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The Dead Saga #1
Odium
It's better to die by the gun than die by the dead.
Nina’s life was irrevocably changed when humanity’s dead began to rise.
Now, she lives behind the walls.
The barricaded cities, erected by the government to protect the remnants of civilization, have become a brutal dictatorship- causing the inhabitants within to starve, steal and claw for survival. Life behind the walls has become as terrifying as roaming the zombie-ridden landscape beyond.
Citizens trade what they can to gain food, water, and shelter. Nina has only one currency—her body and she is tired of submitting herself to the greedy hands of the self-proclaimed leaders.
An opportunity to escape presents itself in the fate of a young girl named Emily-Rose. For the price of a stale piece of bread, she is set for banishment from the city, and most likely a horrific death at the hands of the deaders. Nina tells herself that it is sympathy and not self-preservation that makes her follow the young girl out of the walled metropolis, and into the overgrown world beyond.
Unused to fighting the deaders, Nina tries to scrounge for her survival and against her better judgment, begins to care for Emily-Rose. However, when you have a bread-stealing liability providing your only back up, survival seems even tougher. Nina is forced to fight for their lives, and with every zombie slain, she becomes fiercer, faster – a grim reaper with her not-so-sharp butcher’s knife.
Along the path to a safe-haven that might not exist, Nina and Emily-Rose meet Mikey who introduces them to a new life they could not imagine, a life above the ground. However, this new world brings new dangers, and darker shadows than she knew.
Nina finds out that the deaders aren’t the only thing to fear beyond the wall.
And that fear will not be ignored, or Forgotten.
Nina’s life was irrevocably changed when humanity’s dead began to rise.
Now, she lives behind the walls.
The barricaded cities, erected by the government to protect the remnants of civilization, have become a brutal dictatorship- causing the inhabitants within to starve, steal and claw for survival. Life behind the walls has become as terrifying as roaming the zombie-ridden landscape beyond.
Citizens trade what they can to gain food, water, and shelter. Nina has only one currency—her body and she is tired of submitting herself to the greedy hands of the self-proclaimed leaders.
An opportunity to escape presents itself in the fate of a young girl named Emily-Rose. For the price of a stale piece of bread, she is set for banishment from the city, and most likely a horrific death at the hands of the deaders. Nina tells herself that it is sympathy and not self-preservation that makes her follow the young girl out of the walled metropolis, and into the overgrown world beyond.
Unused to fighting the deaders, Nina tries to scrounge for her survival and against her better judgment, begins to care for Emily-Rose. However, when you have a bread-stealing liability providing your only back up, survival seems even tougher. Nina is forced to fight for their lives, and with every zombie slain, she becomes fiercer, faster – a grim reaper with her not-so-sharp butcher’s knife.
Along the path to a safe-haven that might not exist, Nina and Emily-Rose meet Mikey who introduces them to a new life they could not imagine, a life above the ground. However, this new world brings new dangers, and darker shadows than she knew.
Nina finds out that the deaders aren’t the only thing to fear beyond the wall.
And that fear will not be ignored, or Forgotten.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
598 people are currently reading
2477 people want to read
About the author
Claire C. Riley
92 books1,198 followersClaire C. Riley is a USA Today and International bestselling author.
She lives in the United Kingdom with her husband, three daughters, and ridiculously naughty rescue beagle.
* Gryffindor * Targaryen * Zombie slayer *
MC ROMANCE:
Devil's Highwaymen Ride or Die Series (3 books)
The Devil's Highwaymen Nomad Series (4 books)
Tame his Beast duet (2 books)
MAFIA ROMANCE:
Deviant Prince #1
Twisted Princess #2
Royal Blood: The Brotherhood
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Beautiful Victim (standalone)
Fragments of Delores (standalone)
NA ROMANCE
WRATH #3 in the Elite Seven Series
POST-APOCALYPTIC
Odium The Dead Saga Series 8 books
Odium Origins Series 3 books
Out of the Dark (standalone)
Red Eye The Armageddon Series - co-authored with Eli Constant (3 books)
Thicker than Blood series - co-authored with Madeline Sheehan (3 books)
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Limerence (The Obsession Series)
Twisted Magic (standalone)
ROMANCE
Shut Up & Kiss Me - Co-authored with Madeline Sheehan
HORROR
Blood Claim (standalone)
FIND ME
She can be stalked at any of the following and always welcomes any questions readers may have.
www.clairecriley.com
https://www.facebook.com/ClaireCRiley...
http://bit.ly/clairecrileyamazon/
https://twitter.com/ClaireCRiley
https://www.google.com/+ClaireCRiley
and redheadapocalypse on Instagram
She lives in the United Kingdom with her husband, three daughters, and ridiculously naughty rescue beagle.
* Gryffindor * Targaryen * Zombie slayer *
MC ROMANCE:
Devil's Highwaymen Ride or Die Series (3 books)
The Devil's Highwaymen Nomad Series (4 books)
Tame his Beast duet (2 books)
MAFIA ROMANCE:
Deviant Prince #1
Twisted Princess #2
Royal Blood: The Brotherhood
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Beautiful Victim (standalone)
Fragments of Delores (standalone)
NA ROMANCE
WRATH #3 in the Elite Seven Series
POST-APOCALYPTIC
Odium The Dead Saga Series 8 books
Odium Origins Series 3 books
Out of the Dark (standalone)
Red Eye The Armageddon Series - co-authored with Eli Constant (3 books)
Thicker than Blood series - co-authored with Madeline Sheehan (3 books)
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Limerence (The Obsession Series)
Twisted Magic (standalone)
ROMANCE
Shut Up & Kiss Me - Co-authored with Madeline Sheehan
HORROR
Blood Claim (standalone)
FIND ME
She can be stalked at any of the following and always welcomes any questions readers may have.
www.clairecriley.com
https://www.facebook.com/ClaireCRiley...
http://bit.ly/clairecrileyamazon/
https://twitter.com/ClaireCRiley
https://www.google.com/+ClaireCRiley
and redheadapocalypse on Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
August 11, 2017
4.5*** Suspenseful & Survival Stars
This book is not about happily ever after. It's a suspenseful thriller, full of action, sadness, angst, death, and emotions. There is a little bit of romance in between this entire depressing zombie apocalypse outbreak, which I really enjoyed a lot.
The story begins inside "The Walls", a safe place where humans were able to stay protected from the zombie infestation during the apocalypse. Emily was a teenager living inside the walls. She was hungry and tries to steal food. The leader inside the walls Lee was a mean bastard and didn't care that the poor teenager was starved. Instead he chose to kick her outside the walls so she can fend for herself. Nina also lived inside the walls and witnesses the unfairness of this and stood up for Emily. That basically got her kicked out as well. However, she was glad to leave because life inside the walls was not a life either; it was more like a prison. They were starved, abused, and bitten and she was glad to get her freedom.
Nina and Emily travel outside of the walls scared to death, to find shelter and food on their own. At first Nina was annoyed by this teenager and wasn't sure why in the hell she did what she did. She tried to stay away from people and not attached to them because all that cause was more sadness at the end. However, somehow they both became attached to each other through their journey to survive. Nina felt that she had to get strength to protect Emily. So she killed zombies throughout their way to safety. They had a plan but on a world where the dead lived and they fought for survival, there was no guarantee for the next day. I was so nervous for them I was practically chewing my nails the entire time.
They’ve gotten lucky and met Mikey at one stop and he guided them to a safe place where we meet a group of survivors. It was tree houses where they were able to stay safe for a while but they knew they had to find more food and supplies. They decided to go on groups and search but no one was safe thought. They learned this quickly the hard way. When they thought they had a chance, one of their group members dies, then shit breaks loose and it seems like everyone starts to dies. It's hard not to swallow all these deaths. Some death hurt more than others but still it was madness. But Nina was a bad ass through all this and I loved her strong minded character. Even thought I was internally freaking out for her and Emily and everyone else.
Mikey was a bad ass too I couldn’t help liking him a lot.
Not only they were fighting to survive against the dead, the ugly zombies but also there was another group of survivors called “The Forgotten”. At least that’s what they called themselves (the outcast). The forgotten were a group of people who also where fighting to survive this apocalypse; however they were bad people, mean and evil. They wanted revenge against the people inside the walls because when all shit went bat crazy and they needed a safe place the people inside the walls did not let them in. It was hard to get inside even when they begged to at least take in their wives and kids the people inside the walls didn’t care and turned them away.
Mikey liked Nina from the very first time he met her and he was messing around with a chick at the camp where he was staying at. He stopped that the minute he met Nina. Well, that didn’t go well for this chick. Her name was Crunch. Yeah, I know awesome name right?! Lol. She was such a bitch to Nina the whole time. Nina had no clue why until she found out that about their thing. Mikey and Nina fought a lot because well Nina was a stubborn bitch herself and Mikey wanted to protect her. In the midst of all I enjoyed their flirting, their chemistry, their fighting, it was nice to have this during this depressing times.
Even though there was not a lot of a sex scene there was a lot of tension for sure. I was grinning like a fool most of the time because these two made me laugh with their weirdness.
They both finally got to hook up and of course after the calm comes the storm right?! Exactly, when they woke up from their own HAPPY LALALA land, shit got real. Zombies came from all over the place and not everyone made it alive. To top it off “The Forgotten” got a hold of them and now they have other big issues to deal with. I was so anxious and nervous it wasn’t even funny. Overall, I loved this book. I enjoyed every minute of it because it kept me wanting more, actually I am dying to read more I need to know what’s going to happen to Nina, Mikey and Emily. Seriously this author has a way to bring a dark book and make you enjoy it and the endings?! Don’t get me started, they always end up on cliffy I should have known better but I’m addicted and I will continue to read the next books on this series.
Book Series Order:
Audio Kindly provided by Author Claire C. Riley, Thank you Claire
“I dream of blood, death, friends, & family, everyone dies! Sooner or later everyone dies; the dead will rise and eat you alive"
This book is not about happily ever after. It's a suspenseful thriller, full of action, sadness, angst, death, and emotions. There is a little bit of romance in between this entire depressing zombie apocalypse outbreak, which I really enjoyed a lot.
The story begins inside "The Walls", a safe place where humans were able to stay protected from the zombie infestation during the apocalypse. Emily was a teenager living inside the walls. She was hungry and tries to steal food. The leader inside the walls Lee was a mean bastard and didn't care that the poor teenager was starved. Instead he chose to kick her outside the walls so she can fend for herself. Nina also lived inside the walls and witnesses the unfairness of this and stood up for Emily. That basically got her kicked out as well. However, she was glad to leave because life inside the walls was not a life either; it was more like a prison. They were starved, abused, and bitten and she was glad to get her freedom.
Nina and Emily travel outside of the walls scared to death, to find shelter and food on their own. At first Nina was annoyed by this teenager and wasn't sure why in the hell she did what she did. She tried to stay away from people and not attached to them because all that cause was more sadness at the end. However, somehow they both became attached to each other through their journey to survive. Nina felt that she had to get strength to protect Emily. So she killed zombies throughout their way to safety. They had a plan but on a world where the dead lived and they fought for survival, there was no guarantee for the next day. I was so nervous for them I was practically chewing my nails the entire time.
They’ve gotten lucky and met Mikey at one stop and he guided them to a safe place where we meet a group of survivors. It was tree houses where they were able to stay safe for a while but they knew they had to find more food and supplies. They decided to go on groups and search but no one was safe thought. They learned this quickly the hard way. When they thought they had a chance, one of their group members dies, then shit breaks loose and it seems like everyone starts to dies. It's hard not to swallow all these deaths. Some death hurt more than others but still it was madness. But Nina was a bad ass through all this and I loved her strong minded character. Even thought I was internally freaking out for her and Emily and everyone else.
Mikey was a bad ass too I couldn’t help liking him a lot.
Not only they were fighting to survive against the dead, the ugly zombies but also there was another group of survivors called “The Forgotten”. At least that’s what they called themselves (the outcast). The forgotten were a group of people who also where fighting to survive this apocalypse; however they were bad people, mean and evil. They wanted revenge against the people inside the walls because when all shit went bat crazy and they needed a safe place the people inside the walls did not let them in. It was hard to get inside even when they begged to at least take in their wives and kids the people inside the walls didn’t care and turned them away.
Mikey liked Nina from the very first time he met her and he was messing around with a chick at the camp where he was staying at. He stopped that the minute he met Nina. Well, that didn’t go well for this chick. Her name was Crunch. Yeah, I know awesome name right?! Lol. She was such a bitch to Nina the whole time. Nina had no clue why until she found out that about their thing. Mikey and Nina fought a lot because well Nina was a stubborn bitch herself and Mikey wanted to protect her. In the midst of all I enjoyed their flirting, their chemistry, their fighting, it was nice to have this during this depressing times.
Even though there was not a lot of a sex scene there was a lot of tension for sure. I was grinning like a fool most of the time because these two made me laugh with their weirdness.
“Tell me you like me; admit that you have feelings for me” Mikey
“Fine, I like you but that doesn’t mean we are boyfriend and girlfriend” Nina
They both finally got to hook up and of course after the calm comes the storm right?! Exactly, when they woke up from their own HAPPY LALALA land, shit got real. Zombies came from all over the place and not everyone made it alive. To top it off “The Forgotten” got a hold of them and now they have other big issues to deal with. I was so anxious and nervous it wasn’t even funny. Overall, I loved this book. I enjoyed every minute of it because it kept me wanting more, actually I am dying to read more I need to know what’s going to happen to Nina, Mikey and Emily. Seriously this author has a way to bring a dark book and make you enjoy it and the endings?! Don’t get me started, they always end up on cliffy I should have known better but I’m addicted and I will continue to read the next books on this series.
"We have to kill Fallen and then we have to save everyone inside the wall."
Book Series Order:
Audio Kindly provided by Author Claire C. Riley, Thank you Claire
December 8, 2016
"RUN! You fall, you die."
Odium is the first book in the Dead Saga. With the original blend of sci-fi, horror, action, and a hint or romance, Claire C. Riley starts this series off with a bang.
"This can't be right. She's just a child."Nina is living in hell. The world has been infested with deadly zombies. Although she should feel safe in the city behind the wall, instead she has witnessed and experienced horror, torture, and heartbreak. When the safety of a young girl named Emily is threatened Nina takes a stand. If Emily is to be thrown out of the city, Nina is going with her.
"If I would have known..."As Nina and Emily venture out into the big bad world they fight for survival. The things that once were so important are frivolous compared to sustaining the fundamentals of life. As Nina and Emily encounter survivors along with their journey, Nina finds the spark of romance with a man named Mikey. Emily, Mikey, and Nina are constantly at the ready with death always looming.
"There has to be certain things in this world-hope, innocence, love."Told in Nina's POV, Odium is hilarious, frightening, scary, action-packed, tender, and quite sexy. Nina is so strong. Her quick wit and sarcastic personality fuels the dialogue and drives the pacing the entire read. The characters are complex due to their circumstances and experiences in this apocalyptic world. The fear of death is so real that no one is safe. The description in the writing is so absolute that the senses come to life through each and every scene. I could smell the death in the air. I could hear the moans of the zombies approaching. I could taste the hunger and dehydration of the characters. I could feel the touch of Mikey holding Nina and offering her a semblance of peace in this mad crazy world. Simply put, I was glued to the pages and could not stop reading!
Overall, I would recommend Odium to everyone that isn't afraid of an accelerated heartbeat! I have never laughed so hard and been so scared all within the same the breath. I am quite in love with Nina and I cannot wait to continue the journey of The Dead Saga.
***The Dead Saga***
*COPY graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 10, 2022
I read a lot of zombie post-apocalypse novels. I even have read the entire run of some series that obviously I enjoyed. Clearly, there is something about the self-dependence of a post-apocalyptic future without government intervention that energizes people like me. When you just own the first of a series and the novel ends in a cliffhanger it's a little more difficult to give an enthusiastic recommendation because I do not know how it all turns out. I am a hardcore horror fan; I say all the time because I do not need a happy ending in order to love a story (Thinner and Pet Sematary by King, readily come to mind). However, I can recommend a book if I feel satisfied by the story even if it has an unhappy end. To do less than that would be disingenuous IMHO. I only know the outcome of this book, and though I liked most of the story, 300-plus pages are surely enough pages to tell a complete story and hence my hesitation in giving this an unapologetic recommendation. I cannot do that. The narrative is pretty standard, but it includes a narrator that has taken parental responsibility for a teenaged girl, not her daughter, unrelated to her in any way. That takes the "Save the Cat" paradigm to a whole new level. Our narrator is falling in love with someone she continuously is at odds with, but in whom she feels kinship. I may try to find the rest of the Dead Saga books, and of course, I will revisit this review if I read them. For now, I rate this a 3 and a half Grey Geeks or in GR 3 stars. I like it, but do not love it.
September 23, 2015
Uhmm, okay... Wtf is with all the four and five star reviews; did I read a different book or something? Seriously?!?
Basic Plot Rundown
This book starts off okay. Apocalypse. Zombies. Walled city with tyrant leaders. A woman, Nina, sees a child, Em,being thrown out of the protective walls and decides to stand up for her. They're both discarded to the zombie ridden world. Along the way, they meet a guy, Mikey, whom then introduces them to other survivors living and surviving by living in the trees. Aside from threat from zombies, there are other also other "not nice" survivors, The Forgotten, whom weren't allowed entrance to the walled cities and are basically out to kill anything and everything, especially anyone from inside the walled city. What follows is forging for survival, zombie attacks, and a couple of run-ins with the Forgotten.
^ Fine enough^ plot premise... That is, if it wasn't loaded with asinine inner monologues that are as repetitive as they are frequent, completely unlikable characters, boring lulls of storytelling and thumb twiddling, and a Gawd awful romance.
Monologue Me
This chick's thought make me want to fing want to punch myself in the eye just so I don't have to read any more.
Meanwhile...
Her thoughts on repeat back and forth: I'm a bitch. She's a bitch. I don't care & don't want to care. Why doesn't he care about other people's feelings. I don't like him/her. My poor dead husband. This guy is hot. I lied. He lied. I'm not a fighter. I'm gonna jump out and fight all these fuckers and mouth off at people that can and want to kill me. I'm not a fighter. I can take care of myself. This or that is stupid, wrong, blah blah. I'm so judgmental. They're so judgmental. It's kill or be killed. Omg why are people so selfish.
Can You Say Unlikable?
If you can't tell from the monologue synopses, this chick is a horrid character.
She's about as likable as poison ivy, about as sensible as bunny in carrot patch, and about as hero'esc as Benedict Arnold. She's a bitch, know it all, big mouth, judgmental, hypocritical, self-righteous, self-centered, wishy-washy chick who can't decide if she wants to play the role of martyrdom, the evil witch, or the coward.
Aside from being unlikable, it's completely not fathomable that anyone's conscious and personality would constantly take such drastic up and down deviations.
I love snarky, but this character comes off as a pouting child that has verbal diarrhea vs a witty, snarky chick that you wanna throw a shot of tequila back with.
The male mc, Mikey? Well, one could easily insert a grunting cave man 'me obsessed with woman... me chase woman... me protect woman' in his place & not miss a beat.
The rest of the characters are just place cards.
I'm Bored Outta My Fing Mind
All in between these extensive inner monologues, we have long lulls where characters are just rambling, eating, sleeping, traveling, arguing about trivial shit, and other mundane aspects of life. I just shouldn't take multiple pages to get the simple point across that they checked on a garden or had a meal.
The action itself is lackluster. Graphic, but lackluster. I never felt the danger. I never feared for anyone. Never rooted for anyone to survive. It read more like an 'insert knife here. Run this way. Insert knife here. Stand slack jawed. Blood splatters. Someone dies. Someone saves the day. Wash guts and gore off. And, we begin again.' Boring!
Is This Really The Author's Idea Of Romance?
75% of this book is her appreciating he is hot, but adamantly being opposed to caring about anyone because they're all a step away from death and there's no hope for long term life * eye roll.* She finds out that he had a fuck buddy at the tree village that he broke it off with the moment he meets her, and for some reason his former love life pisses her off. So, you think this shit isn't happening and maybe she'll meet someone else along the way and that's where the romance aspect comes in, right? No. A couple pages later, WITH NO FING REASONING BEHIND IT WHATSOEVER, suddenly he calls her his girlfriend and she just goes along with it because maybe all hope isn't lost. *Cue then calling each other baby.*
A few more pages and she's back to him being the scum of the earth because of 'how' he survived the apocalypse before her entry.
And.... Yet a few more pages and he's willing to die for her so she guesses she should forgive him. Ehhhh...
#1 Rule Of Zombie Apocalypse: Arm Your Fucking Self!
And... This book...
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~[OO]~
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{••••••••} ~~~ fear the pocket knife!!
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(((((...........................)))))
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These people are running all over the place. There are plenty of cars. There's gas. There's a eco run city. There's food. But, the best these two chicks come up with for weapons is a blunt butcher knife and a Swiss Army pocket knife, really?
No need to even worry about the romance because this dude should be doomed anyway..
1 generous star.
June 26, 2014
4 1/2 riveting stars
I love Nina and want to be just like her when I grow up and the zombie apocalypse happens!!
But did it have to end that way?? Cant stop now....have to find out what happens with Mikey, Emily and Nina!
I love Nina and want to be just like her when I grow up and the zombie apocalypse happens!!
But did it have to end that way?? Cant stop now....have to find out what happens with Mikey, Emily and Nina!
October 6, 2013
Odium is a book that I had been looking forward to review for a couple months now. When I finally got my hands on a copy I started devouring it almost immediately. As far as Zombie stories go I liked Odium. The book had decent character development, the Zombies were ruthless in their pursuit of the living and I think the Author came up with some creative ways to keep the survivors safe. However, Odium is far from a perfect Zombie book and here's why:
First off, my biggest issue with the story is Nina. She starts off actually quite likable when she steps in to save Emily-Rose from a fate worse than death. However, that quickly changes when the pair head out into the Undead wasteland. Her personality changes from strong willed survivor to whiny bitch in the blink of an eye. As the book progressed I realized I didn't like her very much at all. She didn't listen, she whined about everything, she was judgmental, rude and to top it off didn't care to learn anything to better her situation. Sure, she always cared for Emily-Rose and that at least was a redeeming characteristic but it wasn't enough to keep me from wishing she'd end up Zombie chow.
Secondly, I didn't like how The Forgotten were portrayed. I get it they were the big bad of the story who shows up at the most convenient times to reek havoc on the characters lives. All stories need a villain and The Forgotten played the role nicely. I just personally wasn't convinced they were as bad as the other survivors kept saying. At least not compared to Lee whom Nina is constantly referencing as this evil tyrant who took pleasure in torturing the citizens behind the wall.
Lastly, I was severely disappointed how under prepared everyone was handling life outside amongst the dead. Nina and Emily-Rose have at least somewhat of an excuse but Britta, Mikey, JD etc... have none such since they've been living out amongst the dead since it all began. You'd think they'd be hardened pros at planning escape routes and keeping bug out bags stored in various locations just on the off chance they were overrun. One good meal and they all drop their guard, keep the vehicles out of reach and forget to carry weapons with them as well. It was just so bloody convenient that they'd be run off with nothing. Once I could forgive but twice is just plain sloppy.
Now despite all my misgivings mentioned above, Odium was still a good Zombie story. It was brilliant for the characters to convert a Wilderness Survival Course into a sanctuary from the Undead, I loved that! I also loved how Steve kept his chickens safe in the hatch of the RV it was a smart idea and a great way to transport them as well. Lastly, I liked that the Zombies were actually putrefying as a dead body should. Sure the Zombies were still scary but also it was nice to see that they weren't "Immortal". Just wait long enough and they'd eventually re-die off.
Final Thoughts
While Odium is far from perfect, I still really enjoyed the book and am glad that I read it. Despite my lack of love for Nina I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book brings. Who knows maybe she'll have some growth between this book and the next even. I'd recommend checking this one out if your looking for a new Zombie book to read. With that being said, I'll be rating Odium by Claire C. Riley ★★★.
Reviewed Originally @Blood, Sweat and Books
*Copy reviewed provided by Author. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way for providing them.
First off, my biggest issue with the story is Nina. She starts off actually quite likable when she steps in to save Emily-Rose from a fate worse than death. However, that quickly changes when the pair head out into the Undead wasteland. Her personality changes from strong willed survivor to whiny bitch in the blink of an eye. As the book progressed I realized I didn't like her very much at all. She didn't listen, she whined about everything, she was judgmental, rude and to top it off didn't care to learn anything to better her situation. Sure, she always cared for Emily-Rose and that at least was a redeeming characteristic but it wasn't enough to keep me from wishing she'd end up Zombie chow.
Secondly, I didn't like how The Forgotten were portrayed. I get it they were the big bad of the story who shows up at the most convenient times to reek havoc on the characters lives. All stories need a villain and The Forgotten played the role nicely. I just personally wasn't convinced they were as bad as the other survivors kept saying. At least not compared to Lee whom Nina is constantly referencing as this evil tyrant who took pleasure in torturing the citizens behind the wall.
Lastly, I was severely disappointed how under prepared everyone was handling life outside amongst the dead. Nina and Emily-Rose have at least somewhat of an excuse but Britta, Mikey, JD etc... have none such since they've been living out amongst the dead since it all began. You'd think they'd be hardened pros at planning escape routes and keeping bug out bags stored in various locations just on the off chance they were overrun. One good meal and they all drop their guard, keep the vehicles out of reach and forget to carry weapons with them as well. It was just so bloody convenient that they'd be run off with nothing. Once I could forgive but twice is just plain sloppy.
Now despite all my misgivings mentioned above, Odium was still a good Zombie story. It was brilliant for the characters to convert a Wilderness Survival Course into a sanctuary from the Undead, I loved that! I also loved how Steve kept his chickens safe in the hatch of the RV it was a smart idea and a great way to transport them as well. Lastly, I liked that the Zombies were actually putrefying as a dead body should. Sure the Zombies were still scary but also it was nice to see that they weren't "Immortal". Just wait long enough and they'd eventually re-die off.
Final Thoughts
While Odium is far from perfect, I still really enjoyed the book and am glad that I read it. Despite my lack of love for Nina I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book brings. Who knows maybe she'll have some growth between this book and the next even. I'd recommend checking this one out if your looking for a new Zombie book to read. With that being said, I'll be rating Odium by Claire C. Riley ★★★.
Reviewed Originally @Blood, Sweat and Books
*Copy reviewed provided by Author. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way for providing them.
January 12, 2021
Really enjoyed this. After reading the Grace Lost Series and the Rhiannon Frater zombie trilogy, I struggled to find another series I truly loved and was excited to read. This is great, and the lead character is sassy, hilarious, and ridiculously sarcastic. I really hope there is a 3rd book, because there is still so much left after the 2nd book!!
April 15, 2014
Odium was a terrifying, exciting ride through a land of zombies. A land that is not rotten and black, as the self-proclaimed leaders behind the walls of the barricaded cities would have you believe, but alive and flourishing. Except for the dead that bring their rotten stench with them.
One of the many things I loved about this novel was how Claire C. Riley used the sense of smell, which is usually overlooked in zombie novels, to bring another level to the dead she created in this world. I felt like I was in her world from the start. I clearly saw the rot and distinctly smelled the putrid decay. I desperately fought to stay alive.
Odium’s characters were alive and credible. The characters’ decisions were believable, even if they weren’t always reasonable or practical. But that’s what made them genuine. And the humor injected between the nail-biting moments, was spot-on.
Odium is not a run-of-the-mill zombie story. It is so much more, and Claire C. Riley is an amazing writer. I mean, who else would describe the moan of a hungry zombie to a throaty groan that would escape you during a sensual back massage? Kudos, Claire.
So, if you like zombies, then make sure this one gets on your list.
One of the many things I loved about this novel was how Claire C. Riley used the sense of smell, which is usually overlooked in zombie novels, to bring another level to the dead she created in this world. I felt like I was in her world from the start. I clearly saw the rot and distinctly smelled the putrid decay. I desperately fought to stay alive.
Odium’s characters were alive and credible. The characters’ decisions were believable, even if they weren’t always reasonable or practical. But that’s what made them genuine. And the humor injected between the nail-biting moments, was spot-on.
Odium is not a run-of-the-mill zombie story. It is so much more, and Claire C. Riley is an amazing writer. I mean, who else would describe the moan of a hungry zombie to a throaty groan that would escape you during a sensual back massage? Kudos, Claire.
So, if you like zombies, then make sure this one gets on your list.
June 10, 2014
I really dislike it when I read a book and want to kill the character I'm supposed to be pulling for. I mean, why did Nina risk her life for Emily only to treat her like dirt for most of the book? Yes, I know she had issues with "trust" but, in my opinion, the author took that way too far. By the end, I just wanted HER out of the picture. I couldn't find any reason for keeping her around. She whined, she judged, she pushed everyone away, and she was a "B."
The antagonists, The Forgotten, were portrayed as savages but were they really so bad as the ones in charge of the sanctuary Nina left behind? If you ask me, they had a right to be angry with how they and their families were treated.
This entire book was upside down as far as the characters. I don't plan to read any others in this series but from the first, I really couldn't care less if any of them but Emily survives.
The antagonists, The Forgotten, were portrayed as savages but were they really so bad as the ones in charge of the sanctuary Nina left behind? If you ask me, they had a right to be angry with how they and their families were treated.
This entire book was upside down as far as the characters. I don't plan to read any others in this series but from the first, I really couldn't care less if any of them but Emily survives.
April 6, 2019
4 Addictive Stars!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I might not be Lara Croft yet, but the desperation to live can fill you with a hell of a lot of enthusiasm for surviving, and if that means fighting hand to hand with a walking corpse when you need to, then so be it.
Its official- IM HOOKED. I read the 0.5 Novella (Nina's Story) before reading this one, and I am glad I did. I highly recommend doing that so that that you get to know Nina- what she has been through to get to the point where this one starts out. And you definitely want to know where those Dr. Martens come from she's always swooning over... Trust me just do it.
The world has totally gone to shit. There was a virus and everyone is now pretty much dealing and trying to survive. The dead have been walking among them for 3 or so years when the book takes place. Its either die by a gun or die by the dead. The military got together and built this place behind the walls so everyone who made it to the wall, would be safe from the "deaders" aka or what I like to call Zombies. Everything behind the walls is not what is seems though.
Nina has been behind the wall since its beginning but wants nothing more than to escape the hell she is in. An opportunity arises when a young girl/teen Emily is caught stealing food. The punishment for stealing is banishment beyond the wall and most probably death by zombie. Nina finally has had enough and decides its either now or never- so she willingly leaves when Emily is kicked out.
Nina, not used to handling or dealing with the dead, has to figure out real quick how to gain courage and strength for not only herself but for Emily who is counting on her to survive. With every Zombie encounter- Nina only gets more Fierce, strong and fast.
Along the way to finding safety- the girls run into Mikey, who brings them to a world they couldn't ever imagine- a life ABOVE the ground. However, with a new world comes new dangers and darkness. The girls soon find out that the deaders are not the only thing to fear beyond the wall.
This was such a fantastic start to what I am sure is going to turn into one of my favorite series. Its so fast paced and action packed! If you are a fan of survival type stories - or dare I even bring up The Walking Dead- then you will LOVE this book and probably salivate until you can start the others... oh wait- maybe that's just me?!?! This isn't a typical Zombie/Apocalyptic type book. I mean it is- but it isn't at the same time. There is focus on the Dead- but there is so much more to the story. We get to see other threats and unique side characters.
Nina will grow on you- she is turning into quite the bad ass. She has a great, and HILARIOUS personality. I love that we get to be in her head and see all her thoughts, feelings and fears. Emily- is such a freaking sweetheart. I triple dog dare you not to love her. Mikey is a Cinnamon Bun!! And for whatever reason is going to be Brad Pitt from World War Z, bc I want it that way, ok??
Bare with me OH AND his gang, they are fantastic. Each with their own wits and personality to make them stand out.
THERE IS SO MUCH ACTION- and heartbreaking moments. This one will tug at your heart strings. There is a side of romance but totally NOT the focus. There is too much to worry about with the end of the world and all to be focused on romance. So for that I was grateful- but what little we do get is slow burning and just the right amount. Nina's character grows SO MUCH from the start to the end. Its awesome!! I love character backstories and seeing where they are coming from. I love seeing how the relationship between Emily and Nina grows too.
I know I am probably leaving out so many thoughts but - just trust me- ADD IT TO YOUR TBR. If you like this sort of thing :P Even if you don't... its pretty good, Just sayin' !!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I might not be Lara Croft yet, but the desperation to live can fill you with a hell of a lot of enthusiasm for surviving, and if that means fighting hand to hand with a walking corpse when you need to, then so be it.
Its official- IM HOOKED. I read the 0.5 Novella (Nina's Story) before reading this one, and I am glad I did. I highly recommend doing that so that that you get to know Nina- what she has been through to get to the point where this one starts out. And you definitely want to know where those Dr. Martens come from she's always swooning over... Trust me just do it.
The world has totally gone to shit. There was a virus and everyone is now pretty much dealing and trying to survive. The dead have been walking among them for 3 or so years when the book takes place. Its either die by a gun or die by the dead. The military got together and built this place behind the walls so everyone who made it to the wall, would be safe from the "deaders" aka or what I like to call Zombies. Everything behind the walls is not what is seems though.
Nina has been behind the wall since its beginning but wants nothing more than to escape the hell she is in. An opportunity arises when a young girl/teen Emily is caught stealing food. The punishment for stealing is banishment beyond the wall and most probably death by zombie. Nina finally has had enough and decides its either now or never- so she willingly leaves when Emily is kicked out.
Nina, not used to handling or dealing with the dead, has to figure out real quick how to gain courage and strength for not only herself but for Emily who is counting on her to survive. With every Zombie encounter- Nina only gets more Fierce, strong and fast.
Along the way to finding safety- the girls run into Mikey, who brings them to a world they couldn't ever imagine- a life ABOVE the ground. However, with a new world comes new dangers and darkness. The girls soon find out that the deaders are not the only thing to fear beyond the wall.
This was such a fantastic start to what I am sure is going to turn into one of my favorite series. Its so fast paced and action packed! If you are a fan of survival type stories - or dare I even bring up The Walking Dead- then you will LOVE this book and probably salivate until you can start the others... oh wait- maybe that's just me?!?! This isn't a typical Zombie/Apocalyptic type book. I mean it is- but it isn't at the same time. There is focus on the Dead- but there is so much more to the story. We get to see other threats and unique side characters.
Nina will grow on you- she is turning into quite the bad ass. She has a great, and HILARIOUS personality. I love that we get to be in her head and see all her thoughts, feelings and fears. Emily- is such a freaking sweetheart. I triple dog dare you not to love her. Mikey is a Cinnamon Bun!! And for whatever reason is going to be Brad Pitt from World War Z, bc I want it that way, ok??
Bare with me OH AND his gang, they are fantastic. Each with their own wits and personality to make them stand out.
THERE IS SO MUCH ACTION- and heartbreaking moments. This one will tug at your heart strings. There is a side of romance but totally NOT the focus. There is too much to worry about with the end of the world and all to be focused on romance. So for that I was grateful- but what little we do get is slow burning and just the right amount. Nina's character grows SO MUCH from the start to the end. Its awesome!! I love character backstories and seeing where they are coming from. I love seeing how the relationship between Emily and Nina grows too.
I know I am probably leaving out so many thoughts but - just trust me- ADD IT TO YOUR TBR. If you like this sort of thing :P Even if you don't... its pretty good, Just sayin' !!
November 5, 2014
Ugh. Just Ugh.
Yet again another book that does NOT live up to the hype. Were we even reading the same book?
This has the most annoying main character EVER. Just bitch slap her and feed her to the zombies, please.
If you take out the main character and the stupid one-sided insta-love that someone had of the main character, I think I might like it.
Yet again another book that does NOT live up to the hype. Were we even reading the same book?
This has the most annoying main character EVER. Just bitch slap her and feed her to the zombies, please.
If you take out the main character and the stupid one-sided insta-love that someone had of the main character, I think I might like it.
October 7, 2013
Review also part of #zOctober2013 on My Book Addiction!
The story begins with Nina in a walled off safe zone, a place she’s survived for quite some time, witnessing a teenager being kicked out for stealing a piece of moldy bread from the animals. Those are the conditions they have become accustomed to since the world fell apart. Control hungry jerks in charge that don’t give a rats ass about anyone in their care. It’s more like a prison. Nina is tired of being bullied and it takes watching Emily getting dragged toward the wall before she finally speaks up. Nina hasn’t cared about anyone for a long time. She shut her emotions off like Stefan from The Vampire Diaries after “the incident.” But now.. something about this particular day and this young girl have her fired up. After a slap across the face from the “leader” of the group, she makes a rash decision to head over the wall with Emily. Armed with nothing, including the first clue about how to survive, they drop down to the other side to find a world they haven’t even seen in years. One that mother nature and the undead now rule. How long could two girls without any survival skills possibly last out there?
Odium takes us back to the realm of traditional zombies — which I love! I’m all for an insane zombie story now and then to shake things up a bit, but even in my video games I prefer the old school shambling zombies to the newer evolved superman zombies. With the slower corpses there is actually a chance of survival, which gives people hope and a reason to fight. While I do enjoy watching or reading about the occasional high speed zombie horde that strikes deeply rooted fear into me, there is no chance in hell anyone is making it out alive, no matter how it’s written. If I’m caught in the middle of an apocalypse with zombies that run faster than an olympic sprinter, I’m throwing in the towel right away. Go ahead and eat me at that point. I will be the first to admit that I’m not strong enough to take on Z-man and his super stamina.
My favorite thing about this book is how realistic the characters are, especially Nina. She is the poster girl for how I imagine a person would feel and react during the zombie apocalypse. Her fear is palpable which pulled me right in. I actually felt as if I was Nina trudging through the woods, hopeless and lost, so close to giving up I could taste it. Her character arc is absolutely brilliant, and her surprising sense of humor kept me chuckling between all the spine-chilling moments.
“Perhaps we can hide from it. If it doesn’t know that we’re here, then it might just keep on walking. I fall to my knees and slide myself under the car as quietly as I can, though every noise my body makes on the ground sounds like a fireworks display being set off. I can almost imagine the giant red arrow pointing at my location: ‘She is here; dinner is served’.
– Claire C. Riley, Odium
Odium is a very well-balanced zombie tale with vivid imagery, amazing characters, and heart racing action. I highly recommend this book to all of my fellow zombie fanatics!
The story begins with Nina in a walled off safe zone, a place she’s survived for quite some time, witnessing a teenager being kicked out for stealing a piece of moldy bread from the animals. Those are the conditions they have become accustomed to since the world fell apart. Control hungry jerks in charge that don’t give a rats ass about anyone in their care. It’s more like a prison. Nina is tired of being bullied and it takes watching Emily getting dragged toward the wall before she finally speaks up. Nina hasn’t cared about anyone for a long time. She shut her emotions off like Stefan from The Vampire Diaries after “the incident.” But now.. something about this particular day and this young girl have her fired up. After a slap across the face from the “leader” of the group, she makes a rash decision to head over the wall with Emily. Armed with nothing, including the first clue about how to survive, they drop down to the other side to find a world they haven’t even seen in years. One that mother nature and the undead now rule. How long could two girls without any survival skills possibly last out there?
Odium takes us back to the realm of traditional zombies — which I love! I’m all for an insane zombie story now and then to shake things up a bit, but even in my video games I prefer the old school shambling zombies to the newer evolved superman zombies. With the slower corpses there is actually a chance of survival, which gives people hope and a reason to fight. While I do enjoy watching or reading about the occasional high speed zombie horde that strikes deeply rooted fear into me, there is no chance in hell anyone is making it out alive, no matter how it’s written. If I’m caught in the middle of an apocalypse with zombies that run faster than an olympic sprinter, I’m throwing in the towel right away. Go ahead and eat me at that point. I will be the first to admit that I’m not strong enough to take on Z-man and his super stamina.
My favorite thing about this book is how realistic the characters are, especially Nina. She is the poster girl for how I imagine a person would feel and react during the zombie apocalypse. Her fear is palpable which pulled me right in. I actually felt as if I was Nina trudging through the woods, hopeless and lost, so close to giving up I could taste it. Her character arc is absolutely brilliant, and her surprising sense of humor kept me chuckling between all the spine-chilling moments.
“Perhaps we can hide from it. If it doesn’t know that we’re here, then it might just keep on walking. I fall to my knees and slide myself under the car as quietly as I can, though every noise my body makes on the ground sounds like a fireworks display being set off. I can almost imagine the giant red arrow pointing at my location: ‘She is here; dinner is served’.
– Claire C. Riley, Odium
Odium is a very well-balanced zombie tale with vivid imagery, amazing characters, and heart racing action. I highly recommend this book to all of my fellow zombie fanatics!
October 4, 2013
I feel privileged to have read a beta-version of ODIUM and experienced its evolution into an ARC and publication document. Claire C. Riley has taken zombies to their roots, to those tried-and-true, shambling entities solely focused on filling decaying bellies with fresh flesh.
Claire C. Riley provides readers with depth and emotion not always seen in horror storylines; it's altogether fresh and unexpected. From the instant Nina climbs the wall to follow Emily into the unknown, she begins an internal transformation from a woman who has chosen not to care into a woman who must care, because she has realized that retaining her humanity means closeness with surviving humans- closeness, in particular, with the young girl she considers a daughter and the man she hopes might reawaken the deadness inside of her, the hole created by Ben's death.
Below is one of my absolute favorite paragraphs from Claire C. Riley's ODIUM:
"One particularly fat zombie, with barely a scrap of material to cover her overly large and rotting bosom, is staring up at me like I'm a prize T-bone. Her jaw is hanging loose from her face, swaying with her every move and leaving nothing to the imagination. Fantastic."
Nina & Emily's journey is riddled with insights into human behavior, zombie fights and just the right pinch of dark humor & romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and highly recommend.
Claire C. Riley provides readers with depth and emotion not always seen in horror storylines; it's altogether fresh and unexpected. From the instant Nina climbs the wall to follow Emily into the unknown, she begins an internal transformation from a woman who has chosen not to care into a woman who must care, because she has realized that retaining her humanity means closeness with surviving humans- closeness, in particular, with the young girl she considers a daughter and the man she hopes might reawaken the deadness inside of her, the hole created by Ben's death.
Below is one of my absolute favorite paragraphs from Claire C. Riley's ODIUM:
"One particularly fat zombie, with barely a scrap of material to cover her overly large and rotting bosom, is staring up at me like I'm a prize T-bone. Her jaw is hanging loose from her face, swaying with her every move and leaving nothing to the imagination. Fantastic."
Nina & Emily's journey is riddled with insights into human behavior, zombie fights and just the right pinch of dark humor & romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and highly recommend.
November 1, 2013
Realistic, Haunting and Drenched in blood. I'll start by saying that I am not naturally a zombie enthusiast, but that Odium had me clenched in its dead maw in chapter 1. I picked this book up as one of 2 October reads and I remember in those first few nights reading, going to bed looking around me for deaders and dreaming nightmares that had me filled with unrest in the morning. I woke up going "I'm done. I just can't take reading this before bed." but each night I couldn't resist picking Odium back up and craving more. So many nights I stayed up hours in the dark reading by Kindle light and last night, Halloween night, I stayed up until 3 a.m. to complete it, knowing I had to go to sleep but rapt in anticipation. Odium is a classic horror book unmatched in my opinion, so real that it eats at your mind and you can not turn away. Nina is the perfect main character for this novel, with her strong will and semi-bitch tendencies and I was also well enthralled by characters like Mikey and Crunch. If you like Zombies, pick this up now, and if you don't like or haven't read a good Zombie book, then pick this up now, because there is so much depth in this read that you are going to become a fan, or at least a huge fan of Riley and her works.
3 side notes:
1. I came to Odium after reading Claire C. Riley's short work in the FREE book {Fusion: A collection of short stories from Breakwater Harbor Books' authors} which is a precursor to Odium and which I highly recommend before or after reading Odium.
2. My Zombie claim to fame is that I was once friends with George A. Romero's daughter and one time spent a good part of the day with her talking and watching her dad film an Indie Zombie flick. It was awesome. To meet the man who is truly the father of Zombies was surreal. Such a humble man... and so intense. Romero would be honored to see what his Zombies have become in Odium and I'm hoping to look him up and get him a copy of the book. Odium is definitely worthy.
3. I can't wait for the Sequel to Odium!!! No, really, when does it come out? :)
3 side notes:
1. I came to Odium after reading Claire C. Riley's short work in the FREE book {Fusion: A collection of short stories from Breakwater Harbor Books' authors} which is a precursor to Odium and which I highly recommend before or after reading Odium.
2. My Zombie claim to fame is that I was once friends with George A. Romero's daughter and one time spent a good part of the day with her talking and watching her dad film an Indie Zombie flick. It was awesome. To meet the man who is truly the father of Zombies was surreal. Such a humble man... and so intense. Romero would be honored to see what his Zombies have become in Odium and I'm hoping to look him up and get him a copy of the book. Odium is definitely worthy.
3. I can't wait for the Sequel to Odium!!! No, really, when does it come out? :)
September 28, 2013
"Odium" is the sequel to "Life Ever After", a short story where we get to know Nina, and also where the zombie apocalypse starts. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed LEA and really looked forward to reading "Odium".
In "Odium" Nina and other survivors live behind the walls that protect them from deaders, but life there is far from happy. She decides to leave together with Emily, a girl who’s been banished from the place. The two of them are supposed to survive in a world feasting with zombies. As it turns out, zombies are not the only thing that may put Nina and Emily in danger.
I’m really impressed with Claire C. Riley’s narrative flow. The book is easy to read, it’s enjoyable, and it’s a must-read for zombie-lovers.
***I would like to thank the author for providing me with a review copy.***
In "Odium" Nina and other survivors live behind the walls that protect them from deaders, but life there is far from happy. She decides to leave together with Emily, a girl who’s been banished from the place. The two of them are supposed to survive in a world feasting with zombies. As it turns out, zombies are not the only thing that may put Nina and Emily in danger.
I’m really impressed with Claire C. Riley’s narrative flow. The book is easy to read, it’s enjoyable, and it’s a must-read for zombie-lovers.
***I would like to thank the author for providing me with a review copy.***
October 9, 2013
So I've been waiting for this book for a while now. After reading Ms Riley's debut book Limerence (which was a fantastic read, that you should totally check out.) I couldn't wait to get into Odium. A book about the Zombie Apocalypse and Survival. I had high hopes for this book as I love brains...ooops I mean Zombies and it didn't disappoint.
The main character in Odium is Nina a strong willed, Feisty, Stubborn and Snarky woman. Who has took it upon herself to look after a young girl called Emily after they are ejected from the safety of "The Wall" a compound of sorts that keeps The Deaders (Zombies) at bay.
I found the questions brought up in the book about survival were great. It made me question what I would do In the same situations and in others it made me want to scream and shout as to what some characters were doing and why.
The writing drags you into an unforgiving world. It builds relationships and friendships and breaks them down and shows the harsh reality of survival. Even with theses situations Claire has managed to add wit and romance into a bleak world. I laughed quite a few times during the journey.
If you love zombies then you'll love this. This is classic old school zombies. None of your fast crap. These are slow menacing hoards ready to devour your flesh given the opportunity.
So if you haven't worked it out already, I really loved this book! It's one I'll read again (that's not something I do often)
I highly recommend this to you and urge you to check out all of Claire's books (you can thank me later =P) One of the best books I've read in a while that has joined my favourites list.
PS I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEQUAL
The main character in Odium is Nina a strong willed, Feisty, Stubborn and Snarky woman. Who has took it upon herself to look after a young girl called Emily after they are ejected from the safety of "The Wall" a compound of sorts that keeps The Deaders (Zombies) at bay.
I found the questions brought up in the book about survival were great. It made me question what I would do In the same situations and in others it made me want to scream and shout as to what some characters were doing and why.
The writing drags you into an unforgiving world. It builds relationships and friendships and breaks them down and shows the harsh reality of survival. Even with theses situations Claire has managed to add wit and romance into a bleak world. I laughed quite a few times during the journey.
If you love zombies then you'll love this. This is classic old school zombies. None of your fast crap. These are slow menacing hoards ready to devour your flesh given the opportunity.
So if you haven't worked it out already, I really loved this book! It's one I'll read again (that's not something I do often)
I highly recommend this to you and urge you to check out all of Claire's books (you can thank me later =P) One of the best books I've read in a while that has joined my favourites list.
PS I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEQUAL
September 27, 2013
I was kindly provided an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Odium is the continuance of Life Ever After: Nina’s Story, a novella found in Fusion (a collection of short stories from genres including: science fiction, horror, crime, and romance). After reading about Nina’s zombie adventures in Life Ever After, I was very eager to begin Odium. And I can tell you that I was not disappointed.
(DISCLAIMER: You do not need to read Life Ever After to enjoy Odium, but I guarantee you that you’ll want to read Nina’s back-story.)
One of the very best things about Miss Riley’s work is her sense of humor. Written in first person, present tense from Nina’s POV, we get to experience how Nina begins as a bit of a shallow individual, consumed with time and money but morphs into a survivor. I really connected with Nina and found myself experiencing an apocalyptic event along side her.
Along with her wit, this author has yet again taken me on another eye-opening, profound, funny, sarcastic, and creative joyride! There were so many pages in this book that I was angry at my own eyes for not being able to read fast enough!
I didn’t know how well I’d like this book and went in with a very critical eye. But I found absolutely nothing (not a single character, scene or ZOMBIE) that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. Even the characters I was supposed to hate, I loved. 5 Big FAT stars for this book! I’m so happy I’ve found Miss Riley’s work.
Odium is the continuance of Life Ever After: Nina’s Story, a novella found in Fusion (a collection of short stories from genres including: science fiction, horror, crime, and romance). After reading about Nina’s zombie adventures in Life Ever After, I was very eager to begin Odium. And I can tell you that I was not disappointed.
(DISCLAIMER: You do not need to read Life Ever After to enjoy Odium, but I guarantee you that you’ll want to read Nina’s back-story.)
One of the very best things about Miss Riley’s work is her sense of humor. Written in first person, present tense from Nina’s POV, we get to experience how Nina begins as a bit of a shallow individual, consumed with time and money but morphs into a survivor. I really connected with Nina and found myself experiencing an apocalyptic event along side her.
Along with her wit, this author has yet again taken me on another eye-opening, profound, funny, sarcastic, and creative joyride! There were so many pages in this book that I was angry at my own eyes for not being able to read fast enough!
I didn’t know how well I’d like this book and went in with a very critical eye. But I found absolutely nothing (not a single character, scene or ZOMBIE) that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. Even the characters I was supposed to hate, I loved. 5 Big FAT stars for this book! I’m so happy I’ve found Miss Riley’s work.
June 24, 2017
Humanity’s dead began to rise.....
Nina’s life was irrevocably changed one day, the world succumbed to a pestilence that decimated the living. In its place rose a new species: gruesome, wandering monsters with an insatiable hunger for the living.
Nina
An opportunity to escape presents itself in the fate of a young girl named Emily-Rose. For the price of a stale piece of bread, she is set for banishment from the city, and most likely a horrific death at the hands of the deaders.
Emily
Along the path to a safe-haven that might not exist, Nina and Emily-Rose meet Mikey who introduces them to a new life they could not imagine, a life above the ground.
Mikey
However, this new world brings new dangers, and darker shadows than she knew.
Nina finds out that the deaders aren’t the only thing to fear beyond the wall.
January 17, 2014
I need me some Doc Martens.
WOW! This was my first zombie read and I'm sooo happy that it was. I was soo consumed by the all the "doom and gloom" in "Odium" that when I wasn't reading, I would be looking at my surroundings-where to go-how many people are around-wheres the closest weapon I find (yeah I went into detail).
More than likely I would be with my younger sister and of course do WHATEVER I HAD TO DO TO PROTECT HER. That's what I found so compelling about our heroin "Nina" she had gone through so much to survive the "deaders"(zombies) and to survive behind the "wall"(if you will-a safe haven for the remaining survivors). She was just "existing" behind the wall.But something happened and it sparked something in her. She took the opportunity to do something more than just exist she took a stand. It wasn't her brightest idea but she couldn't just say nothing. And that's where we met " Emily-Rose". Nina had this over powering urge to protect her and that's where the story really getting going but I'll leave you to find out who lives or dies...
WOW! This was my first zombie read and I'm sooo happy that it was. I was soo consumed by the all the "doom and gloom" in "Odium" that when I wasn't reading, I would be looking at my surroundings-where to go-how many people are around-wheres the closest weapon I find (yeah I went into detail).
More than likely I would be with my younger sister and of course do WHATEVER I HAD TO DO TO PROTECT HER. That's what I found so compelling about our heroin "Nina" she had gone through so much to survive the "deaders"(zombies) and to survive behind the "wall"(if you will-a safe haven for the remaining survivors). She was just "existing" behind the wall.But something happened and it sparked something in her. She took the opportunity to do something more than just exist she took a stand. It wasn't her brightest idea but she couldn't just say nothing. And that's where we met " Emily-Rose". Nina had this over powering urge to protect her and that's where the story really getting going but I'll leave you to find out who lives or dies...
March 16, 2018
Why? Oh why, could Nina not have been mauled by the “Deaders?” Seriously, it has been a long time since I read a book where I actually wished for an slow, agonizing death for the protagonist.
Every time she would come close to dying I said a silent prayer of thanks...only to then have my happiness crushed by her constant survival. How is it that everyone she comes into contact dies with the exception of her?!!
Here are my issues:
(1) A protagonist who is TSTL.
(2) One dimensional characters.
(3) Incessant repetition:
- I don’t know how many times that were told that “old” zombies were easier to kill. That their skulls were soft. Listen lady, I got it the first 20 times you said it.
- way too many pee breaks to be entertaining
(4) I just can’t go on! It’s like I read a different book from all the 5 star reviewers.
If you pick this up, be prepared for the death that the Protagonist will bring upon you!!
Every time she would come close to dying I said a silent prayer of thanks...only to then have my happiness crushed by her constant survival. How is it that everyone she comes into contact dies with the exception of her?!!
Here are my issues:
(1) A protagonist who is TSTL.
(2) One dimensional characters.
(3) Incessant repetition:
- I don’t know how many times that were told that “old” zombies were easier to kill. That their skulls were soft. Listen lady, I got it the first 20 times you said it.
- way too many pee breaks to be entertaining
(4) I just can’t go on! It’s like I read a different book from all the 5 star reviewers.
If you pick this up, be prepared for the death that the Protagonist will bring upon you!!
December 5, 2023
Slow burn, fade to black, post-apocalyptic romance. The romance does take a bit of a back seat to the plot. Reminds me of the Walking Dead, where there are zombies and psychos they have to be careful of when trying to survive. There is also a group of survivors working together.
I found myself frustrated several times because Nina is not the most likeable character. The story is told through her POV only, so her negative attitude is a bit much at times. She constantly rolls her eyes. I also wish we had a better timeline. We don't know how old Nina is or when the zombie outbreak happened. We know it's been a couple years, but not for sure. That made it a bit confusing at times, because sometimes it seemed like it was only a year ago, but then other times they mentioned years.
Overall, I will continue the series, but not right away. It got pretty heavy and crazy at the end.
I found myself frustrated several times because Nina is not the most likeable character. The story is told through her POV only, so her negative attitude is a bit much at times. She constantly rolls her eyes. I also wish we had a better timeline. We don't know how old Nina is or when the zombie outbreak happened. We know it's been a couple years, but not for sure. That made it a bit confusing at times, because sometimes it seemed like it was only a year ago, but then other times they mentioned years.
Overall, I will continue the series, but not right away. It got pretty heavy and crazy at the end.
June 5, 2014
Yay zombies! Ok, well, no, that would suck (not!) and we would all be in trouble (not me...ok, maybe me). But either way, I love reading about them! I've heard awesome things about Odium, and I couldn't wait to read it. But first - I had to look up what Odium freaking meant!! Odium: general or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions. Oooh, Ok - I get it! Especially after reading this book!
Ok, so I'm not going to rehash the blurb, it's all really self explanatory. I'll hold while you go back and read it . So, Nina. Yeah. She took a minute to grow on me, for real!! I wrote this in my notes: She's such a bitch!! However, bitch or not, she did a rad thing by leaving the "safety" of the walls. There were a few times where I felt she was a bit flip-floppy, but we are all lying to ourselves if we think we never do that, ya know? So Nina ended up feeling pretty real to me. She wasn't some badass Michonne with big ass sword. Her character really grew through the book, and I always appreciate that.
Emily-Rose, Mikey, Duncan, JD, Crunch and a few others... Characters come and go. I had some I liked (Mikey!), and some I hated (hello, Crunch, you're on that list!) The thing with Odium is that these characters all have a past, and it's affecting their present. They didn't just forget what happened in their old lives and move on. Nope, it has importance. Whether they were a druggie, a business owner, a criminal... It's kind of like a Breakfast Club of the zombie apocalypse. They all end up having bits of everyone in their personality. And that's how it has to be to survive. Adapt and change!
Odium has something new. The Forgotten. Talk about BAD news!! They are society's outcasts. Let's just say that 1) you don't want to be a part of it, and 2) you don't want to see anyone who is. It's an interesting take on the apocalypse, especially once you learn more about life behind the walls, and life of the Forgotten. The theme of history shaping the present shows itself again.
Deader number one is close enough now, and I swing for it in a panic. My first one misses and I swing back wildly, cutting it through the stomach. Its insides spill onto the blacktop with a sound somewhat akin to vomit hitting the ground, but it comes for me regardless of its loss of intestines and capacity to hold any of my fine meaty face within it.
Something else I liked? People are pretty clueless! Sure, they learn as they go. But when people suggest a bite won't turn you, I had to scratch my head a bit and wonder where this author was going with it. As it turns out, she's pretty damn smart and used their ignorance for some awesome action, drama, and gore. Odium definitely hits all my marks for what I look for at the end. I cheered, I laughed with some snarky characters, I saw some very original ideas, I got grossed out, scared, and happy. Claire C Riley writes a pretty striking story, and hell, I'm still excited about it! If you are into zombies (you better be), then check out Odium! I'm definitely moving forward with this series!
Ok, so I'm not going to rehash the blurb, it's all really self explanatory. I'll hold while you go back and read it . So, Nina. Yeah. She took a minute to grow on me, for real!! I wrote this in my notes: She's such a bitch!! However, bitch or not, she did a rad thing by leaving the "safety" of the walls. There were a few times where I felt she was a bit flip-floppy, but we are all lying to ourselves if we think we never do that, ya know? So Nina ended up feeling pretty real to me. She wasn't some badass Michonne with big ass sword. Her character really grew through the book, and I always appreciate that.
Emily-Rose, Mikey, Duncan, JD, Crunch and a few others... Characters come and go. I had some I liked (Mikey!), and some I hated (hello, Crunch, you're on that list!) The thing with Odium is that these characters all have a past, and it's affecting their present. They didn't just forget what happened in their old lives and move on. Nope, it has importance. Whether they were a druggie, a business owner, a criminal... It's kind of like a Breakfast Club of the zombie apocalypse. They all end up having bits of everyone in their personality. And that's how it has to be to survive. Adapt and change!
Odium has something new. The Forgotten. Talk about BAD news!! They are society's outcasts. Let's just say that 1) you don't want to be a part of it, and 2) you don't want to see anyone who is. It's an interesting take on the apocalypse, especially once you learn more about life behind the walls, and life of the Forgotten. The theme of history shaping the present shows itself again.
Deader number one is close enough now, and I swing for it in a panic. My first one misses and I swing back wildly, cutting it through the stomach. Its insides spill onto the blacktop with a sound somewhat akin to vomit hitting the ground, but it comes for me regardless of its loss of intestines and capacity to hold any of my fine meaty face within it.
Something else I liked? People are pretty clueless! Sure, they learn as they go. But when people suggest a bite won't turn you, I had to scratch my head a bit and wonder where this author was going with it. As it turns out, she's pretty damn smart and used their ignorance for some awesome action, drama, and gore. Odium definitely hits all my marks for what I look for at the end. I cheered, I laughed with some snarky characters, I saw some very original ideas, I got grossed out, scared, and happy. Claire C Riley writes a pretty striking story, and hell, I'm still excited about it! If you are into zombies (you better be), then check out Odium! I'm definitely moving forward with this series!
March 8, 2020
As an avid romance reader who loves survival stories, it is really hard to find a really good zombie book that has the perfect combination of horror and romance. Because of that, I was hesitant in picking up these books, but I am so glad that I gave the a shot. This book is so versatile and I think would appeal to a lot of readers. Like I said, I read romance and this book definitely satisfied my need for that, but I could also see my husband reading this and begin just as captivated by the story. The romance does not overpower the story, but rather adds humanity to a world that is riddled with tragedy.
We meet Nina after the world has already been impacted by an infection that turns everyone into the undead. She is living in a 'safe zone', but we soon discover that the undead are not the only enemies in this horrific world. When a young girl is punished and forced to leave the protection of the safe zone walls, Nina steps up to protect and defend a complete stranger. However, they both are surprised by the devastation on the outside as well as the humanity still left. As they fight to survive in this new gruesome world, they also create a bond that can withstand any zombie plague.
This book made me feel...like all of the feelings! I was holding my breath, rooting for these characters to persevere and cried my eyes out with every lose. You know that a book is good when you feel emotionally drained when you turn the last page. It means that the story resonated with you, the characters impacted you and it was so beautiful. I know that is strange to call a zombie book beautiful, but I think that the sliver of humanity that shines through in tragedy is so beautiful.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. They were all dynamic and I am so glad that we got a little of back story for each of them so that it explained a bit more about their motivations. They were all so different and was a good representation of all the personalities that you might come across under horrific circumstances. In one way or another, I became attached to them, worried for them and mourned with/for them.
I do want to touch on the romance because that is what really made me pick up this story. The romance was not overpowering. It was just another dynamic within the pages that drove the story forward. If you don't like romance, don't think that this story is full of it. If you love romance like me, it is there and is amazing. But with romance in a story like this, you know that it can end at any moment. It makes me so anxious and I almost don't want to fall totally in love with a romance because I don't want the rug ripped from beneath me. I am crossing my fingers that Nina will get a happily ever after, but you never know in the zombie apocalypse.
I can't wait to pick up the rest of these books! I might take breaks between them because they really can make me sad/depressed. I usually need a buffer book in-between books like these so they don't cause me anxiety or sadness.
We meet Nina after the world has already been impacted by an infection that turns everyone into the undead. She is living in a 'safe zone', but we soon discover that the undead are not the only enemies in this horrific world. When a young girl is punished and forced to leave the protection of the safe zone walls, Nina steps up to protect and defend a complete stranger. However, they both are surprised by the devastation on the outside as well as the humanity still left. As they fight to survive in this new gruesome world, they also create a bond that can withstand any zombie plague.
This book made me feel...like all of the feelings! I was holding my breath, rooting for these characters to persevere and cried my eyes out with every lose. You know that a book is good when you feel emotionally drained when you turn the last page. It means that the story resonated with you, the characters impacted you and it was so beautiful. I know that is strange to call a zombie book beautiful, but I think that the sliver of humanity that shines through in tragedy is so beautiful.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. They were all dynamic and I am so glad that we got a little of back story for each of them so that it explained a bit more about their motivations. They were all so different and was a good representation of all the personalities that you might come across under horrific circumstances. In one way or another, I became attached to them, worried for them and mourned with/for them.
I do want to touch on the romance because that is what really made me pick up this story. The romance was not overpowering. It was just another dynamic within the pages that drove the story forward. If you don't like romance, don't think that this story is full of it. If you love romance like me, it is there and is amazing. But with romance in a story like this, you know that it can end at any moment. It makes me so anxious and I almost don't want to fall totally in love with a romance because I don't want the rug ripped from beneath me. I am crossing my fingers that Nina will get a happily ever after, but you never know in the zombie apocalypse.
I can't wait to pick up the rest of these books! I might take breaks between them because they really can make me sad/depressed. I usually need a buffer book in-between books like these so they don't cause me anxiety or sadness.
May 7, 2014
Odium is my very first Claire Riley book and will not be my last! She obviously has no problems killing off characters, burning bridges, and symbolically letting the empire win the ground war for Endor! (It’ll make sense after you read the book.)
This story was hilarious and horrifyingly descriptive, engaging as many senses as possible without employing a scratch-and-sniff cover and a free bucket of congealed ooze. Zombies are disgusting, messy, gross, and on their better days they tend to offend the olfactory organs in ways no one should ever know about. But you will, with every ooze, squish, and splash of gore!
There are more f-bombs than an invading army would use, a sarcastic and guarded main character that drags us along through a broken world infested by deaders(zombies, walkers, etc etc). The story has great pacing that gives you just enough time to catch your breath before something stinky hits the fan. There was a spot near the end where I saw the twist coming a mile away and I thought we were going to hit one of my pet peeve clichés but at the last second it veered away! *whew* There are a few things that have me still pondering over the book, but I’m hopeful between the prequel novella and the sequel due to release any day now (or already depending on when you read this) I will get answers!
So all in all, this is a great, sarcastic & gory zombie romp of a read that if you’re even a remote fan of the genre, I think you’ll enjoy!
This story was hilarious and horrifyingly descriptive, engaging as many senses as possible without employing a scratch-and-sniff cover and a free bucket of congealed ooze. Zombies are disgusting, messy, gross, and on their better days they tend to offend the olfactory organs in ways no one should ever know about. But you will, with every ooze, squish, and splash of gore!
There are more f-bombs than an invading army would use, a sarcastic and guarded main character that drags us along through a broken world infested by deaders(zombies, walkers, etc etc). The story has great pacing that gives you just enough time to catch your breath before something stinky hits the fan. There was a spot near the end where I saw the twist coming a mile away and I thought we were going to hit one of my pet peeve clichés but at the last second it veered away! *whew* There are a few things that have me still pondering over the book, but I’m hopeful between the prequel novella and the sequel due to release any day now (or already depending on when you read this) I will get answers!
So all in all, this is a great, sarcastic & gory zombie romp of a read that if you’re even a remote fan of the genre, I think you’ll enjoy!
August 4, 2020
Wow!! I’m absolutely blown away with how much this book plays out so vividly in my mind- the settings, the characters, the emotions, the fear, the smells... I’m reading and feeling like I’m living in fear because it all feels so real.
Let me back up a little, this is a dystopian book- not at all my usual troupe (although it’s definitely something I will watch on tv/ Netflix).
If you’re a Walking Dead fan this one is for you.
If you ever want to try something that really brings words to life- THIS BOOK IS IT!!
Claire C Riley has created a visual masterpiece with this book. It takes you past reality yet still everything feels so real.
Life inside the walls was no longer a sanctuary and outside the walls there was more to fear than the deaders- the people left behind are left prey and the Forgotten have not forgotten blood lost and revenge... Nina isn’t your usual heroine but she is very one of the most heroic of HEROINES I’ve encountered. Her journey starts when she stand up for young Emily and then they meet Mickey along the way...
Amazing, recommended to me by a friend and I cannot wait read the next instalment! I need to know what happens next with
5 TERRIFYINGLY GOOD STARS.
Let me back up a little, this is a dystopian book- not at all my usual troupe (although it’s definitely something I will watch on tv/ Netflix).
If you’re a Walking Dead fan this one is for you.
If you ever want to try something that really brings words to life- THIS BOOK IS IT!!
Claire C Riley has created a visual masterpiece with this book. It takes you past reality yet still everything feels so real.
Life inside the walls was no longer a sanctuary and outside the walls there was more to fear than the deaders- the people left behind are left prey and the Forgotten have not forgotten blood lost and revenge... Nina isn’t your usual heroine but she is very one of the most heroic of HEROINES I’ve encountered. Her journey starts when she stand up for young Emily and then they meet Mickey along the way...
Amazing, recommended to me by a friend and I cannot wait read the next instalment! I need to know what happens next with
5 TERRIFYINGLY GOOD STARS.
September 19, 2014
Missed a lot of sleep reading this book, it was one of those books that I kept saying just one more page and 2 hours later I would put it down. This is a great novel, an exciting story, an emotional roller coaster with fear, tragedy, horror and romance. Nina is so real & all the characters are relatable and had naturally you start feeling hate or love for them. The way the story is written it makes you feel like you are living the apocalypse with them and through out I felt like I was also fighting for my own survival with Nina & friends. My journey with them felt exciting and somewhat tiresome, with Claire painting a picture of a marvelously bleak dystopian future where the world belongs to the 'deaders' and the 'evils' of society. My mind was left wondering what if the world came to end, what would I do, what of my loved ones?
I'm looking forward to the next instalment of Odium and for now will enjoy reading about Nina & the beginning of the end in Claire's short story in Fusion. five stars for an epic story :-)
I'm looking forward to the next instalment of Odium and for now will enjoy reading about Nina & the beginning of the end in Claire's short story in Fusion. five stars for an epic story :-)
May 6, 2014
Definitely one of my favorites in the zombie genre. The book is well-written and well-edited. The characters are fully developed - the good, the not so great, and the bad in all. Both strengths and weaknesses are explored and add to the depth of each character. The best part is that this isn't your typical zombie story with those who have been planning for years what to do in the event of a z-event or have kick-butt survival skills. The main character, Nina, is just an average female who manages to survive against the odds. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next in the series.
January 6, 2014
I started reading and was not sure if I liked this book so decided to put it down for a few weeks and see if it was just the wrong time to read it. I am so glad that I did! When I started again, I thought this book was great. At first I wasn't sure about Nina but as I read more, I saw her for the honest, bitchy, lonely, and scared character that made her human, and I liked that in her. Looking forward to the next book.
September 18, 2014
It had promise at first, but I hated the characters. No real development, and the comments the main character makes throughout the story -- the self depreciating banter -- just made getting committed to the story difficult. I am surprised because so many people seemed to like the book.
June 7, 2017
edit: I wrote this review a couple years ago. It all still applies now that I've re-read it.
Let me start by saying that I don’t read many zombie books. When I say “zombie books” I am referring to books that the main focus is about the zombie apocalypse and that sort of thing. I’ve read books where zombies make an appearance, and I have occasionally read a full on zombie book. There are only 3 or 4 so that come to mind when I think of a zombie book that I actually enjoyed and could really get into. This is one of them. To me, they usually feel repetitive and depressing. In my mind, there are only so many ways a zombie apocalypse can go. Now before you crucify me, read on.
Odium is not a book like the rest of them. Of course it is the same when it comes to the undead trying to eat the living and what is left of humanity is trying to find a way to survive. That is the very basic root of all zombie books and without those 2 elements, you can’t have a zombie book.
Essentially the story in Odium is about Nina and Emily Rose trying to make their way in the new world full of zombies and what few other survivors they can find who don’t just try to kill them on the spot. Emily Rose is a picture of purity and innocence. Nina is the woman who decided to stand up for her when she is being evicted from the so called “protection” of the walled city that shelters them from the zombies roaming the earth. Nina is who I think I would be like if I were to live this story. She is snarky, and hides behind sarcasm to protect her heart. She knows enough to get by and can protect herself in a pinch. She wants to help, but doesn’t want to become attached to anyone ever again. She’s pretty funny really. The story is told from her point of view. We are introduced to several other characters that, for the most part, are the people I would want to meet if I end up in this situation. Of course there are jerks, but life would be too easy if all the jerks conveniently got eaten by zombies. You would think they’d taste better or something and be more appealing to the zombies, but whatever. Just remember that sometimes, there are worse things out there than the zombies.
Claire Riley is a jerk. Just kidding, she’s actually pretty awesome. I say she’s a jerk because she got me so emotionally invested in her characters that I wanted to defend them myself. I wanted things to work out for some of them, and others I would love to have seen thrown to the zombies after being mildly tortured. She almost made me cry! She did such an amazing job of writing these characters that I really felt like I could feel what they were feeling and understand why they were doing the things they did. She lets us see through their eyes and feel their pain. She shows us how they have learned to adapt and appreciate the little things. She teaches us that maybe we as a people should really slow down and think about what we have and how lucky we are to have those things and the people we care about. She makes you think about how you would react and feel if you were in that situation. One paragraph will be the dark evil that is life at that time, and the next will show the light of life that still grows. Not all authors can make you feel so much in so few pages. Jerk.
Her zombie story itself is a little bit different. I don’t want to tell you how, because that will ruin it, but know that this isn’t your usual, oh I’m bitten, I’m going to turn kind of story. Nor is it, oh, I’ll just die before I turn kind of thing either. It was a nice change. Not drastic, but different enough to give it that unique spin that sets it apart from other zombie books.
Aside from loving her characterization, and liking the uniqueness of the zombie virus, something else I liked was one of the ideas for shelter. I’m not telling you what it was, but you will know it when you read it.
At the beginning of the book, Claire also gives you a quick idea of where she got her ideas for the characters. I thought that was a nice touch in giving the reader a little bit more into her head and why she did what.
My ONLY complaint about this book was the ending. It was not, in any way a bad ending. I just didn’t like the placement of the actual end. The story didn’t peter out or anything like that. It just felt somewhat abrupt. I wanted MORE MORE MORE! After I thought about this for most of today, I realized that had she not ended it where she did, she would have had to end it either a little bit earlier, or after the next conflict, and that won’t work because that will take away from the next book in the series. Which I will, without a doubt, 1000% read as soon as humanly possible. If I could stick a straw in Claire’s head right now and suck it out of her brain, I would. But I’m pretty sure if I did that she would be a little bit disappointed in my behavior.
I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Whether you like zombie books or not. This book is worth every second that you spend reading it and then some. I cannot wait for the next one! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would.
Let me start by saying that I don’t read many zombie books. When I say “zombie books” I am referring to books that the main focus is about the zombie apocalypse and that sort of thing. I’ve read books where zombies make an appearance, and I have occasionally read a full on zombie book. There are only 3 or 4 so that come to mind when I think of a zombie book that I actually enjoyed and could really get into. This is one of them. To me, they usually feel repetitive and depressing. In my mind, there are only so many ways a zombie apocalypse can go. Now before you crucify me, read on.
Odium is not a book like the rest of them. Of course it is the same when it comes to the undead trying to eat the living and what is left of humanity is trying to find a way to survive. That is the very basic root of all zombie books and without those 2 elements, you can’t have a zombie book.
Essentially the story in Odium is about Nina and Emily Rose trying to make their way in the new world full of zombies and what few other survivors they can find who don’t just try to kill them on the spot. Emily Rose is a picture of purity and innocence. Nina is the woman who decided to stand up for her when she is being evicted from the so called “protection” of the walled city that shelters them from the zombies roaming the earth. Nina is who I think I would be like if I were to live this story. She is snarky, and hides behind sarcasm to protect her heart. She knows enough to get by and can protect herself in a pinch. She wants to help, but doesn’t want to become attached to anyone ever again. She’s pretty funny really. The story is told from her point of view. We are introduced to several other characters that, for the most part, are the people I would want to meet if I end up in this situation. Of course there are jerks, but life would be too easy if all the jerks conveniently got eaten by zombies. You would think they’d taste better or something and be more appealing to the zombies, but whatever. Just remember that sometimes, there are worse things out there than the zombies.
Claire Riley is a jerk. Just kidding, she’s actually pretty awesome. I say she’s a jerk because she got me so emotionally invested in her characters that I wanted to defend them myself. I wanted things to work out for some of them, and others I would love to have seen thrown to the zombies after being mildly tortured. She almost made me cry! She did such an amazing job of writing these characters that I really felt like I could feel what they were feeling and understand why they were doing the things they did. She lets us see through their eyes and feel their pain. She shows us how they have learned to adapt and appreciate the little things. She teaches us that maybe we as a people should really slow down and think about what we have and how lucky we are to have those things and the people we care about. She makes you think about how you would react and feel if you were in that situation. One paragraph will be the dark evil that is life at that time, and the next will show the light of life that still grows. Not all authors can make you feel so much in so few pages. Jerk.
Her zombie story itself is a little bit different. I don’t want to tell you how, because that will ruin it, but know that this isn’t your usual, oh I’m bitten, I’m going to turn kind of story. Nor is it, oh, I’ll just die before I turn kind of thing either. It was a nice change. Not drastic, but different enough to give it that unique spin that sets it apart from other zombie books.
Aside from loving her characterization, and liking the uniqueness of the zombie virus, something else I liked was one of the ideas for shelter. I’m not telling you what it was, but you will know it when you read it.
At the beginning of the book, Claire also gives you a quick idea of where she got her ideas for the characters. I thought that was a nice touch in giving the reader a little bit more into her head and why she did what.
My ONLY complaint about this book was the ending. It was not, in any way a bad ending. I just didn’t like the placement of the actual end. The story didn’t peter out or anything like that. It just felt somewhat abrupt. I wanted MORE MORE MORE! After I thought about this for most of today, I realized that had she not ended it where she did, she would have had to end it either a little bit earlier, or after the next conflict, and that won’t work because that will take away from the next book in the series. Which I will, without a doubt, 1000% read as soon as humanly possible. If I could stick a straw in Claire’s head right now and suck it out of her brain, I would. But I’m pretty sure if I did that she would be a little bit disappointed in my behavior.
I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Whether you like zombie books or not. This book is worth every second that you spend reading it and then some. I cannot wait for the next one! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would.
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