Unknown Dread: Book one of the Dread Saga

by Wesley Crum, W.R. Hunt

“Your time will come, my friend. I have a feeling that people like you are going to be in high demand before long.”

Humanity faces a new and terrifying threat as colossal stone monoliths crash land on Earth, triggering a deadly pandemic. Contact with these enigmatic structures brings a maddening affliction. This event turning once-sane individuals into savage predators. As society crumbles, survivors struggle to stay one step ahead of the infected. Follow along as they witness the horrors of the alien changes taking place in the world around them. In a race against time, they must decipher the origins of the monoliths and uncover the sinister truth behind the horrifying transformation before it engulfs what remains of humanity.

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2024

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! The character development and the plot suck you in and the adventure just keeps you stuck! I couldn’t put this down! It was a great sci-fi adventure! If you’ve never read sci-fi before this would be a great place to dive into!

[Dacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like The Purge, World War Z, and The Crazies, you'll love this book! It has an awesome cast of characters, fast-paced action, and I was invested throughout the entire book! I can't wait for the next book to come out. I will wait impatiently for it!

[Rob GRiffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unknown Dread is the first installment in the Dread Series, by first-time author Wesley Crum and W.R. Hunt. This is an exciting science fiction thriller told through the adventures and travels of multiple groups throughout the Great Plain states of the US. The story and characters reveal ever increasing levels of excitement, danger, peril, and mystery as each group of characters tries to find safety from the quickly changing world around them.
This is the first novel of its type that I have read. I'm not generally a big fan of this genre, but this served as a good introduction for, and a really enjoyable break from the other topics I usually read. The story idea is really interesting, and a fantastic foundation is laid for the series. I can't wait to see where these characters go from here.
The character development might have been the aspect of Unknown Dread enjoyed the most. Some characters we learn a lot about, others only a few nuggets, but all the main characters are developed really well. Many of the characters I felt a connection too, whether I was cheering them on or rooting for their demise.
This is a well-paced book. Even the early parts, before you have any clarity on what is actually happening, I felt engaged and wanting to know what happens next. Through the hand-full of chaotic scenes Crum and Hunt do a good job of helping the reader sort out the action and kept moving the important pieces forward.
The authors leaned into some topics that I'd love to see explored deeper. Themes such as the costs loyalty, to family and friends, or putting yourself first. What does it mean to be human? Are the sick and injured in this new world human or not? The difficult decision to take a life, even in self-defense.
As new authors areas of improvement show themselves, however many more moments of great story telling, well developed characters, and creative twists, show there is a great future ahead for Crum and Hunt. Looking forward to the second installment.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been this invested in a book as much as I have been invested in this one. I enjoyed this from beginning to end and would love to know what is going to happen next.

I loved how fleshed out the characters where and how they felt so real. It was almost like this is what you would want from real life people if the apocalypse ever happened. Because it seems like there will be those people who just want to use people for their own gain while at the same time just wanting to make sure that they reunite with their families.

This is one of those books where if you want a fast paced read that deals with the apocalypse then I would recommend this one. If you are looking for a book that will keep you up late into the night then look no further than this one. 10/10.

[Sherrie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat story!

I really enjoyed this book. Great character development. Wesley really lets us get into their minds. You really connect with the characters and worry for them. Hoping for their safety and well being. They are so believable. This book moved at a good pace. Kept me hooked and wanting more right from the beginning. It was hard to put down and I. Wish I hadn't read it so fast so I could enjoy it longer. It has all the fields. Can't wait for more from this author great job, Mr. Crum! Page turner, amazing book, excellent storyteller! Highly recommend!

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

!t took me a few chapters before this book really hooked me. But I think I listened a solid 5+ hrs at the end because I was so invested in many of the characters and when it finished I couldn't believe it was over. I'm usually a fantasy girly so this genre isn't something I normally listen to but I am glad that I gave it a try!
Pros:
-Multi POV. I love getting to read the thoughts of more than just the MC. It helps expand the world even more.
-Surprise twist. I'm a seasoned reader and can usually see a twist coming a mile away, but this book had one that took me by surprise.
-Solid writing. For being a first book by Crum, the writing was solid and consistent throughout.
-Dread. Maybe this is too on the nose, but the book title is accurate. There is this sense of foreboding (dread) through the whole book that you can't really shake that was enjoyable in a weird kind of way.

Cons: (there are my own opinions, please take them as such)
-Narrator's voice. The narrator is male and I didn't particularly enjoy his feminine voice, I feel like it detracted a little bit from the story telling. He also mispronounced the word "minestrone".
-"Zombie". The book is set in modern-day America yet the term "zombie" is only used once. Our MC's make up alternative nicknames for what clearly reads to me as zombie-esque beings. After chatting with the author I understand why he didn't use the term, but the whole book, in my head, I was yelling "JUST CALL THEM ZOMBIES!"

Overall I look forward to reading the next books in this series. For anyone who enjoys this type of story, take the chance on this book. And if this isn't your preferred genre, you should still take the chance, it might surprise you like it did me.

I was given this audiobook for free at and have voluntarily left this review.

[C.A. Stampley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so well written and reads so easy. The characters are written so well, the only one I didn't like was Danica, but not because she was written bad, but because of her personality. Everything is easy to envision and such a fun read.

The only thing I didn't like, and I wouldn't say it's horrible, and that's the multiple perspectives. The multiple perspectives I feel took away from there being more to the story. But it's not in a bad way, it's because I wanted to see more of each characters story. These two guys could have easily wrote 3 different books for each perspective and would have kept my attention the whole time. This book absolutely makes you want more in a good way. Definitely is a book you all need to add to your tbr.

This has so much potential to be the next Walking Dead or Last of Us, and it's clean to boot, which is absolutely amazing.

[Seth Madaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written, mysterious and intense book is the perfect blend of various zombie/end of the world stories with a little sci-fi in there to keep us really guessing. The multiple POV style is done incredibly well, with each character having a strong voice and you are immediately drawn to them. Seeing the unfolding of the mysterious disease and the slow burn transformation of all of the characters in written form was really fun and creepy. I love how the each character is immediately familiar and immediately someone that you root for, even as the book moves at a nonstop pace. It's also a great introduction into this genre for YA readers, as it is incredibly intense but not so over the top that the violence overshadows the story. My only issue would be dangling off the end of the cliff waiting for more entries into this excellent read. Definitely check it out!

[Nicky Lolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 An Intense and Unforgettable Read!
This book completely pulled me in from the first page! The idea of mysterious monoliths crashing to Earth and unleashing a terrifying pandemic is both unique and haunting. The characters’ struggle for survival felt so real, and the suspense kept me hooked the entire time. I loved how the story unraveled, revealing the sinister origins behind the chaos. It’s a perfect mix of sci-fi, horror, and mystery. If you’re looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read, this is it! I couldn’t put it down.

[Anthony J Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unique story. Seemingly mid-apocalypse, mankind must figure out what is turning the majority of their kind into ravenous lunatics.

The story follows a handful of survivors scattered across the nation. We are introduced to their engagement in this new world in which they find themselves. Each desperate to preserve life for themselves and for those which they care.

Much like in any episode of adversity, for some, it brings out the best, others the worst. This book only scratches the surface of the author's story.

I wait in anticipation for the next installment.

[Steven Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this book the characters grab you from the very beginning and you're invested in what happens to them And it's heartbreaking When someone you thought was going to be one of the main characters Drops out early. This book gives very strong Night of the Living Dead vibes. The narrative keeps you moving quickly. I am also reminded of another book series I read a few months ago which is The Passage by Justin Cronin. Can't wait to see what's next.

[A J Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read! The characters were interesting and the book did not disappoint! It slowed down around the 1/4-1/3 mark, but picked up and delivered a great ending leaving me wanting to read the next one. Also, the colorful humor sprinkled into the narrative had me smiling and chuckling during many scenes. It brought a great emotional dynamic. Couple typos, but nothing that pulls you from the story. Terrific book and well worth the read!

[Amy Rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story that followed several individuals through the slow crumbling of society as an extraterrestrial virus turns people into I Am Legend (movie, not book) style zombies. The characters are fleshed out and three dimensional, making you want to root for them. If you're looking for a good survival scenery to distract you from reality, this is it.

[Amy Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I need the second book like yesterday. This was sooo good!! If you like sci fy and/or thriller I would highly recommend. Super fast paced but also great character development. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this story goes

[MJ Lenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best zombie story since Max Brooks decided to give it a try.

This book has everything many zombie stories lack: compelling characters, strong motivations that reach beyond mere survival, and the details you want in those fast paced scenes.

[Kathy Bly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so refreshing- if you can called alien induced zombie apocalypse refreshing! I loved it and can’t wait for the next! Thank you for a good read!

[Cora Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ate this book up!

Loved this book and can’t wait for the second one to release! I finished in 2 days. Would have been less but I had work.

[Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Took way too long for me to start this story and I am so happy I did. The only problem, waiting for book 2!