What do you think?
Rate this book
This Dying World #1
The End Begins
It was always a joke. The “what ifs” and the planning were just conversations to have fun with. Who would be the first to go? Where would people be safe? Who would survive the zombie apocalypse?
No one is laughing anymore.
Awakening to a nightmare, Dan Foster is forced to flee his suburban Chicago home. Together with his wife Abby and little girl Katie, they begin a dangerous trek across the wintery Midwest in hopes to reconnect with his brother in the heartland of Wisconsin. Dan soon discovers the ravenous hordes of undead are not the only things out there that threaten the lives of his family. Can he stay the man he is, or will he need to become something more dangerous in order to protect the ones he loves?
In the end, how much of Dan’s humanity will survive this dying world?
No one is laughing anymore.
Awakening to a nightmare, Dan Foster is forced to flee his suburban Chicago home. Together with his wife Abby and little girl Katie, they begin a dangerous trek across the wintery Midwest in hopes to reconnect with his brother in the heartland of Wisconsin. Dan soon discovers the ravenous hordes of undead are not the only things out there that threaten the lives of his family. Can he stay the man he is, or will he need to become something more dangerous in order to protect the ones he loves?
In the end, how much of Dan’s humanity will survive this dying world?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2015
54 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
James D. Dean
2 books40 followersIt's been a long road, but I have finally released This Dying World: Abandon All Hope, the second book in the series.
Like the first book, the second is very character driven. Granted in a zombie apocalypse, a lot of focus is spent on our favorite walking corpses. But I truly believe the best zombie stories focus more on the struggles of the survivors and how they learn to live and thrive in an impossible situation.
Of course, zombies are not my only passion, and I will branch out into other areas eventually. But for now, I am primarily focused on book 3 and getting that one out a LOT sooner than my first.
As far as who I am, I'm just a scribbler that some people like to check up on from time to time.
Like the first book, the second is very character driven. Granted in a zombie apocalypse, a lot of focus is spent on our favorite walking corpses. But I truly believe the best zombie stories focus more on the struggles of the survivors and how they learn to live and thrive in an impossible situation.
Of course, zombies are not my only passion, and I will branch out into other areas eventually. But for now, I am primarily focused on book 3 and getting that one out a LOT sooner than my first.
As far as who I am, I'm just a scribbler that some people like to check up on from time to time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 6, 2017
This was an intense read. I moved to Alaska from Chicago so I was really interested in the fact that the story starts in Chicago and continues through areas I know. My problem was that while I was pulled into the story I kept going, "oh my gosh, my family is still there". Haha.
This story is mainly about Dan and his family getting to his brothers farm. We are along for a pretty scary ride. I liked most of the characters. I really loved how Dan and Abby loved each other: the fights, the defenses of each other, the sarcastic banter, the care, concern and the way they relied on each other. It was beautiful and realistic. We meet some scary people along the way and they weren't dead. I think that is pretty realistic whenever an area of the world is in a crisis. One of the things I was really impressed with was the author being willing to explore the psychological/moral changes of main characters. I have seen it in other books but not as fully developed, in many of them, as I saw here.
I read a lot of zbooks and I think it is difficult to come up with fresh ideas while remaining true to the genre. There has been an explosion of zbooks in the past few years. The author, however, did come up with a few things that I hadn't read already. I'm really happy that the next book in this series is available. I have it on the list for upcoming book purchases.
This story is mainly about Dan and his family getting to his brothers farm. We are along for a pretty scary ride. I liked most of the characters. I really loved how Dan and Abby loved each other: the fights, the defenses of each other, the sarcastic banter, the care, concern and the way they relied on each other. It was beautiful and realistic. We meet some scary people along the way and they weren't dead. I think that is pretty realistic whenever an area of the world is in a crisis. One of the things I was really impressed with was the author being willing to explore the psychological/moral changes of main characters. I have seen it in other books but not as fully developed, in many of them, as I saw here.
I read a lot of zbooks and I think it is difficult to come up with fresh ideas while remaining true to the genre. There has been an explosion of zbooks in the past few years. The author, however, did come up with a few things that I hadn't read already. I'm really happy that the next book in this series is available. I have it on the list for upcoming book purchases.
June 17, 2016
My original This Dying World audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Once upon a time Dan Foster, his brothers and best buds thought a zombie apocalypse might be something to prepare for; little did they know. Living in a row of joined townhouses with his wife and daughter sounded like a good idea – it was! There’s nothing like waking up in the middle of the night and discovering a roaring out of control fire zipping from home to home and there are flesh eating zombies outside too!
Dan, Abby and his daughter, Katie must fight their way to their car then to the family farm to escape the deadly monsters roaming, hunting them. Along the way, they encounter a church filled with zeds and a trio of “scum of the earth” brothers who are bikers. Now they have to deal with deadliest of humans as well as zeds. Leaving the cities far behind, they head off to the countryside of Wisconsin to join his brothers and friends.
Faced with decisions that eat away at his humanity, Dan fights for the lives of his wife, daughter, brothers and friends. No longer able to be the fun-sarcastic-always has a joke; Dan faces life head on becoming the man he must be to keep everyone safe!
James Dean vividly places his listeners in the mind of Dan Foster, showing us how he goes from mild mannered man to deadly protector. I enjoyed how Abby and Dan was a couple, their playful banter and importantly, how she could calm him during those moments when the deadly protector made his appearance. Eating beans out of the can was so well described that I won’t be able to see a can of beans without thinking of Dan. Dean also places his listeners directly in the story through his character and plot development.
The other characters in the book were well developed as well. You knew right away that Adam was going to be the proverbial thorn that would take everyone out of paradise (well, what passes as paradise in a zombie apocalypse). I thought Dean did an excellent job of coming up with a unique feature of the zombies thus providing some new twists.
Eric Shelman, narrator was able to whip out those sarcastic, fun comments as if they were second nature. His ability to read the book with enthusiasm and getting caught up in the action was solid and enjoyable. Shelman voiced all the characters in rich tones that made the reading more enjoyable. Shelman presented each voice placing them with the right character and was steady in his reading. He read with confidence and projected the inner strength of each character.
There were no real issues with production although there was an instance or two where it sounded like Shelman was speaking from a tunnel. It did not take away from the book, it was just something I noticed.
Excellent book for zombie enthusiast! I thoroughly enjoyed both the book and hearing Shelman – I couldn’t stop listening and made times when I could listen uninterrupted! I look forward to more books written by James Dean and read by Eric Shelman!
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
Once upon a time Dan Foster, his brothers and best buds thought a zombie apocalypse might be something to prepare for; little did they know. Living in a row of joined townhouses with his wife and daughter sounded like a good idea – it was! There’s nothing like waking up in the middle of the night and discovering a roaring out of control fire zipping from home to home and there are flesh eating zombies outside too!
Dan, Abby and his daughter, Katie must fight their way to their car then to the family farm to escape the deadly monsters roaming, hunting them. Along the way, they encounter a church filled with zeds and a trio of “scum of the earth” brothers who are bikers. Now they have to deal with deadliest of humans as well as zeds. Leaving the cities far behind, they head off to the countryside of Wisconsin to join his brothers and friends.
Faced with decisions that eat away at his humanity, Dan fights for the lives of his wife, daughter, brothers and friends. No longer able to be the fun-sarcastic-always has a joke; Dan faces life head on becoming the man he must be to keep everyone safe!
James Dean vividly places his listeners in the mind of Dan Foster, showing us how he goes from mild mannered man to deadly protector. I enjoyed how Abby and Dan was a couple, their playful banter and importantly, how she could calm him during those moments when the deadly protector made his appearance. Eating beans out of the can was so well described that I won’t be able to see a can of beans without thinking of Dan. Dean also places his listeners directly in the story through his character and plot development.
The other characters in the book were well developed as well. You knew right away that Adam was going to be the proverbial thorn that would take everyone out of paradise (well, what passes as paradise in a zombie apocalypse). I thought Dean did an excellent job of coming up with a unique feature of the zombies thus providing some new twists.
Eric Shelman, narrator was able to whip out those sarcastic, fun comments as if they were second nature. His ability to read the book with enthusiasm and getting caught up in the action was solid and enjoyable. Shelman voiced all the characters in rich tones that made the reading more enjoyable. Shelman presented each voice placing them with the right character and was steady in his reading. He read with confidence and projected the inner strength of each character.
There were no real issues with production although there was an instance or two where it sounded like Shelman was speaking from a tunnel. It did not take away from the book, it was just something I noticed.
Excellent book for zombie enthusiast! I thoroughly enjoyed both the book and hearing Shelman – I couldn’t stop listening and made times when I could listen uninterrupted! I look forward to more books written by James Dean and read by Eric Shelman!
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
January 8, 2016
Wow
Really enjoyed book. Was really pulled into the book. Hope there is more, good job, can't wait for more thanks
Really enjoyed book. Was really pulled into the book. Hope there is more, good job, can't wait for more thanks
December 18, 2019
Bought this book 2 times! Long story short, I finally was able to read it the 3rd time buying it. In this case I'm going to say "great" reads come to those who are becoming computer literate. The cover alone enticed me into wanting to read James D. Dean book one of The Dying World: The End Begins. Awesome and creepy at the same time. I suggest reading it when you know no-one is going to bug you. I've found out there's a second book, I'm happy I guess, because back when I ordered the Dying World, James D. Dean hasn't a book 2 yet. So I'm lucky, I'm going to dive into the book 2 right away! I suggest giving this book a read if you like apocalyptic reading that has your eyes bugging out in a oh no look!👀
August 26, 2017
Fast paced, action packed story with likeable and definitely totally despicable characters. The main characters are not prepared for the apocalypse so you see how they struggle through their fight for survival which most people can relate to. The events happening today in the world also makes the waste of skin survivors so believable. This book has it all, horrifying fights against hordes, loss of life, awesome characters and much needed humour thrown in the mix. When the apocalypse hits, you still have to go through all the emotions to survive. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the zombie genre because you are in for a wild ride.
June 29, 2017
Zombies...
I'm reading this book again because hopefully a sequel is on it's way.
It's a virus. It's happening to everyone. Fluids from their bodies will ensure
you die. It's air borne. And it's moving fast.
Some wonderful characters here. The author did a great job giving them
depth and personality. The storyline is good too . These zombies are mean, and or they thinking for themselves ? What about these crazy bikers? Where do they fit in?
Funny at times and so sad, these two brothers, friends & family are desperately trying to survive. Read this. You will enjoy...😁
I'm reading this book again because hopefully a sequel is on it's way.
It's a virus. It's happening to everyone. Fluids from their bodies will ensure
you die. It's air borne. And it's moving fast.
Some wonderful characters here. The author did a great job giving them
depth and personality. The storyline is good too . These zombies are mean, and or they thinking for themselves ? What about these crazy bikers? Where do they fit in?
Funny at times and so sad, these two brothers, friends & family are desperately trying to survive. Read this. You will enjoy...😁
March 28, 2020
This is a very intense apocalyptic novel. It's filled with several strong characters that tugged at my heart, caused me to smile, freak out and cry, usually not all at once. The conclusion is deeply and horrifically emotional. I had to put it down a few times to allow my heart time to calm from its frantic beating. All of these things indicate attributes of a gripping tale. I didn't realize that it's the first in a series until after I finished it and I definitely plan to read book 2. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
August 12, 2017
Holy cow!
I don't review many books I read, because most aren't all that original or good. So when I do review its because the book grabbed me by my...... and didn't let go. This book is like that. The characters are fantastic! I laughed out loud many times. I got goose bumps. And I cried. Highly recommend!
I don't review many books I read, because most aren't all that original or good. So when I do review its because the book grabbed me by my...... and didn't let go. This book is like that. The characters are fantastic! I laughed out loud many times. I got goose bumps. And I cried. Highly recommend!
March 18, 2018
WOW! Loved it
Just finished and ready to start book 2. I was hooked from the start, such real characters that you instantly care about. Exciting action without relying on said action to carry the book. I recommend it to anyone; don’t have to be a zombie-fiction lover to enjoy this well-balanced and addictive read.
Just finished and ready to start book 2. I was hooked from the start, such real characters that you instantly care about. Exciting action without relying on said action to carry the book. I recommend it to anyone; don’t have to be a zombie-fiction lover to enjoy this well-balanced and addictive read.
September 25, 2022
Will not disappoint. Want a zombie novel with actual zombie carnage then this is it.
This is the first I've read of this author and he surprised me. It had what I wanted in all of my zombie novels. I am on to book 2. If you don't read this book your tripping. It has sarcasm, hilarious characters, and you become so involved in the book it's like your IN the story.
This is the first I've read of this author and he surprised me. It had what I wanted in all of my zombie novels. I am on to book 2. If you don't read this book your tripping. It has sarcasm, hilarious characters, and you become so involved in the book it's like your IN the story.
September 9, 2019
A very good story
The author put a lot of passion and heart in this book and it definitely shows. Full of intense action and witty one liners, this book was fun to read. I will definitely be looking for other books by this author.
The author put a lot of passion and heart in this book and it definitely shows. Full of intense action and witty one liners, this book was fun to read. I will definitely be looking for other books by this author.
January 23, 2018
too much like the walking dead
April 11, 2018
Great read.
First book in a long time that gripped me and held my interest. Characters well developed to the point that I was really saddened at the dreadfully realistic ending.
First book in a long time that gripped me and held my interest. Characters well developed to the point that I was really saddened at the dreadfully realistic ending.
February 7, 2019
So freakin good! Highly recommend this one for any lovers of the genre and specifically Mark Tufo fans.
May 30, 2019
Very good
This is a good storyline and I loved the characters in it. It was lovely the way the husband and wife spoke to each other. Wsll worth reading
This is a good storyline and I loved the characters in it. It was lovely the way the husband and wife spoke to each other. Wsll worth reading
April 17, 2025
Totally outdated book. Mediocre narration and a really, really, really cookie cutter boring zombie story.
Punched out at 30 minutes.
Punched out at 30 minutes.
September 15, 2017
Loved this book!
This is a great zombie tale. One of the few that I have read recently that have a new take on the spread of the zombie virus. Definitely read this book if you interested or curious about the zompoc genre!
This is a great zombie tale. One of the few that I have read recently that have a new take on the spread of the zombie virus. Definitely read this book if you interested or curious about the zompoc genre!
February 2, 2016
Although I am a voracious reader, easily plowing through a book a day (On a good day that is) I do not often come back to write reviews. Partially because I read way too many books to review them all (Goodreads count last year: 127 books read), but also because so often, everything I like or dislike about a book has already been said.
This book, however, was, in my opinion, so well written, and so rich in story that I just have to say it here. It has everything I love about post apocalyptic fiction and it has it all in perfect balance. He starts the action right away, but he does it with some humor and of course the great nail biting suspense you love to enjoy. His characters are well thought out, with real stories, emotions, feelings and interactions with each other and you can really enjoy when they escape a harrowing situation or (yes, it happens....) feel sad at a loss. Some of the book is written from the view point of the main character Dan Foster as he tries to keep his wife and child safe and make his way to his brothers farm. The brother is military and a bit of a prepper, so Dan thinks he will be better prepared. Along the way they rescue a few people, they run from a few, they leave behind a few. It is your typical zombie story but it is told very well.
There was one small grammar error I caught reading it my second time through and I thought I'd mention it to the author. There is a sentence (14.7% into the book) that says "Abby let her seat back as I covered my legs with my jacket." Then 3 pages later (on my phone at least, " 'So you lied to her,' I chuckled as I took off my coat and covered my frozen legs." Sounds to me like he did that twice and I'm pretty sure he didn't have two jackets.
But that in no way takes away from this story. For instance, after saving 2 young girls, the father/husband Dan kneels to the level of the 6 year old and 'beeps' her nose lightly a few times until the little girl smiles. You can't get much more realistic and super feeling than that! After he and his wife let them know they are welcome to continue traveling with them, and they joke around a little, he playfully threatens "and I don't have to feed you." Lexi says yes he does because he stole the food from her town which made it hers "Ah but that makes it mine now!" His wife tells him to "Leave her alone, I like her." and his response "She started it." And then of course they 'did not!' 'Did too' a few times, which made me laugh.
If you are saying, aww that's sweet but where's the zombie slaying? Have no fear! There is a great deal of that and it is varied, well described and easy to picture. Dan's weapon of choice is a Dead Blow Hammer. How awesome is that. You don't know? Well, Dan kindly explains it to you.
I highly recommend this book for a great Zombie adventure, complete with gun fights, good guys, bad guys, plenty of zombie, families trying to protect each other, humor, and (YAY!) the tantalizing hint of a sequel.
James Dean, you'd better write it!
**Update** The book actually contains a link to the author's Facebook page, so I left a message letting him know how much I enjoyed it. I also pointed out the small mistake and he responded in less than 24 hours thanking me and telling me that he was going to fix it right away! So happy with an author who responds to his fans. :)
This book, however, was, in my opinion, so well written, and so rich in story that I just have to say it here. It has everything I love about post apocalyptic fiction and it has it all in perfect balance. He starts the action right away, but he does it with some humor and of course the great nail biting suspense you love to enjoy. His characters are well thought out, with real stories, emotions, feelings and interactions with each other and you can really enjoy when they escape a harrowing situation or (yes, it happens....) feel sad at a loss. Some of the book is written from the view point of the main character Dan Foster as he tries to keep his wife and child safe and make his way to his brothers farm. The brother is military and a bit of a prepper, so Dan thinks he will be better prepared. Along the way they rescue a few people, they run from a few, they leave behind a few. It is your typical zombie story but it is told very well.
There was one small grammar error I caught reading it my second time through and I thought I'd mention it to the author. There is a sentence (14.7% into the book) that says "Abby let her seat back as I covered my legs with my jacket." Then 3 pages later (on my phone at least, " 'So you lied to her,' I chuckled as I took off my coat and covered my frozen legs." Sounds to me like he did that twice and I'm pretty sure he didn't have two jackets.
But that in no way takes away from this story. For instance, after saving 2 young girls, the father/husband Dan kneels to the level of the 6 year old and 'beeps' her nose lightly a few times until the little girl smiles. You can't get much more realistic and super feeling than that! After he and his wife let them know they are welcome to continue traveling with them, and they joke around a little, he playfully threatens "and I don't have to feed you." Lexi says yes he does because he stole the food from her town which made it hers "Ah but that makes it mine now!" His wife tells him to "Leave her alone, I like her." and his response "She started it." And then of course they 'did not!' 'Did too' a few times, which made me laugh.
If you are saying, aww that's sweet but where's the zombie slaying? Have no fear! There is a great deal of that and it is varied, well described and easy to picture. Dan's weapon of choice is a Dead Blow Hammer. How awesome is that. You don't know? Well, Dan kindly explains it to you.
I highly recommend this book for a great Zombie adventure, complete with gun fights, good guys, bad guys, plenty of zombie, families trying to protect each other, humor, and (YAY!) the tantalizing hint of a sequel.
James Dean, you'd better write it!
**Update** The book actually contains a link to the author's Facebook page, so I left a message letting him know how much I enjoyed it. I also pointed out the small mistake and he responded in less than 24 hours thanking me and telling me that he was going to fix it right away! So happy with an author who responds to his fans. :)
June 17, 2019
Zombies
I really enjoyed the book.it was very fast paced. I will be reading more of your books in the future.you a a great author.
I really enjoyed the book.it was very fast paced. I will be reading more of your books in the future.you a a great author.
June 22, 2015
A fantastic debut
This book is a fantastic debut that reads like it was written by a seasoned author. There is a great mix of humor and action throughout the book. The best aspect of this book is how real everything is. The author is a master at building fully developed characters. All of the characters felt real to me and I was completely invested in their journeys. The dialogue never felt forced and these are people I want to know better. The pace was great and moved the story forward at a quick clip. The action was adequately gory and realistic as well. The mood grew darker as the book went on which makes sense as things became more dire. The ending was perfect and remains in my thoughts. Overall this is a wonderful book that I can't recommend enough. I look forward to future volumes.
This book is a fantastic debut that reads like it was written by a seasoned author. There is a great mix of humor and action throughout the book. The best aspect of this book is how real everything is. The author is a master at building fully developed characters. All of the characters felt real to me and I was completely invested in their journeys. The dialogue never felt forced and these are people I want to know better. The pace was great and moved the story forward at a quick clip. The action was adequately gory and realistic as well. The mood grew darker as the book went on which makes sense as things became more dire. The ending was perfect and remains in my thoughts. Overall this is a wonderful book that I can't recommend enough. I look forward to future volumes.
June 30, 2015
James Dean has quickly become one of my favorite authors. He mixes humor with intense descriptions of gore that leaves the reading laughing one minute and cringing the next. We get to know the characters on a higher level than most books, not only physical appearances but their emotional states and personalities as well. He really makes us feel a strong attachment to these people, and it's hard not to keep reading well past bedtime. The story itself is an action packed and very real to life example of one family's struggle to survive during a zombie apocalypse. If you only read one book this year, this should be the one you choose. Im looking forward to the next in this series
July 29, 2015
Awesome amazing brillant
Ok I am very picky reader I love action and depth and normal characters so I tend to stick with a group of authors I am know I recently joined the group the kindle Hub lets just say my kindle bill makes my husband cringe but he is as bad as I am. Any who this book recommended and wow was I blown away from her family circle to the reality of people sucking from action packed this is one of those books I put next to my computer at work and read while I worked I finished in 11 pm last night. I will be honest I laughed out loud and sobbed like a baby..I am going now to see if he has written any thing else.....wow
Ok I am very picky reader I love action and depth and normal characters so I tend to stick with a group of authors I am know I recently joined the group the kindle Hub lets just say my kindle bill makes my husband cringe but he is as bad as I am. Any who this book recommended and wow was I blown away from her family circle to the reality of people sucking from action packed this is one of those books I put next to my computer at work and read while I worked I finished in 11 pm last night. I will be honest I laughed out loud and sobbed like a baby..I am going now to see if he has written any thing else.....wow
January 10, 2016
Slow starter, but it picked up and regained a bit of interest. This is a typical evade the infected outbreak, leave home and journey cross-country to a relatives out-of-the-way homestead. During the trek you find that it is not just the infected that cause you problems. The main characters are not bad, but development is a little lacking. You don't know much about them. There is a second book coming, but evidently the author is currently working on it; at least that was the gist of it seven months ago. Three.point.five towards the next book.
December 12, 2016
This author has a lot of potential. The zombie infection is fairly well explained. A lot of the humor was very flat and distracting especially between Dad and his wife which really rather spoiled a lot of the flow. Abby was a lame and fairly clueless complainer in the first part of the book. The ending, though, was very strong and emotional so I have hope he will continue this series. I would definitely read a second book.
May 25, 2015
What a ride!
I fell in love with the main characters Dan and Abby almost immediately... I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat at times, one thing I wasn't was able to put it down! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
I fell in love with the main characters Dan and Abby almost immediately... I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat at times, one thing I wasn't was able to put it down! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
March 22, 2016
Have to say this was pretty good. Been reading a lot of ZA recently and this is reminiscent of Mark Tufo - wise cracking protagonist and his friends/family. The science behind the ZA was good and "believable". Little darker than Tufo, especially at the end. Looking forward to next installment.
June 2, 2015
Exciting Read
I couldn't put the book down. Probably one of the best zombie books I have ever read. Thoroughly recommend it.
I couldn't put the book down. Probably one of the best zombie books I have ever read. Thoroughly recommend it.
June 30, 2015
It's spellbinding
I enjoyed the book I could not put it down, recommend reading it. I can't wait till the next installment.
I enjoyed the book I could not put it down, recommend reading it. I can't wait till the next installment.
June 10, 2015
Really liked it!
I don't do many reviews but I read them before I read a book. This book was really good. Great plot, great characters.
I don't do many reviews but I read them before I read a book. This book was really good. Great plot, great characters.
June 17, 2015
Excellent!!!
I love the humorous descriptive narration!! Would love to read more of this! Maybe a This dying world part 2 ??
I love the humorous descriptive narration!! Would love to read more of this! Maybe a This dying world part 2 ??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews