Not Another Zombie Book

by D.B. Randelia

A mysterious flu is sweeping the world, killing many in its wake. Reports of unexplained violent behavior are being broadcasted on the airways. A massive solar flare is the final straw, devastating the electric grid and pushing the world into lawlessness.

Jack Emily is a regular guy, thrown into a world of violence, sickness, chaos and hippies. In a world where tough guys rule, Jack must find a way to protect his family and friends. Jack finds himself on an adventure filled with surprises, chaos, and a few weirdos. He is up against enemies much stronger than himself, but with his years of preparation, and a bit of dumb luck, he and his family may just survive.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

About the author

D.B. Randelia grew up in Southern Indiana. He has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling. He is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, and has spent his life working to rehabilitate criminals.

He enjoys reading survival fiction and is an amateur “prepper”. When not working he is spending time with his wife, kids, and dogs. He enjoys traveling and visiting tropical beaches.

Reviews

[Cat Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so

This book was so goofy. Apparently, I was in just the right mood to read it because I giggled most of the way through this short (for me) book

[Tracy Lewellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book than can make the characters come alive and become friends. This book did that. The light hearted banter and apocalypse survival skills tips will give you a chuckle. Hope this book becomes a series. Looking forward to more books from this author. Give this book a try, you won't regret it.

[Tobin Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I've been deeply immersed in the October Fall series but saw this book & had to give it a read. I mean, who doesn't like a book that can cast humor, blue hoodies and really cool names around in a zombie apocalypse. Thanks for the fun ride.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a good book!

This really isn't "another zombie book." It's irreverent, fun, slightly informative and best of all, it keeps your attention and interest throughout. I'm an avid reader but I will about to dropping a book after a chapter or two if it gets dull. Not this book! I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for writing it!

[Connie Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book caught my attention. It's got to be good with a title like that and I was not disappointed. The main character is hilariously quirky. This zombie adventure is not like any other zombie book, can't give anything away. You'll just have to read it! Well done!

[wendy johannes]

Good read

Glad I read the book, it was a good read for a humorous escape. Short but fun and entertaining. Definitely take time to read the writers notes at the end

[Michell Egger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny

Main character has main character inner voice that takes over his life in inconvenient ways. Funny and interesting character development. Kudos

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read!

Fun and zombie apocalypse usually don't go together but with this book it works.
I really want to have Jake, our main character as my next neighbor, such a funny guy!
There's lots of little tidbits and references throughout the book. My fav was Zoey and friends I'm a big L4D fan. Hope to read more from this author!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fun read

This book was really a fun read, and I really enjoyed the main character Jack Emily,. The story had a lot of fun laugh out loud moments at the expense of Jack Emily and I read it in one sitting

[Paula K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly enjoyed this book. With the humor and very “human” reactions to the events in the book the characters were for the most part likeable. I would describe this as a book to read just for the fun of it & enjoy!

[Margaret Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lighthearted TSHTF Book

I can’t even describe how much I loved this very unusual take on a society-changing series of unfortunate events. A quick read, humorous, and likely to set any reader to laughing out loud.

[Lyla Ingrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed

An original take on what has become a tired and repetitive genre. Good work Mr. Randelia. Thanks for avoiding AI

[fran zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised

This was a fun read. Couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it. It was fun without being stupid. Characters well written . truly worth the read

[Donna Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

So glad I brought this book. It is well worth the time. I will follow this author from now on.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Not Another Zombie Book
By: D.B. Randelia
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date: March 21, 2025
ASIN: B0DS2SSQ6P
Page Count: 291
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀 (more chuckles than chills, but in a good way)

What Did I Just Walk Into?
Picture this: the world is collapsing thanks to a mystery flu, solar flares, and people losing their ever-loving minds… but instead of grim survivalism and brooding heroes, you’re saddled up with Jack Emily, your everyman protagonist who meets the apocalypse with equal parts snark, dumb luck, and prepper know-how. It’s a zombie story that knows you’ve read a thousand zombie stories and decides to roast the genre while still giving you a solid adventure. Think Shaun of the Dead if Shaun had a Costco-sized stash of survival gear and a tendency to side-eye hippies.

Here’s What Slapped:
Jack Emily. Not a grizzled ex-Navy SEAL, not a genius scientist just a guy with a plan and a sarcastic streak wide enough to trip on.

The balance of humor and chaos. One page you’re nodding at actual survival tips, the next you’re laughing at Jack’s take on the end of the world.

A fresh spin on zombie fiction. Instead of grimdark trauma porn, it’s a wild ride of gunfights, solar flares, and “did that just happen?” moments.

The pop culture nods, if you’re a zombie film nerd, you’ll catch them all and feel smug about it.

A finale that says “end for now,” leaving just enough hope that a sequel will show up shambling down the road.

What Could’ve Been Better:
Honestly? Just that there isn’t more of it. A few early bumps in pacing smoothed out quickly, and by mid-book I was fully hooked. Also, note to the author: if you’re dangling the possibility of a sequel, don’t tease me too long. Jack deserves more chaos, and so do I.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Zombie books that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Survival tips woven into ridiculous situations.
Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, or basically anything that blends horror with hilarity.
Stories where “average guy vs apocalypse” actually works.
Laughing in the face of societal collapse (because crying is too much effort).

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Lisa Burchett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up on a whim after reading another zombie apocalypse book. It was supposed to be humorous. The attempt was there, no doubt. Execution was spotty. The author acknowledges in the Afterword that he didn’t use an editor, so I can’t be too bothered by the errors and need for editing that was apparent throughout the story. He also admitted he used AI to help get started, although he tried to edit or rewrite a lot of it out.

The story was fast paced and there were moments that I appreciated the tongue in cheek-ness he was aiming for. I realized pretty quickly the what the outcome of the plot was going to be, and got a kick out of the way he took the perspective of the preppers to share it through. Not the best but not the worst.

[Shannon Flood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, entertaining, food for thought

I am a cynical critical care nurse by trade - and have always said, "when the zombies come, I have wares to keep me alive. (ie: I am a nurse who has done some stuff). I liked the potential twist- bad dope vs. flu vs. Zombie Outbreak. Have you ever been to Kensington Ave in Philadelphia? That's a good backdrop for your story- bad dope vs flu vs. Zombie Outbreak.

Is there a part 2? What's Jack up to these days? Thanks for the read. I enjoyed it.

[Kathy Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

not too bad

Found this book in a facebook post. Self published books can be hit or miss. The book was okay, some truly laugh out loud moments. A good editor would help. It kind of lost steam towards the end. The MC tried way too hard the last third of the book. He appeared fairly competent initially, but the author kept on dumbing him down so much that by the end you had to wonder how he could put his shoes on in the morning.

If there is a next book, I really hope the author makes his main character not such an idiot.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick and entertaining read, though it does have its share of flaws. From the very beginning, it’s clear this is the author’s first book, and that’s perfectly fine, because what it lacks in editing, structure, and polish, it makes up for with spirit, humor, and fun.

If you’re not a picky reader and are looking for a fast-paced zombie story that holds your attention without overstaying its welcome, this one is worth a try.

[Ashley Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely!

This book has great flow, just enough action without overdoing it. More funny than "gory". Easier to read rather than sleeping for sure. Nice little twist that doesn't come til the end, where it belongs. Not overly serious but still serious enough that you can feel the nerves everytime someone comes knocking. I really enjoyed it and it was nice to read a zombie book without all hope being constantly threatened. Recommended you read it too.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

refreshing quick read

Light hearted take of TEOTWAWKI/SHTF, dark humor, solid build up for the story. If I had to explain this book without spoilers: It’s kind of like a Ned’s declassified survival guide + zombieland + between the ferns love child. I wouldn’t say it’s a cliffhanger ending, but there’s an opening for possible continuation.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. I’m not shy in saying I’ve read my fair share of zombie books and can usually spot the twist from a mile away, I did NOT see the police showing up at the end. This book was lighthearted and fun which is not something I can often say about about a zombie book. A great quick fun read if you want a book that’s more Shaun of the dead than dawn of the dead! 4.5 stars

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like listening to a good friend tell you about his crazy adventure. It kept my interest and had a few surprises along the way. Most of all, I would recommend it to others interested in survival stories, prepping, and being ready for a Zombie attack.

[Anne Weixler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great read! I could not put it down!! The plot is fantastic, you never expect what’s coming next, and it’s hilarious! Also had some really good survival tips! Highly recommend and I’ll be looking for more from this author.

[JayDae · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was meh

This book is an easy read but it felt so fast paced. The main character is funny at times but it felt so rushed. We don’t get to really know the characters. I don’t know if I would read this again

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This so hard to rate. There were times when I got bored and almost DNF’d and then times when I was having a blast. I’ve concluded that you need to be in a specific mood to read this one but it can definitely be enjoyable

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

If you like zombie books but need a break from the traumatic stories, this is a good one. It was fun and easy to read. Fun plot and fun characters. I actually don't like a lot of internal monolog because I have enough of my own, but Jack is funny.

[Turtlex · Rating 2 out of 5]

yikes

This is my favorite genre and the book does not do it justice. It’s silly in a way that’s not funny.

[maryalice haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romp in the woods .

The title is correct, the miscommunication due to the power outage helped make this story funny and believable. I would read this again.

[Sara Stivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little disappointed

I was a little disappointed when there wasn't more zombie problems and more bites lol but it was still a really good book.