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Lazarus

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"Ingeniously unsettling. Lazarus provokes thought and dread in equal, unflinching measure."
-A.W. Davidson, author of Relics of Dawn

They promised a world free of disease and suffering, but at what cost?

Kami was strong, stronger than the others, but she couldn't outrun them. Taken and bled for one purpose, she holds on, following the spark and whispers of hope...

Ruth's life is no longer her own, memories becoming as intangible as smoke, her fingers never able to grasp what had been. That is, until the elixir. The clock has turned back, but a flashing specter remains...

Jarum was determined to succeed, founding Lazarus to find the key to immortality no matter the consequences. With ruthless determination, he was on the cusp of infamy until the lights. Until the dark...

In a showdown between predators and prey, their stories will become interwoven in a near-future landscape where science at its zenith can't escape its bloody origins, their desires reflecting back at them in the glow of fireflies.

"Once you start Lazarus, you won't be able to put it down until the very end."

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2023

6 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read

About the author

Chris Kauzlarich

2 books48 followers
Chris is the author of the short story collection, Menagerie in the Dark, and the suspense horror novella, LAZARUS. He is also a member of The Authors Guild, AWP, and the Chicago Writers Association. In addition to writing and reading extensively, he enjoys hiking, playing video games, binge-watching a good show with his husband and daughter, and simply being a dad. He graduated from Purdue University and lives between Chicago, IL, and Naples, FL, or on the open road in their RV.

To stay updated with Chris and discover new books, connect with him on social media or sign up for his newsletter at chriskauzlarich.com to receive a FREE ebook of one of his stories!

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5 stars
17 (31%)
4 stars
7 (12%)
3 stars
18 (33%)
2 stars
9 (16%)
1 star
3 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Heather myfriendsdontread.
325 reviews744 followers
October 25, 2023
Imagine if we created a treatment that can cure any disease, reverse aging, and make you unnaturally beautiful. Can you imagine how many billions of dollars this would make? Can you imagine the lengths that people would go to in order to make sure this was successful? That’s the premise of this novella.

The treatment is called “Lazarus,” and in order to create it, the higher ups within the biotech company kidnap homeless children to use them as lab rats until they die. Depleting them of everything to heal someone else on the outside.

This story follows several characters including a child who was taken, a doctor who is studying her, and the evil CEO who is only focused on profits and deceiving the public.

What’s terrifying about this story is that it would actually happen in real life. Only in real life there wouldn’t be a happy ending.

I wasn’t a super big fan of the writing style and this story gave me a lot of anxiety because of how real it felt (but I guess that’s a good thing because it’s a thriller 😂), but I loved the concept of it.

A few things to note before you read this:

-There is no romance
-There are some paranormal themes
-You should be aware that there are themes of racism and classism. You’re going to read about very greedy, very wealthy people, their privilege, and the things they’re willing to do to others to have MORE. So please make sure you’re ok with that before you start this.
- And it’s a super quick read (only about 125 pages).

I received this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Meagan.
676 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2024
Imagine a world without disease, where congenital birth defects can be reversed, and where the ravages of old age can disappear overnight. This is the promise Jarum Daughtry dangles in front of investors, and the American public as our novel opens. More than the mystical promise of the fountain of youth, Jarum's Lazarus Inc. has unlocked portions of the genome needed to reverse disease, old age, and more with a simple transfusion of their "elixir." While investors aren't too eager to look this gift horse in the mouth, instead lining up to make their own appointments, as we follow doctor, Violet, and donor, Kami, we get a peek behind the curtain at Lazarus that proves something much more sinister might be powering Jarum's transformations.

I flew through "Lazarus" in a little over an hour. Although it may be short, clocking in at just 105 pages, this novella packs a punch. Chris Kauzlarich had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. I was so impressed by the world-building that he managed to accomplish in such a short time. I could feel Kami's terror as she raced through the streets in the opening scene, I could feel Violet's internal struggle as she wrestled with the oath she took as a doctor to do no harm. I loved the touches of magic that peppered in throughout and was READY for the conclusion.

Chris Kauzlarich has catapulted to the top of my "must-buy" list. If he could create such a moving and suspenseful thriller in just over 100 pages I cannot wait to see what he can accomplish with a full-length novel. An easy five-star read for me, and one of my favorites of the year so far. I will be recommending "Lazarus" to fans of Blake Crouch, Grady Hendrix, and Joe Hill. Special thanks to NetGalley and to Books Forward for providing an Advanced Reader's Copy of "Lazarus" in exchange for an unbiased review!
Profile Image for Sandy.
216 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2023
This was a great read. The story comes to life and you feel like you are there with the characters. Beautiful writing.
Profile Image for Jk.
375 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2024
I won a free kindle copy of this book via a Goodreads Giveaway and would like to thank anyone involved in making that happen.

This starts off fairly well with the kidnapping of the girl piquing my interest but there were some issues with the writing right out of the gate that kept pulling me out of the story. Things like word errors (using with in a place where without should have been used instead) or words put together in ways that didn't make sense. Putting that aside, the story as a whole had an interesting and initially plausible premise but ultimately didn't really work for me. The writing was way too over the top in many places and everything in the storyline is far too convenient and coincidental. The final showdown is rushed and everything that happens in the cabin at the end is very confusing and hard to follow. The supernatural element just seemed ridiculous to me and we are given no explanation at all for it. In the end I am left with way too many questions and found the whole reading experience pretty unsatisfying. There are the bones of a good story in here, but it doesn't live up to its potential.
Profile Image for Marissa Maldonado.
9 reviews
February 26, 2024
A world free of disease and reverse aging… but at what cost? I’m a big horror fan, and when you throw science into it, you’re bound to come up with some heart-pounding, fast-paced, WTF moments. Lazarus is certainly fast-paced, and I appreciate its short chapters because it kept me hooked in. I also love the descriptive similes intertwined throughout as it painted beautiful imagery at points within this thrilling horror. However, there are unanswered questions, and I feel like the story was a bit rushed. It could have been expanded on more with added backstory for Kami, Ruth, Julia and even Jarum. Despite its minor shortcomings, I still enjoyed this novella and rate it 3.5 ⭐️. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I look forward to reviewing future works from Chris K.
Profile Image for Marissa Maldonado.
9 reviews
February 26, 2024
A world free of disease and reverse aging… but at what cost? I’m a big horror fan, and when you throw science into it, you’re bound to come up with some heart-pounding, fast-paced, WTF moments. Lazarus is certainly fast-paced, and I appreciate its short chapters because it kept me hooked in. I also love the descriptive similes intertwined throughout as it painted beautiful imagery at points within this thrilling horror. However, there are unanswered questions, and I feel like the story was a bit rushed. It could have been expanded on more with added backstory for Kami, Ruth, Julia and even Jarum. Despite its minor shortcomings, I still enjoyed this novella and rate it 3.5 ⭐️. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I look forward to reviewing future works from Chris K.
80 reviews
February 22, 2024
This one sounded great, horror with cutting edge science? Excellent! It fell a bit short for me. I was hooked almost right away, the book starts with short chapters, each focusing on one character, I love that. But it felt unfinished. The story ended very abruptly, and there are so many questions I still have.

I'll give this author another chance because this idea was so promising, and started out well, but I was left feeling vaguely unsatisfied.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for my honest opinion. (2.5 ⭐)
Profile Image for Ashley.
181 reviews29 followers
February 24, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC.

I enjoyed most of this novella. The concepts were interesting. We quickly learn that there is a biotech company that will stop an nothing to accomplish their goals. That was the most gripping part of the plot for me.

The characters were fine but I never had much of a chance to become heavily invested in their stories.

I lost some interest after an event in the middle. It became a bit confusing and I had to reread passages, which took me out of the flow of the story.
Profile Image for Margaux.
57 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2024
The only horror in this book is the fact that I read it.

What started out as an interesting thriller about an abduction and science experimentation quickly turned into a social justice drama. Remembering this is actually supposed to be a horror story, some supernatural elements are sprinkled in, and done. We conclude with no answers, no real horror, or satisfying ending, just relief that it’s over.
Profile Image for Scott.
160 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2024
Quick read about corporate greed and an utter disregard for human life, unless it is a customer ($$$). Lazarus is the finding of the exilir of life, the cure of what ails society, blindly using the 'dregs' of society and the source of this elixir. The big issue...it comes with side effects. A company employee who finds her morals and a guinea pig (elixir source) power to take down the company in this wonderful read.
Profile Image for Kimberly Kerr.
60 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2024
This book had me HOOKED from page one! A story filled with twists and turns that had me wanting more and more each page I read. I loved being able to see the multiple perspectives within the characters and what their intentions were throughout the book. The main character was very likeable as well, had me rooting for them the entire time. Very good book 4.5/5 overall
Profile Image for Kimberly Kerr.
60 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2024
This book had me HOOKED from page one! A story filled with twists and turns that had me wanting more and more each page I read. I loved being able to see the multiple perspectives within the characters and what their intentions were throughout the book. The main character was very likeable as well, had me rooting for them the entire time. Very good book 4.5/5 overall
1 review
October 8, 2023
Lazarus held my attention from beginning to end. The original story line made me wonder if this is something that could really happen. It was suspenseful and it left me feeling unsettled at times. I was waiting for something bad to happen and then I was waiting for the nightmare to end. I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Nuris R..
65 reviews
December 9, 2023
I received a free Arc from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.

Our main character Kami finds herself captured by Jarum's men and forced to be used in a science experiment for Lazarus. Ruth has had the honor of purchasing Jarum's well-marketed elixirs against illnesses and aging.

When I first began reading the novel I was captured by the mystery of Lazarus. We're immediately introduced to Kami who was unable to escape capture. Throughout her captivity, as a reader, I expected to understand more about the science experiments. I thought perhaps she would undergo tests or we would learn more about what made her DNA important. But there was none of that. Instead, it was flashes of a doctor's face, white lights, and visions. I was completely confused and did not understand what was happening.

The author somehow finds an interesting way to connect Kami and Ruth through these visions and intertwine their lives. The revelation was disappointing, I expected a scientific connection, something explainable by the experiments. Instead, I was faced with nonsensical theories and explanations.

Without spoiling anything I can say the ending was like a big boss battle. One which a reader is highly anticipating and the novel has continuously built up to this moment. But it is over in a flash, literally. It was hard to visualize, felt all over the place, and did not fit with the initial storyline.

As a reader, I wished that the author could have crafted a different ending that connected all of the pieces together in a way that made more sense. I was genuinely captivated by the beginning, excited to see where Kami's story would go. Perhaps this was too short of a read for an expanded focus on Kami and the Lazarus experiment.

Overall I rated this novel 2/5 stars. I would not recommend this novel to a sci-fi lover. However, if you need a short read to meet your yearly goal, this novel is approximately 125 pages.
Profile Image for PinkPanthress.
267 reviews82 followers
March 6, 2024
𝗜 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆!

How about reversing the effects of old age or counteracting the progress of death which comes with it… maybe treating life-altering ilnesses or even a deadly disease?

How about those crow feet or saggy boobs OR those man boobs… or the laughing lines you hate so much on yourself? Everyone's a little vain, right?
Who am I to judge?

Lazarus Labs has done it! They treat your ailments with Vials full of an Amber Elixir… and all the pain and suffering evaporates into thin Air.

But… where does this Elixir of Life hail from?
Why wasn't it discovered any sooner?
Is it kosher/helal?

¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦

It started of as a strong Story, but after some time and with every Chapter the Book lost some of its appeal to me because the Story itself wasn't as well woven as it should have been.

Of course I can see, that this was the Author's debut so I kept reading.
By the End, though, I was feeling a bit unsatisfied. It all felt too rushed at some point, and I would have advised putting it away for a few weeks before he rewrites it some more.

I hope his next piece will knock me off my feet from start to finish though! Don't give up!!

With a heavy heart I give it a 2.8 Rating which I will round up to 3 Stars!
Profile Image for Meg.
49 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2024
This was a great read and one that I think will be on my "to purchase" list once it's released, for sure. The story starts off well, the first scene is one of action with a pace that perfectly matches what is on the page, and it is close enough to reality that a part of me might actually group it in with books like "Handmaid's Tale" or "1984" in terms of "uncomfortable realism" were it not for the few paranormal themes scattered throughout. Every part of this made me feel uncomfortable, and I enjoyed that.

I couldn't give it five stars, however, for two reasons: the writing style, and the length. I was not a fan of the style of writing, it just didn't click with me, but it was well done for what it was trying to do (impart realism and discomfort). When it comes to the length, however, I almost wanted more of it. It felt too short for what it was trying to do, and I found myself thinking "that's it?" once I was done.

Still, it's well worth the read and I did enjoy myself despite these downsides.

I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
Profile Image for Heather Hart.
42 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2024
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This novella was pretty decent. There were some elements of sci-fi, horror, and thriller, but I was left wanting a bit more.

My initially thought while reading this story, was that it reminded me of a VERY tame version of Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica. Not necessary in the sense that these plots have anything to do with one another, but rather the level that humans are willing to stoop to in times of crisis or desperation-or honestly simply out of greed. It still has that dystopian element, without actually taking place in a dystopian world.

My biggest complaint, however, was that the story felt a bit rushed. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of super in-depth character development (think, like, Stephen King), but I did feel like this element was lacking in this story. I would have liked to know more about each character. At times, I felt a little lost while trying to piece together bits from each person's life.

I did think that the storyline was unique, and I liked the twists and turns that came about as we learned more about the connections surrounding each character.
Profile Image for Rachel.
201 reviews10 followers
October 29, 2024
I’m going to sound bitter when I say this but I am noticing that overall thriller novels have changed for the worse within the last few years. This might be a little bit of a soapbox but I am seeing more and more novels that are a scrambling of ideas rather than a well put-together novel. It’s become increasingly hard to enjoy as the writing ability decreases.
At this point I’m just making up names to sub-genres but it’s fine. I like to call this corporate thriller mixed with sci-fi. If it sounds like it doesn’t really work, you would be correct. It starts off fine, with a large corporation doing shady things to get the results, but things get progressively stranger and out of pocket. That is where the sci-fi comes into play because that is the closest thing I can think of. The plot stops making sense there and it was an entire struggle to finish. The only good thing about this novel is that it does have a clear ending.
174 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2024
"Lazarus" by Chris Kauzlarich is about a CEO who discovers a cure for aging and disease. The plot's most interesting part is the concept of a biotech company willing to do anything to achieve its goals. The story raises ethical questions about science and immortality. The science-fiction elements are exciting, but the ending is not entirely satisfying. Overall, it's an interesting novella, but the story could benefit from more explanation and development.
1 review
March 4, 2024
Lazarus is a great short read for anyone who loves sci-fi, thrillers and suspense! With every page I continued to wonder what would happen next. I am excited to see what else this new author will publish.
Profile Image for Tille Vanlangendonck.
181 reviews
February 9, 2025
Promising

It started very promising but went a bit downhill in the end.
I loved the science part, the 'magical' part was not necessary....
I don't really know how to rate this short story. 3 stars may be too generous but it was an OK book.
Profile Image for Brooke.
11 reviews
June 11, 2024
The premise of this novella is so intriguing made me very excited to read it. I was hooked right away as Kami, one of the main characters of this story, is abducted and brought to this facility. From there you're thrown into this super fast paced, thrilling story about an antidote created to stop aging.

I was enjoying this story a lot and was fully expecting it to become one of my new favorite horror reads, but the ending really lost me. I found it to be convoluted and turned more into a paranormal novel in which I think was unnecessary and only added to my confusion. I was really bummed that it ended with me scratching my head and asking myself what just happened.
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