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El único lugar seguro que nos queda es la oscuridad
Quinton, un hombre gay VIH positivo, vive en una cabaña alejada en el bosque. Una serie de sucesos aterradores le obligarán a salir y a unirse a Billy, en la búsqueda de los medicamentos antirretrovirales que les permitan sobrevivir en un mundo… lleno de zombies.
El único lugar seguro que nos queda es la oscuridad ha sido alabado por la crítica debido a su ritmo rápido, la exploración de la memoria y la supervivencia, y la representación de personajes queer.
«Un grito crudo y primordial resuena en cada página de El único lugar seguro que nos queda es la oscuridad de Warren Wagner. Es el grito de una voz nueva, emocionante e impresionante, en la ficción de terror. Engañosamente inteligente y ferozmente brutal, la asombrosa novela de Warren Wagner es un testimonio de la supervivencia LGTBQ+ contra todo pronóstico: una celebración sangrienta y empapada de originalidad».
Eric Larocca, autor de Las cosas han empeorado desde la última vez que hablamos.
El único lugar seguro que nos queda es la oscuridad ha sido alabado por la crítica debido a su ritmo rápido, la exploración de la memoria y la supervivencia, y la representación de personajes queer.
«Un grito crudo y primordial resuena en cada página de El único lugar seguro que nos queda es la oscuridad de Warren Wagner. Es el grito de una voz nueva, emocionante e impresionante, en la ficción de terror. Engañosamente inteligente y ferozmente brutal, la asombrosa novela de Warren Wagner es un testimonio de la supervivencia LGTBQ+ contra todo pronóstico: una celebración sangrienta y empapada de originalidad».
Eric Larocca, autor de Las cosas han empeorado desde la última vez que hablamos.
159 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2023
7 people are currently reading
1548 people want to read
About the author
Warren Wagner
1 book34 followersAt 16, Warren Wagner realized he was gay at a memorial service for Ronald Reagan and it was all downhill from there. Wagner’s screenwriting has placed in multiple contests, most notably as a finalist in the Austin Film Festival screenplay competition. Whether it’s comedy, drama, or horror, Wagner’s queer perspective makes the material feel fresh and unique. His debut novella “The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark” comes out in 2023 from Ghoulish Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
July 22, 2024
The ideas behind this book were really solid. Can you imagine anything more horrifying than a zombie apocalypse where the zombies talk and suffer even as they are being driven by a virus forcing them to attack the living? Add to that being afflicted by a disease for which you need a consistent supply of medication.
Unfortunately for me the execution of that premise didn't quite work as well as I hoped it would. I had some serious issue believing in the timeline of events in the book (I know, I can suspend disbelief for talking zombies, but I draw the line at medication not going bad in 10+ years and timing being a little too plot convenient?) and the story was told in a choppy kind of way with flashback popping up every now and then (the flashbacks were actually one of the best part of the story as they felt the most polished and were emotionally powerful).
Also, and it would have been nice for that to be considered especially as we were already considering the character's illness.
The relationship between Quinton and Billy needed more space to grow and while we can assume it did grow in the time they supposedly spent on the road together we didn't really see any of that build up so Billy never really became a fully fleshed out character.
I received a review copy through BookSirens and this is my honest review.
Unfortunately for me the execution of that premise didn't quite work as well as I hoped it would. I had some serious issue believing in the timeline of events in the book (I know, I can suspend disbelief for talking zombies, but I draw the line at medication not going bad in 10+ years and timing being a little too plot convenient?) and the story was told in a choppy kind of way with flashback popping up every now and then (the flashbacks were actually one of the best part of the story as they felt the most polished and were emotionally powerful).
Also, and it would have been nice for that to be considered especially as we were already considering the character's illness.
The relationship between Quinton and Billy needed more space to grow and while we can assume it did grow in the time they supposedly spent on the road together we didn't really see any of that build up so Billy never really became a fully fleshed out character.
I received a review copy through BookSirens and this is my honest review.
September 18, 2023
They lived for those they lost. Until they could live for themselves again.
Okay, this novella shows great potential. It is difficult to get an, er, fresh take on the zombie genre, but Warren Wagner manages to throw in some truly startling moments that combine dread, horror, and uneasy empathy in a queasy cocktail. Undead babies, anyone?
I love Quinton’s backstory and the heartrending flashbacks to the death of his partner Frankie at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1990s. The symbolic link between the Afflicted, who desire only death, and AIDS victims, who only wanted more life, adds significant pathos to a book that makes for difficult reading at some points.
It seems rather odd that Quinton manages to spend a couple of decades alone in an isolated cabin, scrounging for HIV meds from small-town pharmacies in the area. But no idyll lasts forever. What ensues is truly horrific and unpredictable, showing that Quinton will do anything to survive. Until he meets another living human being.
While Quinton is a fully realised character, the same cannot be said of Billy. I got more mistrust than any hint of sexual attraction between the two. I wish that Wagner could have made this a bit longer to, er, flesh out the budding relationship between two damaged gay men at odds in a zombie dystopia.
There are also a couple of technical issues that took me out of the narrative. When the two finally realise that there is a spark flickering there, the scene takes place just after Billy has just sewn up some nasty bite marks inflicted on Quinton. Maybe love is greater than pain.
And then in the final showdown at the pharmaceutical factory and warehouse-slash-cult lodge, Quinton jumps out of a window at one point and injures his leg. He manages to crawl back into the building through another window into a laundry room and rips up a sheet to bandage his leg. Then suddenly we have him running down passageways, and no mention of the injured leg again.
It is the sort of continuity error that a good editor should pick up on immediately, and it is a real pity the novella is marred by a few of these. Still, I really enjoyed this. Punchy and visceral, it literally leaves you wanting more.
Okay, this novella shows great potential. It is difficult to get an, er, fresh take on the zombie genre, but Warren Wagner manages to throw in some truly startling moments that combine dread, horror, and uneasy empathy in a queasy cocktail. Undead babies, anyone?
I love Quinton’s backstory and the heartrending flashbacks to the death of his partner Frankie at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1990s. The symbolic link between the Afflicted, who desire only death, and AIDS victims, who only wanted more life, adds significant pathos to a book that makes for difficult reading at some points.
It seems rather odd that Quinton manages to spend a couple of decades alone in an isolated cabin, scrounging for HIV meds from small-town pharmacies in the area. But no idyll lasts forever. What ensues is truly horrific and unpredictable, showing that Quinton will do anything to survive. Until he meets another living human being.
While Quinton is a fully realised character, the same cannot be said of Billy. I got more mistrust than any hint of sexual attraction between the two. I wish that Wagner could have made this a bit longer to, er, flesh out the budding relationship between two damaged gay men at odds in a zombie dystopia.
There are also a couple of technical issues that took me out of the narrative. When the two finally realise that there is a spark flickering there, the scene takes place just after Billy has just sewn up some nasty bite marks inflicted on Quinton. Maybe love is greater than pain.
And then in the final showdown at the pharmaceutical factory and warehouse-slash-cult lodge, Quinton jumps out of a window at one point and injures his leg. He manages to crawl back into the building through another window into a laundry room and rips up a sheet to bandage his leg. Then suddenly we have him running down passageways, and no mention of the injured leg again.
It is the sort of continuity error that a good editor should pick up on immediately, and it is a real pity the novella is marred by a few of these. Still, I really enjoyed this. Punchy and visceral, it literally leaves you wanting more.
May 25, 2024
Hello everyone, I'm Mr. C Reviewer, and tonight we're discussing (He/Him) Warren Wagner's book, The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark. Being his first book from a screenplay and my first experience with his work if he writes any more books I would be eager to explore them.
I'd like to extend a huge thank you to booksirens for providing a copy of 'The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark' as an ARC in exchange for an optional honest review.
The book was first published August 29th, 2023. The narrative, told using third person perspective following Quinton, which spans 13 chapters and 92 pages.
Summary: A resilient HIV positive gay man must venture out of the seclusion of his woodland cabin and into the treacherous zombie-infested world to procure the lifesaving medication he needs to survive.
Review:
-I thoroughly enjoyed the unique premise of this story, which offered a fresh twist on the zombie genre. The narrative was gripping and tense, with a dark and thrilling atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author's skill in crafting the story was evident in the meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the character and setting descriptions. The eerie and haunting scenes of devastation, ruin, and death were masterfully woven throughout the story, creating a truly terrifying read.
I personally would have preferred if the story had started when the afflicted virus was first introduced, rather than filling us in on the details of Quentin's discovery a few months later. Starting the story 30 years later, while an interesting choice, for me made it feel a bit distracting at times. However, I was pleased that the story didn't take long to get started.
I was captivated by the unique approach the author took in integrating the HIV aspect into the story. The Afflicted, who were fully cognizant but lacked motor control, added a chilling and realistic touch to the story. Their desperate pleas for death and apologies, despite their bodies attacking healthy humans, added a layer of complexity to the story. The use of the term "Afflicted" instead of "zombies" further emphasized the realism and gravity of the situation.
While reading, I noticed a few aspects that could be improved upon. For instance, Quentin seems to travel an unusually long distance on foot within a short period of time, and he recovers remarkably quickly from his ordeals. These inconsistencies could be addressed by simply noting a number of days passing between action beats; it appears that all of the events take place within a couple of days.
While the book had its merits, its length and the resulting feeling of an unfinished story prevented me from fully immersing myself in its world. The story had the potential to be truly captivating, but unfortunately, the pacing and emotional beats fell short, resulting in a rushed and disjointed narrative. Despite this, I believe that with more time for development and a thorough edit, this story could have been something truly special.
-I found Quentin relatable, as the author skilfully incorporated small details that added depth to his character, such as his love for reading. The author's use of reflective narration allows us to intimately experience Quentin's emotional journey, as he grapples with the loss of his past love and the challenges of his final days. The present-day scenes, where Quentin takes action to survive, add a sense of urgency and tension to the story, making for a gripping and emotionally resonant read. The carefully crafted pacing of the narrative allowed us to gradually gain a deeper understanding of the protagonist's character, making it feel like the perfect moment to explore his complexities.
While Quinton is a fully fleshed-out character, I cannot say the same for Billy. The relationship between the two men lacks a hint of sexual attraction and instead is filled with mistrust. I wish the writer had expanded on the budding relationship between the two characters, as it feels rushed and a bit forced. Additionally, Winston's role at the Chapel is not properly explained, given the events that unfold.
-I wished that this book had its own audible so that I could have listened to it while I read along with my physical copy of the book. The heart of this story is one of loss and recovery. It's a powerful exploration of how we cope with the loss of someone close to us, and how we learn to live for ourselves again. The most famous line from the story captures this theme perfectly: 'They lived for those they lost. Until they could live for themselves again.' This poignant and thought-provoking tale is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and memory.
For each story that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it a 8 Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
I'd like to extend a huge thank you to booksirens for providing a copy of 'The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark' as an ARC in exchange for an optional honest review.
The book was first published August 29th, 2023. The narrative, told using third person perspective following Quinton, which spans 13 chapters and 92 pages.
Summary: A resilient HIV positive gay man must venture out of the seclusion of his woodland cabin and into the treacherous zombie-infested world to procure the lifesaving medication he needs to survive.
Review:
-I thoroughly enjoyed the unique premise of this story, which offered a fresh twist on the zombie genre. The narrative was gripping and tense, with a dark and thrilling atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author's skill in crafting the story was evident in the meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the character and setting descriptions. The eerie and haunting scenes of devastation, ruin, and death were masterfully woven throughout the story, creating a truly terrifying read.
I personally would have preferred if the story had started when the afflicted virus was first introduced, rather than filling us in on the details of Quentin's discovery a few months later. Starting the story 30 years later, while an interesting choice, for me made it feel a bit distracting at times. However, I was pleased that the story didn't take long to get started.
I was captivated by the unique approach the author took in integrating the HIV aspect into the story. The Afflicted, who were fully cognizant but lacked motor control, added a chilling and realistic touch to the story. Their desperate pleas for death and apologies, despite their bodies attacking healthy humans, added a layer of complexity to the story. The use of the term "Afflicted" instead of "zombies" further emphasized the realism and gravity of the situation.
While reading, I noticed a few aspects that could be improved upon. For instance, Quentin seems to travel an unusually long distance on foot within a short period of time, and he recovers remarkably quickly from his ordeals. These inconsistencies could be addressed by simply noting a number of days passing between action beats; it appears that all of the events take place within a couple of days.
While the book had its merits, its length and the resulting feeling of an unfinished story prevented me from fully immersing myself in its world. The story had the potential to be truly captivating, but unfortunately, the pacing and emotional beats fell short, resulting in a rushed and disjointed narrative. Despite this, I believe that with more time for development and a thorough edit, this story could have been something truly special.
-I found Quentin relatable, as the author skilfully incorporated small details that added depth to his character, such as his love for reading. The author's use of reflective narration allows us to intimately experience Quentin's emotional journey, as he grapples with the loss of his past love and the challenges of his final days. The present-day scenes, where Quentin takes action to survive, add a sense of urgency and tension to the story, making for a gripping and emotionally resonant read. The carefully crafted pacing of the narrative allowed us to gradually gain a deeper understanding of the protagonist's character, making it feel like the perfect moment to explore his complexities.
While Quinton is a fully fleshed-out character, I cannot say the same for Billy. The relationship between the two men lacks a hint of sexual attraction and instead is filled with mistrust. I wish the writer had expanded on the budding relationship between the two characters, as it feels rushed and a bit forced. Additionally, Winston's role at the Chapel is not properly explained, given the events that unfold.
-I wished that this book had its own audible so that I could have listened to it while I read along with my physical copy of the book. The heart of this story is one of loss and recovery. It's a powerful exploration of how we cope with the loss of someone close to us, and how we learn to live for ourselves again. The most famous line from the story captures this theme perfectly: 'They lived for those they lost. Until they could live for themselves again.' This poignant and thought-provoking tale is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and memory.
For each story that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it a 8 Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
April 16, 2024
By the summer of 1988, the only thing holding Frankie’s bones together was his skin.
From the very first line, you know The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark will be a bleak, unsettling tale, and it surely delivers. It's a unique perspective on a post-apocalyptic "infected" scenario, and Quinton is an easy character to empathize with. The writing was lovely, the pacing was solid, and the underlying plot about Quinton's experiences as an HIV+ gay man in the 80s was absolutely heartbreaking.
My only complaint is that I wish this story had been longer! I think it would've worked beautifully as a 150- to 200-page novella, and then we would have had more time to watch certain emotional elements and characters develop, which would have allowed the story's high stakes to be even better. That said, I still immensely enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
Thank you to BookSirens for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: Quinton is gay and HIV+; mentions of a (deceased) gay character; Billy is Black, gay, and HIV+
✨ Content warnings for:
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August 15, 2023
Yall...
I was not emotionally ready for this book. You can look at my notes and see my reactions as I read it.
Yes, this was a horror story about zombie like humans called the afflicted, but the way it was told sucked me in from the first page. Quentin was the lucky one who survived not only HIV but the apocalypse as well. He lived in a cabin for 30 years until the horrible people showed up and smashed the pills he needed to keep the HIV at bay.
As he was searching for meds, he meets Billy, who also has HIV and needs the pills. Billy convinces Quentin to go with him to a factory where the pills were made. When they got there, they found a cult had sprung up there. That place is the scene of the most horrible 80% breakup ever, and then Quentin realizes he needs to live and not hide.
During this whole story, he flashes back to Frankie who died of complications of AIDS. He and Frankie only knew each other for 6 months, but they knew instantly that they were meant to be. Because his love died, he left and hid in the cabin.
While you can definitely tell that this was written by someone new, that did not bother me. The writer was able to get the emotions across and that is what mattered.
And omg, that hospital baby scene? That was done well.
My only criticism was the length. This one needed to be a bit longer and give a bit more details before the next chapter.
I was not emotionally ready for this book. You can look at my notes and see my reactions as I read it.
Yes, this was a horror story about zombie like humans called the afflicted, but the way it was told sucked me in from the first page. Quentin was the lucky one who survived not only HIV but the apocalypse as well. He lived in a cabin for 30 years until the horrible people showed up and smashed the pills he needed to keep the HIV at bay.
As he was searching for meds, he meets Billy, who also has HIV and needs the pills. Billy convinces Quentin to go with him to a factory where the pills were made. When they got there, they found a cult had sprung up there. That place is the scene of the most horrible 80% breakup ever, and then Quentin realizes he needs to live and not hide.
During this whole story, he flashes back to Frankie who died of complications of AIDS. He and Frankie only knew each other for 6 months, but they knew instantly that they were meant to be. Because his love died, he left and hid in the cabin.
While you can definitely tell that this was written by someone new, that did not bother me. The writer was able to get the emotions across and that is what mattered.
And omg, that hospital baby scene? That was done well.
My only criticism was the length. This one needed to be a bit longer and give a bit more details before the next chapter.
September 17, 2023
Ok, now this is more like it. It's a down and dirty, read it in one sitting, queer zombie novella unlike anything you've ever read. And those poor zombies! They are people who contracted a new virus that keeps them alert and aware as they rot away to nothing, but it also takes control of all of their motor skills, so they can't help but chase after you screaming at you to please kill them and run like hell and then apologize to you for the gorefest they are about to unleash on your bodies.
And in this chaotic new world, there's Quinton, an HIV+ gay man who has been holed up in a cabin for decades, far removed from this horrorfest until a group of hillbillies break in, destroy his meds, and threaten his safety. Forced out into the zombiepocalypse to scrounge up as many bottles of the life saving medication as he can before going to back into hiding, he meets another HIV+ guy named Billy who is on a similar mission, and the two head off towards the Mayner Pharmaceuticals warehouse where they hope to hit the motherload. Instead, they discover much more than they bargained for.
Bloody but with a bunch of heart, The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark is a perfectly quick, cheeky read for a wet rainy afternoon.
And in this chaotic new world, there's Quinton, an HIV+ gay man who has been holed up in a cabin for decades, far removed from this horrorfest until a group of hillbillies break in, destroy his meds, and threaten his safety. Forced out into the zombiepocalypse to scrounge up as many bottles of the life saving medication as he can before going to back into hiding, he meets another HIV+ guy named Billy who is on a similar mission, and the two head off towards the Mayner Pharmaceuticals warehouse where they hope to hit the motherload. Instead, they discover much more than they bargained for.
Bloody but with a bunch of heart, The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark is a perfectly quick, cheeky read for a wet rainy afternoon.
March 16, 2024
4.5/5
Tan sencilla, en apariencia y extensión, pero tan completa.
Y mira que no soy un fanático de lo zombie.
Un novelette redonda, llena de matices muy interesantes, y con una historia de amor, resistencia y lucha que adquiere una dimensión extra al llevarlo a la historia del colectivo gay en los últimos años.
Menos oscuridad y más luz.
Tan sencilla, en apariencia y extensión, pero tan completa.
Y mira que no soy un fanático de lo zombie.
Un novelette redonda, llena de matices muy interesantes, y con una historia de amor, resistencia y lucha que adquiere una dimensión extra al llevarlo a la historia del colectivo gay en los últimos años.
Menos oscuridad y más luz.
October 3, 2024
The kinship I feel towards queers who’ve been immeasurably moved by Larry Kramer is endless!
There are 31 days in October. After a quick calculation, that means the month has a total of 744 hours. Each one of those hours is a perfect opportunity to read this creeping novella that deploys a creative reimagining of HIV amidst a totally distinct viral apocalypse and an emerging landscape of bioterrorism. The genius behind this narrative approach is in understanding the parallels to the biopolitical background in which HIV emerged in the ‘80s. I read this in under an hour and enjoyed every minute. There’s always give-and-take with these punchy short novellas, and if it were longer, I would expect more depth to the characters and the world in which they’re surviving. But relative to its length, this story covers a significant amount of ground both emotionally and action-wise.
———————————————————————————
“Those who weren't killed were left waiting. Waiting for a cure. Waiting for the end. They weren't dead yet, but they weren't alive either.”
“They lived for those they lost. Until they could live for themselves again… zombie and start living. He needs to find people-his people. While discussing gay sex and love in the 80s, Larry Kramer once said, ‘The only safe place left is the dark.’ It's time to go into the light, or at least fucking try.”
There are 31 days in October. After a quick calculation, that means the month has a total of 744 hours. Each one of those hours is a perfect opportunity to read this creeping novella that deploys a creative reimagining of HIV amidst a totally distinct viral apocalypse and an emerging landscape of bioterrorism. The genius behind this narrative approach is in understanding the parallels to the biopolitical background in which HIV emerged in the ‘80s. I read this in under an hour and enjoyed every minute. There’s always give-and-take with these punchy short novellas, and if it were longer, I would expect more depth to the characters and the world in which they’re surviving. But relative to its length, this story covers a significant amount of ground both emotionally and action-wise.
———————————————————————————
“Those who weren't killed were left waiting. Waiting for a cure. Waiting for the end. They weren't dead yet, but they weren't alive either.”
“They lived for those they lost. Until they could live for themselves again… zombie and start living. He needs to find people-his people. While discussing gay sex and love in the 80s, Larry Kramer once said, ‘The only safe place left is the dark.’ It's time to go into the light, or at least fucking try.”
April 18, 2024
So we all know about zombies, right? And it’s a trope that is overplayed and oversaturated in popular culture since at least 2015. They are everywhere and impossible to ignore. If it wasn't from -George Romero Living Dead series than you probably have seen them on tv because of the walking dead or one of its thousand spin offs or the 2000 movies and bo0ks than have come out in recent years. How could anyone possibly bring anything new to the viral outbreak zombie post-apocalypse narrative, everything's already been done right?
Well then you haven't heard of Warren Wagner or The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark because this is the zombie apocalypse like you have NEVER READ before.
This LGBTQIA narrative starts 20 years after the world went to shit and centers around a gay HIV-positive man and his search for the antiretroviral therapy drugs necessary for his survival in a world with no doctors, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers or civil society. Just the screaming undead, survivors and the crumbling remnants of what was once considered the American dream.
this is a character-driven novel more so than plot, a love story just as much as it is a zombie narrative. It differs from other zombie narratives by focusing more on the character's journey of mourning, grief, acceptance and survival vs living than it does on the actual zombies. The zombies are people you feel sympathy and the virus is more terrifying than the traditional brainless undead because of they can't control their bodies or actions but are cognisant, alert, and aware of the harm, violence, and death that they cause to their loved ones and all those they infect. The surviving humans are the real danger waiting for him outside the cabin. After 20 years of isolation is he able to start living and stop just surviving in this new world or will it eat him alive.
Well then you haven't heard of Warren Wagner or The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark because this is the zombie apocalypse like you have NEVER READ before.
This LGBTQIA narrative starts 20 years after the world went to shit and centers around a gay HIV-positive man and his search for the antiretroviral therapy drugs necessary for his survival in a world with no doctors, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers or civil society. Just the screaming undead, survivors and the crumbling remnants of what was once considered the American dream.
this is a character-driven novel more so than plot, a love story just as much as it is a zombie narrative. It differs from other zombie narratives by focusing more on the character's journey of mourning, grief, acceptance and survival vs living than it does on the actual zombies. The zombies are people you feel sympathy and the virus is more terrifying than the traditional brainless undead because of they can't control their bodies or actions but are cognisant, alert, and aware of the harm, violence, and death that they cause to their loved ones and all those they infect. The surviving humans are the real danger waiting for him outside the cabin. After 20 years of isolation is he able to start living and stop just surviving in this new world or will it eat him alive.
August 31, 2023
The premise of this book instantly grabbed my attention. I love post-apocalyptic novels and I love zombies, so I was thrilled to find this standalone novella.
Unfortunately, I found this book to have several issues, and I feel that the story suffered due to how short it was. There simply wasn't enough pageroom to really introduce the world and how it worked, and the little we did get didn't really make much sense. I found it odd how few zombies there seemed to be and how it was relatively safe for Quinton to move around.
I really loved how the author tied in the HIV aspect and did something new with zombies – namely that despite the zombie virus people retain their own consciousness, so they're aware of what's happening with them. I mean, what a horrific thought! That being said, I found it anatomically unrealistic that they were still able to speak and cry as all their soft tissues were decaying and quite literally sliding off their bodies.
There were also issues with continuity. One moment Quinton is super injured, struggles to walk, the next he's fighting, running and carrying a body like it's no big deal. He was also able to walk several hundred miles with an injured leg in what seemed like two days tops. If there was an intended time jump, it wasn't clear.
I wasn't really a fan of the characters either, as they felt very juvenile despite being at least in their late 40s or early 50s. The choices they made didn't really make sense for people who have lived decades in a zombie-infested world.
All in all, I was hoping for more, but I'm still glad I decided to pick this up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Unfortunately, I found this book to have several issues, and I feel that the story suffered due to how short it was. There simply wasn't enough pageroom to really introduce the world and how it worked, and the little we did get didn't really make much sense. I found it odd how few zombies there seemed to be and how it was relatively safe for Quinton to move around.
I really loved how the author tied in the HIV aspect and did something new with zombies – namely that despite the zombie virus people retain their own consciousness, so they're aware of what's happening with them. I mean, what a horrific thought! That being said, I found it anatomically unrealistic that they were still able to speak and cry as all their soft tissues were decaying and quite literally sliding off their bodies.
There were also issues with continuity. One moment Quinton is super injured, struggles to walk, the next he's fighting, running and carrying a body like it's no big deal. He was also able to walk several hundred miles with an injured leg in what seemed like two days tops. If there was an intended time jump, it wasn't clear.
I wasn't really a fan of the characters either, as they felt very juvenile despite being at least in their late 40s or early 50s. The choices they made didn't really make sense for people who have lived decades in a zombie-infested world.
All in all, I was hoping for more, but I'm still glad I decided to pick this up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2023
"They lived for those they lost. Until they could live for themselves again. "
[3.5 stars] This book removes all the fluff and cuts straight to the meat of the story; it's gruesome, tragic and maddening. Quinton, on top of having to manage his HIV in a world that punishes and ostracizes for his mere sexual orientation, also has to learn how to survive in a zombie apocalypse — and after being alone for so long, he has to learn how to open himself up again while wrestling for his survivor against different kinds of monsters, including grief. There are two timelines being shown, one with the advent of HIV, and the other in the midst of the zombie apocalypse; they draw a parallel to each other and eventually intersect, resulting in a different yet similar outcome.
Despite being short, the novella is an emotional rollercoaster that goes through dangerous loops and sudden turns, and just when you think there is a slight beacon of light, it gets dimmed by yet another tragedy. And I kind of like that, it's unapologetically bleak. But I did find myself wishing for more in the end.
Would recommend to anyone who loves dystopian/apocalyptic short horror books.
Thank you BookSirens and Ghoulish Books for the advance review copy, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
[3.5 stars] This book removes all the fluff and cuts straight to the meat of the story; it's gruesome, tragic and maddening. Quinton, on top of having to manage his HIV in a world that punishes and ostracizes for his mere sexual orientation, also has to learn how to survive in a zombie apocalypse — and after being alone for so long, he has to learn how to open himself up again while wrestling for his survivor against different kinds of monsters, including grief. There are two timelines being shown, one with the advent of HIV, and the other in the midst of the zombie apocalypse; they draw a parallel to each other and eventually intersect, resulting in a different yet similar outcome.
Despite being short, the novella is an emotional rollercoaster that goes through dangerous loops and sudden turns, and just when you think there is a slight beacon of light, it gets dimmed by yet another tragedy. And I kind of like that, it's unapologetically bleak. But I did find myself wishing for more in the end.
Would recommend to anyone who loves dystopian/apocalyptic short horror books.
Thank you BookSirens and Ghoulish Books for the advance review copy, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2024
The ending got me
September 8, 2023
I'm going to be honest, it isn't entirely often these days, that I find a horror book with a unique concept I haven't seen somewhere before, or seen played out in a book in some roundabout way. When I saw the description of this on Book Sirens, I immediately had to request it. Apocalypse stories tend to not be my favourite. Usually, they are very similar stories, they play out very similarly, and the idea of survival is similar; A virus turns people into zombies, zombies eat healthy people, healthy people turn, and the cycle continues. This affects the main character etc.
Whilst this book has the main outside of an apocalypse read, it changes very drastically, in the way that instead of main character Quinton just surviving the outbreak by finding food and water, he needs to find Combivir- the drug that keeps him alive, and stops his HIV progressing.
Never have I seen a horror book, about the AIDS epidemic and the treatments that came to save people with HIV then developing it. the entire read encompasses the topic, in a way where it's weaved in, creatively and sensitively. It is by no means an easy story to read. Quinton finds himself in a dire situation when his entire stash of life-saving meds is destroyed, and I found myself willing him to survive and find what he needs. After being alone for so long, Quinton doesn't know what it's like to not just need to survive daily, both with the apocalypse and his need for his medication.
The description of the 'zombies' also known as 'The afflicted', are alive yet dead, hoping for the relief of death, as they wither away, skin shredding from their bodies, until they are nothing but skin and bone. I had a great conversation with Warren, as I asked if 'The Afflicted' were described in such a way, to be in similar way to those on their deathbeds with AIDs. He mentioned he was 'haunted by images of the men who were dying from AIDS', wasting away, until they get to a point of living death.
This book is a fantastic way of melding together important topics such as the aids epidemic and its history, and adding the horror of the apocalypse. Real-life horror and fantasy horror are connected in such a way you cannot differentiate from them. An absolute must-read, especially for all my LGBTQ people waiting for a story that has a non-stereotypical gay horror characters and plotline.
Whilst this book has the main outside of an apocalypse read, it changes very drastically, in the way that instead of main character Quinton just surviving the outbreak by finding food and water, he needs to find Combivir- the drug that keeps him alive, and stops his HIV progressing.
Never have I seen a horror book, about the AIDS epidemic and the treatments that came to save people with HIV then developing it. the entire read encompasses the topic, in a way where it's weaved in, creatively and sensitively. It is by no means an easy story to read. Quinton finds himself in a dire situation when his entire stash of life-saving meds is destroyed, and I found myself willing him to survive and find what he needs. After being alone for so long, Quinton doesn't know what it's like to not just need to survive daily, both with the apocalypse and his need for his medication.
The description of the 'zombies' also known as 'The afflicted', are alive yet dead, hoping for the relief of death, as they wither away, skin shredding from their bodies, until they are nothing but skin and bone. I had a great conversation with Warren, as I asked if 'The Afflicted' were described in such a way, to be in similar way to those on their deathbeds with AIDs. He mentioned he was 'haunted by images of the men who were dying from AIDS', wasting away, until they get to a point of living death.
This book is a fantastic way of melding together important topics such as the aids epidemic and its history, and adding the horror of the apocalypse. Real-life horror and fantasy horror are connected in such a way you cannot differentiate from them. An absolute must-read, especially for all my LGBTQ people waiting for a story that has a non-stereotypical gay horror characters and plotline.
November 2, 2023
I was extremely impressed with this short novella.
Not only it uses a queer perspective in order to challenge a very tired horror trope, but that perspective also turns the same tired horror trope into a metaphor: when you suffer from HIV, you have to fight to stay alive even if you know the reaper's coming anyway. It's smart, it's got a quite gripping love story featuring a protagonist who's only live short romances in his life and it's equally cerebral as it is visceral.
It was over before it even started, but I had a wicked good time with it.
Not only it uses a queer perspective in order to challenge a very tired horror trope, but that perspective also turns the same tired horror trope into a metaphor: when you suffer from HIV, you have to fight to stay alive even if you know the reaper's coming anyway. It's smart, it's got a quite gripping love story featuring a protagonist who's only live short romances in his life and it's equally cerebral as it is visceral.
It was over before it even started, but I had a wicked good time with it.
August 20, 2023
“They lived for those they lost. Until they could live for themselves again.”
📚
The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark is a debut horror novella set in a post-apocalyptic, pandemic-ravaged America. Alternating between modern-day 2023 and 1980s–1990s flashbacks following the AIDS crisis, the storyline follows protagonist Quinton Booker, an HIV-positive man who lives a self-sufficient life in the isolated wilderness. Having resided in a one-room cabin for nearly 30 years haunted by memories of his partner, Frankie, who died from AIDS, Quinton operates on autopilot, roughened from years of solitude, embittered over prior injustices, and hardened against the idea of humanity, love, and community.
After he is attacked by a group of ruffians who destroy his supply of lifesaving medication, Quinton is forced to embark on a dangerous journey into zombie-infested territory in search of more. What follows is a devastating, page-turning read that offers several unique twists on the zombie apocalypse, including the most horrifyingly visceral take on zombies this reader has yet experienced. Brutal realities are presented with stark clarity and ease, allowing the reader to make it through absolutely gut-wrenching sections seemingly unscathed, only to have the insurmountable degree of horror take root immediately after. Brief moments of humor, kindness, and empathy balance the gore and brutality, while sadness, cruelty, and desolation underscore the entire narrative, made even more disturbing by their basis in reality.
A longer length would have allowed the author to give more depth to certain characters, which in turn would have enabled the reader to become more attached to and invested in them; it would also have made one particular section more plausible. However, the main characters and surrounding sections are effective, moving, believable, and fantastic enough to pull the reader back into the story and through to a really powerful conclusion.
This was a tense, dark, thrilling, and terrifying read filled with eerie, haunting scenes of devastation, ruin, and death. Those elements coupled with a compelling title and cover art — both of which are expertly woven into the narrative — produce a downright amazing and unforgettable novella filled with impactful moments and resonant themes.
Thank you to Ghoulish Books and BookSirens for allowing me to read and review a digital ARC of this forthcoming release. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
📚
The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark is a debut horror novella set in a post-apocalyptic, pandemic-ravaged America. Alternating between modern-day 2023 and 1980s–1990s flashbacks following the AIDS crisis, the storyline follows protagonist Quinton Booker, an HIV-positive man who lives a self-sufficient life in the isolated wilderness. Having resided in a one-room cabin for nearly 30 years haunted by memories of his partner, Frankie, who died from AIDS, Quinton operates on autopilot, roughened from years of solitude, embittered over prior injustices, and hardened against the idea of humanity, love, and community.
After he is attacked by a group of ruffians who destroy his supply of lifesaving medication, Quinton is forced to embark on a dangerous journey into zombie-infested territory in search of more. What follows is a devastating, page-turning read that offers several unique twists on the zombie apocalypse, including the most horrifyingly visceral take on zombies this reader has yet experienced. Brutal realities are presented with stark clarity and ease, allowing the reader to make it through absolutely gut-wrenching sections seemingly unscathed, only to have the insurmountable degree of horror take root immediately after. Brief moments of humor, kindness, and empathy balance the gore and brutality, while sadness, cruelty, and desolation underscore the entire narrative, made even more disturbing by their basis in reality.
A longer length would have allowed the author to give more depth to certain characters, which in turn would have enabled the reader to become more attached to and invested in them; it would also have made one particular section more plausible. However, the main characters and surrounding sections are effective, moving, believable, and fantastic enough to pull the reader back into the story and through to a really powerful conclusion.
This was a tense, dark, thrilling, and terrifying read filled with eerie, haunting scenes of devastation, ruin, and death. Those elements coupled with a compelling title and cover art — both of which are expertly woven into the narrative — produce a downright amazing and unforgettable novella filled with impactful moments and resonant themes.
Thank you to Ghoulish Books and BookSirens for allowing me to read and review a digital ARC of this forthcoming release. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2023
Well. In lesser hands, this dark story would have gone into hyperbole, been reduced to antihomophobic ranting and drowned in melodrama. Warren Wagner's 'The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark' is anything but; a genuine queer horror story (better yet, a horror novella, period), brimming with originality, understanding, and gruesome, raw horror. Told in the third person, at perfect length and with impressive writing, the novella portrays a gay man afflicted with HIV trying to get the meds he needs to stay alive, while society has collapsed all around him: people have turned into zombies without losing their consciousness - they're fully aware of what their body is making them do and plead to be killed so that they no longer kill others. These are the Afflicted, and they have to be avoided at all costs; fortunately, they themselves cry out and give warning of their presence, either by begging people to keep away, or by complaining non-stop about their predicament. Amid all this, an admittedly rather funny (at first) situation of zombies running while screaming at everyone to avoid them, Quinton, the HIV positive gay man, stands as a live contradiction: a symbol of loss and grief, of the past, yet all the while trying to secure his means of survival in the future. It's a rather poignant situation, occasionally heartbreaking, yet the author never loses sight of the apocalyptic character of his story, setting up an action-packed, emotionally heavy, and fast-paced narrative with interesting characters and intriguing developments. The presence of straight men always as toxic and violent, and the absence of women (with one major exception and a couple of secondary ones, which rather prove the point) was a bit unsettling and may be intentional, but I only became aware of it after finishing the story. Perhaps this is the reason this should be labelled "queer horror," though I do not commit myself to labels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 16, 2023
Every time I think I can't be impressed or excited about a zombie story a new author (or new-to-me author) comes out and totally surprises me! THE ONLY SAFE PLACE LEFT IS THE DARK by Warren Wagner is not your run of the mill zombie story, which is why I loved it so much. It is layered and complex, but also extremely engaging and evocative.
There are two timelines going on that will both destroy you on the journey. THE ONLY SAFE PLACE LEFT IS THE DARK is The Normal Heart meets The Last of Us to me, in themes, subtext, and in your face truths. It's Queer and emotional and exciting and scary and soul-crushing and breathtaking and haunting and ... you see I could keep on with this but I think you get the point!
Wagner explores HIV/AIDS as a plague that took millions of lives, futures, families, friends, and more. And it gets paired up with a new virus sweeping across the world that is turning victims into "the Afflicted." Which is worse? Both? Who will survive and how? Will humanity change?
A quick and powerful read that everyone can benefit from experiencing and one that I hope to revisit sometime. Wagner is definitely new to me as an author and I am already excited for more to come!
There are two timelines going on that will both destroy you on the journey. THE ONLY SAFE PLACE LEFT IS THE DARK is The Normal Heart meets The Last of Us to me, in themes, subtext, and in your face truths. It's Queer and emotional and exciting and scary and soul-crushing and breathtaking and haunting and ... you see I could keep on with this but I think you get the point!
Wagner explores HIV/AIDS as a plague that took millions of lives, futures, families, friends, and more. And it gets paired up with a new virus sweeping across the world that is turning victims into "the Afflicted." Which is worse? Both? Who will survive and how? Will humanity change?
A quick and powerful read that everyone can benefit from experiencing and one that I hope to revisit sometime. Wagner is definitely new to me as an author and I am already excited for more to come!
October 9, 2023
It takes a lot for me to be surprised by a zombie apocalypse story, but this novella did it. The Only Safe Place Left Is The Dark is about an HIV positive man trying to find the medicine he needs to survive the apocalypse. It’s dark, bloody, terrifying, and somehow heart-warming.
I’ll be thinking about this novella for a long long time and really can’t recommend it enough. Be prepared, book club, for me to be obnoxious about it!
I’ll be thinking about this novella for a long long time and really can’t recommend it enough. Be prepared, book club, for me to be obnoxious about it!
September 25, 2025
3.5, rounded up! This novella merged my two loves into one: zombies and gay people! I’ve never digested any zombie media like this one; it’s really creative how Wagner tied the AIDS crisis to the zombie apocalypse.
As much as I liked the world, it was quite rushed and would do better with smoother transitions. Also some notable grammar mistakes which interrupted the flow
As much as I liked the world, it was quite rushed and would do better with smoother transitions. Also some notable grammar mistakes which interrupted the flow
December 31, 2023
October 2023. This debut novella is a gay horror story centering a HIV+ gay man in his 50’s, Quentin. A lone survivor of the AIDS epidemic that killed everyone he knew and loved during his 20’s, he has turned survivalist in the wake of a zombie apocalypse. He is forced to leave the safety of his remote cabin and decades of isolation to find a pharmacy that still has his medication combivir in stock.
4/5 stars for me. It provides a unique and successfully unsettling take on the zombie genre by having The Afflicted be fully cognizant but lacking motor control, so they beg in horror to die and apologize while their bodies attack healthy humans.
The plot structure switches between flashbacks and reflections from Quentin on his final days with his lover thirty years ago, as he wasted away from AIDS, and the present times as Quentin takes action to survive.
I found myself moved and invested in both the past and present perspectives, and read this in one sitting.
My main criticism would be of some of the inconsistencies of the timeline and affects of injury and zombie virus on the human body. Quentin seems to travel remarkably far on foot in short periods of time and recover strangely quickly, most of which could’ve been solved by a quick tweak of noting a number of days passing between action beats; it appears to all occur in a couple days.
Additionally, the levels of rotting and decomposition between freshly zombified bodies and bodies zombified for far longer (up to 30 years) and how that affects their ability to be mobile or attack seems pretty inconsistent. It seems like having the zombie apocalypse have been more recent could’ve avoided some of that, or simply indicating that when Quentin went near that hospital X months ago it was still full of normal humans. I didn’t see a clear indication why the apocalypse had to occur in 1997 and then why 30 years had to pass before the story starts, beyond that it’s sad to isolate for 30 years.
Overall, while this was a bit distracting, I still very much appreciated and was engaged by the novella.
Still a bit behind on posting; I have a couple novels and manga from this month I have yet to post a review for and will get to. I wanted to post this one right away as I received a review copy via BookSirens for free, and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
If you’re curious, definitely check this out. It’s a quick read, and does something new and interesting, while tying it into the past tragedy that was the AIDS epidemic.
Note: the title is a quote by Larry Kramer, who wrote about sex and love as a gay man during the epidemic.
“The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark” by Warren Wagner.
4/5 stars for me. It provides a unique and successfully unsettling take on the zombie genre by having The Afflicted be fully cognizant but lacking motor control, so they beg in horror to die and apologize while their bodies attack healthy humans.
The plot structure switches between flashbacks and reflections from Quentin on his final days with his lover thirty years ago, as he wasted away from AIDS, and the present times as Quentin takes action to survive.
I found myself moved and invested in both the past and present perspectives, and read this in one sitting.
My main criticism would be of some of the inconsistencies of the timeline and affects of injury and zombie virus on the human body. Quentin seems to travel remarkably far on foot in short periods of time and recover strangely quickly, most of which could’ve been solved by a quick tweak of noting a number of days passing between action beats; it appears to all occur in a couple days.
Additionally, the levels of rotting and decomposition between freshly zombified bodies and bodies zombified for far longer (up to 30 years) and how that affects their ability to be mobile or attack seems pretty inconsistent. It seems like having the zombie apocalypse have been more recent could’ve avoided some of that, or simply indicating that when Quentin went near that hospital X months ago it was still full of normal humans. I didn’t see a clear indication why the apocalypse had to occur in 1997 and then why 30 years had to pass before the story starts, beyond that it’s sad to isolate for 30 years.
Overall, while this was a bit distracting, I still very much appreciated and was engaged by the novella.
Still a bit behind on posting; I have a couple novels and manga from this month I have yet to post a review for and will get to. I wanted to post this one right away as I received a review copy via BookSirens for free, and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
If you’re curious, definitely check this out. It’s a quick read, and does something new and interesting, while tying it into the past tragedy that was the AIDS epidemic.
Note: the title is a quote by Larry Kramer, who wrote about sex and love as a gay man during the epidemic.
“The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark” by Warren Wagner.
September 2, 2023
Overall I did enjoy this novella, largely because the story and premise were both interesting.
There were however a few problems that I encountered that might be due to the length, but also because this is a first work.
The most obvious issue is one of continuity. Some events in the story simply did not connect to the following ones. These gaps were noticeable but I was able to just move past them as they were not that disruptive to the overall action. (Another go at proof reading might be in order?)
The second issue that would keep this from being widely read is the “agenda”. I thought this was a zombie book, but this is written from the perspective of a gay, HIV+ character with all that it entails. The pervasive “grievances” and victimhood and bashing of non-gays was pulled back or tempered by the author right up to the line where I would have bailed, but my line may be different than the average reader.
This is an excellent first effort and it would benefit from longer length and expansion and more focus on just surviving in an apocalyptic world, regardless of sexuality.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were however a few problems that I encountered that might be due to the length, but also because this is a first work.
The most obvious issue is one of continuity. Some events in the story simply did not connect to the following ones. These gaps were noticeable but I was able to just move past them as they were not that disruptive to the overall action. (Another go at proof reading might be in order?)
The second issue that would keep this from being widely read is the “agenda”. I thought this was a zombie book, but this is written from the perspective of a gay, HIV+ character with all that it entails. The pervasive “grievances” and victimhood and bashing of non-gays was pulled back or tempered by the author right up to the line where I would have bailed, but my line may be different than the average reader.
This is an excellent first effort and it would benefit from longer length and expansion and more focus on just surviving in an apocalyptic world, regardless of sexuality.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2023
This was quite the ride! A short novella but it really packs a punch.
I’m not even sure where to start. The social commentary on the AIDS epidemic was poignant and so well done. It was handled with care while still being very truthful. And using horror to show just how awful it is? Amazing.
So much body horror. Unflinching! Except I was flinching! Not a fan of gore; however, it wasn’t super gratuitous like a lot of horror novels/movies use as a scare tactic. I liked that it all seemed necessary.
The Quinton/Billy dynamic was strange and I wish it would’ve been expanded on more. It just randomly happened and the reader is just forced to go along. I needed more.
Definitely a fun read in October. I enjoyed this!
I received an ARC from BookSirens and Ghoulish Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I’m not even sure where to start. The social commentary on the AIDS epidemic was poignant and so well done. It was handled with care while still being very truthful. And using horror to show just how awful it is? Amazing.
So much body horror. Unflinching! Except I was flinching! Not a fan of gore; however, it wasn’t super gratuitous like a lot of horror novels/movies use as a scare tactic. I liked that it all seemed necessary.
The Quinton/Billy dynamic was strange and I wish it would’ve been expanded on more. It just randomly happened and the reader is just forced to go along. I needed more.
Definitely a fun read in October. I enjoyed this!
I received an ARC from BookSirens and Ghoulish Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
November 16, 2024
This was a solid post-apocalyptic novella. There were some grammar typos and the pacing was a bit off. The gore descriptions were a bit much sometimes, but I would say that overall it was pretty tame.
June 15, 2024
Kept alive for 26 years by his antiretroviral medication Quinton is one of the few humans who survived the zombie apocalypse, survived being the operative word as he’s not really living, just surviving. He’s all but given up on love and compassion, or anything ever getting better. His love for his deceased boyfriend, Frankie, brought him so much pain he’s now become a gruff loner. It’s safe to say Quinton may also be suffering from survivor’s guilt as both he and his boyfriend were HIV positive, but he survived while Frankie died. Worse, Frankie died when Quinton wasn’t there. The story switches between Quinton’s memories of Frankie’s last days and the present.
While out scavenging for more antiretroviral Quinton meets Billy, a fellow gay man who’s managed to survive the apocalypse and is also HIV positive. But while Quinton has become cold, Billy still openly cares for others, which Quinton sees as a liability. Billy also believes in working together and the importance of community while Quinton prefers to avoid other people. We learn that one of the reasons Billy has stayed alive so long is because those who are HIV positive are immune to the zombie virus. I thought this was an interesting twist as outside of The Last of Us, Cooties and Blood Quantum I’ve never seen a human with a natural immunity to Zombies in media. AIDS ravages the immune system, yet for some reason protects Quinton and Billy from turning into Afflicted. Being the kind of person who reads science articles about theoretical zombie biology, I did want to know how it all worked, but honestly an explanation isn’t important to the narrative.
I had a few nitpicks when it came to Billy, a Black character. While he was written well, “Black” was not capitalized when describing him. When referring to race, Black should always be capitalized. Billy was also described as having dreadlocks. As far as I know Billy was not a Rastafarian, therefore his hairstyle should be referred to as locs, not dreadlocks. While these examples are relatively minor issues it does highlight the importance of doing your research and using sensitivity readers when writing about groups different than your own.
Wagner’s writing is very Spartan, there are no grandiloquent descriptions or deep introspections, instead he gets his point across without the need for flowery adjectives or metaphors. The only part where this proved an issue for me was when it came to Quinton and Billy’s relationship, which felt very rushed. Otherwise, I appreciated Wagner’s straight to the point style. It’s not often we get a new take on Zombies, but Wagner’s Afflicted managed to add a whole new level of horror to the undead. The history of AIDS is seamlessly interwoven, never forced, throughout the narrative. Wagner uses horror fiction to not only educate readers in a way that feels natural and respectful, but to capture the feelings of despair no doubt felt by many during the AIDS epidemic. The message is clear, having AIDS may feel bleak, and every day is a fight for survival, but even amongst all the horror there is always love and hope.
While out scavenging for more antiretroviral Quinton meets Billy, a fellow gay man who’s managed to survive the apocalypse and is also HIV positive. But while Quinton has become cold, Billy still openly cares for others, which Quinton sees as a liability. Billy also believes in working together and the importance of community while Quinton prefers to avoid other people. We learn that one of the reasons Billy has stayed alive so long is because those who are HIV positive are immune to the zombie virus. I thought this was an interesting twist as outside of The Last of Us, Cooties and Blood Quantum I’ve never seen a human with a natural immunity to Zombies in media. AIDS ravages the immune system, yet for some reason protects Quinton and Billy from turning into Afflicted. Being the kind of person who reads science articles about theoretical zombie biology, I did want to know how it all worked, but honestly an explanation isn’t important to the narrative.
I had a few nitpicks when it came to Billy, a Black character. While he was written well, “Black” was not capitalized when describing him. When referring to race, Black should always be capitalized. Billy was also described as having dreadlocks. As far as I know Billy was not a Rastafarian, therefore his hairstyle should be referred to as locs, not dreadlocks. While these examples are relatively minor issues it does highlight the importance of doing your research and using sensitivity readers when writing about groups different than your own.
Wagner’s writing is very Spartan, there are no grandiloquent descriptions or deep introspections, instead he gets his point across without the need for flowery adjectives or metaphors. The only part where this proved an issue for me was when it came to Quinton and Billy’s relationship, which felt very rushed. Otherwise, I appreciated Wagner’s straight to the point style. It’s not often we get a new take on Zombies, but Wagner’s Afflicted managed to add a whole new level of horror to the undead. The history of AIDS is seamlessly interwoven, never forced, throughout the narrative. Wagner uses horror fiction to not only educate readers in a way that feels natural and respectful, but to capture the feelings of despair no doubt felt by many during the AIDS epidemic. The message is clear, having AIDS may feel bleak, and every day is a fight for survival, but even amongst all the horror there is always love and hope.
August 18, 2023
The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark follows Quinton, an HIV positive gay man, as he does everything he can to stay alive during the zombie apocalypse. This story finds Quinton venturing out of his secluded cabin to find the medication he needs to stay alive. On one such outing, he meets Billy, and the two agree to join forces and embark on a mission for survival.
This novella really packs a punch. It is fast-paced and full of action, with gory descriptions that jump right off the page. Quinton and Billy bounce from one tense situation to the next, and learn to tolerate each other while facing down both zombies and some other freaky individuals. On top of the intense action scenes, there is no shortage of supercharged emotions in every scene -- from anger to despair to (brief) elation.
My one small criticism of the novella is, honestly, its length. While I understand that it is, in fact, a novella, I could have used another 100 pages, if only to allow room for longer scenes and some character exploration. I would have happily read a lengthier book to really latch onto both Quinton and Billy and to learn about their separate journeys up to the point where they meet in the novella.
Overall, this was a super quick but impactful read. Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the Arc of this book.
This novella really packs a punch. It is fast-paced and full of action, with gory descriptions that jump right off the page. Quinton and Billy bounce from one tense situation to the next, and learn to tolerate each other while facing down both zombies and some other freaky individuals. On top of the intense action scenes, there is no shortage of supercharged emotions in every scene -- from anger to despair to (brief) elation.
My one small criticism of the novella is, honestly, its length. While I understand that it is, in fact, a novella, I could have used another 100 pages, if only to allow room for longer scenes and some character exploration. I would have happily read a lengthier book to really latch onto both Quinton and Billy and to learn about their separate journeys up to the point where they meet in the novella.
Overall, this was a super quick but impactful read. Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the Arc of this book.
February 26, 2025
The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark definitely had an intriguing premise, and I was hooked from the start. The author puts a unique twist on the zombie genre by introducing The Afflicted, which I thought was a fresh take. The initial setup really drew me in, and I was excited to see where the story would go.
However, as the plot progressed, it started to feel a bit rushed. Some important details were glossed over, leaving me wanting more depth and explanation. The relationship between Quinton and Billy came way too fast to be believable. It seemed like it developed almost overnight, which made it harder for me to fully connect with the emotional aspect of their bond.
I really enjoyed Quinton’s character. He felt complex and interesting, but Billy needed a bit more development to make him feel well-rounded. With a little more time and attention to these details and a couple of others, I think the story could have been much stronger.
I think the idea and the potential of the story are great, but it would have benefited from being a bit longer to flesh out the relationships and world-building more fully. Despite the rushed feeling, I can see the author’s talent and would give their future work a chance.
However, as the plot progressed, it started to feel a bit rushed. Some important details were glossed over, leaving me wanting more depth and explanation. The relationship between Quinton and Billy came way too fast to be believable. It seemed like it developed almost overnight, which made it harder for me to fully connect with the emotional aspect of their bond.
I really enjoyed Quinton’s character. He felt complex and interesting, but Billy needed a bit more development to make him feel well-rounded. With a little more time and attention to these details and a couple of others, I think the story could have been much stronger.
I think the idea and the potential of the story are great, but it would have benefited from being a bit longer to flesh out the relationships and world-building more fully. Despite the rushed feeling, I can see the author’s talent and would give their future work a chance.
August 15, 2023
STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND GO READ THIS BOOK!!
The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark follows our protagonist, Quinton, as he is uprooted from his current safe place and must venture into the wild and zombie-filled world to find the medication that he so desperately needs to live. Enter Billy, a risk-taker, who pushes Quinton to find everything that they both need in the world.
This book is brutal, it is gross at times, it is so disturbing and when I tell you I could not put it down - I mean it. This book is spectacular. It is quickly paced and it wastes no time getting right to the point and delivering some of the highest stakes. The zombie mythos definitely was a fresh and creative take here as well. Also if you love cults, you'll love some of the twists and turns in this book too. I can't speak highly enough of this book.
GO READ IT! Perfect for fans of Eric LaRocca. Also perfect for fans of any zombie universe.
The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark follows our protagonist, Quinton, as he is uprooted from his current safe place and must venture into the wild and zombie-filled world to find the medication that he so desperately needs to live. Enter Billy, a risk-taker, who pushes Quinton to find everything that they both need in the world.
This book is brutal, it is gross at times, it is so disturbing and when I tell you I could not put it down - I mean it. This book is spectacular. It is quickly paced and it wastes no time getting right to the point and delivering some of the highest stakes. The zombie mythos definitely was a fresh and creative take here as well. Also if you love cults, you'll love some of the twists and turns in this book too. I can't speak highly enough of this book.
GO READ IT! Perfect for fans of Eric LaRocca. Also perfect for fans of any zombie universe.
August 30, 2023
I was afraid that The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark by Warren Wagner might be too depressing because one timeline involves the AIDS epidemic. While it is definitely sad, the horror in the second timeline overshadows it. A death propels Quinton to retreat to an off the grid cabin in the woods. After some horrifying shenanigans, Quinton meets Billy in the second timeline. Both men are HIV+ and need antiretroviral medication to survive. They band together on a trek to a pharmaceutical company in search of a big score. Another virus attacked the population after the introduction of HIV. However that virus was far more dangerous, deadly, and destructive. A new zombie horde, the Afflicted, was made. “One benefit of the apocalypse is you can make a mess and never have to clean it up.” This is a story of survival. Thanks to Warren Wagner, Ghoulish Books and Booksirens for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2023
Queer lit & horror are my favourite genres, so I ate up this novella by indie writer Warren Wagner. The zombie apocalypse featured in *The Only Safe Place Left Is the Dark* may be familiar, but Wagner uses the tropes of the genre to comment on the world's treatment of those sufferers and survivors of the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and early 90s.
If you watched HBOMax's *The Last of Us* you surely remember Episode 3, "Long, Long Time." *The Only Safe Place* reminded me of that episode, and while the novella is bloodier and more vicious, it has moments of that episode's tenderness. At 85 pages, the novella has the feel of a real good episode of television---but it could have easily been an entire novel. I was so invested and wanted to know more about Quinton.
Someday I WILL write my own queer horror with a bit of romance (or queer romance with a bit of horror), and I get closer to finding that voice every time I read other queer writers doing their incredible shit like this! Recommended!
If you watched HBOMax's *The Last of Us* you surely remember Episode 3, "Long, Long Time." *The Only Safe Place* reminded me of that episode, and while the novella is bloodier and more vicious, it has moments of that episode's tenderness. At 85 pages, the novella has the feel of a real good episode of television---but it could have easily been an entire novel. I was so invested and wanted to know more about Quinton.
Someday I WILL write my own queer horror with a bit of romance (or queer romance with a bit of horror), and I get closer to finding that voice every time I read other queer writers doing their incredible shit like this! Recommended!
March 14, 2024
I randomly grabbed this at a book fair in Kitchener 🤭 and I randomly chose it today
I forget how gnarly horror books are / this was a GREAT ONE. Short and sweet (although I'd had sat thru a lot more of that)
Wagner's bio also makes this a 5 star for me (gay awakening at the Regan memorial is too good)
This was so well written, I said I was gonna read it thru out the day but I couldn't stop thinking about it and had to pause my movie to finish it. The gore is so well written - this is like gay terminator... Quentin is also just a very cool guy; jaded yet sensitive you're following this killer machine with emotions... it was a cool representation of masculinity and queerness in an apocalyptic protagonist and I enjoyed it 🤷🏻♀️🫶
I forget how gnarly horror books are / this was a GREAT ONE. Short and sweet (although I'd had sat thru a lot more of that)
Wagner's bio also makes this a 5 star for me (gay awakening at the Regan memorial is too good)
This was so well written, I said I was gonna read it thru out the day but I couldn't stop thinking about it and had to pause my movie to finish it. The gore is so well written - this is like gay terminator... Quentin is also just a very cool guy; jaded yet sensitive you're following this killer machine with emotions... it was a cool representation of masculinity and queerness in an apocalyptic protagonist and I enjoyed it 🤷🏻♀️🫶
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