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Spiral: The Descension of Charis Cross
Charis was about to kick off a night on the town with friends when a mysterious plague turned everyone around her into violent, blood-thirsty killers. Trapped in her New York City apartment building, with danger lurking around every floor, her will to survive will be pushed to the brink.
- GenresHorror
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2024
5 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Danny Tse
1 book5 followersHi! I’m an author based in New Jersey, USA. I grew up in the 80’s on comic books, Saturday morning cartoons, and sugary cereal. I enjoy building things with my hands, and, despite what my wife thinks, I believe Dino Nuggets is as much a kitchen staple as dried pasta.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 2, 2024
i typically don’t read books like this, a coworker asked me to read it since she knew the author so i gave it a shot. i was surprised at how much i loved this!! its really engaging, i couldn’t put it down. the characters are well developed and have interiority even when they’re only around for a few pages. the interpersonal dramas and betrayals continued to shock me more than the zombie plot-lines. it has crazy world building and a really quick, easy to read pace. the through-line metaphor about loving someone so much that you let them kill and eat you when they become a zombie….. something about that….
March 24, 2024
That's insane! I'm constantly in What the Fuck mode while reading this book. There are too many curse worthy moments that you'll run out of it like Nick's death (not a spoiler). Then someone came and at that moment I decided to move on with Nick's death and like this new character until the end, but then he died! WTF!
Although I don't usually read horror fiction because it gives me nightmares, and I did have one last night, I still enjoy watching it a lot. So what makes this book worth reading when there are too many books like this? It's the freaking betrayal! I think I have never seen this much betrayal in books or movies before. You'll be on edge of your seat not only due to the afflicted/zombie, but also because of the anticipation of the next betrayal. If you're looking for some excitement, read this and keep an eye out for the zombie and the next betrayal.
Which is more dangerous, the afflicted or the betrayal?
Although I don't usually read horror fiction because it gives me nightmares, and I did have one last night, I still enjoy watching it a lot. So what makes this book worth reading when there are too many books like this? It's the freaking betrayal! I think I have never seen this much betrayal in books or movies before. You'll be on edge of your seat not only due to the afflicted/zombie, but also because of the anticipation of the next betrayal. If you're looking for some excitement, read this and keep an eye out for the zombie and the next betrayal.
Which is more dangerous, the afflicted or the betrayal?
July 19, 2024
I don’t usually read books in the horror/thriller category but decided to give this one a try as it was highly recommended to me by a colleague. Sometimes it takes me a while to get into a book, but not this one. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t wait to find out what caused the “descension” of Charis Cross.
Each character was written with distinctive personalities with a balance of authentic flaws and strengths that made them so relatable and memorable. These characters led me to genuinely care about what happens to them. I was impressed with the author's ability to show the uniqueness of each character by allowing the character's actions to demonstrate how they are rather than just telling the readers about it.
This book has what I believe to be the most important characteristics of a thriller: a likable heroic protagonist, plot twists, cliffhangers, tension, mystery, and suspense. And the humor sprinkled throughout was a big bonus. This is the author’s very first book, and I am already looking forward to the sequel.
Each character was written with distinctive personalities with a balance of authentic flaws and strengths that made them so relatable and memorable. These characters led me to genuinely care about what happens to them. I was impressed with the author's ability to show the uniqueness of each character by allowing the character's actions to demonstrate how they are rather than just telling the readers about it.
This book has what I believe to be the most important characteristics of a thriller: a likable heroic protagonist, plot twists, cliffhangers, tension, mystery, and suspense. And the humor sprinkled throughout was a big bonus. This is the author’s very first book, and I am already looking forward to the sequel.
May 12, 2024
"Don't try to do too much all at once. Start by knowing where you are and then take small steps toward your goal."
This is a zombie apocalypse story. The kind of story I don't normally read. (And yet there I was, reading this!) I think more than that, this is a story about a young woman's struggle to survive. I felt like the first chapter, which was a flash forward, was meant to show what Charis becomes (I mean, personality wise and her mindset), and the rest of the book was about her journey to get there. Charis meets people, afflicted and non-afflicted, who will help and hurt each other. There was a twist/discovery at the end that helps push her into becoming what she became. I did see the twist coming but it felt so good having it confirmed! There were other twists that I didn't see coming.
There was a point when the story stops following her for a chapter, and by the end of the chapter, we can see a huge contrast between her before and after. The last few chapters seemed to follow two characters, as if the story didn't quite know whom to follow, which I felt like was a cool experience! But I still wish we got to see how Charis got to become who she became at the end.
You should read this book if you like horror and thrillers. You should also read this book if you just want to feel fear or fury or devastation. (I mean, who wouldn't want to feel these things in a story?? Or am I the only one?)
This is a zombie apocalypse story. The kind of story I don't normally read. (And yet there I was, reading this!) I think more than that, this is a story about a young woman's struggle to survive. I felt like the first chapter, which was a flash forward, was meant to show what Charis becomes (I mean, personality wise and her mindset), and the rest of the book was about her journey to get there. Charis meets people, afflicted and non-afflicted, who will help and hurt each other. There was a twist/discovery at the end that helps push her into becoming what she became. I did see the twist coming but it felt so good having it confirmed! There were other twists that I didn't see coming.
There was a point when the story stops following her for a chapter, and by the end of the chapter, we can see a huge contrast between her before and after. The last few chapters seemed to follow two characters, as if the story didn't quite know whom to follow, which I felt like was a cool experience! But I still wish we got to see how Charis got to become who she became at the end.
You should read this book if you like horror and thrillers. You should also read this book if you just want to feel fear or fury or devastation. (I mean, who wouldn't want to feel these things in a story?? Or am I the only one?)
July 21, 2024
Couldn't stop reading!
I have read this a few times. It's one of my comfort reads. Horror is my all time favorite. Danny did a brilliant job building a story that we can relate to. Zombies are fun and I never pass up a good zombie story. This book is a masterpiece. From start to finish it kept me engaged. I was always wanting to find out what was happening next. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next. Charis is amazing. I loved her from the start and I felt so connected to her. This book was more about her surviving the end of the world. I have never seen to New York, but I imagine it would be incredibly scary to be there during a zombie outbreak. I could envision every part of the book because Danny is a fantastic writer and brought his story to life with his skill. This is my top 5 favorite books of the year. 💯 recommend this to anyone wanting thriller and horror. It is emotional too which I love in my books.
I have read this a few times. It's one of my comfort reads. Horror is my all time favorite. Danny did a brilliant job building a story that we can relate to. Zombies are fun and I never pass up a good zombie story. This book is a masterpiece. From start to finish it kept me engaged. I was always wanting to find out what was happening next. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next. Charis is amazing. I loved her from the start and I felt so connected to her. This book was more about her surviving the end of the world. I have never seen to New York, but I imagine it would be incredibly scary to be there during a zombie outbreak. I could envision every part of the book because Danny is a fantastic writer and brought his story to life with his skill. This is my top 5 favorite books of the year. 💯 recommend this to anyone wanting thriller and horror. It is emotional too which I love in my books.
December 2, 2024
👦🏻reviews: I finished this on Thanksgiving day and I feel so good knowing that this was supposed to be completed last month. We know the author and in the beginning I thought I should do it to support Danny, but in reality this is a good one to read before we went on to watch “IT: Chapters 1 & 2”.
Well, firstly the book is dark and definitely felt like I was falling into a pit hole while dealing with epidemic disease plaguing NYC. The story is so perfectly fit to be in the city dealing with zombies and real people while chasing drama and survival. I like chasing the story, some humor, drama and friendships.
Well, firstly the book is dark and definitely felt like I was falling into a pit hole while dealing with epidemic disease plaguing NYC. The story is so perfectly fit to be in the city dealing with zombies and real people while chasing drama and survival. I like chasing the story, some humor, drama and friendships.
September 18, 2024
First. I am now and will forever have a eighteens fear of mosquitoes- thanks for that.
This book will take you on a ride. I highly suggest reading it quickly - it’s not one to put down and walk away from for a week and pick back up, but it’s definitely worth it. The backstabbing still has me reeling! Now i must know what that closing scene before the epilogue meant. You just have to read this if you’re into blood, guts, horror, backstabbing, survival.
This book will take you on a ride. I highly suggest reading it quickly - it’s not one to put down and walk away from for a week and pick back up, but it’s definitely worth it. The backstabbing still has me reeling! Now i must know what that closing scene before the epilogue meant. You just have to read this if you’re into blood, guts, horror, backstabbing, survival.
November 4, 2024
Spiral has a firm grip on the throat of the Zombie genre
I honestly chose this book because of the cover. I am a fan of the zombie horror genre, but I am pretty burned out by it, however every once in a while, I come across a gem of a story like this one. The character development is what makes this story refreshing. The descension of Charis was well done, the perfect pacing for the character. I really enjoyed this book. Its not just another zombie story. I highly recommend it.
I honestly chose this book because of the cover. I am a fan of the zombie horror genre, but I am pretty burned out by it, however every once in a while, I come across a gem of a story like this one. The character development is what makes this story refreshing. The descension of Charis was well done, the perfect pacing for the character. I really enjoyed this book. Its not just another zombie story. I highly recommend it.
January 22, 2025
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Spiral: The Descension of Charis Cross by Danny Tse stands out in a saturated zombie book market with its unique take on survival horror and a gripping lead character. Charis is a compelling protagonist—strong, resourceful, and complex. Her character development is one of the highlights of the book, as she grapples with the chaos unfolding around her and the limits of her endurance. Following her journey through a New York City apartment building overrun by violent, plague-ridden killers was both tense and immersive.
The story’s pacing keeps you hooked, balancing high-stakes action with quieter, introspective moments that allow you to connect with Charis. The sense of isolation and danger in the confined setting adds an extra layer of suspense, making every decision and encounter feel vital.
While Charis is undoubtedly a strong lead, I found some of her descriptions overly focused on her physicality. Though that may be to give a relatively realistic view of a zombie apocalypse for a plus-sized person, it was laid on a little thick. That aside, her character is easy to root for, and her determination to survive is inspiring.
Spiral offers a fresh perspective on a genre that often feels overdone. With its strong character development, unique setting, and relentless tension, it’s a must-read for fans of survival horror. Danny Tse proves that even in a crowded market, there’s room for stories that push boundaries and make the familiar feel new again.
Spiral: The Descension of Charis Cross by Danny Tse stands out in a saturated zombie book market with its unique take on survival horror and a gripping lead character. Charis is a compelling protagonist—strong, resourceful, and complex. Her character development is one of the highlights of the book, as she grapples with the chaos unfolding around her and the limits of her endurance. Following her journey through a New York City apartment building overrun by violent, plague-ridden killers was both tense and immersive.
The story’s pacing keeps you hooked, balancing high-stakes action with quieter, introspective moments that allow you to connect with Charis. The sense of isolation and danger in the confined setting adds an extra layer of suspense, making every decision and encounter feel vital.
While Charis is undoubtedly a strong lead, I found some of her descriptions overly focused on her physicality. Though that may be to give a relatively realistic view of a zombie apocalypse for a plus-sized person, it was laid on a little thick. That aside, her character is easy to root for, and her determination to survive is inspiring.
Spiral offers a fresh perspective on a genre that often feels overdone. With its strong character development, unique setting, and relentless tension, it’s a must-read for fans of survival horror. Danny Tse proves that even in a crowded market, there’s room for stories that push boundaries and make the familiar feel new again.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews