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Undead #2
The Undead Haze
THE APOCALYPSE JUST GOT WORSE.
When remorse drives Cyrus V. Sinclair to abandon his hidden compound, he’s unaware of the new dangers lurking in the zombie-infested world. He’ll have to wade through the vilest remains of humanity and hordes of zombies to settle scores and find the one person who might understand him.
Only this time, it won’t be so easy.
Zombies and unpleasant survivors aren’t the only thing Cyrus has to deal with. Not anymore. His conscience, well-armed fanatics, and a cannibal with a taste for redheads will prove to be his biggest enemies.
Cyrus V. Sinclair. The “V” stands for…
Well, you’ll just have to find out, won’t you?
When remorse drives Cyrus V. Sinclair to abandon his hidden compound, he’s unaware of the new dangers lurking in the zombie-infested world. He’ll have to wade through the vilest remains of humanity and hordes of zombies to settle scores and find the one person who might understand him.
Only this time, it won’t be so easy.
Zombies and unpleasant survivors aren’t the only thing Cyrus has to deal with. Not anymore. His conscience, well-armed fanatics, and a cannibal with a taste for redheads will prove to be his biggest enemies.
Cyrus V. Sinclair. The “V” stands for…
Well, you’ll just have to find out, won’t you?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2013
9 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 5, 2024
Narration on this was excellent. I actually listened to this series on YouTube. it’s crazy to me how well Cryus is written to be unlikable but yet you do end up caring about him anyway. He’s quite unsufferable at first. And the ferret you’re never gonna read another zombie series with a ferret in it. There are seriously some almost funny parts of the story and it is definitely interesting. Never really liked Blaze either but you learned to live with her character as well. They both do a lot of very questionable things, but that’s what makes the series so good. For there to be a book where you don’t necessarily like the characters, but you can’t stop listening or reading anyway that takes a talent.
February 24, 2024
Definitely my favorite of the three
January 9, 2015
The Undead Haze is the follow up to the author’s first novel, The Undead Situation, where we were introduced to self-proclaimed sociopath, Cyrus V. Sinclair. Cyrus is the narrator here, as he was in the first book, and thus we get to see the world only through his eyes. His claim of being a sociopath are dampened from the get go here, even by his own admission. In reviewing the first novel, I made it clear that it was debatable whether he was truly a sociopath. But since the story is told by the main character, we only have his proclamation to go by as to whether it is true or not.
Here, it becomes clear that Cyrus’s feelings for Blaze, the woman he lost track of before the end of the first book, don’t jive with that of a true sociopath. It is more likely that Blaze is closer to a text book definition of sociopath, at least based on how she acted and reacted to others, including Cyrus, the first book. The majority of this novel is spent with Cyrus wanting to find Blaze because of the feelings he has developed for her. Naturally, because of the state the world is in, there are some tremendous perils brought on by both the living and the dead. Cyrus crosses paths with someone who has the potential to help him find Blaze, if she is still alive, though he will have to go through hell on earth in the process.
Much of the criticism I saw in reviews of the first novel were due to Cyrus’s proclamation that he was a sociopath when there were aspects of his personality that left that up for debate. Much of the criticism I have seen in reviews of this novel are due to the fact that Cyrus shows far more vulnerability and humanity than a sociopath ever would. He works hard to convince himself that he has no need for others, that he is still using them, and is purposefully callous on occasion, but he shows far more fear, a willingness to open himself up to others, and more of a desire to help others than ever before. Again, since both stories are told in first person, all the reader has to go on is Cyrus’s proclamations about himself, rather than based on any truth that may have been revealed had his story been told in third person. The only thing for certain is that Cyrus V. Sinclair is a bit more complicated than a one word description of his personality type.
The Undead Haze, is in some ways a more complicated story, like its protagonist has become, than the one found in the first book. Cyrus is forced further and further outside his comfort zone. He is beaten and bloodied for long stretches of this tale. He’s weak, vulnerable, and at the mercy of others who he must rely upon. He is obsessed with another person, feeling something akin to love, which becomes the driving force in his life. This is what drives this story and will likely determine whether a reader likes this book more, or less than the first one. Cyrus is still, for the most part, a disagreeable character, but one who is far more human than before. He questions whether or not what he seems to becoming is who he truly is, rather than the sociopath he believed himself to be in the past.
Naturally, this is a character driven story, with the events that unfold on its pages being secondary to how Cyrus experiences them. There are traditional zombie slow movers with a mix of fast movers (those that have recently turned) which are one threat to Cyrus, but they are not the worst danger for him. It the human dangers that are far worse.
The author’s writing has gotten sharper and she has nurtured Cyrus into something far more complex than the one dimensional, smug jerk he was in the first book. While in many ways he is still irredeemable, he has expanded greatly beyond what he was to begin with in this book. It will be interesting to see where he ends up going in the third act of his saga.
Here, it becomes clear that Cyrus’s feelings for Blaze, the woman he lost track of before the end of the first book, don’t jive with that of a true sociopath. It is more likely that Blaze is closer to a text book definition of sociopath, at least based on how she acted and reacted to others, including Cyrus, the first book. The majority of this novel is spent with Cyrus wanting to find Blaze because of the feelings he has developed for her. Naturally, because of the state the world is in, there are some tremendous perils brought on by both the living and the dead. Cyrus crosses paths with someone who has the potential to help him find Blaze, if she is still alive, though he will have to go through hell on earth in the process.
Much of the criticism I saw in reviews of the first novel were due to Cyrus’s proclamation that he was a sociopath when there were aspects of his personality that left that up for debate. Much of the criticism I have seen in reviews of this novel are due to the fact that Cyrus shows far more vulnerability and humanity than a sociopath ever would. He works hard to convince himself that he has no need for others, that he is still using them, and is purposefully callous on occasion, but he shows far more fear, a willingness to open himself up to others, and more of a desire to help others than ever before. Again, since both stories are told in first person, all the reader has to go on is Cyrus’s proclamations about himself, rather than based on any truth that may have been revealed had his story been told in third person. The only thing for certain is that Cyrus V. Sinclair is a bit more complicated than a one word description of his personality type.
The Undead Haze, is in some ways a more complicated story, like its protagonist has become, than the one found in the first book. Cyrus is forced further and further outside his comfort zone. He is beaten and bloodied for long stretches of this tale. He’s weak, vulnerable, and at the mercy of others who he must rely upon. He is obsessed with another person, feeling something akin to love, which becomes the driving force in his life. This is what drives this story and will likely determine whether a reader likes this book more, or less than the first one. Cyrus is still, for the most part, a disagreeable character, but one who is far more human than before. He questions whether or not what he seems to becoming is who he truly is, rather than the sociopath he believed himself to be in the past.
Naturally, this is a character driven story, with the events that unfold on its pages being secondary to how Cyrus experiences them. There are traditional zombie slow movers with a mix of fast movers (those that have recently turned) which are one threat to Cyrus, but they are not the worst danger for him. It the human dangers that are far worse.
The author’s writing has gotten sharper and she has nurtured Cyrus into something far more complex than the one dimensional, smug jerk he was in the first book. While in many ways he is still irredeemable, he has expanded greatly beyond what he was to begin with in this book. It will be interesting to see where he ends up going in the third act of his saga.
November 24, 2016
All right, everyone's favorite (OK, my favorite at least) zombie-killing sociopath Cyrus V. Sinclair is back! The Undead Haze is the second book in author Eloise Knapp's series, and it picks up not long after The Undead Situation left off. Cyrus made it to safety, but in the process he lost the woman he loves, and now he won't rest until he knows what happened to her. Of course, this being Cyrus, his path runs directly through crazed cannibals, innocent victims, religious cults and more zombies than you can shake a nail-spiked bat at.
Zombie 411 - These are your basic Romero-style zombies, with the small twist that the newly turned are capable of running.
The Undead Situation was a breath of fresh air. Knapp gave readers an almost unlikeable lead, and one who was as far removed from the "heroic survivor turned leader" type as possible. Cyrus was messed up, and that was part of his appeal. In The Undead Haze, Cyrus becomes a more sympathetic character, which probably isn't a good thing. I didn't want to see him bear his soul to a random stranger, and I certainly didn't want to hear him do a Jerry McGuire monologue. This is a character that works best with sharpened edges, not blunted ones. He's a Shane (with a bit of Merle perhaps), not a Rick, so to speak. Fortunately towards the end he seems to recover that, at least a little. The idea of his post-apocalyptic "mission" does give me high hopes for the next volume.
There are some pretty important developments in this book that affect characters from the first volume as well as new ones, meaning there are plenty of reasons for a third installment. Knapp has come up with some unusual twists here that should pay off in the future. Hopefully Cyrus will regain some of his gleeful sense of mayhem along the way.
Like The Undead Situation, The Undead Haze is a much needed break from the "zombies as usual" formula. I don't think it's quite as enjoyable as the debut, but it's still one of the best zombie novels I've read this year.
Zombie 411 - These are your basic Romero-style zombies, with the small twist that the newly turned are capable of running.
The Undead Situation was a breath of fresh air. Knapp gave readers an almost unlikeable lead, and one who was as far removed from the "heroic survivor turned leader" type as possible. Cyrus was messed up, and that was part of his appeal. In The Undead Haze, Cyrus becomes a more sympathetic character, which probably isn't a good thing. I didn't want to see him bear his soul to a random stranger, and I certainly didn't want to hear him do a Jerry McGuire monologue. This is a character that works best with sharpened edges, not blunted ones. He's a Shane (with a bit of Merle perhaps), not a Rick, so to speak. Fortunately towards the end he seems to recover that, at least a little. The idea of his post-apocalyptic "mission" does give me high hopes for the next volume.
There are some pretty important developments in this book that affect characters from the first volume as well as new ones, meaning there are plenty of reasons for a third installment. Knapp has come up with some unusual twists here that should pay off in the future. Hopefully Cyrus will regain some of his gleeful sense of mayhem along the way.
Like The Undead Situation, The Undead Haze is a much needed break from the "zombies as usual" formula. I don't think it's quite as enjoyable as the debut, but it's still one of the best zombie novels I've read this year.
June 6, 2013
I loved The Undead Situation. When I finished it I couldn't wait for the next book. I am happy to say it is here and it was worth the wait. It wasn't what I was expecting. That, my friends, is the huge appeal. I cannot guess where this author is going. I love Cyrus. I enjoy watching his progress, or lack of, unfold. One of the things I like about this author is that she does not rush Cyrus through his changes. That is why the ending of this surprised me. I did feel a moment of what happened at the end. I first felt it was rushed. But after letting it settle on me, I think it was like that because to keep going at pace would have made the book long and possibly boring. So I would like to tell you to expect that feeling and let it settle. Keep reading and then think it over. I believe that the author made the right decision with her ending. I am not going to go into a lot of details as (1) there is a synopsis (2) there are other reviews and (3) if I tell you everything why should you read it? so why should you read it? The story line is excellent and surprising. The characters are well written and in an odd way, likable. Okay, they are likable if they like you, you might die if they don't. And finally, in my opinion, it is one of the better Zbooks. There is an amazing amount of them out now, (and I have read an amazing amount of them - even the really bad ones, so go ahead and trust me). I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. I am sure the author will once again surprise the heck out of me.
It is a Zbook so expect the stuff you would see in one. This means you might want to read it first before your child, (hopefully an older child but that is your decision). Which is a good idea anyway as it gives you something to talk about.
It is a Zbook so expect the stuff you would see in one. This means you might want to read it first before your child, (hopefully an older child but that is your decision). Which is a good idea anyway as it gives you something to talk about.
May 11, 2013
Finished Undead Haze today. I really enjoyed it. Cyrus V. Sinclair is back! And he is typical CVS. Unfortunately I did notice that his initials are CVS, and now every time I drive by a CVS I find myself thinking of him, LOL. Cyrus misses Blaze, and he wants to find her. And that means he is changing and becoming a better person! Or does it? Kinda but not really. It’s Cyrus after all. He makes me smile, I don’t know why really. He’s kind of a creep, but one that makes me cheer for him for some odd reason. I guess in the zombie apocalypse, you gotta do what you gotta do to survive. This story includes zombies, crazy religious sects, cannibals, and some tender moments (well the best Cyrus can do those anyway). He meets up with Blaze’s brother, and learns more about Blaze in the process. There is a good guy in him somewhere, if you can look past a lot of bad. A lot of scheming bad. I had a lot of fun reading this second installment in Knapp’s Undead series. If you are looking for a story with an atypical character that leaves an impression, this is for you. Highly recommend!
June 17, 2013
I enjoyed this book more than the first book. The writing has improved, as well as the author's character development. This book has me appreciating Cyrus V. Sinclair's inner struggle in dealing with the post-apocalyptic (can we call it that yet?) world.
Now, the end. At first, I was like WTF?! What happened?! But then I thought about it further. Instead of running on and on, the author ended it and gave the reader something to look forward to. The reader gets to skip years of wandering and killing (think Harry Potter when searching for horcruxes....boring!). Although, I do hope there is an abridged version of how the epilogue came to be in the next book. Also, I hope to see more on the Gabe story arc.
Looking forward to the next installment!
Now, the end. At first, I was like WTF?! What happened?! But then I thought about it further. Instead of running on and on, the author ended it and gave the reader something to look forward to. The reader gets to skip years of wandering and killing (think Harry Potter when searching for horcruxes....boring!). Although, I do hope there is an abridged version of how the epilogue came to be in the next book. Also, I hope to see more on the Gabe story arc.
Looking forward to the next installment!
January 7, 2014
Well, it was different I'll give it that. Cyrus V. Sinclair (the V stands for Villainous) was quite the study in cynicism, skepticism and mistrust in everyone; except one. Blaze is the one person he becomes attracted to, perhaps because she is most like himself. The other anomaly is Pickle the ferret, but then again, most sociopaths have a soft spot for animals; don't they? I must give the author credit for being different though Knapp has taken a typical zombie tale and imbued it with a malicious twist. Once again, it's the character study that commands the focal point of the story, and she's spun the tale quite well.
May 7, 2013
To be honest this should be a 3 star review, but I really enjoy the Cyrus V Sinclair. The first book established him in this apocalyptic world and I couldnt wait to read what else happens to him. But I am disappointed in where this story heads. That or its the way it ends so fast kind of feels like it was rushed.
I know the next one wont be this way because with Cyrus V Sincalir you cant go wrong and the V stands for whatever damn word we want it to mean.
I know the next one wont be this way because with Cyrus V Sincalir you cant go wrong and the V stands for whatever damn word we want it to mean.
October 7, 2013
Just finished the Kindle version of this book and I enjoyed it a lot. The main character, Cyrus, is brought out of hiding by his need to find Blaze. The journey is, needless to say, insane! I loved the story and found myself on edge waiting to see what happens next. I can't wait for the third installment of this series!
May 7, 2013
Please find my review here: http://audiobookreviewer.com/Audioboo...
May 4, 2014
Nowhere near as good as the first book
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews