What do you think?
Rate this book
Day Zero #1
Day Zero: The Book Of Patrick
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
"It is appointed once for man to die, then the judgement." Hebrews 9:27
Patrick began his day like any other.
But this was not just any other day.
This was the day he was supposed to die.
And Death is very persistent.
There is no rescheduling. There is no cancellation policy.
If he can live through this one day, it's just the beginning. He finds a world of people who have slipped into the gap between life and death, walking among the living. Unseen. Unheard.
A world of desperate people. They can't move forward and there is no going back.
Phoenix: a young woman bent on burning.
Luke: obsessed with the woman he loves but can't have.
Isaiah: the soldier still fighting his war.
Preacher: lost, but still trying to lead the way.
Mama June: a grounding soul to which they can all cling.
And Reuben: evil in life... Even more so Immortal.
Who are you when there is nothing left to lose?
What are you capable of?
"It is appointed once for man to die, then the judgement." Hebrews 9:27
Patrick began his day like any other.
But this was not just any other day.
This was the day he was supposed to die.
And Death is very persistent.
There is no rescheduling. There is no cancellation policy.
If he can live through this one day, it's just the beginning. He finds a world of people who have slipped into the gap between life and death, walking among the living. Unseen. Unheard.
A world of desperate people. They can't move forward and there is no going back.
Phoenix: a young woman bent on burning.
Luke: obsessed with the woman he loves but can't have.
Isaiah: the soldier still fighting his war.
Preacher: lost, but still trying to lead the way.
Mama June: a grounding soul to which they can all cling.
And Reuben: evil in life... Even more so Immortal.
Who are you when there is nothing left to lose?
What are you capable of?
- GenresAmazon
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
14 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hyman
4 books86 followersBJ Hyman was born in Nashville, TN to Joe and Betty Story (yes, her maiden name is Betty Jo Story...how's that for someone born to write?).
She was first published as the winner of a poetry contest in her local paper in Effingham, IL at the age of 10 and the writing bug never left her. Since then she has had poetry and one short story published in varying anthologies.
She got a B.A. in Theater and studied Music in college because the arts and storytelling have always called to her. She worked in television and radio for over 7 years before spending another 7 as a school teacher of Music and Theater.
She's written 5 full-length screenplays, one play, and over 25 hour long episodic scripts for television. Day Zero is her first novel.
She currently lives in Columbus, MS with her Commercial Producer husband, Jim, three loving dogs (Wrigley, Serenity, and Sunny) that she calls her "doghters" (when you're a creative, you can make up your own words...see: Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky), and a 19 year old turtle named Melville.
She was first published as the winner of a poetry contest in her local paper in Effingham, IL at the age of 10 and the writing bug never left her. Since then she has had poetry and one short story published in varying anthologies.
She got a B.A. in Theater and studied Music in college because the arts and storytelling have always called to her. She worked in television and radio for over 7 years before spending another 7 as a school teacher of Music and Theater.
She's written 5 full-length screenplays, one play, and over 25 hour long episodic scripts for television. Day Zero is her first novel.
She currently lives in Columbus, MS with her Commercial Producer husband, Jim, three loving dogs (Wrigley, Serenity, and Sunny) that she calls her "doghters" (when you're a creative, you can make up your own words...see: Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky), and a 19 year old turtle named Melville.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 15, 2015
I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Let me start with that and by saying there is a supernatural element to the book, which isn't pointed out in the description and if I had known that, I wouldn't have entered the giveaway. Supernatural/fantasy is not my cup of tea. So I want to make sure I point that out for anyone contemplating reading.
The story is well written, suspenseful and moves at a quick pace. It's told from the first person perspective of each character, instead of just one or two characters. That made it easier to feel you knew the characters much faster and was a nice technique. The main character, Patrick, is well represented throughout the book, with other characters being supporting characters to his story. Follow up books in the series are titled for other characters that are introduced in this book.
Overall, overlooking the supernatural theme, I enjoyed the book and the story. It was unique, which I always like. If you enjoy a character driven story that's a bit out of the ordinary and suspenseful, I'd definitely recommend the book to you.
The story is well written, suspenseful and moves at a quick pace. It's told from the first person perspective of each character, instead of just one or two characters. That made it easier to feel you knew the characters much faster and was a nice technique. The main character, Patrick, is well represented throughout the book, with other characters being supporting characters to his story. Follow up books in the series are titled for other characters that are introduced in this book.
Overall, overlooking the supernatural theme, I enjoyed the book and the story. It was unique, which I always like. If you enjoy a character driven story that's a bit out of the ordinary and suspenseful, I'd definitely recommend the book to you.
June 9, 2015
This was a very exciting and interesting read. From the first chapter, I was hooked. I had to know what would happen next. Patrick is just like everyone else. He has a nice job, apartment, and a woman he loves. He has no idea his life was about to forever change. I honestly felt so bad for him, knowing he had no idea what was going on, or how to fix it. He struggles with the new concept of his life and it does take him a bit to find his way. He meets more people like him, and they help him cope.
I really liked how BJ gave us more than one or two characters point of views. You got to see a lot of them and it was interesting to see how they all connected. Each of them have a different story to tell, and each have difficult times to go through.
This book was very well thought out and planned. It really makes you wonder what happens life after death or what would happen if you really did miss the day you were supposed to die. This book has really made me wonder and think about things that some would never think of. I really enjoyed reading this and I cannot wait for the next one! Highly recommend reading this book!! You will not be disappointed!
I really liked how BJ gave us more than one or two characters point of views. You got to see a lot of them and it was interesting to see how they all connected. Each of them have a different story to tell, and each have difficult times to go through.
This book was very well thought out and planned. It really makes you wonder what happens life after death or what would happen if you really did miss the day you were supposed to die. This book has really made me wonder and think about things that some would never think of. I really enjoyed reading this and I cannot wait for the next one! Highly recommend reading this book!! You will not be disappointed!
June 21, 2016
This is a book for people that enjoy lots of twist and turns! It reminds me of the Hulu show "Booth at the End" mixed with "Final Destination" and flavored with "Dead Like Me". There is A LOT going on! Patrick is definitely a man with a million problems...but death ain't one! He escaped the end of his life time and time again and that is why the punishment began! You will meet a few quirky, yet troubled, souls as you read. I could easily visualize several of the scary scenes and I cringed with every near death experience. (Especially the subway train)
The great thing about this book is that at some time or other, we all feel invisible, like we are being ignored by everyone. 'Day Zero' takes those feelings and runs with it. I will say that every time I hear a mysterious humming noise I will be sure to move away from all ceiling fans. CREEPY!
I would totally recommend this book to any Sci-fi lover. It keeps you on your toes!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was totally worth it! :-D
The great thing about this book is that at some time or other, we all feel invisible, like we are being ignored by everyone. 'Day Zero' takes those feelings and runs with it. I will say that every time I hear a mysterious humming noise I will be sure to move away from all ceiling fans. CREEPY!
I would totally recommend this book to any Sci-fi lover. It keeps you on your toes!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was totally worth it! :-D
April 12, 2015
BJ Hyman's "Day Zero: The Book of Patrick" will make you want to stay up all night reading! Hyman has done very well with her premiere novel. The pacing is excellent - you don't want to put the book down. The characters are well drawn and as flawed as real life. I am looking forward to the next installment and to see what happens to some other characters that were introduced such as Mama June.
April 14, 2015
It's been a while since I was sucked into a book as much as this one. I kept finding myself stressed out because I was so worried about the characters! Speaking of characters, this book has a lot of them, but it's written so well that there's no confusion and it flows easily between each one. I LOVED this and can't wait for the book two to come out!!
May 30, 2015
oh my, the last two days have been tough, having to work and sleep and all those other things that we do. my mind was on nothing else but what was going to happen next... im so ready for the next one that i cant stand it!
June 22, 2015
Fast-paced, uniquely written, strong characters. You can't go wrong there! Great first novel for BJ Hyman.
June 21, 2016
Awesome!!!!!! Can't wait for the new book!!!
April 30, 2017
Different...
This is a different kind of book but Very entertaining. Patrick has had a very bad day. From old radios, being pushed in front of a train and hit by a car. What is going on? Nobody really recognises him, just puzzled looks as if they should know who he is.
The characters are quite captivating, especially after he meets more of his kind. Phoenix, Luke, Israel, they all have their own story. The storyline is good, something I would never have thought of. Can they help people without being seen? Can they protect the children?
There will be a sequel. Thank goodness! I want to see where this goes. 😄
This is a different kind of book but Very entertaining. Patrick has had a very bad day. From old radios, being pushed in front of a train and hit by a car. What is going on? Nobody really recognises him, just puzzled looks as if they should know who he is.
The characters are quite captivating, especially after he meets more of his kind. Phoenix, Luke, Israel, they all have their own story. The storyline is good, something I would never have thought of. Can they help people without being seen? Can they protect the children?
There will be a sequel. Thank goodness! I want to see where this goes. 😄
June 13, 2024
Okay, since I'm the author of this book, OF COURSE, I have to give it 5 Stars!! Let me know what you truly think of it!
This is my first novel and the beginning of a series. It's main theme is identity and who you are in the most challenging of situations. Who are you if you've lost everything? What are you capable of doing to try to get your life back? Are we just what others think of us? If there is no one left that knows you, who are you at your core?
These kinds of questions fascinate me. I've heard that character is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. What is your character when no one is looking?
This is my first novel and the beginning of a series. It's main theme is identity and who you are in the most challenging of situations. Who are you if you've lost everything? What are you capable of doing to try to get your life back? Are we just what others think of us? If there is no one left that knows you, who are you at your core?
These kinds of questions fascinate me. I've heard that character is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. What is your character when no one is looking?
April 3, 2017
Interesting premise, people are given notice that they will be dying soon, but somehow do not/can not die. The kicker is that they lose everything and everyone because they are dead - to the world. The book starts out slow, but pick ups the pace when Patrick understands what is happening. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 14, 2021
Day Zero left me cold. The characters were not well defined, and the format was scattered to say the least. The concept of being immortal because the protagonists refused to die when they were supposed to had possibilities, but the concept of becoming immortal super-heroes has been so overdone as to be boring now, and the book tended to prove this. The ending, where the protagonists ganged up and slaughtered some guy that had done a horrendous crime, was as predictable (and stale) as the supposedly light hearted attempt to pick a name for their group, such as the Avengers, that had already been taken by the same sort of super heroes.
All in all, I felt I had wasted the time it took to read the book.
All in all, I felt I had wasted the time it took to read the book.
May 1, 2021
Day of the Dead
A man dies but avoids going to another plane. Stranded on earth he finds his place in the land of the living disappearing. But he soon discovers a small band of similarly situated soul . When one is targeted by a malevolent member they band together to save her. In so doing they find meaning and purpose.
Although a tad confusing it is an entertaining read. Patrick slowly transforms from brash salesman to a more heroic persona with his lost soul comrades. There are multiple narrators. Not bad for fantasy/mild horror.
A man dies but avoids going to another plane. Stranded on earth he finds his place in the land of the living disappearing. But he soon discovers a small band of similarly situated soul . When one is targeted by a malevolent member they band together to save her. In so doing they find meaning and purpose.
Although a tad confusing it is an entertaining read. Patrick slowly transforms from brash salesman to a more heroic persona with his lost soul comrades. There are multiple narrators. Not bad for fantasy/mild horror.
July 19, 2017
Book of Patrick
I enjoyed this first part. Getting to know the characters. I wish she could keep the terrible violence out of the book. I will read the next book.
I enjoyed this first part. Getting to know the characters. I wish she could keep the terrible violence out of the book. I will read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews