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The One Who Refused to Feed: The Real Horror Is What You Can't Forget

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This is not a story of how the world ended.
It’s about what parts of us refused to.

After the world fell to infection, something still moves.
Through ash.
Through silence.
Through the spaces where love once lived.

But not all of it is dead.
And not everything that walks forgets.

In a world that’s forgotten how to grieve, memory becomes rebellion.
It’s the thing that makes you wait when you should run,
reach when you should let go,
believe when believing will cost you everything.

A haunting, lyrical exploration of grief, transformation, and the sharp edge of memory,
The One Who Refused to Feed is a post-apocalyptic tale where the dead walk,
but some still remember.

For readers of The Road, The Last of Us, and Station Eleven, this story asks one
What makes you human… when you’ve lost everything human?

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

12 people are currently reading
1232 people want to read

About the author

Biale Drageo

2 books39 followers
Biale Drageo ✍️
I write the stories you’re too afraid to think about.

I don’t do heroes. I don’t do happy endings. I write the kind of stories that crawl under your skin and stay there. The quiet, haunting ones that make you wonder what’s really left when everything else is gone.

If you like grief-soaked worlds, memory-driven monsters, and characters that walk the line between human and something else... you’re in the right place.

Follow the writing (and the weird) here:
📸 Instagram: biale_drageo
🎥 TikTok. @biale.drageo

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Noelia (thisbookishlove).
47 reviews814 followers
November 5, 2025
Before I even start trying to tackle this review, I have something to confess: me and horror we don't get along.

I mean, we tried, it tried, I gave it my all, but at the end of the day, it all turned out to be a thing of "irreconcilable differences" between us.

We were both young when we first saw each other, me so innocent and naive, and it so shiny and tempting, staring back at me from a hidden spot in the shelves of my family's home personal library.

How could I have known back then that a simple book of scary stories for children would've sent me in a spiral of fear and terror, that I would spend several months sleeping with the lights on. LOL.

Suffice to say, as you can imagine, ever since those days, I've stayed the hell away from horror books and movies. Thank you...but no, thank you.

Don't get me wrong. It's not about taste.

It's just that I'm a chicken (and proud of it).

So, you can picture the expression on my face and my first response when the author reached me through my DMs, offering me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Horror? Moi? No way.

Recalling my days as a sweet summer child too scared to even be left out alone in the dark, my first reaction was to say that I don't usually read horror. Which is 100% true.

But the author insisted that this book was not so much about horror but instead about survival, and eventually I gave in. Because, why not? What was there for me to lose in trying, after all? Sleeping with the lights on for a couple of months or for the rest of my life? Fear therapy sessions?

You see, I might chicken out a little from time to time, but still I face my fears and look at horror in the eye, like the friends or lovers we never came to be.

And 'cause I always push myself harder and higher, willing and daring to venture far away from my comfort zone.

One thing people should know about me is that I never back down from a challenge. Ever.

And I'm glad I didn't, cause this book turned out to be a surprise I wasn't expecting at all.

I recognize talent when I see it, and there are skills in here. There's an innate gift to weave words with each other to create powerful, conveying sentences.

In a world of books with jarring, unrealistic dialogues; people descriptions delivered like Interpol's profiles; and descriptions of places more typical of TripAdvisor blurbs or other tourist sites than of places that give the feeling of being real and tangible, however unrealistic they may be, this book is a small rarity. A true gem.

Characters—they don't talk much (and rightly so, 'cause at the end of the world and fighting for your own survival, what else can words be but superfluous?) , but when they do, they feel real, like you and me. Like normal people do speak, something most books nowadays tend to forget and miss so easily.

Places also feel real and palpable. The author does a great job creating an apocalyptic world where, in truth, the only thing left is to survive and continue existing, even if you can no longer remember the reasons why. At times, most of the times actually, the setting reminded me of the gloomy landscapes and dense atmosphere of Cormac McCarthy's "On the Road."

But what surprised me even more is the incredible humanity that permeates its pages.
A reflection on what humanity is and what we cling to when we've lost everything and there's nothing left to fight for. How do you protect the ones you love from an inevitable fate? Can you allow yourself to have hope in a world whose days are numbered and that will never know better dawns? Why keep fighting, keep breathing, if there's no reason to do so?

It's also not every day's business that you come across a book daring to analyze what goes through a zombie's head.
Books and films have gifted us over the years with more human and less monstrous versions of vampires, werewolves, Frankenstein's creature... but they've almost never done so with a zombie.

Until now.

Is there something beyond death? What does a creature that is neither entirely alive nor entirely dead cling to? Can love and the bond that unites us with those we loved in life cross time and space and even surpass and survive death?

These are all questions that linger throughout the whole narrative, looming over every page, from the beginning to the very end.

It's worth mentioning that there's no connecting thread throughout the book, a detail that could bother certain readers more accustomed to other types of stories, plot-driven ones.
But this is more a book of and about characters and their vicissitudes in a world that is no longer what it once was, rather than a book with a conflict that drives a plot. It makes sense for the book to focus on the characters, because what conflict could there be at the end of the world? A search for a cure? A deus ex machina salvation?
If the end of the world were ever to happen, there would be no other option but to keep walking and keep breathing, with the longing and the memory of better days gone by. We human beings are stubborn creatures by nature, and if there's one thing we can be sure of, it's that we will keep walking and fighting until tomorrow never comes again. Until there's not a living, breathing cell in our bodies.

All in all, a very solid book, with really good bones, that could serve as a draft for the development of other interesting stories. On a personal note, I would very much like to know more about characters like Allie or Ash.

There's a little repetition here and there, but nothing a good editor can't fix. After all, this is a self-published book, so stuff like this is expected to happen without the team and resources a well-known publishing house can offer (or not. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Del Rey; you know damn well I'm talking about you.)

Again, and like I've said somewhere up above, I'm still kindly surprised about this book.
It is a curious, unpredictable twist of fate that this humble book turned out to have so much heart and soul locked within its words.
That is this little one that reminded us all what is truly important: that it's kindness, empathy, and the memories we hold of those we have loved that make us humans, without resorting to long, unending, drawn-out soliloquies.

Those who work in fashion usually say that less is more most of the time.
Perhaps it's about time authors and publishing houses start remembering that and applying it too, here in literature. A back to basics. Maybe one day.

By now, it's the opinion of this reader that it seems like once again, David overturned Goliath. What a sight to behold.
What a glorious day to be alive.

My deepest gratitude to Biale Drageo, who offered me this free copy in exchange for an honest review. I hope I did it justice.
All words and opinions expressed here are my own.

Quality based rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3,5 stars)
Liked based rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Chris St Laurent.
189 reviews20 followers
October 22, 2025
I am a sucker for a zombie apocalypse, just can't help myself it's my guilty pleasure and I have read many different types but this one is truly different. This book includes a POV from a zombie one who remembers what it is like to be human. No worries this book also includes the excitement of society falling and being chased by flesh eating zombies. But what happens when all the monster's aren't bad?
Such a beautifully written book, the author's descriptions and his way of weaving words together with brevity(I'm jealous) was not what I expected. This is a fresh take on a zombie apocalypse. Quick gem of a read, enjoyed.
Profile Image for Ildiko Szendrei.
469 reviews261 followers
June 23, 2025
A Post-Apocalyptic Surprise That Strikes a Chord

A book that deserves top marks for its approach, not necessarily for its story.

~ Have you ever read a book that makes you empathize with zombies?
~ Has an apocalyptic future ever moved you emotionally?
~ Have you ever felt the sadness of those who are bitten and, just like that, separated forever from their families?
~ Have you ever put yourself in their place?
~ If you're a parent and your child is at risk of being bitten—what would you be willing to do?

A story told from many perspectives, some truly unexpected. And hold on tight—book two is coming! 🖤
Profile Image for Tammie P ℓօรƭเɳαɓօօҡ.
39 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2025
I thought I knew what I was getting into with this zombie book, but the emotional gut punch was both unexpected and welcome.

Let me begin by saying that the writing uses powerful imagery and metaphorical language to create a strong mood. Instead of simply stating facts, the author paints a vivid picture of a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. For example, the world isn't just ruined; it’s "bleached of meaning," and "The sky matches the ruins: flat, bruised, grey like old bruises." This style elevates the narrative beyond a simple survival story.

The author's storytelling style is unique. It might not be for everyone, but I like how it stands out through deliberate, powerful shifts in narrative perspective. The second-person narrative at the beginning drew me into the post-apocalyptic world, making me an active participant in the survival horror. Transitioning to a first-person point of view provided raw, unfiltered emotion, making the moments of loss and terror feel immediate and visceral. The author also uses a close third-person perspective with a strong emphasis on internal monologue and lyrical prose. These shifts allow each character’s perspective to enrich the story and deepen the impact.

The author conveys profound emotional turmoil and grief through small, poignant details and unspoken sentiments. The etching of a name, the way a father lies to his child, or a child's devastatingly simple question, "Is Mom one of them now?" are all examples of how the author uses subtle moments to deliver a powerful emotional punch, trusting the reader to grasp the full weight of the situation without explicit explanation. The chapters where the same scene is retold from each character's perspective are particularly effective, offering an intimate and compelling look into their minds. It made me connect with each character in a unique way, making their struggles feel deeply personal.

Boone, Cal, Betty, and Ash... I'm cheering for all of them. But I absolutely cried for Allie and her Dad:
✦Their love and bond,
✦the moment he remembers,
✦Allie's efforts before she believed him to be beyond recall, and
✦the scene with Allie’s mother.
That being said, there was a quiet sense of finality to the ending, yet it still left me with questions. For the sheer emotional weight and unique style, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to readers who appreciate literary, character-driven fiction within a post-apocalyptic/dystopian setting. ​This is not a traditional action-heavy story. It's for those who enjoy psychological depth and emotional complexity over a fast-paced plot and appreciate a more artistic, unconventional, and immersive storytelling style.
Profile Image for Monica.
1 review
May 20, 2025
I didn’t expect to cry over a zombie. But here we are.

I’ll be honest. I’m not a fan of the whole apocalypse genre. Zombies, mutants, survival camps... not really my thing. I read books with wine in the title. Books with sisters who bake. But this? This is not that.
I joined as an early reader for all the wrong reasons. Curiosity. Boredom. Maybe evento feel a bit superior. I’d said yes before really knowing what I was saying yes to. I figured I’d skim a few chapters, nod politely, and move on.

But what I got?
I got wrecked. I got punched in the heart. Multiple times. By a 7-year-old with a broken crayon.

This story is not about monsters. It’s about memory, and love, and the kind of suffering that sits in your gut. It’s about a dad holding his children in a broken world, humming songs with a knife in his hand. It’s about a monster remembering how to feel. It’s about what survives when everything else is dead.

And the writing? It sneaks up on you. One moment you’re just reading. The next, you’re staring at the ceiling wondering if love can still echo in someone who forgot their name. (I know. I wasn’t ready either.)

Also I did not plan to sob at a line from a zombie’s point of view. Yet I did. And if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it.
I didn’t expect to care. Now I’m desperate to know what happens next. I need answers. I need more chocolate. I need therapy.

So yeah. If you’re like me and think zombie stories aren’t for you?
Try this one. It’s not what you think.
It’s better.
And weirdly... human.
Profile Image for Laura❄️📚.
270 reviews
August 25, 2025
I was lucky enough to be given an Arc of this book prior to release, I have also since brought a paperback copy of this book as well.

This isn’t your typical zombie apocalypse book, it’s an exploration of grief and what remains after the world has ended. We read points of views from multiple characters which really helps to enrich this world, the main character has been infected but refuses to fade away and to feed, she is somehow still there.

This book was emotionally raw and I sobbed throughout, even before I got to the first chapter. Would I recommend it? Yes definitely, it was really well written and extremely moving. It’s not your typical zombie apocalypse novel as it chronicles the events of what happens after and what remains, what happens when a zombie refuses to feed. Overall a brilliant book and one I would not hesitate to recommend.
Profile Image for Bookaholic__Reviews.
1,180 reviews156 followers
May 25, 2025
"You died. You woke. You refused to become what the rest had."

This book had no right being this damn good! I honestly can't wait for it to be released and for everyone to get the opportunity to experience it. Maybe I am just a softy at heart but for full transparency..this novel brought me to tears. MULTIPLE TIMES! I was a hot mess full on ugly crying over these characters. And I didn't just cry for the survivors... I balled my eyes out for the zombies, too!



Is TOWRFT another zombie story? Yes, it's that and so much more.
Have I read a plethora of zombie novels over the years? Also, yes. Did they give me the punch to the gut that this one did? Absolutely not. I know what you're thinking, "I've read so many," " that genre is exhausted,"and "how can it possibly be different? ". But as a horror lover and a parent, I guarantee you this is worth every single sentence.

Let me start off by saying the writing is beautiful and heartbreaking. I love it when a book transports me into its world and makes me feel something. And this one made me feel a lot more than I expected. This one hurt, it twisted my stomach and smashed my heart to pieces. I was drawn into the story, and I felt their unease, their despair, their pain, and even their hope at times.


Perspective makes a world of difference in how we feel about something. TOWRFT does an excellent job of giving us multiple perspectives of the same events, and it really impacted how I processed this story. I don't think it would have hit me as hard as it did if Biale had chosen to limit the eyes that I watched the world crumble through.

That's all I got, because honestly, no words I could type would do this novel... this experience the justice it deserves. I urge anyone who comes across this story to devour it immediately.


I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Danielle Strona.
122 reviews6 followers
June 3, 2025
I loved this novel! I love zombie-post-apocalyptic worlds, and as soon as I heard what this book was about, I knew that I had to read it! Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Once I picked it up, I could not put it down!

I liked the pacing of the story and really appreciated how it unfolded. Instead of diving straight into the characters’ back stories, the book first immerses you into a broken, haunting world the characters are living in. This novel is a fresh take that will draw you in deeper with every chapter. This is not your typical zombie story; it’s far more terrifying and will stay with you longer.

I loved the perspectives used in the book. It was insightful to get inside the zombie’s head, which added a unique perspective. It gave you more insight into what was actually going through the zombie’s head and whether they are still capable of humanity. I loved the writing; it felt like poetry. With the way that Biale writes, he has a gift for pulling you in and not letting go, there will be no dry eyes at the end of this story.

All in all, this was an unforgettable read. I can’t recommend it highly enough. 5/5 stars!
Profile Image for Tina Albertson.
87 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2025
Book Review: The One Who Refused To Feed (ARC)
Rating: ★★★★★

“But that’s the thing, isn’t it? We prefer our monsters simple. Teeth. Hunger. Eyes that have let humanity slip away.”

This book wrecked me — in the best possible way. I’ve read hundreds, maybe thousands, of post-apocalyptic novels, and The One Who Refused To Feed stands apart in a way I didn’t expect. It doesn’t just tell a story of survival, it digs into something deeper: memory, humanity, and love that lingers even when everything else has decayed.

I’ve never felt this kind of aching empathy for both the living and the dead. The perspectives in this story are some of the most emotionally intense and beautifully written I’ve ever encountered. The idea of holding onto memories — even after turning into something inhuman — was portrayed with such haunting clarity, I found myself crying over a zombie. That has never happened before.

“So you studied his motions from a distance… ‘Just see me,’ even though you had no breath to carry it.”

The writing is breathtaking. Every line felt like it had a pulse, and I could see the world unfold before me with painful precision. The characters, whether alive or turned, carry such vivid, broken, unforgettable memories. Each one felt so real, their stories sinking deep into my bones.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy, and I went into it expecting another standard zombie story. What I got instead was a profound, soul-crushing, and strangely beautiful journey that left me emotionally shattered — and wanting more.

This is easily one of the best books I’ve read in years. Not just for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, but for anyone who loves character-driven stories that explore what it means to feel even after everything is lost.
Profile Image for sydney 𓇼.
119 reviews50 followers
May 26, 2025
➳ 4.25 ★

The One Who Refused to Feed is a startling story of grief, hope, and survival. What choices would you make if the monsters were right outside your door? Protect your loved ones and sacrifice yourself, knowing you would become a monster too? Or would you do something differently? Would you make the inconceivable decision to spare your loved ones from a destitute, flesh-eating life of monsterhood?

This novel takes place in an apocalyptic world, but it’s not a story about that; it’s a story about how humans become numb to grief in a world full of death and pain. And yet, it’s a story about how humans still try to have a sliver of hope even if it could cost them everything. But what happens if even the monsters begin to hope and remember? Do they choose to be better? To do better? Are they no longer monsters or is it just another false hope that leads to pain?

As I read this, I felt immense heartbreak and ruminated over the choices I might make in a similar situation. But I cannot begin to fathom having to make those choices; to leave my loved ones behind, knowing what they would succumb to. Neither could I bring myself to do the alternative, selfless act that I shall not mention and let you read for yourself. This book breaks open your heart and soul. It digs deep, unbeknownst to you, to uncover your most truest self, so be ready to grapple with the realizations that may come.

Thank you to Biale Drageo for the opportunity to read the ARC. I was offered a copy in exchange for my honest opinion and feedback.
Profile Image for Claudia Arrow.
8 reviews
May 30, 2025
This is actually my first book with a post-apocalyptic zombie theme, and I was completely hooked!
Thank you Biale for giving me the opportunity to be part of your ARC team.

I have to admit, I cried and I was literally on the edge of my seat during certain moments — so intense! The emotional rollercoaster this book takes you on is unforgettable. I absolutely loved it.

It was also very easy to read (English isn’t my first language), and I finished it in just a couple of days because I couldn’t put it down. The story grabs you from the very beginning, and I really appreciated how short the chapters were — it made it easy to read a few whenever I had a moment to spare.

The writing style, especially in certain chapters, felt almost like poetry to me. It gave the story a dramatic and emotional effect that was so captivating. The way the author returns to that style later in the book really packs a punch. It felt like the right balance of drama and depth, which made the experience even more immersive.
I became deeply invested in the characters’ journeys, and I’m still thinking about them days later.

It’s clear that the author has crafted something very special here. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves a gripping, heart-wrenching story.

I’m beyond glad I got to read this story, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store next.
Profile Image for Kristy Buehler.
536 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2025
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review. This has potential. There is a ton of heart in this story, it just needs a good editor. A few rewrites, a little restructuring and I think this could be a relatively unique Zombie series. Best parts are the interesting set up with characters I would like to get to know better. The author has a very lyrical writing style that you don't often find in Horror. There is a good foundation here Biale Drageo, keep building.
Profile Image for Martin.
11 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2025
This was my first ever zombie novel, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but I was really surprised by how emotional and raw it turned out to be. It’s not just about the undead or survival; it’s about control, resistance, and the deeply personal battles people face when everything is falling apart.

Some parts were a bit slow, but the intensity of the main character’s emotions more than made up for it. I really felt the weight of what they were going through. It stayed with me after I finished — in a good way. A powerful, thought-provoking read that went way deeper than I thought a zombie story could.

My two favourite quotes form the novel were:

‘It's a match in a rainstorm.
It flickers, struggles, and dies.’

‘Or humans who have forgotten they're supposed to be better than monsters.’

The only negative I can find from reading this is that a high bench mark has been set for any future zombie novels I read.

Credit to the author.
Profile Image for Sarah Jensen.
2,090 reviews187 followers
August 10, 2025
Book Review: The One Who Refused to Feed: The Real Horror Is What You Can’t Forget by Biale Drageo

Rating: 4.6/5

Biale Drageo’s The One Who Refused to Feed is a visceral, poetic meditation on grief and survival in a post-apocalyptic landscape where memory becomes both weapon and wound. As the inaugural entry in The After Kind series, this novella-length work distinguishes itself from typical zombie narratives by focusing less on grotesque horror and more on the psychological toll of clinging to humanity in a world that rewards forgetting.

Emotional Resonance & Thematic Depth
Drageo’s prose oscillates between stark brutality and lyrical tenderness, mirroring the protagonist’s fractured psyche. The recurring motif of refusal—to-feed, to forget, to surrender—resonated deeply, evoking Camus’ The Plague in its philosophical weight. One particularly haunting passage, where the narrator describes the spaces where love once lived, left me breathless; it’s rare for horror fiction to evoke such profound melancholy alongside dread.

The novel’s exploration of memory as rebellion against despair feels timely in an era of collective trauma. However, the abstract delivery of backstory (via fragmented recollections) occasionally frustrates; a touch more concrete detail could have anchored the emotional beats without sacrificing ambiguity.

Constructive Criticism

Strengths:
-Atmosphere: The ashen, soundless world is rendered with cinematic clarity, recalling The Road’s oppressive minimalism.
-Innovation: Zombies here are less monsters than mirrors—their actions reflecting the survivors’ own moral decay.

Weaknesses:
-Pacing: At 179 pages, certain thematic threads (e.g., the nature of The After Kind) feel underexplored, likely reserved for sequels.
-Characterization: Secondary figures remain spectral, serving more as symbols than fully realized individuals.

How I would describe this book:
- A Station Eleven for the Last of Us generation—Drageo’s debut will haunt your bones long after the final page.
- Where other apocalypses ask ‘how to survive,’ this one demands ‘why bother?’—and the answer will shatter you.
- Proof that the real horror isn’t the monsters outside… but the memories we refuse to bury.

Personalized Remarks & Gratitude
Reading this felt like holding a dying flashlight in a pitch-black room—terrifying yet strangely comforting. The scene where the protagonist replays a pre-collapse lullaby (no spoilers!) triggered my own grief over lost pandemic-era connections. Thank you to the publisher for the Goodreads Giveaways copy; the cover’s grayscale palette and fractured typography perfectly embody the story’s themes.

Final Thoughts
While the narrative’s brevity limits its scope, The One Who Refused to Feed achieves remarkable depth through its poetic economy. A must-read for fans of literary horror and existential speculative fiction, though readers craving action-heavy plots may find it too introspective.

Rating: 4.6/5 (Docked slightly for pacing but elevated by its unparalleled emotional precision.)
Profile Image for Elia. K.
161 reviews10 followers
May 21, 2025
You take the fear. You take the noise. You face the monsters so they don’t have to. You don’t let them see you fall apart. Not when your hands shake, not when your voice cracks, not even when the world feels like it’s ending inside your chest. You hold the line. You become the wall between them and the dark. That’s what we do now. Not survive. Protect.

-4.5 Stars

Tropes:
🩷 Zombies



Spice:
1.5 🌶️

This is a great book! Very nice concept, and fascination writing. The world is so unlike any other, it’s a truly one of a kind world. Just a heads up, the book is very fast paced and busy. There is a large onslaught of information. I personally loved this book, and I hope you will to!

“And for the first time in a long while, he didn’t know exactly what to say. Because sometimes the only thing you can give a man is space to fall apart with dignity. ”
Profile Image for Donna.
63 reviews
May 27, 2025
One of my favorite genres is apocalyptic/dystopian. This one was unusual. Actually, something I've never seen done in these stories. Biale Deageo wrote a lot of this with the zombies' point of view. Not all zombies became complete monsters. The sadness of the thoughts of those who refuse to forget. Refuse to feed because of the humanity they are still feeling. Remembering who they were. Never thought I could feel sorry for a zombie, but there you go. I don't want to add spoilers, so please, give it a shot. I think you will like it.
The only downfall was some of the grammer. It didn't take from the story too much, but it can really use an editor.
Profile Image for Jakki (BizzyBookNook).
611 reviews18 followers
July 7, 2025
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started this in the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't sleep. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with a fever dream in under 200 pages. This is an entire emotional experience told in fragmented memories and events. The writing is solid and dependable. It's hard to really say much far as characters go, and it's one of those things that you have to read the story to understand. I will say that this is a story of heavy loss, desperation, love, sacrifice, and even hope. This is a book that at the end you may end up like me, wiping the tears from your eyes and whispering "damn" into the darkness.
Profile Image for Young.
37 reviews14 followers
August 16, 2025
This was a beautifully written book, for a minute I thought I was reading a book of poetry about zombies because the chapters that focuses on the zombies perspective was formatted in a way that looked like a poem. But I later understood it to reflect the choppy thoughts of a zombie, versus the paragraphs of the human characters. (Thought tbh a poetry book on zombies would’ve been really cool.)
I will say that there was a redundancy in the chapters because we are seeing the same scene from different characters perspectives, so I ended up skimming through a lot of those chapters because I didn’t really see the value of rereading the scene.
Overall a decent short read on zombies.

This book was won in a Goodreads giveaway
Profile Image for Emilie.
58 reviews
June 30, 2025
was interesting, good concept even if a bit confusing with all the changes of narrator and timeline. I was hooked!!! really good debut.
Profile Image for Suzie.
176 reviews
January 13, 2026
I received and ARC of this book so that I could read an ARC of book 2.

The plot: Multiple points of view from people currently surviving the zombie apocalypse. Flashbacks of their stories day of the outbreak. We also get inside the heads of some of the zombies which I felt was a good touch. It helped set up how they move around the world and why they do things they do.The premise of this book is really unique in terms of post apocalyptic societies and zombies.

I enjoy books that cover multiple characters and story lines that are going to converge. The cliff hanger is what got me reading immediately into book 2. I finished book 1 in two days since it is an easy read with shorter chapters.

The characters back stories were delivered differently which helped Boone and Cals introductions. I can't remember Betty's story which either was not memorable or just generic. It's a zombie apocalypse though everyone will have some tragic story.

-1 star since .5 isn't an option. I had trouble figuring out who's head I was in because there weren't names at the tops of the chapters for a while. This because increasingly frustrating to me when in the heads of zombies and the girls. I had to go back and figure out if any of them were the same from the stories. I get the zombies aren't supposed to be people anymore but perhaps there could be a Previously Frank or Previously Ash's Mom. Just to keep it straight. Also the story while short felt a little drawn out at times because I couldn't tell if some of the characters I was reading were important or just adding to the world building. Once you get past the first couple scenes though the plot picks up fast.

On to book 2 for me!
6 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2025
I was so hooked on this book that I sped right through.

It was interesting to see the perspectives of different characters throughout.
My only complaint would be that the story is short. The different characters' thoughts on certain events make it seem even shorter.
Profile Image for Assana Coulibaly.
Author 1 book20 followers
August 25, 2025
The title is exactly what the book is about...haunting. It's a tale that pulls you right into it's world. It's not just about surviving but also about the emotional rollercoaster the characters go through.
Profile Image for Kate.
53 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2026
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

I approached this novel with a fair amount of skepticism, unsure of its direction—particularly since I did not read the synopsis beforehand, as I rarely do. However, any reservations I had vanished quickly. By page ten, I was fully engrossed, and I ultimately finished the book in a single sitting. The narrative is gripping and relentlessly paced, making it nearly impossible to put down.

The characters are compelling and deeply human, drawing the reader into their emotional journeys with remarkable effectiveness. Their development is both engaging and, at times, heartbreaking to witness. One line in particular encapsulates the emotional core of the story:
“That love, at its fiercest, is not gentle. It’s desperate. It’s clawing. It’s refusal.”
Moments like these elevate the novel beyond genre conventions.

This is a zombie story unlike any I have encountered before—intense, emotionally grounded, and ultimately hopeful. Amid the darkness and despair, the narrative reinforces the idea that hope does not disappear, even when everything feels lost. One scene in particular—referred to simply as the store—left a lasting impression. As a mother, I found myself questioning what choices I would make in such a situation, and I shed quiet tears while reading it. This book does not merely tell a story; it invites readers to feel deeply and to ask themselves difficult, personal questions long after the final page.
Profile Image for Kasey Melone.
12 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2025
Received this book as an arc and here is what I thought of it. First time reading a book from this author I was hooked on the first line. Like how you see each point of view of a family and you get to hear how they are feeling at the time. The way its written the family makes you feel like you are with them in the story and how you feel like you lost one of your own. Every time i picked it up to read, I didn't want to stop reading it. The story captivates you as you get to see all the point of views of the family at the beginning. This story is the type of story you want to know the more you read and see what’s going on. This book makes me feel sorry for the mother who had gotten bitten and struggling to come to terms with the undead. Love seeing different points of views in the story giving perspective as the zombie comes in contact with living people and how the zombie horde they are traveling with finds it a mystery as to why they are acting strange. This story is a refresher on a zombie story. It’s not your average zombie story at all. I like how the twist plays on zombies where one of them starts thinking almost human like again. Love how the author pulls you towards the characters in the book its like you are with the characters and feel like you experiencing what they are going through in the moment. I would definitely recommend this book.
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