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Barely Alive #2
Falling Apart
Days slip through Paul’s graying fingers. Humanity faces the end. His brother has the virus and is dying, too.
Paul’s hopes ride on Heather’s genetic code. Her immunity leaves her unchanged and untouchable. What would she see in the zombie he was becoming anyway?
Dominic’s army of infected grows, capturing the south and leav
ing little alive in its wake.
While Paul and his friends work on the vaccine, protecting the north becomes protecting the world. Heather is taken hostage and Paul races toward Dominic to save his heart.
With his time “alive” shortened, Paul must do more than protect the uninfected. He has to get his brother and Heather back to Sandpoint before the zombies find them. Paul needs to survive the upcoming war before he finds himself defecting to the other side and leaving Heather to Dominic’s mercy.
He has three days to get the cure or he might as well find a fire to call home.
Paul’s hopes ride on Heather’s genetic code. Her immunity leaves her unchanged and untouchable. What would she see in the zombie he was becoming anyway?
Dominic’s army of infected grows, capturing the south and leav
ing little alive in its wake.
While Paul and his friends work on the vaccine, protecting the north becomes protecting the world. Heather is taken hostage and Paul races toward Dominic to save his heart.
With his time “alive” shortened, Paul must do more than protect the uninfected. He has to get his brother and Heather back to Sandpoint before the zombies find them. Paul needs to survive the upcoming war before he finds himself defecting to the other side and leaving Heather to Dominic’s mercy.
He has three days to get the cure or he might as well find a fire to call home.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie R. Paulson
129 books662 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Bonnie Paulson focuses on the drive of sweet western romances and the heros who ride for justice and the love of their lives. Living with her own cowboy helps keep things real!
Some of her favorite authors are Robyn Carr, Liz Isaacson, and Linda Lael Miller!
Sign up and get a free Paulson western romance!
http://www.bonniepaulson.com
Some of her favorite authors are Robyn Carr, Liz Isaacson, and Linda Lael Miller!
Sign up and get a free Paulson western romance!
http://www.bonniepaulson.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 14, 2012
Falling Apart
I have mentioned that I’m Team Paul right? Because I am, I adore him. Falling Apart is a perfect continuation to Barely Alive. I love how we get to see the dynamic between everyone now that they are staying at Grandma Jean’s. Yes, she makes everyone even the non zombie, zombies called her Grandma Jean, it’s the best.
While the first story sort of built up to the action the second story is literally in the thick of it. Travis and Connie are in the process of creating a vaccine while James is healing from a bullet wound courtesy of the cop from the last story, I’m assuming you read that story if you’re reading this. On top of everyone doing their own thing is Heather and Paul.
They are totally into each other, but neither will admit it. Again, I don’t want to give too much away, but there are a few things that you should know. One, I totally want Paul to eat Brian. Wondering who Brian is? He’s the new guy who apparently grew up with Heather. I was totally voting that Paul bite him…unfortunately he didn’t.
But there are quite a few pretty awesome twists in this book and one of them involves Brian. Falling Apart is also gorier than Barely Alive, which is awesome in an incredibly grotesque way. The plot thickens in this story drastically as Dominic goes across the state creating an army of followers while the police and government officials continue to put up road blocks and close down towns.
Several states are in a state of emergency and just when Paul thinks things can’t get any worse Heather is kidnapped. Have I mentioned Dominic is crazy? Because he is. Completely nuts, but he’s sort of a great villain. A lot happens with him, Paul, Heather, Brian and James in this book and seriously the plot just keeps getting better and better.
Again I don’t want to give too much away, because this is really one of those books you need to read and experience, but I will say I love not only the tone, but the personality of the characters here. We learn a lot more about the characters, their intentions and what Dominic is ultimately planning.
If you haven’t read Barely Alive do that so you can read Falling Apart, this was an excellent addition to the series and I’m am running off to start book three now!
I have mentioned that I’m Team Paul right? Because I am, I adore him. Falling Apart is a perfect continuation to Barely Alive. I love how we get to see the dynamic between everyone now that they are staying at Grandma Jean’s. Yes, she makes everyone even the non zombie, zombies called her Grandma Jean, it’s the best.
While the first story sort of built up to the action the second story is literally in the thick of it. Travis and Connie are in the process of creating a vaccine while James is healing from a bullet wound courtesy of the cop from the last story, I’m assuming you read that story if you’re reading this. On top of everyone doing their own thing is Heather and Paul.
They are totally into each other, but neither will admit it. Again, I don’t want to give too much away, but there are a few things that you should know. One, I totally want Paul to eat Brian. Wondering who Brian is? He’s the new guy who apparently grew up with Heather. I was totally voting that Paul bite him…unfortunately he didn’t.
But there are quite a few pretty awesome twists in this book and one of them involves Brian. Falling Apart is also gorier than Barely Alive, which is awesome in an incredibly grotesque way. The plot thickens in this story drastically as Dominic goes across the state creating an army of followers while the police and government officials continue to put up road blocks and close down towns.
Several states are in a state of emergency and just when Paul thinks things can’t get any worse Heather is kidnapped. Have I mentioned Dominic is crazy? Because he is. Completely nuts, but he’s sort of a great villain. A lot happens with him, Paul, Heather, Brian and James in this book and seriously the plot just keeps getting better and better.
Again I don’t want to give too much away, because this is really one of those books you need to read and experience, but I will say I love not only the tone, but the personality of the characters here. We learn a lot more about the characters, their intentions and what Dominic is ultimately planning.
If you haven’t read Barely Alive do that so you can read Falling Apart, this was an excellent addition to the series and I’m am running off to start book three now!
December 9, 2012
Ok this book picks up with us learning that Paul's time is really limited and boy is the action really ramped up. The author takes us on a roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off. We really see Paul and Heather continue to grow as characters this time around as they race against time to make a vaccine and try to stop Dominic also. It was interesting to see Paul even more invested in saving Heather and really being able to control his urges. I love that the author really gives us an inside look into what Paul is going through. He really struggles to keep himself in control and not hurt Heather.
We get some new additions in this book with us getting to know more about James who is Paul's brother and Brian who we learn is an old friend of Heather's. The plot twists just keep coming at us from every turn also and I loved it. I love when a book keeps me on my toes and keeps me guessing throughout it and this book delivers on that. I loved that the author was able to make it so seamless and apart of the book too. It was great to see the story play out and develop into what it did.
Overall I loved this book just as much as the second and loved that we got even more background on the characters. The author really fleshed them out more and made them characters that you fall in love with. I loved the romance between Heather and Paul even more and hated some of what they had to go through. I felt myself screaming and yelling at some parts of the book as I was so drawn in. It got me some funny looks from people too when I did it. I highly recommend this book and I am so glad I had the next one on hand to read because I don't think I would have been able to handle having to wait to read it.
We get some new additions in this book with us getting to know more about James who is Paul's brother and Brian who we learn is an old friend of Heather's. The plot twists just keep coming at us from every turn also and I loved it. I love when a book keeps me on my toes and keeps me guessing throughout it and this book delivers on that. I loved that the author was able to make it so seamless and apart of the book too. It was great to see the story play out and develop into what it did.
Overall I loved this book just as much as the second and loved that we got even more background on the characters. The author really fleshed them out more and made them characters that you fall in love with. I loved the romance between Heather and Paul even more and hated some of what they had to go through. I felt myself screaming and yelling at some parts of the book as I was so drawn in. It got me some funny looks from people too when I did it. I highly recommend this book and I am so glad I had the next one on hand to read because I don't think I would have been able to handle having to wait to read it.
December 21, 2012
Review originally featured on Bookluvrs Haven
When it comes to zombies, as strange as it sounds, I enjoy reading about the 'outbreak' of what is usually a virus, that cause people to change into these zombie nasty beings. It's crazy scary to me; it makes my heart pound. The slightest noise makes me jump in the middle of these reads, if written well enough of course. In a series, all those details have been explored in the first novel. So this book didn't really explore that anymore, but continued the journey of the characters that have survived, in their race against time.
I most definitely was NOT bored during the second book of the series. There was constant action from beginning to end to keep me interested. What appeared to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Paul quickly became unattainable as Heather was whisked away from him and into the path of his arch nemesis.
Dominic, now turned, became even more of a vile character than when he was human. He was extremely cocky, which was laughable, since Paul and his allies seemed to always be a lot smarter than Dominic projected himself to be. That didn't keep Dominic from being one scary, sadistic bastard who figured out how he could control his hive of zombies with his thoughts.
But here is where I am a tad perplexed? Once Paul and his brother figured out the same thing, why did neither of them lunge at Dominic? I would have had my teeth in his flesh at the first opportunity. Unless I missed some bit of information, I don't know why the mind situation could not be reversed by inflicting on Dominic the same measures he took with his group of flesh eating soldiers.
But may I commend Bonnie Paulson for the great scenes she introduces into this novel? Who would have thought to throw a bunch of stand-byes into a cold pool for later when you need some replacements, or instant army growth? WOW! Well thought out. I wouldn't have thought of that, and scientifically it does make sense how their bodies would be affected into a dormant state, to be reanimated later. Scary imagery, but extremely cool!
And hey, my favorite girl Heather? She is still so kick ass. After knowing the reason for her friend's betrayal she goes willingly even though she doesn't have an immediate plan on how to save herself from Dominic. Unfortunately for Brian, his sacrifice/betrayal ended up in one of the most revolting scenes I have ever read. Talk about psychological damages. Dominic, once again, is one sick... SICK... character.
The main characters may be young and in the middle of budding love, but this is most certainly NOT a novel for young teen readers. Some of the atrocities committed or provoked by this super villain made my own stomach slightly revolt, and I have read some messed up fiction in my life!
I eagerly moved on to Book 3 to see how this craziness all pans out. Once again I thank the author for her generosity, and look forward to posting my review to the conclusion of the Barely Alive series on December 11th on our blog!
*I received a eBook copy of this book for free to review from the author; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2012
When I first read Barely Alive, I knew I was hooked. I am a huge fan of zombies, and this book was right up my alley. With my previous review of Barely Alive I had stated that I loved this book/series so much because it had a different spin on zombies, and Falling Apart really emphasizes that part of it.
Falling Apart picks up right where Barely Alive left off and it doesn't miss a beat. Paul is still struggling with his inevitable doom, his injured brother, finding a cure and of course his STRONG lust towards Heather. Everything in this book becomes so much more intense. You get to know each character a bit more, and you feel like you are in the story with them. In the second installment of this series, you learn just how much Paul is dealing with. His crazy emotions and his need to feed. Dominic is on their trail and when Heather is kidnapped, Dominic's creepy nature shows even more. Paul had an idea what Dominic was trying to do, but now that they both know Heather is immune, the fight for her life is on and Paul is scared and horrified with what he figures out what exactly Dominic is trying to do.
The ending of this book is awesome! I like it when a character is at their wits end so to speak, when they realize they have nothing left to lose and are balls out. Ready for anything. I am very excited to read Mostly Dead, and I am very curious what happens with Paul and Heather. Will they finally share their feelings with each other? Is Paul going to die? Is there a cure? What about James and Dominic, what will happen? I am anxious to find out.
The pre-zombie apocalypse world that Bonnie has created is memorizing and enchanting and you will get sucked into this series right away. You will not regret reading this series, and if you are like me you will not be able to put it down. I am very happy I found this series, I find myself thinking about it long after I'm done reading, and that to me makes an awesome book!!
Falling Apart picks up right where Barely Alive left off and it doesn't miss a beat. Paul is still struggling with his inevitable doom, his injured brother, finding a cure and of course his STRONG lust towards Heather. Everything in this book becomes so much more intense. You get to know each character a bit more, and you feel like you are in the story with them. In the second installment of this series, you learn just how much Paul is dealing with. His crazy emotions and his need to feed. Dominic is on their trail and when Heather is kidnapped, Dominic's creepy nature shows even more. Paul had an idea what Dominic was trying to do, but now that they both know Heather is immune, the fight for her life is on and Paul is scared and horrified with what he figures out what exactly Dominic is trying to do.
The ending of this book is awesome! I like it when a character is at their wits end so to speak, when they realize they have nothing left to lose and are balls out. Ready for anything. I am very excited to read Mostly Dead, and I am very curious what happens with Paul and Heather. Will they finally share their feelings with each other? Is Paul going to die? Is there a cure? What about James and Dominic, what will happen? I am anxious to find out.
The pre-zombie apocalypse world that Bonnie has created is memorizing and enchanting and you will get sucked into this series right away. You will not regret reading this series, and if you are like me you will not be able to put it down. I am very happy I found this series, I find myself thinking about it long after I'm done reading, and that to me makes an awesome book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2012
I won Barely Alive through an author giveaway and it took me awhile to get to. Once I did I thoroughly enjoyed the book. When I started Falling Apart I was expecting more of the same, but what I got was much more.
The author's voice has matured and I think it seems like she's more confident about the material. She's writing from a place of strength and conviction and you can feel how much she loves the story and characters just from reading it.
From the first chapter's paragraph I could tell the narrative would be darker and funnier than the first book. It was witty, in a dark dry humor sort of way, that really played on the zombie dilemma in the books. I liked seeing how the people turning into zombie's felt and enjoyed watching them struggle with their desire to eat (or befriend) humans.
The plot takes right where the other one left off with Paul, Heather, and their families as they come to grips with everything that is going on. Throughout it the characterization was top notch and the dialogue played well.
Plus it has everything you want from a romance and even though half of the romance is turning into an undead zombie, it still rings too. It does add a touch of urgency. We're not sure what's going to happen to Paul.
The ending promises nd that the next novel will be 'killer' and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series!
The author's voice has matured and I think it seems like she's more confident about the material. She's writing from a place of strength and conviction and you can feel how much she loves the story and characters just from reading it.
From the first chapter's paragraph I could tell the narrative would be darker and funnier than the first book. It was witty, in a dark dry humor sort of way, that really played on the zombie dilemma in the books. I liked seeing how the people turning into zombie's felt and enjoyed watching them struggle with their desire to eat (or befriend) humans.
The plot takes right where the other one left off with Paul, Heather, and their families as they come to grips with everything that is going on. Throughout it the characterization was top notch and the dialogue played well.
Plus it has everything you want from a romance and even though half of the romance is turning into an undead zombie, it still rings too. It does add a touch of urgency. We're not sure what's going to happen to Paul.
The ending promises nd that the next novel will be 'killer' and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series!
December 3, 2012
When I first read Barely Alive, I knew I was hooked. I am a huge fan of zombies, and this book was right up my alley. With my previous review of Barely Alive I had stated that I loved this book/series so much because it had a different spin on zombies, and Falling Apart really emphasizes that part of it.
Read full review at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
Read full review at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
September 23, 2012
Great book! it has a little of everything to draw in all types of readers: romance, humor, suspense, horror...
I couldn't put this book down. I'm drawn to Paul's will to survive and his sense of humor as he goes through this seemingly hopeless situation. to me its a book about an underdog who surpasses all types of hopeless situations and is coming out of them a stronger person. I can't wait to see what the third book in this trilogy brings!
I couldn't put this book down. I'm drawn to Paul's will to survive and his sense of humor as he goes through this seemingly hopeless situation. to me its a book about an underdog who surpasses all types of hopeless situations and is coming out of them a stronger person. I can't wait to see what the third book in this trilogy brings!
January 4, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down from the moment I started. I love how in this book you really get to know the characters and their family, you get a real sense of how horrible their situation really is. For me it was a real emotional roller coaster and I can't wait for the final book!
August 5, 2020
Book 2 was really well written. It answers some questions from book one and leaves us hungry for the conclusion. Not a book for readers under 16 for sure. There are some quite hilarious parts and some that actually startled me a bit.
I love this series so far.
I love this series so far.
November 2, 2015
"Falling Apart" by Bonnie Paulson is book two in the Barely Alive series that takes us into a crazed world where a power hungry psychotic scientist turns young men and boys into flesheating cannibals and sex addicted walking dead. This story picks up where book one leaves off at Grandma Jeans's hiding out, Paul fighting his attraction and craving for Heather, Connie and Travis trying to develop a cure, and Dominic trying to steal Heather away. When a neighbor stops by for a visit Heather goes with him to get some supplies but ends up being kidnapped by Brian, the neighbor. In a race across town and state lines, Paul and his brother try to save Heather before Dominic can get his hands on her.
I really love this series that mixes my love of Zombies, romance, angst,and sci-fi. Poor Paul is tortured by his craving for love and the flesh, and his pending mortality.
Here't the link for this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
Also book one is currently free:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
I really love this series that mixes my love of Zombies, romance, angst,and sci-fi. Poor Paul is tortured by his craving for love and the flesh, and his pending mortality.
Here't the link for this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
Also book one is currently free:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
Read
August 7, 2015I kind of just got to a point where I really didn't care anymore.
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