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Undead Fear
If you loved Until the End of the World’s aching romance, Flame in the Mist’s fierce defiance, The Dead Tossed Waves’ crumbling refuge, and Z Nation’s dark humor…
welcome to After the End, where danger flirts, desire bites back, and survival always costs something.
The world has fallen to the dead. Cities crumble, silence reigns, and survival depends on how far you’re willing to go to keep breathing.
Gwen knows this better than anyone.
She’s lived by two rules since the outbreak nowhere is safe — only safer — and people will do anything to survive.
When a walled city offers refuge from the chaos, she takes the risk, hoping for rest in the ruins. But behind the barricades lie secrets and desperation waiting to rot through the walls. When safety proves an illusion, Gwen must remain in a city destined to fall, or return to the wasteland that never promised mercy.
Then there’s him — the man she should fear, but can’t stop wanting. Dangerous. Defiant. Unforgivably alive.
Together, they’ll face the kind of threats that no wall can hold back — both outside the city and within their own hearts.
Out there, the dead are predictable. It’s the living she doesn’t trust — especially the man whose dark past and infuriating charm might be the only thing standing between her and the grave.
In a world where survival means sacrifice, and love is the most dangerous risk of all, Gwen must decide what’s worth saving… and who she’s willing to burn for.
A gritty, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance for readers who crave danger, dark humor, and a spark that refuses to die.
welcome to After the End, where danger flirts, desire bites back, and survival always costs something.
The world has fallen to the dead. Cities crumble, silence reigns, and survival depends on how far you’re willing to go to keep breathing.
Gwen knows this better than anyone.
She’s lived by two rules since the outbreak nowhere is safe — only safer — and people will do anything to survive.
When a walled city offers refuge from the chaos, she takes the risk, hoping for rest in the ruins. But behind the barricades lie secrets and desperation waiting to rot through the walls. When safety proves an illusion, Gwen must remain in a city destined to fall, or return to the wasteland that never promised mercy.
Then there’s him — the man she should fear, but can’t stop wanting. Dangerous. Defiant. Unforgivably alive.
Together, they’ll face the kind of threats that no wall can hold back — both outside the city and within their own hearts.
Out there, the dead are predictable. It’s the living she doesn’t trust — especially the man whose dark past and infuriating charm might be the only thing standing between her and the grave.
In a world where survival means sacrifice, and love is the most dangerous risk of all, Gwen must decide what’s worth saving… and who she’s willing to burn for.
A gritty, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance for readers who crave danger, dark humor, and a spark that refuses to die.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2024
4 people are currently reading
About the author
C.M. Adams
11 books19 followersC.M. Adams writes dark romance and speculative fiction for readers who crave intense worlds, unapologetic heroines, and love stories forged in fire. Her novels blend danger, desire, and high-stakes survival — whether in the chaos of a zombie apocalypse, the iron grip of a dystopian regime, or the treacherous courts of magic and power.
Her heroines fight, bleed, and sometimes burn, but they never bow. Her love interests are morally grey, fiercely protective, and just dangerous enough to keep you up all night turning pages.
Her books are published first on Amazon — available in Kindle Unlimited, eBook, paperback, and hardback — and are also available on Barnes & Noble, as well as through Gumroad, Payhip, IngramSpark, and directly on her website for the ultimate reader experience.
When she’s not building new worlds or breaking hearts on the page, C.M. Adams connects with readers on Facebook and Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, character art, and upcoming release news.
Her heroines fight, bleed, and sometimes burn, but they never bow. Her love interests are morally grey, fiercely protective, and just dangerous enough to keep you up all night turning pages.
Her books are published first on Amazon — available in Kindle Unlimited, eBook, paperback, and hardback — and are also available on Barnes & Noble, as well as through Gumroad, Payhip, IngramSpark, and directly on her website for the ultimate reader experience.
When she’s not building new worlds or breaking hearts on the page, C.M. Adams connects with readers on Facebook and Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, character art, and upcoming release news.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 19, 2026
A gripping story of resilience and determination
Gwen is one tough cookie. She's anti-social and snarky and determined to survive at any cost. I absolutely loved how brutally honest and unapologetic she is about her actions. She felt like a normal girl (admittedly with a few mental issues) in an extraordinary situation doing what she had to do to save herself and her 'family.'
The zombie apocalypse serves as a vehicle for dissecting human behavior under stress. This story could've been told with the backdrop of war, famine, or any number of politically driven crisis, so readers wary of zombie horror can rest assured: it's background static, not the main theme. I know I, for one, would've loved to know a little more about the origin of the zombie menace, but in the end it wasn't necessary to tell Gwen's story.
Gwen's frustrations about the so-called leadership of the safe-zone she's found herself in was a palpable thing. Sometimes I wanted to reach right into my Kindle and throttle the idiots myself. Her relationships with Owen (a soldier charged with guarding her) and Vincent (a sweet young man she rescued in the wilds) gave the story emotional depth, something that only grew when Gwen is reunited with her baby brother. If the story was just about Gwen saving herself and surviving on her own, I doubt I would have enjoyed it as much. There is a little romance which develops between Gwen and one of the men, but it isn't your typical blooming flower... Gwen is emotionally stunted, so their relationship initially felt like two people satisfying a need. But gradually we see him chipping away at her emotional barricades and earning her trust and respect. At first, I wasn't sure CM Adams could bring me around to liking this guy (he was quite the blowhard in the book's early chapters) but I have to admit I started to fall for him just as Gwen did.
As part of a series, and with only this first book currently out, be prepared for an unresolved and nail-biting ending. Hints of another love interest, the ever-present doom of the undead, and Gwen's sweet relationship with her baby brother will have me waiting like a ravenous zombie for the next installment.
Final rating: 4.5 stars
Gwen is one tough cookie. She's anti-social and snarky and determined to survive at any cost. I absolutely loved how brutally honest and unapologetic she is about her actions. She felt like a normal girl (admittedly with a few mental issues) in an extraordinary situation doing what she had to do to save herself and her 'family.'
The zombie apocalypse serves as a vehicle for dissecting human behavior under stress. This story could've been told with the backdrop of war, famine, or any number of politically driven crisis, so readers wary of zombie horror can rest assured: it's background static, not the main theme. I know I, for one, would've loved to know a little more about the origin of the zombie menace, but in the end it wasn't necessary to tell Gwen's story.
Gwen's frustrations about the so-called leadership of the safe-zone she's found herself in was a palpable thing. Sometimes I wanted to reach right into my Kindle and throttle the idiots myself. Her relationships with Owen (a soldier charged with guarding her) and Vincent (a sweet young man she rescued in the wilds) gave the story emotional depth, something that only grew when Gwen is reunited with her baby brother. If the story was just about Gwen saving herself and surviving on her own, I doubt I would have enjoyed it as much. There is a little romance which develops between Gwen and one of the men, but it isn't your typical blooming flower... Gwen is emotionally stunted, so their relationship initially felt like two people satisfying a need. But gradually we see him chipping away at her emotional barricades and earning her trust and respect. At first, I wasn't sure CM Adams could bring me around to liking this guy (he was quite the blowhard in the book's early chapters) but I have to admit I started to fall for him just as Gwen did.
As part of a series, and with only this first book currently out, be prepared for an unresolved and nail-biting ending. Hints of another love interest, the ever-present doom of the undead, and Gwen's sweet relationship with her baby brother will have me waiting like a ravenous zombie for the next installment.
Final rating: 4.5 stars
January 2, 2026
A Visceral, Multi-Dimensional Performance of Survival and Grit
After the End: Undead Fear by C.M. Adams is a standout listening experience that breathes new life into post-apocalyptic fiction. The narrative is anchored by Gwen, a refreshingly pragmatic and "emotionally stunted" protagonist whose snarky, unapologetic survival instincts make her one of the most authentic voices in the genre.
Narrator Sharon Webber does an exceptional job narrating this book; she maintains the ability to seamlessly switch between characters without losing the listener. This vocal versatility is especially vital for the dual-POV structure, as Webber perfectly captures Gwen’s transition from a guarded "tough cookie" to a fiercely protective guardian. Her portrayal of Owen is equally effective, allowing his evolution from an arrogant soldier to a trusted partner to feel grounded and earned.
The audiobook format heightens the story's atmospheric tension. Adams skillfully uses the zombie apocalypse as a vehicle to dissect human behavior under stress, making the frustrations of safe-zone politics and the "minutiae of survival" feel incredibly real. The emotional core of the story—Gwen’s relationships with her younger brother and the young man she rescued—provides a necessary heartbeat amidst the grit.
Though the story concludes on a nail-biting cliffhanger, the tight pacing and Webber's masterful performance make this an essential listen for fans of character-driven survival horror.
After the End: Undead Fear by C.M. Adams is a standout listening experience that breathes new life into post-apocalyptic fiction. The narrative is anchored by Gwen, a refreshingly pragmatic and "emotionally stunted" protagonist whose snarky, unapologetic survival instincts make her one of the most authentic voices in the genre.
Narrator Sharon Webber does an exceptional job narrating this book; she maintains the ability to seamlessly switch between characters without losing the listener. This vocal versatility is especially vital for the dual-POV structure, as Webber perfectly captures Gwen’s transition from a guarded "tough cookie" to a fiercely protective guardian. Her portrayal of Owen is equally effective, allowing his evolution from an arrogant soldier to a trusted partner to feel grounded and earned.
The audiobook format heightens the story's atmospheric tension. Adams skillfully uses the zombie apocalypse as a vehicle to dissect human behavior under stress, making the frustrations of safe-zone politics and the "minutiae of survival" feel incredibly real. The emotional core of the story—Gwen’s relationships with her younger brother and the young man she rescued—provides a necessary heartbeat amidst the grit.
Though the story concludes on a nail-biting cliffhanger, the tight pacing and Webber's masterful performance make this an essential listen for fans of character-driven survival horror.
September 29, 2025
“Nowhere is safe, only safer.” Gwen's two rules—“Nowhere is safe, only safer” and “Don't trust anyone”—will stay with me forever. "After the End: Undead Fear" is not about heroic headshots, but about people who become unpredictable when the world collapses. The author carefully places the heroine between the crumbling “order” behind the wall and the wasteland outside, where a simple handshake can cost you your life.What I liked the most was the honesty of her voice: Gwen is not a superhero, she is one of those who knows the value of fear and knows how to make cold-blooded, necessary decisions. Zombies are more of a constant mistake than a major theme; the real tension is who to trust and when. There is a spark of romance in this, but it never extinguishes the tension — love here is not an ease, it is a risk.Disadvantages? I wanted more details about the world (this is the first book, and it complements the narrative), and obviously the biggest stakes are waiting for the sequel. But the pace remains, and the minutiae of survival — from safety procedures to less obvious threats — create a sense of reality
for readers who value moral choice
for readers who value moral choice
April 5, 2026
Tense, gritty, and surprisingly emotional
I rarely find zombie stories that really draw me in, but this one did, thanks to Gwen. She’s a no-nonsense survivalist—paranoid, sharp-tongued, and totally fed up with all the nonsense around her. It’s refreshing to read about a protagonist who isn't trying to be a hero; she just wants to protect her brother and stay safe. The tension really ratchets up when they're behind the city walls. The author does a fantastic job making you question whether the so-called "safe" folks are actually more dangerous than the monsters outside. The slow-burning chemistry between Gwen and Owen adds authenticity—you don't just fall in love overnight when monsters are knocking at your door. While some character development and pacing could be improved, it still does a great job overall. My only complaint is that it ends on a cruel cliffhanger, making me eagerly await the next book. If you love post-apocalyptic stories that focus on characters rather than just gore, this is a good read.
I rarely find zombie stories that really draw me in, but this one did, thanks to Gwen. She’s a no-nonsense survivalist—paranoid, sharp-tongued, and totally fed up with all the nonsense around her. It’s refreshing to read about a protagonist who isn't trying to be a hero; she just wants to protect her brother and stay safe. The tension really ratchets up when they're behind the city walls. The author does a fantastic job making you question whether the so-called "safe" folks are actually more dangerous than the monsters outside. The slow-burning chemistry between Gwen and Owen adds authenticity—you don't just fall in love overnight when monsters are knocking at your door. While some character development and pacing could be improved, it still does a great job overall. My only complaint is that it ends on a cruel cliffhanger, making me eagerly await the next book. If you love post-apocalyptic stories that focus on characters rather than just gore, this is a good read.
October 6, 2025
After the End: Undead Fear drops you straight into the chaos without wasting a page. Gwen isn’t the chosen one—she’s just competent, tired, and smart enough to know that safety is temporary and trust is dangerous. The world has already ended, and what’s left are walls, scavengers, and the uneasy question of whether the dead or the living are worse company.
What makes it work is the stripped-down realism. The book doesn’t romanticize apocalypse life; it’s pragmatic, tense, and grimly believable. Gwen’s inner voice—equal parts cynicism and reluctant hope—keeps the pacing sharp while still giving the story emotional grit. The “rules” structure (nowhere is safe, trust no one) gives the narrative rhythm, and each chapter tests how long she can keep those rules before humanity demands she break them.
What makes it work is the stripped-down realism. The book doesn’t romanticize apocalypse life; it’s pragmatic, tense, and grimly believable. Gwen’s inner voice—equal parts cynicism and reluctant hope—keeps the pacing sharp while still giving the story emotional grit. The “rules” structure (nowhere is safe, trust no one) gives the narrative rhythm, and each chapter tests how long she can keep those rules before humanity demands she break them.
October 9, 2025
A Gritty, Fast-Paced Zombie Survival Story
This book throws you right into the chaos of a world where the rules of survival are simple but brutal: nowhere is safe, and people can be more dangerous than the undead. Gwen is a strong, capable lead who feels believable—not some overblown action hero, but someone hardened by loss and survival.
The writing moves fast, keeping the tension high and the danger constant. The zombies are terrifying, but the real suspense comes from not knowing who Gwen can actually trust. That edge of paranoia makes the story feel more real and keeps you turning pages.
If you enjoy survival horror with a tough, determined protagonist and plenty of nail-biting moments, this is a solid start to a series. It’s raw, gritty, and doesn’t let you forget that in the end, people might be scarier than
This book throws you right into the chaos of a world where the rules of survival are simple but brutal: nowhere is safe, and people can be more dangerous than the undead. Gwen is a strong, capable lead who feels believable—not some overblown action hero, but someone hardened by loss and survival.
The writing moves fast, keeping the tension high and the danger constant. The zombies are terrifying, but the real suspense comes from not knowing who Gwen can actually trust. That edge of paranoia makes the story feel more real and keeps you turning pages.
If you enjoy survival horror with a tough, determined protagonist and plenty of nail-biting moments, this is a solid start to a series. It’s raw, gritty, and doesn’t let you forget that in the end, people might be scarier than
November 19, 2025
best of her books
After the End: Undead Fear is hands-down my favorite book by C.M. Adams so far. She absolutely nailed this one. The pacing is tight, the tension is nonstop, and the way she builds the world feels so real you forget you’re reading and just fall straight into the chaos with the characters.
I loved how the story balances fear, hope, and survival without ever slowing down. Every chapter made me want to keep going “just one more” until suddenly I was at the end. The characters were written with heart, grit, and just enough mystery to keep me hooked.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories with real emotion and edge-of-your-seat moments, this one is a must-read. C.M. Adams outdid herself—easily her best yet.
After the End: Undead Fear is hands-down my favorite book by C.M. Adams so far. She absolutely nailed this one. The pacing is tight, the tension is nonstop, and the way she builds the world feels so real you forget you’re reading and just fall straight into the chaos with the characters.
I loved how the story balances fear, hope, and survival without ever slowing down. Every chapter made me want to keep going “just one more” until suddenly I was at the end. The characters were written with heart, grit, and just enough mystery to keep me hooked.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories with real emotion and edge-of-your-seat moments, this one is a must-read. C.M. Adams outdid herself—easily her best yet.
October 7, 2025
Who do you trust
This zombie story takes a less than typical path—it's less about the undead and more about trusting people when civilization crumbles. Gwen's practical survival mindset feels real, not heroic. The tension comes from wondering who'll betray you next and less from wondering where the zombies will come from. Dark, gritty, and grounded. The human threat outdoes the zombies every time.
This zombie story takes a less than typical path—it's less about the undead and more about trusting people when civilization crumbles. Gwen's practical survival mindset feels real, not heroic. The tension comes from wondering who'll betray you next and less from wondering where the zombies will come from. Dark, gritty, and grounded. The human threat outdoes the zombies every time.
November 26, 2025
Wen is a tough girl. Determined to survive no matter what. I enjoyed how she says what she means and is unapologetic. She seems like a normal girl approaching the deep end.
The zombies are way cool and gives nice cover for showing human behavior under pressure and how important trust can be. Her relationship with her little brother and Owen and Vincent add emotional weight to the already good story.
The zombies are way cool and gives nice cover for showing human behavior under pressure and how important trust can be. Her relationship with her little brother and Owen and Vincent add emotional weight to the already good story.
December 18, 2025
Love MC and her side kicks. Great story. I haven't read a zombie apocalypse story with a it of dark romance in before. It made a refreshing change. The MC is bright and a brat, but she's amazing too. I love the history of the MC too. Overall great story, now I need to read book 2 because of the ending.
February 2, 2026
After the End: Undead Fear is a gripping start to a post-apocalyptic series filled with tension, danger, and emotional depth. The atmosphere is dark and immersive, the pacing keeps you hooked, and the characters feel real in a terrifying world overrun by fear and the undead. A great choice for fans of survival stories and apocalyptic thrillers
March 17, 2026
A gripping, character-driven take on the apocalypse. Gwen is a fierce, unapologetic lead—tough, sharp, and completely believable. The real tension comes from trust, loyalty, and the danger of other people, not just the undead. With strong pacing, emotional depth, and a dark romance thread, this is a fresh, addictive start to a series. I need book two now.
April 12, 2026
Let me say this, typically I don't read sci-fi novels but for my first one, it was intriging. The story line gripped me from the very beginning, I couldn't stop reading it. I have to say the author did not disappoint with this story. They were able to weave complex narratives and emotions into each charater to leave you wanting more.
October 26, 2025
Good pacing, strong lead character, and enough tension to keep me flipping pages. A few bits could’ve been fleshed out more, but overall a great blend of action and emotion.
November 25, 2025
interesting twist on the classic zombie story. would recommend
February 23, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up
This book asks: how do you constantly fight to survive after a zombie outbreak when you can’t trust anyone, nowhere is safe, and always need to know your exits? But there's a kid that trolls adults.
📚A few chapters repeat events from different POV's. This is not my favorite aspect in books, but that's just a personal preference.
🎧 Narration by Shannon Webber, 7 hours 35 minutes... The narration is very straightforward, not really dynamic and emotive. This may have influenced my consumption of the story a bit.
This book asks: how do you constantly fight to survive after a zombie outbreak when you can’t trust anyone, nowhere is safe, and always need to know your exits? But there's a kid that trolls adults.
📚A few chapters repeat events from different POV's. This is not my favorite aspect in books, but that's just a personal preference.
🎧 Narration by Shannon Webber, 7 hours 35 minutes... The narration is very straightforward, not really dynamic and emotive. This may have influenced my consumption of the story a bit.
January 31, 2022
A different take on the end of the world about a misanthrope young woman who finally learns to build a relationship with someone else; all while trying to stay alive. I enjoyed the story. The author really developed the characters well.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews