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Edge of Instinct
The world is in chaos, and your next breath may be your last…
In a reality where the slightest drop of saliva or blood can leave you with a hunger for your neighbor’s flesh, eighteen year old Amiel Hilden’s life is anything but ideal. Not only does she live in a world of Rabids, her home life isn’t any better. Her power hungry mother controls the entire town, and she doesn’t think twice about using her daughter as a pawn in her ambitions. Yet it isn’t until the death of her beloved brother that Amiel’s world truly spins out of control. With the pain of his loss burning a hole through her soul, she sets out on a dangerous path intent on securing a new and better life.
Amiel imagines a world with friends, freedom, and safety from the things lurking in the shadows. She even entertains the idea of finding love with someone that would meet her approval, instead of her Mother’s. Her dreams certainly didn't include the painful blackouts that left her with no memory, and they absolutely didn’t include waking from those black outs to find herself in a pile of slaughtered Rabids. Making a new life in a dying world is difficult enough, but unconsciously killing Rabids with your bike helmet takes matters to a whole new level of complicated.
In a reality where the slightest drop of saliva or blood can leave you with a hunger for your neighbor’s flesh, eighteen year old Amiel Hilden’s life is anything but ideal. Not only does she live in a world of Rabids, her home life isn’t any better. Her power hungry mother controls the entire town, and she doesn’t think twice about using her daughter as a pawn in her ambitions. Yet it isn’t until the death of her beloved brother that Amiel’s world truly spins out of control. With the pain of his loss burning a hole through her soul, she sets out on a dangerous path intent on securing a new and better life.
Amiel imagines a world with friends, freedom, and safety from the things lurking in the shadows. She even entertains the idea of finding love with someone that would meet her approval, instead of her Mother’s. Her dreams certainly didn't include the painful blackouts that left her with no memory, and they absolutely didn’t include waking from those black outs to find herself in a pile of slaughtered Rabids. Making a new life in a dying world is difficult enough, but unconsciously killing Rabids with your bike helmet takes matters to a whole new level of complicated.
504 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2014
6 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cook
3 books29 followersI'm 36, married to my high school sweet heart, and I have four kids. Writing is my passion and, as an author, I get to achieve my dreams every day. My life kinda rocks the socks :)
I first realized my passion for writing at the age of 14, when I set out to write my first book. I wrote the entire thing by hand (hand cramps galore!) and finished it at 16. Once it was typed up, the cover hand illustrated by yours truly, I sent it out to several different publishers with high hopes. I was more than a little crest fallen when I received replies that turned me down, or no replies at all. Somehow no one wanted to take a chance on an inexperienced teen aged writer...go figure. ;) But I didn't give up.
It wasn't until I lost the vast number of 'manuscripts in progress' during a cross country move, that I nearly gave up on my writing dreams. I refused to write for years, until my sister and her husband somehow got a hold of my first teen aged manuscript. After reading it, they both poked and prodded until I caved and agreed to start writing again. While it began with me writing simply to appease them, that quickly changed. I'd found my passion for writing once more. I've learned from past mistakes, my writing has matured and taken on new depth. (Something that I hope it continues to do throughout my journey in writing.) Life has a funny way of always working out in the end. It pulls us along with the tide and somehow makes us stronger in the process. 'Edge of Instinct' is my debut novel, in what I hope to be a long writing career.
I first realized my passion for writing at the age of 14, when I set out to write my first book. I wrote the entire thing by hand (hand cramps galore!) and finished it at 16. Once it was typed up, the cover hand illustrated by yours truly, I sent it out to several different publishers with high hopes. I was more than a little crest fallen when I received replies that turned me down, or no replies at all. Somehow no one wanted to take a chance on an inexperienced teen aged writer...go figure. ;) But I didn't give up.
It wasn't until I lost the vast number of 'manuscripts in progress' during a cross country move, that I nearly gave up on my writing dreams. I refused to write for years, until my sister and her husband somehow got a hold of my first teen aged manuscript. After reading it, they both poked and prodded until I caved and agreed to start writing again. While it began with me writing simply to appease them, that quickly changed. I'd found my passion for writing once more. I've learned from past mistakes, my writing has matured and taken on new depth. (Something that I hope it continues to do throughout my journey in writing.) Life has a funny way of always working out in the end. It pulls us along with the tide and somehow makes us stronger in the process. 'Edge of Instinct' is my debut novel, in what I hope to be a long writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 16, 2015
Recommend by amazon to me based on my previous reading. It's part of kindle unlimited on amazon uk. I am really glad that I checked it out as I thoroughly enjoyed it and I struggled to put it down!
I love a good zombie/dystopia book so this was right up my street. A few hot men, action, mystery and a lead female who I couldn't help but like... basically it was great. I enjoyed the writing and I can't wait to read the next book in August.
I love a good zombie/dystopia book so this was right up my street. A few hot men, action, mystery and a lead female who I couldn't help but like... basically it was great. I enjoyed the writing and I can't wait to read the next book in August.
November 5, 2014
Although the setting is a little overdone at the moment -- post apocalyptical zombie land -- Cook brings some interesting and unique elements that I enjoyed. Rather than the typical mindless, people-eating zombies, these "rabids" are intelligent and still very human, which provides an extra creep factor to the story.
Again, the romance between superhuman male and damsel-in-distress-learning-to-take-care-of-herself is popular in YA fiction, but Cook provides the set up through cool science fiction aspects with genetic manipulation and high tech gadgets which is a welcome difference to the mythological route. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say I really liked the whole "Collapse" concept for accelerated healing.
I read the digital copy, so I am not sure if this holds true for the print, but there were quite a few typos that I found distracting.
One other thing I found distracting was the Texan dialogue. There was somewhat inconsistent use of "y'all" that threw me off sometimes. I've never lived in Texas or associated with much texans, so I can't say if that is true to life, but it wasn't my favorite thing about Tandy and Harley.
Overall, this is a great debut novel by a promising author. I actually stayed up past my bedtime to finish this. I haven't don't that for a book in a long time! I can't wait to read the next one.
Again, the romance between superhuman male and damsel-in-distress-learning-to-take-care-of-herself is popular in YA fiction, but Cook provides the set up through cool science fiction aspects with genetic manipulation and high tech gadgets which is a welcome difference to the mythological route. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say I really liked the whole "Collapse" concept for accelerated healing.
I read the digital copy, so I am not sure if this holds true for the print, but there were quite a few typos that I found distracting.
One other thing I found distracting was the Texan dialogue. There was somewhat inconsistent use of "y'all" that threw me off sometimes. I've never lived in Texas or associated with much texans, so I can't say if that is true to life, but it wasn't my favorite thing about Tandy and Harley.
Overall, this is a great debut novel by a promising author. I actually stayed up past my bedtime to finish this. I haven't don't that for a book in a long time! I can't wait to read the next one.
August 25, 2014
Absolutely a new favorite. I'm in love with this book! From the first chapter I was sucked to an amazingly vivid world with characters I couldn't get enough of... Harley, yum. It has a little of everything action, humor, romance.... Greedily, impatiently waiting for book number two to come out. Gimme gimme!!
September 29, 2015
wow! I stayed up all night to finish this book, I just couldn't put it down once I started. Never have I been this impressed with an author's debut novel. As a matter of fact I was so impressed that I felt the need to leave a short recommendation/review which is something I never do. Can't wait to read more by this author!
April 8, 2018
Any Cook is a truly talented writer!! I didn't want to put this book down. She has a gift of knowing exactly what the reader wants. I can't wait until the next book in this series!!
December 2, 2014
Edge of Instinct (Rabids Book # 1)by Amy Cook
Edge of Instinct ( Rabids Book # 1)by Amy Cook tells the story of a young woman named Amiel, who has led a sheltered existence and lives in a world with Rabids and Cutthroats(zombie like people who hunger for flesh). Malinda, Amiel’s mother, is like the “Godfather” of the area where they live, and expects Amiel to act like “high society” and behave herself. Amiel disliked her mother because all she cares about is money and what others think about them. Jaron, Amiel’s brother and best friend is in the hospital dying.
Before Jaron dies, he takes his dog-tags off and gives them to Amiel and makes her promise never to take them off because they are special and it’s his last way of being able to be with her and protect her. Amiel promises and later her brother dies,
After Jaron’s funeral, she finds out that Jaron has left her money so that she get far away from their mother and start a whole new life. Amiel then goes to see the owner of the local Motorcycle Shop/Travel Agent, Tandy, in order to buy a motorcycle and procure his services to help her travel to Dallas.
Tandy and Amiel go to a property Tandy owns where he teaches Amiel to ride her motorcycle. While at this property, Amiel ends up reading some of her brother’s journal that he left for her. The journal goes on to tell her about a new breed of Infected called Raiders, that are smarter, faster and stronger. They are cold and calculating and take great pleasure in killing their prey in a slow and agonizing way.
One night while at the shop, Rabids are flinging themselves into the electronic field (killing themselves) and Amiel notice one of the infected, acting like her brother described in his journal. The Infected was just standing and watching the other Rabids and then turns and looks in the surveillance camera and waves. Amiel also notices that whenever Rabids are near, her brother’s dog-tags heat up, like a warning system.
Tandy and Amiel leave for Dallas. When they stop for sleep Amiel, Amiel feels the tags heat up, Rabids coming to attack them and Amiel grabs her heart Tandy thinks she is having a panic attack. However, Amiel goes all “Terminator” on the Rabids. Tandy had to tie her down so she wouldn’t fling herself into the electronic fence. Unfortunately, Amiel does not remember doing any of it. Tandy expresses his concerns about going on but they continue the trip to Dallas. Amiel blacks out one more time just before they reach Dallas and again doesn’t remember beating Rabid booty.
In Dallas, Tandy gets Amiel set up and then asks his son Harley to look after Amiel. Of course, Amiel finds trouble and he intervenes on several occasions. After she was attacked getting gas, Harley asked Amelia if she wanted him to train her in self- defense, which she agreed to.
One night, Harley gets hurt badly but is able to make it back to Amiel’s apartment complex. Amiel and a guard take him up to Amiel’s apartment. Amiel tends to Harley and his wounds.
After that night , things change for Harley and Amiel. They try and figure out what is happening with Amiel and Harley tries to Keep Amiel safe.
The book is a superbly constructed story which immerses you in a dystopian like world. It is not a straightforward story but has many twists and turns to keep you intrigued.
This story is told from several points of view but mainly from Amiel’s . This gives the story more depth and interest. Everyone has their own unique voice. At the beginning of each chapter you are told who is speaking.
The writing style compels you to feel what her characters are feeling and understand the role they are going to play in the narrative. The book shows creativity and originality which is spread throughout the book. The book is interesting and written well. The suspense created during the book has you at the edge of your seats. Just when you think you have things figured out and you have a handle on things, bam! Things turn around in a different direction.
I think my favorite character was Harley, not only because of his hotness but because of the inner turmoil he has and endures. Harley is one of those guys you look at who is stunningly beautiful but scares the crap out of you. He is just a big old teddy bear.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and cannot wait to continue the story.
4.5 Stars
*I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book.*
Edge of Instinct ( Rabids Book # 1)by Amy Cook tells the story of a young woman named Amiel, who has led a sheltered existence and lives in a world with Rabids and Cutthroats(zombie like people who hunger for flesh). Malinda, Amiel’s mother, is like the “Godfather” of the area where they live, and expects Amiel to act like “high society” and behave herself. Amiel disliked her mother because all she cares about is money and what others think about them. Jaron, Amiel’s brother and best friend is in the hospital dying.
Before Jaron dies, he takes his dog-tags off and gives them to Amiel and makes her promise never to take them off because they are special and it’s his last way of being able to be with her and protect her. Amiel promises and later her brother dies,
After Jaron’s funeral, she finds out that Jaron has left her money so that she get far away from their mother and start a whole new life. Amiel then goes to see the owner of the local Motorcycle Shop/Travel Agent, Tandy, in order to buy a motorcycle and procure his services to help her travel to Dallas.
Tandy and Amiel go to a property Tandy owns where he teaches Amiel to ride her motorcycle. While at this property, Amiel ends up reading some of her brother’s journal that he left for her. The journal goes on to tell her about a new breed of Infected called Raiders, that are smarter, faster and stronger. They are cold and calculating and take great pleasure in killing their prey in a slow and agonizing way.
One night while at the shop, Rabids are flinging themselves into the electronic field (killing themselves) and Amiel notice one of the infected, acting like her brother described in his journal. The Infected was just standing and watching the other Rabids and then turns and looks in the surveillance camera and waves. Amiel also notices that whenever Rabids are near, her brother’s dog-tags heat up, like a warning system.
Tandy and Amiel leave for Dallas. When they stop for sleep Amiel, Amiel feels the tags heat up, Rabids coming to attack them and Amiel grabs her heart Tandy thinks she is having a panic attack. However, Amiel goes all “Terminator” on the Rabids. Tandy had to tie her down so she wouldn’t fling herself into the electronic fence. Unfortunately, Amiel does not remember doing any of it. Tandy expresses his concerns about going on but they continue the trip to Dallas. Amiel blacks out one more time just before they reach Dallas and again doesn’t remember beating Rabid booty.
In Dallas, Tandy gets Amiel set up and then asks his son Harley to look after Amiel. Of course, Amiel finds trouble and he intervenes on several occasions. After she was attacked getting gas, Harley asked Amelia if she wanted him to train her in self- defense, which she agreed to.
One night, Harley gets hurt badly but is able to make it back to Amiel’s apartment complex. Amiel and a guard take him up to Amiel’s apartment. Amiel tends to Harley and his wounds.
After that night , things change for Harley and Amiel. They try and figure out what is happening with Amiel and Harley tries to Keep Amiel safe.
The book is a superbly constructed story which immerses you in a dystopian like world. It is not a straightforward story but has many twists and turns to keep you intrigued.
This story is told from several points of view but mainly from Amiel’s . This gives the story more depth and interest. Everyone has their own unique voice. At the beginning of each chapter you are told who is speaking.
The writing style compels you to feel what her characters are feeling and understand the role they are going to play in the narrative. The book shows creativity and originality which is spread throughout the book. The book is interesting and written well. The suspense created during the book has you at the edge of your seats. Just when you think you have things figured out and you have a handle on things, bam! Things turn around in a different direction.
I think my favorite character was Harley, not only because of his hotness but because of the inner turmoil he has and endures. Harley is one of those guys you look at who is stunningly beautiful but scares the crap out of you. He is just a big old teddy bear.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and cannot wait to continue the story.
4.5 Stars
*I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
Okay so read up, I was asked to read this book, and because of the person who asked I said yeah sure will do, I bought the book and t thought okay let's do this.
It's not my genre really, I like fantasy mostly and apocalyptic books just are not my thang.
But this book, o lord have mercy, it grabbed me by the balls and didn't let go! It started and it's not meant to be spoilery but beware with tears running down my face, and from that moment you are already hooked.
What a great build up for the characters, getting to know them in this first book and wanting more from them, and that last chapter, GAHD, cliffy warning!
Really read this little gem and review the heck out of it! I NEED book 2 like yesterday.
It's not my genre really, I like fantasy mostly and apocalyptic books just are not my thang.
But this book, o lord have mercy, it grabbed me by the balls and didn't let go! It started and it's not meant to be spoilery but beware with tears running down my face, and from that moment you are already hooked.
What a great build up for the characters, getting to know them in this first book and wanting more from them, and that last chapter, GAHD, cliffy warning!
Really read this little gem and review the heck out of it! I NEED book 2 like yesterday.
September 19, 2014
I honestly have to say that I enjoyed this book, not because it's a paranormal romance, but because the puzzles kept my mind turning. In fact, once I got into it I had a very hard time putting it down. I really needed to try and figure out where Amiel's abilities originated from as well as what was going on with the Hybrids. Paranormal romance is definitely not a favorite category of mine, but I am invested in this series now. I also expected this book to be all mushy, but Cook's humor kept things fun without tipping the cheese-o-meter. :) I like how it ended and am looking forward to more works by Amy Cook.
June 4, 2015
Good premise.
The story plot is good. I knocked it down a star out of sheer irritation with the ya instead of you, and the constant use of anyways instead of anyway. The character was not a valley girl or a gum chewing teeneybopper, whether or not the author is. The book needs an editor, but the series has potential.
The story plot is good. I knocked it down a star out of sheer irritation with the ya instead of you, and the constant use of anyways instead of anyway. The character was not a valley girl or a gum chewing teeneybopper, whether or not the author is. The book needs an editor, but the series has potential.
August 27, 2015
Love
I met Amy Cook on a Facebook site and downloaded her book. All I can say is amazing!!! Amy is super talented and I cannot wait to start the second book. I'll be not so patiently waiting for your next book release.
I met Amy Cook on a Facebook site and downloaded her book. All I can say is amazing!!! Amy is super talented and I cannot wait to start the second book. I'll be not so patiently waiting for your next book release.
June 28, 2019
Emotional charged story
This book was emotionally charged throughout the entire story. It had me near tears and laughing like crazy. The author did an amazing job describing the land, and making the characters relatable.
This book was emotionally charged throughout the entire story. It had me near tears and laughing like crazy. The author did an amazing job describing the land, and making the characters relatable.
October 15, 2015
Loved this book -
April 26, 2017
Great book, looking forward to Book 2
June 20, 2023
Not what I was expecting
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews