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Time of Death #2
Asylum
Surviving the journey is just the beginning.
The last two months have brought nothing but death and destruction for Emma Rossi. She survived the initial zombie outbreak with her husband, Jake, and their dog, Daphne, but the cost was steep: Sanibel has fallen.
In a world where the only constant is change, the group is pushed to their limits before reaching the gates of Asylum, a coastal stronghold in Sarasota, Florida.
Once again, Emma must navigate an apocalyptic wasteland filled with relentless hordes of the undead and other menacing horrors that threaten her survival.
Only thing is certain. No one is safe from what lurks on either side of Asylum's gates. Asylum may offer more than just safety.
Sanity will be tested; and many won't live to tell the tale.
The last two months have brought nothing but death and destruction for Emma Rossi. She survived the initial zombie outbreak with her husband, Jake, and their dog, Daphne, but the cost was steep: Sanibel has fallen.
In a world where the only constant is change, the group is pushed to their limits before reaching the gates of Asylum, a coastal stronghold in Sarasota, Florida.
Once again, Emma must navigate an apocalyptic wasteland filled with relentless hordes of the undead and other menacing horrors that threaten her survival.
Only thing is certain. No one is safe from what lurks on either side of Asylum's gates. Asylum may offer more than just safety.
Sanity will be tested; and many won't live to tell the tale.
Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
117 people want to read
About the author
Shana Festa
8 books147 followersShana Festa was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 17, 1976 and grew up in Northboro, Massachusetts. She currently lives in Cape Coral, Florida with her husband and two dogs, Daphne & Casey.
Shana is a registered nurse with clinical experience in mental health, geriatrics, HIV and substance abuse. In addition to her clinical background, Shana possesses over 15 years of experience with project management and data analytics.
She has been heavily involved in the collection and dissemination of the ICD-10 clinical and coding analytics across multiple projects including the NCHICA ICD-10 Pilot, the HIMSS WEDI ICD-10 Pilot and commercial testing programs.
Under her alter ego, The Bookie Monster, Shana reviews horror and paranormal books, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) zombie fiction. With a background in Psych Nursing, Shay brings her unique perspective to the online reading community.
Introducing her own zompoc story to the genre, Shana’s debut novel, Time of Death, is the first in a planned trilogy and is scheduled for release May, 2014.
Shana is a registered nurse with clinical experience in mental health, geriatrics, HIV and substance abuse. In addition to her clinical background, Shana possesses over 15 years of experience with project management and data analytics.
She has been heavily involved in the collection and dissemination of the ICD-10 clinical and coding analytics across multiple projects including the NCHICA ICD-10 Pilot, the HIMSS WEDI ICD-10 Pilot and commercial testing programs.
Under her alter ego, The Bookie Monster, Shana reviews horror and paranormal books, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) zombie fiction. With a background in Psych Nursing, Shay brings her unique perspective to the online reading community.
Introducing her own zompoc story to the genre, Shana’s debut novel, Time of Death, is the first in a planned trilogy and is scheduled for release May, 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 18, 2016
I've mentioned what a big fan I am of Shana Festa's signature series. Time of Death: Induction was exactly the sort of breath of fresh-air I needed after a series of increasingly dreary and grim zombie novels. Horrible stories of survival and trauma are fine, don't get me wrong, but it seemed like that's all anyone was doing.
Time of Death is more or less the Southern Vampire Mysteries of zombies, following protagonist Emma Rossi as she meets the apocalypse with a can-do chipper attitude. This is contrasted to her husband, who is unable to process how his wife is able to remain so calm and upbeat in the face of the world's end.
The premise of the books is Sanibel Island, the refuge from the previous books, has fallen. Our heroine, her husband, her brother-in-law, and sister-in-law all pile together in a boat to flee. Searching for fellow survivors in Florida, they hear rumors of a potential location called "Asylum." Meeting an oddball cast of characters, they eventually arrive and try to deal with their new-found home's peculiar rules.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize Asylum isn't going to end up all it's cracked up to be. Shana Festa's avoids the common pitfalls of zombie fiction writers, however, by avoiding making them overtly evil. The majority of people in Asylum are helpful, friendly, and interested in saving their fellow humans.
There's something evil going on, of course, but finding out what and who is involved is a mystery. This is a nice contrast to The Walking Dead's Woodbury or Terminus where it seems everyone is a willing slave to the Governor or a cannibal. The fact the survivors include many decent folk also prevents an easy solution like opening the gates to the undead. No, our heroine must convince her fellow survivors of what she finds or run the risk of being tossed out into the wilderness.
What's interesting is the majority of the book takes place away from asylum, wandering around the ruins of Florida. While other series would play on the horror of a now-empty city, this book takes time to show the upsides of the apocalypse. Admit it: if you were looking for shelter in the zombie apocalypse, you'd probably go for the biggest, fanciest, and most well-equipped mansion you could.
The fact some locations have working electricity and plumbing hint at larger survivors than we're used to in these situations to (or just some houses are "really" well equipped). This adds a nice little bit of social satire which has been missing from the genre since the Dead movies. The social satire is subtle, but it's there. All of the money in the world can't protect you against a real disaster and people want comfort, even in the face of oblivion.
The writing is sharp, the scary scenes are scary, and the funny scenes are funny. There's a surprising number of well-written characters in this book with all of them able to stand out as individuals before the inevitable grasping hand of death kills them off. Despite being a lighter and softer series, Time of Death still has a large number of casualties. I can't tell who is going to live and who is going to die, either, which is new for me. It's also the only zombie series I know to have a cute dog! What's not to love?
In conclusion, this is an awesome sequel to an equally good book. I hope Shana Festa can keep up the pace. If there's one flaw, it's the fact the book doesn't really so much end as peter out. The book has a cliffhanger and I hate those. Still, I'd be wrong in giving this anything less than a 10 out of 10.
Time of Death is more or less the Southern Vampire Mysteries of zombies, following protagonist Emma Rossi as she meets the apocalypse with a can-do chipper attitude. This is contrasted to her husband, who is unable to process how his wife is able to remain so calm and upbeat in the face of the world's end.
The premise of the books is Sanibel Island, the refuge from the previous books, has fallen. Our heroine, her husband, her brother-in-law, and sister-in-law all pile together in a boat to flee. Searching for fellow survivors in Florida, they hear rumors of a potential location called "Asylum." Meeting an oddball cast of characters, they eventually arrive and try to deal with their new-found home's peculiar rules.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize Asylum isn't going to end up all it's cracked up to be. Shana Festa's avoids the common pitfalls of zombie fiction writers, however, by avoiding making them overtly evil. The majority of people in Asylum are helpful, friendly, and interested in saving their fellow humans.
There's something evil going on, of course, but finding out what and who is involved is a mystery. This is a nice contrast to The Walking Dead's Woodbury or Terminus where it seems everyone is a willing slave to the Governor or a cannibal. The fact the survivors include many decent folk also prevents an easy solution like opening the gates to the undead. No, our heroine must convince her fellow survivors of what she finds or run the risk of being tossed out into the wilderness.
What's interesting is the majority of the book takes place away from asylum, wandering around the ruins of Florida. While other series would play on the horror of a now-empty city, this book takes time to show the upsides of the apocalypse. Admit it: if you were looking for shelter in the zombie apocalypse, you'd probably go for the biggest, fanciest, and most well-equipped mansion you could.
The fact some locations have working electricity and plumbing hint at larger survivors than we're used to in these situations to (or just some houses are "really" well equipped). This adds a nice little bit of social satire which has been missing from the genre since the Dead movies. The social satire is subtle, but it's there. All of the money in the world can't protect you against a real disaster and people want comfort, even in the face of oblivion.
The writing is sharp, the scary scenes are scary, and the funny scenes are funny. There's a surprising number of well-written characters in this book with all of them able to stand out as individuals before the inevitable grasping hand of death kills them off. Despite being a lighter and softer series, Time of Death still has a large number of casualties. I can't tell who is going to live and who is going to die, either, which is new for me. It's also the only zombie series I know to have a cute dog! What's not to love?
In conclusion, this is an awesome sequel to an equally good book. I hope Shana Festa can keep up the pace. If there's one flaw, it's the fact the book doesn't really so much end as peter out. The book has a cliffhanger and I hate those. Still, I'd be wrong in giving this anything less than a 10 out of 10.
October 25, 2014
Asylum's release date isn't until Dec. and I pity the readers that have to wait that long. Shana Festa's Time of Death series just keeps getting better. Funnier, more snarky, grosser, it's just all the things.
The first book establishes the characters, the end of the world, and all the awesome that is Daphne. The second book builds upon that, while introducing more and more dangers beyond the dead things walking.
Asylum is a full throttle ride that picks up right where we left off in Induction. If you liked Induction you'll definitely love Asylum.
I really wish I could say more about this book, but I'm super worried I'll spoil stuff and thangs, so I'll just say this, if you are a fan of zombie fiction pick up Time of Death!!!
The first book establishes the characters, the end of the world, and all the awesome that is Daphne. The second book builds upon that, while introducing more and more dangers beyond the dead things walking.
Asylum is a full throttle ride that picks up right where we left off in Induction. If you liked Induction you'll definitely love Asylum.
I really wish I could say more about this book, but I'm super worried I'll spoil stuff and thangs, so I'll just say this, if you are a fan of zombie fiction pick up Time of Death!!!
October 23, 2014
Budding zompoc author Shana Festa picks up where she left off -- with Emma Rossi and her family on the run from the hellscape Florida has devolved into after the undead rise to eat the living. Together they battle their way through a never ending nightmare in search of someplace safe where they can catch their breath.
Festa brings a unique voice to the apocalypse, one filled with colloquial humor, biting snark, and laser sharp insight into human nature. Her characters leap off the page and into the readers imaginations and hearts, not the least of which is Daphne, Rossi's beloved dog. Festa effortlessly holds the reader captive with an engaging storyline that picks up pace right to the very last page and leaves them hungry for more. This is a must read for zombie fans old and young alike. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Festa brings a unique voice to the apocalypse, one filled with colloquial humor, biting snark, and laser sharp insight into human nature. Her characters leap off the page and into the readers imaginations and hearts, not the least of which is Daphne, Rossi's beloved dog. Festa effortlessly holds the reader captive with an engaging storyline that picks up pace right to the very last page and leaves them hungry for more. This is a must read for zombie fans old and young alike. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
October 25, 2014
I came across SHANA FESTA's work not long ago. So glad I did! I would not guess that she's a newer author based on her writing. Easy to read and near flawless. Her storyline is believable and her characters likable (well, the ones who are meant to be liked ha ha).
ASYLUM is the 2nd book in the Time of Death series. Just as good as book one.
Emma Rossi, along with her husband Jake and his brother and sister, continue to search for a safe place amidst a world overrun by the living dead. Some characters were lost (sniffle) and some new introduced. They make their way to ASYLUM, where not all is as it seems. FESTA's dead are gruesome, and some seem to be a bit different in book two (hmmm are some evolving a bit??). Little doggy Daphne remains with the group and is pleasant as ever.
Emma's husband becomes distant in this book, and mean to her. I found myself starting to really dislike him. Like...a lot. A new character was introduced in this book and I desperately want Emma to go find him in book three and hook up with him.
FESTA has done a lot of foreshadowing for book three. Not sure when she is releasing it, but it will be a long wait as I want it right now.
My only complaint about ASYLUM was that it ended. Sincerely, it's hard to find good zombie books. FESTA is a gem. Her writing is edgy, funny, gory.
I received an ARC copy of this book not in exchange for an honest review, but because I begged for it. Nonetheless, my review is honest and this book kicked ass.
-M. Lauryl Lewis, author of the Grace Series
ASYLUM is the 2nd book in the Time of Death series. Just as good as book one.
Emma Rossi, along with her husband Jake and his brother and sister, continue to search for a safe place amidst a world overrun by the living dead. Some characters were lost (sniffle) and some new introduced. They make their way to ASYLUM, where not all is as it seems. FESTA's dead are gruesome, and some seem to be a bit different in book two (hmmm are some evolving a bit??). Little doggy Daphne remains with the group and is pleasant as ever.
Emma's husband becomes distant in this book, and mean to her. I found myself starting to really dislike him. Like...a lot. A new character was introduced in this book and I desperately want Emma to go find him in book three and hook up with him.
FESTA has done a lot of foreshadowing for book three. Not sure when she is releasing it, but it will be a long wait as I want it right now.
My only complaint about ASYLUM was that it ended. Sincerely, it's hard to find good zombie books. FESTA is a gem. Her writing is edgy, funny, gory.
I received an ARC copy of this book not in exchange for an honest review, but because I begged for it. Nonetheless, my review is honest and this book kicked ass.
-M. Lauryl Lewis, author of the Grace Series
October 19, 2014
I loved this book so much!! The first in this series provided the back story, and I became attached to the characters. I read through Asylum and was on the edge of my seat terrified one of them would die. New and interesting characters were developed with some I love and some I love to hate. After the fall of government, many issues and emotions still exist in the US such as jealousy, greed, and racism as well age, sexual orientation, and intelligence discrimination. Just as life before the outbreak the existing political and military power is secretive, untrustworthy, and conspires with malice. At every turn, I experienced the same feelings as the characters and found myself happy, hopeful, angry, scared, confused, and disgusted! I enjoy a strong female lead, and Emma is tough and vulnerable as well sarcastic, and realistic in her responses to every ordeal. I still love Daphne but Emma is definitely my favorite character as well a new addition Jasper. I am already anxiously awaiting the next book!
March 31, 2015
This is the second book in Shana Festa's time of Death zombie series. It picks up where book one left off, a couple of months after the first zombie outbreak. The main character, Emma, is on the run with her family, fighting for survival.
I really like Emma - she is upbeat and tries to stay positive in the face of the world falling apart, the horror she has seen and the gruesome things she has had to do. She can also be snarky, humourous and throw a tantrum. She is devoted to her dog, Daphne, and has so far managed to keep her safe too. Shana, if you're reading this, don't you dare kill off Daphne!
I was more emotionally drawn into this book, even getting choked up a bit over one of the character's deaths. If I can care that much about a character who wasn't even in the first book, then that says good writing to me. There were also moments where I actually laughed out loud.....Tuesday.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Sarah Tancer continued to do a great job narrating book 2.
I really like Emma - she is upbeat and tries to stay positive in the face of the world falling apart, the horror she has seen and the gruesome things she has had to do. She can also be snarky, humourous and throw a tantrum. She is devoted to her dog, Daphne, and has so far managed to keep her safe too. Shana, if you're reading this, don't you dare kill off Daphne!
I was more emotionally drawn into this book, even getting choked up a bit over one of the character's deaths. If I can care that much about a character who wasn't even in the first book, then that says good writing to me. There were also moments where I actually laughed out loud.....Tuesday.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Sarah Tancer continued to do a great job narrating book 2.
August 9, 2015
Review copy
Relative newcomer, Shana Festa, is back with book two in her zombie series. Time of Death: Asylum picks up right where Time of Death: Induction left off. BTW, if you haven't read the first book, get it right away. It's one of the best works of zombie fiction to come along in some time and book two is just as good.
Time of Death: Asylum begins with a synopsis of book one, just in case you have short term memory issues, like me. Then we continue following the four surviving members of the Rossi family, husband and wife, Jake and Emma, Jake's brother Vinny, and their sister, Meg. In addition, Emma's little dog, Daphne is back as the group struggles to survive in the weeks and months following the zombie apocalypse.
The author is incredibly adept at mixing the highs and lows of surviving in the new world. It's not easy, loved ones are lost and relationships suffer.
"Try as I might, I just couldn't stop my brain from working overtime. It kept analyzing our current circumstances. We'd started that morning with eight, and now we ended it with four. We'd watched half our group die in the course of a single day. The wort part, besides the obvious loss of people we cared about, was that we' had to kill them with our own hands. What does it say about the world when murdering your loved one is the only acceptable option."
Then, there's the all important question of figuring out who to trust among survivor's you meet along the way.
Take the people at the Asylum, after a family vote, the Rossi's decide to take a chance with a larger group of survivors. What they find there is a level of security, but at what price.
Time of Death: Asylum has everything the zombie reader could want; realism, a story which rings true given the subject matter, an episodic storyline, pathos, a touch of humor, and one hell of a cliff-hanger.
I'm already looking forward to book three.
BTW, kudos to Christian Bentulan for the outstanding cover.
Time of Death: Asylum is available now from all major e-book retailers and is published by Permuted Press who have the great tag line "Enjoy the Apocalypse."
If you love zombies, you don't want to miss Time of Death: Asylum.
Relative newcomer, Shana Festa, is back with book two in her zombie series. Time of Death: Asylum picks up right where Time of Death: Induction left off. BTW, if you haven't read the first book, get it right away. It's one of the best works of zombie fiction to come along in some time and book two is just as good.
Time of Death: Asylum begins with a synopsis of book one, just in case you have short term memory issues, like me. Then we continue following the four surviving members of the Rossi family, husband and wife, Jake and Emma, Jake's brother Vinny, and their sister, Meg. In addition, Emma's little dog, Daphne is back as the group struggles to survive in the weeks and months following the zombie apocalypse.
The author is incredibly adept at mixing the highs and lows of surviving in the new world. It's not easy, loved ones are lost and relationships suffer.
"Try as I might, I just couldn't stop my brain from working overtime. It kept analyzing our current circumstances. We'd started that morning with eight, and now we ended it with four. We'd watched half our group die in the course of a single day. The wort part, besides the obvious loss of people we cared about, was that we' had to kill them with our own hands. What does it say about the world when murdering your loved one is the only acceptable option."
Then, there's the all important question of figuring out who to trust among survivor's you meet along the way.
Take the people at the Asylum, after a family vote, the Rossi's decide to take a chance with a larger group of survivors. What they find there is a level of security, but at what price.
Time of Death: Asylum has everything the zombie reader could want; realism, a story which rings true given the subject matter, an episodic storyline, pathos, a touch of humor, and one hell of a cliff-hanger.
I'm already looking forward to book three.
BTW, kudos to Christian Bentulan for the outstanding cover.
Time of Death: Asylum is available now from all major e-book retailers and is published by Permuted Press who have the great tag line "Enjoy the Apocalypse."
If you love zombies, you don't want to miss Time of Death: Asylum.
November 2, 2014
I received an ARC copy of this book for honest review. 'Time of Death: Asylum' is the continuation of Emma's story as she survives through a zombie apocalypse.
Finding a safe place to stay isn't easy when the streets are filled with the walking dead. Emma and her family find out about Asylum and decide to make their way there. Their journey is fraught with peril, but for this group there are still things to be grateful for so there are also lighter moments. The characters are amazing, realistic and easy to sympathise with. I loved the sense of humour and enjoyed the banter between the characters.
The story gets a bit darker towards the end of this book, with new threats to the group as they enter Asylum and realise who it's being run by. I found this book even more captivating than the first in the series, the horror hitting on deeper levels as there is now more than just zombies to worry about. The ending really took me by surprise and made me wish the next book was already out! I look forward to more from these amazing characters.
Overall this is an excellent continuation to a fantastic zombie apocalypse series. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre as well as to anyone who's never tried zombie books before. Can't wait for the next book!
Finding a safe place to stay isn't easy when the streets are filled with the walking dead. Emma and her family find out about Asylum and decide to make their way there. Their journey is fraught with peril, but for this group there are still things to be grateful for so there are also lighter moments. The characters are amazing, realistic and easy to sympathise with. I loved the sense of humour and enjoyed the banter between the characters.
The story gets a bit darker towards the end of this book, with new threats to the group as they enter Asylum and realise who it's being run by. I found this book even more captivating than the first in the series, the horror hitting on deeper levels as there is now more than just zombies to worry about. The ending really took me by surprise and made me wish the next book was already out! I look forward to more from these amazing characters.
Overall this is an excellent continuation to a fantastic zombie apocalypse series. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre as well as to anyone who's never tried zombie books before. Can't wait for the next book!
November 10, 2014
I had the pleasure of reading an advance review copy of this book, and having enjoyed the first one in the series i had high hopes fro this sequel, they were met and exceeded.
This is a really good read, and i think it is better than the first book. You can feel the authors development alongside that of the characters and the environment in which they must survive. there is a good mix of horror, humour and realism, and as much as ican't stand yappy little dogs the antics of Daphne made me smile. there are some interesting new characters in this outing and i am curious as to how they will develop in the next installment.
Well worth a read.
This is a really good read, and i think it is better than the first book. You can feel the authors development alongside that of the characters and the environment in which they must survive. there is a good mix of horror, humour and realism, and as much as ican't stand yappy little dogs the antics of Daphne made me smile. there are some interesting new characters in this outing and i am curious as to how they will develop in the next installment.
Well worth a read.
October 22, 2014
REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK IT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH MAKE YOU CRY ACTION TERROR WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR SHANA YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN MORE PLEASE AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
July 26, 2015
I loved book 1 of this and eagerly dived into it. I thought that the author couldn't top the first, but I was wrong!! She didn't just top it, she smashed it. This was amazing!!
Emma, Jake, his sister and brother all managed to survive the downfall of their safe haven but now they have to travel to the only known safe house, without falling to the zombies. Can they make it there alive and is the place all it's cracked up to be?
Emma is once again her plucky spunky self!! She is like a breath of fresh air amid a foul scent. She is the heart of the group and tries to keep them all together while keeping her sanity. Her bond with her dog is amazing and at times so funny! Daphne has such an awesome personality and it's so nice to have her in the book too.
Jake is falling farther into himself and at the loss of a certain character, he seems to turn a corner, though not for the better. My heart broke so much for him and Emma and I just wanted to hug both of them. She is trying to stay strong for him but she also won't put up with his s**t either. I loved that about her!!
The Asylum seems to be a wonderful place from the outside but when the gang gets there, they see it for what it is! I loved the fact that the author created a safe haven but added a twist to it also.
There is a lot of new characters in this one but, in true Shana Festa style, there's a lot of death too! She sure knows how to make you love a character only to rip your heart out half way through the book!! She is an evil genius ;)
Anyway, Asylum was fantastic. It's hard to find a good story thrown into a zombie book, but Shana Festa has managed it. She makes you become invested with the characters and world and has you turning the pages as quick as you can to see what happens next. I flew through this and now I'm kind of sorry I did, because I need book 3, like yesterday. This is an author to watch because her writing is amazing. While reading (well listening) to the book, I had so many feels, at times I was gasping, at times crying and at others I was shouting NOOOOO! If an author can manage to make you feel all that and more during a book, then you are guaranteed a winner!
In all a phenomenal second book and one I know I will read time and time again. I can not wait for the next installment, though I may need time to get over book 2 first. My heart can't handle much more ;)
I listened to the audio and once again, Sarah Tancer does an amazing job. She has Emmas personality down and knows when to give her all!! Highly recommend.
Emma, Jake, his sister and brother all managed to survive the downfall of their safe haven but now they have to travel to the only known safe house, without falling to the zombies. Can they make it there alive and is the place all it's cracked up to be?
Emma is once again her plucky spunky self!! She is like a breath of fresh air amid a foul scent. She is the heart of the group and tries to keep them all together while keeping her sanity. Her bond with her dog is amazing and at times so funny! Daphne has such an awesome personality and it's so nice to have her in the book too.
Jake is falling farther into himself and at the loss of a certain character, he seems to turn a corner, though not for the better. My heart broke so much for him and Emma and I just wanted to hug both of them. She is trying to stay strong for him but she also won't put up with his s**t either. I loved that about her!!
The Asylum seems to be a wonderful place from the outside but when the gang gets there, they see it for what it is! I loved the fact that the author created a safe haven but added a twist to it also.
There is a lot of new characters in this one but, in true Shana Festa style, there's a lot of death too! She sure knows how to make you love a character only to rip your heart out half way through the book!! She is an evil genius ;)
Anyway, Asylum was fantastic. It's hard to find a good story thrown into a zombie book, but Shana Festa has managed it. She makes you become invested with the characters and world and has you turning the pages as quick as you can to see what happens next. I flew through this and now I'm kind of sorry I did, because I need book 3, like yesterday. This is an author to watch because her writing is amazing. While reading (well listening) to the book, I had so many feels, at times I was gasping, at times crying and at others I was shouting NOOOOO! If an author can manage to make you feel all that and more during a book, then you are guaranteed a winner!
In all a phenomenal second book and one I know I will read time and time again. I can not wait for the next installment, though I may need time to get over book 2 first. My heart can't handle much more ;)
I listened to the audio and once again, Sarah Tancer does an amazing job. She has Emmas personality down and knows when to give her all!! Highly recommend.
December 30, 2014
Time of Death Asylum You find the Rossi familly (Emma,Jake,Vinny,Meg and Daphne the Yorkshire Terrier)On a boat after the fall of Sanibel. Dealing with the loss of half their group from the last supply run.They see a flashing of light from a house in the distance as if a survivor is using a mirror to let them know there are at least one survivor up there.So the Rossi's devise a plan to meet up with the survivor.
They hear of a safe haven Asylum in Sarasota.So they make their way there.Shana keeps you guessing, as to whom will die next form the many people they come across on their journey. When they arrive at the Asylum they must try to adjust to Asylums peculiar rules.Most of the people there are helpful and care about their fellow mans survival.But something is not quite right.There is an undertone of malice and evil.Who is actually running Asylum?
This book has terror,gore, gritty emotional torment,danger and decomposing corpses.The stress of the
Rossi family's journey has caused stress between Emma and Jake,you can see the decline of their union, mental and emotional state as as well.This book leaves you craving for the rest of the story and the hope that the next book will be coming out soon.
Shana, is a brilliant story tell.Her books are all intelligently written,they have it all, from an engaging and captivating story line to her description of the terrine and characters that depict the human condition so very well.The depth of her vision she shares with the reader, is rarely seen or experienced at such a high level.I love the unique elements that she brings to the table.The snarky banter between the characters,the humor at just the right moment,the quick wittedness of her characters ability to think on their feet and the flexibility they have to adapt to the situation at hand. Even though Emma Rossi is a strong lead,you also see a hint of her venerability and the depth of her soul and the pain and suffering there in.
They hear of a safe haven Asylum in Sarasota.So they make their way there.Shana keeps you guessing, as to whom will die next form the many people they come across on their journey. When they arrive at the Asylum they must try to adjust to Asylums peculiar rules.Most of the people there are helpful and care about their fellow mans survival.But something is not quite right.There is an undertone of malice and evil.Who is actually running Asylum?
This book has terror,gore, gritty emotional torment,danger and decomposing corpses.The stress of the
Rossi family's journey has caused stress between Emma and Jake,you can see the decline of their union, mental and emotional state as as well.This book leaves you craving for the rest of the story and the hope that the next book will be coming out soon.
Shana, is a brilliant story tell.Her books are all intelligently written,they have it all, from an engaging and captivating story line to her description of the terrine and characters that depict the human condition so very well.The depth of her vision she shares with the reader, is rarely seen or experienced at such a high level.I love the unique elements that she brings to the table.The snarky banter between the characters,the humor at just the right moment,the quick wittedness of her characters ability to think on their feet and the flexibility they have to adapt to the situation at hand. Even though Emma Rossi is a strong lead,you also see a hint of her venerability and the depth of her soul and the pain and suffering there in.
December 9, 2014
After reading an ARC of this novel and then purchasing my very own copy, it's time to write a review to make sure others read this great work!
Time of Death Asylum is the sequel Shana Festa's readers deserved. After reading and thoroughly enjoying the adventures of Emma and the gang from book 1, Induction, the story continues with the introduction of new characters, new tragedies, and new dangers. Around every corner there are zombies waiting to bite your face off and it's not only the zombies that our beloved characters need to be afraid of...it's the humanity that has been lost in the apocalypse. But don't worry, while Book 2 is definitely darker, the humor and snark from book 1 is evident throughout.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of fun zombie adventures!
Time of Death Asylum is the sequel Shana Festa's readers deserved. After reading and thoroughly enjoying the adventures of Emma and the gang from book 1, Induction, the story continues with the introduction of new characters, new tragedies, and new dangers. Around every corner there are zombies waiting to bite your face off and it's not only the zombies that our beloved characters need to be afraid of...it's the humanity that has been lost in the apocalypse. But don't worry, while Book 2 is definitely darker, the humor and snark from book 1 is evident throughout.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of fun zombie adventures!
December 12, 2014
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Shana Festa's Time of Death: Asylum is a sequel to Time of Death: Induction, which was published earlier this year. It's a well written, fast-paced, action-packed and entertaining zombie novel that offers plenty of gritty and emotional entertainment to zombie fans.
In my opinion zombie fiction is good and harmless entertainment, because it offers great light entertainment to horror readers (who could possibly resist reading about the malicious, dangerous and decomposing corpses that crave for human flesh?). I don't normally read much zombie fiction, but I do enjoy reading well written zombie entertainment, because every once in a while it's relaxing to read different kind of horror novels. I liked this novel very much, because it was good entertainment and an excellent sequel to Time of Death: Induction.
I think that Shana Festa's fans will be pleased to find out that Time of Death: Asylum is as good a novel as Time of Death: Induction. In my opinion this novel is actually a bit better than the previous novel, because the author has developed certain things further. The author seems to write out of love for storytelling and is enthusiastic about keeping up a brisk pace.
If there are any readers out there who wonder if this novel can be read as a standalone novel, I can mention that it can probably be read as a standalone novel, but you probably won't understand certain things and happenings well unless you're familiar with the previous novel.
Here's a bit of information about the story without spoilers:
- This novel begins with a brief introduction to past happenings, because the story picks up right where the first novel left off. Emma Rossi has survived the fall of Sanibel, but victory came with a heavy price. She has lost many people and her life has changed permanently, and she can't help thinking about the past.
- Emma and her family (Jake, Meg, Vinny and Daphne the dog) continue their journey and try to survive in the hostile world that's full of zombies. Soon they find out that there's an asylum in Sarasota that can possibly be a safe place for people...
This is all I'll write about the story, because it wouldn't be fair to reveal more about the happenings. I'll only mention that this is the beginning of an action-packed and entertaining zombie novel.
One of the best things about this novel is that Shana Festa has added a humane and emotional level to her story that many other authors lack in their novels. By writing about Emma and her life (and - of course - her problems and stress), the author manages to make her readers care about Emma's fate. In the previous novel Emma had to leave her whole life behind and flee from the zombies that overtook the town. In this novel her fight against the zombies and battle for survival continues and the stakes are higher now, because the world has become a dangerous place and it's difficult to trust other people and survivors (a wrong move could get you killed).
Emma is an interesting and well-created character. She was a nursing student, but now she is a survivor of zombie apocalypse. She has lost nearly everybody she cared about and she has had to adapt to a new world where you have to be prepared to fight for your life and where you have to plan your moves carefully in order to survive. The speed of the happenings surprised her, because everything spiraled out of control very fast and her world changed from a nearly perfect world to a threatening world full of zombies.
It's interesting how easily and fluently Shana Festa writes about Emma's nursing skills. The author's own experiences as a nurse have clearly been a source of inspiration to her, because everything that's connected to nursing feels authentic and natural. She has a natural way of writing about Emma's skills and ability to interact with people.
I think it's great that Shana Festa writes about Emma's dog, the Yorkshire terrier Daphne. Daphne has become an important part of Emma's family and Emma loves her dog very much. There aren't many zombie novels in which the authors write about dogs in this kind of a way, so this is something different and adds originality to the story.
It's also great how easily the author writes about character interaction and how well she has created certain characters. The dialogues between the characters feel surprisingly believable. There are a few conflicts and tensions between the characters, but the author handles them well and manages to surprise her readers with a few scenes.
The author isn't easy on her characters, because the characters have to deal with many things from losing people to surviving among the zombies. This is great, because it adds realism to the storyline. It's especially good that the author doesn't sugarcoat anything.
In this novel readers get to see what happens between Emma and Jake. I'm not going to reveal what happens, but I'll briefly mention that the situation is interesting.
When the characters reached Asylum, the happenings reminded me a bit of the happenings that I've seen in a couple of films and in The Walking Dead. It's possible that this may bother a few readers, but in my opinion the author handles these happenings well and kept the story interesting.
The descriptions about the zombies and their actions are as threatening, nasty and gritty as possible, which is good. In my opinion zombie novels aren't zombie novels unless you have this kind of descriptions about zombies in them.
It's nice that Shana Festa has also been able to add a bit of humour to the story, because it lightens the atmosphere at certain points and makes the story flow better. It's great that she doesn't overdo this, but manages to keep everything under control. For example, the scene in which the characters name their weapons contains delightful humour.
Although Time of Death: Asylum is a zombie novel that stays true to its roots that lie in zombie fiction and zombie films, it's a surprisingly original and well written novel that differs nicely from other similar novels. When I read this novel, I got the impression that Shana Festa is capable of using popular zombie elements and clichés to her advantage. She clearly wants to entertain her readers with a good and action-packed story, because she writes her own kind of fast-paced zombie fiction and pays homage to classic zombie films and stories.
If you're a zombie fan, Time of Death: Asylum is a must-read novel. It has all the necessary ingredients needed to entertain and thrill zombie fans. If you're a newcomer to the zombie genre, this novel and its predecessor will offer quite a lot of entertainment to you, so you couldn't find a better way to acquaint yourself with this genre.
Good, well written and addictive zombie entertainment!
Shana Festa's Time of Death: Asylum is a sequel to Time of Death: Induction, which was published earlier this year. It's a well written, fast-paced, action-packed and entertaining zombie novel that offers plenty of gritty and emotional entertainment to zombie fans.
In my opinion zombie fiction is good and harmless entertainment, because it offers great light entertainment to horror readers (who could possibly resist reading about the malicious, dangerous and decomposing corpses that crave for human flesh?). I don't normally read much zombie fiction, but I do enjoy reading well written zombie entertainment, because every once in a while it's relaxing to read different kind of horror novels. I liked this novel very much, because it was good entertainment and an excellent sequel to Time of Death: Induction.
I think that Shana Festa's fans will be pleased to find out that Time of Death: Asylum is as good a novel as Time of Death: Induction. In my opinion this novel is actually a bit better than the previous novel, because the author has developed certain things further. The author seems to write out of love for storytelling and is enthusiastic about keeping up a brisk pace.
If there are any readers out there who wonder if this novel can be read as a standalone novel, I can mention that it can probably be read as a standalone novel, but you probably won't understand certain things and happenings well unless you're familiar with the previous novel.
Here's a bit of information about the story without spoilers:
- This novel begins with a brief introduction to past happenings, because the story picks up right where the first novel left off. Emma Rossi has survived the fall of Sanibel, but victory came with a heavy price. She has lost many people and her life has changed permanently, and she can't help thinking about the past.
- Emma and her family (Jake, Meg, Vinny and Daphne the dog) continue their journey and try to survive in the hostile world that's full of zombies. Soon they find out that there's an asylum in Sarasota that can possibly be a safe place for people...
This is all I'll write about the story, because it wouldn't be fair to reveal more about the happenings. I'll only mention that this is the beginning of an action-packed and entertaining zombie novel.
One of the best things about this novel is that Shana Festa has added a humane and emotional level to her story that many other authors lack in their novels. By writing about Emma and her life (and - of course - her problems and stress), the author manages to make her readers care about Emma's fate. In the previous novel Emma had to leave her whole life behind and flee from the zombies that overtook the town. In this novel her fight against the zombies and battle for survival continues and the stakes are higher now, because the world has become a dangerous place and it's difficult to trust other people and survivors (a wrong move could get you killed).
Emma is an interesting and well-created character. She was a nursing student, but now she is a survivor of zombie apocalypse. She has lost nearly everybody she cared about and she has had to adapt to a new world where you have to be prepared to fight for your life and where you have to plan your moves carefully in order to survive. The speed of the happenings surprised her, because everything spiraled out of control very fast and her world changed from a nearly perfect world to a threatening world full of zombies.
It's interesting how easily and fluently Shana Festa writes about Emma's nursing skills. The author's own experiences as a nurse have clearly been a source of inspiration to her, because everything that's connected to nursing feels authentic and natural. She has a natural way of writing about Emma's skills and ability to interact with people.
I think it's great that Shana Festa writes about Emma's dog, the Yorkshire terrier Daphne. Daphne has become an important part of Emma's family and Emma loves her dog very much. There aren't many zombie novels in which the authors write about dogs in this kind of a way, so this is something different and adds originality to the story.
It's also great how easily the author writes about character interaction and how well she has created certain characters. The dialogues between the characters feel surprisingly believable. There are a few conflicts and tensions between the characters, but the author handles them well and manages to surprise her readers with a few scenes.
The author isn't easy on her characters, because the characters have to deal with many things from losing people to surviving among the zombies. This is great, because it adds realism to the storyline. It's especially good that the author doesn't sugarcoat anything.
In this novel readers get to see what happens between Emma and Jake. I'm not going to reveal what happens, but I'll briefly mention that the situation is interesting.
When the characters reached Asylum, the happenings reminded me a bit of the happenings that I've seen in a couple of films and in The Walking Dead. It's possible that this may bother a few readers, but in my opinion the author handles these happenings well and kept the story interesting.
The descriptions about the zombies and their actions are as threatening, nasty and gritty as possible, which is good. In my opinion zombie novels aren't zombie novels unless you have this kind of descriptions about zombies in them.
It's nice that Shana Festa has also been able to add a bit of humour to the story, because it lightens the atmosphere at certain points and makes the story flow better. It's great that she doesn't overdo this, but manages to keep everything under control. For example, the scene in which the characters name their weapons contains delightful humour.
Although Time of Death: Asylum is a zombie novel that stays true to its roots that lie in zombie fiction and zombie films, it's a surprisingly original and well written novel that differs nicely from other similar novels. When I read this novel, I got the impression that Shana Festa is capable of using popular zombie elements and clichés to her advantage. She clearly wants to entertain her readers with a good and action-packed story, because she writes her own kind of fast-paced zombie fiction and pays homage to classic zombie films and stories.
If you're a zombie fan, Time of Death: Asylum is a must-read novel. It has all the necessary ingredients needed to entertain and thrill zombie fans. If you're a newcomer to the zombie genre, this novel and its predecessor will offer quite a lot of entertainment to you, so you couldn't find a better way to acquaint yourself with this genre.
Good, well written and addictive zombie entertainment!
August 23, 2015
I received this book in return for an honest review.
*runs fangirling all around the house*
Asylum alone just sounds creepy to me, so of course before I even started reading it, I was on the verge of panic. Hey, zombies I can take... Asylums? ... not so much. *shudders*
Anywho. love that it picks up from where past one leaves off and even does a bit of a recap for those who had to wait for this second book to come out. Everything is so different and so much more intense in this book. I can't tell you how many times I had a "I can't breathe! I forgot how to breathe! It hurts to even try! How do I breathe!?!" moments.
The one this I could truly rely on was the humor.
I want to take this moment to really thank Shana because her books and humor got me through these dark times I've been going through. When I thought I hit bottom, I would just pick this book up and laugh my ass off. I think any time I'm starting to feel sad or depressed I'll just reread these books.
(Thank you so much Shana! You're the best!)
I fully recommend this book, just make sure everyone is awake when you read it because your fangirl moments would probably wake the whole household.
I'm making the next part with spoiler because while some are mini spoilers, some are big ones, and some are just you could put 2 and 2 together and figure out what happened, so read with caution.
My heart just kinda feels like it's shattered into a bazillion pieces and I'm just like
Emma sould just whoop Jake's ass
Anyway,
and Jake needs to get his shit together and I freakin hate Asylum. (PLACE! not the book, freakin love the book!)
Every time these high-fallootin folks open their mouth I'm just like:
Now I have to wait for book three and I just want to curl into a ball and cry my eyes out. I want to know what happens! I have to know!!
I mean really. What will happen to everyone? and what is Striker's story? Will he ever come out of his shell? Will he join Emma and Jake's team? Will the Asylum fall?
Good gah! There are to many questions I need answered! I'm going to go insane.
*runs fangirling all around the house*
Asylum alone just sounds creepy to me, so of course before I even started reading it, I was on the verge of panic. Hey, zombies I can take... Asylums? ... not so much. *shudders*
Anywho. love that it picks up from where past one leaves off and even does a bit of a recap for those who had to wait for this second book to come out. Everything is so different and so much more intense in this book. I can't tell you how many times I had a "I can't breathe! I forgot how to breathe! It hurts to even try! How do I breathe!?!" moments.
The one this I could truly rely on was the humor.
I want to take this moment to really thank Shana because her books and humor got me through these dark times I've been going through. When I thought I hit bottom, I would just pick this book up and laugh my ass off. I think any time I'm starting to feel sad or depressed I'll just reread these books.
(Thank you so much Shana! You're the best!)
I fully recommend this book, just make sure everyone is awake when you read it because your fangirl moments would probably wake the whole household.
I'm making the next part with spoiler because while some are mini spoilers, some are big ones, and some are just you could put 2 and 2 together and figure out what happened, so read with caution.
My heart just kinda feels like it's shattered into a bazillion pieces and I'm just like
Emma sould just whoop Jake's ass
Anyway,
and Jake needs to get his shit together and I freakin hate Asylum. (PLACE! not the book, freakin love the book!)
Every time these high-fallootin folks open their mouth I'm just like:
Now I have to wait for book three and I just want to curl into a ball and cry my eyes out. I want to know what happens! I have to know!!
I mean really. What will happen to everyone? and what is Striker's story? Will he ever come out of his shell? Will he join Emma and Jake's team? Will the Asylum fall?
Good gah! There are to many questions I need answered! I'm going to go insane.
December 1, 2014
I received this book to give an honest review.
Let me start off saying that this cover is BADASS! If I was to walk into a store and saw this cover I would pick it up without even glancing at the blurb.
Anyway on to the review, would it be weird as a reviewer to say that I love this author? Literally I love the way her mind works and she can put it all out in an awesome story. I am torn on if I loved book one more or book two more maybe I love them the same. There are more than one laugh out loud moments. Below is one of my favorites.
"Not an option. I'm prairie dogging. Not to mention, how big of a tool would I look if I walked in squeezing my cheeks together and just asked to use their toilet."
With Asylum we pick up right where book one left off. Emma has her husband Jake back, she has her sister in law and brother in law, add into the mix Daphne. Yes the trusty, yapping dog who loves to leave surprise nuggets!
The group is still living on the boat after they had to leave the island they were on because of an outbreak. I will never once in my life fully understand why if you get bitten by a damn zombie before you turn you come back to the safe haven. You got to know you will be munching on your love ones.
While drifting along they all start to wonder what they are going to do when supplies start running out, and they come across another boat how awesome right? Yeah we all know how this goes down like always, fast forward to now they have to book it by foot. They come across other survivors which we all know is far and in between. And they get to meet new characters, and lose some. This is where we learn of Asylum. It is a safe haven for all to come but it is mentioned on more than one occasion you have to pretty much pull your weight within the community. Sorry but to me this already sends out red flags.
We watch how Emma, Meg, and Jake go through so much and one tragic event causes Jake to treat Emma like crap and I loved how she decided she was going to put him in place. It was something he needed after all they have been though.
I have to say I think the zombies are starting to act different and not in a good way. Something and it may be nothing is going on with them. Hope they are not evolving how crazy would that be.
This author has a way of adding humor, into the gore and the depression that these characters are going through that you can't help but to laugh, want to cry and go oh snap I didn't see that coming.
If you need a zombie book to read, I say get your copy of these two books. You can not and will not be disappointed.
The only bad thing I can say about this book is that it ended. I was so ready for more after reading the ending, now I just have to found out when book three will be coming out.
Shana, keep doing what you are doing and writing awesome, amazeballs, ass-kicking, humor filled zombie stories.
Let me start off saying that this cover is BADASS! If I was to walk into a store and saw this cover I would pick it up without even glancing at the blurb.
Anyway on to the review, would it be weird as a reviewer to say that I love this author? Literally I love the way her mind works and she can put it all out in an awesome story. I am torn on if I loved book one more or book two more maybe I love them the same. There are more than one laugh out loud moments. Below is one of my favorites.
"Not an option. I'm prairie dogging. Not to mention, how big of a tool would I look if I walked in squeezing my cheeks together and just asked to use their toilet."
With Asylum we pick up right where book one left off. Emma has her husband Jake back, she has her sister in law and brother in law, add into the mix Daphne. Yes the trusty, yapping dog who loves to leave surprise nuggets!
The group is still living on the boat after they had to leave the island they were on because of an outbreak. I will never once in my life fully understand why if you get bitten by a damn zombie before you turn you come back to the safe haven. You got to know you will be munching on your love ones.
While drifting along they all start to wonder what they are going to do when supplies start running out, and they come across another boat how awesome right? Yeah we all know how this goes down like always, fast forward to now they have to book it by foot. They come across other survivors which we all know is far and in between. And they get to meet new characters, and lose some. This is where we learn of Asylum. It is a safe haven for all to come but it is mentioned on more than one occasion you have to pretty much pull your weight within the community. Sorry but to me this already sends out red flags.
We watch how Emma, Meg, and Jake go through so much and one tragic event causes Jake to treat Emma like crap and I loved how she decided she was going to put him in place. It was something he needed after all they have been though.
I have to say I think the zombies are starting to act different and not in a good way. Something and it may be nothing is going on with them. Hope they are not evolving how crazy would that be.
This author has a way of adding humor, into the gore and the depression that these characters are going through that you can't help but to laugh, want to cry and go oh snap I didn't see that coming.
If you need a zombie book to read, I say get your copy of these two books. You can not and will not be disappointed.
The only bad thing I can say about this book is that it ended. I was so ready for more after reading the ending, now I just have to found out when book three will be coming out.
Shana, keep doing what you are doing and writing awesome, amazeballs, ass-kicking, humor filled zombie stories.
March 10, 2018
The first book was entertaining. Not the best zombie book ever but not the worse either. This 2nd book just bored the hell out of me.
The main character just annoyed me this time around. the constant talking about the dog pooping and farting was unnecessary. Every effen chapter has to bring this up.
Will be reading book 3 as I cannot just abandon a series, if book 3 is ever released.
The main character just annoyed me this time around. the constant talking about the dog pooping and farting was unnecessary. Every effen chapter has to bring this up.
Will be reading book 3 as I cannot just abandon a series, if book 3 is ever released.
September 21, 2019
The second book in this series didn’t get any better for me.
The first book was ok to read but I wouldn’t have paid for it.
Why do I like zombie/apocalypse stories with strong heroines?
I like to read about tips and tricks, how they face the drastic downfall of society. How they survive in such an extreme environment. Shedding their luxurious and pampered 21st century upbringing. Their emotional struggles.
How they find a way back to a save life.
I don’t want recaps or anecdotes from the past that do not contribute to the story. Or characters running aimlessly around.
I love dogs, who doesn’t love dogs!
Still, I don’t want to read constantly about that darn dog, his habits or his odd feces who apparently have the dry consistency of bunny poop.
The whole book is focused on that dog.
I want to see them grow, take initiative. To see them be creative to protect themselves and each other. Interesting people on the way. A goal!!!
Not people drifting from one wave to another not really participating in their own struggle or taking charge of their own life’s.
I mean, come on, this is a first person POV, everything I read the heroine should know as well. It is child’s play to connect the dots about the asylum. And yet, our self announced and entitled Nancy Drew has a tickling in her nose.
I don’t think I will read the following book. It is not far fetched to know the direction.
I really do not like the main female character and as the story doesn’t provide more entertainment I am not interested anymore.
The first book was ok to read but I wouldn’t have paid for it.
Why do I like zombie/apocalypse stories with strong heroines?
I like to read about tips and tricks, how they face the drastic downfall of society. How they survive in such an extreme environment. Shedding their luxurious and pampered 21st century upbringing. Their emotional struggles.
How they find a way back to a save life.
I don’t want recaps or anecdotes from the past that do not contribute to the story. Or characters running aimlessly around.
I love dogs, who doesn’t love dogs!
Still, I don’t want to read constantly about that darn dog, his habits or his odd feces who apparently have the dry consistency of bunny poop.
The whole book is focused on that dog.
I want to see them grow, take initiative. To see them be creative to protect themselves and each other. Interesting people on the way. A goal!!!
Not people drifting from one wave to another not really participating in their own struggle or taking charge of their own life’s.
I mean, come on, this is a first person POV, everything I read the heroine should know as well. It is child’s play to connect the dots about the asylum. And yet, our self announced and entitled Nancy Drew has a tickling in her nose.
I don’t think I will read the following book. It is not far fetched to know the direction.
I really do not like the main female character and as the story doesn’t provide more entertainment I am not interested anymore.
December 9, 2014
Shana Festa's second book in the Time of Death series is a study in consistency. which is both a blessing and a curse in some ways, but as a second time author, it's much more of the former than the latter. While some of the same issues crop up in this book as the first, the bottom line is that if you liked the first book, you'll like this one.
Following the disaster on Sanibel Island, Emma and her assorted cohorts begin the laborious process of finding a new safe haven from their floating houseboat. Over the course of the book they meet new groups of people, encounter new challanges and eventually attempt to reach the eponymous asylum set up in a beach community in Florida.
The writing is decent, consistent, and engaging. As I said in my review of the first book, it's accessible to both light and heavy readers. While I did not find the dialogue totally convincing, it's by no means bad either. The pacing is good and generally keeps things moving, and the reader won't be saddled with long periods of tedium or detailed explanations of what supplies the characters gathered. Gun newbies should also be okay - there's no in-depth discussions of firearms nor the expectation that the reader know about guns - both of these being atypical for this kind of book.
Without painting any type of fiction with too broad of a brush this is a zombie book that I think will appeal to women - I don't say that because it shies away from gore or harsh language - but because the main character is a female and not a plot device. The other female characters feel similarly "normal" and relatable.
On the other hand, the characters don't always feel quite "right." There is a certain amount of The Walking Dead style conflict that goes on in this book, which I'm personally not a fan of. The interpersonal conflicts feel extreme and see-saw from banal and far-reaching. The problem for me was that some of these fights felt manufactured and people seem to change their minds often. For example, Emma yells at another character for not keeping an eye on another character who sneaks out even though it was never his job to keep an eye on them before throwing some punches at him. This situation quickly devolves into a fistfight between several of the characters. Later she yells at the same character for killing a character who has been bitten even though she knows what a bit means. Fighting over something so illogically makes sense in the context of a world-shattering event, but it makes Emma seem a bit irrational and shrill. Beyond this the characters generally continue to be likable and despicable as needed and the reader will enjoy and hate them appropriately.
The only other complaints of note are two fold. 1) Characters die at the same prodigious rate as they did in the first book, which makes it hard to bond with many of the characters. 2) There are some "stupid moves" endemic of horror movies that as a veteran horror fan made me cringe a bit. There were a few times as I read I said to myself, "No, no no, who on what planet would think that was a good idea?" I know it's all in the name of moving the plot forward, but it didn't ring true for me at times.
While not perfect from the viewpoint of a tough reviewer my feelings about this book remain the same as they were about the first one. This book is not necessarily my type of book nor do I think I'm meant as the target audience of it. Bottom line, if you read the first book and liked it - you'll like this one. If you haven't read Book 1, but are looking for a straight-up zombie book with a female lead without the bro mentality of most zombie tales, then give it a shot.
http://apocalypseyarns.blogspot.com
N.B.: Beta reader copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Following the disaster on Sanibel Island, Emma and her assorted cohorts begin the laborious process of finding a new safe haven from their floating houseboat. Over the course of the book they meet new groups of people, encounter new challanges and eventually attempt to reach the eponymous asylum set up in a beach community in Florida.
The writing is decent, consistent, and engaging. As I said in my review of the first book, it's accessible to both light and heavy readers. While I did not find the dialogue totally convincing, it's by no means bad either. The pacing is good and generally keeps things moving, and the reader won't be saddled with long periods of tedium or detailed explanations of what supplies the characters gathered. Gun newbies should also be okay - there's no in-depth discussions of firearms nor the expectation that the reader know about guns - both of these being atypical for this kind of book.
Without painting any type of fiction with too broad of a brush this is a zombie book that I think will appeal to women - I don't say that because it shies away from gore or harsh language - but because the main character is a female and not a plot device. The other female characters feel similarly "normal" and relatable.
On the other hand, the characters don't always feel quite "right." There is a certain amount of The Walking Dead style conflict that goes on in this book, which I'm personally not a fan of. The interpersonal conflicts feel extreme and see-saw from banal and far-reaching. The problem for me was that some of these fights felt manufactured and people seem to change their minds often. For example, Emma yells at another character for not keeping an eye on another character who sneaks out even though it was never his job to keep an eye on them before throwing some punches at him. This situation quickly devolves into a fistfight between several of the characters. Later she yells at the same character for killing a character who has been bitten even though she knows what a bit means. Fighting over something so illogically makes sense in the context of a world-shattering event, but it makes Emma seem a bit irrational and shrill. Beyond this the characters generally continue to be likable and despicable as needed and the reader will enjoy and hate them appropriately.
The only other complaints of note are two fold. 1) Characters die at the same prodigious rate as they did in the first book, which makes it hard to bond with many of the characters. 2) There are some "stupid moves" endemic of horror movies that as a veteran horror fan made me cringe a bit. There were a few times as I read I said to myself, "No, no no, who on what planet would think that was a good idea?" I know it's all in the name of moving the plot forward, but it didn't ring true for me at times.
While not perfect from the viewpoint of a tough reviewer my feelings about this book remain the same as they were about the first one. This book is not necessarily my type of book nor do I think I'm meant as the target audience of it. Bottom line, if you read the first book and liked it - you'll like this one. If you haven't read Book 1, but are looking for a straight-up zombie book with a female lead without the bro mentality of most zombie tales, then give it a shot.
http://apocalypseyarns.blogspot.com
N.B.: Beta reader copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2014
I gleefully accepted an advance reading copy of this second book in the Time of Death series in exchange for an honest review. Though the author and I are colleagues, I have no problem being brutally honest.
Time of Death: Asylum picks up where Induction left off. The novel begins on a somber note. The remnants of the Rossi family take shelter on a houseboat, far enough off the shoreline to feel somewhat protected from the threat of the undead. Grief for the friends, hope, and lost community is made harder to bear by the realization that it’s Christmas day. They know they have to move on, survive, and make the best of what they have.
It’s tough to break out of the zombie plot shuffle. The grim routine of moving through a landscape choked with undead means there will be killing, dying and surviving. Readers know that every step outside any fortress-like enclosure is going to bring violence and carnage. Other survivors will be found, and there’s always the knowledge that people are going to die, usually in a horrific manner. The author mitigates this routine by bringing humanity and reality to her characters. Not everyone is on the ball. Not everyone thinks rationally. A split-second of inattention is all it takes to fall victim to the shambling horde.
The survivors enter a gated community that promises better security and better cooperation against the threats just outside the walls. It’s no surprise that the community, called Asylum, sets off big screaming klaxons of alarm. Once inside the compound, the relief of safety exposes a rift in Emma and Jake’s marriage, exacerbated by the growing sense of unease within the walls. Something isn’t right here. There’s a little too much shine on the outside, and Emma is certain it hides corruption within. My biggest problem with the novel is that I’ve seen this plot point before in other popular culture, and unless book 3 throws a curveball, I know how this will end.
Second books in a series can suffer from a type of “second season syndrome” where it just doesn’t live up to the promise of the first novel. Yes, Asylum is a good book, but the plot here lacks the same punch as Induction. My feeling is that the initial rush of the outbreak is over, and now the hard work of survival and recovery starts. This book gives us a chance to empathize with the Rossi family and the other survivors they befriend. It’s going deep into psychological territory, the balance of a need to rely on something you deeply mistrust in order to survive. The pace is a little slower, the action spread out a bit wider.
The humor that carried through the first book is echoed in the second, with a caveat. As Emma’s stress rises, her attitude goes from “snarky” to downright mean. She’s more belligerent, and some of her wisecracks conceal verbal knives. In my opinion, this works perfectly to show her emotional state far better than anything she might say.
Don’t worry. there’s action, and plenty of it. After all, these folks aren’t skipping through a field of daisies, here. However, the majority of the story is focused on the characters, their struggles, joy and pain. This is a great cast of characters, and the group adds a few new people they meet along the way. Their stories will keep you glued to the page.
The foreshadowing of the issues within the walls of this sanctuary feels like a long, slow wind up to a third novel that’s going to hit like a Mack truck.
I can’t wait.
Time of Death: Asylum picks up where Induction left off. The novel begins on a somber note. The remnants of the Rossi family take shelter on a houseboat, far enough off the shoreline to feel somewhat protected from the threat of the undead. Grief for the friends, hope, and lost community is made harder to bear by the realization that it’s Christmas day. They know they have to move on, survive, and make the best of what they have.
It’s tough to break out of the zombie plot shuffle. The grim routine of moving through a landscape choked with undead means there will be killing, dying and surviving. Readers know that every step outside any fortress-like enclosure is going to bring violence and carnage. Other survivors will be found, and there’s always the knowledge that people are going to die, usually in a horrific manner. The author mitigates this routine by bringing humanity and reality to her characters. Not everyone is on the ball. Not everyone thinks rationally. A split-second of inattention is all it takes to fall victim to the shambling horde.
The survivors enter a gated community that promises better security and better cooperation against the threats just outside the walls. It’s no surprise that the community, called Asylum, sets off big screaming klaxons of alarm. Once inside the compound, the relief of safety exposes a rift in Emma and Jake’s marriage, exacerbated by the growing sense of unease within the walls. Something isn’t right here. There’s a little too much shine on the outside, and Emma is certain it hides corruption within. My biggest problem with the novel is that I’ve seen this plot point before in other popular culture, and unless book 3 throws a curveball, I know how this will end.
Second books in a series can suffer from a type of “second season syndrome” where it just doesn’t live up to the promise of the first novel. Yes, Asylum is a good book, but the plot here lacks the same punch as Induction. My feeling is that the initial rush of the outbreak is over, and now the hard work of survival and recovery starts. This book gives us a chance to empathize with the Rossi family and the other survivors they befriend. It’s going deep into psychological territory, the balance of a need to rely on something you deeply mistrust in order to survive. The pace is a little slower, the action spread out a bit wider.
The humor that carried through the first book is echoed in the second, with a caveat. As Emma’s stress rises, her attitude goes from “snarky” to downright mean. She’s more belligerent, and some of her wisecracks conceal verbal knives. In my opinion, this works perfectly to show her emotional state far better than anything she might say.
Don’t worry. there’s action, and plenty of it. After all, these folks aren’t skipping through a field of daisies, here. However, the majority of the story is focused on the characters, their struggles, joy and pain. This is a great cast of characters, and the group adds a few new people they meet along the way. Their stories will keep you glued to the page.
The foreshadowing of the issues within the walls of this sanctuary feels like a long, slow wind up to a third novel that’s going to hit like a Mack truck.
I can’t wait.
January 24, 2015
Time Of Death Book 2: Asylum by Shana Festa continues the story of Emma, Jake and Daphne as they try to survive the zombie apocalypse. Its been two months since the collapse of society and they’ve been through a lot. The three of them are currently living on a house boat with Jake’s brother and sister. As of now they are in the safest place possible, but it can’t last long as their food and water supplies start to dwindle. One thing they have learned is that even a safe place can fall to the undead and they have to always be on guard.
Knowing that they can’t stay on the boat forever, they go on land and head up the coast and find a new place called Asylum. Things seem safe in Asylum but more may be going on then meets the eye. With the U.S. government gone, Asylum has started its own government and presents a new way of life. Emma has to adjust to a new world and her and Jake don’t see eye to eye and the loss of several people they know has put a strain on their relationship. Asylum may be safe but things are far from perfect and is life there really better than dealing with the zombies outside?
Like in book one, Asylum has a good mix of action and humor but it also adds some new characters that I liked. We are introduced to a man names Stryker who is a complete mystery. His story unfolds throughout the book and where he starts off as one-dimensional he shows a lot of depth by the end. I liked how Emma’s attitude changes towards him as you see what causes him to be the way he is.
Another new character I like was Jasper. Jasper is a character that is shown as not being to bright but he shows he is an important part of Asylum even though he doesn’t fit in the social groups in asylum, he still does his job well but doesn’t get the respect he deserves. I loved when he is telling Emma how he is not stupid and Emma is thinking she really likes this man but at the same time she gets upset over how slow he is. I also liked how we get to see Emma’s nursing skills put to good use.
The best part of this book was watching Emma and Jake’s relationship change. In the first book there was conflict between them but that is heightened in this one. The apocalypse would put a strain on any relationship and this one is no exception as Emma and Jake fight over their tasks in Asylum. Some interesting points about government are brought up in Asylum and where Emma starts to think of it as a bad place, Jake doesn’t necessarily think that and I found myself supporting Jake.
Asylum is a book that takes what happened in Time Of Death Book One: Induction and builds on it. This book does not repeat stuff that happens in the first one, it takes things in a completely different direction. While book one has a lot of non stop action, this book has action but gets deeper into character development. I had my issues with book one and all those issues were solved with book 2. This is a much better book then Induction and Shana shows that she is getting better as an author. The only issue I had with this one is that I wanted a book 3. Luckily for fans of Books 1 and 2, book 3 is coming.
Knowing that they can’t stay on the boat forever, they go on land and head up the coast and find a new place called Asylum. Things seem safe in Asylum but more may be going on then meets the eye. With the U.S. government gone, Asylum has started its own government and presents a new way of life. Emma has to adjust to a new world and her and Jake don’t see eye to eye and the loss of several people they know has put a strain on their relationship. Asylum may be safe but things are far from perfect and is life there really better than dealing with the zombies outside?
Like in book one, Asylum has a good mix of action and humor but it also adds some new characters that I liked. We are introduced to a man names Stryker who is a complete mystery. His story unfolds throughout the book and where he starts off as one-dimensional he shows a lot of depth by the end. I liked how Emma’s attitude changes towards him as you see what causes him to be the way he is.
Another new character I like was Jasper. Jasper is a character that is shown as not being to bright but he shows he is an important part of Asylum even though he doesn’t fit in the social groups in asylum, he still does his job well but doesn’t get the respect he deserves. I loved when he is telling Emma how he is not stupid and Emma is thinking she really likes this man but at the same time she gets upset over how slow he is. I also liked how we get to see Emma’s nursing skills put to good use.
The best part of this book was watching Emma and Jake’s relationship change. In the first book there was conflict between them but that is heightened in this one. The apocalypse would put a strain on any relationship and this one is no exception as Emma and Jake fight over their tasks in Asylum. Some interesting points about government are brought up in Asylum and where Emma starts to think of it as a bad place, Jake doesn’t necessarily think that and I found myself supporting Jake.
Asylum is a book that takes what happened in Time Of Death Book One: Induction and builds on it. This book does not repeat stuff that happens in the first one, it takes things in a completely different direction. While book one has a lot of non stop action, this book has action but gets deeper into character development. I had my issues with book one and all those issues were solved with book 2. This is a much better book then Induction and Shana shows that she is getting better as an author. The only issue I had with this one is that I wanted a book 3. Luckily for fans of Books 1 and 2, book 3 is coming.
March 27, 2015
ABR's full Asylum (Time of Death Book 2) audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This is a review of the second book in the Time of Death series, please listen to that one first, then come on back here.
Let me break this story down to it’s basics, snark + zombies + dog = a whole lot of fun. Yes really that is all you need to know. But if you want more, please keep reading.
Asylum is a fairly unique tale. Because its main protagonist is a female medical nurse who has no survival skills other that what she has learned through her apocalyptic adventure. So, this second book picks up right around where the first left us. Where Emma and her husband sought refuge in a house boat. Seemed like a good idea at the time, as zombies can’t swim. Quickly they realize that they need a more permanent solution to their safety. The trek to find a more secure and sustainable camp begins. They soon learn of a fortress called Asylum (made me think of Woodbury) and feel the need to be there.
This is a fast, hilarious, and bloody romp through the zombie filled wasteland that will leave you wanting more. Festa has this insane ability to write as if she is telling this story to her best friend. Adding all of the witty snarkyness you can handle. If you want to have fun amidst the zombie apocalypse, look no further.
I read some reviews of this and the first book and it seems that some people have an issue with the staring role that Daphene, the dog, plays. Well, let me tell you, if you are as in love with your companion animal as Festa and her pooch or Me and my African Grey Parrot. You will know that everything really revolves around them. So I found this aspect sweet and touching opposed to annoying.
Also yes, there is a lot of potty talk. Not cursing, but bathroom breaks. More than I have ever heard. Not a problem here either, as I am very particular about where I choose to relieve myself and have already started to double think my choices today. I think the reason that so much crap happens to this group on their stops is just that, they stopped to allow the shambling dead a chance to catch up to them.
Sarah Tancer delivers a crisp clear and concise snark filled performance that I think is almost what Festa would sound like if she herself was doing the narration. This is something that, I think, authors strive to get when picking a narrator.
However, I found the snark to be a bit over the top and infused in just about every sentence. Making me wish that some of the characters at least sounded concerned about something other than the punchline. Because of this my mind drifted from time to time.
All that being said I will be looking for more from Tancer as I see big things in her future.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
This is a review of the second book in the Time of Death series, please listen to that one first, then come on back here.
Let me break this story down to it’s basics, snark + zombies + dog = a whole lot of fun. Yes really that is all you need to know. But if you want more, please keep reading.
Asylum is a fairly unique tale. Because its main protagonist is a female medical nurse who has no survival skills other that what she has learned through her apocalyptic adventure. So, this second book picks up right around where the first left us. Where Emma and her husband sought refuge in a house boat. Seemed like a good idea at the time, as zombies can’t swim. Quickly they realize that they need a more permanent solution to their safety. The trek to find a more secure and sustainable camp begins. They soon learn of a fortress called Asylum (made me think of Woodbury) and feel the need to be there.
This is a fast, hilarious, and bloody romp through the zombie filled wasteland that will leave you wanting more. Festa has this insane ability to write as if she is telling this story to her best friend. Adding all of the witty snarkyness you can handle. If you want to have fun amidst the zombie apocalypse, look no further.
I read some reviews of this and the first book and it seems that some people have an issue with the staring role that Daphene, the dog, plays. Well, let me tell you, if you are as in love with your companion animal as Festa and her pooch or Me and my African Grey Parrot. You will know that everything really revolves around them. So I found this aspect sweet and touching opposed to annoying.
Also yes, there is a lot of potty talk. Not cursing, but bathroom breaks. More than I have ever heard. Not a problem here either, as I am very particular about where I choose to relieve myself and have already started to double think my choices today. I think the reason that so much crap happens to this group on their stops is just that, they stopped to allow the shambling dead a chance to catch up to them.
Sarah Tancer delivers a crisp clear and concise snark filled performance that I think is almost what Festa would sound like if she herself was doing the narration. This is something that, I think, authors strive to get when picking a narrator.
However, I found the snark to be a bit over the top and infused in just about every sentence. Making me wish that some of the characters at least sounded concerned about something other than the punchline. Because of this my mind drifted from time to time.
All that being said I will be looking for more from Tancer as I see big things in her future.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
July 2, 2016
Induction and Asylum are the first two books in the Time of Death series by Shana Festa. They are what I hope are only the beginnings of a series that is possibly one of my all-time very favorite books. People who know me might find it a bit humorous that out of all the genres I’ve read that a series about zombies has become my favorite, but I just can’t help it. I never thought it possible but Festa has me loving zombies - more so than even than watching The Walking Dead (AMC) has.
As a nursing student graduating soon, Emma Rossi finds herself on the precipice of a zombie apocalypse in an otherwise idyllic charming Florida community surrounded by water like a small island with bridges connecting it to the rest of the world. Her last night as a student nurse doing rounds in the local hospital, she encounters a patient that could very well be “PATIENT ZERO.” As she leaves work that night, all hell breaking loose around her, she has no idea what has befallen her beloved community.
As she arrives home and begins to settle in for the night with her husband, Jake, and her beloved dog, Daphne, the world around them turns in to massive chaos. The only thing the Rossi’s can think about is finding their families and friends – even if it means putting their own lives at risk. As the dead rise up around them, Emma, Jake, and Daphne struggle to find not only their loved ones, but more importantly safety.
Throughout Induction and Asylum, the Rossi family will find safe harbor and then loose it as zombies began to invade every inch of their community. With bridges blown up in an effort to stop the spread of this zombie apocalypse, there isn’t much left to do but to figure out a way to survive. Along the way friendships will be made that death will take away. Home will be built only to be ripped down.
How much can they take? You might be surprised. I often found myself thinking how there was no way on this planet that I’d be able to survive even ten minutes! Festa does an amazing job making this series not just a bunch of gore. There were real, heartwarming relationships at times; love of family and friends; dealing with loss; moving onward and upward. But yes, what would a zombie book be without some gore. I am desperately looking forward to the next book in the series because I couldn’t put the first two down. I’m certainly sincere when I say that I have added this series to my all-time favorite books. Amazing work Festa! Get to work on the next book please.
(This book was given to me for free in return for an honest review.)
As a nursing student graduating soon, Emma Rossi finds herself on the precipice of a zombie apocalypse in an otherwise idyllic charming Florida community surrounded by water like a small island with bridges connecting it to the rest of the world. Her last night as a student nurse doing rounds in the local hospital, she encounters a patient that could very well be “PATIENT ZERO.” As she leaves work that night, all hell breaking loose around her, she has no idea what has befallen her beloved community.
As she arrives home and begins to settle in for the night with her husband, Jake, and her beloved dog, Daphne, the world around them turns in to massive chaos. The only thing the Rossi’s can think about is finding their families and friends – even if it means putting their own lives at risk. As the dead rise up around them, Emma, Jake, and Daphne struggle to find not only their loved ones, but more importantly safety.
Throughout Induction and Asylum, the Rossi family will find safe harbor and then loose it as zombies began to invade every inch of their community. With bridges blown up in an effort to stop the spread of this zombie apocalypse, there isn’t much left to do but to figure out a way to survive. Along the way friendships will be made that death will take away. Home will be built only to be ripped down.
How much can they take? You might be surprised. I often found myself thinking how there was no way on this planet that I’d be able to survive even ten minutes! Festa does an amazing job making this series not just a bunch of gore. There were real, heartwarming relationships at times; love of family and friends; dealing with loss; moving onward and upward. But yes, what would a zombie book be without some gore. I am desperately looking forward to the next book in the series because I couldn’t put the first two down. I’m certainly sincere when I say that I have added this series to my all-time favorite books. Amazing work Festa! Get to work on the next book please.
(This book was given to me for free in return for an honest review.)
January 30, 2015
The Rossi's have only just escaped Sanibel and find themselves back to life on a boat. More deaths more very close shaves as they continue to fight for their lives Daphne included...phewey....thank goodness.
We get to meet some new fab characters. Striker a tough cop who helps them get to safety or is it....? The Asylum is a large group of survivors who are living together, run by creepy Mack the self promoted president of US who Emma discovers has the basement off limits. Yeah it'd drive me nuts too but curiosity killed the cat an all...it maybe the best idea to leave it alone but....hey it wouldn't be an exciting, scary e-read if you weren't yelling at the screen....don't do it.
I love this book as Shana isn't scared to kill off popular characters...loving the shock value; she has alot of new characters that stand well by themselves making it so realistic as we are swept along on a compelling and intriguing read too. Why do only some parts of the Asylum have electric, why are the men separated to work during the day.
Those of you that love Walking dead will find this on a similar line to Woodbury or The terminus you know something is wrong but don't know what...yet...!
I'm also gutted Em and Jake are at loggerheads as he is working with the other guys; so hopefully book three brings them back together...I'm gagging for book 3 now with a brilliant cliffhanger; what have Em and Meg have stumbled across and have they been rumbled too; is Jasper friend or foe....so many questions...I cant wait!
I would highly recommend reading book 1 Induction first so you can appreciate Asylum so much better and you would get to know the characters more deeply too.
Keep up the fab writing Shana..Im hooked!
*I was kindly sent a copy for this review by the author.
We get to meet some new fab characters. Striker a tough cop who helps them get to safety or is it....? The Asylum is a large group of survivors who are living together, run by creepy Mack the self promoted president of US who Emma discovers has the basement off limits. Yeah it'd drive me nuts too but curiosity killed the cat an all...it maybe the best idea to leave it alone but....hey it wouldn't be an exciting, scary e-read if you weren't yelling at the screen....don't do it.
I love this book as Shana isn't scared to kill off popular characters...loving the shock value; she has alot of new characters that stand well by themselves making it so realistic as we are swept along on a compelling and intriguing read too. Why do only some parts of the Asylum have electric, why are the men separated to work during the day.
Those of you that love Walking dead will find this on a similar line to Woodbury or The terminus you know something is wrong but don't know what...yet...!
I'm also gutted Em and Jake are at loggerheads as he is working with the other guys; so hopefully book three brings them back together...I'm gagging for book 3 now with a brilliant cliffhanger; what have Em and Meg have stumbled across and have they been rumbled too; is Jasper friend or foe....so many questions...I cant wait!
I would highly recommend reading book 1 Induction first so you can appreciate Asylum so much better and you would get to know the characters more deeply too.
Keep up the fab writing Shana..Im hooked!
*I was kindly sent a copy for this review by the author.
December 31, 2014
I gave it 3.5 stars
I am going to jump right into this review without much lead up because I have things on my brain that need to come out. I am not at all crazy about Asylum (the place, not the book). There were a few characters I liked, but most are shady. It was clear to me, as the reader, that this wasn't a good place to be and I think they were a bit naive going there. It could be because I watch The Walking Dead and I got the Terminus vibe (without the people eating that is). I yelled at them to turn back, but no one listened.
I disliked the way things are with Emma and Jake at the end of ASYLUM. They have been through a lot, he should be the one personal Emma should be able to count on. That is all I will say about that. Daphne is still very much a part of the group. She is definitely a bright spot in a dark world, but please for the love of god can we stop talking about her poop? Pretty please? I will say that the dialogue concerning the dog does make me laugh often, but I can only take so much potty talk.
I enjoyed ASYLUM, but I didn't grab me and hold me like book 1 did. There was a lot of what felt like down time/leading up time and a lot of meeting new characters/killing new characters going on. Which in a wasteland of a world is understandable and expected, it just didn't move along and keep my attention like INDUCTION did. Having said that, I am still very much invested in Emma and want to know what will happen next. I will be reading book 3 and I hope some of my issues with ASYLUM will work themselves out as the story continues.
* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am going to jump right into this review without much lead up because I have things on my brain that need to come out. I am not at all crazy about Asylum (the place, not the book). There were a few characters I liked, but most are shady. It was clear to me, as the reader, that this wasn't a good place to be and I think they were a bit naive going there. It could be because I watch The Walking Dead and I got the Terminus vibe (without the people eating that is). I yelled at them to turn back, but no one listened.
I disliked the way things are with Emma and Jake at the end of ASYLUM. They have been through a lot, he should be the one personal Emma should be able to count on. That is all I will say about that. Daphne is still very much a part of the group. She is definitely a bright spot in a dark world, but please for the love of god can we stop talking about her poop? Pretty please? I will say that the dialogue concerning the dog does make me laugh often, but I can only take so much potty talk.
I enjoyed ASYLUM, but I didn't grab me and hold me like book 1 did. There was a lot of what felt like down time/leading up time and a lot of meeting new characters/killing new characters going on. Which in a wasteland of a world is understandable and expected, it just didn't move along and keep my attention like INDUCTION did. Having said that, I am still very much invested in Emma and want to know what will happen next. I will be reading book 3 and I hope some of my issues with ASYLUM will work themselves out as the story continues.
* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2015
This is a great start to a series that I will continue, and tell others about! I love how this is told from a woman's POV...and that Emma is the Perfect mix of strong and vulnerable, It makes her very realistic to me, and I appreciate that.
In this one our Rossi clan starts out all together back on the House Boat, but as always in the zompocalypse you are never safe! They end up on the run again with Daphne the dog in tow, liberate a SUV from a dealership, and again begin looking for a safe place and other survivors. They find a house to relax for the night and hear a broadcast about a place known as Asylum...they make plans to go there. On the way there they get a flat tire and have no spare, so on foot once again they make a run for it...almost get eaten and have to hide in a laundry-mat.....they get rescued...and from there things go a little downhill...they do make it to Asylum...but things are never what they seem and I don't think the are going to like it here...Emma and Jake are pretty much on the rocks...they have lost so much and this place, even though it is mostly safe, and there is plenty of food and water...it is bad news...there are some mysterious and potentially deadly things going on...when anyone tells you don't go in the basement...you KNOW it is not a good place! BUT...Once again Daphne the dog makes it...and I am happy about that!
SUPER SOLID SECOND BOOK!! LOVED IT!! I RECOMMEND!!
In this one our Rossi clan starts out all together back on the House Boat, but as always in the zompocalypse you are never safe! They end up on the run again with Daphne the dog in tow, liberate a SUV from a dealership, and again begin looking for a safe place and other survivors. They find a house to relax for the night and hear a broadcast about a place known as Asylum...they make plans to go there. On the way there they get a flat tire and have no spare, so on foot once again they make a run for it...almost get eaten and have to hide in a laundry-mat.....they get rescued...and from there things go a little downhill...they do make it to Asylum...but things are never what they seem and I don't think the are going to like it here...Emma and Jake are pretty much on the rocks...they have lost so much and this place, even though it is mostly safe, and there is plenty of food and water...it is bad news...there are some mysterious and potentially deadly things going on...when anyone tells you don't go in the basement...you KNOW it is not a good place! BUT...Once again Daphne the dog makes it...and I am happy about that!
SUPER SOLID SECOND BOOK!! LOVED IT!! I RECOMMEND!!
March 30, 2015
Festa does a great job balancing the "cozy" (humor, small dog antics, "that's what she said") with the scary (zombies standing in the water reaching up to topple an inflatable raft of survivors, a toddler zombie). The books never get too cutesy and use the funny bits to even out some really disturbing and gory zombie and human predator danger. The action moves fast and the stakes are high for the Rossi clan as they try to stay safe when the refuge on Sanibel Island is ruined and they are thrust into the world with only themselves to rely on. They end up in Asylum, a community of survivors that seems too good to be true - is it?
I like that the danger seems realistic - zombies trapped in closets and car showrooms, vehicles clogging the streets, suspicious survivors as well as helpful survivors, people seeking to take advantage of the situation, the scarcity of cleanliness and rest time, etc. No one is perfect, no one has super-abilities. Everybody's making choices and doing what they have to do to survive or to protect their loved ones.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I've loved both books in this series and look forward to the next!
I like that the danger seems realistic - zombies trapped in closets and car showrooms, vehicles clogging the streets, suspicious survivors as well as helpful survivors, people seeking to take advantage of the situation, the scarcity of cleanliness and rest time, etc. No one is perfect, no one has super-abilities. Everybody's making choices and doing what they have to do to survive or to protect their loved ones.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I've loved both books in this series and look forward to the next!
April 27, 2015
I received a free audiobook for an honest review.
Asylum is the second book in the Time of Death series. I liked the first book, Induction, so I was excited to listen to book #2.
I find it interesting that Shana Festa can take a post apocalyptic world full of zombies and find a way to make it humorous at times. It helps soften the horror and so much violence and death.
This book is full of suspense and, once Emma and her family reach Asylum, there are some mysterious things going on. Emma feels like something is wrong with the place but isn’t quite sure what it is. Just when she gets a clue, the book ends!
The characters and their relationships are interesting and evolving (or devolving). I felt bad for Emma because her marriage is failing. I’m hoping that whatever is going on with her husband, Jake, will be explained, hopefully resolved, in the next book.
I definitely recommend Asylum if you like post apocalyptic zombie stories. I do think it would be best to read the book #1 first, though..
Asylum is the second book in the Time of Death series. I liked the first book, Induction, so I was excited to listen to book #2.
I find it interesting that Shana Festa can take a post apocalyptic world full of zombies and find a way to make it humorous at times. It helps soften the horror and so much violence and death.
This book is full of suspense and, once Emma and her family reach Asylum, there are some mysterious things going on. Emma feels like something is wrong with the place but isn’t quite sure what it is. Just when she gets a clue, the book ends!
The characters and their relationships are interesting and evolving (or devolving). I felt bad for Emma because her marriage is failing. I’m hoping that whatever is going on with her husband, Jake, will be explained, hopefully resolved, in the next book.
I definitely recommend Asylum if you like post apocalyptic zombie stories. I do think it would be best to read the book #1 first, though..
May 10, 2015
I received a free audiobook for an honest review.
Asylum is the second book in the Time of Death series. I liked the first book, Induction, so I was excited to listen to book #2.
I find it interesting that Shana Festa can take a post apocalyptic world full of zombies and find a way to make it humorous at times. It helps soften the horror and so much violence and death.
This book is full of suspense and, once Emma and her family reach Asylum, there are some mysterious things going on. Emma feels like something is wrong with the place but isn’t quite sure what it is. Just when she gets a clue, the book ends!
The characters and their relationships are interesting and evolving (or devolving). I felt bad for Emma because her marriage is failing. I’m hoping that whatever is going on with her husband, Jake, will be explained, hopefully resolved, in the next book.
I definitely recommend Asylum if you like post apocalyptic zombie stories. I do think it would be best to read the book #1 first, though..
Asylum is the second book in the Time of Death series. I liked the first book, Induction, so I was excited to listen to book #2.
I find it interesting that Shana Festa can take a post apocalyptic world full of zombies and find a way to make it humorous at times. It helps soften the horror and so much violence and death.
This book is full of suspense and, once Emma and her family reach Asylum, there are some mysterious things going on. Emma feels like something is wrong with the place but isn’t quite sure what it is. Just when she gets a clue, the book ends!
The characters and their relationships are interesting and evolving (or devolving). I felt bad for Emma because her marriage is failing. I’m hoping that whatever is going on with her husband, Jake, will be explained, hopefully resolved, in the next book.
I definitely recommend Asylum if you like post apocalyptic zombie stories. I do think it would be best to read the book #1 first, though..
April 13, 2015
WOW! Must have for any zombie lover's library.
This book is non stop amazing. I am going to listen to it again tomorrow it is just that good.
I am now a Shana Festa stalker for life. I absolutely love her writing style and snarky characters. This book has you laughing out loud one minute at the groups crazy antics and jokes, cringing the next from the wonderful gory descriptions, and then sniffling a little bit from the emotions the characters show when they are dealing with the hands they get dealt. It would be so hard to keep your sense of humor while surrounded by so much death- but that has to be the key to keeping sane.
I listened to the first Time of Death read by Sarah Trancer. She does a fantastic job. Not only does she have a great reading voice, but she nails all the different voices and little 'extras' that each character has.
Audiobook purchased by reviewer.
This book is non stop amazing. I am going to listen to it again tomorrow it is just that good.
I am now a Shana Festa stalker for life. I absolutely love her writing style and snarky characters. This book has you laughing out loud one minute at the groups crazy antics and jokes, cringing the next from the wonderful gory descriptions, and then sniffling a little bit from the emotions the characters show when they are dealing with the hands they get dealt. It would be so hard to keep your sense of humor while surrounded by so much death- but that has to be the key to keeping sane.
I listened to the first Time of Death read by Sarah Trancer. She does a fantastic job. Not only does she have a great reading voice, but she nails all the different voices and little 'extras' that each character has.
Audiobook purchased by reviewer.
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