Almost Alive

The Beautiful Dead #3

by Daryl Banner

Twelve years have passed since the devastation. My world is changed. What once was a planet struggling to survive is now a planet bursting to life The humans all around me are thriving. Gardens are growing. Trees are reaching up to the sky. The Undeadly clutch on the planet is slowly letting go. And that's all lovely and everything, but what does that mean for me and the rest of the Dead? In the wake of spring, the last of us desperate Undead gather, fighting to maintain our place in a world that no longer wants us. Mother Nature slowly but certainly works to purge the planet of all of us Dead, just when I thought I was finally starting to embrace this Second Life of mine. I may need to do something terrible to ensure the survival of my friends. Something unthinkable. Something drastic. And it may be the very last thing I ever do. This is Book 3 in THE BEAUTIFUL DEAD saga. It is recommended to read this series in order. Book #1: The Beautiful Dead Book #2: Dead Of Winter Book #3: Almost Alive Book #4: The Whispers Book #5: Winter's Doom Book #6: Deathless (coming soon)

Genres: Fantasy, Apocalyptic, Zombies, Dystopia, Romance, Horror

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2015

About the author

Daryl Banner is a USA Today Bestselling author, composer, and performer. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Honors College with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. He is happily married to his piano. Theory suggests this is why he writes romance.

During Daryl Banner's time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his very first novel. In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl also writes post-apocalyptic fantasy as well as dystopian.

Join his mailing list here to be the first to hear about his new releases! He awards an Amazon gift card every newsletter:
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Fun facts about Daryl Banner:

- He is an obsessive self-taught pianist.

- He is a huge video game enthusiast.

- He left his day job of 10 years to tour with a 2-woman-1-man original musical.

- He's been remixing video game music for over 20 years. One of his remixes is featured in the major motion picture "The Spy Who Dumped Me". Check out his work here: http://www.youtube.com/DarylBanner

- He composes original soundtracks that accompany his books and series, including The Beautiful Dead and OUTLIER. He is also the award-winning composer of the audio drama Janus Descending, as well as several films, games, podcasts, and other media. You can enjoy his music here: http://darylbanner.bandcamp.com

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU ARE ONE LUCKY M F'r DARYL!! (sorry Sue)

You saved yourself with that Epilogue...cause I was ready to go postal on your ass!

Superb ending to a fantastic series.

Book – Almost Alive (The Beautiful Dead #3)
Author – Daryl Banner
Publication Date – April 24, 2015
Genre – Post Apocalyptic
Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger – Maybe?? (Please, Daryl)
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars


Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
 
My Thoughts - Story
I bow down before you, Mr. Banner.

This has to be one epic poetic ending if I ever read one….wow – just fucking wow!



As I sobbed and blubbered like a baby with this book, I also rejoiced. How? This book is full of soul searching, vengeance, love, repentance and so many other gut wrenching emotions. But along the way as Winter searches her soul from the past and the present, we find that people can change and do better with second chances.

God, I ask myself time and time again wondering how the hell Mr. Banner can write about the undead but convey a deep and meaningful message – Talent? Luck? I don’t think so…instead, I believe this man is a genius with the written word.



I feel – and NO not just feel….but really FEEL – I’m Winter, I’m John, I’m Anna, I’m Jasmine, I’m Grim and all the characters – I feel their pain, their happiness and their love.  I live through their determination to save the undead and finally their resolve when making the final decision.

It’s sadness to see these characters go and I feel like each one has been buried in my heart and will continue to live through my memories and thoughts of this epic story.

Goodbye my beautiful dead…..or is it?

Re-Cap
How many years have passed since Winter buried John hoping for him to arise?



What has happened to the rest of Trenton while she waited for her beloved?

The children have grown and the living are taking over the world again, but what does this mean for the undead?

When John awakes, how long will it take for him to have his waking dream and remember how he loved Winter?

Why are the undead just poofing into thin air?

Winter and her crew of the undead need to find the answers in order to save themselves.

Can this end happily for the two?


 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Angst Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Declarations of a Fangirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book y'all.....THIS BOOK.



It's always the books I love the most that I have the hardest time reviewing. And I would be lying if I said that I wasn't dreading this book just a little bit. But hold on, hear me out...it's quite simple really. I don't want to say goodbye. I've finished the book and I'm still not ready to say goodbye to these characters and this world.



I'm not sure I can coherently review this book without spoilers so I'm going to post my list of thoughts, per the notes that I took.

1- This is Ann in my mind.


2- The spider scene in the woods played out like this for me.

If loving The Hobbit and referencing it every chance I get is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

3- There is no one else I can picture as Lynx but this guy.


4- Put pink hair and spider/scorpion legs on this bitch, and you've got Shee.


No but for real...this story didn't end like I was expecting at all. I'm not saying it ended badly, but it went in a completely different direction than I thought it would. And then there were the feels. ALL OF THE FEELS. I went through 2 bottles of wine while reading this book. After about 30%, I didn't even bother using a glass.



I have to admit that I didn't cry as much with this book as I did with Dead of Winter. Of course, the wine may have had something to do with that. However, my chest was so tight and my heart was racing during the last chapter because I just knew my heart was about to be ripped out of my chest and there was nothing I could do to stop it. As much as I wanted to stop, I just couldn't. I had to see the story through to the end, even if I didn't want to say goodbye.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT EPILOGUE. I don't think I've ever read a more bittersweet epilogue. It read like the beginning of a new series which got my stupid hopes up even though the rational side of my heart knew this was the end of this amazing series.

I don't want to say goodbye. Don't make me say goodbye, Daryl.

[Toni FGMAMTC · Rating 5 out of 5]

FGMAMTC Blog #TopReads2015 Author Interview

Writing this review is very difficult. How does a person convey the depth within an amazing book like this? It's one of the best stories I've ever read so I don't think anything I write will do it justice. Almost Alive is an epic fantasy that has something for every type of reader.

Winter and my favorite cast of zombies and humans in a post-apocylptic world are back one final time. Previously the world was dying. The people, plants and animals were going extinct. Now it seems the planet may be ready to brace a new age.

This story has the entertainment factor. It's very imaginative and original with plenty of action and adventure. There are undead, giant spiders, magical rocks and loads more attention grabbers. The plot is very steady, no falling off, no getting stagnate. Every character is on a mission.

Matters of the heart are also a part. Friendship, familial love and romance all play roles in the overall storyline. Many of these characters have been through so much with each other through life and death. It's very touching and tearful. Prepare yourself for some major feels.

Isn't that how all our most precious things are lost? In one silly, insignificant moment?

For those wanting to deepen their experience, this book takes it to a whole new level. The meaning of existence, the circle of life, the afterlife; it's all in there. The way this series has unfolded leaves me in awe. From the first time I read it, I've been in love with this author's writing style. The Beautiful Dead trilogy overall has the perfect quirkiness and individualness, revolutionary for the entire zombie genre.

Not really dead, not really alive, just almost alive.

This is my #1 read of the year. It reached my soul, and really isn't that why we read, to be transported from our world into another, to know the personas as we know ourselves, to rejoice in victories, to smirk at snide humor, to morn the dead, to realize it's all worth it, to be changed forever more.

The world is suddenly so full of beauty and poetic reciprocity and meaning.

***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

toni

FangirlMoments and My Two Cents

FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...

[JC82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I stare at this computer screen I'm still reeling from this book and the end of this stunning trilogy. It took me several hours to finally compose myself enough to write this review, simply because at times I was at a loss for words.

As a reader, there are so many stories that you come across that make you laugh, stories that make you cry, and some that even make you cringe in fear or clench your fists in anger. There are some stories that leave you thinking about them for days with the dreaded book hangover. But then there are those stories that reach deep down into your heart and leave an imprint on your soul. Almost Alive and this entire Trilogy is one of those stories. This final installment of the Beautiful Dead Trilogy, this last chapter of Winter's story is one that will leave you both heart-broken and enraptured.

What I've learned from Banner's writing is that every detail, every simple act, every action in his story-telling, in his writing serves a bigger purpose. Nothing is meaningless and in time it all comes full circle. Banner wrote a story about living, about life by telling it through the eyes of a character who had lost theirs but was given a chance for another of a different kind. It's by far one of the most brilliant stories I have had the joy of reading.

Banner does not disappoint with this last book and despite my desire to summarize all the challenges, the discoveries, the revelations, the heartache, the forgiveness and the love experienced in this last book; I won't. I won't because this Undead Almost Alive journey, Winter's journey is one that you, the reader, need to experience in all its wonder, all its pain, all its compassion and all its tenderness.

If you take the plunge and find yourself on this journey with Winter; I hope that in the end you find yourself as enamored as I was. I hope Winter, John and the rest of the characters in this book leave their little mark on your heart, and I hope that Banner's writing opens your eyes to the beauty that is everything around you.

Sad to see this story end, but elated in knowing that it's ending was simply perfect. <3

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Almost Alive is the final book in The Beautiful Dead trilogy. The books do have to be read in order to understand the story.

The story picks up with John being Raised by Winter. John doesn’t remember his first life and is in a sorry state, his ear has fallen off, face is drooping, and his hands and feet aren’t working right which is normal for an individual who is Raised. Winter knows she needs the help of Marigold to get John as good as Undead. She carries John set off to find Helena, Megan, Chief, Ann, Collin, Marigold, and the others. She realizes that the plants and trees are everywhere. The plant life is no longer killed by the Undead. She eventually finds her friends, but gets a shock. She’s been gone for 12 years. Things are very different now. Megan is now the Mayor. The twins, Robin and Rake are now acting as doctors. The Humans are thriving. Things are not as well for the Undead.

I’ve learned a thing about Mr. Banner’s writing, it’s like a composed symphony. The baritone you barely hear in the beginning is going to have an impressive solo to play later in the composition. The small detail you read earlier, will have a large part to play in the future. Because of this, I’m unable to give more details. What I can tell say is you will feel loss and heartbreak. You will feel anger and pain. You will feel excitement and joy. Remember from the beginning, the story has been about living and what it means to live not about just being alive. I think that is important to remember.

This is book is definitely deserves a 5 star rating and a must read series. I do have a book hangover because my beloved Winter, John, Helena, and friend’s story ended. Winter will always have a special place in my heart. When I miss them, I’ll just have to reread the series over.

Follow Daryl Banner on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DarylBannerW...

[Alex Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I could say for a while after ending this book was “wow”. The Beautiful Dead was just awesome, and Dead of Winter blew it out of the water, but this one... this one. Wow.

Winter’s story is a great one, but this felt like more than just a story. It’s a beautifully written symphony, for one. Daryl has a way of writing... a rhythm, that’s unique and all his own that’s so much like his music, and each piece is amazing. But with Almost Alive, just the depth and beauty of the “song” was enough to take my breath away. I am in awe. This story has such a range of emotion, yet unlike some where my emotions are pulled every which way, this was like a steady climb leading up to a tear-fill, exhilarating, all consuming, my-heart-is-going-to-burst-with-sadness-love-and-joy free fall of an absolutely perfect ending.

It’s impossible not to get something out of this story filled with lessons and truths. Winters journey may be over, but everything it gave me is imprinted soul deep, and will be with me through this life, and the next, and the next.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Review***

After another shitty week at work, I was in a fool mood when I finally could read Almost Alive.
Actually, that was exactly my thought last night when I got back home late, again and... almost alive.
Urrrggghhh.

I knew that book 3 in The Beautiful Dead series was desesperately waiting for me on my kindle, amazingly delivered in advance by the author himself.
Yes! Daryl'd sent me an ARC! I was crazy delighted when I got the news.
Sigh.
That was just before the beginning of bloody shitty week.

Glued in the annoying noisy traffic in Paris, yes fucking Paris, I'd told myself that Daryl's amazing writing would help me clear my mind and get me far, far away from those fucking people I want to strangle on a daily basis.
You think French people are arrogant? Full of themselves? Well, I'd like to say you're right but I kind of still hope that only a very few of them are, and I'm wasting my time talking about them. I'm 100% sure you have to deal with the same kind wherever you are, aren't you?

"Time is what we all want, and it's what we all waste. Oh, the things we could do, (...)"

"This is so dumb, all of this. Why are we suffering?" He gets to his feet, pulls me up onto mine. "Come."
"Where are we going?" I ask.
"Who cares," he says, a smile playing on his face. "Wherever it is, I'll race you there."

Confession: I am not French in my head. I'm the mother of 2 teenagers, a badass, a filthy mouth, reading is my therapy and every fucking day I have this dream: being anywhere else on this planet but in fucking Paris.
Maybe in one of those places I've read so much about...

The blurb says:
12 years have passed since the devastation.
The world is changed. What once was a planet struggling to survive is now a planet bursting to life. The humans are thriving. Gardens are growing. Trees are reaching up to the sky and the Undeadly clutch on the planet is slowly letting go.
But what does that mean for Winter and her friends?
In the wake of spring, the last of the desperate Undead gather, fighting to maintain their place in a world that no longer wants them. Mother Nature slowly but certainly works to purge the planet of the Dead, just when Winter thought she had finally embraced this Second Life.
Her new friends are back and old nemeses return for the final chapter in Winter's Undead journey.

But you know what? I couldn't fucking remember the end of book 2 when I read the prologue.
Twice.
I could feel the huge blank entering my brain.
That's when I decided to have a drink and a cigarette outside, nicely tucked in my pop up. You might get to sit on Adirondack chairs, I've got my little red Lafuma maxi pop up because of my small balcony.

One drink and a cigarette.
That's when I heard it. That noise.
Two.
I could feel the wheels in my brain running again, and running and running.
Three.
Still running.
That repelling noise again.

"(...) perched atop the window is the dark and horrible blackbird pressed into all that beauty like some ugly stain. The creature is so still, one could mistake it for a tiny statue... or a shadow... or a fly."

Four.
"Nightmare" by A7X is now playing on my laptop and suddenly I jump.
That chilling noise, louder and louder.
It's right on top of the cross atop the church, staring at me. Ugh.
That's when my brain stopped running and I remembered.
The Eiffel tower still shining miles away like a little toy in the sky.
Every fucking thing. Smile.
Welcome back John, I missed you.
Five.

"What if this Life is actually your Sixtieth Life? Sixty-First? What if you and I have been... trying to find each other a million times in history, over and over and over? Do you believe in soul mates, Winter?"

Later in the night, I closed the book grinning and giggling like my 15yo baby girl. Revived and content. Exhausted and happy.

Almost Alive is a FANTASTIC ending to a SUPERB trilogy. And the epilogue? OMG, I loved it. It was like a beautiful juicy cherry on a mouth-watering cake.
I'm fond of epilogues, they're absolute needed closures for me as a reader, especially when the journey is as desesperate, gut wrenching and soul searching as Winter and John's was.
Full circle.
I cried uncontrollably at some scenes and I think I deeply needed that. Crying is soul cleansing, isn't it? But only an awesome book can do that to me.
Daryl is a genius and definitely one of my best therapists!

To fully enjoy Daryl's magic words, I recommend to read this epic fantasy in order, of course!

[Finley Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!!
What a way to end such an incredible series! This story did not go in the direction I thought it was going to but OMG it was so much better than I ever could have wished for. Words cannot begin to express how much this book twisted me up, tore at my heartstrings and completely destroyed me. Who would have thought so many tears could be shed from a zombie-ish/undead book. I stayed up until nearly 2am finishing it because I could NOT put it down…. knowing damn well my kids would be up around 7:30am. Well, I was still up a hour after finishing because I was suffering from the worst book hangover of my life. Of course my kids decided to wake up way early (at 6am) this morning, and I have been a walking zombie all day, but man is it worth it. I am still reeling from this final book in the Beautiful Dead series.
Call me weird, but throughout the books I have grown so attached to Winter, John, and all the characters, that I felt like I was a part of their group, and that they were real live friends of mine.
I refuse to believe that this is forever the end of their stories…maybe down the line we will get another book, who knows… I certainly would like to hope so.
It would be impossible for me to really touch on the events of the book without giving the story away so I am just going on how it made me feel. And God did it ever make me feel! This was one of the most powerful stories and endings out of all the ones I have read. Every scene and character came to life on the pages right in front of my eyes. I felt when they did, cried when I would imagine the would (if they were able to cry), and feared for my life as they did.
Not only is this a Zombie-yet-not-zombie story, but its about life, loss, life after death, reincarnation, and souls finding one another in their next lives. It really makes you think about life in a whole new way.

This entire series is something I truly believe everyone MUST read. It is so much more than you can ever imagine or expect just from reading the blurbs and reviews. I promise you will not be sorry by taking a chance on these books.

[Melissa Burcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.

WARNING: SOME SPOILERS

Well, this is book three of the trilogy. The end of Winter and the undead! Are you ready? No, neither was I. But as we all learn, "All good things must come to an end".

This book picks up right where book 2 leaves off. John, Winter's love, is finally raised. He is officially undead. At the end of book 2, John dies. Winter takes him to the whispers to bury him. She then waits by his grave for him to rise. When John has been raised, Winter takes him to the old town of Trenton for upkeep. The old town of Trenton is no more. It is a ghost town and no one is there. She decides that everyone must still be in the Garden and decides to carry John there. On her way to the Garden, she comes across the town formally known as Necropolis. This is where all of the living and the undead are. John is immediately taken to the hospital for upkeep, to get his old body working again. While he is there, Winter runs into her old friend Ann. Winter finds out that 12 years have passed while she waited by John's grave. So much has changed in 12 years. She finds out that the undead are turning to dust for no reason, just poof and they are gone. After talking with the mayor, Winter finds out the whole story and what must be done. She takes off with most of the undead on another adventure.

That is about all I am going to give you to this wonderful ending of an epic trilogy. I can not wait to read more by Daryl. He has a way of making you feel like you are in the story witnessing everything first hand. This trilogy was such a refreshing twist on zombies! Thank you!

[Steph Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself constantly cursing this author every time I pick up one of his books. Of course this one was no different. Instead of hoping to drag this out into a nice week long read, it was done in a little over a day. This is just the way of any book by Daryl.
I loved the wrap up of our beautifully undead. 12 years have passed since the end of the last book, but for Winter it's been but a blink in time. All those around her, however haven't felt that way. We reconvene with most characters from the 2nd book, and find quite a bit has changed in 12 years. There are new threats to the undead.
There is much heartbreak and happiness in this book. Ups and downs, laughs and cries. Almost Alive is a literal rollercoaster of feels. I could not put the adventure down once I started, successfully ruining dinner because of my inability to read and cook at the same time. I enjoyed the ending and the fate of all the beloved characters, and feel there could not have been a better ending.

[Kat Montemayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This end of the series left me with a hollow void in the pit of my stomach. Not in a bad way, in a resigned way. I had the odd need to be held after I finished.

The message I got from this series: There is redemption, no matter what horrible things we have done.
The.Only.One.Left.To.Blame.Is.You. Or no one. Like Howard Jones sings. "No one is to blame."
Without the bad, we would have no idea what good looks like.

Favorite moments: I did like when she choose her last name. Winter Steel, reminds me of another Liquid Television Winter Steele, a white trash valkyrie straight from the edge of ruin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m4tO...
She had white hair too.

It's not a typical HEA, but it does give one hope. As Winter Steele says, "All men suck (except John, and maybe a dark haired poet.)

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic, action-packed and extremely emotional conclusion to The Beautiful Dead trilogy. It left me speechless in some parts, laughing out loud in others and mostly just cheering Winter and John on in hopes they would get an HEA.
What happens is more like real life than I wanted to experience...so many deeply heartbreaking and gut-wrenching scenes and soul searching.
There is no way to say anything about what happens in the end of this epic fantasy without spoiling the journey for other readers...just know that it will be worth the time spent and will leave you torn but hopeful. Seriously beautiful writing that made me cry uncontrollably during the last two chapters. UGH! =)

***** 5 ***** "grab your tissues and a shot of whiskey" stars

[Shawna The Crazy Bookseller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of The Beautiful Dead comes to a beautifully tragic end in Almost Alive. Daryl Banner has taken me on an emotional roller coaster ride with this final book. Before I even finished the last chapter it hit me, this is it, this is the end of a series that I have fallen in love with. There will be no more stories about the characters that have become a part of my life. There will just be no more and that made me so sad I didn't even want to finish reading. I thought that if I didn't get to the part that said The End it wouldn't really be over.

But I did finish it and I'm glad I did. The ending was beautifully done and brought tears to my eyes. This is all I'm going to say because it's really hard to tell you about this book without giving anything away.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

It appears that no time has passed at all, yet in the blink of an eye, a dead eye-12 years are gone and unbeknownst to Winter everything has changed. It's that truly the way of things, so many things change when we are lost in grief and hiding from the world. This is what Winter is facing in Almost Dead, book 3 of the Beautiful Dead series. But more then change in the people and undead around her are the changes to the world. It is once again coming to life. The great question is what does that mean for Winter and the other undead.

This story picks up right where book two left you hanging and boy does it carry on! This book was as fantastic as the previous two and aside from the nasty spiders I could not put it down! I have absolutely loved this series and I was utterly heart broke to have it end. Winter's story is by far my favorite series of the year so far and I just can't help but wish it did not have to end. But that is the way of things. I especially loved the very end and the "extra" that the author added to the story. It gave me a bit of comfort.

But seriously can I just add if you read one series this year and you love fantasy/paranormal stories, move this to the top of your list and read it!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't summarize the plot for you as I hate spoilers, but if you have read the other two books in the series (and you most definitely should have) you need to read Almost alive too.

I just have to say that Daryl has a way with words. This book is written eloquently and there are some wonderful pearls of wisdom. I can't help but feel that Daryl is a wise and insightful person.

I'm happy enough with how this story played out although it didn't quite hook me as much as Dead of winter. Which thankfully means no ugly tears this time (I wasn't as emotionally invested). A few questions about how things work in the world are left as a mystery but I'm okay with that. The book felt like the right way to conclude the trilogy.

I like the way Winter and Johns relationship is portrayed, theirs is one I think we all secretly (or not so secretly) wish for. Although it isn't always smooth sailing throughout the books, they manage to overcome that which is against them by working together and help from their friends.

I'll look back on this series with a smile and will be waiting not so patiently for Daryl's next adventure.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!

[Dmitri Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending installment felt heavier and grander, perhaps like an ending piece is supposed to. Conclusions were drawn, lessons were learned, acceptance had been achieved and even more loss was piled on an already huge heap.

The concept of recycled souls, the same actors playing on different stages throughout time left me with mixed feelings. It left me hungry for a happier ending, as if I didn't get my closure. I know that is difficult to orchestrate in stories which play with cosmic concepts of time, one world ending, others beginning, mortality, love transcending time and lifetimes. Things line up to shed light on the messiness of being, the challenges and struggles. And that messiness cannot be realisticly wrapped up nicely with a cherry on top. Often times there is no good solution, other times, there is no obvious solution at all.

I think this was a beautifully written Saga. Often I was reminded of Laura Kasischke's lyrical prose and how she juggled different planes in her stories. The author accomplished the same thing. Playing with perception and the inner workings of his characters. His story was tragic and beautiful and gruesome and hopeful at the same time, like the kaleidoscope of life as we know it.

[Ramona Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Alive is the ending of this trilogy written by Daryl Banner and definitely not what I expected at all. The author brings twist after twist and this book is probably the most intricate of the three, taking the story where I expected it the least to go. Some I did see coming but others caught me of guard, and I really enjoyed that. Winter does what Winter always does, puts what everyone else needs above her own desires and thinks of the greater good.
In her last journey she takes her friends and as usual things are never what they seem to be, nor do they end up the way you think they should. Sorry but I just can't give away any spoilers. Her and John are perfectly matched up and reading their story in this trilogy has been very interesting and makes you wonder.

I found it very interesting how the author ended this series, which was completely unexpected but in a way fitting. This trilogy was definitely interesting, was it my favorite read of all times, no since there was a lot of fluff and some parts were dragging out way too much in my opinion. But, it was interesting and different and that in my opinion is tough to find.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful ending to Winter's story!

What a great conclusion to Winter's story.

12 long years she waited in the Whispers for him.... But, when John finally rises, Winter realizes just how much her world has changed.

With the fate of the undead looking bleak, Winter and her Undead friends go looking for a stone that could be their salvation. But at what price?

This story was extremely well written and full of reconciliations, losses, second chances, suspense and eye opening moments. Each scene wonderfully detailed drawing the reader in. I went through a myriad of emotions throughout this story, and found it hard to put down at times. The twist at the end was a perfect conclusion!

Highly recommended!

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a world of the Undead and Live humans living peacefully until there were more humans being born and less Undead living. Now down to twenty-one, more or less, they go on a quest to find the stone of eternal death. Meaning the Undead would become eternal living the First, Second, Third, etc., lives. Interesting concept and thoroughly enjoyable as well. I see there is a Book #4 that is now added to my list to read in the near future.

All in all, it's a 4**** rating from me.

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting the rest of Winter and John's story. The story took some turn that I wasn't expecting, but I found it entirely enjoyable. I loved the entire idea of this series where the dead come back and were for the most part just other people. This was really a great read that I hope others enjoy as much as I did.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Daryl, Daryl, Daryl......what have you done? Honestly I don't even know how to write this review. I have loved this non-zombie zombie series from day one. You've taken my heart and ripped it out of my chest. I am Undead and don't know how I am supposed to go on in a world without Winter. I hate that this is the last book in the series. I hate that I am not going to get to read anymore about these awesome characters and this amazing world that you created.

I will say, however, that the way that you ended the series was breathtakingly beautiful. You may have broken my heart and left me cold and crying, but you did it with grace, class, and style. The writing in this installment was epic and emotional. When an author is invested in their characters and their stories, it comes across on the page. The gut wrenching, mind blowing, journey that you led me on was worth every tear shed and every skipped heartbeat. Thank you for bringing me Winter and John and the rest of the gang. My chest has a hole where my heart used to be but I will be forever reminded how it came to be and I will do so with a smile on my face.

[Victoria Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this installment we find ourselves facing the biggest battle yet. Times are changing... After facing the dangers in the last book we find the living and dead living together in a place that seems to not want to be forgotten, but when something starts to turn the undead to ashes the unliving face their biggest threat yet. Will they find the cause of their destruction before they all perish? Is this the beginning of the end? People from the past emerge and I wondered how all of that would fall into play. This one has just as much adventure as the rest and was a great continuation. I was sad towards the end but sometimes we have to make decisions for the better of others. I can't wait to see more of this series.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Alive is the final book in the Beautiful Dead series and I'm sad it's over but very happy with the ending of Winter's story.

This book picks up where book 2 leaves off. John is finally raised in the whispers and is officially undead. Winter had stayed by his grave waiting for him to rise and finds out later that 12 years have passed her by. Now she just needs to wait until John remembers her and their love again. Of course, Winter steps up to save what remains of the undead and goes on another action-packed adventure with John by her side.

This is a fun and very different kind of zombie story.

[|Stephanie| · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series of 2016 so far!
I loved every page of this series and I'm so sad to say goodbye to Winter, John and the whole Beautiful Dead cast. They all stole my heart and Mr. Banner has gained a new fan.
His writing is poetic, his story unique and I loved the world he created.
The last book in this incredible series is bittersweet but I don't think he could have ended it any other way. It was brilliant. The epilogue helped mend my heart and left me with a smile on my face. If you love a zombie story that is so much more than what you're used to, start this series. I promise you won't be disappointed. 5 Beautiful Stars!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Alive is the final book in the series and it breaks my heart to see it end. Winter is one tough undead chick. She goes through so much. With the love of her friends and the other undead she discovers something all of us need to learn. The one thing I love most about the book is the message from Daryl Banner himself. I can't tell you enough how much I'm sad to see it end but it was a beautiful end. Loved it

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like paranormal books, you will enjoy this different take on the Undead.

[R.S. McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic conclusion to this amazing series. A really, really great read! (And I'm stoked to find out there's a fourth book!)