls herself, X. She is living during an apocalypse.
She decides to keep a diary about her days living with death. She does a good job of that.
This book is short, but it has earned five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
This story is about a teenage girl who calls herself, X. She is living during an apocalypse.
She decides to keep a diary about her days living with death. She does a good job of that.
This book is short, but it has earned five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
December 14, 2020
I picked up this book for an alphabet reading challenge. It had 2 things going for it - covered X, was only 29 pages, and was free on Amazon.
What I didn't expect was a story that had me hooked from the first page. It is told in a diary format and I am wondering what a 15 year old is doing locked/barricaded in a basement. I won't spoil anything but was quite surprised at the answer.
While short, this book took me on a journey into X's thoughts, experiences, and desires over a short period of time. I enjoyed the read and will have to look into what else this author has penned.
What I didn't expect was a story that had me hooked from the first page. It is told in a diary format and I am wondering what a 15 year old is doing locked/barricaded in a basement. I won't spoil anything but was quite surprised at the answer.
While short, this book took me on a journey into X's thoughts, experiences, and desires over a short period of time. I enjoyed the read and will have to look into what else this author has penned.
September 10, 2013
X by Jack Croxall is a very good short story, written for a YA audience, but with appeal to all who love well written fiction.
X is a teenaged girl, who has survived a devastating, apocalyptic experience. She is the only member of her immediate family to survive and she decides to record some of her experiences in a diary. She doesn’t tell us anything about how this horrific situation came about, but we are quickly drawn into her terrifying world, which is now inhabited by creatures that she calls “Uglies”. Given the chance, they would kill her, or infect her with their madness through a bite or even a scratch. She hides in a cellar during the day and goes out to forage for food at night, always on the alert for the Uglies. X records the demise of her parents and sister and there is a hint that she can recognise one of her friends who has been turned.
This story is full of understated horror and emotion. X tells her story as it is and it is the power of Jack Croxall’s writing which brings it to life. As readers, we bring our previous experiences to bear on the stories we read; I was reminded strongly of the masterful “I am Legend” and also the classic novel “War of the Worlds”. I hope that Jack Croxall will write many more novels and short stories - I certainly will be reading them!
As a footnote, I’d like to add that I think this story has great potential for use in the classroom. I taught English to teenagers for several years and, although retired, I found that when I had finished reading X, I was thinking of all the ways I would have used it. There are wonderful opportunities for creative writing lessons and discussion.
X is a teenaged girl, who has survived a devastating, apocalyptic experience. She is the only member of her immediate family to survive and she decides to record some of her experiences in a diary. She doesn’t tell us anything about how this horrific situation came about, but we are quickly drawn into her terrifying world, which is now inhabited by creatures that she calls “Uglies”. Given the chance, they would kill her, or infect her with their madness through a bite or even a scratch. She hides in a cellar during the day and goes out to forage for food at night, always on the alert for the Uglies. X records the demise of her parents and sister and there is a hint that she can recognise one of her friends who has been turned.
This story is full of understated horror and emotion. X tells her story as it is and it is the power of Jack Croxall’s writing which brings it to life. As readers, we bring our previous experiences to bear on the stories we read; I was reminded strongly of the masterful “I am Legend” and also the classic novel “War of the Worlds”. I hope that Jack Croxall will write many more novels and short stories - I certainly will be reading them!
As a footnote, I’d like to add that I think this story has great potential for use in the classroom. I taught English to teenagers for several years and, although retired, I found that when I had finished reading X, I was thinking of all the ways I would have used it. There are wonderful opportunities for creative writing lessons and discussion.
April 8, 2019
Re-read April 6, 2019
This is a re-read. I had to re-read it after finish Wye because of what happened in Wye. I thought the journal would be the connection between the two, but as far as I can tell, there isn't much connection. X is still short and sad and full of questions and I really liked both stories.
~~~~~~~~~
Originally read December 18, 2017
I really liked this short story. You get just enough information to be interested. There's nothing crazy that happens but you get to know X very quickly. I'm interested to read Wye!
This is a re-read. I had to re-read it after finish Wye because of what happened in Wye. I thought the journal would be the connection between the two, but as far as I can tell, there isn't much connection. X is still short and sad and full of questions and I really liked both stories.
~~~~~~~~~
Originally read December 18, 2017
I really liked this short story. You get just enough information to be interested. There's nothing crazy that happens but you get to know X very quickly. I'm interested to read Wye!
March 21, 2021
I have to be honest here... I knew this was a short story, but I didn’t know it was THIS short! In the 29 pages it takes you through, I was spellbound by X and their existence. If your days were numbered, would you journal your experiences? Would you leave tips and clues behind for someone who might follow in your steps? It’s an extremely quick read, but one that leaves you with emotions and a sense of wondering what you would do in a similar situation. A fast read that I will not soon forget. 🍁💛
January 21, 2014
Did I mention that I LOVE short stories? I find them so great because you can just pick them up and read them so easily, and they are SO ACCESSIBLE for everyone – whether you’re on a journey, want something to read in your lunchbreak, or just fancy reading something a bit shorter. And if you’re going to read a short story – X needs to be at the top of your list!
X is fifteen and she thinks she’s going to die. In the cellar of an old farmhouse, she starts to write a journal to document her last few days. That is, if she even lasts a few days…
I really loved this, I was drawn in from the first sentence, and I was gripped to what I was reading. Who is X? Why is she in the cellar? What has happened to her?
I loved that the story was written in a journal format, as it helped me feel a lot closer to X. It felt very personal, as though I was inside her head and knew all of her thoughts, hopes and fears. I felt for her in the situation she was in, and I always wanted to read on to find out what would happen to her. I really liked X, her determination in her fight for survival shone through and I’d love to say more but I don’t want to spoil what is a fantastic short story!
I could constantly feel the tension in X’s words, as if every moment may be her last, and I was completely hooked throughout. X’s story is chilling, it is dark and it has a terrifying edge to it…it is a story that you won’t want to put down!
X is fifteen and she thinks she’s going to die. In the cellar of an old farmhouse, she starts to write a journal to document her last few days. That is, if she even lasts a few days…
I really loved this, I was drawn in from the first sentence, and I was gripped to what I was reading. Who is X? Why is she in the cellar? What has happened to her?
I loved that the story was written in a journal format, as it helped me feel a lot closer to X. It felt very personal, as though I was inside her head and knew all of her thoughts, hopes and fears. I felt for her in the situation she was in, and I always wanted to read on to find out what would happen to her. I really liked X, her determination in her fight for survival shone through and I’d love to say more but I don’t want to spoil what is a fantastic short story!
I could constantly feel the tension in X’s words, as if every moment may be her last, and I was completely hooked throughout. X’s story is chilling, it is dark and it has a terrifying edge to it…it is a story that you won’t want to put down!
September 26, 2013
Fifteen-year-old X thinks she is going to die. Shacked up in the cellar of an old farmhouse, she starts a journal to document her last few days. Much less than a few days if the things outside manage to get in.
So last night I settled down to FINALLY get around to "X", a short story from Jack Croxall, author of the rather wonderful "Tethers".
Written in the form of a diary "X" describes her day to day existence in a world that is radically different from the one she knew before - where every day is a fight for survival. Haunting and atmospheric it pulls you along for a short but compelling tale of a few days in the life of....
X. Whose name we never know. Who's family we will never meet except in her poignant and touching memories...and who is not long for this earth. Her own realisation of that is one thing that makes this story as fascinating as it is.
I loved it. I half wish it was a full length novel whilst realising that it would not pack the same punch if it was. As it is this is a luminous, captivating tale and perfect for giving you one of those reading "moments"
Happy Reading Folks!
So last night I settled down to FINALLY get around to "X", a short story from Jack Croxall, author of the rather wonderful "Tethers".
Written in the form of a diary "X" describes her day to day existence in a world that is radically different from the one she knew before - where every day is a fight for survival. Haunting and atmospheric it pulls you along for a short but compelling tale of a few days in the life of....
X. Whose name we never know. Who's family we will never meet except in her poignant and touching memories...and who is not long for this earth. Her own realisation of that is one thing that makes this story as fascinating as it is.
I loved it. I half wish it was a full length novel whilst realising that it would not pack the same punch if it was. As it is this is a luminous, captivating tale and perfect for giving you one of those reading "moments"
Happy Reading Folks!
March 8, 2014
Written in the form of a journal, this short story leaps into the middle of the story. Much has happened in the world and to the girl in question. However, you do not know what, but you can guess it isn't good.
Deciding to call herself X, a teenage girl begins to write a journal detailing her life after some kind of event which has changed the world. She is hiding out in a basement and turns to the pages as a way of making sense of what is happening and to detail what she thinks may be her last few days alive.
It is a heartbreaking recounting of what has come before. We know something bad has happened, even though to begin with her writing is somewhat lighthearted, but as she sinks deeper into despair we learn the full force of what she has had to live through. In a world where a future seems pointless, she recalls her lust for life and desires for what she had planned.
Even without the gripping conclusion this short story will have you determined to live life, because you never know when the end of the world could happen.
BUY IT.... it's cheaper than most bars of chocolate, so what do you have to lose? Think of the calories :)
Deciding to call herself X, a teenage girl begins to write a journal detailing her life after some kind of event which has changed the world. She is hiding out in a basement and turns to the pages as a way of making sense of what is happening and to detail what she thinks may be her last few days alive.
It is a heartbreaking recounting of what has come before. We know something bad has happened, even though to begin with her writing is somewhat lighthearted, but as she sinks deeper into despair we learn the full force of what she has had to live through. In a world where a future seems pointless, she recalls her lust for life and desires for what she had planned.
Even without the gripping conclusion this short story will have you determined to live life, because you never know when the end of the world could happen.
BUY IT.... it's cheaper than most bars of chocolate, so what do you have to lose? Think of the calories :)
September 3, 2013
X might be a short story, but there's plenty of room here for character development and drama. We don't know who X is but we feel her plight. On the surface of it, not a lot is happening, and yet the ghosts of traumas that have gone before haunt every page. It very much reminded me of a YA version of Cormack McCarthy's The Road, with that same cold, beautiful bleakness, and that same heart-breaking certainty that this situation can only end badly. Please, please, Mr Croxall, write some more X.
April 4, 2017
Great little story, will be looking out for more from this author.
March 22, 2022
3.5 stars
Short story written as diary entries of a teenage girl in what appears to be a zombie apocalypse. The only complaint I have is that I wish the entries were dated or given a day if the week or even numbered. Some of the longer ones, it was hard to tell what was a new entry or a continuation from the page before.
Short story written as diary entries of a teenage girl in what appears to be a zombie apocalypse. The only complaint I have is that I wish the entries were dated or given a day if the week or even numbered. Some of the longer ones, it was hard to tell what was a new entry or a continuation from the page before.
February 16, 2017
Short stories (especially as eBooks) are really popular at the moment. I guess it is because they are so accessible, being easy to read on the daily commute to work or school, or even on your lunch break. When I heard that Jack Croxall was planning on releasing X, I simply had to know more. You may remember that I loved his young adult Victorian-era adventure, Tethers, and so I knew whatever X may be, it was a certainty that it was going to be good.
X follows a fifteen year old girl, who for some unknown reason, is hiding out in the basement of an old house in the English countryside. For outside lay scariness and horror. As you read, you learn that these uglies could in fact be zombies, although they aren’t exactly specified. They drag themselves around, biting and eating people, which in turn is enough to ‘turn’ the victim into one of them. We follow X as she records her final thoughts.
Written largely as a series of journal entries, X is a very clever short story. Perhaps, in my opinion, simply because of the great portrayal of X. Jack Croxall does a fantastic job at getting in to the head of a teenage girl, and portraying her in such an authentic way. She’s no superhero, she’s not trained in martial arts; she’s just a normal school kid, a girl who used to have a family, a girl who has a crush on one of her school friends. And that is exactly why this story hits you. This is a girl who has been thrown in to such an extreme situation, who must survive the horrors that wait outside, and by writing down her thoughts, it gives her a voice – transforming her from a nobody into a somebody.
By writing in the first person, Jack Croxall gives the reader such a personal account of X. Therefore we don’t need strong imagery techniques such as similes and metaphors. We need only the exact account – and that is strong enough. It is often touching, especially towards the end of the story, where the exact truth behind X’s story is revealed. It’s gripping and emotional, but told in a very as-matter-of-fact way, which doesn’t detach you from X, but instead gives way for respect and sympathy. This girl didn’t have a choice, but manages to survive through intuition and instinct.
I thought the theme of sisterly love was exceptionally endearing as well as understanding, giving readers that little bit extra to relate to. It is also gives strong emotion to the story, especially when all is revealed. It is the little flashbacks that gives this story that added bit of depth too, which can be difficult to achieve when there really is only one character. I also loved the unanswered questions that this story evokes. What has happened to the world? Why has zombies suddenly appeared? What happens to X? But where cliffhangers can be annoying or frustrating for some, here it adds a poignant message of loneliness, detachment and a realisation that only the best survive. Life is cruel in X’s world.
Zombie stories can sometimes alienate people, but what Jack Croxall achieves in his short story is nothing short of brilliance. He has such a strong voice that connects with X, making her easily familiar and authentic, which is key for getting the readers to sympathise with her plight. This is less like a horror story, more like a personal thriller of sorts, and X’s personal account, which often asks the readers rhetorical questions, is emotional, harrowing and utterly believable. This isn’t a story about a chemical pathogen, a world disaster, it’s about the survival of an ordinary girl, who must rise up and survive, as well as swallow down the grief and loneliness this sudden existence asks for. The impending doom that awaits X is engrossing – if you like a good read that captures your attention then I’d definitely recommend this.
X follows a fifteen year old girl, who for some unknown reason, is hiding out in the basement of an old house in the English countryside. For outside lay scariness and horror. As you read, you learn that these uglies could in fact be zombies, although they aren’t exactly specified. They drag themselves around, biting and eating people, which in turn is enough to ‘turn’ the victim into one of them. We follow X as she records her final thoughts.
Written largely as a series of journal entries, X is a very clever short story. Perhaps, in my opinion, simply because of the great portrayal of X. Jack Croxall does a fantastic job at getting in to the head of a teenage girl, and portraying her in such an authentic way. She’s no superhero, she’s not trained in martial arts; she’s just a normal school kid, a girl who used to have a family, a girl who has a crush on one of her school friends. And that is exactly why this story hits you. This is a girl who has been thrown in to such an extreme situation, who must survive the horrors that wait outside, and by writing down her thoughts, it gives her a voice – transforming her from a nobody into a somebody.
By writing in the first person, Jack Croxall gives the reader such a personal account of X. Therefore we don’t need strong imagery techniques such as similes and metaphors. We need only the exact account – and that is strong enough. It is often touching, especially towards the end of the story, where the exact truth behind X’s story is revealed. It’s gripping and emotional, but told in a very as-matter-of-fact way, which doesn’t detach you from X, but instead gives way for respect and sympathy. This girl didn’t have a choice, but manages to survive through intuition and instinct.
I thought the theme of sisterly love was exceptionally endearing as well as understanding, giving readers that little bit extra to relate to. It is also gives strong emotion to the story, especially when all is revealed. It is the little flashbacks that gives this story that added bit of depth too, which can be difficult to achieve when there really is only one character. I also loved the unanswered questions that this story evokes. What has happened to the world? Why has zombies suddenly appeared? What happens to X? But where cliffhangers can be annoying or frustrating for some, here it adds a poignant message of loneliness, detachment and a realisation that only the best survive. Life is cruel in X’s world.
Zombie stories can sometimes alienate people, but what Jack Croxall achieves in his short story is nothing short of brilliance. He has such a strong voice that connects with X, making her easily familiar and authentic, which is key for getting the readers to sympathise with her plight. This is less like a horror story, more like a personal thriller of sorts, and X’s personal account, which often asks the readers rhetorical questions, is emotional, harrowing and utterly believable. This isn’t a story about a chemical pathogen, a world disaster, it’s about the survival of an ordinary girl, who must rise up and survive, as well as swallow down the grief and loneliness this sudden existence asks for. The impending doom that awaits X is engrossing – if you like a good read that captures your attention then I’d definitely recommend this.
October 5, 2013
Very, very good, perfectly paced, just the right amount of information leaked out at each right time. Even the spacing between paragraphs (the big gaps that appeared on my Kindle!) were spot on. I just wanted MORE!
If you like films like 28 Days Later, you will love this - I've always been fascinated by how quickly society can break down. 'X' reminded me of a short story by Stephen King, the name of which I can't remember (helpful, yes?) - similarly, it left me with unanswered questions, but as with the SK story this didn't matter, because what matters is the situation in which X has ended up.
The cover is spot on, too!
If you like films like 28 Days Later, you will love this - I've always been fascinated by how quickly society can break down. 'X' reminded me of a short story by Stephen King, the name of which I can't remember (helpful, yes?) - similarly, it left me with unanswered questions, but as with the SK story this didn't matter, because what matters is the situation in which X has ended up.
The cover is spot on, too!
January 19, 2015
Loved it. I was totally swept up from the first page. It's a short story but it packs a hell of a punch.
July 24, 2014
Very interesting book - I haven't read many books in this sort of format before and I found it incredibly interesting. I certainly wouldn't have minded a longer book,
July 8, 2022
This is a short but powerful story. Jack Coxall is an author on my radar.
January 5, 2018
meh... might have been a good longer story, but it was very short. There wasn't enough time to get to know X or really care about her. Read 1/5/18
October 11, 2014
We never learn her real name. All we know is that X is writing in her journal, documenting what she believes to be her last days, and that she sounds more like a soldier than a 15 year old girl. Hiding out in the cellar of an old farmhouse, X has a gun with two bullets--one for her defense, and the other perhaps to end her own life, if (or when) it comes to that. She simply doesn't know how much longer she can survive. But she hasn't given up yet! And as long as she can find supplies, to get through the long days and the longer nights, she will continue to hide out in the cellar from the things outside that are trying to get in.
This was such an interesting story! My only complaint is that it was too short! A quick read, full of mystery and gripping from start to finish, I was dying to know what happened with each turn of the page! And somehow (although I cannot tell you how, but it was cleverly orchestrated), I felt pulled into the story and made to be a part of it! Fantastic! With the leaves changing colors, and the turning of the seasons, this is the perfect time to read X! Grab a glass of wine and settle in, just don't forget to lock the doors and windows!
This was such an interesting story! My only complaint is that it was too short! A quick read, full of mystery and gripping from start to finish, I was dying to know what happened with each turn of the page! And somehow (although I cannot tell you how, but it was cleverly orchestrated), I felt pulled into the story and made to be a part of it! Fantastic! With the leaves changing colors, and the turning of the seasons, this is the perfect time to read X! Grab a glass of wine and settle in, just don't forget to lock the doors and windows!
January 23, 2014
X is the short story of an unnamed 15 year old, told through a series of diary entries. X documents her last few days and the things outside.
I had heard a number of wonderful things about this short story so decided to check it out. I read X in one sitting as it was so gripping and chilling, it had me hooked from the first page. X is beautifully written and leaves you with a clear picture of the world and the many horrors which are to be faced. X is composed of a number of diary entries written by X (whoever they may be) in the face of an event which has left them as the only known survivor. Jack manages to detail their struggle to survive in such adversity in a manner which leaves you chilled yet heartbroken for X and all they have has lost.
I am not normally a great lover of short stories, but this is a short story which must be read!
Hands up to Jack on weaving a web of magic and writing such a fantastic story that left me sobbing! I am eager to discover more and hope Jack provides us with more on X soon and how they came to be facing the end.
I had heard a number of wonderful things about this short story so decided to check it out. I read X in one sitting as it was so gripping and chilling, it had me hooked from the first page. X is beautifully written and leaves you with a clear picture of the world and the many horrors which are to be faced. X is composed of a number of diary entries written by X (whoever they may be) in the face of an event which has left them as the only known survivor. Jack manages to detail their struggle to survive in such adversity in a manner which leaves you chilled yet heartbroken for X and all they have has lost.
I am not normally a great lover of short stories, but this is a short story which must be read!
Hands up to Jack on weaving a web of magic and writing such a fantastic story that left me sobbing! I am eager to discover more and hope Jack provides us with more on X soon and how they came to be facing the end.
March 14, 2014
What would any of us do if our lives were turned completely upside-down? Imagine if in a matter of two months you lost all your family and friends and you were left to fend for yourself. Just how feral would we all go?
This is what happens to 15 year old "X". Hidden in a cellar in rural England she writes the last few days of her existence in a journal for someone else to find. Once she had a Mum, a Dad, a Sister, a boy she liked at school and an ordinary life. Now she must scavenge for food, water and protection. She is alone and knows her days are numbered.
In just a few pages we meet "X" we read about what her life has become, how she copes and what she knows will happen. Jack Croxall has written a very dramatic short story which may leave you asking yourself just what you would have done in the same situation.
This is what happens to 15 year old "X". Hidden in a cellar in rural England she writes the last few days of her existence in a journal for someone else to find. Once she had a Mum, a Dad, a Sister, a boy she liked at school and an ordinary life. Now she must scavenge for food, water and protection. She is alone and knows her days are numbered.
In just a few pages we meet "X" we read about what her life has become, how she copes and what she knows will happen. Jack Croxall has written a very dramatic short story which may leave you asking yourself just what you would have done in the same situation.
June 27, 2014
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
I loved that this was written in a journal format, it made the whole event feel more personal, it made me feel more close to X. I liked X. I liked her determination to survive for as long as possible. I liked that she was still herself throughout the event which had basically ruined her life and taken everything from her.
This short story is too short! The storyline could easily be written as a 400 paged book. Give me a full book!!
I would also love to know if this story won the 'Best Short Story' at the eFestival of Words. It thoroughly deserves it!
I will definitely be checking out more of Jack Croxall's work in the near future.
I loved that this was written in a journal format, it made the whole event feel more personal, it made me feel more close to X. I liked X. I liked her determination to survive for as long as possible. I liked that she was still herself throughout the event which had basically ruined her life and taken everything from her.
This short story is too short! The storyline could easily be written as a 400 paged book. Give me a full book!!
I would also love to know if this story won the 'Best Short Story' at the eFestival of Words. It thoroughly deserves it!
I will definitely be checking out more of Jack Croxall's work in the near future.
September 24, 2017
This short zombie story packs quite a punch in a few short pages. The story is told as journal entries of a young teenaged girl, seemingly the sole survivor in a dead England, who prefers to remain an anonymous X, rather than give her name. As she describes her daily activities, she slowly recounts the last few weeks, of 'the events' with the uglies, and the deaths of her parents and then her little sister. I've discovered that this short story inspired the author to write a longer novel, called Wye: A Zombie Novel, which I'm off to find now.
January 1, 2016
Rating: 4/5
I'd been meaning to read this short story for ages and only had time for a short story this morning, so it was a pleasure to rediscover this on kindle.
X's story is told via their journals, which form a narrative as the fifteen-year old describes how life is in the zombie apocalypse. It's descriptive and thrilling, sprinkled with horror yet quite endearing. Although circumstances have turned X into a zombie-killing survivor, there is still such humanity there.
A great little read, I'm just sorry it took me so long to get around to it
I'd been meaning to read this short story for ages and only had time for a short story this morning, so it was a pleasure to rediscover this on kindle.
X's story is told via their journals, which form a narrative as the fifteen-year old describes how life is in the zombie apocalypse. It's descriptive and thrilling, sprinkled with horror yet quite endearing. Although circumstances have turned X into a zombie-killing survivor, there is still such humanity there.
A great little read, I'm just sorry it took me so long to get around to it
October 6, 2013
This is a fantastic, quick read.
It always amazes me how quickly I manage to become attached to characters and X is no exception. I was pulled in quickly by some fantastic writing and a simple but effective plot. In a matter of pages there is empathy and interest in the life of X and I know I'm not the only one who wants to know more.
The author has a serious talent, as is obvious from reading both X and his incredible debut, Tethers. Looking forward to Unwoven :)
It always amazes me how quickly I manage to become attached to characters and X is no exception. I was pulled in quickly by some fantastic writing and a simple but effective plot. In a matter of pages there is empathy and interest in the life of X and I know I'm not the only one who wants to know more.
The author has a serious talent, as is obvious from reading both X and his incredible debut, Tethers. Looking forward to Unwoven :)
June 4, 2017
Very short read, skilfully done.
May 24, 2019
Interesting short, short story. It has a lot of potential and would have made a very intriguing full-length novel. As is, it's just too short to become fully engaged in. 2.5 stars
January 13, 2022
A sweet apocalypse short story starring a 15 yo girl.
November 5, 2025
It was a short but fun story.
September 24, 2017
This short story about a young girl trying to survive in a world overtaken by zombies packs a punch.
February 20, 2014
In a state of desperation after finishing Tethers, I rushed to Amazon to see if there was anything else Jack had written that I could read to fill the hole that had been left. I stumbled across X and downloaded it straight away, not even caring to read the blurb!
X is a short story that quickly pulls you into a world of a despairing teenager called X who is living in some kind of dystopian setting on her own, struggling to survive. There are ‘uglies’ who are wandering around, killing every living thing in their way. X is hiding within the confines of an old farmhouse cellar and it is there she decides to keep a diary to document what she does and what she knows about these uglies so if a survivor ever comes across her body, she might able to help them.
This was SUCH a teaser of a short story and I really want to know more about this world X inhabits. Luckily, the lovely Jack has said he’s working on a novel length story set in X’s world which is SO exciting! I cannot wait to find out more about what has happened to everyone else in the world and why X has seemingly managed to survive and whether there are any more survivors out there. This book gave me a really lovely reminder of a book called Survivors by Terry Nation which I read years ago and thoroughly enjoyed.
I LOVED the perspective of this book. It was told through diary entries which was really clever. I felt like I was trapped in this claustrophobic environment and I was reading the diary of someone who may or may not be alive. It was a really tactile experience: I could almost smell the damp ground and feel the cold on my fingers as I sat reading.
As I mentioned when I reviewed Tethers, I am so in love with Jack’s writing style. It is so immersive and gripping and so beautifully worded that you don’t want to stop reading. I read this short story in one go and did a tiny scream when I finished because I wanted so much more! I am so impatient and cannot wait until the next installment in this world.
This was a fantastic short story that did exactly the right thing: pulled you into a world and then threw you out quickly, leaving you wanting more.
X is a short story that quickly pulls you into a world of a despairing teenager called X who is living in some kind of dystopian setting on her own, struggling to survive. There are ‘uglies’ who are wandering around, killing every living thing in their way. X is hiding within the confines of an old farmhouse cellar and it is there she decides to keep a diary to document what she does and what she knows about these uglies so if a survivor ever comes across her body, she might able to help them.
This was SUCH a teaser of a short story and I really want to know more about this world X inhabits. Luckily, the lovely Jack has said he’s working on a novel length story set in X’s world which is SO exciting! I cannot wait to find out more about what has happened to everyone else in the world and why X has seemingly managed to survive and whether there are any more survivors out there. This book gave me a really lovely reminder of a book called Survivors by Terry Nation which I read years ago and thoroughly enjoyed.
I LOVED the perspective of this book. It was told through diary entries which was really clever. I felt like I was trapped in this claustrophobic environment and I was reading the diary of someone who may or may not be alive. It was a really tactile experience: I could almost smell the damp ground and feel the cold on my fingers as I sat reading.
As I mentioned when I reviewed Tethers, I am so in love with Jack’s writing style. It is so immersive and gripping and so beautifully worded that you don’t want to stop reading. I read this short story in one go and did a tiny scream when I finished because I wanted so much more! I am so impatient and cannot wait until the next installment in this world.
This was a fantastic short story that did exactly the right thing: pulled you into a world and then threw you out quickly, leaving you wanting more.
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