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A Safe Place To Die: A Zombie Apocalypse Thriller
In a world where the sky bleeds infection and the dead refuse to die, will having each other be enough?A parasite-carrying asteroid has unleashed a zombie plague upon the world, forcing nurse Zoe McCallister to flee her overrun neighborhood with her badly injured husband Oliver, their dog Louie, and Jurnee, the little girl Oliver rescued from a burning vehicle. Following the plan she and Oliver made, Zoe seeks refuge for them in an abandoned church some fifteen miles away.
But safety proves elusive as the crimson contagion bears down, forcing Zoe to make a difficult choice—a choice that could bring terrible consequences.
When Oliver wakes up, he has nothing but pain and Where is he? How did he get here? Where is Zoe? Little Jurnee only has a few answers, and he doesn’t like any of them.
Melding pulse-pounding zombie action with complex characters and wrenching moral dilemmas, A Safe Place to Die launches a gripping new vision of the undead apocalypse. Perfect for fans of The Walking Dead or World War Z, and for anyone who has wondered if they could survive when the dead rise.
But safety proves elusive as the crimson contagion bears down, forcing Zoe to make a difficult choice—a choice that could bring terrible consequences.
When Oliver wakes up, he has nothing but pain and Where is he? How did he get here? Where is Zoe? Little Jurnee only has a few answers, and he doesn’t like any of them.
Melding pulse-pounding zombie action with complex characters and wrenching moral dilemmas, A Safe Place to Die launches a gripping new vision of the undead apocalypse. Perfect for fans of The Walking Dead or World War Z, and for anyone who has wondered if they could survive when the dead rise.
362 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2024
277 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Otto Schafer
20 books152 followersOtto Schafer grew up exploring the small historic town in central Illinois featured in his first work of fiction, The Secret Journal. If you visit Petersburg, Illinois you may find locations familiar from the book. You may even discover, as Otto did, that history has left behind cleverly hidden traces of magic, whispered secrets, and untold treasures.
Otto is currently working on the third book in the Wrack and Ruin series, set to release in early 2025.
He and his loving wife reside in a quiet log cabin tucked away in the woods. You can often find him sitting out back by the koi pond, whittling words into stories for his readers.
Otto is currently working on the third book in the Wrack and Ruin series, set to release in early 2025.
He and his loving wife reside in a quiet log cabin tucked away in the woods. You can often find him sitting out back by the koi pond, whittling words into stories for his readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 14, 2024
I was happy to revisit Zoe, Oliver, Jurnee, and the goodest of boys Louie and I was both a little sad and a little glad to learn that this is where it ends for this series (better to end on a high note than to overstay one's welcome is a wisdom not often found in the zombpoc genre).
Snappy pacing, great characters that were easy to get invested in, and an absolutely terrifying spin on zombies. There might have been a couple of very minor plot holes but at the end of the day I was intensely into it from beginning to end and I'm not about to question it too much.
Snappy pacing, great characters that were easy to get invested in, and an absolutely terrifying spin on zombies. There might have been a couple of very minor plot holes but at the end of the day I was intensely into it from beginning to end and I'm not about to question it too much.
October 22, 2024
It’s spooky season, and if you’re looking for a good zombie apocalypse series, this is a series for you. I am invested in this series and can wait to see what happens next. Otto Schafer has written one of the best horror books I have read in a while. A Safe Place To Die was page after page of action packed zombie fighting hero’s and villains. This series reminds me of that popular show on Netflix, the main characters get to place that they think is safe and things seem to be getting better then out of nowhere where the whole plot changes! Loving this series and I can wait for Book 3!!!
July 27, 2024
Writing this at 1:30 in the morning because I actually couldn’t sleep until I finished.
This is the second book, following Rust Colored Rain and just…wow. I didn’t know it could get MORE intense than the first book, but it did 😂 This one had me audibly gasping, heart racing, actual anxiety building because I had no idea how they would survive. I LOVE all of the scientific study and ideas thrown around explaining what’s going on. And can I just say, I wanna be like Zoe??? I love that the author has written such a strong female lead, because I feel like you don’t see that often in zombie books/movies.
Anyway, everyone should read this. That’s all.
**Warning** it is gory at times, but that’s to be expected with a book about the undead 💀
This is the second book, following Rust Colored Rain and just…wow. I didn’t know it could get MORE intense than the first book, but it did 😂 This one had me audibly gasping, heart racing, actual anxiety building because I had no idea how they would survive. I LOVE all of the scientific study and ideas thrown around explaining what’s going on. And can I just say, I wanna be like Zoe??? I love that the author has written such a strong female lead, because I feel like you don’t see that often in zombie books/movies.
Anyway, everyone should read this. That’s all.
**Warning** it is gory at times, but that’s to be expected with a book about the undead 💀
June 22, 2025
I'm obsessed. also the POV for the epilogue was very unexpected and surprisingly worked out. I'm both excited and nervous as hell to see where the 3rd books takes us.
If you like zombies or don't like zombies and like stress and adventure with endearing main characters. you need to read this series. Otto definitely deserves more hype
If you like zombies or don't like zombies and like stress and adventure with endearing main characters. you need to read this series. Otto definitely deserves more hype
November 5, 2025
Easily one of the best zombie series I've ever read. This needs to be a movie. The amount of action and high stakes makes this a thrill ride of epic proportions.
September 23, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. This isn't even my usual genre, but several people I follow had raved about Otto's books so I had to give them a try.
This is book 2 in a series and the best way to describe it is like a really riveting, heart-pounding episode of Walking Dead, but the character's actions are really aligned with what a normal person would do if the zombie apocalypse happened.
I could not put it down. Easy 5 star read. Just as good as the first in the series, Rust Colored Rain.
This is book 2 in a series and the best way to describe it is like a really riveting, heart-pounding episode of Walking Dead, but the character's actions are really aligned with what a normal person would do if the zombie apocalypse happened.
I could not put it down. Easy 5 star read. Just as good as the first in the series, Rust Colored Rain.
January 12, 2025
I think I found a new series to recommend to those wanting zombie horror books. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for there to be a book 3. This is one of those that are different than ones I have read before, which makes me like it all the more.
October 28, 2024
This book had me in a chokehold the entire time! Absolutely emotional in with the characters, but also lots of hopeful heartwarming moments. This is unlike any zombie story out there, absolutely unique and fantastic!
July 31, 2024
FREAKING AMAZING, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!
When I finished this book I felt out of breath, like I had been holding my breath the whole time!! FREAKING AMAZING, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!
This Zombie Apocalypse/SciFi series is so original and so vivid, I almost forget I’m reading and not watching a movie!! This is book two and WHOA! I didn’t think book two could measure up to how INCREDIBLE book one was, but it SURPASSED IT!!!
The characters, I’m so freaking in love with Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee and Louie!! We’ve been following them, and a part of their lives since book one, and they are kind, caring, hopeful and strong characters. Even little Jurnee is an incredible little girl!! But we meet some new characters in book two that are very interesting. Some you come to care about and some you don’t, well one in particular.
Following this journey with Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee and Louie has made them important to me and I’m sure to other readers too. There were some scary, heart stopping and tragic moments for these characters, and therefore for myself. This just goes to show how well written this story is! The pacing is perfection, it moves quickly and there is never a dull moment, but not too quickly, so we don’t lose depth at all.
Schafer is one of my favorite authors and he has the gift to allow his characters to take risks and accomplish things that are extraordinary. He does his research and it shows! He gives his characters so much depth and truly brings them to life. He gives them challenges and they have to find their way through, but not unscarred. The apocalypse changes people, literally and figuratively.
If you enjoy a great and original Zombie Apocalypse, then you need to read this series! What are you waiting for? It’s totally worth it!!
When I finished this book I felt out of breath, like I had been holding my breath the whole time!! FREAKING AMAZING, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!
This Zombie Apocalypse/SciFi series is so original and so vivid, I almost forget I’m reading and not watching a movie!! This is book two and WHOA! I didn’t think book two could measure up to how INCREDIBLE book one was, but it SURPASSED IT!!!
The characters, I’m so freaking in love with Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee and Louie!! We’ve been following them, and a part of their lives since book one, and they are kind, caring, hopeful and strong characters. Even little Jurnee is an incredible little girl!! But we meet some new characters in book two that are very interesting. Some you come to care about and some you don’t, well one in particular.
Following this journey with Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee and Louie has made them important to me and I’m sure to other readers too. There were some scary, heart stopping and tragic moments for these characters, and therefore for myself. This just goes to show how well written this story is! The pacing is perfection, it moves quickly and there is never a dull moment, but not too quickly, so we don’t lose depth at all.
Schafer is one of my favorite authors and he has the gift to allow his characters to take risks and accomplish things that are extraordinary. He does his research and it shows! He gives his characters so much depth and truly brings them to life. He gives them challenges and they have to find their way through, but not unscarred. The apocalypse changes people, literally and figuratively.
If you enjoy a great and original Zombie Apocalypse, then you need to read this series! What are you waiting for? It’s totally worth it!!
June 29, 2025
I don’t know even how to write a review for this book as I want everyone to discover the ups and downs of this roller coaster ride for themselves!
The book is well written and you get invested and involved with each character. Since it’s a zombie book you never know if you can trust the author to get comfortable with loving a character…. You will just have to use your own judgment…. The free fall when you was wrong ;-)
The first book set the main characters (Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee, & louie) and this book continues to document their struggles in this new zombie world. I was up late finishing it and had to tell myself it was too late to start the next one.
I would say even if you don’t like zombie books… give this series a try.
The book is well written and you get invested and involved with each character. Since it’s a zombie book you never know if you can trust the author to get comfortable with loving a character…. You will just have to use your own judgment…. The free fall when you was wrong ;-)
The first book set the main characters (Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee, & louie) and this book continues to document their struggles in this new zombie world. I was up late finishing it and had to tell myself it was too late to start the next one.
I would say even if you don’t like zombie books… give this series a try.
March 8, 2025
Another absolutely fantastic book from Otto! I loved rust colored rain and was elated to find the sequel had come out. This book again was so fast paced, so creative, and kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat for the entirety. I love the science aspect! I appreciate the understanding of how and why these things are doing what they’re doing. Zoe + Oliver + Jurnee + Louie are my favorite apocalypse family ❤️
June 30, 2025
Wow. Otto did it again with this book! I am so in love with this series and Ottos writing style! The main characters are actually likeable. It seems books I read nowadays the main characters are rough. But not Oliver, Zoe, Jurnee, & Louie!!! Also the zombies are chilling, such a unique take on zombies that ive ever seen. definitely not your typical zombies. Im so excited for book 3!
September 14, 2024
Whoa!
Just when you think you're safe, SHTF! I was pleasantly entertained how this book exceeded my expectations. And how the story picked up right from page one. New characters, new dangers and an unexpected change in the zombie dynamics. You have to read this!
Just when you think you're safe, SHTF! I was pleasantly entertained how this book exceeded my expectations. And how the story picked up right from page one. New characters, new dangers and an unexpected change in the zombie dynamics. You have to read this!
January 3, 2025
I am one book ahead of Haley. I am the reader of this relationship.
April 10, 2025
A new and original spin on the zombies here and I absolutely loved it! The main characters have my heart
This better not be the last book 😢
This better not be the last book 😢
September 16, 2025
Really good! Definitely a unique zombie story
November 5, 2025
Loved it!
December 22, 2024
Finished this in several days because it was so good. Otto! We’re ready for your next book! Definitely my favorite author.
February 25, 2025
unique story!!
Very fun series!! Book 2 was good and filled with action the entire time!! I’m exhausted from all the running!! 😆 I hope there will be a book 3!!
Can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
Very fun series!! Book 2 was good and filled with action the entire time!! I’m exhausted from all the running!! 😆 I hope there will be a book 3!!
Can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
February 19, 2025
EPIC
This series has so many twists and the different take on the zombie pathogen is insane! I literally could not put the book down. I'm so looking forward to reading part 3.
This series has so many twists and the different take on the zombie pathogen is insane! I literally could not put the book down. I'm so looking forward to reading part 3.
December 18, 2024
OMG!!!!
Since this is book two I am giving nothing of the plot away!
It is a thrill ride of a book! I loved it beginning to end! I was cheering for characters and yelling at them and everything in between!
You will fall in love with the main characters from the first book which you are still following in this book Oliver, Zoe, and Jurnee along with their pitbull Louie.
Since this is book two I am giving nothing of the plot away!
It is a thrill ride of a book! I loved it beginning to end! I was cheering for characters and yelling at them and everything in between!
You will fall in love with the main characters from the first book which you are still following in this book Oliver, Zoe, and Jurnee along with their pitbull Louie.
October 27, 2024
*From the moment I picked up A Safe Place to Die, I was hooked. Otto Schafer plunges us into a world where the sky bleeds infection and the dead refuse to stay dead, creating an atmosphere that had me gripping my seat. Zoe McCallister's desperate flight with her injured husband Oliver and the little girl Jurnee felt intensely real and raw, drawing me in completely.
As a reader, I found myself right there with them, my heart racing as they sought refuge in an abandoned church, a place that should be safe but quickly becomes a source of tension and dread. Schafer doesn’t shy away from the emotional turmoil; I felt every difficult choice Zoe had to make, and there were moments when I screamed in frustration, throwing the book down in disbelief.
What struck me most was the depth of the characters. Zoe's fierce determination and the bond she shares with Oliver and Jurnee made me reflect on what I would do in a similar situation. The moral dilemmas presented felt so real, making this not just a thrilling zombie tale but a poignant exploration of love and sacrifice.
If you're a fan of The Walking Dead or World War Z, you need to read this. It’s more than just a survival story; it’s about the lengths we’ll go to for those we love, even when hope seems lost. A Safe Place to Die has left a lasting impression on me—it's a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that I can’t stop thinking about. Highly recommended for anyone brave enough to venture into the chaos of the undead apocalypse.
As a reader, I found myself right there with them, my heart racing as they sought refuge in an abandoned church, a place that should be safe but quickly becomes a source of tension and dread. Schafer doesn’t shy away from the emotional turmoil; I felt every difficult choice Zoe had to make, and there were moments when I screamed in frustration, throwing the book down in disbelief.
What struck me most was the depth of the characters. Zoe's fierce determination and the bond she shares with Oliver and Jurnee made me reflect on what I would do in a similar situation. The moral dilemmas presented felt so real, making this not just a thrilling zombie tale but a poignant exploration of love and sacrifice.
If you're a fan of The Walking Dead or World War Z, you need to read this. It’s more than just a survival story; it’s about the lengths we’ll go to for those we love, even when hope seems lost. A Safe Place to Die has left a lasting impression on me—it's a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that I can’t stop thinking about. Highly recommended for anyone brave enough to venture into the chaos of the undead apocalypse.
August 19, 2024
A Safe Place to Die is the second book in the Wrack and Ruin series and it did not disappoint.
This book was just as fast-paced and as much of a page-turner as the first book in the series.
In this book, we find Jurnee, Oliver, and Zoe in disarray as they scramble to find a new safe place after their home blows up and Oliver is badly injured.
Outside the safety of their house, they quickly get a new view of the world and all that has consumed it. Not all people are good as they hold on to what’s near and dear to them, doing all they can to survive. But there are some good people left in the world, ones who are willing to help them.
Oliver, Zoe, and Jurnee leverage Zoe’s doctor skills to help a group of survivors who have holed up in a church where Oliver had run into zombies in the first book. But the promise of safety in numbers doesn’t prepare them for what’s to come.
I always worry about the books that follow in a series in terms of their ability to continue the momentum of the story and keep me wanting more. This book was just as amazing as the first one and I am ready to see what comes next.
Oliver, Zoe, and Jurnee’s character development continued to grow, and they showed different sides of themselves in the choices they needed to make.
This book was just as fast-paced and as much of a page-turner as the first book in the series.
In this book, we find Jurnee, Oliver, and Zoe in disarray as they scramble to find a new safe place after their home blows up and Oliver is badly injured.
Outside the safety of their house, they quickly get a new view of the world and all that has consumed it. Not all people are good as they hold on to what’s near and dear to them, doing all they can to survive. But there are some good people left in the world, ones who are willing to help them.
Oliver, Zoe, and Jurnee leverage Zoe’s doctor skills to help a group of survivors who have holed up in a church where Oliver had run into zombies in the first book. But the promise of safety in numbers doesn’t prepare them for what’s to come.
I always worry about the books that follow in a series in terms of their ability to continue the momentum of the story and keep me wanting more. This book was just as amazing as the first one and I am ready to see what comes next.
Oliver, Zoe, and Jurnee’s character development continued to grow, and they showed different sides of themselves in the choices they needed to make.
December 29, 2024
Otto Schafer has quickly earned a spot among my favorite authors with this phenomenal series. He has an incredible knack for pulling you in from the very first page, hooking you with his masterful storytelling and vivid writing. This book picks up seamlessly where the first one left off, and let me tell you—it’s nothing short of amazing.
The relationships between the characters are incredibly well-developed, making their journeys and struggles feel so real and emotionally impactful. Every twist and turn kept me glued to the pages, eager to see what would happen next.
I wholeheartedly recommend these books to anyone who loves zombies, post-apocalyptic adventures, or just a downright great story. I’m counting down the days for the release of the third book—I can’t wait to see how this epic story unfolds!
The relationships between the characters are incredibly well-developed, making their journeys and struggles feel so real and emotionally impactful. Every twist and turn kept me glued to the pages, eager to see what would happen next.
I wholeheartedly recommend these books to anyone who loves zombies, post-apocalyptic adventures, or just a downright great story. I’m counting down the days for the release of the third book—I can’t wait to see how this epic story unfolds!
May 18, 2025
This series is it!
8/10 for me. I didn't find it as fast-paced and exhilarating as the first book but I still loved reading it. The new twists and turns, new characters, and new heartbreaking moments made for a super fun read.
I liked having new characters but I felt that they put into the story just to be killed off rather than bring that much more to the book. Not necessarily a bad thing but I would've enjoyed knowing them more.
The story now has a 'baddie' with Tommy and a part of me is very scared of what he'll do in book 3.
Zoe and Oliver are a strong couple of main characters (I resonate more with Zoe). They are flawed too and make silly mistakes, allow their emotions to win, and don't always do what they should and that's what I love about it.
I'm stoked for book 3 and can't wait for it to be released.
8/10 for me. I didn't find it as fast-paced and exhilarating as the first book but I still loved reading it. The new twists and turns, new characters, and new heartbreaking moments made for a super fun read.
I liked having new characters but I felt that they put into the story just to be killed off rather than bring that much more to the book. Not necessarily a bad thing but I would've enjoyed knowing them more.
The story now has a 'baddie' with Tommy and a part of me is very scared of what he'll do in book 3.
Zoe and Oliver are a strong couple of main characters (I resonate more with Zoe). They are flawed too and make silly mistakes, allow their emotions to win, and don't always do what they should and that's what I love about it.
I'm stoked for book 3 and can't wait for it to be released.
November 3, 2025
I was so excited to read this book when it came. It met standards of mine and did more. Why not five stars. I felt like when they did get to the church to the group, it went by fast. I felt like being there could have been a whole book and a half worth. And Tommy arc of leaving Oliver at the country store was rushed to be there in the plot line. But it does make you hate Tommy more since he can't take no and let it marinate. Tommy's character is hot headed and automatically was cutting Oliver out at the first chance he could. I just wish it wasn't that soon. I just wish we could spend more time with the characters. The time jump of the week could have let me have that. But I still love this book regardless and how it ended. Wish I could savor all the characters before it all went south. Cant wait for the next book to get here so I can read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
Safe Place To Die? NOT YET
Otto Schafer is a new author for me. The Wrack and Ruin series is the first of his books that I've had the pleasure of reading. And I do mean PLEASURE. I love a good zombie story, throw in a unusual story line with some MC that you can pull for and I'm off and running. A Safe Place To Die (#2 in the series) was extremely fast paced with twists and turns and Ollie, Zoe and little Jurnee being characters you really pull for. Let's not forget Louie, the four legged hero of the group. Do yourself a favor, if you love zombie fiction, then check out this series. You won't be dissappointed. Now, come on Mr. Schaffer, get a good night's rest, but your wife, go for a run and let's get started on #3.
Otto Schafer is a new author for me. The Wrack and Ruin series is the first of his books that I've had the pleasure of reading. And I do mean PLEASURE. I love a good zombie story, throw in a unusual story line with some MC that you can pull for and I'm off and running. A Safe Place To Die (#2 in the series) was extremely fast paced with twists and turns and Ollie, Zoe and little Jurnee being characters you really pull for. Let's not forget Louie, the four legged hero of the group. Do yourself a favor, if you love zombie fiction, then check out this series. You won't be dissappointed. Now, come on Mr. Schaffer, get a good night's rest, but your wife, go for a run and let's get started on #3.
July 30, 2024
Absolutely amazing. The whole story is so well written I feel like I'm right there with them. The description of the world and events that take place you can picture it. I absolutely love the strength and hope that Oliver and Zoe have. To keep going when you don't think you can. True survival and hope emits from this whole book. This is a easy read that just flows the whole story just keeps you on your toes reading. I couldn't put it down, I had to know what was going to happen. And the description of the zombies, truly unique. This is not like any other zombie apocalypse book, this is truly one of a kind and the real deal. I can't recommend this book/series enough.
July 24, 2024
Book two in this series does not disappoint! Schafer starts this zombie-filled journey with his foot on the pedal, not letting up until the end! The suspenseful, adrenaline-pumping, heart-pounding action in this book was fantastic! As always, Schafer writes intelligent, heartfelt characters you get behind and root for, along with a creative twist on the zombie genre. Fantastic and highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews