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Dead Meat #1
Carne Muerta: Día 1
The dead have awakened.
Driven by insatiable hunger.
In eternal search of fresh meat.
The infection spreads like the plague.
Nothing stands between the undead and humanity.
Is it too late to save the world from disaster?
In this new apocalyptic zombie series, we follow events day for day as the world slowly decends into mayhem as the zombies take over.
Day 1: How it all began
Three teenagers find themselves trapped in a stuffy, warm basement. The old lady who used to own the house is now dead. She's also standing right on the other side of the basement door, scraping and moaning, trying to get in. Patiently. Tirelessly.
How did they end up here? Just a few hours ago, all three of of them were sitting in Thomas' car, sweating and listening to music, not a care in the world. They were almost done with the paper route when they came to the old lady's house. And that's when everything turned to chaos.
Driven by insatiable hunger.
In eternal search of fresh meat.
The infection spreads like the plague.
Nothing stands between the undead and humanity.
Is it too late to save the world from disaster?
In this new apocalyptic zombie series, we follow events day for day as the world slowly decends into mayhem as the zombies take over.
Day 1: How it all began
Three teenagers find themselves trapped in a stuffy, warm basement. The old lady who used to own the house is now dead. She's also standing right on the other side of the basement door, scraping and moaning, trying to get in. Patiently. Tirelessly.
How did they end up here? Just a few hours ago, all three of of them were sitting in Thomas' car, sweating and listening to music, not a care in the world. They were almost done with the paper route when they came to the old lady's house. And that's when everything turned to chaos.
148 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2017
553 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Nick Clausen
74 books375 followersI write stories about the apocalypse so that I don't need to work a real job. I grew up reading Stephen King and still haven't fully recovered. I'm currently ending the world in my new series Under the Breaking Sky.
Join my reader club to be kept in the loop -> nick-clausen.com
Join my reader club to be kept in the loop -> nick-clausen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 6, 2019
I received the book from the author in exchange for a review. Thank you Nick.
Nick Clausen is very talented. His stories pull you in, take hold and don't let go. They are well written and intense. This book throws you in at ground zero of the zombie outbreak. However, the characters are well aware of what's happening, what to do and how to stop it. They try but I guess we'll have to read book 2 to see if it worked.
Nick Clausen is very talented. His stories pull you in, take hold and don't let go. They are well written and intense. This book throws you in at ground zero of the zombie outbreak. However, the characters are well aware of what's happening, what to do and how to stop it. They try but I guess we'll have to read book 2 to see if it worked.
May 30, 2022
This review is also feature on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 1
It started off as a normal day delivering papers, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. Thomas and his friends are trapped in a basement, with a hungry zombie on the other side of the only way out. Jennie is injured, and pretty soon they might have a zombie on the inside as well. With no weapons and no way to call for help, they’re running out of time. How did it come to this?
Dead Meat drops you straight into the action. Tensions are running high and you’ll immediately be invested in the characters and their situation. There is never a dull moment as Thomas does all he can to survive. Every time the characters even gain the higher ground, another obstacle is thrown in their way to ramp up the difficulty.
Nick Clausen successfully created a believable world and an engaging story within 187 pages. There is a perfect balance of drama and horror. The two story elements weave together to create an edgy and creative take on the zombie apocalypse. I will be reading the next book as soon as I can. I just have to know what happens! I highly recommend Dead Meat for fans of horror and zombies. You will not be disappointed.
It started off as a normal day delivering papers, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. Thomas and his friends are trapped in a basement, with a hungry zombie on the other side of the only way out. Jennie is injured, and pretty soon they might have a zombie on the inside as well. With no weapons and no way to call for help, they’re running out of time. How did it come to this?
Dead Meat drops you straight into the action. Tensions are running high and you’ll immediately be invested in the characters and their situation. There is never a dull moment as Thomas does all he can to survive. Every time the characters even gain the higher ground, another obstacle is thrown in their way to ramp up the difficulty.
Nick Clausen successfully created a believable world and an engaging story within 187 pages. There is a perfect balance of drama and horror. The two story elements weave together to create an edgy and creative take on the zombie apocalypse. I will be reading the next book as soon as I can. I just have to know what happens! I highly recommend Dead Meat for fans of horror and zombies. You will not be disappointed.
January 7, 2020
It’s hot as Hades, as the kids find themselves in the suffocating basement, dodging a zombie that salivates at the thought of taking a bite out of them…
Dead Meat by Nick Clausen gets creepy bad very early and time is of the essence.
OMG! Want bloody, gory, gruesome, sad, tragic, heroic and…?
Read about a day in the life of Dan, a teenager that was only delivering newpapers on a freakishly hot day when all hell broke loose in his world. I love this character!
I am drooling over the thought of reading more of this delicious series.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dead Meat by Nick Clausen.
See more at fundinmental
Dead Meat by Nick Clausen gets creepy bad very early and time is of the essence.
OMG! Want bloody, gory, gruesome, sad, tragic, heroic and…?
Read about a day in the life of Dan, a teenager that was only delivering newpapers on a freakishly hot day when all hell broke loose in his world. I love this character!
I am drooling over the thought of reading more of this delicious series.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dead Meat by Nick Clausen.
See more at fundinmental
December 11, 2017
Review copy from the publisher, Facet.
Reviewed on my blog Bookish Love Affair.
How much can happen in one day? I mean, how badly could thing get out of hand?
Very. Really very much. And as such, we see the beginning of an assumed zombie-apocaplypse through the eyes of two boys in their late teens and how in just one day everything changes.
It's fast-paced, kinda disgusting and spooky. I wonder what happens on day two.
Reviewed on my blog Bookish Love Affair.
How much can happen in one day? I mean, how badly could thing get out of hand?
Very. Really very much. And as such, we see the beginning of an assumed zombie-apocaplypse through the eyes of two boys in their late teens and how in just one day everything changes.
It's fast-paced, kinda disgusting and spooky. I wonder what happens on day two.
May 23, 2024
I tend to be pretty cynical about zombie literature. I have read so many Dead Meat Day One is the first in what appears to be a great new(ish) zombie series. The plus:
- It is set in Denmark! AS an "ugly American" I just sort of assume all books I read are going to set in America unless I am specifically told they are not. I love reading books set in foreign countries, this is a major plus for me.
- The author does not spoon feed me the plot, just like I figured out the story was set i Denmark, we, as the reader discover what is going on with the characters in the story. I understand there is a Dead Meat Day Zero novella that I am not able to find anywhere. Nick Clausen, if you happen to read this review and you feel so inclined, you could send me a copy of the novella. (Shameless begging inserted here.)
- The Author pulled a Psycho on us plotwise. I will not say more because I do not like adding spoilers to my review, but if you know, you know and will be perfectly clear what I mean if you read the book. And no, the zombie is not Norman Bates in a dress!
There are nine days in the series, and each day is represented by its own book. THis should carry me through the summer. Nick Clausen looks to be a great new author find for me.
P.B.R. I would have finished this book way quicker, but I read it while on an Alaskan cruise and i was busy being immersed in the glory of nature. I feel I should be able to read the rest of the series at a much brisker pace, as the writing style is fast paced.
- It is set in Denmark! AS an "ugly American" I just sort of assume all books I read are going to set in America unless I am specifically told they are not. I love reading books set in foreign countries, this is a major plus for me.
- The author does not spoon feed me the plot, just like I figured out the story was set i Denmark, we, as the reader discover what is going on with the characters in the story. I understand there is a Dead Meat Day Zero novella that I am not able to find anywhere. Nick Clausen, if you happen to read this review and you feel so inclined, you could send me a copy of the novella. (Shameless begging inserted here.)
- The Author pulled a Psycho on us plotwise. I will not say more because I do not like adding spoilers to my review, but if you know, you know and will be perfectly clear what I mean if you read the book. And no, the zombie is not Norman Bates in a dress!
There are nine days in the series, and each day is represented by its own book. THis should carry me through the summer. Nick Clausen looks to be a great new author find for me.
P.B.R. I would have finished this book way quicker, but I read it while on an Alaskan cruise and i was busy being immersed in the glory of nature. I feel I should be able to read the rest of the series at a much brisker pace, as the writing style is fast paced.
July 5, 2023
Hectic action packed as always with Nick’s zombie books.
I strongly recommend reading the prequel novella Day 0 before starting this series otherwise you’ll have no idea what’s going on.
TW: animal abuse, body horror re: a child
I strongly recommend reading the prequel novella Day 0 before starting this series otherwise you’ll have no idea what’s going on.
TW: animal abuse, body horror re: a child
October 8, 2019
***I was provided with a free copy by the author in exchange for a review.
Thomas and Dan had been planning their escape when Jennie reanimated into a zombie. They never killed her only kept her a safe distance from attacking them.
For Thomas and Dan, it was an ordeal to finally be out of that house. Evidently only 3 zombies were inside: the father, the grandma and a child. Yet Thomas managed to free himself. He also had to rescue Dan. They also realized someone alive was hiding in a car but she didn't have the car keys. She told Thomas they were in her husband's pant pocket. *facepalm*
Thomas and Dan locked themselves inside their car and drank a whole case of warm pop. The car wouldn't start and wouldn't you know it. Only then Thomas remembered the glass that he cut his foot on had zombie blood on it. So now he was also infected and burning with fever. Before he died he desperately wanted Dan and the lady of the other car to get out and get help. There were two zombies smashed against the car so Thomas got the key out of the husbands pocket and killed them before he passed out.
The lady of the car and Dan got away and made it to the hospital only to find out Dan had stuck Thomas's body in the trunk. Ugh. Why?
Realizing it was a bad idea to have taken Thomas' body to the hospital, Dan could have caused a zombie outbreak. So, they high tail it out of there and come to an abandoned area where they could set the damn body and the car on fire. Now that all of the zombies were dead was everything back to normal again? No! Dan remembers Jennie! They never killed her and he just hoped when he got out he secured the basement window ... to be continued.
Dead Meat is about three children who get stuck in the basement of a house that is overrun by zombies.When Thomas, Dan and his sister Jennie arrive at the end of their paper route, the furthest thing on their minds was getting eaten by zombies. The weather was hot that day and they were all thirsty but are themselves trapped in a basement hiding from a family of Zombies inside the old dilapidated farmhouse. I don't think they were very brave or smart enough to know how to kill zombies because they were scared. Jennie thought she scraped herself on some glass but she was scratched by the zombie's long nails. They knew she was infected when they realized her symptoms were getting worse. She had a burning fever and it was inevitable she would die and turn. It didn't take long either.
The prospect of survival is very grim for Thomas, Dan and Jennie but if there is any hope to stay alive,
they need to make sure all of the zombies are dead.
Thomas and Dan had been planning their escape when Jennie reanimated into a zombie. They never killed her only kept her a safe distance from attacking them.
For Thomas and Dan, it was an ordeal to finally be out of that house. Evidently only 3 zombies were inside: the father, the grandma and a child. Yet Thomas managed to free himself. He also had to rescue Dan. They also realized someone alive was hiding in a car but she didn't have the car keys. She told Thomas they were in her husband's pant pocket. *facepalm*
Thomas and Dan locked themselves inside their car and drank a whole case of warm pop. The car wouldn't start and wouldn't you know it. Only then Thomas remembered the glass that he cut his foot on had zombie blood on it. So now he was also infected and burning with fever. Before he died he desperately wanted Dan and the lady of the other car to get out and get help. There were two zombies smashed against the car so Thomas got the key out of the husbands pocket and killed them before he passed out.
The lady of the car and Dan got away and made it to the hospital only to find out Dan had stuck Thomas's body in the trunk. Ugh. Why?
Realizing it was a bad idea to have taken Thomas' body to the hospital, Dan could have caused a zombie outbreak. So, they high tail it out of there and come to an abandoned area where they could set the damn body and the car on fire. Now that all of the zombies were dead was everything back to normal again? No! Dan remembers Jennie! They never killed her and he just hoped when he got out he secured the basement window ... to be continued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2020
Read: October 25, 2020
Rating: 2 Stars
I've read a lot of great zombie books and I have read a lot of bad zombie books.
This one, in terms of story, falls somewhat in the middle, but a little bit more towards bad imo.
There are some things that don't make sense, and the fact that it's very, very short doesn't help much.
Then, the ending that's a big let down and a cliffhanger.
My main problem with this installment lies there, that it is in fact an installment and not a full book, though it seems to be marketed as such.
I get that authors need to pay the bills too, and that it's actually fucking hard to write a book and get it out there for people to read but this whole thing that a lot of "books" are now more small snippets feels kind of like getting cheated out of a full story and that just sucks.
I'm 100% more likely to pick up series of installments when I know that that's what I'm getting than if it's made to appear as a full story and getting just a mini part of it.
As such, I will not be continuing this series.
Rating: 2 Stars
I've read a lot of great zombie books and I have read a lot of bad zombie books.
This one, in terms of story, falls somewhat in the middle, but a little bit more towards bad imo.
There are some things that don't make sense, and the fact that it's very, very short doesn't help much.
Then, the ending that's a big let down and a cliffhanger.
My main problem with this installment lies there, that it is in fact an installment and not a full book, though it seems to be marketed as such.
I get that authors need to pay the bills too, and that it's actually fucking hard to write a book and get it out there for people to read but this whole thing that a lot of "books" are now more small snippets feels kind of like getting cheated out of a full story and that just sucks.
I'm 100% more likely to pick up series of installments when I know that that's what I'm getting than if it's made to appear as a full story and getting just a mini part of it.
As such, I will not be continuing this series.
June 3, 2020
"Dead Meat" is a newish zombie series that relates a zombie outbreak in Denmark, one day at a time. Yes, it's been before, but Nick Clausen's books are always fun to read, with interesting characters and a unique voice. I feel as if I've read a million zombie stories by American authors, and British authors, so getting more of an international feel is always fun.
Here, we have young Danish teenagers encountering a Haitian voodoo zombie on a newspaper delivery run. The characters are relatable, the plot is quick and sufficiently gory and bloody for a zombie romp, and there's even a little bit of zombie humor:
The zombie reaches out its arms, moans, then steps in its own intestines, trips and falls onto the hood of the car.
The ending is the perfect set up for Day 2 of "Dead Meat." I look forward to more.
Here, we have young Danish teenagers encountering a Haitian voodoo zombie on a newspaper delivery run. The characters are relatable, the plot is quick and sufficiently gory and bloody for a zombie romp, and there's even a little bit of zombie humor:
The zombie reaches out its arms, moans, then steps in its own intestines, trips and falls onto the hood of the car.
The ending is the perfect set up for Day 2 of "Dead Meat." I look forward to more.
October 7, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the suspense of the story. The characters were great. You have a mix of emotions from each of the characters. For me, this was a quick read and I devoured it.
The story just jumps right in and follows Thomas, Jennie and Dan and then the suspense builds real quick. You learn that they are all kids who have to make quick decisions. At one point you are trying to figure out what happen to start this chain of events. It's not your typical zombie book and that is what I loved about it.
Nick Clausen does a wonderful job with keeping the reader entertain. Overall this is a wonderful book to read.
***This is an advanced reader's copy***
The story just jumps right in and follows Thomas, Jennie and Dan and then the suspense builds real quick. You learn that they are all kids who have to make quick decisions. At one point you are trying to figure out what happen to start this chain of events. It's not your typical zombie book and that is what I loved about it.
Nick Clausen does a wonderful job with keeping the reader entertain. Overall this is a wonderful book to read.
***This is an advanced reader's copy***
September 25, 2022
I feel really bogged down at the moment by huge series. Having a bit of a fantasy burnout. I needed something different, so I saw some good reviews for this zombie series and figured it's the perfect time of year to try it.
I am so glad I did! This is all the zombie tropes ever, with a touch of fantasy thrown in the mix. Really fast paced, short, and I didn't realise how much I enjoyed the characters until they started dropping off.
Not original enough for five stars, but too much fun to give anything less than four. I'm excited to carry on!
I am so glad I did! This is all the zombie tropes ever, with a touch of fantasy thrown in the mix. Really fast paced, short, and I didn't realise how much I enjoyed the characters until they started dropping off.
Not original enough for five stars, but too much fun to give anything less than four. I'm excited to carry on!
September 28, 2019
Three teenage friends encounter zombies in an isolated country house while on a paper route. Zombies may be past their freshest, but I love them, and Nick Clausen does them justice with a taut, suspenseful tale. I liked the characters, found the situation realistic and enjoyed the level of gore.
If this is day 1, I can’t wait to read day 2!
If this is day 1, I can’t wait to read day 2!
August 26, 2020
I actually wasn't sure how I'd feel about this book. I love horror but I didn't know if I'd like a book where the entire story takes place in one day. But I actually ended up enjoying it. The book is a pretty quick read and I was able to finish it in a couple of hours. It's fast paced and keeps you interested!
January 13, 2024
Good beginning entry into a zombie series- starting with voodoo!
November 12, 2024
Una premisa familiar: un mundo devastado por un apocalipsis zombie. Aunque la historia se cuenta con cierta frescura, no logra escapar de la previsibilidad. Los giros de trama son efectivos para mantener la tensión, pero no sorprenden lo suficiente.
Lo más “innovador” es la decisión de dividir la historia en nueve o diez libros, lo que evita que parezca demasiado extensa de una sola vez.
Personalmente, me dio pereza continuar más allá del primer libro ya que, A pesar de ser una lectura ligera y entretenida, no aporta nada nuevo al género.
En mi opinión, no logra destacarse y diría: no pierdas el tiempo.
Lo más “innovador” es la decisión de dividir la historia en nueve o diez libros, lo que evita que parezca demasiado extensa de una sola vez.
Personalmente, me dio pereza continuar más allá del primer libro ya que, A pesar de ser una lectura ligera y entretenida, no aporta nada nuevo al género.
En mi opinión, no logra destacarse y diría: no pierdas el tiempo.
October 16, 2024
A short book, classic zombie story, it goes back to the roots of classic zombies—more Return of the Living Dead than World War Z. I almost wish it was a standalone, focusing solely on how the crisis was averted, but it’s clear this is just the beginning. Still, an enjoyable read for zombie fans!
November 23, 2020
Nice one!
Very Nice story, great hidden treasure. Going to download the Second book. Thanks for writing this, I really enyojed it!
Very Nice story, great hidden treasure. Going to download the Second book. Thanks for writing this, I really enyojed it!
August 29, 2023
Awesome zombie series
April 19, 2020
This book is amazing. I subscribed at the end to get day zero to see how it all happened. I can't wait to read the rest. Finally an action packed zombie series without out the extra narrative. You'll be sorry if you don't read this series.
Because it was the best book I've read in ages!!! I'm just sorry I didn't find it sooner. You won't regret reading this. I promise.
Because it was the best book I've read in ages!!! I'm just sorry I didn't find it sooner. You won't regret reading this. I promise.
April 21, 2025
Me gustó mucho como sigue la historia, entretenida y rápida de leer .
Definitivamente leeré los otros .
Definitivamente leeré los otros .
September 6, 2020
I’ll be honest, I was a bit hesitant going into this book, I don’t usually handpick a book that I believe will have a lot of gore, and choosing to read a zombie book is an almost absolute guarantee that there is going to be a significant amount of blood and guts. This assumption was correct, but Nick’s writing had me hooked from the first page, so I was here for the show and enjoyed every word.
Do not pick up this book thinking it will be a short read, because the minute you finish this novella, you’re going to want to read the next one. Which is exactly what I did, and is why two nights later I’m now on Dead Meat: Day 4 and anticipating the release of Day 5. These book “snacks” are addictive and “once you pop, you can’t stop”.
Most zombie stories, specifically movies and television, follow a very predictable script, and once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. While you can appreciate them all with their slight variations, there’s very little surprise in the arc and finale. Clausen threw this playbook out the window and crafted an unparalleled drama that ties the supernatural into what is a traditionally clinical origin story.
Everything about Dead Meat is so well executed. Each zombie attack is a shocking surprise despite having read several. Every character is well fleshed out (pun slightly intended) so that every loss is mourned. I can guarantee that you won’t know where the story is going or how it will end. Regardless of the apocalyptic trajectory, you won’t want it to end.
This book 100% surprised me and I will read this series through Day 100.
Do not pick up this book thinking it will be a short read, because the minute you finish this novella, you’re going to want to read the next one. Which is exactly what I did, and is why two nights later I’m now on Dead Meat: Day 4 and anticipating the release of Day 5. These book “snacks” are addictive and “once you pop, you can’t stop”.
Most zombie stories, specifically movies and television, follow a very predictable script, and once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. While you can appreciate them all with their slight variations, there’s very little surprise in the arc and finale. Clausen threw this playbook out the window and crafted an unparalleled drama that ties the supernatural into what is a traditionally clinical origin story.
Everything about Dead Meat is so well executed. Each zombie attack is a shocking surprise despite having read several. Every character is well fleshed out (pun slightly intended) so that every loss is mourned. I can guarantee that you won’t know where the story is going or how it will end. Regardless of the apocalyptic trajectory, you won’t want it to end.
This book 100% surprised me and I will read this series through Day 100.
August 31, 2020
Dead meat is one of the best pandemic read i read this year. Its mix of evil dead and resident evil and these are my favouraite movie .so you could imagine the hype ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
i finshed it in 2 hour because its quite short read and would love read more. Its little different of your usual zombie story.
Here zombie occur because someone dont want to forget there loved one so they did voddoo magic which can make dead alive but without any emotions and its contagious.
Yup things got crazy when three friends wander in old mansion where this lady live and it got quite unexpeted from there.
Loved it★★★★.5 star read from my side.
i finshed it in 2 hour because its quite short read and would love read more. Its little different of your usual zombie story.
Here zombie occur because someone dont want to forget there loved one so they did voddoo magic which can make dead alive but without any emotions and its contagious.
Yup things got crazy when three friends wander in old mansion where this lady live and it got quite unexpeted from there.
Loved it★★★★.5 star read from my side.
August 23, 2020
Short but good
Well I liked it but it was super short that's not a bad thing at all I like alot of gore so I hope the others have more but I'll still like tsem!
Well I liked it but it was super short that's not a bad thing at all I like alot of gore so I hope the others have more but I'll still like tsem!
March 20, 2022
Loved it!!
Excellent beginning of a zombie apocalypse series. Great characters and storyline. It's one of those stories you get in a few chapters and you can not put down until your finished. I'm off to the next book!
Excellent beginning of a zombie apocalypse series. Great characters and storyline. It's one of those stories you get in a few chapters and you can not put down until your finished. I'm off to the next book!
December 23, 2019
I read this via an ARC from the author, for Rosie Amber's Book Review Team. The fact that is was free has not affected this honest review.
This is a long short story, possibly a novelette, illustrating Day One of a zombie apocalypse; I read it on a long train journey.
What I liked:
The basic premise: a day-by-day account of the zombie apocalypse.
How the outbreak was supposed to have started; an unusual and clever idea, not one I'd read before.
The characterisation is good, with each of the three protagonists clearly defined, in their dialogue, actions and (most importantly) their inner thoughts; the relationship between the three is explained early, and works well.
The pace is good, and the writing mostly flows well.
That the book is written in the present tense, which I always prefer for more suspense and immediacy.
What I was not so sure about:
One of the main three characters is supposed to have seen loads of zombie films and every episode of The Walking Dead, but, when his group are trapped in a room with a zombie the other side and discussing their options for escape, does not appear to have learned how to kill them, and devises complicated plans that involve throwing stuff over them; they seem to think it more important to cut their arms off rather than kill the brain—the emphasis is on not getting scratched (which may but may not kill you) as opposed to getting bitten (which means a painful death and reawakening as a zombie).
I was confused earlier on because Thomas, Dan and Jennie were talking about the police not existing any more, and their family and friends possibly having become the walking dead, yet I thought the zombie they encountered in this house was supposed to be Patient Zero. This is resolved to a certain extent, but at first I kept flicking back because I wasn't quite sure what was going on.
Flashbacks are written in the present tense, which I don't think worked.
Too much use of the present continuous: 'the heat wave is going on' and 'the windows are sitting high', instead of 'the heat wave continues' and 'the windows sit high', for instance, which would have read so much better; some of the sentences were a little flat or clumsy.
Basically, it's a great idea and reads fairly well, but I think it needs some more redrafting and fine-tuning to live up to its potential.
This is a long short story, possibly a novelette, illustrating Day One of a zombie apocalypse; I read it on a long train journey.
What I liked:
The basic premise: a day-by-day account of the zombie apocalypse.
How the outbreak was supposed to have started; an unusual and clever idea, not one I'd read before.
The characterisation is good, with each of the three protagonists clearly defined, in their dialogue, actions and (most importantly) their inner thoughts; the relationship between the three is explained early, and works well.
The pace is good, and the writing mostly flows well.
That the book is written in the present tense, which I always prefer for more suspense and immediacy.
What I was not so sure about:
One of the main three characters is supposed to have seen loads of zombie films and every episode of The Walking Dead, but, when his group are trapped in a room with a zombie the other side and discussing their options for escape, does not appear to have learned how to kill them, and devises complicated plans that involve throwing stuff over them; they seem to think it more important to cut their arms off rather than kill the brain—the emphasis is on not getting scratched (which may but may not kill you) as opposed to getting bitten (which means a painful death and reawakening as a zombie).
I was confused earlier on because Thomas, Dan and Jennie were talking about the police not existing any more, and their family and friends possibly having become the walking dead, yet I thought the zombie they encountered in this house was supposed to be Patient Zero. This is resolved to a certain extent, but at first I kept flicking back because I wasn't quite sure what was going on.
Flashbacks are written in the present tense, which I don't think worked.
Too much use of the present continuous: 'the heat wave is going on' and 'the windows are sitting high', instead of 'the heat wave continues' and 'the windows sit high', for instance, which would have read so much better; some of the sentences were a little flat or clumsy.
Basically, it's a great idea and reads fairly well, but I think it needs some more redrafting and fine-tuning to live up to its potential.
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October 8, 2019Dead Meat: Day 1 is a horror thriller by Nick Clausen that promises readers a trip down “scary lane.” This story takes place in Denmark with three teenagers out on a regular day not expecting the horrors that they are about to face as one simply goes into an old woman’s house to do a simple job – deliver a newspaper. Things take a horrific turn with a gruesome discovery that, due to a cruel twist of fate, has far-reaching consequences.
Being an avid fan and lover of horror movies and always looking for my next thrill from a horror story, I was eager to dive into this book. I was eager to see where the author would take me in the familiar troupe of zombies and death. I have to say I was not disappointed. The author does a fantastic job with this short story keeping me engaged as to what was going to happen next. I’m pleased to say that a couple of characters do a lot better than I was expecting. I was honestly expecting some of the typical clichés seen in horror movies where nobody does the obvious. I guess it helps that one of the characters watched quite a few horror movies and knows what should be done.
I can honestly say that there is nothing I don’t like about this book. Be forewarned…there is no happy ending…as this is just the beginning. I will admit that I got annoyed with one of the characters, but I know that this was done with intent by the author. The author does his best to make these characters as true to life in this story and it works! We see the humanity in them as they try to resist doing the “ultimate” deed in the name of survival.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is truly a horror success and I look forward to learning what happens next as a terrible realization hits one of the characters at the end, and one that I’m sure will have you yelling at them (and it falling on deaf ears). If you enjoy horror stories, zombies, and well-created characters then I highly recommend this story.
Being an avid fan and lover of horror movies and always looking for my next thrill from a horror story, I was eager to dive into this book. I was eager to see where the author would take me in the familiar troupe of zombies and death. I have to say I was not disappointed. The author does a fantastic job with this short story keeping me engaged as to what was going to happen next. I’m pleased to say that a couple of characters do a lot better than I was expecting. I was honestly expecting some of the typical clichés seen in horror movies where nobody does the obvious. I guess it helps that one of the characters watched quite a few horror movies and knows what should be done.
I can honestly say that there is nothing I don’t like about this book. Be forewarned…there is no happy ending…as this is just the beginning. I will admit that I got annoyed with one of the characters, but I know that this was done with intent by the author. The author does his best to make these characters as true to life in this story and it works! We see the humanity in them as they try to resist doing the “ultimate” deed in the name of survival.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is truly a horror success and I look forward to learning what happens next as a terrible realization hits one of the characters at the end, and one that I’m sure will have you yelling at them (and it falling on deaf ears). If you enjoy horror stories, zombies, and well-created characters then I highly recommend this story.
October 6, 2019
I wanted to read some spooky stories as it is the month of October and I really don’t usually read them. I have to say the reason is that I have too vivid of an imagination so it sticks with me. This year I wanted to do something different and try again. I am not sure if this was a good decision after reading this story. So I read the description and thought it sounded interesting. Maybe one that wouldn’t be too creepy even if it did contain zombies. Can you hear me laughing at myself. Ya it was creepy. Yet I can say it was a really good story and got me caught up right away. I liked the characters and the world building. I could picture it happening the way the author described it. I think in a way for me that made it worse as it made it more believable. Well done, for me I could feel my heart beating fast by the end. Like I said I don’t usually read or even watch movies like this for a reason. Saying that I would look for more by this author as the writing style and characters was well done. Seemed like I just started it and I was at the end. The end does leave an opening for more and I do want to know more, yet there was also an ending that I was satisfied with for now. I did received an ARC for an honest review. I would recommend this book to others and am thinking I should go buy it so when the next part comes out I can reread this part first to get back into the mood.
August 26, 2021
I discovered this series at my local library one day. I had never heard of it before, but the Day 8 volume was on top of a display of young adult books when I was browsing for something to read. Wanting to start at the beginning, I put Day 1 on hold.
I was surprised to find that this series was written by an author in Denmark who learned English from Netflix and audiobooks. This book was a complete turnaround from the last zombie novel I read. The writing was simple, extremely fast-paced and realistic, and I plowed through it in less than a day. I liked that zombie movies are a part of the world-building, so the characters immediately know what’s happening and how to combat the zombies. Spoiler alert: the character I assumed would be the main character for the entire series dies, so I’m not sure who will be the lead character for Day 2 – will it be one of the survivors from Day 1, or will Day 2 start with a completely clean slate character-wise?
I gave Dead Meat – Day 1 five stars on Goodreads. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys horror novels, zombie novels in particular. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series – according to the author’s website, it will end with Day 9.
I was surprised to find that this series was written by an author in Denmark who learned English from Netflix and audiobooks. This book was a complete turnaround from the last zombie novel I read. The writing was simple, extremely fast-paced and realistic, and I plowed through it in less than a day. I liked that zombie movies are a part of the world-building, so the characters immediately know what’s happening and how to combat the zombies. Spoiler alert: the character I assumed would be the main character for the entire series dies, so I’m not sure who will be the lead character for Day 2 – will it be one of the survivors from Day 1, or will Day 2 start with a completely clean slate character-wise?
I gave Dead Meat – Day 1 five stars on Goodreads. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys horror novels, zombie novels in particular. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series – according to the author’s website, it will end with Day 9.
November 5, 2019
If you're looking for a quick and fun zombie read this October you can't go wrong with Dead Meat: Day 1 from Nick Clausen!
As the story opens we're already in full action mode and it doesn't slow down at all! We have 3 teens who started out on a rather normal day that went south in no time. For those who aren't as zombie savvy as I'd like to think I am this could be a scary eye opener for you (lock your doors and keep your teddy bears near) but for me it was like watching one of those fun zombie movies on tv where the folks have no clue what is going on exactly and I'm on my couch yelling to "aim for the head" or screaming at them to "not git bit"!
*I was given an advanced copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As the story opens we're already in full action mode and it doesn't slow down at all! We have 3 teens who started out on a rather normal day that went south in no time. For those who aren't as zombie savvy as I'd like to think I am this could be a scary eye opener for you (lock your doors and keep your teddy bears near) but for me it was like watching one of those fun zombie movies on tv where the folks have no clue what is going on exactly and I'm on my couch yelling to "aim for the head" or screaming at them to "not git bit"!
*I was given an advanced copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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