Odium Origins

The Dead Saga #1.5

by Claire C. Riley

When hell claws its way up from the dark depths of the earth, and the dead begin to walk again, for several people the zombie apocalypse doesn’t just mean the end of the world as they know it, it is also the beginning of a brave new life for them. For some it offers freedom, for others a deeper torment and unforgiving life than they ever thought possible.

The coward, the street rat, the hero, and the lovers, everyone has their place. What really decides their fate in this new existence, nature, or nurture? Who they become when the world goes to hell is the true decider on their own humanity, and will ultimately decide their fates.

Forever changed, they have to learn to adapt to this dangerous and dark new world before they become one of the living dead themselves.

Odium Origins is an accompaniment to the novel Odium. It contains several short stories featuring some of the characters that you lovedto hate from the novel Odium.

Please note:
This novella may also be read as a standalone book.
If you choose to read it as part of the Odium experience, you can read it before or after reading Odium.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Adult, Apocalyptic

ebook

First published December 25, 2013

About the author

Claire 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

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted to me by my fuck buddy Amy Q. Love ya girl and your vaj mahal!!

Wow...this one caught me by surprise...my feelings have totally changed about the characters I hated/loved.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odium rocked my face off and this awesome companion novella did as well. This is a compilation of backstories for the characters that graced the pages of Odium. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of the characters and where they were when the zombie apocalypse began. I really enjoyed reading the history of these people. It further rooted my feelings for some of the characters, but for others it completely changed my mind.

Odium Origins is just as brilliant as it’s counterpart. While it does reveal the backstories of the characters from Odium, it’s not just a history lesson. As I learned about how each person was dragged into the wretched new world full of undead creatures, the words filled me with fear and anxiety just as much, if not more than they did in Odium. One of my favorite things about the zombie apocalypse is finding out how it all starts and about how each person reacts and deals with such a horrific situation. Odium Origins quenched my thirst for that knowledge.

One of the stories is about Crunch and about how she meets Mikey. What I loved most about this tale is that it not only shows us where she was when the dead began to stink up the planet, but it also took me on a brief tour of her tormented existence prior to the outbreak, which explains why Crunch is the way she is; cold and calculating. I didn’t despise her as much after reading her story. In fact, I actually understand her position better. Oh, and we also learn how Crunch and Mikey meet Duncan, the coward.

While reading Odium back in October, I felt a bit sorry for Duncan. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the reason Nina judged him so harshly, but now I think I loathe him even more than she did. He really is a coward, and a self-serving coward at that. He didn’t just turn his back on the people in his care, he planned to do things that would make any sane person run in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, he was able to pull the wool over Britta’s eyes. Well, karma’s a bitch, my friend, and I can’t say I’m disappointed by her persistence to pay you a visit.

Poor J.D. I can’t imagine being in his situation during the outbreak. In my mind I was clawing at the glass to get to Amy and Ben. My biggest fear when I think of a zombie apocalypse is that I won’t be able to protect my family, especially my children. This particular tale hit me square in the gut and made it very difficult to breathe. The intensity nearly killed me!

Another story I really loved in this novella is the tale of Steve and Jane. This is an example of how this novella further cemented my feelings for certain characters. It was so awesome to get to know Jane since we were unable to meet her in the book. They are such an awesome couple! Reading their tale about getting out of their zombie infested town and heading to the hills for safety made my heart break for Steve all over again.

The bottom line: I freaking love this novella and I’m so grateful to Claire for providing me with an ARC. I don’t generally re-read books, but reading this novella makes me want to dive head first into the world of Odium once more. This series is a zombie lovers dream!

[Kristin (Blood,Sweat and Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed originally @Blood,Sweat and Books

Odium origins is a prequel Novella to the main book Odium. In it we get to peak into the lives of the characters on the days right before and after the Zombie Apocalypse started.

What I like about Prequel Novella's is how we get to see missing pieces of the story without dragging down the main narrative with endless pages of world and character building. Odium Origins succeeds in expanding upon what we already had learned in the main book while still leaving enough mystery about events during the timeline pre-Odium that should another Novella be written we could see more from these characters lives without the information already learned feeling repetitive.

Another thing I found interesting was that I didn't have to necessarily like the characters or their actions to understand why they made them. Crunch in the main book is cold and off putting and she's no better in this Novella. Yet, seeing her home life and the hell she was put through made me a bit more sympathetic to her plight. What surprised me the most was how much I found myself hating Duncan. What a bastard. All the sympathy I had for him in Odium went out the window after reading this that's for sure. J.D.'s story was my favorite and based on the length of it I can tell the Author was a fan as well. So heartbreaking to read but also we can see how it shaped his life in the after. I'm pretty sure his story also explains in a roundabout way who The Forgotten are and like I said in my Review for Odium I don't think they are necessarily bad (not all anyway) just misguided. I also should mention Steven and his wife Jane. I liked their tale as well. Wish it had been just a smidgen longer though.

My only issue with Odium Origins was the lack of Mikey. I wanted to see some mention of his pre-outbreak days but instead we meet him after the events have started and only long enough to know that my assumptions about Crunch and him were true. I was really hoping it wasn't because it seems like he really did just drop Crunch when Nina came around because she was a new piece of ass he could conquer. Sorta makes me dislike him a bit now as it makes him seem like a womanizer vs. a guy who didn't reciprocate the feelings of a girl whose obviously head over heels for him. Hopefully he can be redeemed in Odium's sequel.

Final Thoughts
If you wanted to know a bit more about the characters in Odium then definitely pick this Novella up. It's fast paced, well written and action packed with Zombie slaying goodness. With that being said, I will be rating Odium Origins by Claire C. Riley ★★★★.

*Copy reviewed received from Author. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any which way for providing them.

[San · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to reading Odium Origins since I heard it was coming out (As Odium was my favourite book of 2013).

Origins tells the backstory of some of the characters from Odium before the apocalypse started and sheds new light on the individuals we got to know in Odium.This gave new perspective on certain individuals and changed the way I saw them from Odium.

The book made me feel many emotions while reading. From sympathy, anger, hope, and sadness with splashes of humour to boot.

Overall I have to say this has been a brilliant read and The Odium world/universe is one I love entering. From Life Ever After: Nina's story to Odium and now Odium Origins Claire has built a brutal apocalyptic world with strong characters and gripping story lines. If you haven't had the opportunity to read these books I recommend that you do!

[Eli Constant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odium Origins: A Dead Saga Novella

It feels like an eon since I read Riley’s jaunt (morbidly decayed crawl might better suit the genre) into zombie culture- Odium- yet, it is a testament to her writing strength that exploits of each character within came flooding back during my read of Odium Origins.

One of the most surprising character backgrounds was the first entry in Odium Origin: Crunch’s tale of woe. The story itself wasn’t surprising to me; I expected as much about Crunch. Frankly, I loathed her in Odium. What surprised me is, as much as I fought the shift, I ended up feeling sympathy for her. I find the mark of a skilled writer is the ability to cause a paradigm shift in unwilling consumers. I still dislike Crunch, but I can’t find it in myself to loathe her anymore, because underneath all the bluster and anger, is a scared girl with lost promise that wants a kind word and a look of recognition from a parent. I was also glad to get the backstory on the Crunch & Mikey relationship dynamic; it’s easy to see how it deteriorated, but there are also hints that Crunch was feeling something beyond the casual tête-à-tête.

Duncan’s story is a disturbing look at human response to extreme circumstances, a reminder that the mild-mannered business man can do the unspeakable in pursuit of survival. One thing about an honest man: the truth of past actions will haunt. Steve and Jane give you another look at personalities and how they determine response: a laid back couple, encountering the strange, the dangerous- head for the hills and bunker down in each other’s arms, fortifying for safety, survival and trying to forget the plight of the world beyond the camper.

I have a new-found appreciation for JD; the story Riley has crafted in Odium Origins for him is tragic and painful, but JD is a protector and even when he fails to save that which is most precious to protect, he finds the will to move on and the determination to protect others despite his great losses.

Odium Origins is a wonderful companion set of stories to Odium. Read it before, after or simultaneously with its parent book; you won’t be disappointed.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you see yourself when the zombie apocalypse happens? Are you the kid from the other side of the tracks who has nothing but an attitude to survive with? Do you think you would be the coward who would leave everyone to die and save yourself? Would you escape with the love of your life and try to make the best of everything? Is it possible your world had already crashed down around you, leaving you with nothing, then the impossible happens to make even the one great thing in your life even more of a tragedy?
Written from several points of view, we see what happens to several different people when the end comes. I love this. Usually you get a book that explores where the virus came from, not always the choices that people make, and the reasons they make them. Claire C. Riley gives enough of the back story of each point of view to show the choices each of her characters makes, and why they make them. You can not help identifying with at least one or two of the characters in this book. At least, I hope that I would be like a couple of the characters in this book, and not one of the ones that ends up dead either. Ms. Riley also has no problem getting you to like someone, and then killing them off on you, just when you thought things may be going their way. Kind of like real life, not as fair as you would like it to be. Now that I have read this book, I am excited to begin her next book, of which there was the teaser trailer attached. Please give this book a read, you will not be sorry.

[Amy Queau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea Claire Riley was writing a prequel/companion to Odium. And to be honest, I was a little hesitant to read it. Not because I didn't love Odium, but because I thought that there wouldn't be much more of the story to tell.
Boy, was I wrong.
This novella was outstanding! It makes me want to read Odium and Nina's Story all over again! This one is a page turner, with non-stop action. It's the "meat" of everyone's story and how they all fared when the outbreak occurred. You get snippets of each character's story in Odium, but in Origins you get all your curiosities answered.
Crunch was my favorite character in this collection, until I read JD's story in Origins. And now I want him to have his own book! Ahhh... the hero.
The writing is superb, by far some of Riley's best work. The pace, the visualizations, the action, and the voices were clear, concise, and kept me on my toes throughout.
Loved Loved Loved this.

[Maribel Carnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a tough read since I read "Odium" first.
Origins gives you a little background on the characters and what was going on the day the "living dead" took over. It made reading Odium that much better. The one that got to me the most was "The Hero" it was gut wrenching. My heart hurt for these characters.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome!! I had been waiting patiently for this book since I had read Odium and I couldn't put it down!! Every page had me gripped and wondering what I was going to find out about the characters next!! Looking forwards to Odium II!! :)

[Liz at Fictional Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too long ago I read Odium by Claire C Riley, and I loved it. Of course, you can get that review link below. Now recently I read Odium: Origins, which is kind of like a prequel, but like most fans, I read it second – and I’m glad I did. Reading Odium first let me focus on Nina, and be angry with the rest of the characters like I wanted. I felt no sympathy for them.

Then comes Odium: Origins. We get the back story on Crunch, Duncan, and JD. OMG. Yes, OMG.
Ok, Crunch first. I *really* did not like this woman in Odium. In fact, when the end of the book came, I was highly satisfied with everything that happened to her. But then I read Origins, and ya know, she kind of grew on me. She’s still not my favorite, but…. I don’t know, you got to see her reasons for being the way she is, and you got to see firsthand what she went through when things went to shit. And then you also get the story on her and Mikey, and you can totally understand why she didn’t like Nina when she came along. Also, and this may be weird, learning more about her kind of shaped how I viewed her physically too. Now suddenly I picture her a bit younger, damaged, and softer; not quite so hard and cold.

And then there is Duncan, who I did like in Odium. I kind of viewed him as someone who was backed into a corner and did what he had to do. Now that we get his story – I am definitely not a fan, and I’m even thinking he got his just desserts. In Odium we learn that he basically played executioner to a whole building full of people, and now you get to see that in action. It just kind of made me give a sad sigh and a head shake.

We also get more of JD. Let me just say “whoa”. This man deserves some credit, because after everything he went through… I don’t know, I don’t think I could – or want- to survive. And yet he did. And he kicked ass at it. He’s in prison, and well, as it turns out, that’s not the place you want to be with the apoc hits. And on top of that, we learn about his wife and toddler child. His story… geez. Get some tissues ready.

And lastly, Jane and Steve... remember Steve, the impossibly drunk guy at the trailer? Here's his story, and seriously, more tissues. It was really a pleasure seeing how much Jane and Steve were in love and in tune with each other before the apocalypse really hit. Steve was badass, and Jane was analytical and badass in her own right. I don't want to spoiler their story in case you haven't read Odium, but hurry up and come on, because I can barely contain myself!

So next I have to read Odium II. I really can’t wait. Claire C Riley has a terrific voice, and her spin on everything feels fresh and unique, which can sometimes be hard to do. There are some apoc books out there where, in my mind, I mix up details with other books. But that’s not the case with Claire Riley. If you are into the apocalypse (and you should be), check her out.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of her story to review.

ZOMBIES

Zombies are not exactly my cup of tea. I’ll take on vampires any day. Something about those strong, sexy, immortal, blood suckers! But Zombies UGH GROSS!

This novella is the prequel to Odium which is coming out very soon. What I really love about Claire’s writing is that our hero’s so far are actually heroines. They’re normal every day girls. Girls you would least expect to kick your vampire or in this case zombie ass!

I’m a squeamish person. I don’t like vomit (even after 3 kids), I don’t like loose teeth, I don’t like ZOMBIES.

They ooze stuff.

They smell nasty.

They’re normally missing body parts.

They grunt.

They have absolutely no table manners.

Claire has a unique way of bringing humor to the dark stories she likes to write. The fact that Nina and Ben have this HUGE argument about shoes which Nina then wears to grocery shop while a zombie freaking apocalypse is beginning all around her, is hilarious to me. I love how her feet hurt so much that she took them off in the store and sat down and cried in the aisle. What lead to her doing that may not seem funny but given the fact that her world was about to change as she knew it? Well that’s some funny stuff. When she dons her Doc. Martens to begin her new quest to survive zombies, she can’t help but remark that her blue heels albeit impractical were still cute.

Ben is Nina’s husband and Claire strikes once again in making their relationship real. They fight, their relationship is far from perfect. It makes me love the interaction between the two because it feels real. Only Claire doesn’t like for you to get too comfortable. No she likes to pull the rug out from under you. I love it and I hate it. I’m still not completely over Limerence so you’ll have to bear with me.

I don’t normally read zombie stories so I don’t feel like I’m a very good judge. With that said there were a few things that bugged me not just with the zombies, just overall.

- Their garden was full of zombies – all of them were neighbors or friends. I didn’t understand why all the zombies were congregating in their yard? Could they smell Nina and Ben? LOL I mean I don’t know what goes through a zombie’s head, if anything, but I know they’re attracted to noise and movement. So I would have liked a bit more explanation to why they were all in that particular garden.

All in all I found this novella to be very entertaining and not too gross that I couldn’t read it. Yes it’s graphic but not obscenely. I’m looking forward to reading how this will all play out for Nina in Odium.

[Melanie Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I just finished reading Odium: Origins. This book has me so emotional right now, I don’t know if I’m coming or going. This is one of those books that you run out of pages before you are ready for the story to be over! I didn’t even realize I was near the end until it was over!

In Odium: Origins, we are taken back in time to the beginning of the outbreak. In some cases just a few days, or earlier that day, and in the case of JD, months. We learn about Crunch, Steve, Doyle, and JD. Why they behave the way they do, how some of them met the other characters in Odium, and what they were like to some degree before the outbreak began.

I’ve got to say, JD’s story was intense. We meet his family, learn why he was in prison, and how he meets josie. From the very beginning of his story, you want things to go well for him. His story had me in tears, and I’m not an emotional person. He experiences every parents worst nightmare. He is such a realistic character in my mind. He’s sort of hard on the outside, but inside he is a very caring and good person.

I don’t want to say much about Crunch’s story because it will give things away, but we do get more of her story and it’s pretty undertstandable why she’s so mad. Steve’s story is discussed as well and he is one of my favorite characters. He did pretty much what I would do in this situation, and even though I knew how things with him end up in the future, I was still afraid for him in the beginning.

One of the things I love about Claire C. Riley’s writing is that her stories could happen anywhere. I know she lives in England, but her scenery is very American as well. I don’t know much about England’s landscape, but in my mind, it could be just like it is in this book.

This story was over before I knew it and that killed me. I love this book as much as I loved Odium and Life Ever After. This series has quickly turned zombies into a much more interesting genre for me than it ever was before, and I REALLY look forward to reading what else happens in her world. Don’t miss out on one of the coolest series I’ve read in a long time. If I could give it 10 stars, I would, but I can’t so I will have to settle with 5, no doubt about it.

[Becky Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odium Origins is a companion novel to Odium, and gives us a peek into the world of our favorite - and not so favorite - characters when the plague that turned people into flesh-craving undead monsters spread. I think I understand the characters better now, and even changed my opinion of some of them.

Take Crunch, for example. I was happy to sneer at her during her interactions with Nina in Odium, but after getting a glimpse into her crappy life before all hell broke loose, I actually had sympathy for her. Which caused conflicting emotions in me, because I didn't want to feel sorry for her. But that all changed. Now I understand why she is who she is.

We learn how Crunch meets Mikey, and how the two of them run into Duncan. This is another character whose back story changed my feelings. Instead of feeling sorry for him, like I did originally, I found I actually despised him. Duncan truly is a coward.

J.D.'s story is one who resonated most strongly with me, simply because I am a parent, like he was. I actually sobbed reading how Amy and poor little Ben were trapped and J.D. could do nothing to save them. But he didn't give up, and for that he has my respect. If that happened to my family, I don't think I would be able to exist without them, without that part of my heart, my soul.

I love this novella, and for zombie fans, you really should make this part of your collection, too.

This review originally posted to Twisted Book Junkie.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW...just WOW. I loved Odium...and how the hell I didn't know about this companion book of short stories about some of the characters in that book and how they came to be/where they were when the big zombie apocalypse hit...I will never know! SO glad I read it although it gave me some food for serious thought and there was one beautiful tragic scene and passage that took place in a prison visiting room that I will NEVER forget. IF you have read this book you will know what I am referring to...it was all at once scary, heart-breaking and the stuff of nightmares...I still can't believe Claire Riley WENT there, but OMG she did.
We get the story of Crunch and Mikey...the druggie and the loner she meets on the run, Steve and Jane...the happily married couple who suffer such tragedy when they just want to get away for a while, J.D. and his family...the man who loved Amy and his son Ben and whose story broke my heart and was probably the most upsetting for me to read.
I was just so involved with everyone and their horrible plights...I honestly don't know how "I" would have survived if all of a sudden my world was turned upside down and the "Z" invasion was here...but this book made sense and showed how strong all of these people were to have made it as far as they did.
Be sure to read Odium after this one as it will just blow your mind if you love books about the end of the world as we know it!

***** 5 ***** "pray for all of their souls" stars

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odium Origins~ A Dead Saga Novella Part One by Claire C Riley is a prequel to her post apocalyptic zombie novel Odium, which by the way is amazing. Most of the time in post apocalyptic books you don’t get to know what the people were up to before the event happened, well Origins part 1 give you a look into the lives of a few of the characters from Odium. If you haven’t read Odium yet have no fear you can still read Origins, you’ll just have more insight to the characters when you do read Odium. Love them or hate them, I really enjoyed getting to know more about Crunch, Duncan, J.D. & Steven and his wife Jane’s stories pre zombie outbreak. I feel like the characters have real reactions to the situations they are in, they are very believable. Claire C Riley is a very talented author, I love reading her work. Claire’s stories suck you in and don’t let go, even after your done reading them. Claire C. Riley is a zombie lovers dream come true. She gives you all the gore and horror you want from the zombies plus the survival stories you want to hear. I love the world Claire C Riley has created here & I can’t wait for more. Don’t forget while you’re grabbing Origins to also pick up Odium and Fusion, a collection of short stories that contains Life Ever After Nina’s story, another character from Odium. Happy Reading

[Ken Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite things about discovering new authors is watching them grow and develop their craft, and I've been very lucky to see Claire C Riley doing just this over the last few months, from her vampire debut Limerence, through the post-Apocalyptic zombie-land of Odium and on to this surprise novella entry that expands upon the world of Odium.

Riley's strengths are in characters, and Odium Origins (as the name suggests) takes some of the secondary characters from Odium and giving them their...well, origins. My initial concern with Odium was that a few of these characters were fodder: sure, every zombie book (or film) needs them, but some of the best fodder are the ones that the writer makes you care about. And sure, Riley has made us care, but I just wasn't sure WHY?!

Riley has changed all this with Origins, giving us depth and backstories galore: it doesn't change my reading of Odium, but it sure as hell makes me think twice about some of the characters.

What's more: Origins is a perfect jumping-on point if you haven't yet read Odium, a sort of webisode to set you up for the story that's yet to come, and Riley includes the prologue of Odium to whet your appetite.

[Babette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odium: Origins by Claire C Reilly is a companion novella to Odium. And if you read my review on Odium you know I am not a fan of zombie apocalypse stories. This was the second book by Ms. Reilly I have read. I read the first one because a friend asked me to read and review both books. I read the second one because I just had to know more about the characters in Odium. Yes I still don't like zombie apocalypse stories as a rule, but I do like the characters in the Odium series so much I wanted to know more about them. And now after reading both stories I am resigned to reading the entire series because I like and care about the characters. That is always the hallmark of a good book series. Realizing that I really care about the characters enough to want to know what happens to them. Thank you Ms. Reilly for writing a story that was both terrifyingly realistic and realistically terrifying. I am now just a little in love with J. D. and little more tolerant of Crunch. Unfortunately, I also still sleeping with the light on!

[K.D. McAdams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provided me with a copy to review.

I read and enjoyed Odium and this is is a great prequel. In my opinion this could be read before Odium just as enjoyably as after.

How does a convict survive the zombie apocalypse? How about a couple heading to their camp in the country? Everyone has a different experience in surviving the zombie apocalypse and this book covers a few of them. None of the character experiences felt like standard, boring fare they were unique and interesting. I liked that there weren't necessarily twists but that there were times when you thought you knew how a character would react and they did something different.

If you're into Zombies the Odium books are strong reads. If your not into zombies but can handle them I think you would enjoy the characters and their struggles in these books.

[Pheebz · Rating 4 out of 5]

ByPheobe Petensteinon February 5, 2015
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
In this Novella, you learn more about the characters in Odium.It gives you more of the back story of Steve & Jane, The happy couple who wanted to get away for awhile.Then there is JD and his wife Any and baby boy Ben.JD was in prison when the world ended.Then there is Crunch and Mikie.Crunch was on the run long before the Zpoc happened.
This was a good companion.In Odium series, these are characters we love and love to hate.This book helps you understand where these people came from and explains why they act the way they do.

I went from the e-copy to the Audible version, Jack Wallen made the story come alive. He is so talented when it comes to changing his voice for each character, he speaks very clearly and precise.Well done to you both.

[Halima (Starlight_and_blooms) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is brilliant Novella. It's made me feel more for the characters especially JD & Crunch. Claire C Riley has a talent for combining horror and tragedy to the real stories they tell, taking ordinary characters into the apocalypse. Claire has created a vivid world and characters that have left me wanting to survive with them. I loved how Claire gives detail background into some of the main characters and my view of them all changed after reading the origins. I can still picture the little baby 'Zombie'. An epic start to the Odium series.

[Matthew Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire out did herself this time. Odium Origins gives us wonderful back stories of some of the colorful Characters of Odium and brings them into a new light. I loved learning the past of these characters and it being a collection of stories made it even better. The story called The Hero was my favorite because it felt so real and vivid. Claire has made a life long fan here and I can't wait to read what she has next.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. Many. Feels.

Claire has this way of making me feel sympathy for the villains, and disdain for the heroes. Now I'm this big ball of confused emotions, and I don't know who to hate anymore! I did miss Nina in these stories, but it was absolutely fabulous to get a peek behind some of the other characters beginnings.

A perfect addition to the Odium series! <3

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really nice to know what the lives of the people in Odium were like before the zombies. I definitely got a better picture of their personalities. Too bad I know how Odium ends. It makes me want to re-read it though!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Odium and was pleased to discover this novella whilst I'm waiting for Odium II to be released... This didn't disappoint. It was great to read the back stories of some of the characters we've already come to know from Odium...now I'm just even more impatient for the next book!!

[K Dz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire C Riley has written the perfect back story to her novel Odium. She allows us to go back and explore the lives of Crunch, JD, and others. Every emotion was on full throttle. This is definitely a must read.

[Shellie Brewer]

Once again an incredible read

This book series is so addicting and affecting my health. I can not stop reading them and I am not getting any sleep. I love the writing style and the characters. Sucks I only have one more short novella and I am done with all the books.

[Britta Mcdonald häming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved to see what happened to Nina when it all began, must read before/after odium.

[Nova Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again!! JD BABY!!! Love it and can't wait for more!!!!

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn it! Why did I just read this? Now I want more lol

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved getting the backstories for the characters that we got to know in Book 1......seeing their lives before/during the start of the apocalypse and who they became over time. Crunch, Duncan, Steve, (and Jane! I'm so glad we got to know her!), and JD - all of them were so memorable and helped to make the story so compelling. It was just so nice to see where they came from, and it helped me to understand them better. Some I definitely didn't like any more than I did before, but it put some pieces of the puzzle in place.