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Undead Rain #1
Rain
The dead rise...
A doctor returning from the mountains of India unknowingly brings a deadly virus to the western world. The nightmare begins.
Society crumbles...
Alex Harley is hiking with three friends when all media channels shut down to be replaced with the Emergency Broadcast. Civilians are warned to stay in their homes. Isolated and afraid, the four friends begin a fight for survival.
The end of the world is here...
The military sets up Survivor Camps to separate the infected from the uninfected. As a U.N. rescue mission is put into operation to save survivors from the clutches of the zombies, Alex and his friends must deal with the undead and power-crazed soldiers.
But while they fight to survive, the authorities consider drastic measures to rid the world of monsters...
A doctor returning from the mountains of India unknowingly brings a deadly virus to the western world. The nightmare begins.
Society crumbles...
Alex Harley is hiking with three friends when all media channels shut down to be replaced with the Emergency Broadcast. Civilians are warned to stay in their homes. Isolated and afraid, the four friends begin a fight for survival.
The end of the world is here...
The military sets up Survivor Camps to separate the infected from the uninfected. As a U.N. rescue mission is put into operation to save survivors from the clutches of the zombies, Alex and his friends must deal with the undead and power-crazed soldiers.
But while they fight to survive, the authorities consider drastic measures to rid the world of monsters...
228 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2014
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1012 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 13, 2014
Where can I start?
I'm sorry, what was that? I can’t hear you over how awesome this book is!
Alex, Mike, Elena, and Lucy go camping for the weekend. But what they find is not what they were expecting. They are in a state of disbelief, but that can’t last long, or they won’t live past Monday. Alex and Lucy lead the way, but will they all find a way to survive? Will they find the will?
Alex is just like your average British male. Overweight, and an avid gamer. He has family. He has a job, just like you and me. He is in essence us. Alex is thrust into the world of the Nasties, and he reacts just as I would, so it’s great, and adds a smidge of realism (it’s always good to read something and think “that could be me”).
Written really well, and has a good amount of character depth. And has a great plot, in real time, so you know exactly what’s going on.
It's only 225 pages, so it's a pretty quick read, and it has a sequel coming out soon, can't wait!
Bring on Storm!
I received a copy of Rain: A Zombie Novel in exchange for an honest review (Thanks Shaun!)
I'm sorry, what was that? I can’t hear you over how awesome this book is!
Alex, Mike, Elena, and Lucy go camping for the weekend. But what they find is not what they were expecting. They are in a state of disbelief, but that can’t last long, or they won’t live past Monday. Alex and Lucy lead the way, but will they all find a way to survive? Will they find the will?
Alex is just like your average British male. Overweight, and an avid gamer. He has family. He has a job, just like you and me. He is in essence us. Alex is thrust into the world of the Nasties, and he reacts just as I would, so it’s great, and adds a smidge of realism (it’s always good to read something and think “that could be me”).
Written really well, and has a good amount of character depth. And has a great plot, in real time, so you know exactly what’s going on.
It's only 225 pages, so it's a pretty quick read, and it has a sequel coming out soon, can't wait!
Bring on Storm!
I received a copy of Rain: A Zombie Novel in exchange for an honest review (Thanks Shaun!)
August 28, 2014
What's it about: A group of friends decided to go camping and then the zombie apocalypse happens and they do some stuff. Mostly oggle women.
What did I think: This book could have actually been kinda all right. Well, for a $2 ebook. It was somewhat fast-paced, even if there actually weren't many zombies. It could have been okay. I would have maybe enjoyed it... if it wasn't for the all the sexism. I mean, geez the two guys in this book were basically zombies who craved girl-flesh.
Our main character, Alex, is just a regular dude who is into video games and a perfectly rounded pair of breasts named Lucy. I'm not really sure if there is a person under those breasts, because they are all Alex mentions when he discusses Lucy. I'm not kidding. He never once mentions anything he likes about her personality (probably because she actually doesn't have any at all. None.), but we get constant reminders of how perfect and rounded her breasts are and how much they like to push against the fabric of her clothing. They are fully described about eight times in this book, and its not a long book. And not one mention of anything else about her except how she looks. This reached the point of ridiculous. The boobs were just a constant presence and the females reactions to the guys oggling them were so unrealistic (getting changed and trying to cover themselves, but the guys with them are just staring at you drooling, and then they turn around and are all 'I think the boys are happy about something' *giggle like idiots*). At one point they are going in to a building where they suspect a bunch of dudes might be waiting to ambush them, and they had to go through some water, so they are wet, BUT so the girl decides to take off her top and go in wearing only her bra! Like that's not the last thing any sane female would do. There is only one point where he mentions that she can make decisions for herself where he actually seems to consider her to be a person.
This book actually really concerned me because it made me wonder: Do guys actually think of women this way? I seriously hope not.
It's a shame, because it would have been a okay book and I would even pick up the second one to find out what happens if I thought it would make me want to vomit less. But if your a dude who loves zombies and tits and has no problems with whether or not women are represented as people rather than things, you will love it! But if this is you, you probably need to re-evaluate your personality.
What did I think: This book could have actually been kinda all right. Well, for a $2 ebook. It was somewhat fast-paced, even if there actually weren't many zombies. It could have been okay. I would have maybe enjoyed it... if it wasn't for the all the sexism. I mean, geez the two guys in this book were basically zombies who craved girl-flesh.
Our main character, Alex, is just a regular dude who is into video games and a perfectly rounded pair of breasts named Lucy. I'm not really sure if there is a person under those breasts, because they are all Alex mentions when he discusses Lucy. I'm not kidding. He never once mentions anything he likes about her personality (probably because she actually doesn't have any at all. None.), but we get constant reminders of how perfect and rounded her breasts are and how much they like to push against the fabric of her clothing. They are fully described about eight times in this book, and its not a long book. And not one mention of anything else about her except how she looks. This reached the point of ridiculous. The boobs were just a constant presence and the females reactions to the guys oggling them were so unrealistic (getting changed and trying to cover themselves, but the guys with them are just staring at you drooling, and then they turn around and are all 'I think the boys are happy about something' *giggle like idiots*). At one point they are going in to a building where they suspect a bunch of dudes might be waiting to ambush them, and they had to go through some water, so they are wet, BUT so the girl decides to take off her top and go in wearing only her bra! Like that's not the last thing any sane female would do. There is only one point where he mentions that she can make decisions for herself where he actually seems to consider her to be a person.
This book actually really concerned me because it made me wonder: Do guys actually think of women this way? I seriously hope not.
It's a shame, because it would have been a okay book and I would even pick up the second one to find out what happens if I thought it would make me want to vomit less. But if your a dude who loves zombies and tits and has no problems with whether or not women are represented as people rather than things, you will love it! But if this is you, you probably need to re-evaluate your personality.
January 10, 2016
Rain was a book I started reading on a whim the other day. I knew I wanted to read a Zombie story but I didn't necessarily want to touch something I had been putting off for awhile. Boy was I glad I decided to settle on this one! Not only was the story fast paced and engrossing but the story overall was just plain good and here's why:
First off, I loved the main character Alex. It's always nice when an Author allows us readers to follow real people in their stories vs. macho men (or in some cases women) who know all the answers and always survive with not even a hair out of place. Alex is a slightly out of shape, self confessed geek. Alex is very flawed in that he doesn't see the worth in himself or the knowledge he possesses however that just makes him seem all the more perfect for his position to survive the zombie apocalypse anyway. The only real issue I had with Alex came towards the end of the story but that's not really his fault since the Author decided to write him that way.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the book were the zombies. While the story doesn't get all that scientific, the way the zombies behaved around water made complete sense. I really dug that the Author chose to take that direction regarding them, not only because it made them scarier but also it affords the characters an edge to beat the odds a bit.
Lastly, I really enjoyed how fast paced the story was. On my kindle it says the average reader finishes the story in slightly over 2 hours but I think I read Rain in just over an hour as I was that glued in to the story and the characters.
All in all Rain by Shaun Harbinger was a great story and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of book two so I can see what happens to the characters now that we know things aren't as optimistic as they once seemed. I highly recommend picking this one up if you have not already and giving it a go.
With that being said, I'll be rating Rain by Shaun Harbinger ★★★★.
Reviewed originally @ Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy purchased. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any which way for providing them.
First off, I loved the main character Alex. It's always nice when an Author allows us readers to follow real people in their stories vs. macho men (or in some cases women) who know all the answers and always survive with not even a hair out of place. Alex is a slightly out of shape, self confessed geek. Alex is very flawed in that he doesn't see the worth in himself or the knowledge he possesses however that just makes him seem all the more perfect for his position to survive the zombie apocalypse anyway. The only real issue I had with Alex came towards the end of the story but that's not really his fault since the Author decided to write him that way.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the book were the zombies. While the story doesn't get all that scientific, the way the zombies behaved around water made complete sense. I really dug that the Author chose to take that direction regarding them, not only because it made them scarier but also it affords the characters an edge to beat the odds a bit.
Lastly, I really enjoyed how fast paced the story was. On my kindle it says the average reader finishes the story in slightly over 2 hours but I think I read Rain in just over an hour as I was that glued in to the story and the characters.
All in all Rain by Shaun Harbinger was a great story and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of book two so I can see what happens to the characters now that we know things aren't as optimistic as they once seemed. I highly recommend picking this one up if you have not already and giving it a go.
With that being said, I'll be rating Rain by Shaun Harbinger ★★★★.
Reviewed originally @ Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy purchased. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any which way for providing them.
January 1, 2016
This was it. The end. Something had happened to finally put an end to society as we knew it. This was real.
Game over.
***
Zombies. Sweet, beautiful, decaying zombies. My life has been forever changed from the moment I read my first zombie book. And this book just added to my appreciation of those rotten beasts.
I enjoyed the way the author started the story. Practically from the start he has the main characters out in the middle of nowhere camping without any idea of what is really going on. They realize bits at a time that life isn’t what it used to be. When it starts sinking in for them- that is what got me. How scary that must be to start the apocalypse without any knowledge. But how utterly brilliant as well.
I really liked the characters. Some had to grow on me but for the most part they were good people. I am glad they were not overly annoying like you sometimes find in apocalypse reads. As they story progresses we see each one grow and serious life and death choices.
Also, I got to hand it to the author for not only writing a zombie book but giving a good reason for how it is spreading, too. That to me was the brilliant part. Sometime you go into an apocalyptic read and never get the how’s or why’s of the virus. So…thank you!!
I really am glad I stumbled upon this book. And free at that! (At the time, 99cents now) I will be buying the next one soon to read and review. So keep an eye out for that one. 5 Zombie Flesh Stars!
Game over.
***
Zombies. Sweet, beautiful, decaying zombies. My life has been forever changed from the moment I read my first zombie book. And this book just added to my appreciation of those rotten beasts.
I enjoyed the way the author started the story. Practically from the start he has the main characters out in the middle of nowhere camping without any idea of what is really going on. They realize bits at a time that life isn’t what it used to be. When it starts sinking in for them- that is what got me. How scary that must be to start the apocalypse without any knowledge. But how utterly brilliant as well.
I really liked the characters. Some had to grow on me but for the most part they were good people. I am glad they were not overly annoying like you sometimes find in apocalypse reads. As they story progresses we see each one grow and serious life and death choices.
Also, I got to hand it to the author for not only writing a zombie book but giving a good reason for how it is spreading, too. That to me was the brilliant part. Sometime you go into an apocalyptic read and never get the how’s or why’s of the virus. So…thank you!!
I really am glad I stumbled upon this book. And free at that! (At the time, 99cents now) I will be buying the next one soon to read and review. So keep an eye out for that one. 5 Zombie Flesh Stars!
May 4, 2014
I absolutely love Zombie novels particularly when they're based at home in the UK. I couldn't wait to read "Rain" as it's based in Britain.
Alex and his friends Mike, Lucy and Elena are backpacking in the Welsh Mountains when suddenly and quickly a virus thought to have originated from India infects Britain causing the living to turn into the walking dead. Alex and his friends are thrown into a life and death situation on the mountains of Wales and after a few scrapes manage to evade the Army who want to "imprison" them in a survivors camp and escape to the coast near Swansea to a marina in the hopes of boarding a boat. Can they make it to relative safety at sea and is it true from the radio broadcasts that they over hear that the Americans plan to bring ships to Britain to evacuate the living?
I absolutely loved "Rain" a bloody roller-coaster of a zombie novel. Compulsive, addictive and nerve wracking in places, pure enjoyment, just what a classic zombie novel should be. The ending leaves us on a cliff-hanger and I can't wait for a sequel! Hurry up with book two please Shaun!
Highly recommended!
Alex and his friends Mike, Lucy and Elena are backpacking in the Welsh Mountains when suddenly and quickly a virus thought to have originated from India infects Britain causing the living to turn into the walking dead. Alex and his friends are thrown into a life and death situation on the mountains of Wales and after a few scrapes manage to evade the Army who want to "imprison" them in a survivors camp and escape to the coast near Swansea to a marina in the hopes of boarding a boat. Can they make it to relative safety at sea and is it true from the radio broadcasts that they over hear that the Americans plan to bring ships to Britain to evacuate the living?
I absolutely loved "Rain" a bloody roller-coaster of a zombie novel. Compulsive, addictive and nerve wracking in places, pure enjoyment, just what a classic zombie novel should be. The ending leaves us on a cliff-hanger and I can't wait for a sequel! Hurry up with book two please Shaun!
Highly recommended!
June 8, 2014
Usually as a 'rule' I decide that once I get 80% of the way through a book I plough through until the end...
With this book, I made that decision after getting about 8% of the way through.
I never wanted to put it down!! If it wasn't for the inconveniences of work and sleeping I wouldn't have done... Even now I'm lying here at 4:00am after binge reading the last half of the book.
Apart from zombie apocalypses being 'my thing', the storyline had plenty of other shining moments. It wasn't all about zombies ripping people to pieces, there was romance, humour, survival (and not just against the undead), suicide and plenty of character development.
Being set in the UK and having locations I know quite well brought this novel to life even more for me.
It was like watching a fast-paced zombie movie or a spin-off from The Walking Dead, and we all know how well that show is done.
This was definitely a book I'd recommend to others and I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read such a gripping story.
With this book, I made that decision after getting about 8% of the way through.
I never wanted to put it down!! If it wasn't for the inconveniences of work and sleeping I wouldn't have done... Even now I'm lying here at 4:00am after binge reading the last half of the book.
Apart from zombie apocalypses being 'my thing', the storyline had plenty of other shining moments. It wasn't all about zombies ripping people to pieces, there was romance, humour, survival (and not just against the undead), suicide and plenty of character development.
Being set in the UK and having locations I know quite well brought this novel to life even more for me.
It was like watching a fast-paced zombie movie or a spin-off from The Walking Dead, and we all know how well that show is done.
This was definitely a book I'd recommend to others and I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read such a gripping story.
September 15, 2015
Set in the UK 4 friends are out on a weekend hike when the world turns to shit. A brief announcement on The BBC radio tells everyone to stay inside and lock the doors that a virus is spreading. That virus turns out to be some kind of zombie virus. Alex, the MC, is a bit shy and geeky. He normally prefers video games to going out. His friend, Mike, is more outgoing and athletic. Along for the hike is Elena, Mike's girlfriend and Lucy, Elena's friend.
We follow the four as they battle their way through zombie and military checkpoints as they try and make their way to the coast so that they can get a boat and sail up the Scottish Coastline to where they believe The UN has sent rescue boats.
This was a pretty good story and kept me interested. It could have used a bit more action and hardship among the characters. Things happened, but they seemed kinda ho-hum and nothing that gets your heart racing. The rest of the series seems to have some great potential so I will defiantly be downloading the others unto my kindle fairly soon.
We follow the four as they battle their way through zombie and military checkpoints as they try and make their way to the coast so that they can get a boat and sail up the Scottish Coastline to where they believe The UN has sent rescue boats.
This was a pretty good story and kept me interested. It could have used a bit more action and hardship among the characters. Things happened, but they seemed kinda ho-hum and nothing that gets your heart racing. The rest of the series seems to have some great potential so I will defiantly be downloading the others unto my kindle fairly soon.
June 2, 2014
I recently received an advanced reader copy of "Rain: A Zombie Novel".
This novel grabbed my attention... then refused to let go.
It is a very rare read that keeps me up well into the night(morning?) to finish reading the book rather than spoil the experience by picking it up later; "Rain: A Zombie Novel" was one of these rare finds.
With realistic characters and experiences that tap into many peoples greatest fears(loneliness, loss of our comfortable structure in life, fear of the unknown).... this book is firing on all cylinders the whole way through.
Many thanks to Shaun for bringing this fresh take of the zombie genre to us, as the same stories with different names were getting quite tiresome.
Cheers for a realistic protagonist we can actually relate to.
I can't wait to read "Storm: A Zombie Novel"!
This novel grabbed my attention... then refused to let go.
It is a very rare read that keeps me up well into the night(morning?) to finish reading the book rather than spoil the experience by picking it up later; "Rain: A Zombie Novel" was one of these rare finds.
With realistic characters and experiences that tap into many peoples greatest fears(loneliness, loss of our comfortable structure in life, fear of the unknown).... this book is firing on all cylinders the whole way through.
Many thanks to Shaun for bringing this fresh take of the zombie genre to us, as the same stories with different names were getting quite tiresome.
Cheers for a realistic protagonist we can actually relate to.
I can't wait to read "Storm: A Zombie Novel"!
February 24, 2016
I was looking for new Halloween/zombie reads, when I stumbled upon this one. It sounded really awesome and I immediately went to get it/read it.
And I am glad I did that, sure the story wasn't always good, the characters annoyed me at times, but in overall this was a great (and also very exciting) read that kept me on the edge of my seat for several parts. The zombies are creepy (though I kept thinking they were just evil smurfs instead of zombie zombies, which I blame on the fact they are all blue, instead of grey/brownish/black which most zombies generally are. So I had a few snickers at times, but generally these zombies scared the heck out of me, especially because of how they behaved/acted.
We have 4 characters, but there is only one main character. A guy named Alex, a gamer who loves junk food and you can see that from his body (his body and how he feels about it is something that keeps returning and returning, making it a bit annoying, as come on, we already know about this). At the start of the book he is with 2 of his friends and his crush. They were hiking up a mountain when everything in the world turned to crap.
I really liked Alex and how he tried to keep his head straight, he was always thinking, and while he was quite useless with the whole running/fleeing part, with heavy physical exercise, he was great and fantastic in the brain department.
Throughout the book he is the one who has a clear head (though of course he also makes some overhasty decisions, which I can forgive, I am sure anyone would react that way if they found out something like what Alex finds out), and he is the one who makes a lot of the decisions. Though his head/narration we also find out more about the zombies, he really keeps track of their behaviour (which has saved the friends from a few difficult situations).
There was just one thing (well next to the whole bad body image) that I didn't like about Alex in the first parts of the book. How he looked at the girls, how he was just getting horny every time when he thought about Lucy (yes, he even mentioned he got a boner one time). At times I doubted his crush on Lucy, and thought it was just physical, after all, if we have to believe him she is quite beautiful.
But later on in the books things change and he starts to drool/get horny less and less and starts moving towards another direction.
My next favourite character is Lucy, followed by Elena and then Mike. I didn't like Mike that much because of how he acted, that he was quite a dick at times towards his friend. I know your friend is pretty hopeless in this situation, but he does his best, he fights and wants to live, no need to be so mean at times about it.
Several things happen as the story progresses and I can say that I was just crying when 2 events happened. :(
As the story progresses I just knew that something was weird about the whole situation, but I just couldn't grasp what. There are hints, but I think that until the next book we won't know what happened to the world or if everything is as it seems.
The survivor camps? Well, I would rather be out in the open. I might not survive long, but I think everything is better than to be stuck in some big area with a flimsy fence just separating me from the outside world.
Also a warning; this book will suck you in and not let you go until you finish it. Believe me, I started with this book and I just had to finish it. Had to know what happened to everyone in this book.
I would really recommend this book to everyone. It is a great creepy read and Alex really improves as the story progresses.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
And I am glad I did that, sure the story wasn't always good, the characters annoyed me at times, but in overall this was a great (and also very exciting) read that kept me on the edge of my seat for several parts. The zombies are creepy (though I kept thinking they were just evil smurfs instead of zombie zombies, which I blame on the fact they are all blue, instead of grey/brownish/black which most zombies generally are. So I had a few snickers at times, but generally these zombies scared the heck out of me, especially because of how they behaved/acted.
We have 4 characters, but there is only one main character. A guy named Alex, a gamer who loves junk food and you can see that from his body (his body and how he feels about it is something that keeps returning and returning, making it a bit annoying, as come on, we already know about this). At the start of the book he is with 2 of his friends and his crush. They were hiking up a mountain when everything in the world turned to crap.
I really liked Alex and how he tried to keep his head straight, he was always thinking, and while he was quite useless with the whole running/fleeing part, with heavy physical exercise, he was great and fantastic in the brain department.
Throughout the book he is the one who has a clear head (though of course he also makes some overhasty decisions, which I can forgive, I am sure anyone would react that way if they found out something like what Alex finds out), and he is the one who makes a lot of the decisions. Though his head/narration we also find out more about the zombies, he really keeps track of their behaviour (which has saved the friends from a few difficult situations).
There was just one thing (well next to the whole bad body image) that I didn't like about Alex in the first parts of the book. How he looked at the girls, how he was just getting horny every time when he thought about Lucy (yes, he even mentioned he got a boner one time). At times I doubted his crush on Lucy, and thought it was just physical, after all, if we have to believe him she is quite beautiful.
But later on in the books things change and he starts to drool/get horny less and less and starts moving towards another direction.
My next favourite character is Lucy, followed by Elena and then Mike. I didn't like Mike that much because of how he acted, that he was quite a dick at times towards his friend. I know your friend is pretty hopeless in this situation, but he does his best, he fights and wants to live, no need to be so mean at times about it.
Several things happen as the story progresses and I can say that I was just crying when 2 events happened. :(
As the story progresses I just knew that something was weird about the whole situation, but I just couldn't grasp what. There are hints, but I think that until the next book we won't know what happened to the world or if everything is as it seems.
The survivor camps? Well, I would rather be out in the open. I might not survive long, but I think everything is better than to be stuck in some big area with a flimsy fence just separating me from the outside world.
Also a warning; this book will suck you in and not let you go until you finish it. Believe me, I started with this book and I just had to finish it. Had to know what happened to everyone in this book.
I would really recommend this book to everyone. It is a great creepy read and Alex really improves as the story progresses.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 25, 2017
Four friends are on a hike in the Welsh mountains when the zombie apocalypse occurs. All they can think of is to get away from the Army forces who are detaining all civilians in camps until they see who turns, and of course the deadly zombies. The plan is to get to the coast to find a boat and safely plan what they are going to do next.
It's nice to see a few more zombie books set in the UK, where guns are in short supply and zombies need to be taken out in close combat. Most UK zombie books seem to be unfunny Shaun of the Dead type plots but thankfully this was a nice, tense, zombie book with some interesting scenes and lots of zombie action. It was well written and kept me interested the whole time.
I admit that in the beginning I didn't like Mike and Elena much. Bringing their unfit friend on a hike that was obviously beyond his fitness was bad enough but then continually going faster, mocking him for not keeping up and risking him getting lost on the mountain is just nasty. I was annoyed that they didn't seem to believe anything Alex says about the madman attacking hikers, even when evidence from online seems to indicate an emergency situation. However, this part is not dragged out for ages and they quickly witness the zombies themselves so I can forgive the annoying bit! For the rest of the book, they have to work out a way to stay alive through each dangerous situation and they grew on me.
I liked Alex because he is a normal guy who is not superfit but has a brain which helps the group survive. Lucy was a nice character and at least believed what Alex told her, unlike his closest friends. The four of them can't always agree on the best way forward, which again is realistic when you have several people that all think their idea is best. It doesn't descend into chaos or a lot of bitching which is good. I also liked the fact that their plans were not perfect and they weren't always sure of their next move.
I also liked that the author introduced a slightly different zombie. In this book they do not come out in the rain as that causes their bodies to decay quicker. In theory that should help our characters, allowing them to move freely outside when it is raining without fear of attack, and it does help them a bit. However it does work against them in places as well. It was an interesting plot development which I enjoyed and I think this will make things very interesting in the rest of the series. It gives our heroes an even chance as they don't have the same access to guns compared to those in American set books. We also have the threat faced by various humans ie the Army and other survivors, leading to danger for our MCs, which I always like in my zombie books!
There was more than enough in this book for the zombie fan to enjoy and I would certainly recommend it. I would give this 3.5 stars and I am intending to read the rest of the series when I get the chance.
It's nice to see a few more zombie books set in the UK, where guns are in short supply and zombies need to be taken out in close combat. Most UK zombie books seem to be unfunny Shaun of the Dead type plots but thankfully this was a nice, tense, zombie book with some interesting scenes and lots of zombie action. It was well written and kept me interested the whole time.
I admit that in the beginning I didn't like Mike and Elena much. Bringing their unfit friend on a hike that was obviously beyond his fitness was bad enough but then continually going faster, mocking him for not keeping up and risking him getting lost on the mountain is just nasty. I was annoyed that they didn't seem to believe anything Alex says about the madman attacking hikers, even when evidence from online seems to indicate an emergency situation. However, this part is not dragged out for ages and they quickly witness the zombies themselves so I can forgive the annoying bit! For the rest of the book, they have to work out a way to stay alive through each dangerous situation and they grew on me.
I liked Alex because he is a normal guy who is not superfit but has a brain which helps the group survive. Lucy was a nice character and at least believed what Alex told her, unlike his closest friends. The four of them can't always agree on the best way forward, which again is realistic when you have several people that all think their idea is best. It doesn't descend into chaos or a lot of bitching which is good. I also liked the fact that their plans were not perfect and they weren't always sure of their next move.
I also liked that the author introduced a slightly different zombie. In this book they do not come out in the rain as that causes their bodies to decay quicker. In theory that should help our characters, allowing them to move freely outside when it is raining without fear of attack, and it does help them a bit. However it does work against them in places as well. It was an interesting plot development which I enjoyed and I think this will make things very interesting in the rest of the series. It gives our heroes an even chance as they don't have the same access to guns compared to those in American set books. We also have the threat faced by various humans ie the Army and other survivors, leading to danger for our MCs, which I always like in my zombie books!
There was more than enough in this book for the zombie fan to enjoy and I would certainly recommend it. I would give this 3.5 stars and I am intending to read the rest of the series when I get the chance.
May 3, 2015
(This book was won through Goodreads Giveaways)
Plot-4 Stars. This book didn't offer many twists and turns, no surprise Zombies that can talk or chew gum and run. This book by Shaun Harbinger did offer though a solid book about zombies and surviving. The Zombies I will compare to 28 days later zombies.... they were more fast paced. There, for me at least, was no slow parts. (This is in part though to the short size of the book but more on that later.)
Characters-3 Stars. This was my only true complaint about the whole book. Due to the books size, you don't get to feel for half of the main characters. When Elena died, I barely knew her so it wasn't as big a shock, same goes for Mike. I do feel like he killed these characters a little early. In a Zombie book, I want to get to know them, for the death of one to come as a shock or even for me to care a little. I do like the nerd to hero main character. Again I still want to have a little more of each character, something a little more.
Zombies-4.5 Stars. Ok So it's a zombie book so I have to have a zombie section. The zombies in the book were not crazy different from every other zombie you read about, however I do love the fact he used some real zombie related science from real life. The zombie bugs that crawl up the trees to disperse the virus. It's a nice touch knowing that there are natural zombie type viruses out there. It also adds a little creepy element where they don't go out in the rain, but try to perserve themselves and also they just stare. Little creepy to me but good job.
So overall I would give the book just about 4 stars. The characters were not bad, the plot was good, and the zombies usually are great. I will say though while I will read the next, I want a little more character development. I do like Alex, now I just want to know more about him and Lucy.
Plot-4 Stars. This book didn't offer many twists and turns, no surprise Zombies that can talk or chew gum and run. This book by Shaun Harbinger did offer though a solid book about zombies and surviving. The Zombies I will compare to 28 days later zombies.... they were more fast paced. There, for me at least, was no slow parts. (This is in part though to the short size of the book but more on that later.)
Characters-3 Stars. This was my only true complaint about the whole book. Due to the books size, you don't get to feel for half of the main characters. When Elena died, I barely knew her so it wasn't as big a shock, same goes for Mike. I do feel like he killed these characters a little early. In a Zombie book, I want to get to know them, for the death of one to come as a shock or even for me to care a little. I do like the nerd to hero main character. Again I still want to have a little more of each character, something a little more.
Zombies-4.5 Stars. Ok So it's a zombie book so I have to have a zombie section. The zombies in the book were not crazy different from every other zombie you read about, however I do love the fact he used some real zombie related science from real life. The zombie bugs that crawl up the trees to disperse the virus. It's a nice touch knowing that there are natural zombie type viruses out there. It also adds a little creepy element where they don't go out in the rain, but try to perserve themselves and also they just stare. Little creepy to me but good job.
So overall I would give the book just about 4 stars. The characters were not bad, the plot was good, and the zombies usually are great. I will say though while I will read the next, I want a little more character development. I do like Alex, now I just want to know more about him and Lucy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2015
This was the first zombie book i readan actually liked. This story is about a group of friends thatgo hiking and camping jn the mountains only to learn about a virus outbreak. Mike, Alex, Elena, and Lucy begin a journey of survival. Mike was more so the jock of the group so he tried to lead only for Alex the gamer nerd to be the one to figure things out and keep the group safe. There were a few twists to the story that i didnt see coming but overall it was a great read. I am new to these zombie books so i am not sure if i will follow this series.
September 14, 2015
A perfect one-day read, RAIN is an archetype for the zombie genre while also utilizing original ideas. Shaun Harbinger, your hero Alex was a funny, albeit dorky, guy, and he was the shining point of the novel. The setting was unique, the plot took dynamic and unexpected turns, and the overall feel of the novel was a perfect mix of horror and thriller. Nice read!
April 5, 2016
This book had an ok storyline, some zombies, and lots and lots of objectifying women. It was a $2 Ebook, so I guess worth it for a light vacation read. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, unless they like their zombies with lots of boobs.
June 20, 2014
I loved it, Shaun's story telling technique is impeccable and I enjoyed the old school horror style of Backpackers in the woods, I can easily give Rain 5 stars.
August 4, 2015
3,5 stars
August 7, 2015
I didn't find much depth to the characters or story. This was free on Amazon Kindle.
December 12, 2021
This short zombie apocalypse ebook has plenty going for it at first, being rather well written and set in Wales, with everyday fallible Brits as the main characters.
There are a few implausibilities in that the world falls apart and is completely infested, with survivor camps set up, within 48 hours of the virus first declaring itself, but hey that’s all part of the apocalypse thing. That much can be accepted without too much suspension of belief. I do like the idea the zombies don’t like getting wet as they’d rot too fast for the virus to spread effectively … but that doesn’t fit with the very wet British isles being overrun quite so fast.
But the real issue is the lack of story. Rather than exploring the meaning of being human and the pressures of surviving, our heroes are somewhat vacuous. Their characters quickly get tiresome, only one changes a little bit and not for the better as it turns out, and the reader’s interest wanes.
Our POV character is an unfit gamer geek who spends the apocalypse moaning about how little sex he has had before the end of the world, despite benefitting from the insta-love of a bimbo personality vacuum who happened to be on the same hiking and camping weekend as him, and whose boobs seem to be the only thing the geek can notice from chapter to chapter. The other two characters are a cardboard cutout jock and a cardboard cutout bitch - also with boobs meriting extensive consideration by the geek. None of them (the characters, not the boobs) are sympathetic or particularly clever, so there’s not much to commend their company as they bumble about, from escape to escape.
The deaths of the two least sympathetic of the crew (plus a couple of expendable baddies) don’t seem to affect the bizarre idyll of the other two: no trauma, no disputes, no plausibility, just a nice holiday on a pleasure cruiser with no jeopardy. The apocalypse seems to be an improvement in the geek’s fortunes. Don’t know about Boobs, she’s too busy being a domestic goddess and standing by her man.
Boring, I’m afraid. There’s not enough action, not enough gore to make up for the lack of characterisation. It’s a shame as this is a clear, easy read.
I won’t follow the series.
There are a few implausibilities in that the world falls apart and is completely infested, with survivor camps set up, within 48 hours of the virus first declaring itself, but hey that’s all part of the apocalypse thing. That much can be accepted without too much suspension of belief. I do like the idea the zombies don’t like getting wet as they’d rot too fast for the virus to spread effectively … but that doesn’t fit with the very wet British isles being overrun quite so fast.
But the real issue is the lack of story. Rather than exploring the meaning of being human and the pressures of surviving, our heroes are somewhat vacuous. Their characters quickly get tiresome, only one changes a little bit and not for the better as it turns out, and the reader’s interest wanes.
Our POV character is an unfit gamer geek who spends the apocalypse moaning about how little sex he has had before the end of the world, despite benefitting from the insta-love of a bimbo personality vacuum who happened to be on the same hiking and camping weekend as him, and whose boobs seem to be the only thing the geek can notice from chapter to chapter. The other two characters are a cardboard cutout jock and a cardboard cutout bitch - also with boobs meriting extensive consideration by the geek. None of them (the characters, not the boobs) are sympathetic or particularly clever, so there’s not much to commend their company as they bumble about, from escape to escape.
The deaths of the two least sympathetic of the crew (plus a couple of expendable baddies) don’t seem to affect the bizarre idyll of the other two: no trauma, no disputes, no plausibility, just a nice holiday on a pleasure cruiser with no jeopardy. The apocalypse seems to be an improvement in the geek’s fortunes. Don’t know about Boobs, she’s too busy being a domestic goddess and standing by her man.
Boring, I’m afraid. There’s not enough action, not enough gore to make up for the lack of characterisation. It’s a shame as this is a clear, easy read.
I won’t follow the series.
February 27, 2021
Good read
I have really enjoyed this book . Although I must say the some of the character's have been quite gung ho . I also like the fact that he got rid of some dead wood pretty early on as I think some of the character's i would have wanted to shoot myself . It will be interesting to find out where this story goes .
I have really enjoyed this book . Although I must say the some of the character's have been quite gung ho . I also like the fact that he got rid of some dead wood pretty early on as I think some of the character's i would have wanted to shoot myself . It will be interesting to find out where this story goes .
December 6, 2017
Zombies
What can I say, I'm a zombie fan. I felt this was a good story with well developed characters. The author keeps it to a small group that is easy to follow. Lots of room to expand into the next book. I look forward to more good things from this one.
What can I say, I'm a zombie fan. I felt this was a good story with well developed characters. The author keeps it to a small group that is easy to follow. Lots of room to expand into the next book. I look forward to more good things from this one.
August 5, 2021
Brilliantly written plot
Brilliantly written plot that you have to keep following as the characters grow into their own personal nightmare. Very good quality and the plot twists and turns out of control
Brilliantly written plot that you have to keep following as the characters grow into their own personal nightmare. Very good quality and the plot twists and turns out of control
April 8, 2023
I originally started this book because I’m out of space on my Kindle. It ended up being a great read. I totally felt what the characters were feeling. I’m hoping there’s a #2. I’ll continue the adventure.
June 1, 2024
Not a bad zombie book, interesting aspect with the rain. A group of friends, that are separate in their own ways, you can’t help but finding yourself supporting one side or the other.
Will definitely read the next in the series
Will definitely read the next in the series
January 10, 2025
Thrilling
Bloody good read. Solid characters, that show both sides to their personality during the apocalypse.
Well written throughout with some really good action sequences apon both dry land and the high seas.
Nice touch with the American boat too
Bravo author.
Bloody good read. Solid characters, that show both sides to their personality during the apocalypse.
Well written throughout with some really good action sequences apon both dry land and the high seas.
Nice touch with the American boat too
Bravo author.
September 14, 2017
Impressed
Really impressed with this book. Snappy little storyline with great characters and a very good storyline. Great concept well told. Looking forward to book 2.
Really impressed with this book. Snappy little storyline with great characters and a very good storyline. Great concept well told. Looking forward to book 2.
November 3, 2017
Quick read
I've chosen four stars because as good as this book is....it's a little too short and simplistic. Almost ideological in places. It's a good read though.
I've chosen four stars because as good as this book is....it's a little too short and simplistic. Almost ideological in places. It's a good read though.
April 27, 2018
Review to follow...
March 14, 2019
Good East read
Really enjoyed the book. Can't wait until I pick up part 2. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy but was pleasantly surprised.
Really enjoyed the book. Can't wait until I pick up part 2. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy but was pleasantly surprised.
August 13, 2019
love it man
great zombie book set in the uk. hooked from the start, great characters and lovely flow to the story. digging it
great zombie book set in the uk. hooked from the start, great characters and lovely flow to the story. digging it
September 10, 2019
Enjoyable read.
Really enjoyed this book. Easy reading, good descriptions. Nothing gung ho about the main character, very normal. Would recommend. Looking forward to book 2!
Really enjoyed this book. Easy reading, good descriptions. Nothing gung ho about the main character, very normal. Would recommend. Looking forward to book 2!
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