Good Boy

by Thomas R. Clark

"I bite, I shake, I pull and I tear. It's how I fight, and today it's how I die." The brain worm plague decimates the human population and destroys civilization. Infected small animals turn into bloodthirsty killing machines, feeding on other animal survivors. Led by an intrepid Jack Russell Terrier, a diverse fellowship of animal companions struggles to stay alive. When the safety of their lair is compromised, the motley pack embarks on a dangerous journey to find a new home. They soon learn infected squirrels, bats and skunks aren't the only threat in this horrifying new world. The spirit of classic animal adventures like Watership Down collides with survival horror in Good Boy from Thomas R Clark. This special fifth anniversary edition includes an all new foreword by Lisa Vasquez, and a dedication to Diego, the art model for the story's hero.

Genres: Horror, Zombies

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2024

About the author

Thomas R Clark is a musician, writer, and podcast producer & engineer. He is a two-time Splatterpunk Award Nominee for his novella BELLA'S BOYS and the short story Fireflies & Apple Pies (in THE GOD PROVIDES). His books include GOOD BOY, and THE DEATH LIST-published through Stitched Smile Publications, and A PRAYER FROM THE DEAD, THE GOD PROVIDES and SUMMERHOME, from St. Rooster Books. His most recent collection, IMMORAL DILEMMAS, is currently available. Tom's journalism has appeared in Rue Morgue, This Is Infamous, Memento Mori Ink, and House of Stitched Magazine. He lives in Central New York with his wife and their canine companions.

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I officially hate Mr. Clark, read this book, and find out why!

Also, my rabbit, Yuki, would like to have it known that she greatly resents the implication that dog food isn't appropriate nutrition for a rabbit, something she has fought me over for the past several years as she insists that it's really tasty and absolutely acceptable for her to consume.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be crying in my cat's fur.

[John The Crippledgimp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit this is a fucking mind blowing awesome infected point of view story this is like Simon McHardy pitbull meets a zombie apocalypse with rodents. Totally wicked and bad ass. I flew through this short story. If its on paperback I'm buying it.. Yeah I dug it that much.

[Brad Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transcendent

Sweet fat mother of God, now THAT’S what I call a story. This is one of the greatest tales I’ve ever read, regardless of genre. I was entranced from page one, I’ve never read a non-human POV before, wow, it was absolutely epic. This is an emotional work too, even pulling on my unwavering heartstrings. Tommy is in full command of your senses the entire time, an awesome style of writing just comes to life within your minds-eye. There is even some amazing artwork included, 6 or 7 wonderful pieces depicting the denizens of the story, oh sweet baby hnnnnnnnngggg!!! So so so very good! I LOVE GOOD BOY OHHHH WOAH WOAH!!

5/5 Brain Worms 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠

[Lisa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Shakespeare wrote actual horror, it would read like Good Boy by Thomas R Clark.

Good Boy is being touted as a zombie genre crossover, but to me, it did not read like a typical zombie story. In retrospect, I can see the correlation, but I have a different impression, a different view. It definitely will appeal to those who enjoy the zombie subgenre of horror, as well as those who love a good apocalypse survival tale. But for me, this Shakespearean level Horror tale has many more layers of appeal than that.

The story flows with symbolism, depth, and meaning woven into every action and thought. The combination of omniscient narration and first-person perspective adds to the classical feel as well as to the emotional impact. This story will wreck your emotional fortitude.

The struggles of the fellowship of animals touches on the psyche and the heartstrings in a way human characters cannot. The innocence, revelation, determination, and loyalty are presented here in a depth humans are generally not capable of due to ego. These things, along with expert description and horrific sequences, draw you into the characters and their plight, and you are hooked, mind, body, and soul.

Good Boy is a journey through a dystopian hell from a unique perspective. It is a compelling read, an emotional read, a horrifying read. It is worth every moment of your time spent reading it.

[Victoria Minton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this one signed and he wrote “bring tissues” and I’m glad I did hahaha this is watership down meets zombies and domestic pets lol a gut punch of a read loved it!

[DaniPhantom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An apocalypse told in the POV of man’s best friend. I’m crying, sobbing and throwing up over this ending😭

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything like this. The whole story is written from the dogs point of view. We read and watch a lot of stories about how humans handle being in an apocalypse, but what is it like for the animals? For our pets? This story was unique, short, interesting read, I’m glad it was recommended to me.

[Christina Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world will never be the same again. A deadly pathogen has infected almost every living animal on the planet. The story is told from the perspective of a dog. It is a story of his survival and fight to save his canine family and friends that were other pets in the home. Thomas Clark did a fantastic job getting us to that point of view. He incorporated multiple commands and do's/don'ts that we tell our animals to keep them safe. The camaraderie and loyalty these pets have for each other is heartwarming. It is a true example of the love and sacrifices we make for our loved ones. The emotions while reading this story got intense at times! I really got sucked into this one! I honestly did not want the story to end. Overall, I really liked it because it got me thinking in a perspective that I never would have tried to understand on my own.

[Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Boy tells the story of a Jack Russell Terrier traveling with his pregnant mate, a sly, feisty, battle hardened kitty cat, a paranoid yet courageous bunny and a slew of other dogs as they venture through a virus-laden wasteland, void of humans and filled with infected predators, searching for a new place to call home. Danger lurks around every corner, once our hero and his companions seem to overcome a dangerous obstacle, they are met with another one even more dangerous than the prior.
If you are a fan of The Incredble Journey and dont mind some visceral, mindless animal on animal violence then this book is a great way to spend an afternoon. It is a fast paced page-turner that hits you emotionally at times when you dont expect it. Thomas R Clark will excite you, scare you, warm your heart and make you cry

[Pamela Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

How will your pet survive a zombie apocalypse?
Will it bite, pull, shake, tear, and kill .... or will it succumb to flesh-hungry brain worms?
A quick, fun, and somewhat savage read.

[Erin Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing and heartfelt story. It's a journey of survival. It's Homeward Bound meets The Walking Dead. And it's incredible. Every time I read this story I discover something new. It's a short, quick read, but it's all substance. There is no filler here. Every moment evokes emotion. The end will break your heart, but leave you thinking. There are many overlooked elements in the oversaturated zombie genre, and this is such a refreshing take that I come back to this as a go-to read when I'm not sure what I want to read. Even if you aren't a fan of zombie stories, you need to check this one out. It's one that stays with me even now. 100% recommend that you read this, you won't regret it.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rabies virus has mutated and has killed off the majority of the humans. Animals can get it and are turned into zombies except for the household pets that have had the rabies vaccine. This story is about a group animals consisting of dogs, a cat, and a rabbit that are lead by a Jack Russel terrier and how they are surviving. What is great about this book is that it is told from the perspective of the dog.

[Craig Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a horror book with puppies and a heroic bunny and a brave kitty! And it's not for small children, but right in the wheelhouse of that goth adolescent that has one too many pets! Or that aged adult who loves a good read about a good dog that does all he can to protect his pack, all companions welcome!

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly- this was absolutely brilliant. Completely not what I was expecting but it drew me in from the first page and refused to let go. Visceral, gruesome, but a hell of a page turner. Even from a dog’s POV, the characterisation was absolutely phenomenal. I want more!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang it! The author even warned me with "bring tissues" when he signed it and still I read it in public. I loved this book, it was heartbreaking and emotional in all the best ways. Super quick read for lunch break too, so that makes it a 5 star for me!

[Lucille Bransfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. That was an incredible short story. After the apocalypse through the eyes of our pets. Tommy Clark warned me, when he signed my book, that I would need tissues. He was so very right. This was such a great book. Tommy Clark has a new fan. I’m glad I own a couple more books.

[Thia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written, cleverly designed and plotted, very original, and well narrated. That said, I wish I hadn’t listened to it. It was just too sad. My husband and I listened together and we both just bawled and bawled. We loved Tufo’s The Book of Riley series - also pets escaping the zombie apocalypse - but while thrilling and filled with near escapes and daring deeds, Riley was enough realism without being too much. This book was way too much for gentle hearted animal lovers. It was a great story though if you don’t mind a very grim ending and are made of a bit tougher stuff than us.

[Jules Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in having an idea of what this book was going to be about. I got to talk to Tommy about it a little after expressing to him how much I dislike the zombie trope at this point. Good Boy is so much more than „animals turned into bloodthirsty killing machines”, as it states on the back of the book. This is a short story about survival, adventure, and a really good freaking boy. I don’t find myself emotional over books, ever, but I may or may not have shed a tear over this one (I am not willing to confirm nor deny this. Ragnarok will most likely tattle when we can get animals to talk). As an animal lover, I spent so much of my childhood reading the Redwall series, Warriors, and anything else where animals were the protagonist. If you were also that kid, you need to read Good Boy. Get ready for some heartbreak, too.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Boy: A Tale of Survival Horror - 5/5
By Thomas R Clark, Illustrated by Jeff Perdziak

I bought this book because of three words on the burb… ‘Jack Russell Terrier’.

I don’t think I have ever read a horror book from the POV of an animal before, and I found it a really refreshing take on the genre! This was a super quick, easy read and wonderfully gruesome. The illustrations in the book are a wonderful addition to the story and are beautiful.

I loved how the pack included, not just dogs, but a cat and a bunny too! The love that Jackie had for his humans is ridiculously accurate (in my opinion as I think dogs are the loyalist creatures on the planet). The ending of this book did stir up all sorts of emotions in me and did make me want to cry. But don’t let that put you off reading it!

I really liked how this book was so descriptive but it wasn’t violent for violence sake. This is a wonderful example of the horror genre and I will most retained be looking for more books by this author!

[Christopher Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs with names are noble, dignified, set apart as beings with purpose.
The protagonist, a Jack Russell the humans named before they disappeared, is determined to protect his pack from the hoards of infected creatures swarming the decomposing world. They embark on a blood splattered journey that pulls at the heartstrings and ultimately satisfies.

Good Boy defies typical zombie yarns. The dread is palpable, the prose clear and descriptive, the story is believable and draws you into their struggle. Every field and branch crawls with the brain worms avatars, but the animals traveling with the pack are desperate and fierce.
Horror is wrought with tragedy, but Good Boy adds a touch of triumph to its darkness. I enjoyed this story. It was fast paced and original.
Christopher Lane did an excellent job narrating, and instilled a sense of doom that felt fitting for a dog's perspective on a terrifying world.

[Zombie_Phreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of post apocalypse stories, usually zombie ones are my bread and butter. Well I have to say I never read one about zombie animals told from the POV of a dog.

It was a unique way to tell a story and it delivered very well. It’s a great story and I am glad I read it. It’s a quick read and I recommend it for all fans of zombie books, post-apocalypse books and survival books.

Check it out!

[Richard Cabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A post zombie/virus apocalypse novella with animals instead of humans. And therefore more interesting. Good read.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books of how people try to survive the zombies but this is the first book from the pets of people's point of view and their struggle to live. This book pulls on your heart strings while these animals embark on an incredible journey of survival against all odds. Thomas R. Clark, you have found a new fan and I will definitely read more of your stories.

[Jerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on the zombie story. The story was endearing and entertaining. I don't quite know that the switching from the dog's point of view to the narrators really worked for me but it wasn't too distracting. I truly enjoyed the ending and teared up a bit. It's a fast and touching read for those who believe that your dog (or cat or rabbit) is man's best friend.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very charming, fun, and easy read with a bittersweet ending that put tears in my eyes.

[Elli Toney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heart-wrenching and clever tale of an apocalypse from a pet dog's point of view. Really well written, dark, a little gory, and quite an interesting take on the zombie narrative.

[Elizabeth Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book with an amazing tribute to an amazing dog. RIP Diego

[Ryan Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a lot of books make me cry, but Good Boy by Thomas R. Clark got me. It's a touching tribute to the author's father. Brian Keene described it as "Watership Down written by George A. Romero." If you don't want that, I don't know what could sell you on it.