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Aftershock #1
Aftershock: Aftershock Zombie Series Book 1
Starting from day one, humanity didn't stand a chance against the zombies. Those still alive after the living dead rise to devour all in their path are taken off guard when a flyer falls from the sky with a promise of sanctuary, or so it claims. They trudge through an unforgiving landscape filled with an endless sea of the undead, hoping to stay alive long enough to make it to the mysterious location in of all places, New Jersey. With their very lives are at stake, they are willing to do things that would have never been acceptable in civilized society, just to make it there in one piece. Told in their own voices, Aftershock follows the men and women racing towards what they pray will be safety, and not a place worse than a zombie infested wasteland.
- GenresZombies
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Kristopher Lioudis
7 books1 followerSouth Jersey native and father of six, Kris has always enjoyed reading, writing, and fighting crime in the dark of night dressed in his wife's underwear... I feel I've said too much. At any rate, Kris is in the process of posting many of his short stories to Smashwords.com and is also currently working on his second full-length novel, Don't Be a Hero, due late 2015 or 16, depending on how many children he has by the end of the summer as well as Aftershock II, the follow-up to his debut novel co-written with his wife Valerie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 7, 2015
Aftershock begins like a series of diary entries, told from the point of views of a wide range of characters, so many that at first, it was hard for me to instantly love anyone of them (except Max and Rocky). These characters are spread around the US eastern seaboard, for the most part, each having his or her own unique trials and tribulations in a zombie apocalypse.
But as you read - or in my case, listen - something wonderful happens. A bigger picture emerges. A common goal shared by most characters, though they do not know it. Some meet others. Some remain separate. A compelling tale with well-crafted characters begins.
And that is the most frustrating part... it just begins. I started to fall in love with characters like Ian and William (who I initially despised), Max and Rocky, and Amy in particular. Their tales are brutal, honest, no holds barred - in some cases as rough as The Walking Dead compendiums. This novel is a fine addition to the zombie sub-genre, and I found I do want to continue these characters stories (in what is bound to be a trilogy trap) until their completion.
Unfortunately, it is hard to be original in a when there are so many competing books dealing with zombies and the humans in a zombie apocalypse being even worse villains. So even where the brutality might have been shocking had I been new to the genre, I find myself comparing scenes to 28 Days Later, the Romero films, and even Pet Semetary at one point.
The narration is good, and it held my interest from the Reverend's beginning to end. Prior to that, it was a bit shaky, with the first character using a lot of profanity - which didn't bother me except that without knowing fully why he was so hostile, it was hard to know if he should legitimately feel that way or was just a jerk. I never really warmed up to this character, while his perhaps parallel, Ian, cusses quite well and is one of the strongest characters in the book.
So, for those of you who can't get enough zombies, I'd say pick this one up before most of the rest. It is sure to please.
But as you read - or in my case, listen - something wonderful happens. A bigger picture emerges. A common goal shared by most characters, though they do not know it. Some meet others. Some remain separate. A compelling tale with well-crafted characters begins.
And that is the most frustrating part... it just begins. I started to fall in love with characters like Ian and William (who I initially despised), Max and Rocky, and Amy in particular. Their tales are brutal, honest, no holds barred - in some cases as rough as The Walking Dead compendiums. This novel is a fine addition to the zombie sub-genre, and I found I do want to continue these characters stories (in what is bound to be a trilogy trap) until their completion.
Unfortunately, it is hard to be original in a when there are so many competing books dealing with zombies and the humans in a zombie apocalypse being even worse villains. So even where the brutality might have been shocking had I been new to the genre, I find myself comparing scenes to 28 Days Later, the Romero films, and even Pet Semetary at one point.
The narration is good, and it held my interest from the Reverend's beginning to end. Prior to that, it was a bit shaky, with the first character using a lot of profanity - which didn't bother me except that without knowing fully why he was so hostile, it was hard to know if he should legitimately feel that way or was just a jerk. I never really warmed up to this character, while his perhaps parallel, Ian, cusses quite well and is one of the strongest characters in the book.
So, for those of you who can't get enough zombies, I'd say pick this one up before most of the rest. It is sure to please.
May 23, 2017
While I'm a huge fan of the genre, the amount of novels available that are little more than cannibal porn is frustratingly small. Along come a savvy couple of writers to show us that there is spirit, heart, and engaging characters still to be found after the dead start walking. Using a series of incongruous points of view, the stories slowly wind together, all aiming toward a common goal. Throughout the novel, you'll meet strong characters worth rooting for and a couple you might just love. I have two dings, but the writing was so solid and the novel itself such an excellent outlier in the genre that I'm still giving this a 5 star rating. First would be the abruptness of the ending, but that won't stop me from getting the next installment (as I'm sure was their plan). Second, the common thread that stretches through all the narratives isn't resolved. It's an intriguing thread, don't get me wrong, but we didn't get an explanation. I trust the Lioudis' will reveal its importance as the series grows.
July 2, 2017
I am always looking for unique books in a genre I love. This is not your typical zombie apocalypse book.
Each chapter is written from a different character's viewpoint. You have kids, soldiers, a Reverend, a wannabe savior, a kick-ass heroine & a autistic boy. You have survivalists, writers, dead beats & just ordinary people.
Zombies are roaming the US & in order to survive, you have to keep from being infected through a bite while also keeping ahead of the lowlifes that are preying on the survivors. The one thing most of the protagonists have is common is that they survived being bitten. Those who are "safely" holed up somewhere get a flyer that shows a haven for them. But, is it better to stay in your "safe" place or head out to the unknown of this sanctuary?
Fair warning: This book does end on a cliffhanger. This was a well-written, enjoyable addition to an often overdone genre. Looking forward to more in this series.
Each chapter is written from a different character's viewpoint. You have kids, soldiers, a Reverend, a wannabe savior, a kick-ass heroine & a autistic boy. You have survivalists, writers, dead beats & just ordinary people.
Zombies are roaming the US & in order to survive, you have to keep from being infected through a bite while also keeping ahead of the lowlifes that are preying on the survivors. The one thing most of the protagonists have is common is that they survived being bitten. Those who are "safely" holed up somewhere get a flyer that shows a haven for them. But, is it better to stay in your "safe" place or head out to the unknown of this sanctuary?
Fair warning: This book does end on a cliffhanger. This was a well-written, enjoyable addition to an often overdone genre. Looking forward to more in this series.
January 14, 2020
This was a good read but it took a while to feel invested in the characters.
It starts with many small chapters, each focusing on different individuals and their plight during the zompoc. These snippets were good, but there were too many and you kind of get lost in whose who for a while.
It starts with many small chapters, each focusing on different individuals and their plight during the zompoc. These snippets were good, but there were too many and you kind of get lost in whose who for a while.
February 17, 2016
Aftershock: A Collection of Survivors Tales is my first attempt at an audiobook. I must say I was pleasantly surprised at how the audio version of this novel made the entire experience more realistic and enjoyable. The narrator does a fantastic job portraying each of the characters and their adventures and journeys of survival. Kristopher and Valerie Lioudis have created a fantastic apocalyptic story with some unique and memorable characters. Each character is given the appropriate attention and his or her story is told in great detail to help grab the reader (or listener) to make sure you are completely absorbed in the journey.
The book is fast paced and utilizes an easy to follow structure that does not leave the reader or listener confused with the many characters/storylines. The authors do a great job with connecting each character, so that ultimately everyone will collide in this hellish world. The characters also represent the various survivors you may happen upon in the apocalypse. Each character deals with their own inner demons and the paths they must take in order to survive, ultimately questioning their overall morals. I look forward to the continuation of this story, as I was a tad disappointed at the abrupt ending of the novel. However, I believe there is a fantastic series here and look forward to reading more from these characters.
As for my experience with audiobooks, I will certainly give them another go. They have a very relaxing aspect to them and allow for multitasking, which can be a good and bad thing!
http://novelideareviews.blogspot.com/...
The book is fast paced and utilizes an easy to follow structure that does not leave the reader or listener confused with the many characters/storylines. The authors do a great job with connecting each character, so that ultimately everyone will collide in this hellish world. The characters also represent the various survivors you may happen upon in the apocalypse. Each character deals with their own inner demons and the paths they must take in order to survive, ultimately questioning their overall morals. I look forward to the continuation of this story, as I was a tad disappointed at the abrupt ending of the novel. However, I believe there is a fantastic series here and look forward to reading more from these characters.
As for my experience with audiobooks, I will certainly give them another go. They have a very relaxing aspect to them and allow for multitasking, which can be a good and bad thing!
http://novelideareviews.blogspot.com/...
May 25, 2017
In Kristopher & Valerie Lioudis' Aftershock Book 1: A Collection of Survivors Tales we follow a series of short stories from different character's perspectives. These stories lead us from where they are at the beginning of the outbreak to how they survive and eventually how they all start to meet up and their stories intertwine.
The stories start with a survivor who is abandoned by the people he is with. He is bitten but survives... this pulled me right in. Why? What's going on here? What makes him immune? The conspiracy theorist in me wanted to know more!
I liked the mystery of the characters who got bit but didn't turn. This storyline appears to connect many of the characters and reminds me to a degree of Stephen King's The Stand, where we have 2 different factions of survivors coming together in a post-apocalyptic world. Some for good, some for evil.
There were a number of great lines in the stories, one that made me smile and laugh, was in reference to how to dispose of the piles of the dead. "The most grotesque barbecue in man's history." And while that and some other lines made me laugh, the book also has some pretty hard stories where people you are rooting for just don't make it.
Near the end, there is a great group of scenes where things go very bad for one of the main collection of survivors. Their leaders are at odds about why and how things happened and we are shown each of their perspectives in alternating chapters before they confront each other. The realization that they are both blaming one another gets you on the edge of your seat waiting to learn how it will play out as soon as they come face to face.
The book does have something of an abrupt ending, which leaves you wanting more. This is both good and bad. The book could have continued on, but I suspect it stopped where it did because to continue would have needed a lot more time and space to tell what happens next.
The story is engaging and it is really cool to see a husband and wife author team working together like this. I look forward to more by them individually and as a team!
The stories start with a survivor who is abandoned by the people he is with. He is bitten but survives... this pulled me right in. Why? What's going on here? What makes him immune? The conspiracy theorist in me wanted to know more!
I liked the mystery of the characters who got bit but didn't turn. This storyline appears to connect many of the characters and reminds me to a degree of Stephen King's The Stand, where we have 2 different factions of survivors coming together in a post-apocalyptic world. Some for good, some for evil.
There were a number of great lines in the stories, one that made me smile and laugh, was in reference to how to dispose of the piles of the dead. "The most grotesque barbecue in man's history." And while that and some other lines made me laugh, the book also has some pretty hard stories where people you are rooting for just don't make it.
Near the end, there is a great group of scenes where things go very bad for one of the main collection of survivors. Their leaders are at odds about why and how things happened and we are shown each of their perspectives in alternating chapters before they confront each other. The realization that they are both blaming one another gets you on the edge of your seat waiting to learn how it will play out as soon as they come face to face.
The book does have something of an abrupt ending, which leaves you wanting more. This is both good and bad. The book could have continued on, but I suspect it stopped where it did because to continue would have needed a lot more time and space to tell what happens next.
The story is engaging and it is really cool to see a husband and wife author team working together like this. I look forward to more by them individually and as a team!
October 28, 2016
My original Aftershock audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
We all know what happens when the dead begin to walk; it’s a flesh feast for the dead and a nightmare for the survivors. What happens after the zombies slow down or start to think out? At what point do the flesh eating monsters become a common occurrence and the living become the evil that needs to be put down?
This is a carefully constructed collection of tales written from a survivor’s viewpoint. A diverse mixture of survivors tells their individual stories – their encounters with the walking dead and the evil living. The tales are told from the perspective of a female author, a minister, a special needs child, a science experiment gone wrong and more. Their stories intersect in various places creating delicately woven connections.
The Lioudis’ captures the emotions and fears of each character drawing the listener in holding their attention prisoner. One cannot help but think about the individual stories long after the stories are finished.
Daniel Rose performed the stories in an exciting and riveting narration. He spoke clearly and with appropriate inflection to indicate fear, pain, hate, curiosity and the even more subtle emotions. He was perfect for the book!
There were no issues with the audio quality or production of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
We all know what happens when the dead begin to walk; it’s a flesh feast for the dead and a nightmare for the survivors. What happens after the zombies slow down or start to think out? At what point do the flesh eating monsters become a common occurrence and the living become the evil that needs to be put down?
This is a carefully constructed collection of tales written from a survivor’s viewpoint. A diverse mixture of survivors tells their individual stories – their encounters with the walking dead and the evil living. The tales are told from the perspective of a female author, a minister, a special needs child, a science experiment gone wrong and more. Their stories intersect in various places creating delicately woven connections.
The Lioudis’ captures the emotions and fears of each character drawing the listener in holding their attention prisoner. One cannot help but think about the individual stories long after the stories are finished.
Daniel Rose performed the stories in an exciting and riveting narration. He spoke clearly and with appropriate inflection to indicate fear, pain, hate, curiosity and the even more subtle emotions. He was perfect for the book!
There were no issues with the audio quality or production of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
July 21, 2018
The book starts as a collection of stories from different characters. Sometimes, authors don't change their writing style for different narrators, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Luckily, this isn't the case in this book. Maybe it is because it was written by two authors. Although the amount of characters (10) made it hard at the beginning to remember who was who, and the first chapter nearly put me off as it drops the f-bomb very very often. But with the story slowly revealing the greater picture, it got very good. Still, I don't know if it was the best chapter to start the book with.
Anyway, all survivors share immunity and this is going to play a bigger part in the story.
Halfway through I got the feeling I'm reading King's The Stand (with zombies). The fight between the good and the evil, a crazyhead on one side, a wo/man of god on the other and their followers. Even the retarded character and the growing friendship and trust between a man and a boy was there. Thinking of it, there was also the „creating a child“ parallel element.
Luckily, towards the end of the book, this subsided a bit. But what an end! It wasn't a cliffhanger per se but definitely nothing solved, and where is book 2? It's been several years since release....
Anyway, all survivors share immunity and this is going to play a bigger part in the story.
Halfway through I got the feeling I'm reading King's The Stand (with zombies). The fight between the good and the evil, a crazyhead on one side, a wo/man of god on the other and their followers. Even the retarded character and the growing friendship and trust between a man and a boy was there. Thinking of it, there was also the „creating a child“ parallel element.
Luckily, towards the end of the book, this subsided a bit. But what an end! It wasn't a cliffhanger per se but definitely nothing solved, and where is book 2? It's been several years since release....
July 4, 2017
If you love The Walking Dead, you'll love Aftershock! One of the things I can't get enough from the post-apocalyptic and zombie genres is how people experience the end of the world as we know it (TEOTWAWKI). I need my zombie fix to be real, fast and hard but also with some sensitivity and vulnerability. Valerie and Kristopher Lioudis bring it. Yes, this is zombie porn. I couldn't put it down. I had to read it to the end in one sitting. Aftershock is what Fear The Walking Dead should have been.
If you are a fan of movies like Mad Max, Terminator and I Am Legend, you'll dig Aftershock.
If you are a fan of movies like Mad Max, Terminator and I Am Legend, you'll dig Aftershock.
July 12, 2017
Great mix of characters in this collection of interwoven zompoc stories. The short chapters move the stories along very quickly and help bring out deep development of each character. The style is reminiscent of the multiple points of view in World War Z and works great to build suspense throughout. Can't wait to read more!
October 21, 2018
Aftershock.
Found it to be very entertaining, but had a hard time keeping the characters straight as each just seemed to pop up in each chapter. There were a couple times where "William" was referred to as "Ian" and it was even more confusing. I also felt that the storyline was a little too vague. I will read the next book and see if it is more together.
Found it to be very entertaining, but had a hard time keeping the characters straight as each just seemed to pop up in each chapter. There were a couple times where "William" was referred to as "Ian" and it was even more confusing. I also felt that the storyline was a little too vague. I will read the next book and see if it is more together.
December 28, 2017
Sit down and cant put it down
If you like different zombie stories. This books for you. I liked being able to have more then one character to follow. I really hope i get to find out more on these characters. My favorite is jessica so far. I recommend this for all zombie lovers.
If you like different zombie stories. This books for you. I liked being able to have more then one character to follow. I really hope i get to find out more on these characters. My favorite is jessica so far. I recommend this for all zombie lovers.
June 6, 2019
Lots of great characters in this book, many little stories. I was curious how the author was going to tie them all together and did a great job. I look forward to reading the next book in the series
January 1, 2018
Compelling stories from the perspectives of varied characters. I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it as a great vacation read.
April 18, 2018
Great story
It was a very good read. Love the characters love zombie stories can’t wait for more. Keep the stories coming can’t wait for more
It was a very good read. Love the characters love zombie stories can’t wait for more. Keep the stories coming can’t wait for more
May 3, 2018
Good
I liked the way this book flowed it kept you rooting for the survivors. Cant wait for the rest to follow
I liked the way this book flowed it kept you rooting for the survivors. Cant wait for the rest to follow
October 20, 2018
Read this during RAT. Review to come.
Would have been five star but there was no ending. If you pick this get book 2. I had no idea I was at the end when it cut off. It was frustrating.
Would have been five star but there was no ending. If you pick this get book 2. I had no idea I was at the end when it cut off. It was frustrating.
January 14, 2016
~ I received a free copy of this audiobook through AudioBookBlast in exchange for an honest review.
**This book contains explicit language and violence and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 16**
This audiobook alternates between the survival stories of several people after a virus decimates the world's population. Most people are either dead or have turned into "Moaners" (zombies).
This is the same storyline that almost every zombie novel adheres to; at least that is what I thought at first.
Then comes the twist. Several survivors have one thing in common and that trait may just be the key to humanity's survival.
There are problems however. The survivors may be able to either outrun or outgun the Moaners, but what about other survivors?
It is unfortunate, but there is one universal truth that is highlighted in apocalyptic fiction. Not unfortunate that it is included in the story, but because it is so realistic. That truth is that there are always people who will exploit any situation to their own personal benefit. This is as true in real life as it is in fiction. You need only to look at the price gouging that took place after Hurricane Katrina to find a real-life example of this concept.
Each section or chapter of this book focuses on a specific survivor. My favourite parts were those that told the story of Max and Rocky. Max is a pre-teen and out of necessity he has had to grow up almost overnight. Fortunately for him, his dog Rocky is his constant companion. It is impossible as a parent not to root for the child to survive. And, of course, I love dogs so I wanted Rocky to survive as well. It is obvious that the authors are dog lovers because they really nailed the bond that develops between a boy and his dog.
This audiobook stands out from other zombie novels because of the author's incredible character development. There is a priest who has lost his faith. This to me makes him seem more real. In other books of this genre you often see religious characters that are so devout that even the walking dead are unable to shake their faith. Pardon my French, but BULLS**T. How could anyone not question their belief in a higher power when people are returning to 'life' after death and are attacking and eating anyone who is not yet infected with the virus?
Then, there is Daniel. He's a soldier who was left behind by his unit. I guess the "No Man Left Behind" credo does not apply in the Zombie Apocalypse. There are other terrific characters, but I don't want this review to be too long, so you will have to buy a copy of this audiobook to find out about the rest of them.
The narrator for this audiobook, Daniel Rose, did an absolutely outstanding job of narrating the male voices. In fact, he did such a great job that I would recommend to the author that he keep this same narrator throughout the series. However, the one complaint I do have regarding the narration is that the chapters that focused on female survivors were also narrated by the same person - a male. Daniel Rose has such a wonderfully rich, deep and masculine voice that it would have have been preferable to have a second narrator; a female, to read those particular chapters. I think that if there were both a male and a female narrator that this audiobook would be a chart-topper in it's genre.
My favourite quote from this book is: "You can have all the supplies in the world, but if you can't trust the group you're with; you're dead. It's that simple."
I enjoyed this audiobook and I do intend to listen to the next book in the series, especially since the ending of this one was a cliffhanger. I am interested to see what direction the survivors are headed and if all the separate groups and individuals will eventually end up together.
I rate AFTERSHOCKS as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The only reason I did not rate it as 5 stars was due to the lack of a female narrator.
To read more of my reviews or to see the full review with photos and links go to http://AmiesBookReviews.wordpress.com
**This book contains explicit language and violence and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 16**
This audiobook alternates between the survival stories of several people after a virus decimates the world's population. Most people are either dead or have turned into "Moaners" (zombies).
This is the same storyline that almost every zombie novel adheres to; at least that is what I thought at first.
Then comes the twist. Several survivors have one thing in common and that trait may just be the key to humanity's survival.
There are problems however. The survivors may be able to either outrun or outgun the Moaners, but what about other survivors?
It is unfortunate, but there is one universal truth that is highlighted in apocalyptic fiction. Not unfortunate that it is included in the story, but because it is so realistic. That truth is that there are always people who will exploit any situation to their own personal benefit. This is as true in real life as it is in fiction. You need only to look at the price gouging that took place after Hurricane Katrina to find a real-life example of this concept.
Each section or chapter of this book focuses on a specific survivor. My favourite parts were those that told the story of Max and Rocky. Max is a pre-teen and out of necessity he has had to grow up almost overnight. Fortunately for him, his dog Rocky is his constant companion. It is impossible as a parent not to root for the child to survive. And, of course, I love dogs so I wanted Rocky to survive as well. It is obvious that the authors are dog lovers because they really nailed the bond that develops between a boy and his dog.
This audiobook stands out from other zombie novels because of the author's incredible character development. There is a priest who has lost his faith. This to me makes him seem more real. In other books of this genre you often see religious characters that are so devout that even the walking dead are unable to shake their faith. Pardon my French, but BULLS**T. How could anyone not question their belief in a higher power when people are returning to 'life' after death and are attacking and eating anyone who is not yet infected with the virus?
Then, there is Daniel. He's a soldier who was left behind by his unit. I guess the "No Man Left Behind" credo does not apply in the Zombie Apocalypse. There are other terrific characters, but I don't want this review to be too long, so you will have to buy a copy of this audiobook to find out about the rest of them.
The narrator for this audiobook, Daniel Rose, did an absolutely outstanding job of narrating the male voices. In fact, he did such a great job that I would recommend to the author that he keep this same narrator throughout the series. However, the one complaint I do have regarding the narration is that the chapters that focused on female survivors were also narrated by the same person - a male. Daniel Rose has such a wonderfully rich, deep and masculine voice that it would have have been preferable to have a second narrator; a female, to read those particular chapters. I think that if there were both a male and a female narrator that this audiobook would be a chart-topper in it's genre.
My favourite quote from this book is: "You can have all the supplies in the world, but if you can't trust the group you're with; you're dead. It's that simple."
I enjoyed this audiobook and I do intend to listen to the next book in the series, especially since the ending of this one was a cliffhanger. I am interested to see what direction the survivors are headed and if all the separate groups and individuals will eventually end up together.
I rate AFTERSHOCKS as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The only reason I did not rate it as 5 stars was due to the lack of a female narrator.
To read more of my reviews or to see the full review with photos and links go to http://AmiesBookReviews.wordpress.com
February 26, 2017
This book was an interesting read. I was a little hesitant at first with some many different character perspectives. Each of the characters' perspectives was unique with one common thread (I won't say in the interest of leaving out spoilers). But what really got me into the story was how, slowly, each individual story slowly wove into the others and joined into one overarching story. But more importantly, the story was real. The authors didn't shy away from the awkward or painful realities of the apocalypse. Their characters faced these realities however gracefully or not. The characters were lovable or despicable. They messed up. They were heroes. They were scared and lost. I rooted for some while wishing for the downfall of others. I haven't figured them all out yet, though. I can't wait to read the next one to find out more about what's going on at quarantine and the mysterious compound.
February 13, 2017
An enjoyable post-apocalyptic romp. Hits the expected points of zombie fiction: disparate survivors forging connections, unlikely romances, and the inevitable depraved cults preying on the protagonists. The character work, which will make or break a book like this, is the best part, with a half-dozen believable and well-sketched narrators. The biggest gripe there is we don't spend much time with any of them, flitting in and out of their stories and often leaving them stranded.
It's worth noting this book is clearly intended as the first of a series, with none of the stories getting anywhere near to resolution. Granted, "endings" in post-apocalyptic fiction of any kind tend to be artificial endpoints rather than the culmination of any grand quest. For the heroes and heroines of the end of the world, simply not dying is the best they can hope for.
The book could have used a good line-editor. While it starts off well enough, the spelling and punctuation errors (and even a couple of the grammar variety) get more frequent toward the end. While the story and especially the characters are enough for me to forgive, for the true pedant, that flaw might be a game-breaker.
It's worth noting this book is clearly intended as the first of a series, with none of the stories getting anywhere near to resolution. Granted, "endings" in post-apocalyptic fiction of any kind tend to be artificial endpoints rather than the culmination of any grand quest. For the heroes and heroines of the end of the world, simply not dying is the best they can hope for.
The book could have used a good line-editor. While it starts off well enough, the spelling and punctuation errors (and even a couple of the grammar variety) get more frequent toward the end. While the story and especially the characters are enough for me to forgive, for the true pedant, that flaw might be a game-breaker.
January 27, 2015
Aftershock is an interesting and engaging debut book.
This is definitely a good read for fans of the zombie genre.
The story follows the day to day struggles and triumphs of several "survivors" of a zombie outbreak and their struggle to find supplies, safety, and human connections in this new environment. The books flows rather seamlessly through the lives of many characters including a writer, a soldier, a young boy who was forced to kill his own infected father, a narcissistic ego manic who thinks he is the new father of mankind, a reverend, and a slow witted good-natured simpleton.
The story keeps the reader engaged and engrossed with the many characters and moves quickly as the "survivors" move closer and closer to a mysterious safe zone that they have heard about through fliers that have been found throughout the mid-atlantic.
Aftershock avoids many of the overused cliches of the zombie genre and finds new ways to give the characters hope, levity, love and crushing heartbreak on an almost daily basis.
If you are a fan of books like World War Z, Cell, or Dead Drunk you should give this book a try.
This is definitely a good read for fans of the zombie genre.
The story follows the day to day struggles and triumphs of several "survivors" of a zombie outbreak and their struggle to find supplies, safety, and human connections in this new environment. The books flows rather seamlessly through the lives of many characters including a writer, a soldier, a young boy who was forced to kill his own infected father, a narcissistic ego manic who thinks he is the new father of mankind, a reverend, and a slow witted good-natured simpleton.
The story keeps the reader engaged and engrossed with the many characters and moves quickly as the "survivors" move closer and closer to a mysterious safe zone that they have heard about through fliers that have been found throughout the mid-atlantic.
Aftershock avoids many of the overused cliches of the zombie genre and finds new ways to give the characters hope, levity, love and crushing heartbreak on an almost daily basis.
If you are a fan of books like World War Z, Cell, or Dead Drunk you should give this book a try.
April 13, 2015
Right from the first line I knew I was going to be in for an interesting tale to say the least. This is a multi-point perspective of a Zombie Apocalypse told in a series of short bursts. All of the characters having barley gotten away from a total mauling of moaning walking corpses. Even with all of the zombie craziness going on the authors manage to keep some of it light and even humorous. While other portions, particularly the introduction of Max and Rocky are down right heartbreaking. (Yeah I cried like the big girl that I am!) But what do you expect with a section about a boy and his dog?? Over all my taste of the tales have left me wanting more, I'll be recommending it to others.
May 2, 2015
Aftershock by Valerie & Kristopher Lioudis is a fun and fast paced novel that offers fresh perspectives of an apocalyptic world overrun by the undead. To my delight, I was continuously shocked and surprised- there was nothing predictable about this novel. That is an extremely important element, and one that kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. Valerie & Kristopher Lioudis write about an eclectic mix of characters, and I give especially high accolades for their description of the young man with special needs. I am completely won over by the authors’ attention to uncommon perspectives and their obvious passion for the genre. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
February 7, 2017
A highly enjoyable collection. This book features accounts taken by survivors of the zombie apocalypse. Each chapter looks at the point of view of a different character and while that might be disorientating to some, I loved the way it considered the experience through a variety of well-written, individual personalities. I also enjoyed the flow and fast pace of the stories. It didn’t drag and not for one minute while I was reading this, was I thinking about how long until the end. That's the sign of a good book.
If you're a fan of the genre and like apocalyptic/zombie fiction then this is a worthy addition to your collection.
If you're a fan of the genre and like apocalyptic/zombie fiction then this is a worthy addition to your collection.
November 8, 2015
Aftershock is an interesting and entertaining book. It was really easy to like and relate to the characters but, there were a few too many and it took me a while to remember who was who at the beginning of each chapter. There were enough twists and turns that I didn't see coming, which kept me interested but, the lack of action lost me a little. The authors have really turned cliffhangers into an art form, each chapter and the entire book ended with one. Would really like to see a bit more action in the sequel. Solid 3.5 stars. This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
Great collection
This was a really interesting collection. Each chapter is made up of the thoughts and experiences of one of the characters. A lot of horrible things happen, but people also find a bit of hope, friendship and love as well. On the other hand things end on a bit of an ominous note.... Hope the next collection comes out soon.
There were a few grammatical errors, usually a missed word and even once the wrong name was used - but none of that detracted too much from the story
This was a really interesting collection. Each chapter is made up of the thoughts and experiences of one of the characters. A lot of horrible things happen, but people also find a bit of hope, friendship and love as well. On the other hand things end on a bit of an ominous note.... Hope the next collection comes out soon.
There were a few grammatical errors, usually a missed word and even once the wrong name was used - but none of that detracted too much from the story
September 23, 2015
Was given audio for an honest review.
I really enjoyed these short stories about the struggles that these people had to go thou during the and after the outbreak. I really liked how the characters stories intertwined, and yet some of them never met. The readers style was a little different at first and hard to get into, but after a few chapters I was sucked in. I loved the book, the stories were great. I really hope there's a second book where this one left off.
I really enjoyed these short stories about the struggles that these people had to go thou during the and after the outbreak. I really liked how the characters stories intertwined, and yet some of them never met. The readers style was a little different at first and hard to get into, but after a few chapters I was sucked in. I loved the book, the stories were great. I really hope there's a second book where this one left off.
October 6, 2015
Aftershock delivers and interesting and entreating journey through a World infested with Zombies. The author uses a nice twist to links all the survivor tales together.
My issue with this book that stopped it getting 5 stars is that I think there is to many individual survivor tales. I found it hard at time to keep up with who was who in the Zoo. This quibble aside though this is a very entertaining and well put together story.
My issue with this book that stopped it getting 5 stars is that I think there is to many individual survivor tales. I found it hard at time to keep up with who was who in the Zoo. This quibble aside though this is a very entertaining and well put together story.
April 4, 2015
Okay
Book was okay. It tried to hold your interest, but it jumped from one character to another. I was under the impression that the book would have gave more in site to the town's.
Book was okay. It tried to hold your interest, but it jumped from one character to another. I was under the impression that the book would have gave more in site to the town's.
April 10, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I loved being in the minds of several different characters. When I finished this I was left saying "Wait, no...when is the next one coming out?" Definitely recommend this one!
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