STRAYS: book one

by Audrey Mancini

311 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2025

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading strays!
It's a post apocalypse world with zombies that have different mutations the extreme being like a tank from left for dead.
I really enjoyed the story, it had a good progression speed and the drama and betrayal did not disappoint, but for me one of the biggest compliments I have is the attention to detail on the surroundings, I love good visuals while reading and I was able to picture everything she described *chefs kiss*
Frankie is relatable (to me) in the sense of wanting to believe in humanity but also is paranoid about the consequences of what could happen. Poor thing couldn't catch a break between boys and enemies.

[Kristi Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review of Strays

Thank you for allowing me to read Strays! We meet our FMC after an infection breaks out and she is trying to get home to her father. She was visiting with her brother in NJ but needs to make it to VA. Frankie runs into another group of survivors and together, they fight off not only the Strays, but also other non-infected humans who want what they have.
This book has one POV and we keep going into Frankie's past (at least that's what I'm assuming it is) or maybe it's her journal entries, or her dreams.
Was a good book overall, the story is good, and well-paced. 3.5 ⭐'s.

[Katie Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and each new person had me questioning everything. I love the different stages of “Strays” as well as the unique take on a zombie-like creature. Frankie felt so real and her emotions truly came through as authentic. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Jonny Cannoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

now THIS! THIS is what literature is all about. suspense, thrills, action, doomsday scenarios, what more could you want? had me on the edge of my seat from the moment i started and the author never took her foot off the gas. absolutely cannot wait to start the second book. safe to say this is a Certified Cannoli Classic™️. 5 stars!

[Jonathon Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off really strong! I was really captivated by the MC, who is relatable in a lot of ways. Midway through the book, the tone shifted and things ended up getting really fast paced, maybe a little too fast paced. It was a short book, but it could have been longer, especially towards the end, with a climax where you have to reread multiple times to make sure you read correctly what happened. It is still a good read, although it could have been longer!

[The Roguish Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strays by Audrey Mancini is a post-apocalyptic zombie story that gave me strong The Walking Dead vibes, though it does add its own twist with the zombies evolving through different mutation stages.

When I first started reading, I honestly thought this was going to be YA because of the writing style and tone. It definitely reads younger at first, but then I learned the actual age of the main character, which shifted my expectations a bit.

At only 305 pages, this is a fairly quick read, but I do think the story would have benefited from being longer. More time spent developing the world and characters could have made the emotional moments hit harder. I had some trouble fully connecting with the characters and becoming invested in them, and I think the writing just needed a little more depth in those areas.

That said, the overall story was still enjoyable while I was reading it. The ending especially caught me off guard, and now I am curious to see where the next book in the series goes.

[Cheryl Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a world that's been absolutely ripped apart, where there are formerly-human creatures that our brave protagonist, Frankie, has dubbed "Strays." Our main character, Frankie, has been navigating this desolate landscape completely alone for a grueling six months. Her sole driving force? A fierce, unwavering determination to track down her missing brother and father. But then she stumbles upon a small group of other survivors. On one hand, she's desperately craving that human connection she's been without for so long. On the other, she's wrestling with a deep-seated fear of getting hurt. It leaves you hanging, wondering: can she really forge a new beginning and find a place with these people? This book had me hooked, constantly second-guessing every new face and every unexpected turn. I especially loved how uniquely the author crafted and developed the "Strays" – they're seriously unlike anything I've encountered before. And honestly? I'm already counting down the seconds until the next installment drops!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book dropped me straight into the apocalypse and didn't let go until the very last page.

Audrey Mancini has created a world that is just as terrifying as it is fascinating.

These aren't your average zombies they are mutated, acidic blooded monsters that are full onnnnn nightmare fuel. The gore was intense the atmosphere was gritty and the attention to detail made every scene feel so real.
Frankie is such a fantastic FMC bc she's funny, brave and sooo relatable, like I rooted for her through every terrifying moment. The story moves at a fast pace and the drama and betrayal kept me questioning who I could actually trust bc humans are def the biggest threat here.
The ending absolutely wrecked me but it was such a satisfying cliffhanger. I need book 2 immediately.

💀 Dystopian
💀 Zombies
💀 Acidic Blood
💀 Survival
💀 Betrayal
💀 Humans are the worst
💀 Fast Paced

#dystopian #zombies #postapocalyptic #strays #frankie #scifi #horror

[VagabondBooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in a post-apocalyptic series about survival in a ruined world, this is book gives The Walking Dead vibe.

The story follows Frankie as she tries to survive in a world ruled by "Strays." It’s packed with action, unexpected twists, and the dark, brutal realities of human survival. How thin the line becomes between what is right and what is necessary when survival is on the line.

While I enjoyed the plot, Frankie’s behavior felt a bit inconsistent - one moment she’s a superhero, and the next, a lost little girl. The timeline was also somewhat confusing, which made the character's motivations and choices hard to follow at times.
As for the ending, it wasn't so much shocking as it was deeply disappointing..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rating: 3/5 ⭐
Spice: 0/5 🌶️

[Dyna00x · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely hits the spot if you’re a The Walking Dead fan! It is told entirely from Frankie’s POV as she tries to get back home to her father after everything kicked off while she was visiting her brother. You get flashbacks along the way that give you a look into everything she has been through. After being alone for a while, she comes across a group of other survivors. I was wary of them all at first, especially with how easily they seemed to take in newcomers. Can the living really be trusted? And the zombies!!! They are on a whole different level with their acidic blood and different stages of mutations. Then there’s that ending!! I’m ready to jump into book two, New Breed, ASAP.

[Geri · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC COPY

The book starts off really good right from page one. Had me totally engaged in the story and characters. I did feel as I kept reading that it was a bit repetitive as to why the characters continued to go outside and then the same situations kept happening. Not sure how they would survive if this was real. I’m also curious behind the story of how the world ended up like this, however I know this is a trilogy and the author may delve into that further in the next books. This book finished on a huge cliff hanger and I’m dying to start the next book and see what happens!! I’ll for sure continue the series and see where it goes.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure I was gonna be able to get into this book but by chapter 5 I was hooked I needed to keep reading and see how it ended. The end is definitely not a happy one and almost had me in tears I need the next book like now. I need Frankie to have a happy ending she's been through so much and I'm definitely sad about the characters we lost along the way I can only hope that it was a fever dream and it didn't really end that way because that's my favorite character. There are lots of twist and turns And you learn you really can't trust anyone.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyable this book from start to finish. The story is engaging, with well-paced plot development that keeps you turning the pages.
I would definitely recommend anyone to read it.

[Katherine May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to know more about Frankie! This book brings gore to a whole new level. I need more like now! Well written!