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Wyrmrot #1
Wyrmrot
FIRST CAME THE DRAGONS
When scientists brought everyone’s favorite fairytale creature to life, people flocked to see them, including 17-year-old Zelda Rissland.
THEN CAME THE PARASITE
But scientists created more than just dragons—they created a deadly parasite. Wyrmrot, they later called it. First, it ate your brain, and then it made you eat other people’s brains.
NOW ZELDA MUST SURVIVE THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
Separated from her family, the only person Zelda has left from her former life is her childhood friend turned boyfriend, Cooper Marotta. Together they’ve carved out a safe place for themselves in a world turned upside down, but when a zombie horde decimates their survivor group, they face a attempt to rebuild or follow the mysterious coordinates that appeared on a construction sign.
Zelda still hopes her family is out there somewhere and believes the coordinates might lead her to them. Cooper, however, thinks the coordinates will only bring trouble. When the remaining survivors vote to undertake the perilous cross-country journey, he attempts to deter them every step of the way. What Zelda discovers at their destination will test her loyalties and change everything she thought she knew about the apocalypse.
Wyrmrot is a heart-stopping Young Adult Apocalyptic novel told in dual timelines. "Jurassic Park meets The Last of Us." This fast-paced tale of survival, secrets, and betrayal features dragons, zombies, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Erin Bowman's Contagion or Emily Suvada's This Mortal Coil.
When scientists brought everyone’s favorite fairytale creature to life, people flocked to see them, including 17-year-old Zelda Rissland.
THEN CAME THE PARASITE
But scientists created more than just dragons—they created a deadly parasite. Wyrmrot, they later called it. First, it ate your brain, and then it made you eat other people’s brains.
NOW ZELDA MUST SURVIVE THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
Separated from her family, the only person Zelda has left from her former life is her childhood friend turned boyfriend, Cooper Marotta. Together they’ve carved out a safe place for themselves in a world turned upside down, but when a zombie horde decimates their survivor group, they face a attempt to rebuild or follow the mysterious coordinates that appeared on a construction sign.
Zelda still hopes her family is out there somewhere and believes the coordinates might lead her to them. Cooper, however, thinks the coordinates will only bring trouble. When the remaining survivors vote to undertake the perilous cross-country journey, he attempts to deter them every step of the way. What Zelda discovers at their destination will test her loyalties and change everything she thought she knew about the apocalypse.
Wyrmrot is a heart-stopping Young Adult Apocalyptic novel told in dual timelines. "Jurassic Park meets The Last of Us." This fast-paced tale of survival, secrets, and betrayal features dragons, zombies, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Erin Bowman's Contagion or Emily Suvada's This Mortal Coil.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2025
12 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Saige
3 books2 followersStephanie Saige is the author of multiple books ranging from fantasy and science fiction to college romance. The one thing they have in common? Dragons. See if you can spot them all. She has garnered more than one million reads online.
When not writing and being bossed around by cats, she can be found hiking or playing entirely too many hours of video games. Visit her on her website.
When not writing and being bossed around by cats, she can be found hiking or playing entirely too many hours of video games. Visit her on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 30, 2025
I've known about Wyrmrot since its time on Wattpad, and it's always been in the back of my mind as something I want to read. Zombie apocalypse with dragons involved??? Who wouldn't want to jump into that! My TBR was too big, though, and I never got around to it. But now that's changed!
This was a really interesting blend of two creatures you don't typically see in the same universe, and I thought it was really cool how the two intersected. You're not safe ANYWHERE--the zombies on the ground, the dragons in the sky, and your fellow desperate man everywhere else. You also get some mysteries thrown in with your sci-fi survival apocalypse read!
A very great debut book, Stephanie! Can't wait to see what comes next 👌🏻
This was a really interesting blend of two creatures you don't typically see in the same universe, and I thought it was really cool how the two intersected. You're not safe ANYWHERE--the zombies on the ground, the dragons in the sky, and your fellow desperate man everywhere else. You also get some mysteries thrown in with your sci-fi survival apocalypse read!
A very great debut book, Stephanie! Can't wait to see what comes next 👌🏻
January 10, 2026
This book is amazinggggg. I saw the cover and knew it was made by Jeff Brown and I knew i had to get it!! and man i sure am happy I did!! the book mixes zombies & dragons in a perfect mix!! a perfect book for fans of Jurassic park and the walking dead!! it kept me on the edge of my seat!! will def be purchasing book 2
August 23, 2025
I read Wyrmrot back when it was on Wattpad, and I must insist you give it a try! Its a fresh take on the theme and the characters made a real lasting impression on me. The creator put in the hard work, and it shows!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2025
*I was given an arc for an honest review.
Wyrmrot is a YA novel that takes place during (and before) a zombie apocalypse... With a fiery twist. We follow Zelda, an everyday schoolgirl with an annoying little brother... after we're thrown into the intriguing future in which she battles with the rotters and stills at the sounds of scales on concrete in the devastation of a city. The introduction of the story pushes you to sit up immediately and wonder how Zelda found herself where she is... And what happens next.
While scrolling through my next read, I was immediately interested in the concept of not your everyday apocalypse. And Miss Stephanie did NOT disappoint!
While many frown at the idea of reading YA as we grow older, I continually find that authors who can determine the balance of not being excessive with body horror, with a consistent pace that keeps you turning pages, excel, particularly in ascertaining what is 'too much' for teens and the like. Saige works hard at throwing cliff-hangers and made me question many times if staying up late was really thattttt bad for my sleep schedule, lol. SPOILER: IT WAS!
I never once found myself tired of what many may say is a repetitive concept with the apocalypse. I was always wondering what would happen next, found myself sympathizing with other characters of the story, and longing for the secret at the end. I love the personalities of all the main characters, and I look forward to the comic relief that is high schoolers in a zombie outbreak with dragons, lol.
While I look forward to reading the sequel, I only hope certain themes mesh better in the future. I found certain details that left me questioning if there are certain plot-holes in the story, such as when Dr. ___ sent ___ to the ___ for ___ when his goals in the end were to ___. IYKYK, lmao. As well as other small details throughout the story. I hope to hear more about Clover and the scientific explanation as to how scientists created dragons and how the parasite came to be!
Wyrmrot was my first book as an Arc Reader with Books Sirens, and I only hope to feel as pumped with my future reads! I have to thank the author for blessing us with this book, because it was an overall great read!
Wyrmrot is a YA novel that takes place during (and before) a zombie apocalypse... With a fiery twist. We follow Zelda, an everyday schoolgirl with an annoying little brother... after we're thrown into the intriguing future in which she battles with the rotters and stills at the sounds of scales on concrete in the devastation of a city. The introduction of the story pushes you to sit up immediately and wonder how Zelda found herself where she is... And what happens next.
While scrolling through my next read, I was immediately interested in the concept of not your everyday apocalypse. And Miss Stephanie did NOT disappoint!
While many frown at the idea of reading YA as we grow older, I continually find that authors who can determine the balance of not being excessive with body horror, with a consistent pace that keeps you turning pages, excel, particularly in ascertaining what is 'too much' for teens and the like. Saige works hard at throwing cliff-hangers and made me question many times if staying up late was really thattttt bad for my sleep schedule, lol. SPOILER: IT WAS!
I never once found myself tired of what many may say is a repetitive concept with the apocalypse. I was always wondering what would happen next, found myself sympathizing with other characters of the story, and longing for the secret at the end. I love the personalities of all the main characters, and I look forward to the comic relief that is high schoolers in a zombie outbreak with dragons, lol.
While I look forward to reading the sequel, I only hope certain themes mesh better in the future. I found certain details that left me questioning if there are certain plot-holes in the story, such as when Dr. ___ sent ___ to the ___ for ___ when his goals in the end were to ___. IYKYK, lmao. As well as other small details throughout the story. I hope to hear more about Clover and the scientific explanation as to how scientists created dragons and how the parasite came to be!
Wyrmrot was my first book as an Arc Reader with Books Sirens, and I only hope to feel as pumped with my future reads! I have to thank the author for blessing us with this book, because it was an overall great read!
July 26, 2025
My 5 star rating is based on the target audience as a YA read. Even so, I would still rate it strongly outside of that limitation. Dragons, zombies and young people on a road trip through an apocalypse what is not to like. The characters were well written (even if a little frustrating at times - welcome to life) and the story arch well constructed. The 'now' and 'then' dynamic for most of the book was a neat way to convey the story and to allowing the plot to unfold.
There was plenty of mystery as to what is really going on and copious possibilities to get the imagination churning.
I also really appreciated the nods to Jurassic Park - and must say that Wyrmrot would fare well on the screen (big or small). I often found myself being allowed (maybe even encouraged) to visualize scenes cinematically while reading.
I can't wait to see how the next book in the series unfurls its wings and blasts fire at me (metaphorically speaking) - and there was a nice taste at the end of the book on that front. Based on Wyrmrot, the next in series is set to be a rollercoaster ride - hold on!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was plenty of mystery as to what is really going on and copious possibilities to get the imagination churning.
I also really appreciated the nods to Jurassic Park - and must say that Wyrmrot would fare well on the screen (big or small). I often found myself being allowed (maybe even encouraged) to visualize scenes cinematically while reading.
I can't wait to see how the next book in the series unfurls its wings and blasts fire at me (metaphorically speaking) - and there was a nice taste at the end of the book on that front. Based on Wyrmrot, the next in series is set to be a rollercoaster ride - hold on!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 8, 2025
Dear Stephanie,
I just finished reading Wyrmrot, and I had to reach out—what a ride. From the first page, you dropped me into Zelda’s world with a visceral punch: “A dead man stood between Zelda and the entrance to the Midtown Crossing apartments.” That line alone set the tone for a story that’s equal parts brutal, haunting, and deeply human.
I loved how you wove the “Now” and “Then” timelines together. Watching Zelda evolve from Zelda, the reluctant sister dragged to a dragon park, into a hardened survivor whispering, “You’re alone, and you better get used to it,” was heartbreaking and powerful. The emotional weight she carries—especially in moments like when she wipes brain matter off her pipe with trembling hands—felt so raw and real.
And the dragons. You barely show them, but their presence is everywhere. That eerie sound—“scales over cement”—was enough to make my skin crawl. I’m dying to know more about the wyrms and the rot they seem to bring.
Thank you for crafting such a vivid, gritty world. I’m already counting down to Symbiosis.
Warmly, Nadia
I just finished reading Wyrmrot, and I had to reach out—what a ride. From the first page, you dropped me into Zelda’s world with a visceral punch: “A dead man stood between Zelda and the entrance to the Midtown Crossing apartments.” That line alone set the tone for a story that’s equal parts brutal, haunting, and deeply human.
I loved how you wove the “Now” and “Then” timelines together. Watching Zelda evolve from Zelda, the reluctant sister dragged to a dragon park, into a hardened survivor whispering, “You’re alone, and you better get used to it,” was heartbreaking and powerful. The emotional weight she carries—especially in moments like when she wipes brain matter off her pipe with trembling hands—felt so raw and real.
And the dragons. You barely show them, but their presence is everywhere. That eerie sound—“scales over cement”—was enough to make my skin crawl. I’m dying to know more about the wyrms and the rot they seem to bring.
Thank you for crafting such a vivid, gritty world. I’m already counting down to Symbiosis.
Warmly, Nadia
September 11, 2025
This story was a hoot to read. While told in dual time style, it was a story about survival and trying to stay alive after an apocalypse with dragons and zombies to add to all the chaos. Then get mystery coordinates and a cross country trip to make things very interesting and scary for Zelda. As the story progresses, learn more of what started the end and how the characters end up in the mess they are in. Some teen angst, drama, and zombies to survive kept the story a bit scary and yet fun to read. Lived the the surprises. Good story and characters to root for.
December 11, 2025
𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤!
𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙨𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘.
𝘼𝙨 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.
𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙨, 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚.
𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙: lizziedoesitall
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜.
𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨,
Lizzie
August 10, 2025
This is a really interesting story with a mix of dragons & zombies which creates havoc in this end of the world adventure. A great idea! It is reasonably well written & has a good plot with a little twist near the end, some teen angst, but not too much, good levels of action & it does sort of finish with a happy ending, maybe! I will look for more by this writer & do recommend for all that love apocalyptic fantasy!
August 21, 2025
Do I really need to say more? Zombies and Dragons in the same book! I really liked this story had a different take on both Zombies and Dragons. A little bit of a cliff hanger, but not as bad as some books I have read.
Can't wait to read the next one! I will say I have reread this one a few times, it was originally on a free site before it showed up on Booksprout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can't wait to read the next one! I will say I have reread this one a few times, it was originally on a free site before it showed up on Booksprout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
I liked it alright and I think I'm going to read the next book, but I felt like it was missing something for me to give more stars. For some reason I wasn't that into the book :/ But it's still a nice one ! Gotta admit I did prefer the "then" parts most of the time though.. I love the breaking of an apocalyps ! So given that I'm a bit worried for the next one too since I believe there won't be these "then" anymore^^
August 13, 2025
Thank you to Stephanie Saige for the ARC.
4.75 rounded up
I really liked this story. I'm not much of a zombie horror reader, but I'm a sucker for dragons. I really loved the duel timelines as we got to see what started the outbreak and where everyone is now. It was hard to see characters that you got to know either become zombies, die, or having no idea what happened to them. Also I need book two ASAP.
4.75 rounded up
I really liked this story. I'm not much of a zombie horror reader, but I'm a sucker for dragons. I really loved the duel timelines as we got to see what started the outbreak and where everyone is now. It was hard to see characters that you got to know either become zombies, die, or having no idea what happened to them. Also I need book two ASAP.
August 15, 2025
I'm not normally a fan of anything zombie related, but, I've read other stories by this author, and I'm very glad I took the chance. It grabs your attention immediately, and never stops! I felt like I was watching a movie, so engrossed I couldn't put it down. Attention to detail, thorough character development, makes you feel like you literally know the characters. Very excited for book 2!
August 9, 2025
This is an amazing read. I really enjoyed the idea about dragons and zombies together and how they are related to each other. It’s a story about how the characters survive together thru emotional and physical challenges.
August 5, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was a very fast read. I was hooked from the opening pages. Definitely recommended!
August 5, 2025
This book is definitely ideal for someone testing the waters when it comes to the zombie apocalypse. It’s paced well and not confusing. I have many questions after finishing and hope these can be answered in the next book.
August 28, 2025
If you enjoyed The Last of Us and/or Jurassic Park, you'll love this.
Humanity has decided it's a good idea to create dragons and charge money for people to see them. A parasite starts infecting them, spreading to humans. Now, the world is full of both zombified humans and dragons, the survivors spread thin across a dystopian setting.
I enjoyed every minute of this book and am glad there will be a sequel. Zelda is a strong heroine yet deals with anxiety. Cooper is sweet yet has a terrible secret. But my favourite character is Clover, and I can't say anything more without spoiling the story.
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Humanity has decided it's a good idea to create dragons and charge money for people to see them. A parasite starts infecting them, spreading to humans. Now, the world is full of both zombified humans and dragons, the survivors spread thin across a dystopian setting.
I enjoyed every minute of this book and am glad there will be a sequel. Zelda is a strong heroine yet deals with anxiety. Cooper is sweet yet has a terrible secret. But my favourite character is Clover, and I can't say anything more without spoiling the story.
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews