What do you think?
Rate this book
Eden
Eden is an underground, self-sufficient complex that has withstood the zombie apocalypse for over thirty years. Standing in the control room, there to take over the running of it from his father, Mark quickly realises this is more than a handover. He's about to find out that Eden has secrets. Dark secrets.
Secrets that reveal the truth about the apocalypse.
Secrets that change the way he looks at his father forever.
Secrets that change the way he looks at everything forever.
What the reviewers say about Eden:
“Eden is deep, dark, and thought provoking.”
“The plot and pacing are wonderfully constructed, and the characters’ emotions come through incredibly clearly.”
“… stop wasting time reading the awesome reviews, grab this book, and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!”
“It ran the gamut of emotions; anger, surprise, shock and heartbreak. I was in tears at the end of the story.”
“Two thumbs up!”
“You need to read this, like, now.”
“I could not have asked for a better glimpse into this under-utilised facet of the zombie apocalypse.”
Secrets that reveal the truth about the apocalypse.
Secrets that change the way he looks at his father forever.
Secrets that change the way he looks at everything forever.
What the reviewers say about Eden:
“Eden is deep, dark, and thought provoking.”
“The plot and pacing are wonderfully constructed, and the characters’ emotions come through incredibly clearly.”
“… stop wasting time reading the awesome reviews, grab this book, and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!”
“It ran the gamut of emotions; anger, surprise, shock and heartbreak. I was in tears at the end of the story.”
“Two thumbs up!”
“You need to read this, like, now.”
“I could not have asked for a better glimpse into this under-utilised facet of the zombie apocalypse.”
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2014
About the author
Michael Robertson
100 books209 followersMichael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 12, 2020
This was a quick and interesting read.
February 2, 2017
Eden: (4 stars)
Following his dad into the control room, Mark remained on his feet and watched the old man fall into his high-backed chair. Letting out a groan, his dad leaned back in the threadbare seat and stared at the six monitors before him. Over three decades ago, both the furniture and equipment had been new, or at least, that's what his dad had told him. To Mark, they'd existed for a lifetime. A lifetime he'd spent in the underground community of Eden.
For a moment, all Mark's dad did was look from one monitor to the next. It was like he'd never seen them before.
Trigger maybe for some....
*Also included*
Pandora (4 stars):
"Elpis, no!"
When Athena tried to stand up, Herm put a gentle hand on her shoulder. It was enough to keep her down, kneeling on the floor in the observation area, staring through the two-way mirror at the little girl in the room on the other side.
Watching the distraught mother for a few more seconds, his heart heavy, Herm turned his attention to Stus, who walked up to the glass and stopped just centimeters away from it.
Following his dad into the control room, Mark remained on his feet and watched the old man fall into his high-backed chair. Letting out a groan, his dad leaned back in the threadbare seat and stared at the six monitors before him. Over three decades ago, both the furniture and equipment had been new, or at least, that's what his dad had told him. To Mark, they'd existed for a lifetime. A lifetime he'd spent in the underground community of Eden.
For a moment, all Mark's dad did was look from one monitor to the next. It was like he'd never seen them before.
Trigger maybe for some....
*Also included*
Pandora (4 stars):
"Elpis, no!"
When Athena tried to stand up, Herm put a gentle hand on her shoulder. It was enough to keep her down, kneeling on the floor in the observation area, staring through the two-way mirror at the little girl in the room on the other side.
Watching the distraught mother for a few more seconds, his heart heavy, Herm turned his attention to Stus, who walked up to the glass and stopped just centimeters away from it.
August 13, 2022
Another superior tale from Michael Robertson, this one being a short story about an underground community called Eden, taking place 30 years after a zombie apocalypse. As they say .... "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions". A bonus short called Pandora put a whole new spin on Greek mythology and "Pandora's Box"!
September 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book of two short stories. I've read a lot of Michael Robertson's more recent work and from the publication date on Eden I can tell it contained several "seeds" that show up in his later works more fully formed. It is interesting to watch a writer develop like that.
July 23, 2018
The first of the 2 stories was well executed, it was easy to read and follow with an interesting twist on how the Zombie apocalypse started.
The second story, had a good concept but failed to execute effectively. The use of long and short names for the characters became slightly confusing. It felt like disjointed story telling. The characters seemed to be more 2 dimensional.
The second story, had a good concept but failed to execute effectively. The use of long and short names for the characters became slightly confusing. It felt like disjointed story telling. The characters seemed to be more 2 dimensional.
September 29, 2014
Another excellent short story from Michael Robertson. Reading it was a ride from start to finish. The plot and pacing are wonderfully constructed, and the characters' emotions come through incredibly clearly.
I was impressed at the mastery of conceal/reveal that takes place in this story. Nothing is revealed to the reader--and even to the protagonist--until it is necessary, and that is a skill that few have mastered.
I was impressed at the mastery of conceal/reveal that takes place in this story. Nothing is revealed to the reader--and even to the protagonist--until it is necessary, and that is a skill that few have mastered.
December 27, 2015
Remarkably well done zombie short, which is saying a lot these days in an oversaturated market. Thirty years into the zom-poc, a father turns over control of the refuge "Eden" to his son, and reveals to him one final, devastating secret. Robertson's writing style is crisp, with enough detail to illustrate his world.
There's a second short included in this, "Pandora", which is a wicked take on the Greek mythological tale. Nicely done as well.
There's a second short included in this, "Pandora", which is a wicked take on the Greek mythological tale. Nicely done as well.
November 1, 2014
I'm not a big Zombie fan, but I wanted a short book to read while I waited for a book on hold to come in. I actually really enjoyed this book. It was well-written, and it focused more on the people who were not zombies and how the zombies came to be, which I enjoyed.
November 24, 2015
Readers are treated to two well written and fast paced short stories. I will definitely be reading more of this author's books.
July 26, 2018
We are introduced to Mark who is shadowing his father on his last day as guardian of the compound that they have lived in for the past 30 years. The compound keeps them safe from the zombie apocalypse that is just outside their doors. As Mark's dad walks him through the daily routine for the last time we learn a secret about the events that took place and lead to their apocalypse.
This short was surprisingly satisfying. It is a brief glimpse into the lives of these two men as a father shares his secret and a son learns the terrifying truth. The writing captured my attention from the very beginning and when I got to the end I definitely wanted more. Mr. Robertson gives us just enough emotion with his characters to draw us in. From the annoyed son who checks himself as his father runs through the emotion handing off of the torch to his son.
At first, I was irritated by yet another male author using the female body to create a disease and blaming the end of the world on. Too many male authors tend to use the female body to conduct experiments on and use the good ole troupe of a woman giving "birth" to a new breed of human. However, the way this story ends that clearly wasn't the author's intention in this short story and I was pleased by the revealing secret at the end, even if it was predictable.
This story earned 3.5 stars from me because the ending was too abrupt and some of the writing was predictable. However, I still recommend giving it a try considering its a short read, a good introduction to the author's writing, the Kindle version is free on Amazon, and a second short story is included with the Kindle version.
I for one will be reading more from this author and suggestion you give Michael Robertsons' writing a chance.
This short was surprisingly satisfying. It is a brief glimpse into the lives of these two men as a father shares his secret and a son learns the terrifying truth. The writing captured my attention from the very beginning and when I got to the end I definitely wanted more. Mr. Robertson gives us just enough emotion with his characters to draw us in. From the annoyed son who checks himself as his father runs through the emotion handing off of the torch to his son.
At first, I was irritated by yet another male author using the female body to create a disease and blaming the end of the world on. Too many male authors tend to use the female body to conduct experiments on and use the good ole troupe of a woman giving "birth" to a new breed of human. However, the way this story ends that clearly wasn't the author's intention in this short story and I was pleased by the revealing secret at the end, even if it was predictable.
This story earned 3.5 stars from me because the ending was too abrupt and some of the writing was predictable. However, I still recommend giving it a try considering its a short read, a good introduction to the author's writing, the Kindle version is free on Amazon, and a second short story is included with the Kindle version.
I for one will be reading more from this author and suggestion you give Michael Robertsons' writing a chance.
May 12, 2017
Two zombie tales in one: Eden and Pandora. I preferred Eden because the narrative was told with back story and conclusion. I felt like Pandora could have been expanded into a longer novella. Both stories were well written and immersive. I will pay closer attention to this author in the future.
May 11, 2019
Two stories
This actually had two: Eden and Pandora. Eden was good - easy to read, easy to follow, interesting twists to how we get to the zombie apocalypse here. I wasn’t a big fan of Pandora so I took it down to three stars.
This actually had two: Eden and Pandora. Eden was good - easy to read, easy to follow, interesting twists to how we get to the zombie apocalypse here. I wasn’t a big fan of Pandora so I took it down to three stars.
February 23, 2021
I was given this book and both stories were certainly chilling. I have read The Alpha Plague, so understood the context with story one...a great series.
Story two had similarities, in that it was a cautionary tale about consequences.
Worth reading.
Story two had similarities, in that it was a cautionary tale about consequences.
Worth reading.
January 30, 2022
Entertaining fantasy listening 🔰😡
A will written fantasy zombie apocalypse short story about a family. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to 👍 novels 🔰😡 2022
A will written fantasy zombie apocalypse short story about a family. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to 👍 novels 🔰😡 2022
December 3, 2018
Eden
Eden is a 2 part short story about how the zombies came to be on earth. It was short but lacked a certain depth I was hoping for. It was still fun to read both phases.
Eden is a 2 part short story about how the zombies came to be on earth. It was short but lacked a certain depth I was hoping for. It was still fun to read both phases.
April 8, 2019
I Wonder?
Hmmm? Wonder why it will take me so long to get a replacement for this book? A great book such as this worth every minute spent on it,
Hmmm? Wonder why it will take me so long to get a replacement for this book? A great book such as this worth every minute spent on it,
May 27, 2019
Short Zzz-story.
As a fan of Zombie apocalypse and Zombie survival books and games, I found these stories entertaining. I recommend this for zombie fans.
As a fan of Zombie apocalypse and Zombie survival books and games, I found these stories entertaining. I recommend this for zombie fans.
January 3, 2020
Short Reads
Good fast read, interesting short stories with plenty going on, I would like to read them in longer versions, I do like this author a lot.
Good fast read, interesting short stories with plenty going on, I would like to read them in longer versions, I do like this author a lot.
April 10, 2020
It was good
November 4, 2022
Great short stories
May 13, 2023
Great little short story.
April 12, 2016
There are two short stories included in this book. Both have the zombie apocalypse as the background, but both are really stories about people (or Gods?):
1. Eden - This is a sad story of a man trying to do the right thing for all the wrong reasons. The world paid the price for his good intentions.
2. Pandora - This is an interesting story because the names of most of the characters relate to Greek mythology. Pandora, of course, was the person who opened the box and unleashed evil (and hope) upon the world. In this case, the main character is doing the wrong thing for all the wrong reasons and he ends up paying the price for his bad intentions.
These are both excellent stories. They are human stories that show how our weaknesses and egos can lead to destruction, no matter the intent. The two stories were perfectly contrast against each other.
1. Eden - This is a sad story of a man trying to do the right thing for all the wrong reasons. The world paid the price for his good intentions.
2. Pandora - This is an interesting story because the names of most of the characters relate to Greek mythology. Pandora, of course, was the person who opened the box and unleashed evil (and hope) upon the world. In this case, the main character is doing the wrong thing for all the wrong reasons and he ends up paying the price for his bad intentions.
These are both excellent stories. They are human stories that show how our weaknesses and egos can lead to destruction, no matter the intent. The two stories were perfectly contrast against each other.
November 18, 2019
This is a quick little story that has one person passing the proverbial torch to another.
***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS***
So a father is showing his son how to keep the complex they live in safe because it's his last day on the job. And he shows the kid some footage from before the outbreak. Before I read it, I knew exactly what was going to happen. I knew he was going to be the guy who started the zombie outbreak and I knew right away that the woman he was trying to bring back was his dead wife. Very little surprise there.
***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS***
This book was boring, the only good part was the the author was good at creating an atmosphere and describing the scene that the characters in, right down to the flickering monitors and the worn out chairs they were sitting in. I don't recommend this one.
***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS***
So a father is showing his son how to keep the complex they live in safe because it's his last day on the job. And he shows the kid some footage from before the outbreak. Before I read it, I knew exactly what was going to happen. I knew he was going to be the guy who started the zombie outbreak and I knew right away that the woman he was trying to bring back was his dead wife. Very little surprise there.
***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS***
This book was boring, the only good part was the the author was good at creating an atmosphere and describing the scene that the characters in, right down to the flickering monitors and the worn out chairs they were sitting in. I don't recommend this one.
October 10, 2015
I've got to tell you I'm not really a zombie girl (zombies as they used to be portrayed in the movies were either too slow or too stupid and I never got how humans couldn't outrun or outsmart them).
That being said I believe there is a change on the resent years and these short apocalyptic stories by Michael Robertson are definitely on the right track to make skeptics like me truly fall for zombies.
I really liked the characters which are surprisingly developed and creepily human for such a short story and truly must praise the author for the excellent use he made of these few pages. If there is any fault in it is that I wanted to know more.
Robertson's work is certainly to follow up close.
That being said I believe there is a change on the resent years and these short apocalyptic stories by Michael Robertson are definitely on the right track to make skeptics like me truly fall for zombies.
I really liked the characters which are surprisingly developed and creepily human for such a short story and truly must praise the author for the excellent use he made of these few pages. If there is any fault in it is that I wanted to know more.
Robertson's work is certainly to follow up close.
September 30, 2014
I finished the story last night and it blew me away. Your take on the zombie genre is different and refreshing, Sometimes the stories become blurred into one same story and this short story does not do so. I felt it (not sure if you meant it to be ) paid homage to I Am Legend ( the movie ) somewhat. It ran the gamut of emotions; anger, surprise, shock and heartbreak. I was in tears at the end of the story. To understand what his Father did and to whom just broke my heart. To have to live underground as the infected run the topside, I am not sure I could handle it. Again another one I could see being a fleshed out book. Just excellent. I am re-reading it tonight as it is that good!!
August 10, 2016
Two short stories
This is two short zombie stories. In the first, a father turns over the reins of running an underground compound to his son. There is one final thing he must teach him though. In the second, a ruler of a group of survivors lets the power go to his head.
Both the stories were well written. Despite being short, they did not feel like they were rushed or missing anything. It was fairly easy to guess the big twist in the first story. The second story faked me out with what I thought would be the twist and then revealing the real one.
There is a small amount of gore but that should be expected with ravenous undead being featured.
This is two short zombie stories. In the first, a father turns over the reins of running an underground compound to his son. There is one final thing he must teach him though. In the second, a ruler of a group of survivors lets the power go to his head.
Both the stories were well written. Despite being short, they did not feel like they were rushed or missing anything. It was fairly easy to guess the big twist in the first story. The second story faked me out with what I thought would be the twist and then revealing the real one.
There is a small amount of gore but that should be expected with ravenous undead being featured.
August 14, 2015
Humanity Destroyed.
A great short from Robertson once again, the story is that if a father and Son living together in isolation underground whilst the world has gone to hell outside through a zombie virus. Mark never knew the truth of what caused this outbreak until one day everything is explained by his father, a sense of betrayal and shock is what follows. All in all a great tale which places a whole new meaning on opening Pandora's box.
A great short from Robertson once again, the story is that if a father and Son living together in isolation underground whilst the world has gone to hell outside through a zombie virus. Mark never knew the truth of what caused this outbreak until one day everything is explained by his father, a sense of betrayal and shock is what follows. All in all a great tale which places a whole new meaning on opening Pandora's box.
August 21, 2016
Two, not one, very short stories -- Eden and Pandora; but quite good reads for their sizes. They were intriguing and captivating and, though I was not surprised by some of the turns they took, the writing, the pace and the timing for disclosure were certainly well done. Definitely did not want them to end so soon.
Without a doubt, an author to return to.
Without a doubt, an author to return to.
February 25, 2016
2 great short zombie stories. I will be checking out some of the authors other books. If they are anything like this one, I will definitely enjoy them. If you like zombies, this is a great quick read.
July 13, 2015
New idea
I liked this short story. It gave a fresh look on a rapidly tiring subject. I Wil definitely be keeping an eye on this author.
I liked this short story. It gave a fresh look on a rapidly tiring subject. I Wil definitely be keeping an eye on this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews