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Dark Bloom
When a disease runs rampant, turning people into cannibalistic horrors, society comes to a halt. Kate manages to escape the sadistic captivity she has endured and collides with Nick, a Marine haunted by the scars of war.
They join forces to navigate a treacherous landscape, battling the undead and hostile survivors. But what happens when the monsters outside are the least of their worries?
Nick’s shame is crushing, and Kate’s distrust is swallowing her whole. Will they overcome the darkness that threatens to consume them from within? And what will become of a world overrun with creatures that cannot seem to stop…laughing?
They join forces to navigate a treacherous landscape, battling the undead and hostile survivors. But what happens when the monsters outside are the least of their worries?
Nick’s shame is crushing, and Kate’s distrust is swallowing her whole. Will they overcome the darkness that threatens to consume them from within? And what will become of a world overrun with creatures that cannot seem to stop…laughing?
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First published August 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
September 25, 2025
3 stars
Parts of this I enjoyed, towards the end is where it all kind of fell apart for me. These zombies were even a new breed I’ve never encountered before, which was surprising. They spoke, they giggled, they gave me the creeps!
I’m glad I gave this one ago though. I don’t think Nick’s flashbacks were really vital to the story and wished Kate’s were at the beginning instead of thrown throughout the story haphazardly. But that’s just my opinion, I think overall it would’ve flowed better.
I was hoping to see where the road led them next, did they go to the sanctuary they were heading towards, or did they stay clear, did they save many of the turned, so many open ended paths. Yet again I was just expecting more..
Parts of this I enjoyed, towards the end is where it all kind of fell apart for me. These zombies were even a new breed I’ve never encountered before, which was surprising. They spoke, they giggled, they gave me the creeps!
I’m glad I gave this one ago though. I don’t think Nick’s flashbacks were really vital to the story and wished Kate’s were at the beginning instead of thrown throughout the story haphazardly. But that’s just my opinion, I think overall it would’ve flowed better.
I was hoping to see where the road led them next, did they go to the sanctuary they were heading towards, or did they stay clear, did they save many of the turned, so many open ended paths. Yet again I was just expecting more..
December 12, 2025
Kate and Nick wander through a post apocalyptic America. There is danger around every corner but the biggest threat are the Infected. Why is the relationship between Nick and Kate problematic? What has Kate endured with her former partner? What is Nick's pre story? Even though apocalyptic novels aren't my favorite cup of tea the author managed to present a compelling tale I couldn't put down. A very interesting at parts brutal but very philosophical work with a clear moral. Really recommended!
July 25, 2025
There are parts of this book that make absolutely no sense that definitely gave slop vibes. Great ideas, poor pacing and too many poorly used flash backs.
2.5 rounded up.
2.5 rounded up.
August 9, 2025
Every now and then you come across a book that stays with you after you're done. Well, Dark Bloom is that book for me. From the start, this story had me hooked. It's been a while where a book has grabbed me and kept me on edge.
For anyone who has read a post-apocalyptic/zombie novel, this one is in its own category. And what I mean by that is the story unfolds with a troubled character named Kate. Not to go into too much detail about her (because I don't want to give any spoilers.) She has gone through it all. That ultimately makes her very careful in this new cruel world. Shortly after getting to know Kate and her background, she meets Nick. Nick is someone who has been through the ringer himself. Battling an inner demon of his own, Nick and Kate have no option but to trust each other. That comes in time, don't worry.
Going back to why this book is in its own category. The author does a great job focusing the attention not just on the creatures that are trying to rip your face off and eat your insides, but keep the readers engaged with the two MC's Story's. She wants you to know that, yes, zombies are the issue, but these two strangers are building a friendship and trusting each other at a time when trust and friendship are at its worst. What they will figure out is that in this ruined new world, trust is something of importance.
Without going into too much detail, the story has a strong message behind it. Survival, trust, and betrayal are at an all-time low. When the world, as you know it is in total chaos, the only thing left to do is survive. You must be guarded, and even with trust so hard to come by, betrayal in inevitable.
Molly Macabre's debut novel hit me by surprise. I was not expecting to feel so connected to the characters. To feel the pain they had endured as though it were my own. I'm sad I finished it, but thankful the author is going to do more with this series. Can't wait to see what she and her great story-telling mind has in store for us next. Highly, and I mean highly, recommend. 5/5
For anyone who has read a post-apocalyptic/zombie novel, this one is in its own category. And what I mean by that is the story unfolds with a troubled character named Kate. Not to go into too much detail about her (because I don't want to give any spoilers.) She has gone through it all. That ultimately makes her very careful in this new cruel world. Shortly after getting to know Kate and her background, she meets Nick. Nick is someone who has been through the ringer himself. Battling an inner demon of his own, Nick and Kate have no option but to trust each other. That comes in time, don't worry.
Going back to why this book is in its own category. The author does a great job focusing the attention not just on the creatures that are trying to rip your face off and eat your insides, but keep the readers engaged with the two MC's Story's. She wants you to know that, yes, zombies are the issue, but these two strangers are building a friendship and trusting each other at a time when trust and friendship are at its worst. What they will figure out is that in this ruined new world, trust is something of importance.
Without going into too much detail, the story has a strong message behind it. Survival, trust, and betrayal are at an all-time low. When the world, as you know it is in total chaos, the only thing left to do is survive. You must be guarded, and even with trust so hard to come by, betrayal in inevitable.
Molly Macabre's debut novel hit me by surprise. I was not expecting to feel so connected to the characters. To feel the pain they had endured as though it were my own. I'm sad I finished it, but thankful the author is going to do more with this series. Can't wait to see what she and her great story-telling mind has in store for us next. Highly, and I mean highly, recommend. 5/5
July 14, 2025
A beautiful story of finding hope...in a terrifying zombie apocalypse! This book was incredible. It is well written, with a character driven story that you will not be able to out down. Nick and Kate are two characters you can sympathize with and root for. The laughing zombies are terrifying, as are the survivors our heroes encounter. Molly Macabre made somethings special with this book. A story that is scary, but also somehow sweet. At its core, this story will teach you a valuable lesson. What is that lesson? Read it to find out, you will not be disappointed!
July 8, 2025
The fact that this is a debut novel is crazy. The writing is exceptional! I’m currently 102 pages in and I don’t want to stop reading (damn you responsibilities).
Dark Bloom is a post-apocalyptic horror with a dash of slow burn romance.
I just love the way the book jumps from present day to the past for both Kate and Nick. It’s so seamlessly done that it gives you a better insight into why they both react the way they do in the situation they are currently in. A lot of the time when this happens it can be quite confusing, but is done perfectly in this book.
What a rollercoaster ride this book is! It will rip your heart out and then shove it back in and patch you up.
“I promise, baby. I’ll shoot you dead.” ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?!
Dark Bloom is a post-apocalyptic horror with a dash of slow burn romance.
I just love the way the book jumps from present day to the past for both Kate and Nick. It’s so seamlessly done that it gives you a better insight into why they both react the way they do in the situation they are currently in. A lot of the time when this happens it can be quite confusing, but is done perfectly in this book.
What a rollercoaster ride this book is! It will rip your heart out and then shove it back in and patch you up.
“I promise, baby. I’ll shoot you dead.” ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?!
September 5, 2025
Molly Macabare’s Dark Bloom is a gut-punch of a debut that takes the familiar trappings of the post-apocalyptic zombie novel and twists them into something far more brutal, emotional, and unforgettable.
The premise is immediately gripping: a world decimated by a disease that transforms humans into laughing, cannibalistic horrors. But what sets this novel apart is its focus on the survivors themselves—Kate, a woman scarred by captivity and trauma, and Nick, a Marine crushed by guilt and haunted memories. Their reluctant alliance forms the beating heart of the story, and Macabare does a brilliant job showing how survival isn’t just about fending off the monsters outside but confronting the darkness within.
The style is sharp and immersive, pulling you into a ruined landscape where every shadow hides a threat. The pacing alternates between nail-biting action and quieter, more introspective moments that allow the characters’ pain, resilience, and fragile trust to shine through. And the creatures themselves—ghastly, eerie, and horrifying in their grotesque laughter—will linger in your mind long after the last page.
What impressed me most was how Dark Bloom refuses to rely solely on gore and shock. Yes, it’s violent and bleak, but it’s also deeply human, exploring themes of trust, shame, betrayal, and the fragile hope that can bloom even in devastation.
This isn’t just another zombie novel—it’s a survival story that cuts deep. A remarkable, harrowing debut that demands attention. Highly recommended
The premise is immediately gripping: a world decimated by a disease that transforms humans into laughing, cannibalistic horrors. But what sets this novel apart is its focus on the survivors themselves—Kate, a woman scarred by captivity and trauma, and Nick, a Marine crushed by guilt and haunted memories. Their reluctant alliance forms the beating heart of the story, and Macabare does a brilliant job showing how survival isn’t just about fending off the monsters outside but confronting the darkness within.
The style is sharp and immersive, pulling you into a ruined landscape where every shadow hides a threat. The pacing alternates between nail-biting action and quieter, more introspective moments that allow the characters’ pain, resilience, and fragile trust to shine through. And the creatures themselves—ghastly, eerie, and horrifying in their grotesque laughter—will linger in your mind long after the last page.
What impressed me most was how Dark Bloom refuses to rely solely on gore and shock. Yes, it’s violent and bleak, but it’s also deeply human, exploring themes of trust, shame, betrayal, and the fragile hope that can bloom even in devastation.
This isn’t just another zombie novel—it’s a survival story that cuts deep. A remarkable, harrowing debut that demands attention. Highly recommended
February 26, 2025
What is scarier - zombies or men?
This was a promising debut, however it didn’t quite deliver.
It is the end of the world where a disease has turned the majority of humanity into cannibals.
Kate has recently escaped captivity at the hands of a psychopath sadistic and hesitantly agrees to ally with Nick, a Marine haunted by the scars of war.
A large hunting knife…a macabre violin bow playing one deadly chord to end a horrendous symphony.
I think my problem was how dark it was. I was expecting this from a zombie book, but Kate’s past is just trauma. Rape, torture, etc. She never recovers in the book (which I wouldn’t expect), yet she is such a helpless heroine and relies on Nick for nearly everything despite her trepidation of men.
I also have to admit to feeling bored.
Now this is a short story comparatively, and it has zombies, hello?! However, this was a lot of travelling, being caught up by the zombies, a short fight, then running again and finding somewhere new to rest.
Why it was promising -
The prose was great.
Despite this being marketed as a thrilling, horror book, I was enraptured by the beautiful prose and observations.
Ultimately, a great atmosphere and writing, but a disappointing story.
Audiobook arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
This was a promising debut, however it didn’t quite deliver.
It is the end of the world where a disease has turned the majority of humanity into cannibals.
Kate has recently escaped captivity at the hands of a psychopath sadistic and hesitantly agrees to ally with Nick, a Marine haunted by the scars of war.
A large hunting knife…a macabre violin bow playing one deadly chord to end a horrendous symphony.
I think my problem was how dark it was. I was expecting this from a zombie book, but Kate’s past is just trauma. Rape, torture, etc. She never recovers in the book (which I wouldn’t expect), yet she is such a helpless heroine and relies on Nick for nearly everything despite her trepidation of men.
I also have to admit to feeling bored.
Now this is a short story comparatively, and it has zombies, hello?! However, this was a lot of travelling, being caught up by the zombies, a short fight, then running again and finding somewhere new to rest.
Why it was promising -
The prose was great.
Despite this being marketed as a thrilling, horror book, I was enraptured by the beautiful prose and observations.
Ultimately, a great atmosphere and writing, but a disappointing story.
Audiobook arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
January 21, 2026
The soul is elementally alloy. It can be scratched, chipped, warped, twisted & tarnished. Stains may vary ad infinitum. Some shades may include PTSD inherited from the ‘Ghan’ or bodily usury courtesy of beasts masquerading as men.
Would forging fires would be required for renewal? A closed question, friends. Tarnish must be buffed. Survival is your buffering wheel and communal sense is your wax. You won’t be able to smell the metallurgy. However, you will get whiffs of A Quiet Place (Shh!), The Walking Dead (early seasons) & a hint of the Fallout games.
Make no mistake, Mrs Macabre is an artist; prose is her brush. Her beautiful line work crafts a canvas of atmosphere that grabs ones imagination by the throat. Once you spit the dirt your face has been rubbed in, you are there. Open your ears & you will be serenaded by a metalcore soundtrack.
Vein bulging viral load aside, this isn’t your typical portrayal of ‘the afflicted.’ Our pen master has an interesting twist. Hint; it isn’t:
"I just felt like run-nin-g"
Atmospheric ambience is the bulwark of this book. From the cover to the enthralling stage crafting; a literary inception.
As his mind slipped away, Nick could feel everything that made him human disintegrate into rage and hunger.
Would forging fires would be required for renewal? A closed question, friends. Tarnish must be buffed. Survival is your buffering wheel and communal sense is your wax. You won’t be able to smell the metallurgy. However, you will get whiffs of A Quiet Place (Shh!), The Walking Dead (early seasons) & a hint of the Fallout games.
Make no mistake, Mrs Macabre is an artist; prose is her brush. Her beautiful line work crafts a canvas of atmosphere that grabs ones imagination by the throat. Once you spit the dirt your face has been rubbed in, you are there. Open your ears & you will be serenaded by a metalcore soundtrack.
Vein bulging viral load aside, this isn’t your typical portrayal of ‘the afflicted.’ Our pen master has an interesting twist. Hint; it isn’t:
"I just felt like run-nin-g"
Atmospheric ambience is the bulwark of this book. From the cover to the enthralling stage crafting; a literary inception.
As his mind slipped away, Nick could feel everything that made him human disintegrate into rage and hunger.
March 18, 2025
Man. I SPED through this book. Macabre has a talent for making you keep reading, no matter where you are or what you're doing.
I read maybe 25-30 books a year and I read this in two days. Bordeeline impossible to put down.
I expected a thrilling zombie book, but this is something more. This book has 2 POV's and frequent flashbacks for each, both of which go through their previous traumas, primarily Kate's.
In a way, it's more horrifying than laughing zombies and bites. It's deeply, deeply personal, and you're left wanting to hug the author herself.
Lots of SA and trauma. If you do decide to read this, come prepared.
The pacing is electric, the prose and imagery are very good, and the setting is cool. I did find myself wanting a bit more from the character interactions and a bit more tension in the fights, but overall, this was a very cool debut and I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel
I read maybe 25-30 books a year and I read this in two days. Bordeeline impossible to put down.
I expected a thrilling zombie book, but this is something more. This book has 2 POV's and frequent flashbacks for each, both of which go through their previous traumas, primarily Kate's.
In a way, it's more horrifying than laughing zombies and bites. It's deeply, deeply personal, and you're left wanting to hug the author herself.
Lots of SA and trauma. If you do decide to read this, come prepared.
The pacing is electric, the prose and imagery are very good, and the setting is cool. I did find myself wanting a bit more from the character interactions and a bit more tension in the fights, but overall, this was a very cool debut and I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel
August 3, 2025
What in the UNDEAD did I just read?!!! 🧟♀️🤯
Dark Bloom by Molly Macabre is a shrieking, smoke-veiled symphony of dread—and it absolutely devours. Forget everything you know about zombie tales: in this post-apocalyptic nightmare, the undead don’t groan… they laugh. A bone-chilling, teeth-rattling laugh that echoes through the ruins like a bad omen. These aren't just monsters—they're twisted mirrors of joy turned feral. They’re Laughers.
Macabre plunges readers into a world where survival means silence, sanity is a luxury, and every bloom of hope is just another target for decay. The atmosphere buzzes with rot and tension, the air thick with dread. Her prose is brutal poetry—lush in horror, feral in pace.
Kate walks a razor’s edge between madness and resilience, and every encounter with the Laughers drags you deeper into the moral murk. Are they a symptom… or a punishment? As she battles to overcome her past and learn to trust again she meets a stranger who will scorch the earth to keep her safe. As he's fighting the demons of his own past and finds the one person who brings him back to the life, they find purpose together.
What sets Dark Bloom apart is its spine-tingling elegance: beauty in devastation, horror in bloom. Macabre doesn’t just write apocalypse—she makes you inhale it.
Relentless, lyrical, and unforgettably twisted. This is not a zombie story. It’s a eulogy for humanity... laughed through cracked teeth.
Fans of The Last of Us, The Walking Dead, and gothic horror will devour Dark Bloom.
Dark Bloom by Molly Macabre is a shrieking, smoke-veiled symphony of dread—and it absolutely devours. Forget everything you know about zombie tales: in this post-apocalyptic nightmare, the undead don’t groan… they laugh. A bone-chilling, teeth-rattling laugh that echoes through the ruins like a bad omen. These aren't just monsters—they're twisted mirrors of joy turned feral. They’re Laughers.
Macabre plunges readers into a world where survival means silence, sanity is a luxury, and every bloom of hope is just another target for decay. The atmosphere buzzes with rot and tension, the air thick with dread. Her prose is brutal poetry—lush in horror, feral in pace.
Kate walks a razor’s edge between madness and resilience, and every encounter with the Laughers drags you deeper into the moral murk. Are they a symptom… or a punishment? As she battles to overcome her past and learn to trust again she meets a stranger who will scorch the earth to keep her safe. As he's fighting the demons of his own past and finds the one person who brings him back to the life, they find purpose together.
What sets Dark Bloom apart is its spine-tingling elegance: beauty in devastation, horror in bloom. Macabre doesn’t just write apocalypse—she makes you inhale it.
Relentless, lyrical, and unforgettably twisted. This is not a zombie story. It’s a eulogy for humanity... laughed through cracked teeth.
Fans of The Last of Us, The Walking Dead, and gothic horror will devour Dark Bloom.
January 14, 2026
4.5
This story was so good. I feel weird loving a book that dealt with some very dark topics but I do (I mean very dark topics, check trigger warnings). I loved Nick and Kate together. They had such sweet moments together. This is a post-apoc romance. I hesitate to say 'slow burn' because there is nothing beyond kissing. But I still loved it.
This story was pretty creepy at some points and gets pretty graphic. The fact that the zombies laughed/cackled added another level scary that I didn't think was possible for zombies. I thought Nick and Kate made a couple of rookie survivalist mistakes but nothing that I would deduct from the rating.
I loved how she revealed information about their pasts in flashback throughout the story. I wish the story was just a bit longer to see more of the resolution. But I don't know if she is planning on making this a series. If so, I would definitely read more.
Overall, I loved this story. It is dark, emotional, gut-wrenching, creepy, graphic, and all centers around a sweet love story about hope.
This story was so good. I feel weird loving a book that dealt with some very dark topics but I do (I mean very dark topics, check trigger warnings). I loved Nick and Kate together. They had such sweet moments together. This is a post-apoc romance. I hesitate to say 'slow burn' because there is nothing beyond kissing. But I still loved it.
This story was pretty creepy at some points and gets pretty graphic. The fact that the zombies laughed/cackled added another level scary that I didn't think was possible for zombies. I thought Nick and Kate made a couple of rookie survivalist mistakes but nothing that I would deduct from the rating.
I loved how she revealed information about their pasts in flashback throughout the story. I wish the story was just a bit longer to see more of the resolution. But I don't know if she is planning on making this a series. If so, I would definitely read more.
Overall, I loved this story. It is dark, emotional, gut-wrenching, creepy, graphic, and all centers around a sweet love story about hope.
July 3, 2025
This book was so absolutely beautifully written. I loved it. A brilliant story and characters that were lovable right from the start that made the story all the more captivating. Molly wasn't afraid to make us squirm one minute and then make us tearful the next.
I look forward to reading more by the author in the future!
I look forward to reading more by the author in the future!
February 23, 2025
Had the perfect opportunity line up where I had just started this as an audio arc and I had the chance to grab a category for the Indie Ink Awards as well. I was so excited to get into this one.
You may not know this, but I am a huge zombie fan. Since Shaun of the Dead and Dawn of the Dead (Snyder), I’ve been a fan of both the more comedic and the serious iterations. As a TWD Universe stan, I just finished a rewatch and a full watch through of all the spinoffs. So I was definitely ready to go when it came to picking this up. And while I’ve been a part of the reviewing community since 2020, there does seem to be a bit of a distance between zombies and readers—not necessarily in the sense of looking down on the genre, but there’s definitely a disconnect—especially when it comes to novel form. Luckily, the author grips you with compelling characterizations, making the zombies an obstacle in the story, rather than the whole plot.
Now I will say there was some mild apprehension behind starting. Mostly as I am in the plotting/early writing phase of working on my own zombie thriller and I was worried about infecting (see what I did there) my own plot with things I loved from this one. And honestly, I know for a fact I’m not capable of being this concise. The prose are sharp and everything is to the point without appearing rushed in any way. So not only am I far too longwinded to appear like I’m pulling from this one, the author also went and made their own unique twist on the genre to take them a step further. These creatures, these infected, can laugh maniacally, can scheme, and when they turn without injury, they can remain awfully fast.
The author is certainly playing within the tropes I know and love here, which for me made this a compulsive read. Although I will say, woah! zombie novel where they say zombie!! Each scene end is a chapter, whether short or long, and that made for a continuous “one more chapter” pull to every break away. Kate and Nick find each other through unusual means, in rather unusual times, and that makes them connect all the more immediately. They’ve both got loads of baggage to deal with, making them complex and compelling in a relatable way. While this novel touches on the depravity that humanity would sink to after the world’s ending, this is more about the idea of hope. Both characters have already seen the dark side of man, and unfortunately it came for them before the world turned over. Therefore they’ve come into the apocalypse already doing what it takes to carry on—surviving. They both could have given up, could have stopped, but they didn’t, and you know what, they found each other! A person can be a safe place even when the world is not one.
Huge notes of abuse and mental health issues, as well as their coping mechanisms or lackthere of. This is a story about survival, but be warned it does not shy away from the reality that causes these issues. It’s deep and real and engaging, and it will leave you thinking when it’s done. And even though it’s dark, you’ll want even more.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-dark-b...
You may not know this, but I am a huge zombie fan. Since Shaun of the Dead and Dawn of the Dead (Snyder), I’ve been a fan of both the more comedic and the serious iterations. As a TWD Universe stan, I just finished a rewatch and a full watch through of all the spinoffs. So I was definitely ready to go when it came to picking this up. And while I’ve been a part of the reviewing community since 2020, there does seem to be a bit of a distance between zombies and readers—not necessarily in the sense of looking down on the genre, but there’s definitely a disconnect—especially when it comes to novel form. Luckily, the author grips you with compelling characterizations, making the zombies an obstacle in the story, rather than the whole plot.
Now I will say there was some mild apprehension behind starting. Mostly as I am in the plotting/early writing phase of working on my own zombie thriller and I was worried about infecting (see what I did there) my own plot with things I loved from this one. And honestly, I know for a fact I’m not capable of being this concise. The prose are sharp and everything is to the point without appearing rushed in any way. So not only am I far too longwinded to appear like I’m pulling from this one, the author also went and made their own unique twist on the genre to take them a step further. These creatures, these infected, can laugh maniacally, can scheme, and when they turn without injury, they can remain awfully fast.
The author is certainly playing within the tropes I know and love here, which for me made this a compulsive read. Although I will say, woah! zombie novel where they say zombie!! Each scene end is a chapter, whether short or long, and that made for a continuous “one more chapter” pull to every break away. Kate and Nick find each other through unusual means, in rather unusual times, and that makes them connect all the more immediately. They’ve both got loads of baggage to deal with, making them complex and compelling in a relatable way. While this novel touches on the depravity that humanity would sink to after the world’s ending, this is more about the idea of hope. Both characters have already seen the dark side of man, and unfortunately it came for them before the world turned over. Therefore they’ve come into the apocalypse already doing what it takes to carry on—surviving. They both could have given up, could have stopped, but they didn’t, and you know what, they found each other! A person can be a safe place even when the world is not one.
Huge notes of abuse and mental health issues, as well as their coping mechanisms or lackthere of. This is a story about survival, but be warned it does not shy away from the reality that causes these issues. It’s deep and real and engaging, and it will leave you thinking when it’s done. And even though it’s dark, you’ll want even more.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-dark-b...
September 13, 2024
5 Stars 🌟
Let me start by saying that I am a romance reader. Scary novels are not my thing because they tend to leave me in a dark place
(Hello? Real life is dark enough so….yeah)
With that being said, I 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 this book in record time!!
I was scared to read it, but I absolutely love Molly and I can read 10-20 books a month (ʸᵉᵃʰ, ᴵ’ᵐ ᵗʰᵉ ʷᵉⁱʳᵈᵒ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ʳᵉᵃᵈˢ ᵐᵘˡᵗⁱᵖˡᵉ ᵇᵒᵒᵏˢ ᵃᵗ ᵒⁿᶜᵉ) so I decided I would just read an hour or two a day to keep myself sane.
Turns out, I went all Zero Dark Thirty on this book and stayed up 𝐚𝐥𝐥 hours of the night/morning binge reading!! I literally struggled to put it down! And this is coming from a person who does 🅽🅾🆃 read horror!!
So here’s a little about the book:
The main character in this book, Nick & Kate, are two broken souls just trying to survive.
Nick rescues Kate and she timidly begins following him and they agree to pair up because there is safety in numbers
But who can they trust?
Rules no longer apply and it’s every (wo)man for themselves
Staying safe & protecting one another brings them closer than even they thought was possible
There’s only 1 rule Nick and Kate follow:
𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓭𝓲𝓮!
I ʟօʋɛ how understanding, empathetic, and respectful Nick is towards Kate. Even when Nick didn’t know about Kate’s past, he always treated her with the same kindness. Nick’s dark history stems from his deployment in the Marines and the terrible things he witnessed. He hasn’t been the same since.
Then there’s Kate. God, where do I even begin?!?! This woman has been through and survived so much in her short life. My heart physically breaks reading about her past. It’s the stuff of nightmares❗️
And she actually experiences frequent nightmares putting herself in constant danger every time she falls asleep 😮💨
The way Nick protects Kate is just 🤌🏼💋
The way Kate is able bring Nick out of his shell and back to life is perfection 👏🏼
The zombies, or the Infected as they are referred to, are terrifying! That actually cackle!! Scared the bejeezus outta me when it was silent except for that damn cackling 😩
Then there’s the humans! I swear, they were worse than the Infected!! At least with the zombies 🧟 you knew what to expect. It was the humans you needed to be careful around. Never knowing if they are good or bad was like a complete mindfu€k
There are triggers that need to be divulged so you aren’t caught off guard and some are pretty intense
* Death (obviously)
* Murder
* Rape (history/past)
* Attempted rape
* Physical violence
* Mutilation
* Blood & Gore
* Mental health struggles
* Suicide (in the past) & thoughts of suicide
* Captivity
On the other side of that nightmare are the tropes 😍
* Gentle hero
* Touch her and die
* Slow burn
* Friends to soulmates
* Protective MMC
The story is told from a third-person (limited) perspective and I actually found that quite enjoyable! I don’t recall ever having read from that perspective but it was an awesome break from my usual dual POV
As incredibly terrified as I was to read my first horror novel, I’m happy to say that I actually loved this one!
Yes, there is an HEA 🥰
Let me start by saying that I am a romance reader. Scary novels are not my thing because they tend to leave me in a dark place
(Hello? Real life is dark enough so….yeah)
With that being said, I 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 this book in record time!!
I was scared to read it, but I absolutely love Molly and I can read 10-20 books a month (ʸᵉᵃʰ, ᴵ’ᵐ ᵗʰᵉ ʷᵉⁱʳᵈᵒ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ʳᵉᵃᵈˢ ᵐᵘˡᵗⁱᵖˡᵉ ᵇᵒᵒᵏˢ ᵃᵗ ᵒⁿᶜᵉ) so I decided I would just read an hour or two a day to keep myself sane.
Turns out, I went all Zero Dark Thirty on this book and stayed up 𝐚𝐥𝐥 hours of the night/morning binge reading!! I literally struggled to put it down! And this is coming from a person who does 🅽🅾🆃 read horror!!
So here’s a little about the book:
The main character in this book, Nick & Kate, are two broken souls just trying to survive.
Nick rescues Kate and she timidly begins following him and they agree to pair up because there is safety in numbers
But who can they trust?
Rules no longer apply and it’s every (wo)man for themselves
Staying safe & protecting one another brings them closer than even they thought was possible
There’s only 1 rule Nick and Kate follow:
𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓭𝓲𝓮!
I ʟօʋɛ how understanding, empathetic, and respectful Nick is towards Kate. Even when Nick didn’t know about Kate’s past, he always treated her with the same kindness. Nick’s dark history stems from his deployment in the Marines and the terrible things he witnessed. He hasn’t been the same since.
Then there’s Kate. God, where do I even begin?!?! This woman has been through and survived so much in her short life. My heart physically breaks reading about her past. It’s the stuff of nightmares❗️
And she actually experiences frequent nightmares putting herself in constant danger every time she falls asleep 😮💨
The way Nick protects Kate is just 🤌🏼💋
The way Kate is able bring Nick out of his shell and back to life is perfection 👏🏼
The zombies, or the Infected as they are referred to, are terrifying! That actually cackle!! Scared the bejeezus outta me when it was silent except for that damn cackling 😩
Then there’s the humans! I swear, they were worse than the Infected!! At least with the zombies 🧟 you knew what to expect. It was the humans you needed to be careful around. Never knowing if they are good or bad was like a complete mindfu€k
There are triggers that need to be divulged so you aren’t caught off guard and some are pretty intense
* Death (obviously)
* Murder
* Rape (history/past)
* Attempted rape
* Physical violence
* Mutilation
* Blood & Gore
* Mental health struggles
* Suicide (in the past) & thoughts of suicide
* Captivity
On the other side of that nightmare are the tropes 😍
* Gentle hero
* Touch her and die
* Slow burn
* Friends to soulmates
* Protective MMC
The story is told from a third-person (limited) perspective and I actually found that quite enjoyable! I don’t recall ever having read from that perspective but it was an awesome break from my usual dual POV
As incredibly terrified as I was to read my first horror novel, I’m happy to say that I actually loved this one!
Yes, there is an HEA 🥰
February 12, 2025
*Originally reviewed on SFF Insiders Blog
A darkly atmospheric book, brimming with action, violence and gore, which also packs an emotional punch that’ll leave a gaping bloody hole in your chest
There are times in life where you come across a book that’s just so perfect you have to pinch yourself to believe it’s actually real and not just a dream. Dark Bloom is just that. I read it back in October (best book of the month AND a top 10 read of 2024). And yes, I’m only just now reviewing it. I know, shame on me for taking this long to review a book I absolutely devoured, lived and breathed it while immersed. And even though it’s been a couple months since I finished it, this darkly beautiful book of emotional destruction has been living rent free in my mind, and I’m not at all mad about it.
‘A large hunting knife…a macabre violin bow playing one deadly chord to end a horrendous symphony.’
I normally tend to avoid horror, both in books and movies because I’m a chicken and don’t typically like graphic violence outside of war violence (hello grimdark, my loves). That said, I’ve always enjoyed zombie movies, and for whatever reason these are my one exception for horror. But I don’t read/enjoy the concept as books. Only once did I try a zombie book, which was after I had previously enjoyed the movie based on it: Warm Bodies…too much brain munching for my taste. Based on that, I didn’t think I could like them as books, until now.
When we, at SFF Insiders, did the cover reveal for Molly, that cover just reached out and captured my interest. I don’t know what it was about it, but it kept nagging at me whenever I saw it online, telling me I needed to make an exception to my “no horror” rule. So when October rolled around and I wanted some spooky eerie aesthetics in my reading I decided to finally take the plunge. And it was the best reading decision of my life!
This book, guys… *mind imploding still from the aftershocks of reading it*
I will try to articulate the magnitude of perfection that Molly has accomplished in this book, the feat she has reached in making me love a book so damn much it hurts. This book has left a huge gaping hole in my chest that can only be filled with the sequel (Molly, I need it like breath in my lungs D: HELP!)
From my experience of watching zombie films you really only ever focus on the characters surviving in the apocalyptic world, just fighting to stay alive and not get eaten or turned. It’s a very narrow view point, which for a film is fine for the most part. The storyline is always driven by that action, those near misses from groping hands of death and ravenous sagging jawlines. But for a book you want more than that. You want to see actual character development, more plot than just dodging the hungry hoards. Again, I have only read one zombie book and it didn’t quite deliver on that so much, though I will admit reading from a zombie’s perspective was quite unique. But Dark Bloom? It’s everything I needed and so much more.
‘The hardest part was learning to love the only person she was left with. Herself.’
You have these two characters, Kate and Nick, who are completely broken people before the apocalypse, and who are still dealing with those past traumas during said apocalypse. That shit doesn’t just get swept under the rug just because the undead are walking around feasting. These two are entirely multi-dimensional characters, whose pasts we keep getting flashbacks from to help us see why they act and react the way they do in this current dystopian world. We get the expected drama and action of fighting zombies, while simultaneously getting this deeper story of survival, suffering, and the strength to overcome the horrors of their past lives. They learn and grow, first as just traveling companions, each struggling to learn to trust each other just to survive their new broken world. But as the story goes along they learn to lean on each other more, build a tentative relationship that blooms into friendship, full of healing and tenderness.
‘You’ve revived something in me I thought I’d lost.’
What Molly has done is incorporate some of the darkest themes/traumas that humans can perpetrate on each other and plumbed the dark depths of mental health, but she’s handled them with expert care, revealing the scars left behind by these terrible actions and then showing the depths of resolve and strength people can find inside themselves to overcome these horrific experiences. Dark Bloom isn’t for the faint of heart, but the payoff is worth it. These beautiful, fractured characters live and bleed in your heart as you cry right alongside them reliving their memories. You want nothing more than to reach into the book and wrap them up in the strongest, tightest hug, willing your love and strength into them.
‘Nick was in love with the darkness in her eyes because he lived there, too.’
Another point, this book looks deceptively slender, and yet it reads like a much longer book? I mean that in a good way. There is just so much packed into Dark Bloom that it's just shocking to see the smaller page count. Like we get these flashbacks to both of their pasts (which also I normally don’t enjoy flashbacks finding them jarring to read, but in this book they were exceptionally inserted into the story so that they didn’t disrupt the flow at all). Then we also see their present perspectives, as well as them navigating this shattered world of the undead with plenty of action scenes, as well as dealing with other humans they come across. And then that whole bit at the end that was just…much wow O_O You’d really expect it was longer for as much as is packed into this attention grabbing cover! And again, that ending just leaves you begging for more!
‘Though the sound of their breathing was unremarkable, it was a glorious symphony of survival’
Needless to say, my anticipation for the sequel is off the charts. I don’t know what to expect from it other than more darkly bingeable reading and emotional trauma, but I’m so ready for it! Bring it on!
A darkly atmospheric book, brimming with action, violence and gore, which also packs an emotional punch that’ll leave a gaping bloody hole in your chest
There are times in life where you come across a book that’s just so perfect you have to pinch yourself to believe it’s actually real and not just a dream. Dark Bloom is just that. I read it back in October (best book of the month AND a top 10 read of 2024). And yes, I’m only just now reviewing it. I know, shame on me for taking this long to review a book I absolutely devoured, lived and breathed it while immersed. And even though it’s been a couple months since I finished it, this darkly beautiful book of emotional destruction has been living rent free in my mind, and I’m not at all mad about it.
‘A large hunting knife…a macabre violin bow playing one deadly chord to end a horrendous symphony.’
I normally tend to avoid horror, both in books and movies because I’m a chicken and don’t typically like graphic violence outside of war violence (hello grimdark, my loves). That said, I’ve always enjoyed zombie movies, and for whatever reason these are my one exception for horror. But I don’t read/enjoy the concept as books. Only once did I try a zombie book, which was after I had previously enjoyed the movie based on it: Warm Bodies…too much brain munching for my taste. Based on that, I didn’t think I could like them as books, until now.
When we, at SFF Insiders, did the cover reveal for Molly, that cover just reached out and captured my interest. I don’t know what it was about it, but it kept nagging at me whenever I saw it online, telling me I needed to make an exception to my “no horror” rule. So when October rolled around and I wanted some spooky eerie aesthetics in my reading I decided to finally take the plunge. And it was the best reading decision of my life!
This book, guys… *mind imploding still from the aftershocks of reading it*
I will try to articulate the magnitude of perfection that Molly has accomplished in this book, the feat she has reached in making me love a book so damn much it hurts. This book has left a huge gaping hole in my chest that can only be filled with the sequel (Molly, I need it like breath in my lungs D: HELP!)
From my experience of watching zombie films you really only ever focus on the characters surviving in the apocalyptic world, just fighting to stay alive and not get eaten or turned. It’s a very narrow view point, which for a film is fine for the most part. The storyline is always driven by that action, those near misses from groping hands of death and ravenous sagging jawlines. But for a book you want more than that. You want to see actual character development, more plot than just dodging the hungry hoards. Again, I have only read one zombie book and it didn’t quite deliver on that so much, though I will admit reading from a zombie’s perspective was quite unique. But Dark Bloom? It’s everything I needed and so much more.
‘The hardest part was learning to love the only person she was left with. Herself.’
You have these two characters, Kate and Nick, who are completely broken people before the apocalypse, and who are still dealing with those past traumas during said apocalypse. That shit doesn’t just get swept under the rug just because the undead are walking around feasting. These two are entirely multi-dimensional characters, whose pasts we keep getting flashbacks from to help us see why they act and react the way they do in this current dystopian world. We get the expected drama and action of fighting zombies, while simultaneously getting this deeper story of survival, suffering, and the strength to overcome the horrors of their past lives. They learn and grow, first as just traveling companions, each struggling to learn to trust each other just to survive their new broken world. But as the story goes along they learn to lean on each other more, build a tentative relationship that blooms into friendship, full of healing and tenderness.
‘You’ve revived something in me I thought I’d lost.’
What Molly has done is incorporate some of the darkest themes/traumas that humans can perpetrate on each other and plumbed the dark depths of mental health, but she’s handled them with expert care, revealing the scars left behind by these terrible actions and then showing the depths of resolve and strength people can find inside themselves to overcome these horrific experiences. Dark Bloom isn’t for the faint of heart, but the payoff is worth it. These beautiful, fractured characters live and bleed in your heart as you cry right alongside them reliving their memories. You want nothing more than to reach into the book and wrap them up in the strongest, tightest hug, willing your love and strength into them.
‘Nick was in love with the darkness in her eyes because he lived there, too.’
Another point, this book looks deceptively slender, and yet it reads like a much longer book? I mean that in a good way. There is just so much packed into Dark Bloom that it's just shocking to see the smaller page count. Like we get these flashbacks to both of their pasts (which also I normally don’t enjoy flashbacks finding them jarring to read, but in this book they were exceptionally inserted into the story so that they didn’t disrupt the flow at all). Then we also see their present perspectives, as well as them navigating this shattered world of the undead with plenty of action scenes, as well as dealing with other humans they come across. And then that whole bit at the end that was just…much wow O_O You’d really expect it was longer for as much as is packed into this attention grabbing cover! And again, that ending just leaves you begging for more!
‘Though the sound of their breathing was unremarkable, it was a glorious symphony of survival’
Needless to say, my anticipation for the sequel is off the charts. I don’t know what to expect from it other than more darkly bingeable reading and emotional trauma, but I’m so ready for it! Bring it on!
May 27, 2025
I can see why this book has become so popular. The premise is compelling, and the language is heavy with emotion, mirroring the journey of the main character as she comes to grip with her hard-won freedom in a post-apocalyptic world. The focus on these inner struggles works well overall, although for me it did tend to slow the story’s forward motion. That said, this one was well worth my time, especially with such a decent helping of gore.
July 9, 2025
Sometimes, a story is exactly what you expect it to be. Zombie scenarios have their own molds: maybe remaining survivors are the real danger, figuring out how it all went wrong and how it fix, or outright survival in a world with no victory in sight. Dark Bloom doesn't break any new grounds, but does that make it skippable?
Taking place some time into a zombie event that shook the world we follow Kate. There's a lot to Kate, trauma most people couldn't imagine let alone go through and survive, so this change has strangely set her free. Content to walk barefoot and scavenge she has made her existence. Until one fateful day when she's saved from violation by another survivor - Nick. Ex-military with baggage of his own, our gamer boy does the right thing and refuses to leave her alone. Initially Kate has nothing but doubts towards Nick, but eventually agrees to accompany him to a nearby military base he suspects may prove useful because he's just such a nice guy. One thing leads to another, and... you know.
I've basically told you the entire story and you can fill in the rest. Soon to be in love couple traveling and dealing with zombie shenanigans. As I mentioned above, Dark Bloom will at least touch on most stereotypes you'd expect. Despite some horrendous encounters our pair has with living survivors it's the zombies that are actually, shocking revelation, the real threat. They have some quirks like doing an evil cackle when going in for the kill or more insidious usage of child zombies as bait.
Structure of the novel lends itself to rotating POVs given we see events from both Nick and Kate, as well as their flashbacks. This is really where the one-note nature hurts the story. In my opinion was there really a need to hammer the same points over and over again? Yeah, Connor was a sadistic abuser and I got it after mere two flashbacks. Probably not helped by constant stop-and-go setup as individual chapters are simply too short. Nothing, events or characters, ever gets enough time to properly BREATHE before the perspective switches. I think characterization manages to work despite this only because Kate and Nick are, well, extremely basic to a point they're archetypes.
Would I recommend Dark Bloom? Both pro and con for the novel is that it's very solid and exactly what you imagine that entails. Also, very readable and you could devour it quickly. Ending may also be take it or leave it for some of you, and could have at least used a bit more elaboration.
Taking place some time into a zombie event that shook the world we follow Kate. There's a lot to Kate, trauma most people couldn't imagine let alone go through and survive, so this change has strangely set her free. Content to walk barefoot and scavenge she has made her existence. Until one fateful day when she's saved from violation by another survivor - Nick. Ex-military with baggage of his own, our gamer boy does the right thing and refuses to leave her alone. Initially Kate has nothing but doubts towards Nick, but eventually agrees to accompany him to a nearby military base he suspects may prove useful because he's just such a nice guy. One thing leads to another, and... you know.
I've basically told you the entire story and you can fill in the rest. Soon to be in love couple traveling and dealing with zombie shenanigans. As I mentioned above, Dark Bloom will at least touch on most stereotypes you'd expect. Despite some horrendous encounters our pair has with living survivors it's the zombies that are actually, shocking revelation, the real threat. They have some quirks like doing an evil cackle when going in for the kill or more insidious usage of child zombies as bait.
Structure of the novel lends itself to rotating POVs given we see events from both Nick and Kate, as well as their flashbacks. This is really where the one-note nature hurts the story. In my opinion was there really a need to hammer the same points over and over again? Yeah, Connor was a sadistic abuser and I got it after mere two flashbacks. Probably not helped by constant stop-and-go setup as individual chapters are simply too short. Nothing, events or characters, ever gets enough time to properly BREATHE before the perspective switches. I think characterization manages to work despite this only because Kate and Nick are, well, extremely basic to a point they're archetypes.
Would I recommend Dark Bloom? Both pro and con for the novel is that it's very solid and exactly what you imagine that entails. Also, very readable and you could devour it quickly. Ending may also be take it or leave it for some of you, and could have at least used a bit more elaboration.
February 28, 2025
Review originally posted on the SFF Insiders website:
I have always been a sucker for zombies and post apocalyptic type of stories. I really enjoy them in video game format and the occasional movie. I have tried a couple of books, but the heart thumping suspense that I have come to expect from them usually falls a little short as I am able to anticipate and there just isn’t the same thing as a jump scare as in the other two formats. Then I see Dark Bloom burst into my life. It was a book that kept popping up and I knew that I had to give it a shot. I am definitely glad that I did! It definitely captures the feel of some of my favorite games, which is a difficult thing to do, and has some memorable moments all on its own. I was glad to see that the author made it so that it did not rely upon those comparisons to make it seem like it belonged, instead carving out its own niche that will allow it to be remembered as a staple in the zombie apocalypse handguide.
The strength of the novel is the heart pounding action scenes of the zombies. They are intense and make a reader want to scream over and over again! These are the moments that really came to life for me, easily seen in the mind as if unfolding one step at a time. The sounds are what made it come to life for me, knowing that the creepy “laughs” will be something that would be in the nightmares of many to come. The action is really easy to read, flowing effortlessly. It raises the heart rate naturally, not forcing anything at all. The pacing of the novel is where I struggled. I enjoy a fast pace, as I feel it allows me to read them much faster. This novel is fast!! I felt that a few more slower moments between the characters would have helped me connect to them more. There are a few and they are actually some of my favorite moments from the entire novel. There are a couple of instances that call out some of the music that is highlighted in the novel. It makes you want to put on some of that music and get lost with the characters, feeling their pain and memories as a part of the story. The majority of their story is told through flashbacks, which are great, but the action is almost non stop. Some readers may find the flashbacks hard to read, as it focuses on some subjects that can be hard to read or hear about. I found myself disconnecting from the characters a bit because of this pacing. I did find it engaging for the majority of the novel, never finding it to pull me all of the way out of it.
This novel will definitely have a wide audience that will find it extremely enjoyable, full of intense zombie fighting moments. The characters will break your hearts, will make you cheer, and make you scream from what happens in these pages. This book deserves the hype that it has received and I know that the author definitely has a future in writing zombie horror books. It will cause nightmares, it will cause heart racing, and who knows what else could happen! In fact, I believe all of the readers will be out in hoards screaming for brains waiting until the next one comes out! Do yourself a favor and make sure to check this novel out. You won’t be sorry that you did.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
I have always been a sucker for zombies and post apocalyptic type of stories. I really enjoy them in video game format and the occasional movie. I have tried a couple of books, but the heart thumping suspense that I have come to expect from them usually falls a little short as I am able to anticipate and there just isn’t the same thing as a jump scare as in the other two formats. Then I see Dark Bloom burst into my life. It was a book that kept popping up and I knew that I had to give it a shot. I am definitely glad that I did! It definitely captures the feel of some of my favorite games, which is a difficult thing to do, and has some memorable moments all on its own. I was glad to see that the author made it so that it did not rely upon those comparisons to make it seem like it belonged, instead carving out its own niche that will allow it to be remembered as a staple in the zombie apocalypse handguide.
The strength of the novel is the heart pounding action scenes of the zombies. They are intense and make a reader want to scream over and over again! These are the moments that really came to life for me, easily seen in the mind as if unfolding one step at a time. The sounds are what made it come to life for me, knowing that the creepy “laughs” will be something that would be in the nightmares of many to come. The action is really easy to read, flowing effortlessly. It raises the heart rate naturally, not forcing anything at all. The pacing of the novel is where I struggled. I enjoy a fast pace, as I feel it allows me to read them much faster. This novel is fast!! I felt that a few more slower moments between the characters would have helped me connect to them more. There are a few and they are actually some of my favorite moments from the entire novel. There are a couple of instances that call out some of the music that is highlighted in the novel. It makes you want to put on some of that music and get lost with the characters, feeling their pain and memories as a part of the story. The majority of their story is told through flashbacks, which are great, but the action is almost non stop. Some readers may find the flashbacks hard to read, as it focuses on some subjects that can be hard to read or hear about. I found myself disconnecting from the characters a bit because of this pacing. I did find it engaging for the majority of the novel, never finding it to pull me all of the way out of it.
This novel will definitely have a wide audience that will find it extremely enjoyable, full of intense zombie fighting moments. The characters will break your hearts, will make you cheer, and make you scream from what happens in these pages. This book deserves the hype that it has received and I know that the author definitely has a future in writing zombie horror books. It will cause nightmares, it will cause heart racing, and who knows what else could happen! In fact, I believe all of the readers will be out in hoards screaming for brains waiting until the next one comes out! Do yourself a favor and make sure to check this novel out. You won’t be sorry that you did.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
May 4, 2025
What a fantastically heart warming story set amongst so much trauma, blood, guts and despair. Beautifully written with echoes of Stephen King laced throughout, Molly has created a tale of survival where even love can bloom in such a dark world. Loved it….
DVS!!!!
DVS!!!!
March 11, 2025
There's no question as to why I've seen so many people rave about Dark Bloom.
Molly's take on the hellscape of an undead dystopian nightmare is a fresh one. I've read a handful of books in similar categories, and it's not easy to find one with the interpersonal complexities of this particular story.
Her ability to make you care for this cast of characters seems natural and from a place of love from the author. By sharing the intimacies of the after-effects of trauma that people would still need to find the energy to navigate in such a scenario, the characters are given depth and development.
The mark of a favourite book for me is one that invokes emotion for me, and this was absolutely it and knowing that there's another installment in the works helps me to sleep at night.
Molly's take on the hellscape of an undead dystopian nightmare is a fresh one. I've read a handful of books in similar categories, and it's not easy to find one with the interpersonal complexities of this particular story.
Her ability to make you care for this cast of characters seems natural and from a place of love from the author. By sharing the intimacies of the after-effects of trauma that people would still need to find the energy to navigate in such a scenario, the characters are given depth and development.
The mark of a favourite book for me is one that invokes emotion for me, and this was absolutely it and knowing that there's another installment in the works helps me to sleep at night.
February 25, 2025
Fantastic!
My first read by Macabre, but certainly not my last. DARK BLOOM is fast, relentless, and it's filled with tension and dread. I'm looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended!
My first read by Macabre, but certainly not my last. DARK BLOOM is fast, relentless, and it's filled with tension and dread. I'm looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended!
July 8, 2025
Absolutely PHENOMENAL read! This is a new favorite and has officially landed in my top reads of the year. Molly did a marvelous job crafting this story and not a detail was missed. Dark Bloom hits hard and sticks with you long after finishing. This is a post-apocalyptic novel but it is very unique among the many others in this category and this is why: we have two MC's that have been developed meticulously, the transitions between past and present were well done, the main focus wasn't just on the zombies and focused more on the MC's/their survival in this infected world and learning to trust one another, the author made sure to inflict every possible feeling into this story, I felt every single emotion ten fold. The twists were VERY unexpected and left me shook. I can't believe that this was a DEBUT. I am so excited to see more from this author in the future after having enjoyed this one to the fullest capacity.
Highly recommend checking this one out! Even if you don't particularly enjoy post-apocalyptic/zombie stories, I'm sure you'll find yourself surprised giving this one a go.
Also, can we talk about the playlist at the end? The entire time I was reading this and knowing the title, I was so happy to see Dark Bloom by WCAR included in the playlist.
Highly recommend checking this one out! Even if you don't particularly enjoy post-apocalyptic/zombie stories, I'm sure you'll find yourself surprised giving this one a go.
Also, can we talk about the playlist at the end? The entire time I was reading this and knowing the title, I was so happy to see Dark Bloom by WCAR included in the playlist.
January 12, 2025
I feel like anything zombie related now comes with the almost apologetic term "but this one does something different" ... And I hate that it's so applicable here. Because this book is something different in such familiar territory.
Zombies aren't something I've particularly sworn away from in recent years, but I must admit to a little fatigue when it comes to undead and their well-worn tropes. But this debut, really puts the creatures in a new environment here and brings the focus back to the characters. It's a grim and disturbing book, but in such a thoroughly readable way, with characters to truly root for.
The audiobook is superbly narrated and a highly recommended way to check this story out!
Zombies aren't something I've particularly sworn away from in recent years, but I must admit to a little fatigue when it comes to undead and their well-worn tropes. But this debut, really puts the creatures in a new environment here and brings the focus back to the characters. It's a grim and disturbing book, but in such a thoroughly readable way, with characters to truly root for.
The audiobook is superbly narrated and a highly recommended way to check this story out!
August 7, 2024
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!❤️👏
Saw the authors tiktok video a day before the release and wanted to give it a try and man am I glad that I did!! This book is written so well and I love how the pov is told. It's so different than basically every book I have read so far. This book was a roller-coaster of emotions! Never knowing what to expect next or what would happen! I instantly connected with Kate's past and traumas. These two characters were beautifully broken in their own ways and my heart shattered towards the end of the book but so glad it ended beautifully and in as much as of a happy ending you can get when there's an apocalypse! Can't wait to see if the story continues! Even if it doesn't Can't wait for more amazing work from Molly! 🥰❤️
Saw the authors tiktok video a day before the release and wanted to give it a try and man am I glad that I did!! This book is written so well and I love how the pov is told. It's so different than basically every book I have read so far. This book was a roller-coaster of emotions! Never knowing what to expect next or what would happen! I instantly connected with Kate's past and traumas. These two characters were beautifully broken in their own ways and my heart shattered towards the end of the book but so glad it ended beautifully and in as much as of a happy ending you can get when there's an apocalypse! Can't wait to see if the story continues! Even if it doesn't Can't wait for more amazing work from Molly! 🥰❤️
September 24, 2024
The MMCs come together when the MC saves her, they decide to stick together in this post-apocalyptic story. Leaning on each other, fighting the undead, searching for supplies and he protects her on their journey. They meet survivors along the way, some friendly, others not so much. Their past lives become an integral part of us learning about them, as much as it is for them learning about each other.
The twists and turns they face bring emotions to the surface. Is their love just like ships passing in the night? You are going to have to read it to find out 😈
It is well written and drew me into each character individually and as a couple.
The twists and turns they face bring emotions to the surface. Is their love just like ships passing in the night? You are going to have to read it to find out 😈
It is well written and drew me into each character individually and as a couple.
June 18, 2025
one of the best post apocalyptic zombie books!
This was one of the best zombie books I’ve read in a long time. The pain that Nick and Kate endured was heartbreaking and very emotional. The journey they went through to find themselves and love again was heartwarming. The only thing I wish was for a book 2!!
This was one of the best zombie books I’ve read in a long time. The pain that Nick and Kate endured was heartbreaking and very emotional. The journey they went through to find themselves and love again was heartwarming. The only thing I wish was for a book 2!!
October 19, 2024
Even if you are not into horror, like me, you will like the novel. It is a well-written, well-paced zombie horror adventure with believable broken characters and some really scary scenes. You can find some psychological thriller elements with moments that are beyond disturbing. Try it out!
Full review: https://legio-kraken.com/review/revie...
Full review: https://legio-kraken.com/review/revie...
March 11, 2025
This book kidnapped me for a few days. I started it and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book.
April 28, 2025
2.5 rounded up.
I've always loved zombie content and am very used to it, but I can say that these zombies were deeply unsettling. It was the combination of their creepy laughter and the intelligence some of them exhibited that had me thinking I might dream about them last night.
"At the end of the aisle stood four Infected, all gazing at her with a desperate hunger. Two of them were laughing, the merriment and humor absent, jeering at her."
Interesting take on a world overcome by zombies. I liked the MCs and the fact that they trusted each other so much. They both had past trauma they were dealing with (big TW there) throughout the book. I loved that the zombies had differences from what we're used to while still being familiar.
"As she fought the urge to sleep, an unfamiliar sound broke through her delirium. Maybe she imagined it, but she swore she heard him laughing."
I did get annoyed with all the flashbacks. Almost every second or third chapter ends with something like, "it pulled a memory to his mind," and then the next chapter would be a flashback. Some of them were helpful but most of them could have been left out or told as a passing comment from the MCs. This was a way to fill the story and make it longer, which meant that what less happens in the present timeline than I think we needed.
‼️ SPOILERS
I do think the ending happened far too quickly and everyone just accepted the horrible things the doctors had done. Like they literally lured them in and infected the MMC in from of her and expected her to be fine afterwards. And she's angry but also...not?? It's weird. She does this weird side quest thing that wasn't neseccary then is taken back to the doctors. And when they try the antidote much later and it miraculously works, even the MMC who knew his own body was being taken over that entire time is just like, wow, that was crazy. Then they plan to distribute the antidote and that's that. It came out of nowhere and then it all happened and then it ended.
Not to mention that this also ignores the 60+ people who went before the MMC, who were also lured into that same situation and it didn't work on them... But anything for a cure, right???
Anyway, that ending needed to be fleshed out and more needed to happen in the actual story instead of the past taking up half the storyline. With that said, this was still a solid entry in this genre and the creepy zombies were a nice touch, and are the reason this is a 3 star for me.
I've always loved zombie content and am very used to it, but I can say that these zombies were deeply unsettling. It was the combination of their creepy laughter and the intelligence some of them exhibited that had me thinking I might dream about them last night.
"At the end of the aisle stood four Infected, all gazing at her with a desperate hunger. Two of them were laughing, the merriment and humor absent, jeering at her."
Interesting take on a world overcome by zombies. I liked the MCs and the fact that they trusted each other so much. They both had past trauma they were dealing with (big TW there) throughout the book. I loved that the zombies had differences from what we're used to while still being familiar.
"As she fought the urge to sleep, an unfamiliar sound broke through her delirium. Maybe she imagined it, but she swore she heard him laughing."
I did get annoyed with all the flashbacks. Almost every second or third chapter ends with something like, "it pulled a memory to his mind," and then the next chapter would be a flashback. Some of them were helpful but most of them could have been left out or told as a passing comment from the MCs. This was a way to fill the story and make it longer, which meant that what less happens in the present timeline than I think we needed.
‼️ SPOILERS
I do think the ending happened far too quickly and everyone just accepted the horrible things the doctors had done. Like they literally lured them in and infected the MMC in from of her and expected her to be fine afterwards. And she's angry but also...not?? It's weird. She does this weird side quest thing that wasn't neseccary then is taken back to the doctors. And when they try the antidote much later and it miraculously works, even the MMC who knew his own body was being taken over that entire time is just like, wow, that was crazy. Then they plan to distribute the antidote and that's that. It came out of nowhere and then it all happened and then it ended.
Not to mention that this also ignores the 60+ people who went before the MMC, who were also lured into that same situation and it didn't work on them... But anything for a cure, right???
Anyway, that ending needed to be fleshed out and more needed to happen in the actual story instead of the past taking up half the storyline. With that said, this was still a solid entry in this genre and the creepy zombies were a nice touch, and are the reason this is a 3 star for me.
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