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The Split
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26One girl. Two rival factions. And a captor she can't ignore.
Kota is a scrappy 21-year-old who would do anything to keep her family safe—including the dangerous job of running goods across zombie-infested South Carolina. But when she’s kidnapped in a crumbling truce between two hostile settlements, she quickly finds herself as a political pawn in a brewing war that threatens the future of humanity itself.
A single wall divides Kota’s seemingly prosperous community from the anarchists on the other side. But when Jasper—Kota’s cunning and dangerously alluring captor—unearths shocking truths about her home, it will throw everything she believes into question…
She expected Jasper to kill her. But now their fates are intertwined.
Forced to team up with the enemy settlement, Kota plunges into a shadowy world of secrets, subterfuge, and political machinations—all while fighting her growing attraction to Jasper. As tensions spiral toward war, Kota must decide where she stands.
The Split is perfect for readers who love dystopian worlds, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes action.
Kota is a scrappy 21-year-old who would do anything to keep her family safe—including the dangerous job of running goods across zombie-infested South Carolina. But when she’s kidnapped in a crumbling truce between two hostile settlements, she quickly finds herself as a political pawn in a brewing war that threatens the future of humanity itself.
A single wall divides Kota’s seemingly prosperous community from the anarchists on the other side. But when Jasper—Kota’s cunning and dangerously alluring captor—unearths shocking truths about her home, it will throw everything she believes into question…
She expected Jasper to kill her. But now their fates are intertwined.
Forced to team up with the enemy settlement, Kota plunges into a shadowy world of secrets, subterfuge, and political machinations—all while fighting her growing attraction to Jasper. As tensions spiral toward war, Kota must decide where she stands.
The Split is perfect for readers who love dystopian worlds, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes action.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
33 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Nally
2 books5 followersGigi Nally lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with her husband, two dogs, and three cats.
When she isn’t writing, she’s baking vegan banana bread, teaching a yoga class, writing with her gal pals (see also: gabbing), or reading in her yellow swing.
Gigi graduated with a B.A. in Communication Studies from Furman University.
The Split is her first novel.
When she isn’t writing, she’s baking vegan banana bread, teaching a yoga class, writing with her gal pals (see also: gabbing), or reading in her yellow swing.
Gigi graduated with a B.A. in Communication Studies from Furman University.
The Split is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 17, 2026
This book was action packed from the very beginning! You've got a post apocalyptic zombie infested world (think strong Walking Dead vibes) with a literal "split" separating what was once one community. On one side you have almost like a cult-like village that rations all of the food and resources and assigns jobs and responsibilities to each person living within it's walls (this is where our FMC is from), vs the other side where people fend for themselves and barter for goods yet have much more freedom than the other side.
When I tell you I was hooooked after about 25% of this book...I could not put it down! For a debut novel this is wonderful. The world building is so good, you've got not only zombie people but zombees, zomvines, zomboars....dang. So creative and original!
As for the characters, HANDS DOWN Greeley was my absolute favorite. I feel like she will be everyones fave. She was a trip and her character was so well developed. There are many lol moments mixed in with all of the traumatic events our FMC, Kota, goes through, and that was thanks to Greeley.
I also loved how loyal Kota was and I enjoyed watching her come into her own as she faced so many trials. It was apparent that her motives for anything that she did from the beginning to the end were purely out of dedication and loyalty to the people that mattered most in her life and I was cheering her on the whole way.
I cannot wait to see what's next in this series (if it's a series?) because the ending left me wondering where will these characters be going next?
Thank you to NetGalley and Gilly Publishing for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
When I tell you I was hooooked after about 25% of this book...I could not put it down! For a debut novel this is wonderful. The world building is so good, you've got not only zombie people but zombees, zomvines, zomboars....dang. So creative and original!
As for the characters, HANDS DOWN Greeley was my absolute favorite. I feel like she will be everyones fave. She was a trip and her character was so well developed. There are many lol moments mixed in with all of the traumatic events our FMC, Kota, goes through, and that was thanks to Greeley.
I also loved how loyal Kota was and I enjoyed watching her come into her own as she faced so many trials. It was apparent that her motives for anything that she did from the beginning to the end were purely out of dedication and loyalty to the people that mattered most in her life and I was cheering her on the whole way.
I cannot wait to see what's next in this series (if it's a series?) because the ending left me wondering where will these characters be going next?
Thank you to NetGalley and Gilly Publishing for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 23, 2026
I loved this book. Such a fun, action packed, story start to finish. I love Kota and how much she loves, and will do anything for, her family. I loved the political element - who do you trust? Who’s in it just for power? Things aren’t always what they seem - And I love the relationships and the characters she meets along the way.
The Split has all this character growth and strong relationships at the heart of it…but it’s also about freaking zombies and in a very cool/original way. Ummm zombie animals and trees?! Yes! So happy I got my hands on an early copy!
The Split has all this character growth and strong relationships at the heart of it…but it’s also about freaking zombies and in a very cool/original way. Ummm zombie animals and trees?! Yes! So happy I got my hands on an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the crowded landscape of post-apocalyptic fiction, it takes a specific kind of grit to make a story stand out. Gigi Nally accomplishes this with her gripping debut, The Split. Combining the terror of a zombie uprising with the sharp social commentary of a dystopian future, Nally has crafted a survival story that is as much about the fractures in human nature as it is about the monsters lurking in the shadows.
The premise of the novel centers on a world that has been physically and metaphorically severed. Following a catastrophic outbreak that turned a vast portion of the population into mindless, flesh-eating threats, society retreated behind massive barriers. This "Split" created a stark divide: on one side, the relative safety of the fortified sectors; on the other, the lawless, zombie-infested wasteland where the forgotten are left to fend for themselves.
The atmosphere Nally builds is immediately claustrophobic. Whether the characters are navigating the cramped, tension-filled corridors of a "safe" zone or the wide-open, terrifying silence of the ruins, there is a constant sense of unease. The zombies here aren't just a background prop; they are a relentless, ticking clock that forces the characters to make impossible decisions in seconds because one wrong decision could cost them their lives.
At the center of this chaos is Kota, a protagonist whose journey serves as the emotional anchor of the book. When we first meet Kota, she is a survivor in the purest sense of the word. She is hardened, cautious, and driven by a singular, desperate goal: protecting her sister. and grandmother. Her life has been defined by loss and the rigid, often cruel rules of the post-Split world.
Kota’s character arc is a masterful exploration of what happens to the soul when it is forced into "survival mode" for too long. Throughout the story, we see her struggle. She begins the novel as someone who views others primarily as liabilities or tools to reach her goal. However, as she is forced to navigate the world of Macoby and she sees how different and freeing it is from Egal, her arc shifts from one of mere survival to one of reclamation.
The most compelling part of Kota’s development is her realization that surviving is not the same thing as living. As she encounters other survivors and faces the moral gray areas of the new world order, she is forced to decide what kind of person she wants to be in a world that has forgotten what it means to be human. Her growth is slow, painful, and incredibly rewarding to witness, making her a hero that readers will find themselves rooting for from the very first page.
While the action is frequent and the "scare factor" is high, *The Split* shines because of its dystopian elements. The zombies provide the horror, but the "Split" itself provides the tragedy. Nally explores themes of classism and the ethics of abandonment, asking difficult questions about who is "worth" saving when resources are low and fear is high. This elevated the story for me; it wasn't just about escaping a monster, but about navigating a broken system that used monsters as an excuse for cruelty.
The pacing of the novel is one of its greatest strengths. It is an incredibly quick read, with short, punchy chapters. The descriptions of the wasteland are well done, and the action sequences are choreographed with a clarity that keeps the stakes high without being confusing.
The Split is a standout dystopian that will appeal to anyone who loves a high-stakes, post-apocalyptic survival story. It hits all the right notes for fans of the zombie genre—the tension, the gore, and the constant threat—but it adds a layer of heart and social relevance that is often missing from "shambling corpse" narratives.
Gigi Nally is definitely an author to watch. Her ability to balance world-building with deep character work in such a fast-paced format is impressive. I finished the book in nearly one sitting, and the ending left me both satisfied and eager to see where this world goes next. If you are looking for a quick, gritty, and emotionally resonant read to add to your dystopian shelf, The Split should be at the top of your list. I will certainly be checking out more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review
The premise of the novel centers on a world that has been physically and metaphorically severed. Following a catastrophic outbreak that turned a vast portion of the population into mindless, flesh-eating threats, society retreated behind massive barriers. This "Split" created a stark divide: on one side, the relative safety of the fortified sectors; on the other, the lawless, zombie-infested wasteland where the forgotten are left to fend for themselves.
The atmosphere Nally builds is immediately claustrophobic. Whether the characters are navigating the cramped, tension-filled corridors of a "safe" zone or the wide-open, terrifying silence of the ruins, there is a constant sense of unease. The zombies here aren't just a background prop; they are a relentless, ticking clock that forces the characters to make impossible decisions in seconds because one wrong decision could cost them their lives.
At the center of this chaos is Kota, a protagonist whose journey serves as the emotional anchor of the book. When we first meet Kota, she is a survivor in the purest sense of the word. She is hardened, cautious, and driven by a singular, desperate goal: protecting her sister. and grandmother. Her life has been defined by loss and the rigid, often cruel rules of the post-Split world.
Kota’s character arc is a masterful exploration of what happens to the soul when it is forced into "survival mode" for too long. Throughout the story, we see her struggle. She begins the novel as someone who views others primarily as liabilities or tools to reach her goal. However, as she is forced to navigate the world of Macoby and she sees how different and freeing it is from Egal, her arc shifts from one of mere survival to one of reclamation.
The most compelling part of Kota’s development is her realization that surviving is not the same thing as living. As she encounters other survivors and faces the moral gray areas of the new world order, she is forced to decide what kind of person she wants to be in a world that has forgotten what it means to be human. Her growth is slow, painful, and incredibly rewarding to witness, making her a hero that readers will find themselves rooting for from the very first page.
While the action is frequent and the "scare factor" is high, *The Split* shines because of its dystopian elements. The zombies provide the horror, but the "Split" itself provides the tragedy. Nally explores themes of classism and the ethics of abandonment, asking difficult questions about who is "worth" saving when resources are low and fear is high. This elevated the story for me; it wasn't just about escaping a monster, but about navigating a broken system that used monsters as an excuse for cruelty.
The pacing of the novel is one of its greatest strengths. It is an incredibly quick read, with short, punchy chapters. The descriptions of the wasteland are well done, and the action sequences are choreographed with a clarity that keeps the stakes high without being confusing.
The Split is a standout dystopian that will appeal to anyone who loves a high-stakes, post-apocalyptic survival story. It hits all the right notes for fans of the zombie genre—the tension, the gore, and the constant threat—but it adds a layer of heart and social relevance that is often missing from "shambling corpse" narratives.
Gigi Nally is definitely an author to watch. Her ability to balance world-building with deep character work in such a fast-paced format is impressive. I finished the book in nearly one sitting, and the ending left me both satisfied and eager to see where this world goes next. If you are looking for a quick, gritty, and emotionally resonant read to add to your dystopian shelf, The Split should be at the top of your list. I will certainly be checking out more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Split is Nally's debut novel and I would consider this a very strong debut. I read the sypnosis for this and was hooked right away -- a post-apocalyptic world, slow burn romance and zombies -- and I was ecstatic when I got the chance to read this arc.
I normally have a bit of a tough time reading novels written in the present tense, but I quickly got used to it and felt it flowed very well. I really liked Kota's voice and I blew through the first half of the book. Somehow, after 50%, the book got even better. I thought I had the book figured out at that point, but turns out I didn't at all!
The characters are lovely. I liked Jasper, and I liked that their romance wasn't insta-lust, but instead slow-budding with ups and downs. I liked Greeley. Honestly, loved her, and she quickly became my favorite character. I really enjoyed our main character as well, and even though Kota gives off slight damsel in distress vibes in the beginning (a lot of people in this book seem to trip over their shoelaces), she is no push-over and she gets more confident and assertive as the story progresses, despite not a lot of people believing in her.
And as for the the world of the Split, divided into Macoby and Egal, there are not only zombies, but zombie animals -- and plants! -- as well, which I thought was super interesting. I have not read a ton of zombie apocalypse novels before, so to me, this felt very fresh. I liked that it also played into their dire lack of food; zombie animals unfit for consumption. It added an extra layer of danger.
I kind of hoped to see more of Macoby than we did, as we only got to meet a few people. Through Kota's POV, we learn that Macoby is thriving (as much as you can in a zombie apocalypse), more so than Egal, but what is daily life like? People go for their own supply runs, are there are no food related conflicts? Is there a sense of community? I wish we had learnt more about Macoby, as I think her time in Egal was interesting to read about and I would have loved to read more about her interactions with the boys, Milo, Fred and Indy (not Peter, for obvious reasons).
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I think a lot of other people in the mood for a post-apocalyptic novel with slow burn romance, high stakes and zombies (and zomboars, zombirds, zombie snakes and vines) will devour this one. 4 out of 5 stars.
I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
I normally have a bit of a tough time reading novels written in the present tense, but I quickly got used to it and felt it flowed very well. I really liked Kota's voice and I blew through the first half of the book. Somehow, after 50%, the book got even better. I thought I had the book figured out at that point, but turns out I didn't at all!
The characters are lovely. I liked Jasper, and I liked that their romance wasn't insta-lust, but instead slow-budding with ups and downs. I liked Greeley. Honestly, loved her, and she quickly became my favorite character. I really enjoyed our main character as well, and even though Kota gives off slight damsel in distress vibes in the beginning (a lot of people in this book seem to trip over their shoelaces), she is no push-over and she gets more confident and assertive as the story progresses, despite not a lot of people believing in her.
And as for the the world of the Split, divided into Macoby and Egal, there are not only zombies, but zombie animals -- and plants! -- as well, which I thought was super interesting. I have not read a ton of zombie apocalypse novels before, so to me, this felt very fresh. I liked that it also played into their dire lack of food; zombie animals unfit for consumption. It added an extra layer of danger.
I kind of hoped to see more of Macoby than we did, as we only got to meet a few people. Through Kota's POV, we learn that Macoby is thriving (as much as you can in a zombie apocalypse), more so than Egal, but what is daily life like? People go for their own supply runs, are there are no food related conflicts? Is there a sense of community? I wish we had learnt more about Macoby, as I think her time in Egal was interesting to read about and I would have loved to read more about her interactions with the boys, Milo, Fred and Indy (not Peter, for obvious reasons).
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I think a lot of other people in the mood for a post-apocalyptic novel with slow burn romance, high stakes and zombies (and zomboars, zombirds, zombie snakes and vines) will devour this one. 4 out of 5 stars.
I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for having an ARC available for the zombie lovers out there.
I have such mixed feelings about this book.
I enjoyed the character development, found family, and emotional growth between characters. The premise was promising and I could see where this could be heading. Book two could be really cool if done right.
The zom- everything is a little weird, although it makes sense in a way and is original. I personally would have preferred to read about how inanimate objects were infected, not literally being called zombie trees. Though I did understand she sometimes referred to it that way as a character quirk.
There is no explanation as to where theyre getting insulin, as all types need to be kept refrigerated until opening. It can be held at room temp for up to 28 days *after* opening but its been 3 years since z-day..? No abondoned pharmacy would have power keeping insulin cold and therefore useful, potency deteriorates after only 1 year, and thats if its kept refrigerated. But it would most likely be subject to South Carolinas weather which includes extreme summer tempatures which would speed potency deterioration. It just really threw off the immersion.
A lot of scenarios were highly unlikely
For example Also, she
The ending was surprisingly gore-y which was unexpected but very welcomed. Unfortunately not enough plot holes were closed up, relying too heavily on book 2 to have a solid ending. It felt too open ended. I did appreciate that it is a close door romance, and the many action scenes were well detailed. In all, decent read, would probably read book 2 to see where the author takes us, but personally, not my favorite zombie novel.
I have such mixed feelings about this book.
I enjoyed the character development, found family, and emotional growth between characters. The premise was promising and I could see where this could be heading. Book two could be really cool if done right.
The zom- everything is a little weird, although it makes sense in a way and is original. I personally would have preferred to read about how inanimate objects were infected, not literally being called zombie trees. Though I did understand she sometimes referred to it that way as a character quirk.
There is no explanation as to where theyre getting insulin, as all types need to be kept refrigerated until opening. It can be held at room temp for up to 28 days *after* opening but its been 3 years since z-day..? No abondoned pharmacy would have power keeping insulin cold and therefore useful, potency deteriorates after only 1 year, and thats if its kept refrigerated. But it would most likely be subject to South Carolinas weather which includes extreme summer tempatures which would speed potency deterioration. It just really threw off the immersion.
A lot of scenarios were highly unlikely
For example Also, she
The ending was surprisingly gore-y which was unexpected but very welcomed. Unfortunately not enough plot holes were closed up, relying too heavily on book 2 to have a solid ending. It felt too open ended. I did appreciate that it is a close door romance, and the many action scenes were well detailed. In all, decent read, would probably read book 2 to see where the author takes us, but personally, not my favorite zombie novel.
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February 1, 2026This is going on the top of my list as one of my most favorite books. This post apocalyptic novel was a bit different than your usual dystopian novel.
Twenty-one year old Kota is feisty and safe in her corner of the world. Kota works with Peter and a couple of other people in her settlement to run for goods for their settlement. Her group is run by a very by the book boss who doesn't like guns and violence. They do carry around knives, but they rarely use them. Kota has never killed a zombie.
One day, on a run, her group runs into their rivals and Kota gets kidnapped. From the beginning of her capture, Jasper wants to keep her safe and Greeley just thinks Kota is to innocent. She learns a lot of things about "the other side of the wall." Her and Jasper grow very fond of one another and that sweet romance grows.
I think that my favorite part of this story was watching Kota grow into herself and finding out who she is and who she doesn't want to be. Watching her fight to become a newer version of herself that she appreciates much more was the most rewarding part for me.
Thank you to Gigi Nally and Gilly Publishing for allowing me to ARC read this post apocalyptic, slow burn romance dystopian novel.
Twenty-one year old Kota is feisty and safe in her corner of the world. Kota works with Peter and a couple of other people in her settlement to run for goods for their settlement. Her group is run by a very by the book boss who doesn't like guns and violence. They do carry around knives, but they rarely use them. Kota has never killed a zombie.
One day, on a run, her group runs into their rivals and Kota gets kidnapped. From the beginning of her capture, Jasper wants to keep her safe and Greeley just thinks Kota is to innocent. She learns a lot of things about "the other side of the wall." Her and Jasper grow very fond of one another and that sweet romance grows.
I think that my favorite part of this story was watching Kota grow into herself and finding out who she is and who she doesn't want to be. Watching her fight to become a newer version of herself that she appreciates much more was the most rewarding part for me.
Thank you to Gigi Nally and Gilly Publishing for allowing me to ARC read this post apocalyptic, slow burn romance dystopian novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a good zombie story and Nally has introduced a unique concept to a classic premise. I mean—this isn’t just a world full of zombies, it’s a world full of zom-everything!
Kota is an interesting lead. I was hooked on her journey from the start of the book and I loved seeing her growth. I like that she isn’t as helpless as she thinks she is; she just needs to realize her full potential. It was easy to root for her and I am anxious to see where the second book takes her!
Nally did an excellent job at creating engaging character dynamics between Kota and those she meets throughout this story, while also managing to keep an exciting pace that had me flipping through the pages to know what happened next. Excellent world building. A cast of characters that are fun and quirky and a little damaged and delightfully unhinged (I’m looking at you Greeley). Chef's kiss.
The ending of this book is the perfect cliffhanger, so if the author wanted to release book 2 immediately, I wouldn’t complain….
Kota is an interesting lead. I was hooked on her journey from the start of the book and I loved seeing her growth. I like that she isn’t as helpless as she thinks she is; she just needs to realize her full potential. It was easy to root for her and I am anxious to see where the second book takes her!
Nally did an excellent job at creating engaging character dynamics between Kota and those she meets throughout this story, while also managing to keep an exciting pace that had me flipping through the pages to know what happened next. Excellent world building. A cast of characters that are fun and quirky and a little damaged and delightfully unhinged (I’m looking at you Greeley). Chef's kiss.
The ending of this book is the perfect cliffhanger, so if the author wanted to release book 2 immediately, I wouldn’t complain….
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the author Gigi Nalley for this ARC, which I received in exchange for my honest opinion. The Split is a gritty story about the end of the world. I happen to love dystopian/apocalyptic books, so this one was right up my alley. The world building was fantastic. An outbreak has turned a large number of the population into the living dead. The split is an actual divide, barriers erected to keep the living and the dead separate and keep the living safe. On one side, everything is regimented and controlled on the other people are free but have to deal with the zombies. Our FMC Kota really made the story for me. The character arc and the way she really came into her own was the best part. I also enjoyed the tension. You can almost feel a sense of dread as the characters go about their lives and have to make life or death decisions. All in all, I enjoyed this story. The pacing was fast enough to keep my attention, and this was a quick read, which was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Split by Gigi Nally is a post-apocalyptic debut that reveals a world torn between the cult-like rigidity of Egal and the wild freedom of Macoby, where twenty-one-year-old Kota embarks on a journey that transcends mere survival. The novel’s true strengths lie in its original character development, vivid descriptions of a devastated environment, and sharp social commentary exploring themes of classism and abandonment. Despite a few logical oversights regarding technical details and certain passages where the protagonist's train of thought is less clear, Kota’s evolution and the group dynamics keep the read extremely engaging. With short chapters, a hint of romance (which I would have liked to see further explored), and an unexpectedly gritty ending, Nally delivers an emotional survival story that leaves the reader eager for the sequel.
Thank you to Gigi Nally and Gilly Publishing for the ARC!
Thank you to Gigi Nally and Gilly Publishing for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Gilly publishing for providing me with this eARC.
Firstly, if you want a binge-able zombie novel and tend to enjoy quirky characters, definitely give this post-apocalyptic debut a try.
The Split is one of the more unique books I’ve read and I finished it in less than 24 hours. I requested this ARC after reading a blurb about this being for readers who enjoy The Walking Dead and a slow burn romance - which I do!
Sadly, I didn’t end up being obsessed with the execution of the romance, overall it felt a bit lukewarm and I would have loved some more yearning and tension from both characters, particularly from the mmc.
I enjoyed the post apocalyptic, dystopian setting, the unique characters, and action this first book brings.
The Split sets up nicely for a second book.
Firstly, if you want a binge-able zombie novel and tend to enjoy quirky characters, definitely give this post-apocalyptic debut a try.
The Split is one of the more unique books I’ve read and I finished it in less than 24 hours. I requested this ARC after reading a blurb about this being for readers who enjoy The Walking Dead and a slow burn romance - which I do!
Sadly, I didn’t end up being obsessed with the execution of the romance, overall it felt a bit lukewarm and I would have loved some more yearning and tension from both characters, particularly from the mmc.
I enjoyed the post apocalyptic, dystopian setting, the unique characters, and action this first book brings.
The Split sets up nicely for a second book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kota’s voice had me hooked from the very first page. I love that she was different from most main characters we see nowadays in dystopian/fantasy books. She actually has things to learn and ways to grow, and she does so in such a satisfying way!
The setting/world-building of this story is the true star. It’s grim and dark but also has bright spots, especially thanks to some of the characters Kota meets along the way. I love the author’s sense of humor and the range of emotions she takes us on through the story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
The ending is WILD (no spoilers but iykyk!!) and I can’t wait to see where book 2 goes!
The setting/world-building of this story is the true star. It’s grim and dark but also has bright spots, especially thanks to some of the characters Kota meets along the way. I love the author’s sense of humor and the range of emotions she takes us on through the story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
The ending is WILD (no spoilers but iykyk!!) and I can’t wait to see where book 2 goes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything I want in a zombie/apocalyptic romance novel — with the romance kept light. I loved every moment of this story. The characters were incredibly well written, even the ones I thought I’d hate (Gree Gree, babe, I’m talking about you). Somehow, you can’t help but like them.
The pacing was a real strength. The story has great momentum while still allowing room to breathe, with smaller subplots woven naturally into the main plot. The romance was also handled well — not insta-love, but something that felt authentic and earned. This is a fade-to-black book, which fit the tone perfectly.
I’m genuinely thrilled to see this genre coming back into trend, because stories like The Split are exactly what make me excited for more.
Easy 5 stars.
The pacing was a real strength. The story has great momentum while still allowing room to breathe, with smaller subplots woven naturally into the main plot. The romance was also handled well — not insta-love, but something that felt authentic and earned. This is a fade-to-black book, which fit the tone perfectly.
I’m genuinely thrilled to see this genre coming back into trend, because stories like The Split are exactly what make me excited for more.
Easy 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to love this book. I couldn’t get into it from the very beginning. The characters and dialogue were extremely cringey to me. At 60% in, I thought to myself “i still don’t care about Kota and Jasper’s relationship”.
I felt like there were a lot of plot holes and believability issues.
I did give it two stars for two reasons:
1. I did not guess the twists
2. I really liked the concept of two different approaches to the same problem represented through the sides of the town
I didn’t find Kota likable and I didn’t feel Jasper had a real personality. It just really took me out of the story and made it hard to continue reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
I felt like there were a lot of plot holes and believability issues.
I did give it two stars for two reasons:
1. I did not guess the twists
2. I really liked the concept of two different approaches to the same problem represented through the sides of the town
I didn’t find Kota likable and I didn’t feel Jasper had a real personality. It just really took me out of the story and made it hard to continue reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Arc Review
The Split by Gigi Nally
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Gilly Publishing (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op) for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
For a debut this was fantastic, think Walking dead but sooooo much better!!! The characters are fantastic and so well written my favorite is Greely, she was fantastic and her characterwas so developed. Just think if Gigi Nalley had this good of a debut what else is she gonna give us in the future??
I for one can't wait to figure that out, all I know is I'll be keeping my eyes open for anything else she may publish!!!!
#TheSplit #NetGalley
The Split by Gigi Nally
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Gilly Publishing (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op) for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
For a debut this was fantastic, think Walking dead but sooooo much better!!! The characters are fantastic and so well written my favorite is Greely, she was fantastic and her characterwas so developed. Just think if Gigi Nalley had this good of a debut what else is she gonna give us in the future??
I for one can't wait to figure that out, all I know is I'll be keeping my eyes open for anything else she may publish!!!!
#TheSplit #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of an ARC received through NetGalley. Thank you!
I really enjoyed this book. I believe it's the authors debut novel and I have to say, it's a strong one. It was action packed, fast paced and so much fun to read. The way things are written and explained in the book makes it very accessible for pretty much everyone. You don't need to know much about Zombies to enjoy this book, however if you do know a lot about them, then you can still enjoy this story.
I used to play a Zombie survival video game and this book reminded me so much of it and how much fun I had.
I hope there is going to be a sequel to this book. Thank you to the Author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. I believe it's the authors debut novel and I have to say, it's a strong one. It was action packed, fast paced and so much fun to read. The way things are written and explained in the book makes it very accessible for pretty much everyone. You don't need to know much about Zombies to enjoy this book, however if you do know a lot about them, then you can still enjoy this story.
I used to play a Zombie survival video game and this book reminded me so much of it and how much fun I had.
I hope there is going to be a sequel to this book. Thank you to the Author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Gilly Publishing, and Gigi Nally for allowing me to read and review the eARC for The Split.
This was fun! The plot was exciting and kept me hooked the entire time. The writing was very average but that’s not necessary a bad thing, although I had a problem with the characterizing of some of the characters. I absolutely hated how Indy, Fred, and Greely were written. Greely was a little hard to look past since she’s a pretty prominent character but Indy and Fred were easy to overlook. I’m a sucker for a zombie apocalypse story and this didn’t disappoint!
This was fun! The plot was exciting and kept me hooked the entire time. The writing was very average but that’s not necessary a bad thing, although I had a problem with the characterizing of some of the characters. I absolutely hated how Indy, Fred, and Greely were written. Greely was a little hard to look past since she’s a pretty prominent character but Indy and Fred were easy to overlook. I’m a sucker for a zombie apocalypse story and this didn’t disappoint!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So honored to have been given a chance to read this a little early! It quickly became a book I craved - I found myself leaving dishes in the sink or laundry in the dryer; this was a fun ‘take me from reality’ read full of action and quirks. I would recommend this book to anyone in need of something new. Nally does a remarkable job of bringing a fresh approach to the literary table and I’m overwhelmingly excited about seeing this book hit the shelves because I know that bibliophiles like myself are going to flock to it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I say I devoured this book, finished it in less than a day. I wish I were a writer so I could give this review that it deserves, but dang this was an amazing book!!! I’ve never had a thing for zombies but this book had me changing me mind. The banter. The zombie-dictionary. The quips. The yearning. The y2k references. UGH it was such an enjoyable read, and I can’t get enough of Kota and this whole world. Read it! Read it! Read it!!!!
January 28, 2026
I absolutely LOVED The Spilt! The characters felt so real and easy to connect with, and the story kept surprising me in the best way. I laughed, I held my breath, and I was fully pulled in from start to finish.
As a Greenville local, it was such a fun experience recognizing places and feeling completely immersed in the world you created - it made the story even more special. This book was exciting, heartfelt, and such a joy to read!!
I can’t wait to find out what happens in Maine…👀🧟♀️
As a Greenville local, it was such a fun experience recognizing places and feeling completely immersed in the world you created - it made the story even more special. This book was exciting, heartfelt, and such a joy to read!!
I can’t wait to find out what happens in Maine…👀🧟♀️
February 4, 2026
Are zombies back?! They certainly are in this novel. Thanks to netgalley and Gilly Publishing for filling the walking dead shaped void in my ❤️. This book was so fun and I genuinely enjoyed the plot, and dystopian horror vibes. I liked the “split” aspect of the different sides of factions. You root for the main character Kota the entire way. Great female character. This was a solid entry into the zombie verse!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this first book by Gigi Nally! A story of a young 20 something finding her confidence, voice and love all through a zombified world. Great twists and turns that kept me hooked. Cant wait to see what happens next for this misfit group of zombie fighters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, this book is AMAZEBALLS!
-The Author
-The Author
January 20, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. This book is exciting from beginning to end with not only the zombie aspect, but with the character development and political intrigue. The inclusion of other zombie species added a unique layer to the story as well, since the plant and animal life are dwindling from their own zombie virus (creating an added layer of stress on resources). I also really appreciated the dark humor and “cult” aspects of the split. Great book to pick up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An excellent debut novel! Despite there being plenty of zombies, comedy, and romance this is not your standard zom-com. This is action packed, emotionally charged, and quite gory at times. I loved all of it, especially the main character Kota. She goes through such a transformation throughout the story from a scared, timid girl to a strong, confident woman. I am desperately hoping for a sequel.
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