Liminal Lives

by Jenny Toupin

Evelyn’s life as she knows it is over. All it took is one zombie bite.

Now one of the undead, Evelyn welcomes a raging hunger for human flesh she cannot control. But she’s not like the others…

Evelyn remembers and recognizes her children, Alison and Xander.

And now she hunts them.

But Evelyn has a secret that could unravel everything Alison and Xander remember about their mother and everything Evelyn knows about her current state.

Except, her children might die before she makes amends. Can she save them from the horde of undead? And can she protect them from herself?

Genres: Zombies, Horror

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

I write horror that begins somewhere familiar—using real experiences, places, and belief systems—and I bend it just enough to make the reader question their morals, reality, and who/what they can trust.

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toupin had great ideas and managed to write scenes that would have been awesome or devastating if they had been a little bit more competently written, which was quite frustrating. There were misused words and many sentences that could have used a little trimming. The timing of scenes was often a little or all the way off.

That being said, the author didn't pull punches. None of these characters got more than a paper-thin amount of plot armor, I liked that especially as I initially thought it was going to be quite YA.

More of a 3.25-3.5/5 than a real 3.

[Tony splatterpunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent zombie story, as Evelyn becomes one of the undead but still recognizes her children despite having the desire to eat flesh and her battle to try and communicate with them. Enjoyed this one

[Don Anelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the whole, this was a fantastic short zombie story. The central storyline involving the growing hints of humanity emerging from the zombie as she tries to keep the shreds of her past alive during the zombie epidemic around her while still trying to indulge in those aspects of her now that she's become infected creates a solid base for this type of story. The core story featured here bringing her kids into the mix and the rush of humanity they inspire in her the more she's around them is an intriguing dynamic, especially with the constant struggle she has with keeping her children safe and competing against the baser zombie instincts that are kicking in now that the virus is affecting her which adds a touch of genre ethos at points.

What makes it all even better is the fantastically easy way of writing this takes, keeping the story simple enough with an easy style that allows for a great psychological touch with how it connects with the characters rather than dealing with traditional zombie tropes. The emotional undercurrent in the story comes off quite impactful with how everything comes about as it leads into an immensely thrilling finale which ends things on a fine note at a point where it feels like more story could've been developed. This does have a feeling where several points could've been expanded a bit more with how brief the whole thing is to begin with, and although the issue isn't bad towards hurting the book it is the one thing that could be a negative here.

[Olivia Guthmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I want to thank Jenny Toupin for an advanced copy of Liminal Lives. It was a delight to read.

When I do my reviews I like to start with the things I loved first, Liminal Lives was a fast paced, unique take on the classic zombie trope. Evelyn’s character felt real and as someone with children the decision she is left with is a gut punch.

The writing flows nicely and there’s no shortage of horror, one of my favorite things in zombie books is always the little snippets of what happens to the people outside our main characters, the brief moments of humanity we catch as lives are torn apart.

My only real criticisms for this book is the pacing of the story felt a little clunky in places, I think this story would benefit from an expansion, I want to know more about where the zombies came from or what lead up to some of the mystery around what Evelyn has become.

Character development was also a little muddy for me, some of the decision making left me scratching my head and I think there’s some characters that could have been left out entirely (however this might be a personal preference)

Overall I definitely think Liminal Lives is a great zombie story and worth the read!

[Darren Manoharan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I have read by this author. And it was a really decent read. Throughly enjoyed it. Book is about a sentient zombie (sound odd but it makes sense). The survivors are great characters, they are just trying to survive while the world goes to hell. They have, what they believe to be good ideas, but as we all know, these things really never turn out like they should.

All in all a great read, did not see the ending coming at all. Thought it was going to be happier. Needless to say, it was not. Go pick this book up, it is well worth it.

[Hope McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Simple and easy zombie book! The story line and writing was excellent! Great little story!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of zombie books and I'm always looking for something unique. This book satisfied that search. Evelyn is a nurse and a mother when she is turned into one of the undead. The author has written part of the book from her perspective, which delved into the "thoughts" that someone might have once they are turned.

The book also followed Evelyn's two teenage children as they try to navigate this horror filled new world. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but also satisfying in its own way. I did find that the introduction of a bunch of characters was a bit distracting and some of their activities didn't really add anything to the story. I would have preferred that the story was more focused on Evelyn's plight instead.

The narrator did a good job and worked well for this book. All in all, if you are looking for a quick zombie book, this one is a good place to find just that.

[Ector Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this Audiobook in exchange for my review. I never thought I would say that but here I am. I would never give a fluffed review. That being said I really enjoyed this book. It played out like an episode of The Walking Dead or similar Zombie show without knowing all the characters. It is a short book I listened to it over 3 hours. The Author writes in a style that is informative, descriptive and easy to follow. The narrator is fantastic I think she could read anything and keep me interested.

[J.M. Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zombies with a twist.

Toupin created a unique story involving a family who is thrust into the zombie apocalypse.

Enjoyed the buildup through the story and the vast number of characters we are introduced to. The ending made sense but felt abrupt.

Will definitely keep an eye out for future releases from Toupin.

[Dani Cojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to the horror genre, and this was a quick read to dive into! Fair warning for those with a weaker stomach, Toupin doesn't hold back on her descriptions. She is gruesome and vivid in the best way. Was this book overall my cup of tea? Not exactly. But it is definitely worth the read!  

[Elizabeth Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick horror

This was a short one, but you really become invested in the characters. I liked this take on the zombie genre, with Evelyn’s perspective. I’m torn between loving and hating the ending, though!

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful! Engaging and unique with incredibly well-rounded characters. A must read for any horror/zombie fan!

[Mel Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a sentient zombie story. This has excellent character building in such a short timeframe. Narration, as always, was fantastic by Cheryl May.

[Amy Oberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my normally in my wheel house but found it engaging and a great read! Amazing book, couldn’t put it down! Even went and bought a signed copy for my son to have as well. Fun to read and a great story, hope the author keeps writing more books like this!