Pockets of the Dead

Dawnland #1

by Karen Carr

Meet Hella Paige. She kills zombies. Well, technically her virus kills zombies, the one that she contracted after being bitten by her undead neighbor. The virus is invaluable, killing everything undead around her. But it is also destructive, unless Hella can escape the truth, she might be doomed to a terrible fate.

All Hella wanted to do was graduate from college, but she is thrust into a world she never imagined, one filled with moments of sheer terror and the idea that humanity can be saved by a few. She brings together a tribe of survivors, keeping her virus a secret; instead claiming the village they live in is protected by a mysterious zombie-killing aura. Hella has to sacrifice so much for the people she grows to love, for she can’t leave the village without risking their death.

When Hella meets Huck, he captures her heart, but it is his friend Zeke that can help her save humankind. Two heroic men, one she hates and one she loves. Can Hella rise above the chaos of her heart and chose the one to benefit the world? The right choice might mean the difference between surviving and survival of the species.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Survival, Thriller

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

I discovered at a young age that I liked to write. It was mostly because of my father, who wrote so much that he could not leave his study without an avalanche of papers following him. In fact, the only piece of furniture in the study was an old leather sofa. The rest of the room was full of books and bookshelves. It was on this sofa that I spent many hours honing my craft, even after he was gone.

Reviews

[Estella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for and honest review!
I give this book 3.5 stars but since we round up it's a 4! I am a little conflicted by this book! I really like parts and was frustrated with others. I really enjoyed the story line it was very good. At the same time Hella really frustrated me to no end. I really hated her lack of back bone. I wish Hella's character would have been stronger and not so easily controlled! You give it a read and let me know your thoughts!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I really enjoyed this story BUT what made me give it a 3 star rating was the main character Hella! The author botched this character up so badly that she almost ruined the story with it! Hella's character is so damn frustrating. She acts totally irrational for someone facing a Zombie Apocalypse. I almost couldn't even read it because the character frustrated me so. For one, Hella is a HUGE hippocrate! She has a totally silly notion that it is up to her and her alone to repopulate the world! Like that is really something someone would be thinking with zombies running a muck! Re-population would be the LAST priority on my list, I tell ya..lol! Her views on this are so ridiculous it almost made me hate the book. BUT the story in itself was an awesome concept for a zombie apocalypse. I just wish that Karen Carr would have really thought hard on her main characters. Made her a bit stronger in mind and gave her some depth beyond her ability and re-population! It made Hella look childish and ridiculous through out the whole book. There are other instances I could list that REALLY got on my nerves but I will not spoil it for anyone. But I will say, I wish I would have not picked this one up. I LOVED the concept for the story, that is what got the 3 stars. In no way did I care for the characters in any way. They were all ridiculous. I found myself really hoping that Hella would get cornered by some of the zombies and get eaten!...lol

[Kerwood Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pockets of the Dead is a zombie novel like no other zombie novel. The heroine starts out as a sweet but overwhelmed college student who wants nothing more than to hide in her apartment after the apocalypse. Right away Hella witnesses the death of a friend, is forced to kill her undead neighbor and fight a zombie hoard before her mysterious virus kicks in.

When Hella is joined by other survivors, she tries to control everything they do, including where they live and what they wear. She is determined to do what she wants when she wants, even if it means jeopardizing those she leaves behind in the village. She sees their village as hers, and feels abandoned by all of them at different points, but by the end of the book she learns to let go and cooperate with the others. While she might not know how to use a gun, and doesn’t want to kill anyone, she tries to survive in other ways and becomes fierce in the end.

My favorite part of the book is the story, with its unique twists and turns. The detail given to the post-apocalyptic landscape is very good and you get a real sense of what it is like to live there, down to the fact that the apocalypse takes place right before Halloween and there are still decorations up everywhere. The uniqueness also comes from Hella’s virus, which kills zombies that come near her. There is still a lot of zombie fighting and a bit of morbidity because Hella’s favorite pastime is to clean out the pockets of the dead and categorize what they had in a store room.

My second favorite part of the book is the character development. We get to meet Hella, but we also meet several other well developed characters. First is her love interest, Huck, who is at once sensual and strong, but still a little hesitant. He can really set of some steam. Lily is a young professor who takes things calmly and Trevan, a grad student, is her fiancé who is not taking the apocalypse very well and is on edge most of the book. I also like the professor who is a shut in discovered after a search of the apartments.

I love the Walking Dead series because of the relationships and was encouraged to read this book for the similarities. I loved this book and so will you.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a different zombie story! If you're into post-apocalyptic, zombie reads, then you need to pick up this one! Other than some grammar/spelling issues, this book was well-written and kept me reading way past my "bedtime"! I liked Hella, even with her flaws (a little selfish, a bit cowardly at times- but who wouldn't be in a world of zombies??), I did appreciate the fact that she wanted desperately to honor the dead by cataloging their possessions.

I loved how Hella and Huck met! Sooooo not your typical start to a love story, lol. And I loved the monster truck scene, too perfect. The professor was a favorite of mine, I'm glad Hella had him around. I cringed at the various descriptions of body parts/guts strewn everywhere and poor Hella having no choice but to walk through it all!! I don't think I could do it! I'm sure I'd just stand there like a statue for the rest of my doomed life, waiting for someone to rescue me. Seriously!

I sure hope there's another book coming, I have to find out what happens next!

[Yolanda Casica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received my copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads and I have agreed with myself to write a completely honest review.


This story was so good! I have nothing but praise for it. It was told in a brilliantly modern and refreshing point of view. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Everything you would expect to see in a zombie apocalypse lies within these pages. People just trying to survive while falling victim to different trials and hardships. The best part of this particular zombie tale? It felt real. The emotions of loss, suffering, happiness, were all perfectly developed within the characters. They were strong together, and yet at the same time, so divided.

The storyline was addicting and caused me to power through it in one sitting. At times fast paced, then at other times a gently flowing stream of interesting information that never become dull or predictable. The plot of a girl having an aura surrounding her that can explode the heads of zombies is one badass, unique way of handling an overused concept.

[Albert Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the opening pages of the book I was scared this was going to be a campy book that featured a bunch of annoying teenagers who couldn't figure out the next step in their day.

I'm glad I stuck around after the first chapter as I was pleasantly surprised by how good the book turned out to be.

There was a bit of a love story there between the soft natured girl and the mysterious guy on the motorcycle who rides into town. #eyeroll

After that the characters introduced were really good and easy to track who was who as the action picks up.

[Janice Kujawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

No spoilers whatsoever. Loved This book. Zombie story with a twist. I loved the difference between this and other zombie books. Definitely worth reading. Will definitely recommend to family friends and fellow readers.

[Trista Borgwardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pockets of the Dead is a great zombie story. I really liked the character Hella, (her name is pretty bad ass sounding)and I thought the storyline was unique in the fact that Hella discovers that she is immune to zombie bites (or zeroes, as she calls them)after being bitten by one of her neighbors.

Hella's kind of boyfriend and her best friend send her a chat message that they are going North and as far as she knows the rest of her family and friends are dead. Hella begins her own research to learn how to survive the zombie apocalypse which I thought was pretty smart.

Once she finally ventures out on her own, she is surrounded by zombies when she discovers another uniqueness about herself. She has some kind of aura that provides her not only protection, but kills the zombies within a certain radius of her. How they die is pretty awesome.

At this point, Hella realizes that she can help and she decides to clean up the small village that has apartments running on solar energy. She begins cleaning up the bodies, and before she burns them, she removes their personal belongings, bags it and catalogs it. This is probably not only a morbid thing to do but also smart.

When Hella meets Huck, things take a different direction. At first, Huck is super sweet and seems unable to contain himself with Hella, but later on, I had a difficult time telling if Huck actually likes her or not. The way he treats her at times is confusing. I know he is supposed to be a 'bad boy' but I was genuinely interested in seeing their relationship develop and I have to say, I was disappointed with the lack there of, but who knows what the future holds for them.

There was one thing that felt sort of out of place and that was the whole 'procreate and repopulate the earth obsession', it just didn't really feel like it fit into the story and made it sort of awkward.

The ending! Overall it was a good ending and I can't wait to see where their adventure goes, but I didn't like Hella's conclusion about her love life. I wanted to tell her to fight for her true love (even if I can't tell if he really likes her or not). I just don't want to see her give up that easy!

If you are into zombie books, then this is an excellent read! I truly did enjoy this book and read it in just two sittings! Once I got into the book I couldn't put it down. The thought of a protective aura was so creative that I was pleased with how that all came together.

Can't wait to read the next one!!

[April Epley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a post apocalypse zombie story. It is not your normal zombie story and I did like the story line. I do believe it could use a touch of editing, however please leave the gore and details in it! I really enjoyed the descriptiveness that this author used in describing the scenery, body parts flying (or laying) and the numerous other descriptive moments that I really loved. It almost put you right there with the characters. This is a zombie read that is worth the time.
Hella Paige is a college student that wants to hide away. I cannot blame her. After all her undead neighbor attacks her, she has to fight off zombies and this is before her virus kicked on. Oh did I mention she has a virus now that kills all the undead within a certain radius of her. Yeah she does. Did I also mention that she goes through all the pockets of the dead and collects their stuff and puts it in a storage room where she catalogs it all…. Yeah she does that too.
Hella groups together with a bunch of survivors and she does not let them know about her virus. Instead she lets them all believe falsehoods as to why they remain safe in the little town. There seems at times when she is being pushy and wanting everyone to do things her way only. Then other times it seems she lets others walk all over her. C’mon girl stand up and do what is right! She does love her group and wants to keep them safe.
Did I mention Huck yet? Oh Hella is so in love with him. Almost teenager obsessed. His friend Zeke however she cannot stand. She hates him, yet he can help her in so many ways. She was completely smitten with Huck within a couple days. My favorite character was Lily. I loved her calmness and just do it type attitude! So much different than her boyfriends panic mode. I love Lily.
I am giving this book 3 ½ - 4 stars. There were a few things that got to me but overall I really liked the story. Did not care for the way it ended but I will be watching for another book to see if I can get more information. I did like the original plot. I do love zombies. Thank you so much and read it and find out some of what I am talking about. It is worth it.

[Eduardo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The zombie apocalypse isn't an original plot, a zombie apocalypse where the heroine is not only immune to the zombie virus but can destroy them with her mere presence is a different thing entirely.

Once I read what the book was about it piqued my interest and the first chapters impressed me, a few of the choices Hella made at the beginning not only were the most logical ones but, in a couple occasions, ones I hadn't even thought about. Why give a 2 star rating then?

Well, the heroine's good points started to deteriorate. She jumped to conclusions, she fell in love with a guy, with not many redeeming qualities, in less than 2 days and the way she talked about him she made him look like a god. She simply behaved like a 14 year old with a crush. It's not like he saved her life, all he did to earn her adoration was to be the last man alive, or so she thought at first, and riding into town on a bike with a shotgun. There are a few things more but the one I consider the most telling is after she realizes she is immune and a killing zombie machine, instead of going to save her family and friends, what does she do? She starts to clean up the town. Cataloging the zombies possessions and burning them.

Little by little Hella turns from this intelligent resourceful woman with 'zombie killing powers' into a weak kneed high school girl with 'zombie killing powers'.

The ending didn't help it either. Is it the end of the story or is there more to come? We really have no clue and that pisses me off.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I mostly like zombie books. But I tend to stay away from them as they are all seemingly the same. Pockets of the Dead is a bit of a different kind of the zombie story. First, there is no story as to how the zombie virus came to be, it just is. Second, how the main character kills the zombies is a bit unorthodox. Actually, it's a bit far-fetched. However, since it is a zombie book and end of the world book, I let that slide in my assessment.
I would have liked more of the story about the virus and where it came from. Some of the writing was a bit oddly worded and seemed unpolished .The story was frustrating at times as the main character is supposed to be in college but sometimes she sounded like a teenager and other times she sounded like the sociology major she was supposed to portray. Some of her reactions to certain scenarios were abnormal and not typical of what you would think she would do. However, I did enjoy the overall story and was intrigued by the outsiders and what was going to happen once they breached the village. I didn't like the cliffhanger ending either, but who does? I give this story 3.5 books.

[Genesis Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first impression of Pockets of the Dead was that it was pretty unbelievable. I mean, we're talking zombies, so obviously realism isn't a priority, but magically being able to kill any zombie within 1,000 feet? It seemed a bit silly. Also, there were some rather obvious grammatical and spelling mistakes (site instead of sight, etc.).

That being said, I was pulled into the story pretty fast and ended up really enjoying it! Hella's zombie popping ability isn't as much of a blessing as you might think and it actually made the entire book that much more fascinating because of the struggles she had with it.

Overall, this is a story of survival. There is no super kick ass heroine, no crazy love triangle (though there is a hint of one or maybe a quadrangle, it's hard to tell), and all that annoying stuff that so often gets in the way of a story.

This book is probably not for everyone. Parts of it read a little immaturish, but I really liked it and am eager to start reading the sequel.

[The Literary Vixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started one night while Helena "Hella" was a having a pity party complete with junk food. She was mad at her boyfriend Stan. How could he accuse her of cheating? She started to hear strange noises coming from outside. What she saw shocked her. People were attacking and biting other people. She decides to hide out in her bathroom with her laptop. She could hear those moaning sounds and it scared her. She chats with friends online and finds out it's happening everywhere. Could it be a zombie apocalypse?

Pockets of the Dead by Karen Carr is a story about a young woman's survival during a zombie apocalypse. While it doesn't say what is causing people to turn I still found it a great read. I couldn't put it down! There is a unique twist with the zombies which I really liked. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a good zombie story with a twist

[Ohdie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I a bit disappointed in Hella to be honest. It seems a lot if the later plot was her moping, lying, trying to please others or listening to Huck. I enjoyed her character development in the beginning though- and I thought her immunity was interesting. I think she could've stayed alone in the novel and that it would have been better for it. The characters that come later kind of seem like after thought. Still it was free and better than I expected.

On a side note why are authors now doing so many "episodes" this book was short and ended very abruptly. In my personal preference I like the old school idea of full books. Because let's face it do you really want to pay $2.99 each part for a four part book?

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

****** I won this book in a first reads giveaway for a honest review ******

I found this book to be a fast and easy read something you can get done over a weekend. I found the story line to be good and enjoyable and sometimes that is hard to find when it comes to zombie stories. I liked the twist on how the zombies are killed. But I did find myself getting really frustrated with the main character Hella, I wanted her to be more of a "kicking ass & taking names" type. But since this story continues maybe that will happen. I also found myself really disliking a few other characters to the point that if I saw they in person I would probably punch them in the face for Hella! :) I want to see what happens next for Hella and the rest of the group.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.

Pockets of the Dead is - on the surface - a great story about zombies and the apocalypse, yet it also examines humanity and the different ways in which people adapt to survive. While reading, I worried at times that there would be enough drama to sustain my interest throughout the remaining story, but this worry always proved unfounded. I really enjoyed this book - the final part in particular had me completely engrossed! I'd definitely be interested in reading the sequel (Hella Kills) which is due to be released later this year.

[Theta · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Hella at the start of the story comfort eating after her boyfriend accused her of cheating on a test. All of a sudden, her life changes forever as the zombie apocalypse happens.


I thought this book had an interesting spin on the zombies. Hella discovering she had a zombie (or zero, as she calls them) killing virus was a good idea, even if she did rely on it too much. Huck and Hella have a bit of a romantic attachment going on, but I wonder if Zeke will get dragged into a love triangle?

I did enjoy this book and I cannot wait to find out what happens in the second and third books.

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to read new spin on an old story! Karen does a great job of showing you that you dont always need the answers that you seek in order to find what you are looking for. I liked that, I love the Walking Dead and I have read other zombie books before but this one really did have a fresh take on it! You dont always have to kill the zombie in the same way, you dont always have to do what people think you should do!!! Just do what you know is right for you! Karen does a great job of bringing you the spin!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pockets of the Dead is an interesting take on a post-apocalyptic zombie world. The focus is more on the relationships between survivors than the struggle against the zombies. The zombies almost take a back seat to the story, which I most often prefer. Regardless, I still have conflicted feelings towards the book. I think I was looking for a stronger female lead. While I liked her, she seemed a bit immature and inconsistent at times.

Despite this, I enjoyed the story line (and the romantic relationship) and look forward to the second installment of this series.

[Heather Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

I absolutely loved this book! I thought the concept was amazing! I have read a lot of zombie/apocalypse books and I have yet to come across this concept yet. I think that the characters are well put together and I loved to read them interact. I am so stoked to read the next book in this series. I can't wait to see what lies in store for the remaining characters! I am glad that I have found another author to follow and binge read. Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!

[Brandi Matyk Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot of this book. A zombie apocalypse and a girl who is not only immune but sends out an "aura" that kills them up to 1000 feet away? Awesome. I couldn't give this book a 5 star though. There were several parts throughout the story that left me wondering what had just happened. It felt like the author started a scene and then just dropped it and went on to something else. Overall I am anticipating finishing the series to see what happens, and to find out how the apocalypse started and why Hella is immune.

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heroine is not what I would have written for an apocalyptic story. She doesn't adapt at all in fact she relies on her powers. I would think that was ok but then she has to rely on others when she is attacked by people. The heroine is not relatable or empathetic.

The story is compelling and very well written. That the story is the reason I gave it the stars because of the plot and how we got to see how the zombies were gore and all.

[Debra Jeakins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book hated the main character! Let me elaborate. Hella the main character in the book to me was so one dimensional. She needed more substance more depth. The plot and the book itself, great! Chocked full of Zombies,and action I loved the premise. A beefed up Hella would have made this book and future books( I know there's a sequel out there somewhere,) a 6 or 7 star.

I received this book from goodreads in exchange for a review

[Lucille Bransfield]

Really different zombie book!

I tried twice to win this book for a review. I got lucky the second time. I really liked this book and am definitely reading the rest of the series. This was very different then your average zombie read. The twist is that Hella gets bit and then is able to kill the zombies by being close to them. Interesting and disconcerting because she's scared people will find out. Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this great book!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this and I'm going to read the next one. Unfortunately the editing needs work. Extra words, out of place actions and confusing quotation marks tripped me up at every turn. As far as the plot it was a breath of fresh air in the zombie genre. I didn't always understand or agree with the choices that the main character, Hella, made but I liked her anyway.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pockets of the Dead is a wacky good zombie story. I'm glad there are 2 more in this series. Maybe by the end of book 3, Hella, the main character, will have both feet on the ground.

I gave this book a 4 rating because there isn't a 3 1/2 rating!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pockets of the Dead

What an interesting take on zombies. Great book it's hard to put down. If the apocalypse happens I want to be with Hella. she is my mind of girl, immune to zombie bites, can kill zombies and able to turn you into a zombie. Bella is my new heroine.

[Hmr28 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many many editing errors in this one. Lots of problems with plot (aura anyone? I could buy virus being airborne but an aura?) as well but I did enjoy it and will read the next one.

[Alvin Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair

Fair

It was okay,thought that it would be more. It starts out holding you but doesn't retain you in its grasp

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just didn't work for me