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Slimbies: Girl
A Gift in the Dark
When the Slimbies outbreak began, the warnings sounded like just another emergency broadcast.
A few bad reactions.
A precaution.
Nothing to fear.
But in one small Delaware home, just before Christmas, everything falls apart. Evan brings home a frightened puppy to brighten the holiday, unaware that the world has already begun to die. By morning, Noah, Mara, and the puppy are on the run, leaving behind the only family they’ve ever known. What follows is two harsh years of cold floors, shuttered towns, thin rations, and the too-quiet dead. Together, the three of them learn the rules of a broken move early, trust nothing, and stay away from anything that moves.
Bleak, intimate, and rooted in the small mercies that keep us alive, Girl is the haunting origin story of the dog who becomes the heart of the Slimbies world.
When the Slimbies outbreak began, the warnings sounded like just another emergency broadcast.
A few bad reactions.
A precaution.
Nothing to fear.
But in one small Delaware home, just before Christmas, everything falls apart. Evan brings home a frightened puppy to brighten the holiday, unaware that the world has already begun to die. By morning, Noah, Mara, and the puppy are on the run, leaving behind the only family they’ve ever known. What follows is two harsh years of cold floors, shuttered towns, thin rations, and the too-quiet dead. Together, the three of them learn the rules of a broken move early, trust nothing, and stay away from anything that moves.
Bleak, intimate, and rooted in the small mercies that keep us alive, Girl is the haunting origin story of the dog who becomes the heart of the Slimbies world.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2026
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
D. R. Long
6 books47 followersD. R. Long writes speculative fiction rooted in quiet horror, survival, and collapse. His stories focus on ordinary people caught in moments where the world tilts and familiar rules stop applying.
Rather than spectacle, his work leans into atmosphere, pressure, and consequence; what it feels like to keep going when systems fail and certainty disappears.
He is the author of multiple novels and novellas, including Slimbies and A World We Never Knew, with many more to come.
When he's not writing, he can be found with his close friends in a game of D&D, playing fetch with his dog Girl, or traveling.
Rather than spectacle, his work leans into atmosphere, pressure, and consequence; what it feels like to keep going when systems fail and certainty disappears.
He is the author of multiple novels and novellas, including Slimbies and A World We Never Knew, with many more to come.
When he's not writing, he can be found with his close friends in a game of D&D, playing fetch with his dog Girl, or traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 27, 2026
Praise for Slimbies Girl
This book was a very easy read. It had me captured from page 1 and the story was awesome. I enjoyed going on a journey with the characters and my heart broke a few times when I read it. If you get the chance to read this zombie story , do it. It will keep you entertained!
This book was a very easy read. It had me captured from page 1 and the story was awesome. I enjoyed going on a journey with the characters and my heart broke a few times when I read it. If you get the chance to read this zombie story , do it. It will keep you entertained!
January 21, 2026
This book was meant to introduce a full length trilogy entitled Slimbies.
Slimbies was the first novel I wrote. I started it many years ago, but wasn't ready to finish it. And once I found myself, it poured out of me... To the tune of three full length novels.
Now the first one, very rough. The second though, felt strong. And the third... It let me know I could really do this. After I finished the third, I went back and read the first. I had a good long laugh at how naive I really was... It was horrible. But the second and third, they were solid.
I wanted to write new stuff, not get stuck in this endless spiral of working and reworking the same project. I rewrite book 1, then book 2 isn't as good, then rewrite that, then book 3 isn't as good, then back to 1, and so on forever. This is a cycle a lot of authors get caught in that I wanted to avoid.
I didn't want to give up on this. I was too invested. So I rewrote book 1, and then I moved on. I started working on other projects. And even though Girl had made it into the Slimbies series... Both her, and the series, deserved a proper introduction.
And Slimbies: Girl was born.
I learned a lot writing this. I learned my strength in the novella style, as well as being able to move forward from a project and let it be what it is.
The Slimbies series is far from perfect. But it's my baby. My first. And I'm pretty fucking proud of it.
And I hope you all enjoy it as much as I loved writing it.
Slimbies was the first novel I wrote. I started it many years ago, but wasn't ready to finish it. And once I found myself, it poured out of me... To the tune of three full length novels.
Now the first one, very rough. The second though, felt strong. And the third... It let me know I could really do this. After I finished the third, I went back and read the first. I had a good long laugh at how naive I really was... It was horrible. But the second and third, they were solid.
I wanted to write new stuff, not get stuck in this endless spiral of working and reworking the same project. I rewrite book 1, then book 2 isn't as good, then rewrite that, then book 3 isn't as good, then back to 1, and so on forever. This is a cycle a lot of authors get caught in that I wanted to avoid.
I didn't want to give up on this. I was too invested. So I rewrote book 1, and then I moved on. I started working on other projects. And even though Girl had made it into the Slimbies series... Both her, and the series, deserved a proper introduction.
And Slimbies: Girl was born.
I learned a lot writing this. I learned my strength in the novella style, as well as being able to move forward from a project and let it be what it is.
The Slimbies series is far from perfect. But it's my baby. My first. And I'm pretty fucking proud of it.
And I hope you all enjoy it as much as I loved writing it.
April 19, 2026
This is a quieter post-apocalyptic story, but that’s what makes it work.
Slimbies: Girl is really about connection and survival, not action. The relationship at the center feels honest and earned, and the emotional weight sneaks up on you instead of being shoved in your face. Short, heavy in a good way, and easy to think about after you’re done.
Slimbies: Girl is really about connection and survival, not action. The relationship at the center feels honest and earned, and the emotional weight sneaks up on you instead of being shoved in your face. Short, heavy in a good way, and easy to think about after you’re done.
May 3, 2026
This is a really strong book, and once again D. R. Long shows his ability to write across different genres.
The story is a dystopian, end of the world scenario that gives off a similar feeling to a Will Smith style survival movie, where danger is always lurking and you have to stay alert.
It follows a small family trying to survive after government approved injections begin turning people into zombie like creatures. The story focuses closely on their daily struggle to stay alive in a world that has completely fallen apart.
One thing I really appreciated was that the dog survives until the end. I often feel more emotional about animals in stories, so that part meant a lot to me. I’m not sure if the dog’s gender was ever clearly mentioned, though.
The story is a dystopian, end of the world scenario that gives off a similar feeling to a Will Smith style survival movie, where danger is always lurking and you have to stay alert.
It follows a small family trying to survive after government approved injections begin turning people into zombie like creatures. The story focuses closely on their daily struggle to stay alive in a world that has completely fallen apart.
One thing I really appreciated was that the dog survives until the end. I often feel more emotional about animals in stories, so that part meant a lot to me. I’m not sure if the dog’s gender was ever clearly mentioned, though.
March 20, 2026
This is such a great book and again D.R. Long surprises me with the way how he can write so many different types of books - genres.
This is a dystopic end of the world story- reminds me of a way of the Will Smith movie - where he has be on the lookout for the butterfly.
We have people who have been talking shots, that have been approved by the government, turning into zombies.
We mainly focus on one family - and see there lives - even if you can call it that.
One good thing the dog lives at the end - sometimes, hell most of the time, I have more sympathy for the animals, so I was glad to see she lived. I don't know if we were ever told its sex.
This is a dystopic end of the world story- reminds me of a way of the Will Smith movie - where he has be on the lookout for the butterfly.
We have people who have been talking shots, that have been approved by the government, turning into zombies.
We mainly focus on one family - and see there lives - even if you can call it that.
One good thing the dog lives at the end - sometimes, hell most of the time, I have more sympathy for the animals, so I was glad to see she lived. I don't know if we were ever told its sex.
May 7, 2026
This was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I’m not usually drawn to zombie stories, but this one stood out by avoiding many of the typical tropes the genre often leans on.
It’s a short, fast-paced story that quickly introduces the family and pulls you in.
What really makes it memorable is Moon, the dog, who creates an immediate emotional connection from the start. Her presence adds warmth and depth that carries through the entire story.
Even though the outcome for the family isn’t a happy one, there’s something comforting in knowing they experienced love and companionship through Moon. That emotional thread gives the story a lasting impact.
It’s a short, fast-paced story that quickly introduces the family and pulls you in.
What really makes it memorable is Moon, the dog, who creates an immediate emotional connection from the start. Her presence adds warmth and depth that carries through the entire story.
Even though the outcome for the family isn’t a happy one, there’s something comforting in knowing they experienced love and companionship through Moon. That emotional thread gives the story a lasting impact.
April 23, 2026
This book was amazing! Its a new take on zombies called slimbies. Its a short read and I wasn't able to put it down so I finished it in one day. It's an emotion and shocking story about survival and loyalty. It follows a family and thier puppy Moon right before an outbreak and into a world that you have to survive with Slimbies. Parts are very sad and heart breaking. If you're looking for a different take on zombies and a short story then this is a must read! This is my first book I've read by D. R. Long and I will be reading his other books.
January 28, 2026
A Gift in the Dark is quietly devastating in the best way. Instead of spectacle, it leans into intimacy—fear, exhaustion, love, and the fragile hope that survives when the world ends. The pacing is restrained, the tone bleak but humane, and the bond between Noah, Mara, and the puppy is deeply moving. This isn’t just an apocalypse story; it’s about endurance, loyalty, and the small mercies that keep people (and dogs) alive when everything else is gone. Haunting and unforgettable.
January 28, 2026
Another incredible novella from D. R. Long who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The horror of watching this unfold left a mark on me I am still thinking about even though I read this a couple months ago now. I was gripped with fear and heartache all at the same time. Definitely a must read for anyone who loves post apocalyptic novels but is looking for a new twist. I cannot wait for the trilogy!
February 14, 2026
Slimbies: Girl is such a refreshing and heartfelt read! The author beautifully captures emotion, growth, and strength in a way that feels real and inspiring. The story is engaging, the characters are relatable, and the message truly resonates. A wonderful book that leaves you feeling uplifted and empowered highly recommend!
May 4, 2026
With diet drugs of all kinds making their way into people's lives, you have to wonder about the side effects they don't share with the public. Christmas is usually a happy time of year, visiting friends and family, until people start acting erratically and your told to stay indoors. Can anyone survive this new world? If you like apocalyptic type stories you will love this twist on a zombie tale.
March 15, 2026
Slimbies
I enjoyed this shorter zombie story! It definitely had me angry at a lot of the characters (which is a good thing) and some crazy shocking moments I wasn't expecting. Girls storyline was great!
I enjoyed this shorter zombie story! It definitely had me angry at a lot of the characters (which is a good thing) and some crazy shocking moments I wasn't expecting. Girls storyline was great!
March 26, 2026
This book is a fast paced, super short zombie apocalypse type book! im here for it. my only complaint was I felt the story deserved more.. maybe a little too short. but otherwise it was super good and worth a read!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews