What do you think?
Rate this book
The Swiss Family RobinZOM #1
The Swiss Family RobinZOM Book 1
The first novella in an 11-part zombie series.
The Classic Family Adventure... Now With Zombies!
Once bitten, the virus spreads throughout the human body. It shuts down organs, kills nerve impulses and even reprograms the way we think. The virus becomes us.
Trapped aboard a ferry destined for their new life in the Philippines, the Robinsons learn of the virus sweeping across the planet. Early symptoms include a hacking cough, shortness of breath, and deathly pale skin. The exact same symptoms shared by a fellow passenger.
Torn between warning the rest of the passengers and preventing full-scale panic, the Robinsons do everything they can to help. But are the choices they make right for everyone or just themselves?
The classic tale, inspired by Robinson Crusoe, written by Johann David Wyss, adapted by Perrin Briar, is an adrenalin-pumping adventure of zombie survival. If your family was trapped on a doomed ship, what would you do?
The Classic Family Adventure... Now With Zombies!
Once bitten, the virus spreads throughout the human body. It shuts down organs, kills nerve impulses and even reprograms the way we think. The virus becomes us.
Trapped aboard a ferry destined for their new life in the Philippines, the Robinsons learn of the virus sweeping across the planet. Early symptoms include a hacking cough, shortness of breath, and deathly pale skin. The exact same symptoms shared by a fellow passenger.
Torn between warning the rest of the passengers and preventing full-scale panic, the Robinsons do everything they can to help. But are the choices they make right for everyone or just themselves?
The classic tale, inspired by Robinson Crusoe, written by Johann David Wyss, adapted by Perrin Briar, is an adrenalin-pumping adventure of zombie survival. If your family was trapped on a doomed ship, what would you do?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2014
148 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Perrin Briar
118 books109 followersPerrin Briar is an English author best-known for his Blood Memory series, black comedy Keeping Mum, and revenge tale Square. He was born in Huntingdon, grew up in Norfolk, graduated from Bournemouth, worked in London, and then chucked it all in to live in South Korea.
He has written for BBC radio, and worked in the production and development departments of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
** Sign up to Perrin's newsletter at www.perrinbriar.com/mailing-list/ and get four free stories, news of forthcoming new novels, competitions, special prices, advanced novel previews and exclusive email-only serial story Skip! **
He has written for BBC radio, and worked in the production and development departments of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
** Sign up to Perrin's newsletter at www.perrinbriar.com/mailing-list/ and get four free stories, news of forthcoming new novels, competitions, special prices, advanced novel previews and exclusive email-only serial story Skip! **
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 21, 2014
I must be in a tiny minority that isn't familiar with the Swiss Family Robinson phenomena. If it's at all like this zombie enhanced take on it, then it must be pretty awesome. I'm not familiar with Briar either, but well done. Just the right balance of cheeky and fun, without ever falling into cutesy zone. Some nice zombie (or Lurchers as they are known in Briar's universe) action too. Makes for a great light entertainment and I imagine especially if you're a fan of the original. Very quick read, something like an hour and a half. Available for free download on amazon and totally worth it. Might make you crave an adventure.
July 13, 2018
I've been given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Just like you, I like getting free stuff, plus there's no moral barrier as my reviews are always honest.
I'd like to believe there are no other reasons for writing a review than to subjectively sum up the overall book experience, but that's frequently being tested reading other reviews. On the plus side, malicious comments are usually very short.
Note that I wouldn't read just any book - free or otherwise - it really needs to fall into my scope of interest. As a book about zombies, it was spot on.
But, I digress.
Apparently The Swiss Family RobinZOM is a remake of a century old classic The Swiss Family Robinson, with added zombies. Like being shipwrecked just isn't enough by itself.
I never read the original story, nor I have plans to, but I can tell it may be an interesting read.
Still, not knowing anything about any of the books I jumped in and started reading.
Story started unraveling pretty quickly. Mostly because of the long and drawn out passages like "She's a very tall girl, with hazel eyes like deep pools of water you could drown yourself in. Locks of her long, curly, auburn hair flailed on the wind...". Yeah, those weren't in.
I think most of us just skim through such and carry on reading, but eventually still come back looking when something further down the line requires us to know it. Or there's an internal conflict forming as our hero couldn't possibly had left a DNA evidence in a form of a blond hair as his has is obviously brown! Or is it? Let's go back and check!
Hm. Still not much about the book. This review sucks.
Try again.
OK - it feels like we arrived just in time to join Robinsons as they're preparing for an adventure. Apparently a family of 5, two grownups and three boys, is dying of boredom. As a parent I had difficulty believing that :-) Plus one of the kids is an adrenaline junkie and climbs everything that can be climbed on. Including buildings.
So, they go. And they go with their friends. In search of an adventure.
We go with them and witness everything that an adventure is not.
When the opportunity arises to jump right in and get our hearts pumping with adrenaline writing cuts short. Every time there's a zombie encounter, what should be a fight to death versus a horrible monster, it just ends. "He pushed him overboard". There's no mention of psychological turmoil, of deepest fear vs illogical and terrifying. Of shock and horror. That's not how you do a zombie story.
How did he push him? Were his eyes wide of disbelief when he noticed zombie was missing a jaw? Did he feel disgusted when his fingers went through the dead flesh and peeled it off like a piece of a soggy toilet paper? Was he scared? Angry? Defiant and determined to save his family for the price of his own life?
No. He pushed the zombie overboard.
It's just... missing. So much could be added that would cause us to care for the characters. To get inside their heads and feel what they feel. To be scared WITH them when the horrifying zombie rushes them from the dark alley.
And after several occasions a pattern emerges. Feels like the writer was afraid to add too much to the original story and all the actual zombie events are so minimized they actually take away from the experience. The other extreme is the mother that's overprotective of her children, as she should be, but transfers the wrong set of emotions to zombies as well.
These are not actual quotes from the book, but you'll get and idea:
"But he's a human."
"It's a zombie, kill it!"
"But I just shared coffee with him..."
Guess what - this coffee-drinking friend of yours is trying to eat your face and you should go mental on him! Hit him with a chair, put a bullet in his head, bring the god damn wall down!
That's a survival instinct everyone has. Guilt comes much later. When adrenaline rush fades, then we're free to search our emotions and question our moral compass. Things we did to protect our children and such.
But that's not in there either.
I kept on reading regardless as it was a light read and the book fairly short. Just couldn't get the enjoyment out of it. All the elements were there but they were just put together in a wrong way. Incompletely.
I wasn't looking for an action pumped superhero zombie slaying festival, but if you're writing about real people make them do things real people would do. You must have seen The Walking Dead. It's not a canon, that's for sure, still you can get a page or two from their book. At least on the suspense, if you're not going for the action.
If there isn't a horde of zombies banging on your door at least you can capture that "they're everywhere and are out to get you" atmosphere.
If I got publication history of the writer correctly, this is one of his first works. I can't take much against him or his writing style, but I can surely dislike some of it. Let me show you.
Yes, it bugged me too.
All in all, the short story isn't bad. Overall, there's a potential, and seeing the author wrote a dozen of them must mean that he both improved on the writing style and the storytelling. But I just don't see myself reading any further.
Not being generous, but not taking away anything, I rate this 3*.
I am not sure how to rate it 2.5* - 3.5*, so 3* will have to do it.
I also have a feeling I cut this review short.
I'd like to believe there are no other reasons for writing a review than to subjectively sum up the overall book experience, but that's frequently being tested reading other reviews. On the plus side, malicious comments are usually very short.
Note that I wouldn't read just any book - free or otherwise - it really needs to fall into my scope of interest. As a book about zombies, it was spot on.
But, I digress.
Apparently The Swiss Family RobinZOM is a remake of a century old classic The Swiss Family Robinson, with added zombies. Like being shipwrecked just isn't enough by itself.
I never read the original story, nor I have plans to, but I can tell it may be an interesting read.
Still, not knowing anything about any of the books I jumped in and started reading.
Story started unraveling pretty quickly. Mostly because of the long and drawn out passages like "She's a very tall girl, with hazel eyes like deep pools of water you could drown yourself in. Locks of her long, curly, auburn hair flailed on the wind...". Yeah, those weren't in.
I think most of us just skim through such and carry on reading, but eventually still come back looking when something further down the line requires us to know it. Or there's an internal conflict forming as our hero couldn't possibly had left a DNA evidence in a form of a blond hair as his has is obviously brown! Or is it? Let's go back and check!
Hm. Still not much about the book. This review sucks.
Try again.
OK - it feels like we arrived just in time to join Robinsons as they're preparing for an adventure. Apparently a family of 5, two grownups and three boys, is dying of boredom. As a parent I had difficulty believing that :-) Plus one of the kids is an adrenaline junkie and climbs everything that can be climbed on. Including buildings.
So, they go. And they go with their friends. In search of an adventure.
We go with them and witness everything that an adventure is not.
When the opportunity arises to jump right in and get our hearts pumping with adrenaline writing cuts short. Every time there's a zombie encounter, what should be a fight to death versus a horrible monster, it just ends. "He pushed him overboard". There's no mention of psychological turmoil, of deepest fear vs illogical and terrifying. Of shock and horror. That's not how you do a zombie story.
How did he push him? Were his eyes wide of disbelief when he noticed zombie was missing a jaw? Did he feel disgusted when his fingers went through the dead flesh and peeled it off like a piece of a soggy toilet paper? Was he scared? Angry? Defiant and determined to save his family for the price of his own life?
No. He pushed the zombie overboard.
It's just... missing. So much could be added that would cause us to care for the characters. To get inside their heads and feel what they feel. To be scared WITH them when the horrifying zombie rushes them from the dark alley.
And after several occasions a pattern emerges. Feels like the writer was afraid to add too much to the original story and all the actual zombie events are so minimized they actually take away from the experience. The other extreme is the mother that's overprotective of her children, as she should be, but transfers the wrong set of emotions to zombies as well.
These are not actual quotes from the book, but you'll get and idea:
"But he's a human."
"It's a zombie, kill it!"
"But I just shared coffee with him..."
Guess what - this coffee-drinking friend of yours is trying to eat your face and you should go mental on him! Hit him with a chair, put a bullet in his head, bring the god damn wall down!
That's a survival instinct everyone has. Guilt comes much later. When adrenaline rush fades, then we're free to search our emotions and question our moral compass. Things we did to protect our children and such.
But that's not in there either.
I kept on reading regardless as it was a light read and the book fairly short. Just couldn't get the enjoyment out of it. All the elements were there but they were just put together in a wrong way. Incompletely.
I wasn't looking for an action pumped superhero zombie slaying festival, but if you're writing about real people make them do things real people would do. You must have seen The Walking Dead. It's not a canon, that's for sure, still you can get a page or two from their book. At least on the suspense, if you're not going for the action.
If there isn't a horde of zombies banging on your door at least you can capture that "they're everywhere and are out to get you" atmosphere.
If I got publication history of the writer correctly, this is one of his first works. I can't take much against him or his writing style, but I can surely dislike some of it. Let me show you.
She let go and slid down the deck toward the jagged edge.
The infected grabbed for her as she passed.
She fell into the water, piercing it to a depth of three metres.
She peered around at the darkness around her, and then spotted the white orb of the moon.
She kicked as hard as she could, clawing her way through the water.
Her lungs burnt, and just when they felt like they were about to burst, she broke through the surface.
She gulped the air into hungry lungs.
Yes, it bugged me too.
All in all, the short story isn't bad. Overall, there's a potential, and seeing the author wrote a dozen of them must mean that he both improved on the writing style and the storytelling. But I just don't see myself reading any further.
Not being generous, but not taking away anything, I rate this 3*.
I am not sure how to rate it 2.5* - 3.5*, so 3* will have to do it.
I also have a feeling I cut this review short.
June 19, 2015
A take on the Swiss Family Robinson, but with zombies. A Swiss family on a boat cruise in the Philippines are worried about radio reports of a virus spreading throughout the world at an alarming rate.
This is the first entry into the story of a family's survival against the odds.
A nice quick read written in an easy style that keeps the reader hooked.
Enjoyed this one.
This is the first entry into the story of a family's survival against the odds.
A nice quick read written in an easy style that keeps the reader hooked.
Enjoyed this one.
January 15, 2018
DNF. This read as a PG rated zombie novel, meant for pre-teen-early teen? I do like the characters and the Family dynamic. It simply was not adult or gritty enough for me. Even during the zombie fights, it had a sense of cheerfulness. So as to make it feel lighthearted enough for youth readers. Therefore, I was unable to finish reading.
June 16, 2015
Review: THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINZOM BOOK 1 by Perrin Briar
Somehow I don't think Daniel Defoe ever foresaw this...but Perrin Briar has.
We live in a world suffused with toxins, both natural and manmade. Chemical and biological weapons abound; and as if those were insufficient, genetic engineering researches more daily. So it's no surprise that sooner or later, some type of mutating plague will occur. Author Perrin Briar, noted for his unique sense of humor, postulates a family lost in virtual wilderness desperate for survival both from natural predators and from the plague zombies...
because, hey, it's just not the 18th Century any more!
Somehow I don't think Daniel Defoe ever foresaw this...but Perrin Briar has.
We live in a world suffused with toxins, both natural and manmade. Chemical and biological weapons abound; and as if those were insufficient, genetic engineering researches more daily. So it's no surprise that sooner or later, some type of mutating plague will occur. Author Perrin Briar, noted for his unique sense of humor, postulates a family lost in virtual wilderness desperate for survival both from natural predators and from the plague zombies...
because, hey, it's just not the 18th Century any more!
September 14, 2019
I'm always game for a new take on Zombies. It's a guilty pleasure that I rarely admit (hence the guilty) to partaking. These are very quick to read. Why I'm rating this as a 2 is mostly that I'm sure I'm in the wrong demographics. The book seems to read as a middle grades book, say 12-16 years old. I fall out of that zone by more than a few decades.
If I was only that young the review might be quite different.
My thanks to Goodreads and Perrin Briar for my free copy in exchange for this review.
If I was only that young the review might be quite different.
My thanks to Goodreads and Perrin Briar for my free copy in exchange for this review.
February 26, 2018
Cover/Title: I don't want to rant but it really annoys me when I go to write a review and spend an hour trying to figure out why my search is coming up with a different title. My book is called Flowers VS. Zombies: Genesis but this one comes up when I search that. When I click on the link to see the book on Amazon, I see the book I read. The title here makes no sense. I understand that the author took inspiration from the original story of the Swiss Family Robinson. However, this book is about a swiss family with the last name Flowers. So naming it "The Swiss Family RobinZOM" is kinda like calling a cat "Dog". Ok, I am done with my rant about the title. The cover that I have on my version is interesting. The cover above is not. I like the zombies with the city looming in the background on my cover.
Characters: I really enjoyed reading about this family. The kids seem fun and even the youngest kid insists on being part of the action.
Plot: The idea of a family shipwrecked during a zombie outbreak is interesting. I love how inventive this family is.
Overall: Aside from my cover rant, the only other thing I didn't like was the layout of the book. It seems like it started from the end and then starts over again from the beginning. Basically part 2 of this book is the beginning and then it continues in book 2. Part 1 of this book seem to be chronologically after book 2. Seems to be very confusing for no reason at all. I liked this book and I will probably give book 2 and possibly book 3 a try. If they continue to skip around like that, I probably won't finish the series.
Otherwise, the book was interesting and I enjoyed the story.
Characters: I really enjoyed reading about this family. The kids seem fun and even the youngest kid insists on being part of the action.
Plot: The idea of a family shipwrecked during a zombie outbreak is interesting. I love how inventive this family is.
Overall: Aside from my cover rant, the only other thing I didn't like was the layout of the book. It seems like it started from the end and then starts over again from the beginning. Basically part 2 of this book is the beginning and then it continues in book 2. Part 1 of this book seem to be chronologically after book 2. Seems to be very confusing for no reason at all. I liked this book and I will probably give book 2 and possibly book 3 a try. If they continue to skip around like that, I probably won't finish the series.
Otherwise, the book was interesting and I enjoyed the story.
January 7, 2018
I have a strange version with part 1 & 2 where part 2 is called Genesis and appears to be the first book in this series. Unfortunately I started at the beginning which must be book 3.
Part 2 Genesis: 3,5*
The Swiss family named Flower are out for an adventure, leaving their home to go live somewhere in the pacific. Just when they are on a boot a strange virus is turning the world into a zombi apocalypse. And boots are not a safe place...
The writing style and pace are good, although sometimes it reads more like a stage script (Will smiled. "It's a good dream to have", he said. Ian pointed up at the sky. Look, he said, a red star! Jack looked up. It's blinking, he said. What do you think it is? Ian said...)
And although father Bill Fowers is a doc and his family seems quite intelligent, some decisions made me wonder (e.g. Liz sending jenny to her cabin).
But a good read. Now I need to find the next book because there must be another one between part 1 & 2 which I read now.
P.S. Chucerne? Does he mean Lucerne in Switzerland?
Part 2 Genesis: 3,5*
The Swiss family named Flower are out for an adventure, leaving their home to go live somewhere in the pacific. Just when they are on a boot a strange virus is turning the world into a zombi apocalypse. And boots are not a safe place...
The writing style and pace are good, although sometimes it reads more like a stage script (Will smiled. "It's a good dream to have", he said. Ian pointed up at the sky. Look, he said, a red star! Jack looked up. It's blinking, he said. What do you think it is? Ian said...)
And although father Bill Fowers is a doc and his family seems quite intelligent, some decisions made me wonder (e.g. Liz sending jenny to her cabin).
But a good read. Now I need to find the next book because there must be another one between part 1 & 2 which I read now.
P.S. Chucerne? Does he mean Lucerne in Switzerland?
November 3, 2017
Great read!
I really like this story. All character's well developed as well was the storyline. Detail's was great which is big thing for me. First part could of been lefted out or used at the end of the book because it started with them being there for awhile and nicely setup. Then part 2 started at the beginning of the outbreak. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 I'll be starting it after I'm done with this review..
I really like this story. All character's well developed as well was the storyline. Detail's was great which is big thing for me. First part could of been lefted out or used at the end of the book because it started with them being there for awhile and nicely setup. Then part 2 started at the beginning of the outbreak. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 I'll be starting it after I'm done with this review..
September 8, 2017
Cool.
This was a really exciting story. There were lots of really terrifying scenes. Imagine being trapped in small place with zombies and no way out. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
This was a really exciting story. There were lots of really terrifying scenes. Imagine being trapped in small place with zombies and no way out. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
January 23, 2018
Predictable, but still fun.
This is a very predictable story, but still, not a bad read. I might read #2 if I get needy enough for that zombie high.
OK,now I know why it was sooooo predictable, I read it as it was called ‘’Flowers vs Zombies’’.
This is a very predictable story, but still, not a bad read. I might read #2 if I get needy enough for that zombie high.
OK,now I know why it was sooooo predictable, I read it as it was called ‘’Flowers vs Zombies’’.
August 16, 2018
Definitely wanted to read more
These types of books go to show you that anything in this world as possible. We're more fragile than we actually think. It also goes to show if you don't work together the odds of catastrophe are so much worse.
These types of books go to show you that anything in this world as possible. We're more fragile than we actually think. It also goes to show if you don't work together the odds of catastrophe are so much worse.
July 30, 2017
Good book
October 11, 2017
Just couldn’t get into the story
April 3, 2019
I love this book.
This was very interesting and easy to read. Love the story and the story line. Kudos to the author. Can’t wait to read the next book.
This was very interesting and easy to read. Love the story and the story line. Kudos to the author. Can’t wait to read the next book.
November 20, 2022
short and sweet
Definitely want to read more about their journey after getting off the sinking ship with the world falling to the virus.
Definitely want to read more about their journey after getting off the sinking ship with the world falling to the virus.
June 18, 2015
I received this book to give an honest review.
So I received this book via a newsletter from the author and figured you know what this has to be right up my alley since I am a lover of zombie books. Now I never got into the Swiss Family hype (if there ever was one) so I kind of went into this story just thinking about zombies.
You have a family who has decided on heading to the Philippines to start a new life everything seems okay until the topic is brought up over a couple of beers about a virus that has been over seas. While Bob and the guys are discussing this virus they hear on the radio that it has spread all over. No where is safe. Now this gets them thinking that the ship may no longer be safe and they need to find the captain to tell him. Well we all know how this is going to turn out or do you? Being stuck on a ship with zombies doesn't sound like fun especially when you are surrounded by water. All I can say is I am ready to read the next book in this series as I want to know if the Robinson's will survive what will be their next adventure with the world being taken over by the living dead.
If you are looking for zombies, looking for a twist in an old classic, looking for some not too heavy blood and gore then pick up this book. I believe you won't be disappointed.
So I received this book via a newsletter from the author and figured you know what this has to be right up my alley since I am a lover of zombie books. Now I never got into the Swiss Family hype (if there ever was one) so I kind of went into this story just thinking about zombies.
You have a family who has decided on heading to the Philippines to start a new life everything seems okay until the topic is brought up over a couple of beers about a virus that has been over seas. While Bob and the guys are discussing this virus they hear on the radio that it has spread all over. No where is safe. Now this gets them thinking that the ship may no longer be safe and they need to find the captain to tell him. Well we all know how this is going to turn out or do you? Being stuck on a ship with zombies doesn't sound like fun especially when you are surrounded by water. All I can say is I am ready to read the next book in this series as I want to know if the Robinson's will survive what will be their next adventure with the world being taken over by the living dead.
If you are looking for zombies, looking for a twist in an old classic, looking for some not too heavy blood and gore then pick up this book. I believe you won't be disappointed.
July 17, 2015
Though zombie books aren’t my usual read, I was happy to grab this book as Perrin Briar is an author I do enjoy. I was pleasantly surprised with this book too as it was different than the usual zombie fare. This one takes place on a boat, in a small, enclosed space, versus every other zombie book where people are trying to make it to through hoards of zombies to the gas stations or grocery stores or convenience stores (yawn!). At the beginning of the book, the Robinson family, including the couple with their 4 boys, along with a friend and his wife and daughter, board a ship together, off for an adventure. Any more I could say would give things away. This is the first short book in the series and is the background story of the series, so you don’t want to skip this first book. If you’re a zombie fan, you have to give this book a go, as I stated above, this one has a whole different feel than all the others filling the apocalyptic book market right now. I was surprised at some of the things Briar did with the story as it went along, but I’m sure he has some fun things up his sleeve for the books to come. Here’s hoping the other books are published soon so I can see what is in store for the non-zombie survivors as they fight off the undead.
December 20, 2015
I have to say I didn't expected much from this book when it was suggested to me, but I ended up really enjoying it. It was just what I needed to refresh in between finals and studying. The story is fast paced and the characters are fun and very clear in their personalities and roles, and although a little plain because of the lenght of the book, they were really enjoyable and I was happily surprised that I ended up caring for them, wich is important in books of this type.
Becuase of the number of pages, I understand why the narration was a tad fast paced for my liking, but everything was presented at the right place in the story and the quickness in the development actually helps enhance the story being told.
The only thing I would have liked is that this book was longer; I feel that this whole book could be a part or section of a bigger story, an introduction or something ike that. Felt more like a prologue or novela than a book itself, but since I plan on continuing the series is not that important.
Fun, fast and lightherted despite the topics of the story, I would definitely recomend it. It is perfect for beating a reading slump in my opinion :)
Becuase of the number of pages, I understand why the narration was a tad fast paced for my liking, but everything was presented at the right place in the story and the quickness in the development actually helps enhance the story being told.
The only thing I would have liked is that this book was longer; I feel that this whole book could be a part or section of a bigger story, an introduction or something ike that. Felt more like a prologue or novela than a book itself, but since I plan on continuing the series is not that important.
Fun, fast and lightherted despite the topics of the story, I would definitely recomend it. It is perfect for beating a reading slump in my opinion :)
March 11, 2016
A spin on the classic Swiss Family Robinson book as has so often happened ever since Pride & Prejudice & Zombies came out. I haven't read the source book in this case, but overall this came out better than I expected. I can't really tell what happened in the original compared to the newer version, besides the obvious mention of zombies, viruses and whatnot. Definitely a thriller and it went quite fast. I actually read this in a single day, which is pretty unusual for me (then again, I'm not usually laid up with a shattered knee either).
The mention of zombies was pretty gruesome at times. It falls into some of the modern movie cliches though at times, including characters automatically knowing to kill them with a hit to the head, which doesn't make much sense when they've only first come upon these creatures. Though this book was modernised, at least to some degree, so maybe characters have seen zombie flicks in their universe.
Either way, a light read, some little bits of humor, and overall entertaining. And I got it for free, so all the better.
The mention of zombies was pretty gruesome at times. It falls into some of the modern movie cliches though at times, including characters automatically knowing to kill them with a hit to the head, which doesn't make much sense when they've only first come upon these creatures. Though this book was modernised, at least to some degree, so maybe characters have seen zombie flicks in their universe.
Either way, a light read, some little bits of humor, and overall entertaining. And I got it for free, so all the better.
January 1, 2017
The only zombie movie I ever watched was Dawn of the Dead. The original back in the 80s or something. I fail to find any fascination in it.
However, re-tellings of classic books and fairy tales pique my interest more than I dare admit, so I tried this simple little book. At least I thought it was when I downloaded it from one freebie site or another.
The Swiss Family characters were developed with care and skill. Actually, the story telling and dialogue were pretty dynamic.
The interaction with the captain's was a bit shaky and flimsy. And the surprise from learning the blonde beauty at the bar was of Middle Eastern descent came out of left field and felt like a grasp at straws to tie it together with a bow.
The final chapter seemed rushed and non satisfying.
Although this book received a higher rating than I usually offer to unfinished books, I don't feel inclined to follow the Robinsons.
However, re-tellings of classic books and fairy tales pique my interest more than I dare admit, so I tried this simple little book. At least I thought it was when I downloaded it from one freebie site or another.
The Swiss Family characters were developed with care and skill. Actually, the story telling and dialogue were pretty dynamic.
The interaction with the captain's was a bit shaky and flimsy. And the surprise from learning the blonde beauty at the bar was of Middle Eastern descent came out of left field and felt like a grasp at straws to tie it together with a bow.
The final chapter seemed rushed and non satisfying.
Although this book received a higher rating than I usually offer to unfinished books, I don't feel inclined to follow the Robinsons.
July 17, 2015
I’ve said it before in my review of the other books in this series, but I’m not a regular reader of zombie books. The only way I’ll read them is if it is by an author that I particularly like. And that is the reason I started on this series. Briar is a great writer and knows what it takes to tell a good story. Finding all zombie books pretty much the same, I’ve been excited to read Briar’s Swiss Family RobinZOM series as it is the most original Zombie book plot I’ve run across. In this third book, the action picks up big time. A cruise ship appears after a storm and it is both a blessing and a nightmare to the stranded family. Can they hold off the walking dead and defend their new island home or will they be forced to abandon everything the new life they’ve built? If you’re a zombie fan, you’ll want to add this book to your collection. Great stuff, Briar!
February 26, 2016
I was expecting an island with zombies. After all the book is “The Swiss Family RobinZOM” but instead we get how the family gets to the island and ends there. I wish we could have seen more, the book had a good premise but it was too short, so the characters didn’t grow on me as they should (if the family will be in all the books then they (or at least one of them should grow on you).
I don´t know if the next books will be better or longer or if I’ll read them just hope they are all of those.
As for a summary, basically the family goes on a vacation, the whole world gets infected with the zombie virus, and the boat where the family travels gets infected too, one by one the passengers are turned to zombies so the family needs to get out of the boat and arrived on an island.
I know that was short, but that was the feeling I got.
I don´t know if the next books will be better or longer or if I’ll read them just hope they are all of those.
As for a summary, basically the family goes on a vacation, the whole world gets infected with the zombie virus, and the boat where the family travels gets infected too, one by one the passengers are turned to zombies so the family needs to get out of the boat and arrived on an island.
I know that was short, but that was the feeling I got.
August 14, 2016
The Robinsons are on a ferry heading to their new life in the Philippines. But while on the ferry they learn of a zombie plague striking the world. This leads to them getting stranded on an island and fighting for survival on the uninhabited island and against the zombies.
This is a spin of the original Swiss Family Robinson story. I admit that I have not read the book but a long time ago I did watch the Disney version. This did kind of follow along and was a quick read. I like the added zombies, being a zombie fan that was the one thing that really drew me to this story.
If you are looking for a quick zombie story I would recommend reading The Swiss Family RobinZOM. This is a 12 part series so do expect a quick pace and sudden endings.
I purchased this story on Kindle on the recommendation of one of Perrin Briar’s launch team.
This is a spin of the original Swiss Family Robinson story. I admit that I have not read the book but a long time ago I did watch the Disney version. This did kind of follow along and was a quick read. I like the added zombies, being a zombie fan that was the one thing that really drew me to this story.
If you are looking for a quick zombie story I would recommend reading The Swiss Family RobinZOM. This is a 12 part series so do expect a quick pace and sudden endings.
I purchased this story on Kindle on the recommendation of one of Perrin Briar’s launch team.
June 17, 2015
Interesting Update On A Classic
I had to check this out because as a child this was amongst the type of stories I enjoyed reading... kind of the end of the world for individuals or groups long before TEOTWAWKI genre really even existed. The idea of a family, this particular family, purposefully isolating themselves on a deserted island to avoid the end of their modern world yet in many ways remaining true to the original classic made for a fun read. Personally I still prefer the original but this was a fun book to read just as a different twist on a story well known but if there are more books than this one with the same concept I'd probably not bother. As I said, an interesting idea but in my opinion the kind where once is plenty.
I had to check this out because as a child this was amongst the type of stories I enjoyed reading... kind of the end of the world for individuals or groups long before TEOTWAWKI genre really even existed. The idea of a family, this particular family, purposefully isolating themselves on a deserted island to avoid the end of their modern world yet in many ways remaining true to the original classic made for a fun read. Personally I still prefer the original but this was a fun book to read just as a different twist on a story well known but if there are more books than this one with the same concept I'd probably not bother. As I said, an interesting idea but in my opinion the kind where once is plenty.
July 13, 2015
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
'The Swiss Family RobinZOM' series has had me intrigued from book one. In this book, I was on the edge of my seat with excitement, some holy crap moments and a lot of smiles. The Robinson family has proven once again that when they fight as a unit, they will live as one. I loved how the storyline played out. Perrin Briar has a unique take on zombies/lurchers. I enjoy his writing style. I was never one to read 'zombie' books, but after I read book one, I was hooked. Each character has a strength that compliments the others in the family. I can't wait to read book four. A definite must read. Recommended.
'The Swiss Family RobinZOM' series has had me intrigued from book one. In this book, I was on the edge of my seat with excitement, some holy crap moments and a lot of smiles. The Robinson family has proven once again that when they fight as a unit, they will live as one. I loved how the storyline played out. Perrin Briar has a unique take on zombies/lurchers. I enjoy his writing style. I was never one to read 'zombie' books, but after I read book one, I was hooked. Each character has a strength that compliments the others in the family. I can't wait to read book four. A definite must read. Recommended.
February 17, 2016
Basically, an updated Swiss Family Robinson with Zombies. Similar to the concept of Pride Prejudice and Zombies, the author attempts to retell the story, this one in a modern era, over several books.
Honestly, I found the story to be a bit silly and lacking the adventure of the original work, unlike PP&Z which, I felt, improved on a boring story. (Granted, I'm not a fan of Victorian Era writing of the 'romance' genre.)
I was intrigued enough by the story to go ahead and read book two, which I paid a miniscule amount for, but it didn't really improve my opinion of the series. It's not boring, but it is simplistic in plot, writing style, and characters.
Honestly, I found the story to be a bit silly and lacking the adventure of the original work, unlike PP&Z which, I felt, improved on a boring story. (Granted, I'm not a fan of Victorian Era writing of the 'romance' genre.)
I was intrigued enough by the story to go ahead and read book two, which I paid a miniscule amount for, but it didn't really improve my opinion of the series. It's not boring, but it is simplistic in plot, writing style, and characters.
December 28, 2015
Swiss Family RobinZOM By Perrin Briar Everyone has probably heard about Swiss Family Robinson right (you know that family from Switzerland that made a home on an island).
Well, what happens if zombies was the reason they landed on the deserted island in the first place?
I think Bill, the father needs to man-up and stop worrying that zombies may have been real people - they aren't now so kill them!
Well, what happens if zombies was the reason they landed on the deserted island in the first place?
I think Bill, the father needs to man-up and stop worrying that zombies may have been real people - they aren't now so kill them!
June 15, 2015
'The Swiss Family RobinZOM' is a thrilling novella. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I loved the storyline. It was fast paced and full of thrilling scenes. I don't usually read this genre, but I was pleasantly surprised. Perrin Briar did a great job on writing a zombie story that was different. I look forward to reading the next book. Well written. A great add to your tbr list.
July 3, 2015
Loved this book! Just wish we got more of the background into the Robinsons. How did they end up on the island? The 4 sons are funny. Loved the eagle and the monkey. Hated the Lurchers.Scary stuff! Some very sad things happen! I couldn't wait to see what happens, so I bought book 2. I did get this ebook from the author for a honest review. Thank you Perrin!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews