Not Another Zombie Book

by D.B. Randelia

A mysterious flu is sweeping the world, killing many in its wake. Reports of unexplained violent behavior are being broadcasted on the airways. A massive solar flare is the final straw, devastating the electric grid and pushing the world into lawlessness.

Jack Emily is a regular guy, thrown into a world of violence, sickness, chaos and hippies. In a world where tough guys rule, Jack must find a way to protect his family and friends. Jack finds himself on an adventure filled with surprises, chaos, and a few weirdos. He is up against enemies much stronger than himself, but with his years of preparation, and a bit of dumb luck, he and his family may just survive.

289 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2025

About the author

D.B. Randelia grew up in Southern Indiana. He has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling. He is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, and has spent his life working to rehabilitate criminals.

He enjoys reading survival fiction and is an amateur “prepper”. When not working he is spending time with his wife, kids, and dogs. He enjoys traveling and visiting tropical beaches.

Reviews

[Cat Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so

This book was so goofy. Apparently, I was in just the right mood to read it because I giggled most of the way through this short (for me) book

[Tracy Lewellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book than can make the characters come alive and become friends. This book did that. The light hearted banter and apocalypse survival skills tips will give you a chuckle. Hope this book becomes a series. Looking forward to more books from this author. Give this book a try, you won't regret it.

[Tobin Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I've been deeply immersed in the October Fall series but saw this book & had to give it a read. I mean, who doesn't like a book that can cast humor, blue hoodies and really cool names around in a zombie apocalypse. Thanks for the fun ride.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Not Another Zombie Book
By: D.B. Randelia
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date: March 21, 2025
ASIN: B0DS2SSQ6P
Page Count: 291
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀 (more chuckles than chills, but in a good way)

What Did I Just Walk Into?
Picture this: the world is collapsing thanks to a mystery flu, solar flares, and people losing their ever-loving minds… but instead of grim survivalism and brooding heroes, you’re saddled up with Jack Emily, your everyman protagonist who meets the apocalypse with equal parts snark, dumb luck, and prepper know-how. It’s a zombie story that knows you’ve read a thousand zombie stories and decides to roast the genre while still giving you a solid adventure. Think Shaun of the Dead if Shaun had a Costco-sized stash of survival gear and a tendency to side-eye hippies.

Here’s What Slapped:
Jack Emily. Not a grizzled ex-Navy SEAL, not a genius scientist just a guy with a plan and a sarcastic streak wide enough to trip on.

The balance of humor and chaos. One page you’re nodding at actual survival tips, the next you’re laughing at Jack’s take on the end of the world.

A fresh spin on zombie fiction. Instead of grimdark trauma porn, it’s a wild ride of gunfights, solar flares, and “did that just happen?” moments.

The pop culture nods, if you’re a zombie film nerd, you’ll catch them all and feel smug about it.

A finale that says “end for now,” leaving just enough hope that a sequel will show up shambling down the road.

What Could’ve Been Better:
Honestly? Just that there isn’t more of it. A few early bumps in pacing smoothed out quickly, and by mid-book I was fully hooked. Also, note to the author: if you’re dangling the possibility of a sequel, don’t tease me too long. Jack deserves more chaos, and so do I.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Zombie books that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Survival tips woven into ridiculous situations.
Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, or basically anything that blends horror with hilarity.
Stories where “average guy vs apocalypse” actually works.
Laughing in the face of societal collapse (because crying is too much effort).

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Lisa Burchett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up on a whim after reading another zombie apocalypse book. It was supposed to be humorous. The attempt was there, no doubt. Execution was spotty. The author acknowledges in the Afterword that he didn’t use an editor, so I can’t be too bothered by the errors and need for editing that was apparent throughout the story. He also admitted he used AI to help get started, although he tried to edit or rewrite a lot of it out.

The story was fast paced and there were moments that I appreciated the tongue in cheek-ness he was aiming for. I realized pretty quickly the what the outcome of the plot was going to be, and got a kick out of the way he took the perspective of the preppers to share it through. Not the best but not the worst.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read!

Fun and zombie apocalypse usually don't go together but with this book it works.
I really want to have Jake, our main character as my next neighbor, such a funny guy!
There's lots of little tidbits and references throughout the book. My fav was Zoey and friends I'm a big L4D fan. Hope to read more from this author!

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

refreshing quick read

Light hearted take of TEOTWAWKI/SHTF, dark humor, solid build up for the story. If I had to explain this book without spoilers: It’s kind of like a Ned’s declassified survival guide + zombieland + between the ferns love child. I wouldn’t say it’s a cliffhanger ending, but there’s an opening for possible continuation.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like listening to a good friend tell you about his crazy adventure. It kept my interest and had a few surprises along the way. Most of all, I would recommend it to others interested in survival stories, prepping, and being ready for a Zombie attack.

[Anne Weixler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great read! I could not put it down!! The plot is fantastic, you never expect what’s coming next, and it’s hilarious! Also had some really good survival tips! Highly recommend and I’ll be looking for more from this author.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fun read

This book was really a fun read, and I really enjoyed the main character Jack Emily,. The story had a lot of fun laugh out loud moments at the expense of Jack Emily and I read it in one sitting

[Paula K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly enjoyed this book. With the humor and very “human” reactions to the events in the book the characters were for the most part likeable. I would describe this as a book to read just for the fun of it & enjoy!

[Margaret Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lighthearted TSHTF Book

I can’t even describe how much I loved this very unusual take on a society-changing series of unfortunate events. A quick read, humorous, and likely to set any reader to laughing out loud.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was meh

This book is an easy read but it felt so fast paced. The main character is funny at times but it felt so rushed. We don’t get to really know the characters. I don’t know if I would read this again

[Lyla Ingrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed

An original take on what has become a tired and repetitive genre. Good work Mr. Randelia. Thanks for avoiding AI

[fran zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised

This was a fun read. Couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it. It was fun without being stupid. Characters well written . truly worth the read

[Turtlex · Rating 2 out of 5]

yikes

This is my favorite genre and the book does not do it justice. It’s silly in a way that’s not funny.

[maryalice haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romp in the woods .

The title is correct, the miscommunication due to the power outage helped make this story funny and believable. I would read this again.

[Donna Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

So glad I brought this book. It is well worth the time. I will follow this author from now on.

[Michell Egger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny

Main character has main character inner voice that takes over his life in inconvenient ways. Funny and interesting character development. Kudos

[D.B. Randelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a regular guy, not a Navy Seal or Ranger, bumbling his way through an apocalypse.