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Dead Things #1
Dead Things
Devin thought fighting a war in Afghanistan had shown him the worst kind of horrors. It turned out he was wrong. A deadly virus has infected the world population, leaving only a few survivors and creating monsters. Devin is part of a group who have found refuge in a secure place. He risks his life daily to scavenge the cities and highways for food and supplies. On one fateful venture, Devin finds a man with the potential to change the dark future of blood and heartbreak into one of hope and second chances. He finds Noah Weber. Word 61,500
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2012
34 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Russell
54 books68 followersMeredith Russell lives in the heart of England. An avid fan of many story genres, she enjoys nothing less than a happy ending. She believes in heroes and romance and strives to reflect this in her writing. Sharing her imagination and passion for stories and characters is a dream Meredith is excited to turn into reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 13, 2012
4.15 stars
This book opens its first chapter with a BANG ... Devin and a teenager Lee are looking for gasoline and food supplies when suddenly there is an attack that takes Lee's life. After that, I know that I am in for a ride ...
Meredith Russell creates a quite vivid post-apocalyptic action slash horror world with this first novel of hers. It's not too far in the future; the setting is sort-of contemporary America, nine months after outbreaks of widespread flu-like epidemic, which results in flesh eating zombies. If you're bitten by one of those and you die, you will wake up as the undead. The only way to kill these undeads is by shooting them in the head.
Devin is one of the survivors, along with another group of people (including his twin sister) in Kansas State Penitentiary. On one of the supply-gathering missions, Devin is attacked by the zombies, and is saved by a young man, Noah. Interestingly, Noah is immune to the virus. Devin's group leader decide to take Noah to Chicago, to check whether his antibody can be developed as a cure for the virus.
In her website, clearly Ms. Russell is a fan of the zombie-genre movies and it clearly shows here. I think the book has a 'movie' quality in it -- I mean, one where you can imagine it being portrayed in big screen. It has that eerie sense, where you know there are threats of monsters everywhere, as you read Devin and his crew takes Noah to Chicago. The action is captivating and it keeps me on edge the whole time.
Devin is the perfect kind of hero -- he kicks ass but has a side of vulnerability in him. He cares so much for Emily, his twin sister. He still mourns over the loss of his lover, Connor, whom he must killed since Connor is infected.
I'm not really sure about Noah though -- I mean, I don't get enough impression over him, other than he is lonely and he's pretty 'pushy' and determined to crack the walls around Devin's heart. So when it comes to the romance, uhm, I am not wholeheartedly believe in them. I think there is still quite a long way to go for Devin to really love Noah and lets go of his memory of Connor.
Oh, and just in case any of you wonder, this book is more action than romance. You will get the kisses and also the sex (no penetration), but that pretty much overshadowed by the threats of zombies, and the sex will not come until the very last chapters.
The other thing that impresses me? Ms. Russell's strong female characters. I have been whining inside about the lack of positive female characters lately. Usually, they are either reduced to simple fag-hags or bitchy ex-wives, ex-girlfriends, or mothers. I have enough of those. Here, however, Ms. Russell gives place to not one but TWO strong female characters. One is Emily -- who is blind but very capable of taking care of herself, and oh, she's a scientist. The other one is Kerry, whose son Lee died in the first chapter.
For me this is a great action book, starring a hero that happens to be gay. I don't get a lot of those, so this feels like a breath of fresh air.
This book opens its first chapter with a BANG ... Devin and a teenager Lee are looking for gasoline and food supplies when suddenly there is an attack that takes Lee's life. After that, I know that I am in for a ride ...
Meredith Russell creates a quite vivid post-apocalyptic action slash horror world with this first novel of hers. It's not too far in the future; the setting is sort-of contemporary America, nine months after outbreaks of widespread flu-like epidemic, which results in flesh eating zombies. If you're bitten by one of those and you die, you will wake up as the undead. The only way to kill these undeads is by shooting them in the head.
Devin is one of the survivors, along with another group of people (including his twin sister) in Kansas State Penitentiary. On one of the supply-gathering missions, Devin is attacked by the zombies, and is saved by a young man, Noah. Interestingly, Noah is immune to the virus. Devin's group leader decide to take Noah to Chicago, to check whether his antibody can be developed as a cure for the virus.
In her website, clearly Ms. Russell is a fan of the zombie-genre movies and it clearly shows here. I think the book has a 'movie' quality in it -- I mean, one where you can imagine it being portrayed in big screen. It has that eerie sense, where you know there are threats of monsters everywhere, as you read Devin and his crew takes Noah to Chicago. The action is captivating and it keeps me on edge the whole time.
Devin is the perfect kind of hero -- he kicks ass but has a side of vulnerability in him. He cares so much for Emily, his twin sister. He still mourns over the loss of his lover, Connor, whom he must killed since Connor is infected.
I'm not really sure about Noah though -- I mean, I don't get enough impression over him, other than he is lonely and he's pretty 'pushy' and determined to crack the walls around Devin's heart. So when it comes to the romance, uhm, I am not wholeheartedly believe in them. I think there is still quite a long way to go for Devin to really love Noah and lets go of his memory of Connor.
Oh, and just in case any of you wonder, this book is more action than romance. You will get the kisses and also the sex (no penetration), but that pretty much overshadowed by the threats of zombies, and the sex will not come until the very last chapters.
The other thing that impresses me? Ms. Russell's strong female characters. I have been whining inside about the lack of positive female characters lately. Usually, they are either reduced to simple fag-hags or bitchy ex-wives, ex-girlfriends, or mothers. I have enough of those. Here, however, Ms. Russell gives place to not one but TWO strong female characters. One is Emily -- who is blind but very capable of taking care of herself, and oh, she's a scientist. The other one is Kerry, whose son Lee died in the first chapter.
For me this is a great action book, starring a hero that happens to be gay. I don't get a lot of those, so this feels like a breath of fresh air.
September 18, 2015
Some zombie books have hardly any zombies in them, just the odd one running around at some stage or other in the book, but this one had plenty of gory action! It was great. It also had a really interesting story with a slow-burn romance. All you zombie lovers, I would definitely recommend giving it a go. I would love a sequel but seeing at this book came out a good few years ago, I doubt that's on the cards.
August 13, 2012
It is always a difficult thing to review a book that a friend has written, especially such a close friend like new author Meredith Russell. I have been discussing this book with her since she had the very first idea and have read the final version at the many different stages.
I haven't seen a lot of zombie movies, or indeed many movies that make me jump. Case in point I spent over half of The Woman In Black behind a pillow.
Dead Things offers us a backdrop of a post virus world where there are, for want of another word, zombies. Creatures who are only have one instinct. The need for food.
When you are used to a certain world and being the top of the food chain, to suddenly be hunted by these monsters is a shock to everything you know.
This is where Dead Things comes into its strengths. Yes there are zombies, yes there is the fear for your life, yes people die. But at the core of it Devin is in a brand new world and he is struggling. He lost everything he held dear, his boyfriend, his life, and he has a sister that is his entire world because she is all he has left. He fights, but he doesn't have hope.
Then he meets Noah, a man who evidently is immune to the 'monster's bite'... and suddenly there is a glimmer of hope where there hadn't been any before.
The dilemma is, how much humanity must a man lose before he becomes little better than the monsters he is trying to kill.
A stunning world creation and bright vibrant characters, including two kick ass female characters, means that the tiny details of any normality are that much more stark.
There is no insta-love, no whining or crying, or sex every other page. This is a story of two strong men finding each other in a world gone to hell around them.
Recommended for people who enjoy good writing and graphic world building...
I haven't seen a lot of zombie movies, or indeed many movies that make me jump. Case in point I spent over half of The Woman In Black behind a pillow.
Dead Things offers us a backdrop of a post virus world where there are, for want of another word, zombies. Creatures who are only have one instinct. The need for food.
When you are used to a certain world and being the top of the food chain, to suddenly be hunted by these monsters is a shock to everything you know.
This is where Dead Things comes into its strengths. Yes there are zombies, yes there is the fear for your life, yes people die. But at the core of it Devin is in a brand new world and he is struggling. He lost everything he held dear, his boyfriend, his life, and he has a sister that is his entire world because she is all he has left. He fights, but he doesn't have hope.
Then he meets Noah, a man who evidently is immune to the 'monster's bite'... and suddenly there is a glimmer of hope where there hadn't been any before.
The dilemma is, how much humanity must a man lose before he becomes little better than the monsters he is trying to kill.
A stunning world creation and bright vibrant characters, including two kick ass female characters, means that the tiny details of any normality are that much more stark.
There is no insta-love, no whining or crying, or sex every other page. This is a story of two strong men finding each other in a world gone to hell around them.
Recommended for people who enjoy good writing and graphic world building...
August 11, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Devin is part of a small group of survivors living in a prison after a deadly virus outbreak. On a scavenging trip, Devin comes across another survivor, Noah, who has managed to survive living out in the open, which the zombie bites doesn’t infect, and who could just be humanities savior. But the journey to survival is harsh, with blood, loss of life and an egomaniac leading the way. Will there be a future for any of them?
This is a very grim and bloody zombie story, which has a glimmer of hope and maybe developing new relationships after you have lost your whole world. Devin nearly lost everything when the virus struck, but with himself and his sister safe in one of the only safe places in the country, he at least has life. But, when he comes across another survivor he is made to face the fact that although he has life…he is not living. Noah lost everything when the virus struck, he has survived by himself since those first bloody days and now he has been dragged to ‘safety’ where they inject him and want his blood. The only one he trusts is Devin, but Devin holds him away at arm’s length. Can Noah crack the shell that Devin has built around him?
I really enjoyed this story as it has a slightly darker outlook on life, after a virus outbreak that turns the population into zombies. Both the characters of Devin and Noah are really well written, with both of them reacting differently to how the disaster has affected them. Devin draws into himself and continues on, because he has people relying on him. While Noah, grips life with both hands and tries to get as much joy as possible or it could just be that he is around humans who aren’t trying to eat him.
This isn’t a huge romantic, sex-filled story, far from it. It is a story of new hope and maybe new beginnings. It is a story of starting to lay old ghosts to rest and of a glimmer of happiness in the future. This story also isn’t for the faint hearted as it has some pretty gruesome scenes with lots of blood, some with characters we are just getting to know and we don’t get a hearts and flowers happy ending. What we get is the beginning of something that could be special, and a new hope for all humanity.
So, I am going to recommend this to those who love grisly zombie stories, finding the beginning of new love amid harrowing times, of an egomaniac who just hasn’t got a clue and of hope for the future.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Devin is part of a small group of survivors living in a prison after a deadly virus outbreak. On a scavenging trip, Devin comes across another survivor, Noah, who has managed to survive living out in the open, which the zombie bites doesn’t infect, and who could just be humanities savior. But the journey to survival is harsh, with blood, loss of life and an egomaniac leading the way. Will there be a future for any of them?
This is a very grim and bloody zombie story, which has a glimmer of hope and maybe developing new relationships after you have lost your whole world. Devin nearly lost everything when the virus struck, but with himself and his sister safe in one of the only safe places in the country, he at least has life. But, when he comes across another survivor he is made to face the fact that although he has life…he is not living. Noah lost everything when the virus struck, he has survived by himself since those first bloody days and now he has been dragged to ‘safety’ where they inject him and want his blood. The only one he trusts is Devin, but Devin holds him away at arm’s length. Can Noah crack the shell that Devin has built around him?
I really enjoyed this story as it has a slightly darker outlook on life, after a virus outbreak that turns the population into zombies. Both the characters of Devin and Noah are really well written, with both of them reacting differently to how the disaster has affected them. Devin draws into himself and continues on, because he has people relying on him. While Noah, grips life with both hands and tries to get as much joy as possible or it could just be that he is around humans who aren’t trying to eat him.
This isn’t a huge romantic, sex-filled story, far from it. It is a story of new hope and maybe new beginnings. It is a story of starting to lay old ghosts to rest and of a glimmer of happiness in the future. This story also isn’t for the faint hearted as it has some pretty gruesome scenes with lots of blood, some with characters we are just getting to know and we don’t get a hearts and flowers happy ending. What we get is the beginning of something that could be special, and a new hope for all humanity.
So, I am going to recommend this to those who love grisly zombie stories, finding the beginning of new love amid harrowing times, of an egomaniac who just hasn’t got a clue and of hope for the future.
August 16, 2012
Those that know me are aware I have a little passion for the horror genre, so when Meredith promoed her new book, I was excited. I can't lie. Well I could.. but I'm not very good at it, so there's no point.
Anyhoo, I opened the book and from the first page I was transported into a post-zombie apolocalyptic world of survivor and predator. Within moments you feel like you are in the world Russell has built, surrounded by zombies ringing the dinner bell. You know what it reminded me of? A scintillating cross between The Stand and the Walking Dead. Yes I know The Stand didn't have zombies in it, but it's all about the survival and the way they come together to try and build a new life.
Devin was the perfect hero. Handsome, strong, determined, but oh so broken. *le sigh* And Noah has been alone for so long, wondering if he is the only one left and not even knowing he could be the answer to everything.
I admit there were a few dicey moments there when I thought I was going to have to bring down a world of pain on the lovely Ms Russell's head... after all she was the one who lifted me up and threw me into zombieland - and I really don't do enough cardio to outrun supercharged pitbulls in human form.
But this is a wonderfully written helter-skelter ride with twists and turns that leave you reeling. And beneath it all, Devin and Noah try to find out if they can have a future, together, when any future at all seems so unlikely.
Bloody loved it. The total dogs bollocks! Go get your copy now!
Anyhoo, I opened the book and from the first page I was transported into a post-zombie apolocalyptic world of survivor and predator. Within moments you feel like you are in the world Russell has built, surrounded by zombies ringing the dinner bell. You know what it reminded me of? A scintillating cross between The Stand and the Walking Dead. Yes I know The Stand didn't have zombies in it, but it's all about the survival and the way they come together to try and build a new life.
Devin was the perfect hero. Handsome, strong, determined, but oh so broken. *le sigh* And Noah has been alone for so long, wondering if he is the only one left and not even knowing he could be the answer to everything.
I admit there were a few dicey moments there when I thought I was going to have to bring down a world of pain on the lovely Ms Russell's head... after all she was the one who lifted me up and threw me into zombieland - and I really don't do enough cardio to outrun supercharged pitbulls in human form.
But this is a wonderfully written helter-skelter ride with twists and turns that leave you reeling. And beneath it all, Devin and Noah try to find out if they can have a future, together, when any future at all seems so unlikely.
Bloody loved it. The total dogs bollocks! Go get your copy now!
June 24, 2018
A Walking Dead kind of a story. A lot happens in this. I would have like it more had their been more character development. Insta-love. That's usually a no go for me but since it's the apocalypse and they might die tomorrow I'll give them a pass.
I didn't love it but it wasn't bad. I'll probably read the next one at some point.
I didn't love it but it wasn't bad. I'll probably read the next one at some point.
February 5, 2018
4.5 stars, full review to come shortly...
July 7, 2012
Dead Things by Meredith Russell
4 Stars
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
This is a raw and gritty read that opens with action and emotional intensity and never lets go. In this post-apocalyptic time, a pandemic has created a world where flesh eating zombies have taken over and the he remaining survivors are barely hanging on to their own lives as they fight off the zombies, hunger and desolation. This is a bleak world filled with violence and loss and the ultimate goal is survival.
Devin and his twin sister Emily are a part of a small group of survivors living in Kansas State Prison that has become their refuge. Emily is a scientist search for a cure for the virus and Devin is a heartbroken man and still grieves the loss of his lover that he was forced to kill after becoming infected. He spends his days scouring the surrounding areas looking for food and any items that can be of use to the survivors at the prison. He is going through the motions of life not feeling anything but grief and guilt. It is on one of these missions that Devin is attacked at a farmhouse by zombies. The 14 year old boy who was on his first mission with Devin is killed and Devin is rescued by Noah, the only surviving member of the family that resided at the farmhouse. Devin immediately notices something different about Noah, he has been bitten multiple times by the zombies and he shows no signs of turning into one. Can he possibly be immune to the virus?
Noah, out of loneliness, agrees to accompany Devin back to the prison. Unfortunately, upon their arrival Noah is immediately quarantined and held against his will as he is subjected to a multitude of testing and finally being injected with the virus. When he remains immune, the military demands that he be brought to their headquarters in Chicago. Devin is not happy with the barbaric treatment of Noah and does what he has to do in order to protect him.
There is non-stop action in this book and, even with the developing relationship between Devin and Noah, there is very little romance and just a tad bit of sex. With Noah’s help, Devin is finally confronting the guilt that he harbors over having to kill his lover and is beginning to heal. The two men are very different yet eventually come together for a try at their own HEA.
4 Stars
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
This is a raw and gritty read that opens with action and emotional intensity and never lets go. In this post-apocalyptic time, a pandemic has created a world where flesh eating zombies have taken over and the he remaining survivors are barely hanging on to their own lives as they fight off the zombies, hunger and desolation. This is a bleak world filled with violence and loss and the ultimate goal is survival.
Devin and his twin sister Emily are a part of a small group of survivors living in Kansas State Prison that has become their refuge. Emily is a scientist search for a cure for the virus and Devin is a heartbroken man and still grieves the loss of his lover that he was forced to kill after becoming infected. He spends his days scouring the surrounding areas looking for food and any items that can be of use to the survivors at the prison. He is going through the motions of life not feeling anything but grief and guilt. It is on one of these missions that Devin is attacked at a farmhouse by zombies. The 14 year old boy who was on his first mission with Devin is killed and Devin is rescued by Noah, the only surviving member of the family that resided at the farmhouse. Devin immediately notices something different about Noah, he has been bitten multiple times by the zombies and he shows no signs of turning into one. Can he possibly be immune to the virus?
Noah, out of loneliness, agrees to accompany Devin back to the prison. Unfortunately, upon their arrival Noah is immediately quarantined and held against his will as he is subjected to a multitude of testing and finally being injected with the virus. When he remains immune, the military demands that he be brought to their headquarters in Chicago. Devin is not happy with the barbaric treatment of Noah and does what he has to do in order to protect him.
There is non-stop action in this book and, even with the developing relationship between Devin and Noah, there is very little romance and just a tad bit of sex. With Noah’s help, Devin is finally confronting the guilt that he harbors over having to kill his lover and is beginning to heal. The two men are very different yet eventually come together for a try at their own HEA.
November 11, 2015
This is a bit cold light romance. The atmosphere, while reading the story, is blank and unsympathetic, to all main characters. Somehow I couldn't really connect or really even care for the main characters in this story. Devin is such a depressing character, I really didn't feel much for him. But then if we consider his past it makes sense, too. Even so the mood of this story could be lighter and warmer.
January 16, 2013
There was nothing wrong with the writing, but I just could not connect with any character. I didn't care if any of them made it.
honestly-ill-never-get-around-to-it
December 23, 2013Mmmm, post-apocalyptic m/m! Don't wanna be first to read it after the hits I took in July though.
April 10, 2018
3.5 stars
This book could have been so much better. Noah was a sweetie but the character could have been brought to life more. Devin was an a$$ and I found it hard not to blame him for a few things. I wish the author would have added more depth but I'll try out book 2 to see if things change.
This book could have been so much better. Noah was a sweetie but the character could have been brought to life more. Devin was an a$$ and I found it hard not to blame him for a few things. I wish the author would have added more depth but I'll try out book 2 to see if things change.
December 28, 2012
I find myself struggling in deciding the number of stars to give because the two plots to this story had differing enjoyably and believability factors for me.
The first one, post apocalypse survival, was well written. Kudos to the author.
However, the second one a MM romance, fail flat.
So let me break this down for you.
Note: I will be using spoilers which are truly spoilers.
Those who read my reviews know that I love the genre of Post Apocalypse fiction Big Time. I have a set of expectations which 'must' be met for me to give a story in this genre five stars.
To all those criteria this story gets Five Glow-in-the-Dark Stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the plot unfolded, the conflicts, twists and plot resolution. Yes!! give me more just like that, PLEASE!
Now to the second plot, the romance of the main characters Devin and Noah. I also have standards for my romance plots, which sadly I feel were not met in this secondary plot.
I could not get behind the character of Devin in the romance plot. Frankly he was a jerk to Noah and quite vain. Seriously? You call that romance? I found it off putting.
Now lets talk about the single erotic scene in the story. Every plot needs the main characters to have an epiphany (my views) but Man oh Man that was so wrong. I was so annoyed with this that I felt the scene should have been stripped from the story as it was near impossible to imagine the action of the scene while this occurred. It read choppy, un-flowing and it tangled the two romance plot elements up so badly that neither of them worked.
And it’s not like that epiphany really played out. Because Talk about an anti-climatic 'romance' plot resolution.
So the romance plot gets 2 stars from me.
But I really liked the post apocalypse plot and it is the bulk of the story. So end the end I choose to give this story 4 stars weighing more heavily on the pros of the Post Apocalypse plot.
I enjoy the story so much so that, I do recommend this story.
Based off my enjoyment of this story, I plan to read more from this author.
The first one, post apocalypse survival, was well written. Kudos to the author.
However, the second one a MM romance, fail flat.
So let me break this down for you.
Note: I will be using spoilers which are truly spoilers.
Those who read my reviews know that I love the genre of Post Apocalypse fiction Big Time. I have a set of expectations which 'must' be met for me to give a story in this genre five stars.
They are:
Believability factor. (No, it doesn’t need to be 100% reality this is fiction after all but I have to believe in the outcomes, possibilities, events.)
Lots of Combat Action (These stories are survival stories. I want to mentally see the characters struggle & fight for life).
Heroes and Villains a.k.a. Human Moral Conflicts (Simply having a zombie be your villain doesn’t cut it for me. I want to see the ‘human’ struggles over right and wrong).
Vivid Details/descriptions (I want to smell, feel, taste, see exactly what your characters are.)
To all those criteria this story gets Five Glow-in-the-Dark Stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the plot unfolded, the conflicts, twists and plot resolution. Yes!! give me more just like that, PLEASE!
Now to the second plot, the romance of the main characters Devin and Noah. I also have standards for my romance plots, which sadly I feel were not met in this secondary plot.
They are:
Two independently created and sustained characters who are flawed but growing. I prefer them to be likable, but if not then relatable.
A believable crisis (why they can not be together).
A building of the romance which ends with the characters realizing they were 'meant' to be.
The romance plots climax (the coming together of the couple).
The romance plots resolution .. happily ever after, happy for now, too bad he died or whatever.
I could not get behind the character of Devin in the romance plot. Frankly he was a jerk to Noah and quite vain. Seriously? You call that romance? I found it off putting.
Now lets talk about the single erotic scene in the story. Every plot needs the main characters to have an epiphany (my views) but Man oh Man that was so wrong. I was so annoyed with this that I felt the scene should have been stripped from the story as it was near impossible to imagine the action of the scene while this occurred. It read choppy, un-flowing and it tangled the two romance plot elements up so badly that neither of them worked.
And it’s not like that epiphany really played out. Because Talk about an anti-climatic 'romance' plot resolution.
So the romance plot gets 2 stars from me.
But I really liked the post apocalypse plot and it is the bulk of the story. So end the end I choose to give this story 4 stars weighing more heavily on the pros of the Post Apocalypse plot.
I enjoy the story so much so that, I do recommend this story.
Based off my enjoyment of this story, I plan to read more from this author.
July 19, 2017
I think MandyM's review pretty well sums up my feelings on this book. It had a lot of great potential but unfortunately fell flat for me. I have to admit I felt Devin WAS responsible for the death of Lee in the opening scene in that he was more fed up with the sixteen year old than warranted and therefore didn’t keep as close an eye on him. Why make the impressionable and scared teenager out for the FIRST TIIME go into the gas station by himself? Why not get tough and insist he stay by your side and not run ahead-obviously he doesn’t know about how serious the danger is if he thinks the place is deserted and he’s never been out before!?! Honestly the whole opening scene I felt detached from our hero-he reacted too slowly and did not have his head in the game. I actually thought when the mother of the boy wanted to go out scavenging the next day with our MC that we were going to have a showdown between the two, or she was on a suicidal mission where she wasn’t planning to return and I was ready for some drama. Nope, instead she was having a sugar craving. Come on! I didn’t feel connected to either of the main characters; Devin is going through the motions, depressed since his lover died and merely following the guy in charge who apparently set himself up as the top dog. There is no impression that Devin is unhappy with the status quo or chomping at the bit until the new guy shows up, yet Devin never challenges Corden’s authority. Instead he tries to circumvent the process by sleeping with the skeeze which doesn’t get him anything but regrets and a whole lot of headaches. And I found Noah to be pushy! He didn’t seem to have awareness of personal boundaries and all through the story he keeps trying to get closer to a still clearly grieving Devin. Still, Em’s review is also right, lots of gory action and plenty of zombies which I loved. Read at your own risk!
August 20, 2012
This book was like a fantastic episode of The Walking Dead and since I'm currently going through withdrawals and waiting for season 3 to start (October 14 people!) this was such a treat for me. The danger, suspense and bloody violent gore held my interest and I felt like I was right there experiencing everything with the characters. But with so many strong-willed survivors (including the women), why did they allow their asshole leader Corden to abuse his position and why didn't they stand up to him when his decisions were becoming more and more questionable? But I suppose if they fed him to the zombies there wouldn't have been as much tension in the storyline. The only thing that was lacking for me was the romantic connection between Devin and Noah. Devin was clearly having trouble letting go of his feelings for Connor (the love of his life who previously became infected). He kept discouraging Noah's affection, so I had a little trouble understanding why Noah would still be interested in Devin (was he just lonely?) or why they would take risks to keep each other safe. It definitely wasn't insta-love and it felt like they still had a long road to go before it became love at all (at least on Devin's side). But they were getting there, and I can see where romance might not be a top priority when zombies are trying to eat your face off. Their bleak world finally had a glimmer of hope at the end. I enjoyed it and it also helped me fine-tune my own plans for dealing with the Zombie Apocalypse, so it was a win-win for me. :)
February 1, 2018
As a huge fans of zombie apocalypse story, it's hard for me not to 'compare' anything zombie's related story to The Walking Dead.
And I hope the author didn't feel kinda 'intimidated' or 'uncomfortable' when I did it. But I promise, I'll do it in positive way.
Meredith Russell is a new author to me and Dead Things become her first book that I choose to 'taste the water'.
Well, actually I didn't know about this book, not until I saw the cover reveal promote about the second book of this series. And yes, as a 'coverslut', the 'Dead Fall' cover successfully 'catch' my full attention, and when I read the blurb and knowing that that actually the second book of the series, I decided that I NEED this series to be on my next reading!
So I didn't waste any more time and start it right away.
The story opening scene was successfully grabbed my full attention!
And after that, the next thing I know I'm drown into the story that consumed me right from the first page and made me hard to put it down!
I like the writing. I like the plotting and the pace. The story was so intense and the MC's were also good with 'interesting' characters, the chemistry between the MC's was 'there' even when there's lack of romance and almost no sex scenes in this book. Everything feels right on it place.
But I do feel there's something was not 'right' with this Corden guy here that not quite strong enough to stir the 'problems'. Also the 'thing' that happened to Devin at nearly end of the story feel kinda 'off' to me. BUT even there's some part that feels not right for me, I must admit that the book successfully grabbed my full attention and I DO really enjoying the reading.
I must admit that there's some scenes that give me the déjà vu feels when I read it, well....I think it's more like 'give me the same and/or familiar feels' but I'm sure the scenes was NOT exactly the same, so I didn't care much because this is zombies apocalypse, right? What do you think gonna happen next?
And now I really cannot wait for what will happen next with Devin and Noah!
Recommended!
The eBook was given by the author via Signal Boost Promotions as a part of Dead Fall Release Blitz package, and I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
July 16, 2018
This was one hell of a book. Everybody always jokes around about the zombie apocalypse, but could you imagine if it really came true? Having to hide for survival and hope that one day a cure or something comes along. Yeah, I think I will pass lol.
Devin has been making runs to surrounding towns and cities to search for food and supplies for the survivors at the prison. It's a dangerous mission to day almost every day, but people are depending on him, including his sister. Plus, every time he goes, someone goes with him for backup, and he tired of seeing people die. But on one trip out, he and his partner of the day are ambushed. At the point when they think all hope is lost, someone rescues them. And he's immune to bites. Devin thinks Noah may finally be the hope they need. But of course, someone is greedy and corrupt and they have to struggle even harder to survive. But it may not be in time.
Man this was an emotional book. Not only having to deal with zombies, but protecting everyone and having to kill friends and loved ones. Yeah i couldn't do it I don't think. I felt so bad for Noah in this book. Having to watch his own family turn on each other and then having to kill them. Then he finds out he can offer a chance of healing people and he gets used. Thankfully Devin stepped in to help. Devin has been through enough himself, and each time he makes a trip, he seems to lose a little bit more of himself. I don't know how they survived. To constantly see blood and death, people turning on each other as they are overcome with the virus. I don't know if I could face a new day. Devin wanted to give up many times himself, but he had to hang on. If for nothing else, then for his sister. I guess I can't really say what I'd do. You can't really imagine what you would do in a situation until you are in it, but just the thought alone is enough to want to give up.
If you like zombies and such, you are in for a treat with this one. It's really good. Twists and turns and things that kinda surprise you. Good good book
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Devin has been making runs to surrounding towns and cities to search for food and supplies for the survivors at the prison. It's a dangerous mission to day almost every day, but people are depending on him, including his sister. Plus, every time he goes, someone goes with him for backup, and he tired of seeing people die. But on one trip out, he and his partner of the day are ambushed. At the point when they think all hope is lost, someone rescues them. And he's immune to bites. Devin thinks Noah may finally be the hope they need. But of course, someone is greedy and corrupt and they have to struggle even harder to survive. But it may not be in time.
Man this was an emotional book. Not only having to deal with zombies, but protecting everyone and having to kill friends and loved ones. Yeah i couldn't do it I don't think. I felt so bad for Noah in this book. Having to watch his own family turn on each other and then having to kill them. Then he finds out he can offer a chance of healing people and he gets used. Thankfully Devin stepped in to help. Devin has been through enough himself, and each time he makes a trip, he seems to lose a little bit more of himself. I don't know how they survived. To constantly see blood and death, people turning on each other as they are overcome with the virus. I don't know if I could face a new day. Devin wanted to give up many times himself, but he had to hang on. If for nothing else, then for his sister. I guess I can't really say what I'd do. You can't really imagine what you would do in a situation until you are in it, but just the thought alone is enough to want to give up.
If you like zombies and such, you are in for a treat with this one. It's really good. Twists and turns and things that kinda surprise you. Good good book
http://lovebytesreviews.com
October 7, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
As a long-time fan of the zombie genre, I have read many stories, from horror to romance and everything in between, but I have never read something like Dead Things. The suspense element is high, the level of gore and violence is perfect, and the premise and story were compelling and, at times, disturbing.
I found it totally unfair that Devin had to do the outside work and felt that he was nearing the end of his rope. I got the feeling that if things didn’t change, not even Devin’s love for his sister would be enough to save his sanity. Devin has his skeletons, namely his last boyfriend, Connor, who was turned. Devin has never forgotten about Connor and the happily ever after they had planned, which now affects how he views potential relationships.
Noah is so surprisingly naive, and yet one tough mother. Having survived for so many months alone on his family farm, it was serendipitous that Devin and Kerry even found him, or was it? His character was well thought out and executed, like Devin, but I really can’t say the same for most of the secondary characters.
The most irritating of the secondary characters was the “leader” of the Kansas contingent, a stereotypical megolamaniac with no real depth. I did like Devin’s sister, Emily though. She was a source of calm in an otherwise crazy world and I felt that her behaviour was realistic.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
As a long-time fan of the zombie genre, I have read many stories, from horror to romance and everything in between, but I have never read something like Dead Things. The suspense element is high, the level of gore and violence is perfect, and the premise and story were compelling and, at times, disturbing.
I found it totally unfair that Devin had to do the outside work and felt that he was nearing the end of his rope. I got the feeling that if things didn’t change, not even Devin’s love for his sister would be enough to save his sanity. Devin has his skeletons, namely his last boyfriend, Connor, who was turned. Devin has never forgotten about Connor and the happily ever after they had planned, which now affects how he views potential relationships.
Noah is so surprisingly naive, and yet one tough mother. Having survived for so many months alone on his family farm, it was serendipitous that Devin and Kerry even found him, or was it? His character was well thought out and executed, like Devin, but I really can’t say the same for most of the secondary characters.
The most irritating of the secondary characters was the “leader” of the Kansas contingent, a stereotypical megolamaniac with no real depth. I did like Devin’s sister, Emily though. She was a source of calm in an otherwise crazy world and I felt that her behaviour was realistic.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
December 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this action-packed zombie book!
It was well-written and the characters behaved believably for such a dreadful situation.
The only one I thought a bit of a cardboard cutout was the villain, Corden. On the other hand, it wasn't necessary to know too much of his motivations, as in real life there are plenty of unworthy people in important situations whom people follow, seemingly without considering just who it is they're granting power to.
The main characters, Devin and Noah, have both been through so much that it's hard to see how they can ever have a happily-ever-after. But Meredith Russell brings them to the position at the end where you truly believe that is what iwll happen, and that is no mean feat. There's no insta-love here; it's hard-earned all round, and all the better for it.
I'd recommend this book to all action lovers, lovers of good writing and well-developed characters.
The cover, by Reese Dante, is perfect for the content. The larger figure of Devin is appropriate, as it is him we first meet, and it is for Devin to discover Noah, in the darkness of the world as it is then.
It was well-written and the characters behaved believably for such a dreadful situation.
The only one I thought a bit of a cardboard cutout was the villain, Corden. On the other hand, it wasn't necessary to know too much of his motivations, as in real life there are plenty of unworthy people in important situations whom people follow, seemingly without considering just who it is they're granting power to.
The main characters, Devin and Noah, have both been through so much that it's hard to see how they can ever have a happily-ever-after. But Meredith Russell brings them to the position at the end where you truly believe that is what iwll happen, and that is no mean feat. There's no insta-love here; it's hard-earned all round, and all the better for it.
I'd recommend this book to all action lovers, lovers of good writing and well-developed characters.
The cover, by Reese Dante, is perfect for the content. The larger figure of Devin is appropriate, as it is him we first meet, and it is for Devin to discover Noah, in the darkness of the world as it is then.
September 2, 2012
Okay, so I needed that. Ever since I ended my love affair with AMC's The Walking Dead after season 1 (because wtf, season 2?!), I've had zero zombie fixes. Not a one. So I needed this. It's not perfect, but I still enjoyed it quite a lot. I think the author captured the post-apocalyptic despair really well, and it was also nice and gory. All of the usual zombie tropes are employed to varying degrees of success: you've got the hero, the despot, the scientist, the chick, the sacrificial lamb, the love interest, the saviour, the dumbass; and you can see everything coming from a mile off. Even so, it was well written and atmospheric enough to pull it all off. The romance aspect felt a bit distracted, but I guess I'd be distracted too if things were trying to eat me all the time. Anyway, I was going to give it 3 stars, but I've tacked one on there because, you know, zombies.
August 27, 2012
I must admit, zombie stories are not my thing. But this was much more than your typical zombie story. This is a story of survival, understanding, forgiveness, love…and hope. Great job, Meredith! Looking forward to more of Devin, Noah, Emily, Jack and Kerry.
March 23, 2013
Really enjoyable, quite realistic... If you can believe zombies are real. Great vulnerable main characters, with human strengths and weaknesses. No pure white hats, nor pure black, just very human people surviving In an apocalyptic world while managing to find love.
August 19, 2012
This action-packed book would make a great script for a movie. I had a great time reading it although the romance took a backseat to the zombie fighting.
March 4, 2019
3.2 Stars
I think I needed just a little bit more in the relationship department to fully engage with this one. Too quick on the Insta-Love (although, I guess a zombie apocalypse can ramp up feelings) and I'm still not sure why either were attracted to the other - except for some heroism stuff. Not enough to build on for me, though.
Also, no way in hell would the scientists Not buying it.
But, yeah, still gonna read the sequel...'cause why not? And I might get some of that relationship building I craved from this one.
I think I needed just a little bit more in the relationship department to fully engage with this one. Too quick on the Insta-Love (although, I guess a zombie apocalypse can ramp up feelings) and I'm still not sure why either were attracted to the other - except for some heroism stuff. Not enough to build on for me, though.
Also, no way in hell would the scientists Not buying it.
But, yeah, still gonna read the sequel...'cause why not? And I might get some of that relationship building I craved from this one.
May 8, 2018
Did this end up on my favorites shelf? Heck yes,it did!
I absolutely, positively LOVED it!! It's got well thought out horror, adventure, drama, heartbreak, and more. This is a M/M story, but the romance isn't at the forefront here. It's there and it simmers. Slowly and oh-so-satisfyingly. The MC's get there, wherever there can be in a world full of death and loss. But will they...can they stay that way and find their HEA? I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out!
I recommend this to anyone who loves a good horror tale with a bit of hope peeking in from time to time. This was just fabulous!
I absolutely, positively LOVED it!! It's got well thought out horror, adventure, drama, heartbreak, and more. This is a M/M story, but the romance isn't at the forefront here. It's there and it simmers. Slowly and oh-so-satisfyingly. The MC's get there, wherever there can be in a world full of death and loss. But will they...can they stay that way and find their HEA? I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out!
I recommend this to anyone who loves a good horror tale with a bit of hope peeking in from time to time. This was just fabulous!
February 1, 2018
I love a good zombie apocalypse although not much background as to how it happened. Devin is a survivor, he lost his lover months before. Scavenging is what he does best. While he is searching for supplies he comes across Noah. Noah has been exposed to the zombie virus and hasn't turned. What follows is the bones of the story. Very slow burn between Devin and Noah. Looking forward to second book
January 24, 2018
3.5 stars. The world building is great in this but the romance is definitely secondary.
February 18, 2023
It was a little sappier than I was expecting and I feel like the romance moved way too fast to feel real
September 15, 2014
I will always give Stephen King credit for contributing to my need to devour books. I cut my reading chops on horror in junior high school, and it wasn’t until more than a decade later that I decided to give the romance genre a try. You know the books—the ones with the handsome rogue with the dreamy eyes and granite jawline, and the swooning damsel with the pillowy bosoms overflowing her gown on their covers? Alas, if only there were a way to combine horror and romance into a single book…
Well, ask and ye shall receive. Meredith Russell has done just that in her post-viral apocalypse zombie novel Dead Things, set in a world where a contagion gone mad has created a societal collapse, where it’s kill or be killed. But only for as long as it takes to resurrect as one of the walking dead.
From page one, Ms. Russell does a fantastic job of setting the tone and pace of the novel. Her descriptions are palpable, creating a mood of unease and a sense of overwhelming bleakness as it becomes clear humans are at a distinct disadvantage in a world that’s now overrun by monsters. Each trip beyond the relative safety of the prison walls in which a small band of survivors dwells is a risk, but is also integral to their survival. The danger and suspense, not to mention the gruesomeness of each zombie encounter, is filled with heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping moments, and I loved it.
Devin Reid is the man designated to make those trips to scavenge for food and medical supplies. Or, rather, it could be more that he volunteers for them because the loss he’s suffered outweighs his survival instinct. The death, and undeath, of the man he’d planned to spend the rest of his life with has made the idea of the future as bleak a landscape as the reality in which Devin now exists, and it was this desolation that made his finding Noah Weber all the more vital.
One of the things I feel worked so well in this novel is that the author avoided the temptation to make the relationship between Devin and Noah one that slipped into a purposeful contrast between their environment and a love that becomes the miraculous overshadowing of all their hardships. This is not a love conquers all romance, and I very much appreciated the pragmatism of it. Devin and Noah work to get where they are at the end, and even then, the author doesn’t give us a pat, sunshine and rainbows happily-ever-after, something I felt was the ideal fit for this type of story.
All of the elements—man vs. man (the human monster whose hunger for absolute power and control corrupts absolutely), man vs. himself (Devin and Noah attempting to adapt after so much pain and loss), and man vs. nature (or, the unnatural as is the case in Dead Things)—are all here in this single novel. I have to say, as far as the zombie apocalypse goes, I think Meredith Russell imagined us a pretty good one.
Well, ask and ye shall receive. Meredith Russell has done just that in her post-viral apocalypse zombie novel Dead Things, set in a world where a contagion gone mad has created a societal collapse, where it’s kill or be killed. But only for as long as it takes to resurrect as one of the walking dead.
From page one, Ms. Russell does a fantastic job of setting the tone and pace of the novel. Her descriptions are palpable, creating a mood of unease and a sense of overwhelming bleakness as it becomes clear humans are at a distinct disadvantage in a world that’s now overrun by monsters. Each trip beyond the relative safety of the prison walls in which a small band of survivors dwells is a risk, but is also integral to their survival. The danger and suspense, not to mention the gruesomeness of each zombie encounter, is filled with heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping moments, and I loved it.
Devin Reid is the man designated to make those trips to scavenge for food and medical supplies. Or, rather, it could be more that he volunteers for them because the loss he’s suffered outweighs his survival instinct. The death, and undeath, of the man he’d planned to spend the rest of his life with has made the idea of the future as bleak a landscape as the reality in which Devin now exists, and it was this desolation that made his finding Noah Weber all the more vital.
One of the things I feel worked so well in this novel is that the author avoided the temptation to make the relationship between Devin and Noah one that slipped into a purposeful contrast between their environment and a love that becomes the miraculous overshadowing of all their hardships. This is not a love conquers all romance, and I very much appreciated the pragmatism of it. Devin and Noah work to get where they are at the end, and even then, the author doesn’t give us a pat, sunshine and rainbows happily-ever-after, something I felt was the ideal fit for this type of story.
All of the elements—man vs. man (the human monster whose hunger for absolute power and control corrupts absolutely), man vs. himself (Devin and Noah attempting to adapt after so much pain and loss), and man vs. nature (or, the unnatural as is the case in Dead Things)—are all here in this single novel. I have to say, as far as the zombie apocalypse goes, I think Meredith Russell imagined us a pretty good one.
November 11, 2015
So much dumbfuckery.
***SPOILERS***
Why the fuck did Devin sleep with Corden? Can someone please answer that question for me? When it first started being hinted at as a bargaining tool, I got that skin-too-tight queasiness that always makes me want to find the author and ram an ereader down their throat, but I figured he was doing it to keep Noah from being injected with the zombie virus. Imagine my shock, then, when Noah is infected with the zombie virus, Devin knows about it, and still sleeps with the goddamn villain.
Russell wants us to believe it's so Noah would be released from his cell, but they would have had to let him out to take him to Chicago, anyway!
And why the fuck did Corden have that much power? The group's numbers weren't all that big (somewhere between 30 and 64 since Russell never bothers to give the reader concrete numbers), and Devin says that most people don't care what Corden does since they just want to bury their heads in the sand and have someone take care of them. Okaaaayyy. So if that were the case, why would they care if you put some slugs into the heads of Corden's men, then took Corden out and fed him to some zombies? Why would anyone care????? Devin acts like it would be some impossible feat to take the slimy asshole out, but really, it wouldn't take much at all, just an actual hero who isn't an emotionally bereft imbecile.
And then, when Corden and one of his men were attacked by the kid zombie, and no one bothered to check and make sure Corden hadn't been bitten? Yeah, that was bright. Then Corden spends the next few days becoming increasingly agitated, sweaty, and manic, and all Devin does is shrug and think, "What a weird guy."
ARRRGGGGH. I fucking can't with these assholes.
To top it all off, the romance was one of the lamest I've ever read. Noah spends most of the book pleading with Devin to give them a chance, and finally Devin gives in with a, "Sure, we'll see where this goes", but still doesn't seem all that thrilled to be "cheating" on his long-dead husband, Connor. So fucking sweet.
I usually enjoy zombie stories. Getting through this one was just an exercise in patience.
***SPOILERS***
Why the fuck did Devin sleep with Corden? Can someone please answer that question for me? When it first started being hinted at as a bargaining tool, I got that skin-too-tight queasiness that always makes me want to find the author and ram an ereader down their throat, but I figured he was doing it to keep Noah from being injected with the zombie virus. Imagine my shock, then, when Noah is infected with the zombie virus, Devin knows about it, and still sleeps with the goddamn villain.
Russell wants us to believe it's so Noah would be released from his cell, but they would have had to let him out to take him to Chicago, anyway!
And why the fuck did Corden have that much power? The group's numbers weren't all that big (somewhere between 30 and 64 since Russell never bothers to give the reader concrete numbers), and Devin says that most people don't care what Corden does since they just want to bury their heads in the sand and have someone take care of them. Okaaaayyy. So if that were the case, why would they care if you put some slugs into the heads of Corden's men, then took Corden out and fed him to some zombies? Why would anyone care????? Devin acts like it would be some impossible feat to take the slimy asshole out, but really, it wouldn't take much at all, just an actual hero who isn't an emotionally bereft imbecile.
And then, when Corden and one of his men were attacked by the kid zombie, and no one bothered to check and make sure Corden hadn't been bitten? Yeah, that was bright. Then Corden spends the next few days becoming increasingly agitated, sweaty, and manic, and all Devin does is shrug and think, "What a weird guy."
ARRRGGGGH. I fucking can't with these assholes.
To top it all off, the romance was one of the lamest I've ever read. Noah spends most of the book pleading with Devin to give them a chance, and finally Devin gives in with a, "Sure, we'll see where this goes", but still doesn't seem all that thrilled to be "cheating" on his long-dead husband, Connor. So fucking sweet.
I usually enjoy zombie stories. Getting through this one was just an exercise in patience.
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