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The Survivor Diaries #1
Monte Vista Village
Imagine: The apocalypse— would you survive?
I’m Laura, and I survived global nuclear war. When I walked out into the devastated landscape, I didn’t find zombies, witches or vampires— what I found was infinitely worse; it was real.
Is this our reckoning?
Our tormentor is no longer the enemy; it is what’s left of the desperate earth. My neighbors are starving and sick from the biochemicals in the air. Our food, water and meds are running low. Our only hope is to come together to stay alive.
Who will lead us to salvation?
Certainly not me. Why would it be me?
The Army Colonel is driving me nuts. Something is just not right there. He should be the leader of the Village, not me.
Can my story have a happily-ever-after? Can it have any kind of ever-after?
I’m Laura, and I survived global nuclear war. When I walked out into the devastated landscape, I didn’t find zombies, witches or vampires— what I found was infinitely worse; it was real.
Is this our reckoning?
Our tormentor is no longer the enemy; it is what’s left of the desperate earth. My neighbors are starving and sick from the biochemicals in the air. Our food, water and meds are running low. Our only hope is to come together to stay alive.
Who will lead us to salvation?
Certainly not me. Why would it be me?
The Army Colonel is driving me nuts. Something is just not right there. He should be the leader of the Village, not me.
Can my story have a happily-ever-after? Can it have any kind of ever-after?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2014
114 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Lamb
26 books17 followersLynn Lamb is the author of the post-apocalyptic Survivor Diaries Series, Opus of the Dead Series, Mechaniclism, and The Oxymoron of Still Life. She is also an independent filmmaker, graphic designer, and scriptwriter.
Typically an author of the horror and apocalypse genres, she has now dipped her toes into the romance of Hannah Lennon’s world as a lottery winner. Who hasn’t dreamt of how they would spend all that money?
The explosive Survivor Diaries, the chilling Mechaniclism, and the terrifying Lullaby of the Dead have made a big bang and a scream on the literary scene. Grab these titles and others on Amazon, and don’t miss out on this chart-topping author!
Typically an author of the horror and apocalypse genres, she has now dipped her toes into the romance of Hannah Lennon’s world as a lottery winner. Who hasn’t dreamt of how they would spend all that money?
The explosive Survivor Diaries, the chilling Mechaniclism, and the terrifying Lullaby of the Dead have made a big bang and a scream on the literary scene. Grab these titles and others on Amazon, and don’t miss out on this chart-topping author!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 16, 2016
I just could not finish this book. By 30% I was so pissed off with the bad grammar and typos that I became frustrated and uninterested. It spoiled what might have been a good story, I will never know.
The characters are unbelievable and not fleshed out. I could not picture anyone, I had no idea what anything looked like.
I also found it hard to believe that the main character became a kind of leader with such rambling thoughts.
Note to authors, badly edited or unedited books will get bad reviews.
The characters are unbelievable and not fleshed out. I could not picture anyone, I had no idea what anything looked like.
I also found it hard to believe that the main character became a kind of leader with such rambling thoughts.
Note to authors, badly edited or unedited books will get bad reviews.
September 28, 2016
The world they knew has been destroyed, but one woman seeks to bring people together for more than mere survival.
This story, written in diary style, is a post-apocalyptic account of how a 'village' sets about dealing with what is left after a devastating war...'Laura' tells her story with heart.
Some of it could be seen as too good to be true, however, not everything in the garden is rosy, and by the end...no spoilers from me.
Well-written, with realistic characters and some good lessons learned. I, too, believe in the power of kindness and that religion is used as a weapon, and, that the love of power will destroy us all. Yet will humans ever understand these wise words?
A few typos but nothing that spoiled my enjoyment of the book.
Highly recommended.
This story, written in diary style, is a post-apocalyptic account of how a 'village' sets about dealing with what is left after a devastating war...'Laura' tells her story with heart.
Some of it could be seen as too good to be true, however, not everything in the garden is rosy, and by the end...no spoilers from me.
Well-written, with realistic characters and some good lessons learned. I, too, believe in the power of kindness and that religion is used as a weapon, and, that the love of power will destroy us all. Yet will humans ever understand these wise words?
A few typos but nothing that spoiled my enjoyment of the book.
Highly recommended.
May 31, 2015
Amazing and inspiring
This is book one in the Survivor Diary Series. I was caught immediately by the characters. The first chapter made me cry. Any book that can pull emotion from me in the first chapter has me hooked. I can't wait to read more of this series.
This is book one in the Survivor Diary Series. I was caught immediately by the characters. The first chapter made me cry. Any book that can pull emotion from me in the first chapter has me hooked. I can't wait to read more of this series.
July 10, 2014
Monte Vista Village is an engaging story that keeps your interest to the very end. The characters are believable and you want to learn more about them. As an obsessive planner, I appreciated the details of how the main character set up the organization of the village, as well as the steps taken at the beginning to do what they could to protect themselves. When I reached the end, I immediately went to find the next book in the series, which unfortunately has not been published yet. I will be waiting.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because while it was a good story, it just lacked some of the detail and cohesiveness I attach to an exceptional read. There were a couple of times where the action wasn't clear, and some of the characters' reactions seemed uncharacteristic and explosive, then immediately calm and even-keeled, without any transition. There were some grammar issues, relatively minor compared to some I've read. I attribute this to the fact that this is a first novel. Building on her first effort, I look forward to seeing what Ms. Lamb presents her readers with next as her experience and skill develops.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because while it was a good story, it just lacked some of the detail and cohesiveness I attach to an exceptional read. There were a couple of times where the action wasn't clear, and some of the characters' reactions seemed uncharacteristic and explosive, then immediately calm and even-keeled, without any transition. There were some grammar issues, relatively minor compared to some I've read. I attribute this to the fact that this is a first novel. Building on her first effort, I look forward to seeing what Ms. Lamb presents her readers with next as her experience and skill develops.
July 25, 2015
There are times when I pick up a book and it takes me by surprise. The first book in the Survivor Diaries did just that. Taking place in the California town of Monterey, the residents wait for the inevitable. Cities across the East are getting attacked, not only by nukes, but my chemical weapons as well. Preparing for the worse, a reluctant leader, Laura, pulls the community together. After the attacks happen, Laura does her best to keep the residents calm, while fighting her own personal problems.
It is refreshing to see an apocalyptic book that truly digs deep into the physiological aspects of dealing with the fallout of a nuclear attack. How people would survive, how they would react. What really impressed me was Ms. Lambs fluent writing style. Written in diary form from the eyes of Laura, it captivated me in a way that left me turning the pages. The main characters are strong, and I was really impressed just how strong the lead female character was.
Well written, engaging, and refreshing to read, Monte Vista Village will leave you wondering; would I be able to survive a nuclear attack?
It is refreshing to see an apocalyptic book that truly digs deep into the physiological aspects of dealing with the fallout of a nuclear attack. How people would survive, how they would react. What really impressed me was Ms. Lambs fluent writing style. Written in diary form from the eyes of Laura, it captivated me in a way that left me turning the pages. The main characters are strong, and I was really impressed just how strong the lead female character was.
Well written, engaging, and refreshing to read, Monte Vista Village will leave you wondering; would I be able to survive a nuclear attack?
May 3, 2019
meh. Is it weird to say nothing happened in a book that featured a nuclear war? Because it felt like nothing happened in this book.
The reader follows Laura, a filmmaker, as she and her family survive the apocalypse. But...that is all they do...survive. There is almost zero conflict. Yes, the bombs drop, nuclear and biological...Laura lives through the last war. But then...no conflict. None of her family perishes, her house and neighborhood are fine, for the most part, they avoid the plague pretty easily, they have supplies and friends and while they struggle with basic needs...they have no enemies, no sickness really, the weather is manageable, they don't have to travel any major distances....just nothing.
I read a lot of post apocalyptic stuff, and I think this is the first one where absolutely nothing happens.
The reader follows Laura, a filmmaker, as she and her family survive the apocalypse. But...that is all they do...survive. There is almost zero conflict. Yes, the bombs drop, nuclear and biological...Laura lives through the last war. But then...no conflict. None of her family perishes, her house and neighborhood are fine, for the most part, they avoid the plague pretty easily, they have supplies and friends and while they struggle with basic needs...they have no enemies, no sickness really, the weather is manageable, they don't have to travel any major distances....just nothing.
I read a lot of post apocalyptic stuff, and I think this is the first one where absolutely nothing happens.
December 1, 2019
Too many typos, an info dump in the form of a letter at the beginning was a huge turn off and then the editing was very poor. DNF
September 18, 2015
kindle dystopian
May 5, 2019
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Monte Vista Village
Subtitle: The Survivor Diaries #1
Author: Lynn Lamb
Genre: Science Fiction/Apocalypse
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series? No
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book tells the story of Laura, a rather shy woman who loves apocalyptic stories. She has prepared for the end of the world when she realises America is under attack and their turn to be attacked may be near. Gathering supplies and holing herself and her family up in their barricaded home, they stay in contact with their neighbours via walkie-talkies and radios. They manage to keep each other’s spirits up and once it is safe to leave their homes, Laura is turned into the leader of the group of survivors. A lovely book to read, which I had difficulty putting down.
What I liked about the book:
I particularly liked the inventiveness of the survivors, the way they kept in contact via walkie-talkies and radios to keep their spirits up.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There were no parts of the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved where the end of the world as they knew it managed to bring the fractured family back together as a unit. Where a shy woman turned out to be the leader for the group of survivors, refusing to discriminate between different groups and bringing all together.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I understand this is only the first book in the series and I am interested in finding out what happens next for this group of survivors.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book reminded me of other books in this genre. Although I can recall reading them and watching movies with a similar theme, at present the names escape me.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like Books about survival and apocalyptic scenarios this book could be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
I’m Laura, and I survived global nuclear war. When I walked out into the devastated landscape, I didn’t find zombies, witches or vampires— what I found was infinitely worse; it was real.
Is this our reckoning?
Our tormentor is no longer the enemy; it is what’s left of the desperate earth. My neighbors are starving and sick from the biochemicals in the air. Our food, water and meds are running low. Our only hope is to come together to stay alive.
Who will lead us to salvation?
Certainly not me. Why would it be me?
The Army Colonel is driving me nuts. Something is just not right there. He should be the leader of the Village, not me.
Can my story have a happily-ever-after? Can it have any kind of ever-after?
Basic Details:
Book Title: Monte Vista Village
Subtitle: The Survivor Diaries #1
Author: Lynn Lamb
Genre: Science Fiction/Apocalypse
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series? No
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book tells the story of Laura, a rather shy woman who loves apocalyptic stories. She has prepared for the end of the world when she realises America is under attack and their turn to be attacked may be near. Gathering supplies and holing herself and her family up in their barricaded home, they stay in contact with their neighbours via walkie-talkies and radios. They manage to keep each other’s spirits up and once it is safe to leave their homes, Laura is turned into the leader of the group of survivors. A lovely book to read, which I had difficulty putting down.
What I liked about the book:
I particularly liked the inventiveness of the survivors, the way they kept in contact via walkie-talkies and radios to keep their spirits up.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There were no parts of the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved where the end of the world as they knew it managed to bring the fractured family back together as a unit. Where a shy woman turned out to be the leader for the group of survivors, refusing to discriminate between different groups and bringing all together.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I understand this is only the first book in the series and I am interested in finding out what happens next for this group of survivors.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book reminded me of other books in this genre. Although I can recall reading them and watching movies with a similar theme, at present the names escape me.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like Books about survival and apocalyptic scenarios this book could be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
I’m Laura, and I survived global nuclear war. When I walked out into the devastated landscape, I didn’t find zombies, witches or vampires— what I found was infinitely worse; it was real.
Is this our reckoning?
Our tormentor is no longer the enemy; it is what’s left of the desperate earth. My neighbors are starving and sick from the biochemicals in the air. Our food, water and meds are running low. Our only hope is to come together to stay alive.
Who will lead us to salvation?
Certainly not me. Why would it be me?
The Army Colonel is driving me nuts. Something is just not right there. He should be the leader of the Village, not me.
Can my story have a happily-ever-after? Can it have any kind of ever-after?
May 15, 2017
This book is told from a dairy belonging to Laura. As the story unfolds, readers are taken into the day to day struggle of the people who have survived the apocalypse. The book is interesting and might just be a handy guide for a future any of us might be facing. I found the book well written and the story believable, especially given the world we live in. There are no zombies or the like in the futuristic look. Instead readers can find a look at a scenario more like fact than fiction and the struggles involved.
June 10, 2017
I only dropped a star because it finished too soon for me (just when the action was really getting started). Maybe I am just not a fan of series. However this is an easy and gripping read in the dystopian genre. If you are interested in preppers and the aftermath of nuclear conflict you will probably enjoy this. I would rate it YA because there is nothing too gory in it despite the genre and the events. A very enjoyable read that I wish had lasted longer. oh, and the cover? It's amazing.
March 7, 2018
The first in a series, this post-apocalyptic story is told from Laura's optimistic perspective. In a devastated and dystopian world, she takes the initiative to organize the neighborhood in an effort to help everyone there to survive. The story is told in the first-person as entered into her diary. The author did a terrific job, exploring and dealing with the problems that arise, such as food and water shortages, health issues, and potential danger. An enlightening story well worth reading.
July 5, 2017
Its okay. Pretty interesting some of the preparation details that are added in. Don't really get that shocking vibe you have with most apocalypse stories, even the dropping of the bombs feels kinda ho hum.
November 18, 2018
Kind of an ok idea in the form of a journal. I’m usually a sucker for an apocalypse story but this one dragged on, was more focused on the protagonists emotions and frankly felt flat to me.
February 18, 2021
Book one
Such a change from the usual zombie books. So real and a great instruction on what to do if! The characters were diverse and I couldn't put it down.
Such a change from the usual zombie books. So real and a great instruction on what to do if! The characters were diverse and I couldn't put it down.
Want to read
September 3, 2021Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2021/09...
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2021/09...
April 28, 2016
Monte Vista Village is a diary-style of story which is set at a time that the world is in turmoil, and erupts into a nightmarish situation where nuclear, biological and chemical weapons are unleashed.
Laura, the narrator, brilliantly steers the reader through the lull prior to the catastrophic event, the devastation of the attacks and then the uncertainty of living beyond this apocalyptic event.
Not only do we experience the angst created by the uncertainty of the outside world, but we are treated to an incredible insight into what it might take to not only survive the devastation, but also how the aftermath would be.
Not only is the detail terrifying, and the research incredibly thorough, the story itself - involving family and new-found friends - is compelling and never lets up.
Author Lamb has a gift of taking the reader through harrowing times, and makes putting this book down incredibly hard.
A superb read, which compels the reader to buy the next book. Devastatingly brilliant!
Laura, the narrator, brilliantly steers the reader through the lull prior to the catastrophic event, the devastation of the attacks and then the uncertainty of living beyond this apocalyptic event.
Not only do we experience the angst created by the uncertainty of the outside world, but we are treated to an incredible insight into what it might take to not only survive the devastation, but also how the aftermath would be.
Not only is the detail terrifying, and the research incredibly thorough, the story itself - involving family and new-found friends - is compelling and never lets up.
Author Lamb has a gift of taking the reader through harrowing times, and makes putting this book down incredibly hard.
A superb read, which compels the reader to buy the next book. Devastatingly brilliant!
April 26, 2016
Ihave never read a post apostolic book before but I can honestly say I am hooked now! The story is so real in the writing style that it could almost happen tomorrow.
Things seemed so simple for Laura at one time and suddenly everything she knew or thought she knew was turned upside down. She found a strength in her she did not know she had. I felt as though I was with her during every sorrow, fear,triumph and tragedy. Bringing family or friends together is one thing but to rise up to create a new life for not only her family but strangers as well shows the strength of the human spirit I devoured this book in about 5 hours. I could not put it down. Lynn Lamb has inside her a gift to walk an unknown path as if she truly had lived the path with her gifted writing style. This book is amazing. Put it on your list as a must read! You will not be disappointed!
Things seemed so simple for Laura at one time and suddenly everything she knew or thought she knew was turned upside down. She found a strength in her she did not know she had. I felt as though I was with her during every sorrow, fear,triumph and tragedy. Bringing family or friends together is one thing but to rise up to create a new life for not only her family but strangers as well shows the strength of the human spirit I devoured this book in about 5 hours. I could not put it down. Lynn Lamb has inside her a gift to walk an unknown path as if she truly had lived the path with her gifted writing style. This book is amazing. Put it on your list as a must read! You will not be disappointed!
February 24, 2014
Reading novels like this always freak me out way more than reading the zombie or horror story kind.
The overwhelming sense that something so horrible and tragic could actually happen is always in the back of my mind.
Laura, her husband Mark, her mom and her neighbors all survive an apocalyptic attack. Basically the end of civilization as we know it.
Chemical warfare, bombs, nothing is held back.
Once they can come out of their barricaded homes, they have no idea what to do next or where to go.
Laura just knows they have to stick together. She embraces the role of leader with strength she never realized she had.
Together they build a protective wall around their *village* and hope for the best.....will it be enough?
Great story about survival, hope, and friendship.
The overwhelming sense that something so horrible and tragic could actually happen is always in the back of my mind.
Laura, her husband Mark, her mom and her neighbors all survive an apocalyptic attack. Basically the end of civilization as we know it.
Chemical warfare, bombs, nothing is held back.
Once they can come out of their barricaded homes, they have no idea what to do next or where to go.
Laura just knows they have to stick together. She embraces the role of leader with strength she never realized she had.
Together they build a protective wall around their *village* and hope for the best.....will it be enough?
Great story about survival, hope, and friendship.
July 30, 2015
Laura has endured a worldwide nuclear-powered warfare. Predators, such as zombies, and monsters are the least of her worries. Famine has stricken the land as well as biological warfare poisons. Water, foodstuff, and medications are almost nil. Who will save this desolate world? While combating her own particular complications, Laura gives it her best effort to sooth the people’s fears. Throughout the story Laura records what happening in her journal. I found that this aspect in the story brought more intrigue and conveyed a more personal feel to the protagonist’s part. Survival stories are so enthralling to me. This is a great one. If you like this kind of story then I highly recommend Lynn Lamb’s Monte Vista Village.
August 24, 2015
This is a story of a woman who found herself leading a community, after an apocalypse. Our unlikely heroine, Laura, was forced to bring some semblance of order to her community. With the help of new friends, she rallied the people and taught them how to survive through cooperation. For a debut novel, Lynn Lamb shows a lot of promise.
You can relate to the characters. The storyline was simple and focuses on the relationships of the survivors. It showed how humans can find the courage to rise up when disaster strikes. Heroes and heroines can come from the most unexpected places. And you can't really know what you're capable of, until you're in the situation with no other options.
An entertaining read.
You can relate to the characters. The storyline was simple and focuses on the relationships of the survivors. It showed how humans can find the courage to rise up when disaster strikes. Heroes and heroines can come from the most unexpected places. And you can't really know what you're capable of, until you're in the situation with no other options.
An entertaining read.
March 10, 2017
I may not have cared for this one because it's a different genre than mine, but I don't understand why everyone in the tale should do whatever Laura says just because she's the protagonist. And I see it's a series. I can forgive a trilogy--though I don't like sequels--but a series is milking it, in my humble opinion. And that's all my thoughts are on this book, opinions. Still, I think I'll steer clear of the sequels.
I also think the whole of the leftover population was given too much credit. A lot of people are good, but all, even the remaining all?
And then there's the unbelievable dialogue: Lots of "I am going" and "he is right," that sort. Nobody talks like that. People say, "I'm goin" and "He's right."
The cover is amazing, though.
I also think the whole of the leftover population was given too much credit. A lot of people are good, but all, even the remaining all?
And then there's the unbelievable dialogue: Lots of "I am going" and "he is right," that sort. Nobody talks like that. People say, "I'm goin" and "He's right."
The cover is amazing, though.
September 1, 2016
Monte Vista Village by Lynn Lamb is a post-apocalyptic book written in the form of a diary. It is well written and the moved at a steady pace. The characters were well developed and seemed real.
But, in all honesty I did not enjoy this book. I do not like the diary style of writing which made it hard for me to get into. I also found the storyline a little hard to believe. This may be my own idiosyncrasies and should not stop a reader from reading this book. As I said it was well written and the story moved at a steady pace.
But, in all honesty I did not enjoy this book. I do not like the diary style of writing which made it hard for me to get into. I also found the storyline a little hard to believe. This may be my own idiosyncrasies and should not stop a reader from reading this book. As I said it was well written and the story moved at a steady pace.
March 28, 2016
Diary entries to tell the story worked out much better than I thought it would. There were some parts that made me laugh but I also felt the anxiety. It felt more "real life." This book was well done and I felt connected to the characters. I had a great sense of what was going on and am eager to read more of this diary. Great first book.
January 3, 2018
Very good! Thanks Lynn Lamb I think you are more realistic then some of the books coming out in this genre . I like the direction you are going with this series although I have a feeling hardship is coming. That's enough readers you will have to find out for yourself and get hooked on this five star book series.
August 17, 2014
DNF at 22%.
Not sure if the novel improves but I couldn't care less. It was the most boring post apocalyptic story I have read & I have too many other novels waiting for me to force myself to continue it.
Not sure if the novel improves but I couldn't care less. It was the most boring post apocalyptic story I have read & I have too many other novels waiting for me to force myself to continue it.
January 19, 2016
Great read with a very relatable protagonist
I loved how relatable the main character was. It made this book stand out in a sea of apocalyptic fiction. Definitely reading the next one.
I loved how relatable the main character was. It made this book stand out in a sea of apocalyptic fiction. Definitely reading the next one.
February 2, 2015
Enjoyed this a lot
Excellent story. so glad there are no zombies or killers to kill everyone. I'm not sure if I will buy the next one. Who am I kidding,I'm buying it.
Excellent story. so glad there are no zombies or killers to kill everyone. I'm not sure if I will buy the next one. Who am I kidding,I'm buying it.
July 29, 2014
Loved this book and I'm dying for a book two!!! Anybody know when that may happen?
September 8, 2014
Ready for book 3. Hope it is not a long wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews