The Feeding

by Anthony Ryan

With echoes of The Road , New York Times bestselling author Anthony Ryan’s The Feeding is a brilliant post-apocalyptic novel that finds the sweet spot between commercial, literary, and creepy.

Fifteen years ago the feeders rose from the shadows to transform the world into a graveyard. The few survivors exist in fortified settlements surrounded by the empty ruins of a destroyed civilization. For years the citizens of New City Redoubt have relied on an elite cadre of Crossers to navigate the feeder infested wasteland between settlements in order to trade for vital supplies. But the Outside is becoming ever more dangerous, and the ranks of the Crossers grow thinner with every crossing.

Layla, only a child when the Feeding destroyed the old world, spends her days scavenging the ruins for valuable scrap and her nights helping her adoptive family eke a living from the Redoubt’s only movie theatre. Now, with her father slowly dying, Layla resolves to join the Crossers to retrieve the medicine that can save him. Smart, ruthless, and fast on her feet, Layla quickly gains the respect of her fellow Crossers. But, in a world lost to the deadliest predators, can even the most cunning prey survive?

Genres: Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, Vampires

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 2025

About the author

Anthony Ryan was born in Scotland in 1970 but spent much of his adult life living and working in London. After a long career in the British Civil Service he took up writing full time after the success of his first novel Blood Song, Book One of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy. He has a degree in history, and his interests include art, science and the unending quest for the perfect pint of real ale.

For news and general wittering about stuff he likes, check out Anthony's blog at: http://anthonystuff.wordpress.com

Reviews

[MagretFume · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it a lot. 

I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was great, I feel like she added a lot of emotions and depth to the main character. 

The story itself is a great post apocalyptic tale of survival in the unknown. 

It was nice to have a main character that felt competent but not over the top strong or badass, it made her more relatable and easy to root for. 

I especially liked the world building and the interesting take on the creatures, which felt like a good mix of zombies and vampires.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for this ARC!

[Tori Tecken · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Feeding by Anthony Ryan is a cocktail of The Last of Us, Maze Runner, and a dash of the first Riddick movie. I always enjoy seeing how an author's signature style and tone carries between genres, and after reading Blood Song and loving it in the past, I was eager to see how Ryan would wield a dystopian thriller.

The writing style is gritty and straightforward. He doesn't belabor details or spend an overt amount of time in the training montage section of this book, which I appreciated. Like the characters, we were rushed along into a world determined to eradicate humankind, and only guarded, snarky daredevils like Layla stand in its way.

Once again, Ryan's characters and worldbuilding seamlessly blend to create a story that has a young protagonist at its heart, and yet still manages to feel like a very adult story, which I always love. I always love familiar tropes with a fresh twist. In The Feeding, humankind's greatest enemy is the Feeders, a monstrosity mashup between zombies, vampires, and little bit of werewolf. Why pick one when you can put them in a blender and make something new?

I found the concept of The Feeders and the way that Ryan played on each of the aspects of their forebears really fascinating. The world is appropriately bleak and desolate, and the stakes are high. Ryan pulls no punches when it comes to putting his characters in ultimate danger.

Throughout the book, there were a couple things thrown in that I felt were a bit "for show," but ultimately didn't take away from the enjoyment.

Overall, this was a fast read that was exactly the dystopian thrill I needed in my reading lineup, and I want to thank the author for generously sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adult thriller version of The Maze Runner trilogy kinda.
It’s the Zombie apocalypse and the citizens of New City Redoubt have been living behind huge walls. However, the Crossers who get their supplies have started dropping in huge numbers.
Layla is a scavenger who needs medication to save her father, so makes it her aim to join the Crossers.

This was unlike anything else Ryan has written. His lyrical profound prose is swapped for pulse-pounding actions and tension.

Due to the shorter length of the novel, the character work I adore Ryan for him his fantasy series is lightly lacking, yet you really get inside Layla’s head.

The wider implications and world-building is loose yet delivers enough to satisfy - especially for a story in this sort of sub-genre.

My warning to you - don’t get attached to anyone.

Arc gifted by Blackstone Publishing.

Bookstagram

[Char]

Started and DNF after approx an hour. I am not fond of this narrator.
No rating/no review.

[John Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay but it lacked Ryan’s signature prose and character building that made him famous. I realize this is a very different genre but I was hoping that it would transfer over.

The story itself reminds me of the Last of Us and I Am Legend as far the dystopian world with creatures that are kind of zombie like but also kind of vampire like.
He writes in 3 kinds of “Feeders” which I thought was enjoyable. I enjoy encountering different creatures and having to adapt.

I think most people will enjoy this read but I found it to be okay and was racing to finish so I can get to other books on my TBR

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the book!

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m used to Anthony Ryan writing fantasy, and really great epic fantasy at that. His novel “Blood Song” is among my favorites.

Here, Ryan makes a foray into the post-apocalyptic genre (at least the first under his real name), and it definitely paid off. I really cannot pinpoint what I love so much about this genre, but I’m SO into it. I love getting into these stories; I just don’t want to *live* in those worlds. That’s the case in this book as well. 😜

Layla is just coming into adulthood, and she lives in a “city” called the Redoubt, scavenging underground for something, anything to sell to the black market to get by. The description of the settlement is reminiscent of NYC, but it’s never explicitly named as such. When The Feeding happened fifteen years prior, Layla was only a toddler, and her adoptive dad rescued her from the ruins. Due to this, she would do anything to save him now, as he wastes away from an illness that easily be cured with antibiotics—if only meds of any kind were to be had.

The only solution Layla can see is becoming a “Crosser”, an elite group of extremely fit people age 18-30 who venture outside of the humongous forty feet high, twenty feet wide wall to trade with other settlements. Trouble is, any settlement is many days away, and the feeders come out at night. It’s common to lose multiple members of the trading party as you travel. Basically, it’s a suicide mission every time you go on a crossing.

HOWEVER! Each crosser gets to trade for something they need and bring it back home. Layla considers the risk to be worth the reward to save her father, and so The Selection begins, wherein the current Crossers put all candidates through rigorous trials to prove their worth.

Will Layla make it through? I suggest you obtain this book and see…

4.25 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an eARC! All opinions are mine.

[CarlysGrowingTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

In a post apocalyptic setting Layla must join an elite cadre of people called "crossers" in order to retrieve meds for an ailing father.

Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 10 hours 13 minutes
🎤: Devon Sorvari
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Format: Singular POV/Timeline
I found the narrator to be clear and concise in her narration. I never had to adjust my speed and was able to listen within my typical range. Well, I found her perfectly suitable to listen to and enjoyed my reading experience. Nothing really set her apart from any other narrator for me.

Themes:
🧛🏾‍♂️: Love of family
🧛🏾‍♂️: Rebuilding after destruction

Representation:
🎒: Queer side characters

Tropes:
💗: Found family
💗: Trust no one

🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: violence and gore **check authors page/socials for full list.

Short Synopsis:
15 years in the past, the Feeders rose up and demolished civilization. Now the remaining humans are forced into settlements that are surrounded by high walls. An elite team of people called "crossers" we often cross the wall in groups and meet with other settlements within the wasteland to trade supplies for survival. But less and less of the crossers are coming back. Layla decides to join the crossers to try and retrieve essential meds to save her dying father. Will anybody return?

General Thoughts:
I am already a fan of Anthony Ryan, and this is a deviation from his typical fantasy into something more dystopian and thriller based. I definitely missed his unique characterization and development as I did not see that present within this novel. However, the setting and overall atmospheric grittiness of this novel made up for what I was missing with the character development.

This is the type of novel where it's highly suggested not to get attached to any character. The overall violence and gore was enough to lend a desolate viewpoint of the setting in this book, while not bad enough to feel gratuitous or extreme.

While the other characters mostly remained superficial, which I imagined was mostly due to their super unreliable chances of survival, we do get a pretty good picture into the head of Layla. Even with the deep dive into Layla's thought process, I still don't feel like I really got to know her on a deeper level. This is probably just a "me "thing, but I never felt endeared toward her character or her cause.

Where the story shined for me was the storytelling and plot line. As well as the very interesting setting and the mystery surrounding the desolate wasteland involving the feeders. They seemed like some sort of cross between zombie and vampire, and it was extremely interesting to me.

Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Stacey Markle · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC but I loved this!

I was thrilled to receive both the physical ARC from Blackstone Publishing and the ALC from NetGalley as this was one of my most anticipated releases for this year. I love Anthony's writing and I was not disappointed here.
Yes...it's different and new for him. That's what makes it so great. Challenging and horror-esque, the feeders (Alpha, Beta and Omega) have taken all but small segments of the world. Crossers attempt to cross the territory they hold in order to trade and get supplies from others. Layla becomes a crosser to get medication her father desperately needs. What she finds out in the wilds will challenge everything she knows.
I so enjoyed listening to the audiobook of this story. The Narrator Devon Sorvari creates the atmospheric dread this book needs and brings the characters to life.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read, listen and review this book!

My rating is 4.5 rounded for GR

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this apocalyptic adventure. The narrator was great, I was fully engaged, I like that we got to know the main character before the action really got going. Pretty decent world building.

I feel like I haven’t seen a ton of new ideas in a literary world overstated with survival stories. “The Feeding” isn’t a totally new concept, but the author’s own prose, plot, and ideas have unique flairs.

Some tense moments even had me holding my breath!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the narrator, and Blackstone Publishing for a copy!

[Lukasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthony Ryan’s The Feeding is fast, bloody, and packed with familiar beats. Humanity’s nearly wiped out by an event called “The Feeding.” Monstrous creatures (alphas, betas, gammas - an interesting take on vampires) roam the land outside human enclaves. Our protagonist, Layla, joins a group of “Crossers” to find medicine for her sick father figure. Expect danger, betrayal, and plenty of teeth.

I liked that it moves. All the time. Ryan keeps the pace tight, the action clear, and the characters easy to root for. Layla is a solid lead, and her motivations are refreshingly simple - she’s doing it for love, loyalty, and survival.

I didn’t like how derivative all of this feels. Everything here has been done before, and often better. The walled settlement, the tough-but-kind hero, the grizzled mentor, the ominous Outside - it’s all paint-by-numbers apocalypse. Even the big twists feel like déjà vu, like Ryan’s checking boxes rather than breaking new ground.

Still, it’s fun while it lasts. If you’re after a brisk, cinematic vampire survival romp, The Feeding delivers the goods as long as you don’t expect it to feed you anything new.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid post-apocalyptic read. Check out my full review here! The Feeding by Anthony Ryan | A Brutal Feast of Horror and Suspense (Spoiler-Free Review)
https://youtu.be/4Z2CzYNziC0

[Eleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally appearing on FanFiAddict.com

Hello again dear reader or listener, I am here to say I succumbed to the mood reader in me while still maintaining some modicum of responsible reviewer conduct by making sure what I did read was an ARC. The fact that this comes out in August is beside the point.

With thanks to the Blackstone Publishing team for this early review copy then, allow me to list all the reasons why you need this new postapocalyptic thriller on your TBRs.

For those who don’t already know, Anthony Ryan has been an auto-buy author for me for years. I don’t even read the plot blurbs, I see he’s got a new book coming, I do the grabby hands. Reason being he has proven his skill time and time again in many a subgenre of SFF. Be it under his name and, in recent years, he’s also joined the ranks of post-apocalyptic horrors and thrillers under the pen name A.J. Ryan. I was actually surprised to realize his first foray into the genre, Red River Seven, came out two years ago!

Now, I deeply enjoy his fantasy epics, some more than others, as is natural when an author has a certain scope in their writing. But with this new upcoming book I think I can safely say that I love the hell out of his post-apocalyptic thrillers!

With The Feeding, Ryan continues to prove he is an expert at rendering vivid and powerful ambiance even through the simplest and most straightforward of plots. His characters are all memorable even when not overburdened with details or backstories that would fill pages. Instead, we get right into a captivating story of survival, pervaded with riveting action made all the more thrilling by the high stakes, and interspersed with, at times, a certain pragmatic poignancy that drives the emotional impact in fully.

Parts I Am Legend, parts The Last of Us, and with perhaps a certain whiff of Fallout or Mad Max-esque fortified settlements, (just to name drop a few IPs in there for the vibes for ya) The Feeding stands on its own two feet as a brand-new entry among the ranks of post apocalypse without any of the tired clichés but with all of the beloved tropes you want to find in this subgenre. And bear in mind, this is not a zombie book. Not quite.

Also, much like Red River Seven, this book gives you the feeling of a videogame novelization and at this point I am asking, begging even, somebody at Naughty Dog, Rockstar, or Bethesda, to give this author a contract to write for them. We digress.

Set 15 years into the apocalypse, Ryan successfully plays the difficult balancing act of determining how much has humanity tried to hang onto the social contracts of civilization as we know it and how much they’ve shed and moved past to make the best of what they have now. Are all old rules and conventions still relevant? Or should they for that matter? What is the point past which you say “Fuck it, I am changing things because holding onto the past is pointless”? That is arguably one of my favorite themes within postapocalyptic fiction and seeing the ways in which each author tackles it is always interesting to me. Needless to say, I found Ryan’s answers to these questions intriguing while also grounded. Utilitarian but also without the level of cynicism this genre is often prone towards. All the while keeping certain details purposefully vague so as to not set it in one specific/recognizable location – the world did end after all. It is left to the reader to decide where the story is happening.

Compared to the slow and inexorable building dread and mystery that characterized Red River Seven, the narrative pace of The Feeding is speedy, uncompromising, and to the point, keeping you on your toes while still pulling the rug under you any time you feel safe enough to take a breath. Being fast on your feet is not nearly enough in this world. Past the walls keeping what is left of humanity safe, sentimentality or weakness will get you or those around you killed. And yet still, the author doesn’t sacrifice character likeability for their ruthlessness, nor does he leave you wanting for details that slowly build a mystery within what initially seemed a simple enough action plot going from point A to point B.

I was also very pleased by the lack of answers for certain things. Yes, you read that correctly, I loved the questions that remained, or the missing context at times. It grounded this story with the realistic rendering of lack of information one expects after world ending events. We take so much of what we know for granted after all, and books like this are a reminder of that.

Finally, I am a simple movie nerd, I see pop culture Easter eggs, I get a boost of serotonin.

In short, The Feeding is pretty much everything you want in a postapocalyptic horror. You can take it as a “simple” yet badass action flick that’ll have you enthralled for the duration of the ride, with its scares, thrills, and cinematic storytelling. Or, you can give it an extra minute to ponder the underlying themes it allows for without beating you over the head with them. My only real qualm with this book is that I wanted more of it regardless of how satisfying yet a little bitterwseet the end was.

The Feeding comes out through Blackstone Publishing in the US, and through Orbit Books in the UK (under the A.J. pen name) August 26th, and if anything I said piqued your interest, dear reader, this is exactly the book you need on your shelves!

Until next time
Eleni A. E.

[Dan (ThatBookIsOnFiyah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars, rounded up. Releases on August 12, 2025 in the U.S. Anthony Ryan is one of my favorite fantasy authors. This novel is his second foray into the thriller genre after last year’s Red River Seven, which was a very good story. This futuristic post-apocalypse SciFi/horror thriller might be even better. Ryan is an excellent writer. He has a penchant for very fine prose that keeps the reader engaged and actively reading for what will happen next.

The protagonist of this story, Layla, is a young woman caught in a day-to-day survival with her found family. The city surrounded by a protective wall depends on the Crossers, the elite group of selected individuals who are chosen to leave the city to travel the dangerous land, that is occupied by creatures who hunt humans, in order to trade with other settlements where humans are still able to survive. In desperation to save her ‘father’ from an infection, Layla sets out to become a Crosser to find the antibiotics he needs to survive. This is the story of her trials, training, and life of death adventure being the walls.

Layla is a compelling character with grit, dedication, and a love for her family. She is inspirational in her efforts to succeed for those she loves.

I highly recommend this novel, or really any story by Anthony Ryan! If you’ve never read anything by Ryan this novel is a good place to start, but make sure to read his fantasy works as well. #NetGalley #TheFeeding

[Lanie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Feeders came and wiped out much of humanity, the remaining humans scattered gathering into small settlements dedicated to keeping humanity going and the Feeders out. In order to do this though elite groups of humans, Crossers train to make the dangerous trek across The Outside, where Feeders roam freely and recently seem to have evolved to become twice as dangerous as they were before, with Crossers rarely returning with the life sustaining supplies they need. Supplies like antibiotics, Layla, a young woman living in New City, Redoubt finds herself in an impossible situation because of these smarter, more dangerous. Feeders have ensured that there have been no successful Crossings recently. Her father desperately needs medicine and New City desperately needs more Crossers, terrified but determined Layla passed the tests to become a Crosser, setting out with a group of six, having no way of knowing that she'll stumble across secrets that will have far reaching consequences for humans and Feeders alike.

Full disclosure I am a bit biased when it comes to Ryan's work so when I saw he was doing not just a vamp book but a full-on dystopian vamp book to boot I *had* to read it. And I'll be honest, I was just the tiniest bit skeptical. This is so far from his usual work that I was a little afraid it would fall flat. Just a tiny bit. Luckily, I had no reason to worry because this was an absolutely amazing story. Remember that movie with Denzel Washington, and you spend the whole movie thinking he's carrying something super important only to find out it was just the freaking bible at the end? Yeah, well, this is like that except with life-saving medications, and in the wake of Luigi Mangione that smacks incredibly hard of reality. Hell, in the wake of my own recent issues with getting medication, or the absolute fear that our current administration will cut my parent's Medicare and they won't be able to afford the medications that are keeping them alive. Every character in this book has a mantra, and that mantra is a medication. Ones we take for granted every single day. Hell ones we overuse every single day and yet ones that are so incredibly vital for life. Layla's father simply needs amoxicillin. Can you all imagine actually having to risk your life for some amoxicillin!? I've got at least one bottle lying around my house right now. By using incredibly common drugs, it becomes pretty obvious that we take far too much for granted.

The characters were, of course, great, but honestly, I loved Layla. She is amazing, her character growth is so well done, it just feels so natural, she goes from this very cranky, chip on her shoulder, she doesn't *need* anybody to someone who realizes that she absolutely does over the course of her groups trek across The Outside. And sure yes anyone going through what she went through would probably grow a bit (or lose their mind) but it's the way she does that I enjoyed, there's no sudden realization or anything she just opens up as she realizes the people with her are, well, people. She's also incredibly clever, quick to make a decision, and sticks with it when she does. All absolutely necessary traits in a book like this.

Pacing was, of course, top tier as well, but it's the world building here that really got me. I will preface this with maybe I missed some hint somewhere, but honestly, even if I did, I don't care because this could have been set anywhere in the world. All of the descriptions of things were incredibly vague. Here's a river. Here's a municipal building, and here's a power company. I genuinely can't remember one description that made me think "Oh that's definitely this specific city." And maybe he did like I said, and I missed it, but it genuinely gives you the sense that this could be your own backyard some day, and that was incredibly nice touch.

I am so looking forward to book two, especially with that ending. Plus, the fact that this was a really quick read that packed just as much of a punch as longer dystopian vamp books, this is definitely a new favorite!

Thanks to Anthony Ryan and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC!

[Shannon K G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner of a post apocalyptic setting.

You feel like you're right alongside Layla as she navigates a crumbling world in hopes of saving her loved ones.

edit to add: I was lucky enough to read a copy of this book and listen to the audio version. The narrator did a great job bring Layla's story to life.

[always reading ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 25 stars
This was interesting. The writing was solid and had good flow. It had so many elements I love, such as a post-apocalyptic world and zombies; however, it was missing something. I found the world-building lacking, and the story just never really grabbed me. It didn't wow me, but I also didn't think it was bad. The narrator was fantastic, though. She spoke clearly, had great tone, and had amazing inflection.

[Paulo "paper books only" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book a couple of days ago. This is the first foray with Anthony Ryan and I was impressed on several factors & disappointed in one. Before explaining, what is this book about you ask. Well it's not fantasy like the remaining of his books. IT's a post apocalyptic book that the main antagonists are vampires and well, other humans.

So the world has fallen, due to vampires and the last people have escape and leave in walled cities. They scavenge the best they can and they only go outside to grab stuff they don't have (trading and again scavenging). Society fell rapidly and it's never really explain how. Don't know, don't care (?)

Enter our main protagonist. She has lived her live in that city but now as her father is becoming ill she must venture forth with other "runners" or some other name they gave. I believe "Runners" is maze runners. It's "crossers" damn you. Sorry. The reason? Antibiotics.

So she makes some trials and she is in. Why in a city of tens of thousands, only have a couple of runners? Don't know - don't care (?).

Alas, the travelling started fast and ended fast. Going from one place to another until another city fall. But she has her antibiotics and so she must return. One of the other crossers is behaving a bit weird. Should we follow him blindly? Of course or else the remaining plot can't happen.

I am not going to delve more on the plot or else I have to put some spoilers tag and I don't want to.

This book is fast pace, it has some entertaining characters and it was good while it last. I read quickly and even bought the other book he published as A J Ryan (I do have everything has is actual name).

He crammed the plot of maze runner into a 300 page book and it shows. There are some dumb decisions, awful explanations, The author could have made this book a 600 page book and it would be fighting for thriller of the year (ok that's too much) but the book wasn't sure if it was YA or Grimdark. If it was a MazeRunner and Strain among other thrillers, dystopian , post apocalyptic, YA novels out there. It's like the author sick of his big epic novels out there wanted to show that he could more than that.

I mean it serve the purpose and I can say I enjoyed it. Initially I put on my excel file an 80/100. BUT after waiting several days and thinking about it I am not sure this book deserves that. IT's flaws are too big. I will drop this to 70 because I did enjoy it but in 2026 I highly doubt it's going to be remembered. Maybe people after reading his Anthony Ryan and enjoying will but these BUT it's not on the same level.

[C.J. Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for the audio arc. I have been aware of this author, but this was actually my first read! Sorry it’s taken me a minute to write this review up.

The feeding happened and the world stopped. Those few survivors hide in gated and walled cities, towns, or anywhere fortifiable. When in need, they’re forced to make crossings to other settlements, relying on safe houses to stop each day before night falls. Layla is scared of losing the people she loves. When one desperately needs antibiotics, she’s forced to make a decision: cross or watch them suffer and die.

One thing that did stick out to me, and because it’s mentioned so often, was like a sore thumb, is the feeding itself. Even the first lines of the synopsis state it was 15 years ago…so I found myself wondering why it’s the title of the book? Even if it is a cool name for a book. Especially as it’s not actually the basis of the story. The Crossing would have been more accurate.

I saw this posed as a zombie novel, and in part it reads like one. I’ve seen comparisons to The Maze Runner, and I would include the likes of I am Legend, the Dying Light games, and (especially during the training scenes) even The Hunger Games. Interestingly enough, they are most definitely vampires—although maybe not the iconic version you’ll think of. Some are mindless feeders, and then they also tier in intelligence, which definitely felt akin to the I am Legend movie (with shadows of the story itself too). Either way, it was a post apocalyptic world that felt familiar, while also new. The safe houses reminded me of Left4Dead and the fear of being out at night was like an atmospheric cloak the novel wore, raising the terror of a setting sun.

Layla was a good character for a lead. Both solid on her feet and insanely shocked at the outside world. Her determination and survival instincts are things that any reader could root for. She even becomes a kind of final girl, as she refuses to give up no matter what it takes. As this covers her becoming a crosser as well as her first attempt at crossing, it allowed for the reader to learn and adapt to the world as she did—opening up for more explanation and world building without it feeling heavy handed.

There are familiar feeling beats, where the stakes and tension mirror things we know and love (at least me (and I assume) other lovers of post-apoc) and I personally feel like they were well done. Without them, the world wouldn’t have remained a familiar place, may not have felt like the story we were looking for, but then the author left himself room to explore what he created too. There are some notes of the twist and reveal that remind me of the overarching plot of Marvel Zombies, and I’m glad that I read this first and then made connections.

The opening, while still including action and a buildup in plot, was a little on the longer side for me. However, the remainder of the story was a really solid and fun pacing. Not quite breakneck, as there is room for character growth and emotional building, but fast enough to hold a bit of that tension in your gut. No matter where they are, what time it is, or how prepared they are, they are never safe.

https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-fe...

[myreadingescapism · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this well saturated post apocalyptic stories world, this was decent.. but it won’t be something that sticks with me. I did have a helluva time while listening. Audiobook was 👏

[Twainy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dystopian, exactly what I didn’t know I needed. I thought it was a fantasy, nope. Great Spooktober book!!

A young heroine basically enters a competition to win a space on The Crossers to get her father medication he needs to live. The Crossers are tasked with leaving the safety of their fortified city to cross a monster filled wasteland to other fortified cities for trade, etc. and their rank is critically low.

The monsters are know as .. the feeders .. I’d call them ZomPires or how about Vampies?

Pretty much Vampire-like zombies. Cool.

Fast paced, believably fallible young female main character, great world building and fantastic story. Narration was perfect for the story. Thank you Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks & NetGalley!

I’d love a hard cover special edition for my shelf! Eagerly anticipating future books from Anthony Ryan.

[Suki J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars.

This book focuses on Layla, who is living in a walled community in the post-civilization collapsed near future, where humans change when bitten, and start to get the urge for blood.
Layla volunteers to be a runner, part of a team who leave the community for the dangers of the outside, in order to hunt down supplies.
This was a pretty solid post-apocalyptic thriller, and I enjoyed the action and quick pace. The issues I had were I did find that certain plot lines felt unnecessary or discarded quickly and the characters a little one-note.
If you are looking for a straightforward, gripping and easy to read dystopian novel, this is perfect.

[haunted.kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started off a bit iffy for me, I did almost DNF just because it started off so slow but I’m so glad I didn’t. Once I got into it, it had the most interesting storyline and hooked me so much so I couldn’t actually put it down lol.

If you like the last of us / I am legend then this will be the book for you, it oozes post apocalyptic vibes. These kind of genres have been my absolute fave lately. These more disastrous the better, sprinkle in some gore and vampires and im sold!

I am secretly hoping for a sequel as I’d love more background and info. Some of the characters were a little meh but I really did love Layla and TRICKS ofc! I loved that the story had lots of plot and action even if it did come and little bit more into the story! I feel this would make a great movie that’s for sure!

3.5 🌟

[Michael Hicks]

DNF @ 30%.

I feel bad DNFing two Blackstone Publishing ARCs in two consecutive days, but in my defense The Feeding is so painfully derivative I feel like I've already read this book at least a dozen times already.

Stop me if you've heard this one before: humanity's remnants have gathered in a protected city, but a special team of survivors known as crossers have to run past the city walls to get supplies from the ruins beyond. In order to determine who goes, they hold a public contest to pick the "lucky" winners, one of whom is a 19-year-old girl with an attitude and a personal reason for competing, along with a dead boyfriend who was one of the runners. Supposedly there's monsters out there in them thar ruins, but you won't find any evidence of them in the book's first eight chapters aside from references to Feeders and The Rising (not to be confused with Brian Keene's zombie book, which you should probably read instead since it actually has monsters, and a whole damn lot of them, instead of spending at least 1/3 of the book teasing them. If this is meant to be an Easter egg then it violates the basic rule: don't remind me of a better book when I'm reading your crappy book.).

This is the kind of YA post-apocalyptic narrative that injects a lot of random capitalizations, like the before times known as the Peace or the area beyond the city walls call Outside, to remind us this world is So Different and Very Dangerous even while it all feels Incredibly Familiar and Done To Death. Eight chapters in and Anthony Ryan has dutifully followed the familiar and expected tropes, in heartless, soulless checklist fashion, with little interest shown in making any of it the least bit fresh or exciting.

The Feeding is a clone of many other post-apocalyptic jaunts, but its worst crime is that it's just flat-out boring. If you've read Nicholas Sansbury Smith's superior Hell Divers books and Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games, you've pretty much read this book, too.

[José · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Estuvo bien, fue entretenido.

Me gusta a Anthony Ryan cuando se anima a salir de la fantasía épica, aunque en este caso, a diferencia de Red River Seven, esta historia no fue de lo más original. Esto no es necesariamente algo malo: los personajes son muy buenos y están bien desarrollados a pesar de lo corto del libro, la descripción del mundo está muy bien lograda y las criaturas son bastante desagradables.

Los monstruos en The Feeding son un claro homenaje a las criaturas de I Am Legend y tambiénhay ciertas similitudes con El pasaje, libros que me encantaron y que se encuentranentre mis favoritos del género.

Si bien hay criaturas más salvajes y descontroladas que se asemejan a los vampiros, también hay un grupo de criaturas denominadas Alfas que aún mantienen la inteligencia y la apariencia de humanos, lo cual los hace peligrosos porque pueden infiltrarse en las colonias de supervivientes. Este aspecto en particular, junto a la gran forma de escribir de este excelente autor, hizo que me mantuviera enganchado todo el tiempo, en especial pasada la mitad del libro cuando la acción no te da un respiro.

En resumen, un libro posapocalíptico bastante entretenido, pero que no innova demasiado respecto a otras historias de este género. Recomendable para pasar un rato entretenido y para los fans de las historias de zombies/monstruos.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

The feeders arose fifteen years ago, attacking and eating everyone around, radically reducing the population of healthy, known humans, who now live in heavily fortified enclosed settlements.

The main character Layla lives in New City Redoubt. There is a team of Crossers who leave the redoubt periodically to move fast through the surrounding wasteland to scrounge for much needed supplies. These supplies are for the residents, but also traded with other settlements. But, each crossing is getting more dangerous, with the population of Crossers diminishing with each trip outside.

To build up their numbers, the Crossers hold regular competitions. It's a few days arduous trial, and when one of Layla's fathers desperately needs antibiotics, Layla decides to participate in a Selection. She is already fast and ruthless, and eventually qualifies.

The trip outside proves to be terrifying and lethal, and Layla finds herself on the run and alone. Till she's found my a friendly dog, and learns some things about her devastated world.

Interesting enough, but this book didn't feel that different from other post-apocalyptic zombie/vampire stories I've read before. I never really warmed to Layla, and critically, did not really feel that author Anthony Ryan really gave me enough about her character to feel that her decision(s) at the end of the book were the result of an emotional and analytical breakthrough in her beliefs.

Interestingly, the book leaves things a bit open, making me wonder is there more story? If not, that's fine, too.

Devon Sorvari narrates the audiobook (I switched back and forth between the text and audio), and she does a fine job with all the different characters. I really liked her voicing of Riann.

Thank you to Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing and to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Feeding drops the reader straight into a bleak, post-apocalyptic world where survival is uncertain and danger lurks just beyond the walls of the settlement.
Fifteen years after the feeders rose and destroyed civilization, the remnants of humanity cling to life in fortified cities.
Layla, who was just a child when the world fell apart, spends her days scavenging scrap and her nights helping at her family’s rundown theater. But when her adoptive father grows gravely ill, she takes on a perilous role as a Crosser, one of the rare few who brave the outside wastelands to secure supplies. This book follows her story and journey into a nightmarish landscape, where every step forward means risking everything against murderous creatures that lurk around every corner.

The book is very face faced, it jumps right into the story. It's gritty, tense, and immersive.
While the character development isn't as deep as I would have liked, but that does not take away from the overall story. We get to know Layla well and she is determined and resourceful and I found her quite likeable.
The world itself is where the book shines. It's full or menace, mystery, and those who would do anything to save their loved ones. The feeder aspect of the story kept me intrigued. There’s a steady current of dread that runs through the narrative, which made it hard to pause once I got into it, so I binged it in like 2 days.

Onto the audiobook part of the review. Devon Sorvari delivers a clear & steady performance.
I found her narration easy to follow, and she gave Layla’s perspective a grounded feel without going over the top. It wasn’t the best narration I’ve heard, I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it was that I didn't like about the narration, but I am still not sure. I think overall I just did not care for the narrator's voice, and that it didn't fit the tone of the story well which made it hard to be engaged (luckily the story itself did that for me.)

All in all, The Feeding is gripping dystopian thriller with loads of tension. It doesn’t quite hit the same emotional depth as Ryan’s fantasy novels, but it delivers on suspense, world-building, and the constant edge of your-seat feeling. I would highly recommend.

Thanks so much to Blackstone Publishing & NetGalley for this Audiobook.

[Heather Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really really wanted to like this book more than I did. The premise was great, the world building was spot on….but something just didn’t gel. I loved the creepy and dark atmosphere and the “monsters”were scary & interesting. I think maybe a bit more time spent on the world outside and the feeders would have helped. For me the pacing of the book was off…the first half is spent on how Layla becomes a “crosser”…I think more of the book should have been the “crossing” and that part of the story. It also needed more background on what actually happened to the world and how the communities were created. But still an interesting horror story.

From the book blurb: “Fifteen years ago the feeders rose from the shadows to transform the world into a graveyard. The few survivors exist in fortified settlements surrounded by the empty ruins of a destroyed civilization. For years the citizens of New City Redoubt have relied on an elite cadre of Crossers to navigate the feeder infested wasteland between settlements in order to trade for vital supplies. But the Outside is becoming ever more dangerous, and the ranks of the Crossers grow thinner with every crossing.
Layla, only a child when the Feeding destroyed the old world, spends her days scavenging the ruins for valuable scrap and her nights helping her adoptive family eke a living from the Redoubt’s only movie theatre. Now, with her father slowly dying, Layla resolves to join the Crossers to retrieve the medicine that can save him. Smart, ruthless, and fast on her feet, Layla quickly gains the respect of her fellow Crossers. But, in a world lost to the deadliest predators, can even the most cunning prey survive?”

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ZOMBIE EPIC YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!

The Feeding is a zombie epic that revived the genre for me. Told in a way that made me think of George Romero, Jonathan Maberry, & Max Brooks. The Feeding has a little bit for every type of reader. It contains science fiction with some harrowing science and some excellent weapons designed for killing Feeders. It is action-packed with some badass characters that action fans will love. There are dystopian elements, moments of paranormal mystery, and more that I shouldn’t reveal. Finally, the story is chock full of horror & terror alike. Which made this story fly by in a quick-paced action adventure!

Readers are bound to fall in love with the main character of this story. Her motives are emotionally impactful in a world where hope is in high demand & low stock. These emotions drove me as the reader to feverishly keep reading to figure out how things were going to end. And Ryan keeps you guessing, this is a zombie apocalypse story, so the body count IS HIGH!

I think my only drawback with this story was the wrap-up. We closed a lot of storylines very quickly and I feel like some of those storylines could have taken a little bit more to explore. I was ready for this story to lay the groundwork for several sequels based on the exceptional climax. However, readers can take heart in that the story can continue, but there is also a resounding and satisfying end!

Perfect for fans of George Romero, 28 Days Later, Justin Cronin’s The Passage, and The Last of Us! Trust No One & Prepare for a Crossing in The Feeding!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Run For It/Little Brown for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: death, injury, violence, apocalypse, gore

The world has ended, destroyed by a race known to humanity as the Feeders, vampires who have driven humans into hiding behind great walls. Layla has spent her entire life in Redoubt, one of the final safe spaces, and she's never been beyond the walls- instead she focuses on delving deep into the abandoned city around her, seeking valuables to exchange for medicine. Only Crossers, especially trained to withstand the dangers of outside, are allowed out across the wastelands. When Layla's father Strang falls ill, and the small amount she salvages isn't enough to save him when there's no medicine left, her only chance is to train as a Crosser and make the trip herself. Racing through a series of brutal trials and out into the world with little training, Layla sees the world she's only ever heard about in books and movies- just overran by terrifying, all too sentient Feeders, who won't hesitate to attack anyone moving.

Terrifying, fast paced and all too realistic 'The Feeding' is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. The reader is immediately thrown into the action alongside Layla and the book never lets up as it catapults her through the trials to become a Crosser, her first time over the walls and her experiences with the Feeders. It's best not to get too attached to characters in this book because they fall so easily and the way in which the Feeders behave is terrifying. I've never read a post apocalyptic book with vampires before and I can honestly say I don't think I'll read something this unique again.

[Suki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thrilling postapocalyptic story about a determined young woman on a mission to save her father. New City Redoubt, a city born from the ashes of a forgotten world, relies on the brave individuals who venture outside of the wall to bring back lifesaving materials. Outside the city's safety, creatures known as feeders hide, eager to stalk and hunt. Finding the life-saving medication her father needs will take her outside the walls and onto the feeder's territory. She embarks on the most terrifying journey with a small group of veteran and new crossers, where she'll soon learn that feeders aren't her only threat.

A gripping story that will have readers on the edge of their seats. The world, creatures, and characters create a perfect blend of terror and excitement, leaving the reader wanting more. The main character shows the complexity needed to survive the frightening world around her. The stakes are high; every chapter draws the reader in, investing them in the crosser's journeys. The story is well-paced, each chapter pushes it forward, and has vivid imagery, making it a good choice for late-night reading.

Overall, this was a great story that hooked me within its first few chapters. I am excited to see where the story goes after this book. The author has set the stage for additional stories and leaves more to explore for the characters introduced in the story.

For readers who enjoy postapocalyptic stories with a hint of The Last of Us and I Am Legend.


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.