The Dead Woods

by Ellie Welsh

522 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2026

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬 📚 [ REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star ]
☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ THE DEAD WOODS ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ Is the first debut post apocalyptic novel in the (Blackbird Plague) series by Ellie Welsh.

📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

If I hadn't seen this pop up within a zombie group I'm in I would've missed this book!! Zombie books fast became a weakness of mine, I'm always on the lookout and I jump into this genre any chance I get.

The virus is being referred to by officials as the 'Blackbird Virus.' Those infected with the Blackbird virus are bizarrely attracting the notice of a large number of carrion birds, namely crows.



This genre just gives me that rush of adrenaline I seek in these books, the fear of zombies, the chase, the defending loved ones, the scavenging hunts, seeking a safe haven, losing loved ones, this one ticked so many boxes.

* Bobbie * Zombie apocalypse author, clumsy as all hell, introvert with her loyal dog Duke. Twin (Sam). No survival skills whatsoever.
* Dean * Closet doomsday prepper (has all the gadgets), protector.
* Noah * Ex military, guardian to niece, survivor, lives off the land, has somewhat of a sanctuary

I tiptoed into this one with a little bit of trepidation being that it's this author's debut novel, but that thought rapidly turned into dust, because as soon as I started this I was pulled in, it felt like I was reading a novel by a seasoned author, the flow and storyline was perfection, the characters are easy to connect with and relatable. This author had me sitting in the palm of her hand as I ate this story up like candy.

That feel we all strive to seek of not wanting it to end hit me more times than I could count, this had everything I ask for in this genre. Definitely keen to read the next book in this series and I hope many more like this book to come..

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[Michael T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK end of the world zombie story. I enjoyed a few scenes and the characters, but the story seemed to drag on a little too much for me.

[TiffanyMarieTicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I wanted in a zombie book! If you’ve never read a true zombie apocalypse book then you are in for quite a treat! This hits all the check marks for me! We have a fantastic FMC who despite being a “zombie apocalypse” writer, she never expected to be living it! Of course with all zombie entertainment we have the evil zombies and the evil humans! Let me tell you , the zombies are not the villains in this story. I was on the edge of my seat trying to finish this as fast as I could because I needed to know what was gonna happen. Whew…I now need book 2 ASAP.

True Zombie Apocalypse Setting.
FMC clumsy but determined!
Found family of course
Evil human villain
Hot Ex Military MMC
No spice - this still has a romance subplot for sure. It’s realistic! I mean they are in a zombie infested world!
Expect some zombie gore!

[Misty Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a rollercoaster for your emotions....
It starts out easy, kind of slow, building up the tension and the storyline...
By the 2nd half...hang on and grab some tissues.
My emotions were all over the place.
I was angry, on the edge of my seat, then bawling my eyes out.
I couldn't put this book down. I had to know what happened next.
By the end, I was wrung out emotionally and so ready for the next one.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. For a debut novel, this is a solid zombie story. I can't wait to see how much better this series gets. I know I'm in for a wild ride.

[Asheley · Rating 5 out of 5]

** ARC Review Incoming ** 📚📖

Thank you to Ellie Welsh and Booksprout for allowing me to be part of the Arc Team and for giving me a free copy of this book.

Holy Zombie Balls!!! This was a brilliant Zombie Apocalypse story! I was addicted from the start!! I am a huge fan of this genre, however I’ve found over the years writers have drifted too far away from the authentic Zombie Apocalypse experience. I understand the pull in trying to stand out in from the Walking Dead phenomena but, I feel we’ve drifted too far.

Welsh, however had totally aced it!! Her writing style is addictive, with pace and and underlying anxiousness in her descriptive character and world building. She does not shy away from cutting main characters - it is a ZA after all and people are going to be lost. Her pendulum story telling brings the story life as we follow the highs and lows of the main characters. She has built them up to the point that the reader wants to know more about them firmly investing in seeking out book 2.

This booked is one the few that has been so good it has been able to pull me out of my newly formed addiction of dark romance, leaving me satisfied without the smut! There is an element of romance of this book but it is a sideline to the main event and there is no spice but to be fair it absolutely doesn’t need it!!

Sooo looking forward to Book 2!!

[JessReads24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When she escape to a quiet cabin to outrun grief, but the silence doesn't stay quiet for long. The woods start whispering, beginning with sounds she can't explain, then dread comes to settle in before the rest of her could catch up.

Ellie Welsh drops you into a world where silence isn't comforting, the woods feel alive, and survival requires as much emotional resilience as it does physical.

She worked hard to hold herself together in a world falling apart around her. The isolation feels raw, real, and tense. The woods are like a moody, watchful character in the story. They leave you with a feeling something is always just beyond the trees.

This post-apocalyptic story provides a touch of human connection, found survival, and the creeping sense that things might be getting worse. The stage has absolutely been set for something big in book 2.

A HUGE thank you to Ellie Welsh for allowing me the pleasure of an advance read copy! This review is my honest and genuine feedback on a book I enjoyed.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new Author for me and although it is a Genre that I am in love with, I was a bit apprehensive to go into a new series.

The world was believable and the storyline was intriguing. Definatley an unexpected enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the last 20% of the book was the entire book because it was awesome. I loved Bobbie and Noah together, and I loved how tough Bobbie was and how much of a hero Noah is. I loved Carl and Derek and the kids, actually all of the characters were great and well fleshed out and for the most part I was concerned and heartbroken over the crew and who was lost. I saw what they had to go through and fight through to survive. It was the appropriate amount of backstory to set the tone and make the relationships make sense, flow well and I truly loved when everyone finally got together in the same compound.
Now tell my WHY DID IT TAKE 80% OF THE BOOK TO GET THERE?? I swear the beginning of this book DRAGGED. It was the right amount of backstory but the wrong amount of wordiness. There were chapters on chapters where nothing happened. We had a lot of talking and maybe some zombies but we I just kept waiting and waiting for the two main characters to finally meet. And it took too long. And along the way to supposedly having a connection with Noah, we have a full romance going on with Dean, and it was cute in the beginning and it was really confusing to see where the story was going with them. And the switching back and forth between Bobbie and Noah was a bit jarring. The parts were too long and far apart and right when I was getting comfortable with one story, we switched completely.
I was so sucked in at the end, I wish it would have happened WAY sooner than 80% through because it hit then. The ending tied together so well, and I want to read the next book solely for that last part, and Duke. Duke is the best boy.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a breath of fresh air when it cubes to ZA. So many stories have been told, movies and TV series been made, that it’s tended to run amok. So I was both excited and reserved going into this one.
Bobbie hisses herself away so she can write, Gasp! , a story about a zombie apocalypse. When she realizes this has become truth…I’m pretty sure this is not how she was hoping to get some reach in on the subject. I found myself immediately pulled in. I was on board for all of the chaos, the action and danger. Loved Noah. That guy was really for this and then some. This was just so captivating, that I found myself completely glued to my seat. There was no way I was putting this down until I was finished. This had the depth, the description, the vividness, that I was looking over my own shoulder. Gripping my book for life, and moving my iPad like I was on some sort of chase trying to get away from them myself. I yelled at the characters, I jumped. I got upset and had sad moments. This book ticked every single box for me when it comes to an amazing ZA. So well written. I’m glad I found this book and dived right in. It was nothing short of amazing.

[Natasha sebuwufu · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 5⭐️ Book Review

This book is SO much more than your typical zombie apocalypse story. Yes, there are zombies, action and a little bit of gore, but alongside that you’ll find found family, romance, survival, loss, grief and some fantastic character development.

Even halfway through the book, I had completely fallen in love with our main group of characters and genuinely cared about what happened to them. And I have to mention Duke, the German Shepherd 🐕‍🦺 — he adds such a lovely, softer and cosier layer to the story.

The story is packed with twists and turns, highs and lows, and so many moments that you’ll feel deep inside. By the end, you’ll be left absolutely craving Book 2!

Honestly, I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’re looking for a cosier zombie-apocalypse story that will give you all the feels, look no further. And with spooky season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick this one up! 🧟‍♀️🍂🖤

[Victoria Murie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this audiobook, especially with how the narration and plot conveyed the rollercoaster of emotional points, which made me laugh, almost cry and even sit in anxious suspense. I liked how the author worked the story so that all the characters felt real with their own backstories and personalities. In the way that they weren't all picturesque and seamlessly worked together and how they clashed and put their interest first when they wanted it in a very human way. My only real criticism is that at certain points through the audiobook, characters' skills and items they found feel a wee bit too convenient, but it makes sense for plot progression. Overall I enjoyed this book, and it's a take on apocalypses and how people, both individually and as a collective, would react. Lastly, I'd like to note that I would recommend people either read or look up the trigger warnings for this audiobook instead of heading straight in, as it covers some dark and potentially triggering material. Which I personally had to pause the audio due to and take a break due to how close to home it hit.

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in relatively blind to this book, and so found it a really excellent alternative to some of the urban, fast-paced zombie novels out there these days. The stage is set beautifully with a remote cabin in the woods, slowly edging the tension gauge higher with strange noises and mysterious trails, until the story really begins!

Bobbie is likeable, and I immediately slipped into 'if anything happens to this good dog!' mode typical of my horror reading! Thankfully all of the humans are excellent too and the writing kept me gripped through what were portrayed as very real reactions to such a scenario (especially post-2020). The tension and atmosphere were peak throughout, which sealed the deal for me.

It's rare these days to have such an original and engaging zombie novel, but Ellie Welsh absolutely nailed it. Definitely a recommend.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even sure how to feel about this one. It’s absolutely insane. This was such a great zombie apocalypse story. I would love to hear more about this group. I definitely want to know how it turned out for some. I love the fact that this was so real and believable. Definitely makes you wonder how you would handle the situation.

[Brooke Luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Dead Woods by @elliewelshauthor I LOVED IT!! 5/5 10/10 I loved the romance along with the
zombie apocalypse story. It reminded of the walking dead and resident evil with the birds!! I can't wait for book 2!!! Highly recommend!!!