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Twenty-Five Percent #1
Mutation
Bitten. Infected. Turned.
Cured.
Alex survived the virus that turns its victims into mindless flesh-eaters, but it left him mutated, with super-human strength and white eyes.
Feared and despised.
The world has lived with the virus for thirteen years, but now a new strain is turning thousands into ravenous monsters, faster than ever before.
And Alex is trapped right in the middle of the outbreak.
Forced into a precarious alliance with a man who hates people like him, he must fight his way across a city overrun with hordes of eaters to discover the truth about this new strain.
Before the uninfected become too outnumbered to survive.
Alex may be their only hope.
Because the best person to fight the monsters is someone who’s been one.
Cured.
Alex survived the virus that turns its victims into mindless flesh-eaters, but it left him mutated, with super-human strength and white eyes.
Feared and despised.
The world has lived with the virus for thirteen years, but now a new strain is turning thousands into ravenous monsters, faster than ever before.
And Alex is trapped right in the middle of the outbreak.
Forced into a precarious alliance with a man who hates people like him, he must fight his way across a city overrun with hordes of eaters to discover the truth about this new strain.
Before the uninfected become too outnumbered to survive.
Alex may be their only hope.
Because the best person to fight the monsters is someone who’s been one.
328 pages, ebook
First published May 5, 2015
161 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Nerys Wheatley
9 books15 followersNerys Wheatley has an underabundance of excitement in her life and an overabundance of imagination which is constantly making up stuff in her head. She writes fast moving, action packed science fiction because she has to let the stories out somehow.
She was born in the UK, which makes her spelling just that bit more thrilling. Her greatest wish is to wake up one day to find the remaining boxes from when she moved house two years ago have magically unpacked themselves. It hasn't happened yet, but she's still hoping.
She was born in the UK, which makes her spelling just that bit more thrilling. Her greatest wish is to wake up one day to find the remaining boxes from when she moved house two years ago have magically unpacked themselves. It hasn't happened yet, but she's still hoping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 14, 2021
Just a stunning take on the zombie (or eaters) genre. Great characters, thrilling, scary adventures and a conspiracy to sink your teeth into and follow into the next book of this trilogy.
April 17, 2017
Detective Constable Alexander MacCallum (Alex), is a survivor of a contagious virus know as Meir’s Disease. The disease turns humans into zombie-like creatures called, Eaters.
Around 4-5 days after being infected, the victims temperatures’ rise, toxins affect their brains, the iris’s of their eyes turn almost white, oh and they start eating human flesh!
Over time an antidote was discovered, but unfortunately it only worked in 25% of affected cases. It cured all of the symptoms, barring one; the victims’ white eyes. This is how those that were once Eaters became to be know as ‘White Eyes’, a derogatory term.
After reports of an Eater out on the street, in the middle of the day, something normally unheard of, Detective Constable Alex attends the scene, but something is niggling inside of him.
Something isn’t right. It isn’t long before his thoughts turn into reality. The victims are no longer taking 4-5 days to turn into Eaters, they are taking only minutes or hours.
Alex needs to discover what and how the strain of the disease is working so fast before he has a massive problem on his hands. He also has to accept help from a man who only yesterday was trying to kill him, Micah Clarke.
Mutation is an interesting take on the Zombie world, which due to a certain American TV show is quite a popular genre right now. I liked the idea of people being able to be cured from their zombie-like status.
The book is exceptionally well-written. It has a natural flow and tone to it, and Ms. Wheatley writes with such passion that you can’t help but be swept along with the plot.
The characters are wonderfully created. Both Alex and Micah have interesting roles, and are equally likeable (well maybe not Micah at the very beginning). The two worked well together, and their personalities came across strong. There was great camaraderie and lots of banter between them that will make you laugh.
The story moves at a fast, exciting pace and I became engrossed quite early on. I truly was enthralled by the whole Eaters, White Eyes, Normals (those that had never been an Eater), which actually did surprise me as I’m not a zombie fan.
If you like zombie films/books, or you just like a good thriller then this book will definitely perk your interest.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Around 4-5 days after being infected, the victims temperatures’ rise, toxins affect their brains, the iris’s of their eyes turn almost white, oh and they start eating human flesh!
Over time an antidote was discovered, but unfortunately it only worked in 25% of affected cases. It cured all of the symptoms, barring one; the victims’ white eyes. This is how those that were once Eaters became to be know as ‘White Eyes’, a derogatory term.
After reports of an Eater out on the street, in the middle of the day, something normally unheard of, Detective Constable Alex attends the scene, but something is niggling inside of him.
Something isn’t right. It isn’t long before his thoughts turn into reality. The victims are no longer taking 4-5 days to turn into Eaters, they are taking only minutes or hours.
Alex needs to discover what and how the strain of the disease is working so fast before he has a massive problem on his hands. He also has to accept help from a man who only yesterday was trying to kill him, Micah Clarke.
Mutation is an interesting take on the Zombie world, which due to a certain American TV show is quite a popular genre right now. I liked the idea of people being able to be cured from their zombie-like status.
The book is exceptionally well-written. It has a natural flow and tone to it, and Ms. Wheatley writes with such passion that you can’t help but be swept along with the plot.
The characters are wonderfully created. Both Alex and Micah have interesting roles, and are equally likeable (well maybe not Micah at the very beginning). The two worked well together, and their personalities came across strong. There was great camaraderie and lots of banter between them that will make you laugh.
The story moves at a fast, exciting pace and I became engrossed quite early on. I truly was enthralled by the whole Eaters, White Eyes, Normals (those that had never been an Eater), which actually did surprise me as I’m not a zombie fan.
If you like zombie films/books, or you just like a good thriller then this book will definitely perk your interest.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
November 1, 2016
Last week, one hour after scheduling a post where I complained about Zombie stories, I loaded the next novel on my list onto my Kindle, and, of course, it's a Zombie novel. How I agreed to read two of them in a month, I'll never understand. I did say that there are exceptions to my "no Zombie" taste, thankfully, this turned out to be one of them.
So, in this particular version of the Zombie plague -- humanity comes up with a cure before the pandemic becomes so widespread that there's no hope for the human race. It's not perfect, it works about 25% of the time (see the name of the series), but that's better than nothing, right? Survivors deal with a few after-effects -- enhanced strength, enhanced sense of smell, immunity to the plague, and opaque eye-coloring. Oh, and a prejudice from a significant amount of the non-infected population.
Honestly, part of that prejudice makes sense -- a mysterious disease leaves some standing -- after eating human flesh -- who are stronger than everyone else. I can understand why it'd take a few years to get comfortable with the idea. I'm not saying I'd endorse the treatment Survivors get, but I understand the root of it.
Our protagonist is Alex -- he's a Survivor, and a police detective. Mostly he deals with paperwork and zombies, because the general populace isn't so crazy about him doing much else. But it's a start -- he's slowly building some credibility inside the department, too -- who knows where that might lead? He lives in a part of town that's predominantly Survivors and their families, and I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie/community there.
So, a new strain of the Zombie plague hits their town -- it's faster acting and soon the police force is overwhelmed. Before long, Alex is the only one standing (although some have just run off to be with their families), and it's just an anti-Survivor activist and him left in the police station. Micah and Alex aren't off to the best start -- they'd been in a fist fight the night before, during a protest/riot near Alex's home, and Alex had arrested him. Still, Alex felt compelled to rescue him from the new Zombies and the two make their way to safer parts of town, to their homes and friends -- battling Zombies and saving each other's lives.
At some point, the two become determined to see fi they can find out what caused this new versions of the plague to hit their city and to see if they can stop it.
The duo display this great mis-matched buddy-cop feel, if not for the near-apocalyptic nature of what's going on in their city, they'd be a lot of fun to hang out with. Neither are all that interesting on their own (they might be, in the right circumstance), but together, they're a whole lot of fun. They have to learn to trust on each other and depend on each other, just to have a fighting chance - they also have to protect each other from their friends/comrades. Neither Alex's fellow Survivors, or Micah's fellow anti-Survivors are all that crazy about the presence of the Other in their midst.
I really enjoyed watching that dynamic, in all its facets, work together. I wasn't terribly interested in the story -- there are only so many things that can be done in that genre, story-wise, it's all about the characters -- that's the only way you can get someone like me to care about this. Wheatley pulls it off well.
Plenty of action, not that much gore (but what's there is pretty well-written), some humor, some nice character interactions, and an interesting twist at the end. All in all, a pretty fun and satisfying read. I didn't love it, but I liked it plenty. Given my own prejudices, that's pretty good.
Disclaimer: I received this novel from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion -- my thanks to her.
So, in this particular version of the Zombie plague -- humanity comes up with a cure before the pandemic becomes so widespread that there's no hope for the human race. It's not perfect, it works about 25% of the time (see the name of the series), but that's better than nothing, right? Survivors deal with a few after-effects -- enhanced strength, enhanced sense of smell, immunity to the plague, and opaque eye-coloring. Oh, and a prejudice from a significant amount of the non-infected population.
Honestly, part of that prejudice makes sense -- a mysterious disease leaves some standing -- after eating human flesh -- who are stronger than everyone else. I can understand why it'd take a few years to get comfortable with the idea. I'm not saying I'd endorse the treatment Survivors get, but I understand the root of it.
Our protagonist is Alex -- he's a Survivor, and a police detective. Mostly he deals with paperwork and zombies, because the general populace isn't so crazy about him doing much else. But it's a start -- he's slowly building some credibility inside the department, too -- who knows where that might lead? He lives in a part of town that's predominantly Survivors and their families, and I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie/community there.
So, a new strain of the Zombie plague hits their town -- it's faster acting and soon the police force is overwhelmed. Before long, Alex is the only one standing (although some have just run off to be with their families), and it's just an anti-Survivor activist and him left in the police station. Micah and Alex aren't off to the best start -- they'd been in a fist fight the night before, during a protest/riot near Alex's home, and Alex had arrested him. Still, Alex felt compelled to rescue him from the new Zombies and the two make their way to safer parts of town, to their homes and friends -- battling Zombies and saving each other's lives.
At some point, the two become determined to see fi they can find out what caused this new versions of the plague to hit their city and to see if they can stop it.
The duo display this great mis-matched buddy-cop feel, if not for the near-apocalyptic nature of what's going on in their city, they'd be a lot of fun to hang out with. Neither are all that interesting on their own (they might be, in the right circumstance), but together, they're a whole lot of fun. They have to learn to trust on each other and depend on each other, just to have a fighting chance - they also have to protect each other from their friends/comrades. Neither Alex's fellow Survivors, or Micah's fellow anti-Survivors are all that crazy about the presence of the Other in their midst.
I really enjoyed watching that dynamic, in all its facets, work together. I wasn't terribly interested in the story -- there are only so many things that can be done in that genre, story-wise, it's all about the characters -- that's the only way you can get someone like me to care about this. Wheatley pulls it off well.
Plenty of action, not that much gore (but what's there is pretty well-written), some humor, some nice character interactions, and an interesting twist at the end. All in all, a pretty fun and satisfying read. I didn't love it, but I liked it plenty. Given my own prejudices, that's pretty good.
Disclaimer: I received this novel from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion -- my thanks to her.
August 7, 2018
"Despite their bravado, most of the men facing them now looked on edge, ranging from nervous to downright terrified, glancing around them as if they expected a wave of ravenous monsters to flood from the surrounding buildings at any second. It was one thing to shout and goad an empty street, but quite another to come face to face with their nightmares."
Mutation is book one in the Twenty-Five Percent series; featuring samurai swords, bromance, romance, gore, suspense, guns (in the UK!), motorbikes - and eaters (not zombies!). It's also a meaty book, coming in at nearly 400 ebook pages. From page one it's a series of encounters covering the usual humans-are-the-real-bad-guys and running-from-zombies tropes, all tuned to the max. If you're going to write this kind of story, do it well! And Nerys has.
Pinning the story to earth is Alex and Micah, an unlikely duo who begin at loggerheads (literally) before developing a believable bromance as the story unfolds, while they keep tally of who has saved each other more than the other. This central partnership is key, and the book wouldn't work half as well without this being convincing, but there's also plenty of exciting misadventure too as they narrowly avoid death time and again.
"Carrie was staring at Alex's face. "What happened to your nose?"
"Someone punched me," he said quickly, before Micah could say anything. "Big dude, fists like rocks."
Micah snorted. Alex ignored him."
The writing is solid - my only gripe being the slightly heavy handed use of the passive voice, such as "Carrie was staring at Alex's face." Personally, I'd prefer "Carrie stared at Alex's face." But this is minor in what is a well-written story.
As the plot progresses, it also begins to throw in the elements that the story would need to make it stand out from other zombie-genre titles, to make it different. We already have the Survivors (Alex) - those who were turned but then cured just before it was too late, left with 'powers' and distinguishable white irises. Gradually, more is revealed, and it's not so far-fetched (in this world) to be believable either.
If you enjoy this genre of book, you can't go wrong!
Mutation is book one in the Twenty-Five Percent series; featuring samurai swords, bromance, romance, gore, suspense, guns (in the UK!), motorbikes - and eaters (not zombies!). It's also a meaty book, coming in at nearly 400 ebook pages. From page one it's a series of encounters covering the usual humans-are-the-real-bad-guys and running-from-zombies tropes, all tuned to the max. If you're going to write this kind of story, do it well! And Nerys has.
Pinning the story to earth is Alex and Micah, an unlikely duo who begin at loggerheads (literally) before developing a believable bromance as the story unfolds, while they keep tally of who has saved each other more than the other. This central partnership is key, and the book wouldn't work half as well without this being convincing, but there's also plenty of exciting misadventure too as they narrowly avoid death time and again.
"Carrie was staring at Alex's face. "What happened to your nose?"
"Someone punched me," he said quickly, before Micah could say anything. "Big dude, fists like rocks."
Micah snorted. Alex ignored him."
The writing is solid - my only gripe being the slightly heavy handed use of the passive voice, such as "Carrie was staring at Alex's face." Personally, I'd prefer "Carrie stared at Alex's face." But this is minor in what is a well-written story.
As the plot progresses, it also begins to throw in the elements that the story would need to make it stand out from other zombie-genre titles, to make it different. We already have the Survivors (Alex) - those who were turned but then cured just before it was too late, left with 'powers' and distinguishable white irises. Gradually, more is revealed, and it's not so far-fetched (in this world) to be believable either.
If you enjoy this genre of book, you can't go wrong!
December 3, 2017
Alex’s is a Meir’s disease survivor. The disease turns its victim into a mindless, flesh eating, super strong monster. It’s being a zombie except physiologically possible. Not many can be cured and those who are keep the white eyes and super strength. Micah has been leading mobs of protestors to the neighborhood where survivors congregate. He and Alex are on opposite sides of a new discrimination and the law until they are forced to escape an eater outbreak together.
I really enjoyed the plot and pace. Every time these guys catch a break, some new threat takes advantage of the city’s distress to creep out of the woodwork and antagonize. Their tenuous partnership in survival is tested not only by the living dead but by people on both sides of the fence about Meir’s Disease Survivors like Alex.
This one is for adults only, thanks to a certain psychotic temptress with strange tastes in lovers. Some guys are dying to meet a girl like her. Ha ha ha.
Anyhow, I received a free copy of this book because I talk about books a lot. Seriously, it gets me the stink eye when I’m supposed to be adulting and I’m ready to leave my book cave yet. I am under no obligation to review. There is no hungry eater chained on the far wall. I do this sort of ranting all the time, voluntarily! See for yourself at LARC-SciFi(dot)com.
So often in tales of the undead, the source of the outbreak is ignored or farfetched. Wheatley has not only created a plausible disease that gets us real close to George Romero’s creepies from Night of the Living Dead, but actually delivered on a book plot besides simply escaping. Without spoiler, I would like to say that the lab stuff near the end was a major league payoff.
I really enjoyed the plot and pace. Every time these guys catch a break, some new threat takes advantage of the city’s distress to creep out of the woodwork and antagonize. Their tenuous partnership in survival is tested not only by the living dead but by people on both sides of the fence about Meir’s Disease Survivors like Alex.
This one is for adults only, thanks to a certain psychotic temptress with strange tastes in lovers. Some guys are dying to meet a girl like her. Ha ha ha.
Anyhow, I received a free copy of this book because I talk about books a lot. Seriously, it gets me the stink eye when I’m supposed to be adulting and I’m ready to leave my book cave yet. I am under no obligation to review. There is no hungry eater chained on the far wall. I do this sort of ranting all the time, voluntarily! See for yourself at LARC-SciFi(dot)com.
So often in tales of the undead, the source of the outbreak is ignored or farfetched. Wheatley has not only created a plausible disease that gets us real close to George Romero’s creepies from Night of the Living Dead, but actually delivered on a book plot besides simply escaping. Without spoiler, I would like to say that the lab stuff near the end was a major league payoff.
March 5, 2019
The end of the world makes for strange bedfellows.
Alex and Micah are basically the same person — except they couldn’t be more different. They’re equally competitive, have the same sense of humour, the same taste in women, the same personality. But their very different lived experiences have made them well-matched enemies. Until the world falls apart and they’re thrown together with no one else to watch their backs.
Mutation is a galloping, action-packed, non-stop, edge-of-your-seat, nail-biter of a mid-apocalyptic zombie tale that will keep you turning pages right to the very end — when you’ll slam the book down in frustration before running out to buy the sequel.
Alex and Micah are basically the same person — except they couldn’t be more different. They’re equally competitive, have the same sense of humour, the same taste in women, the same personality. But their very different lived experiences have made them well-matched enemies. Until the world falls apart and they’re thrown together with no one else to watch their backs.
Mutation is a galloping, action-packed, non-stop, edge-of-your-seat, nail-biter of a mid-apocalyptic zombie tale that will keep you turning pages right to the very end — when you’ll slam the book down in frustration before running out to buy the sequel.
April 8, 2018
We have a nice slow-zombie plague that, for 25% of the population there is a cure for. Wonderful, if you're one of the lucky 25%. Then someone gets the wonderful idea to monkey with the virus, not with the noble idea of improving the 25% but of making a mindless super soldier. These new zombies turn in 10 minutes not 5 days, they can slow jog and they work together - everyones' worst fear! A very different zombie take and a great read! Can't wait for the next one.
July 1, 2018
Action-Packed & Great Dynamics
I'm new to zombie stories, but this book really drew me in. I loved the interplay between the main characters, and there was so much going on that I didn't want to set the book aside until I was done. I'm hooked and will be continuing the series. If you like zombie stories, this is a must read! If you don't like zombie stories, this book may change your mind!
I'm new to zombie stories, but this book really drew me in. I loved the interplay between the main characters, and there was so much going on that I didn't want to set the book aside until I was done. I'm hooked and will be continuing the series. If you like zombie stories, this is a must read! If you don't like zombie stories, this book may change your mind!
September 28, 2020
I FREAKING LOVED IT!
This book is hands down the best apocalyptic book I've read. For me, it had all the things that a story like this should. Fast paced, and believable action. An unlikely pair that are forced to team up to survive, they develop a friendship and a comedy banter that is off the chain funny! This one could be a stand alone. Kinda.
Anyway, You cant go wrong with this one. I cant wait to read the next one!
This book is hands down the best apocalyptic book I've read. For me, it had all the things that a story like this should. Fast paced, and believable action. An unlikely pair that are forced to team up to survive, they develop a friendship and a comedy banter that is off the chain funny! This one could be a stand alone. Kinda.
Anyway, You cant go wrong with this one. I cant wait to read the next one!
August 20, 2017
Good book
Will definitely read the other books. Good spin on the often overdone classic zombie apocalypse tale. In this book everything was not always black and white, and there was often hope instead of hopelessness. It was also on tale about putting aside prejudices and firming unlikely friendships. I don't want to give away too much, but I definitely recommend this book.
Will definitely read the other books. Good spin on the often overdone classic zombie apocalypse tale. In this book everything was not always black and white, and there was often hope instead of hopelessness. It was also on tale about putting aside prejudices and firming unlikely friendships. I don't want to give away too much, but I definitely recommend this book.
August 12, 2018
Zombies Galore
Somewhere in England there are zombies, apparently there are MANY zombies. If you read the book then you will find out how to find them. Seriously, this book is good reading. If you want to spend some money for good entertainment then go no further.
Somewhere in England there are zombies, apparently there are MANY zombies. If you read the book then you will find out how to find them. Seriously, this book is good reading. If you want to spend some money for good entertainment then go no further.
August 23, 2021
Never judge a book by its cover
I wasn't sure about this book when I saw the cover but the blurb sounded good and I am so glad I downloaded it. Loved the characters and story. Wish book 2 was free
I wasn't sure about this book when I saw the cover but the blurb sounded good and I am so glad I downloaded it. Loved the characters and story. Wish book 2 was free
August 26, 2021
Read :August 26, 2021
Rating :4 Stars
Wildly unbelievable but marvelously entertaining.
This was a lot of fun, I tend to struggle with following a male Mc but I liked this one even though his jokes are terrible.
I'll read the others in this series too.
Rating :4 Stars
Wildly unbelievable but marvelously entertaining.
This was a lot of fun, I tend to struggle with following a male Mc but I liked this one even though his jokes are terrible.
I'll read the others in this series too.
February 6, 2017
Great read!
I'm not a big fan of zombies but this book grabbed me from the start. I laughed,cried,and had all sorts emotions. I highly recommend this book
I'm not a big fan of zombies but this book grabbed me from the start. I laughed,cried,and had all sorts emotions. I highly recommend this book
March 16, 2017
Okay I guess
This book was okay. I've read far better and far worse. So read if your bored I guess. Word word
This book was okay. I've read far better and far worse. So read if your bored I guess. Word word
June 5, 2017
Just what you want from a zombie/apocalypse book. Terror twists blood death and some laughs. I was hooked from the first page.
September 8, 2017
I'm not usually a fan of zombies stories but this was an amazing read. Love the friendship between Alex and Micah especially after the way they first met. Very well written book!!
September 18, 2017
Interesting but not enough to buy the sequels
August 29, 2019
Good book!
Enjoyed it, can't wait to read more by Nerys Wheatley. This book had action, drama, a hint of romance, and a sense of humor.
Enjoyed it, can't wait to read more by Nerys Wheatley. This book had action, drama, a hint of romance, and a sense of humor.
July 1, 2020
Great twist to the zombie genre with the Survivors. Good read, would recommend giving it a go.
August 19, 2020
Mutation book 1
Liked it, especially the connection that developed between Alex and Micah. Will need to read the follow on, keep up the good work.
Liked it, especially the connection that developed between Alex and Micah. Will need to read the follow on, keep up the good work.
March 31, 2021
So good a read
Laughing out aloud at this well designed story line. You have just got to love these interactions. I couldn't stop smiling.
Laughing out aloud at this well designed story line. You have just got to love these interactions. I couldn't stop smiling.
August 26, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mutation is an exciting, action-packed, zombie-filled thrill ride with something for undead fans an non-fans alike.
Alex MacCallum thought life had gone back to normal. Sure, he’s stigmatized like everyone else who recovered from the zombie virus, but at least no one’s munching on other humans anymore. That is until a new strain surfaces, turning its victims into monsters faster than ever before. Now Alex must find out who let this new disease into the world with the most unlikely partner: an anti-Survivor mob-leader who was just trying to run him out of town. Who will turn out to be more dangerous: the un-dead or the living?
I should mention that I’m a bit of a zombie fanatic. The Walking Dead, Zombie Land, The Last of Us, 28 Days/Weeks Later, The Night of the Living Dead, Zombies Run!, the whole shebang. If it’s got zombies, I’ve probably watched, read, or played it, so I was incredibly surprised that Mutation brought something new to the genre: zombie virus survivors (Warm Bodies doesn’t count!). That’s honestly something I can’t say I’ve seen before (seriously, it doesn’t count) and it was enough to hook me on the first page. Wheatley’s spectacular ebb and flow between action and stillness, character development, and unique, although very bizarre, conflicts kept me reading for hours.
Wheatley’s writing is outstanding. She knows just how to balance action, world building, back story, and character interactions without getting lengthy in any one category. Everything feels just long enough to satisfy your curiosity but still leave you wanting more. Her use of dialogue is impeccable as well. Characters give information, but it never feels like exposition. Their conversations feel very natural, which tells you a lot about their relationships without using narration to explain it. Even if you’re not a zombie fan, I recommend you check out Mutation simply for its craft alone. If you write fiction that relies heavily on dialogue, it’s definitely worth taking the time to study how Wheatley uses it, because she’s awesome.
And then there’s the character development, which is also brilliantly executed. The supporting characters are developed enough to be their own people, but not so much that they take away from Alex and his frienamie, Micah, whom I love. His character development is as perfectly paced and fleshed out as the rest of the novel, which is especially impressive considering how easy it would have been to make him easy to hate and condemn. He plays off Alex so well that, even before we get to know him, he’s hard to completely dislike. I at least wanted to see what he would do or say next, even if he didn’t come across as a great person. While I didn’t enjoy Alex to the same extent, his character arc is well done as well, not to mention unique. I honestly can’t say I’ve ever seen a story about an ex-zombie trying to reconcile what he’s been and who he is in society now, which was fascinating.
So, in conclusion, go read this book. Whether you enjoy zombies or not, there’s enough great writing, character development, and excitement to satisfy anyone who is into speculative fiction. And if you are into zombies, there’s plenty of creative, nail-biting, edge-of your-seat undead gore to really sink your teeth into.
As posted on Cheap Reads on August 26, 2016
Mutation is an exciting, action-packed, zombie-filled thrill ride with something for undead fans an non-fans alike.
Alex MacCallum thought life had gone back to normal. Sure, he’s stigmatized like everyone else who recovered from the zombie virus, but at least no one’s munching on other humans anymore. That is until a new strain surfaces, turning its victims into monsters faster than ever before. Now Alex must find out who let this new disease into the world with the most unlikely partner: an anti-Survivor mob-leader who was just trying to run him out of town. Who will turn out to be more dangerous: the un-dead or the living?
I should mention that I’m a bit of a zombie fanatic. The Walking Dead, Zombie Land, The Last of Us, 28 Days/Weeks Later, The Night of the Living Dead, Zombies Run!, the whole shebang. If it’s got zombies, I’ve probably watched, read, or played it, so I was incredibly surprised that Mutation brought something new to the genre: zombie virus survivors (Warm Bodies doesn’t count!). That’s honestly something I can’t say I’ve seen before (seriously, it doesn’t count) and it was enough to hook me on the first page. Wheatley’s spectacular ebb and flow between action and stillness, character development, and unique, although very bizarre, conflicts kept me reading for hours.
Wheatley’s writing is outstanding. She knows just how to balance action, world building, back story, and character interactions without getting lengthy in any one category. Everything feels just long enough to satisfy your curiosity but still leave you wanting more. Her use of dialogue is impeccable as well. Characters give information, but it never feels like exposition. Their conversations feel very natural, which tells you a lot about their relationships without using narration to explain it. Even if you’re not a zombie fan, I recommend you check out Mutation simply for its craft alone. If you write fiction that relies heavily on dialogue, it’s definitely worth taking the time to study how Wheatley uses it, because she’s awesome.
And then there’s the character development, which is also brilliantly executed. The supporting characters are developed enough to be their own people, but not so much that they take away from Alex and his frienamie, Micah, whom I love. His character development is as perfectly paced and fleshed out as the rest of the novel, which is especially impressive considering how easy it would have been to make him easy to hate and condemn. He plays off Alex so well that, even before we get to know him, he’s hard to completely dislike. I at least wanted to see what he would do or say next, even if he didn’t come across as a great person. While I didn’t enjoy Alex to the same extent, his character arc is well done as well, not to mention unique. I honestly can’t say I’ve ever seen a story about an ex-zombie trying to reconcile what he’s been and who he is in society now, which was fascinating.
So, in conclusion, go read this book. Whether you enjoy zombies or not, there’s enough great writing, character development, and excitement to satisfy anyone who is into speculative fiction. And if you are into zombies, there’s plenty of creative, nail-biting, edge-of your-seat undead gore to really sink your teeth into.
As posted on Cheap Reads on August 26, 2016
May 24, 2015
I received this book to give an honest review.
So this book for me rated right on up there with Shana Festa it was just freaking amazing is all I can say. This story was very unique to me as I have never thought or read about a book where people who became zombies could come back and become normal people and the only thing different is the eyes.
The author did an amazing job with the action and the characters especially the two main characters. I found myself laughing on more than one occasion because of the humor between them and to find that in a book like this is rare but when it is there and done right it helps the book out a whole lot more.
This virus called Meir's happened thirteen years ago. It turned people into zombies but it took people almost 30 days to actually turn, then there came a cure but only twenty-five percent was actually cured. Why? No one truly knows but people are scare of those that were cured. Alex who is a police officer is a "white-eyed" which is not a nice word to call them so lets call them Survivors. When a new strain comes out it is up to Alex and his new found friend Micah to figure out what is going on and who has caused this to happen. Now the way Micah and Alex meet is something you will have to read to find out, but them two fighting side by side it is all humor but butt kicking at the same time.
There is a lot of action within the story a lot of close calls and just a little bit of answers to get you through. I really want to read book two in this series as I want more of the zombies, I want to know who started this new strain and what was the purpose exactly. I want more of Alex and Micah they make a dang good team!
I have to say though there was one part that had me in fits with the crazy woman talking about babies. I was like you know this would literally happen out there in the real world if something like this was to happen. You always got some crazies somewhere that would act like this.
Alex is a very strong character and one you feel for when he has to kill people to live, you can tell it wears on him but he does a good job doing what he needs to and because of that we see Micah pick up on it.
Bravo Nerys on keeping my attention.
So this book for me rated right on up there with Shana Festa it was just freaking amazing is all I can say. This story was very unique to me as I have never thought or read about a book where people who became zombies could come back and become normal people and the only thing different is the eyes.
The author did an amazing job with the action and the characters especially the two main characters. I found myself laughing on more than one occasion because of the humor between them and to find that in a book like this is rare but when it is there and done right it helps the book out a whole lot more.
This virus called Meir's happened thirteen years ago. It turned people into zombies but it took people almost 30 days to actually turn, then there came a cure but only twenty-five percent was actually cured. Why? No one truly knows but people are scare of those that were cured. Alex who is a police officer is a "white-eyed" which is not a nice word to call them so lets call them Survivors. When a new strain comes out it is up to Alex and his new found friend Micah to figure out what is going on and who has caused this to happen. Now the way Micah and Alex meet is something you will have to read to find out, but them two fighting side by side it is all humor but butt kicking at the same time.
There is a lot of action within the story a lot of close calls and just a little bit of answers to get you through. I really want to read book two in this series as I want more of the zombies, I want to know who started this new strain and what was the purpose exactly. I want more of Alex and Micah they make a dang good team!
I have to say though there was one part that had me in fits with the crazy woman talking about babies. I was like you know this would literally happen out there in the real world if something like this was to happen. You always got some crazies somewhere that would act like this.
Alex is a very strong character and one you feel for when he has to kill people to live, you can tell it wears on him but he does a good job doing what he needs to and because of that we see Micah pick up on it.
Bravo Nerys on keeping my attention.
April 22, 2016
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Alex MacCallum is a Survivor, meaning he got bit by a zombie, got treated for it, and survived. He’s still the same person he was before he got bit except for his eyes which are all white with small black pupils. The disease has been around for 13 years and is called Meir’s disease, which takes about 5 weeks for someone to either get better and survive, or they become a full untreatable zombie. Micah Clarke can’t stand Survivors. He goes out with other anti-Survivor groups to try to rid the city of them. Micah gets arrested and put in a holding cell after starting a riot and Alex just happens to be a police officer ordered to interrogate him. Before he can though, there seems to be an outbreak of the disease that Alex and his work partner have to look into. It seems the disease is turning people into zombies within a few minutes instead of weeks and it’s spreading fast. Reluctantly, Alex has to team up with Micah to try to not only survive, but figure out what is going on and see if they can stop it.
Sometimes it’s hard to find a good zombie survival story. There are only so many ways you can have survivors running from crazed creatures coming after you trying to eat you, but this book did it so well. It had enough calm moments of the characters running and trying to figure out what is going on around them, and definitely enough zombie attack moments. The characters had such strong individual character traits and even trying to run for their lives they had quick wit and jokes to serve back and forth to each other. There were also many emotional moments throughout this, I laughed out loud, I gasped from anxiety, and even cried at moments. I highly recommend if you love zombie horror stories.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
Alex MacCallum is a Survivor, meaning he got bit by a zombie, got treated for it, and survived. He’s still the same person he was before he got bit except for his eyes which are all white with small black pupils. The disease has been around for 13 years and is called Meir’s disease, which takes about 5 weeks for someone to either get better and survive, or they become a full untreatable zombie. Micah Clarke can’t stand Survivors. He goes out with other anti-Survivor groups to try to rid the city of them. Micah gets arrested and put in a holding cell after starting a riot and Alex just happens to be a police officer ordered to interrogate him. Before he can though, there seems to be an outbreak of the disease that Alex and his work partner have to look into. It seems the disease is turning people into zombies within a few minutes instead of weeks and it’s spreading fast. Reluctantly, Alex has to team up with Micah to try to not only survive, but figure out what is going on and see if they can stop it.
Sometimes it’s hard to find a good zombie survival story. There are only so many ways you can have survivors running from crazed creatures coming after you trying to eat you, but this book did it so well. It had enough calm moments of the characters running and trying to figure out what is going on around them, and definitely enough zombie attack moments. The characters had such strong individual character traits and even trying to run for their lives they had quick wit and jokes to serve back and forth to each other. There were also many emotional moments throughout this, I laughed out loud, I gasped from anxiety, and even cried at moments. I highly recommend if you love zombie horror stories.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
February 19, 2017
Excelent
This was an edge of your seat sort of story. Good balance of humour, very good main characters. Not too gory.
This was an edge of your seat sort of story. Good balance of humour, very good main characters. Not too gory.
May 15, 2015
13 yrs ago the Meir virus came and zombies happened. It took 5 days to turn and eventually a cure was able to help 25% of people that seeked treatment in time.
4 yrs ago Alex was bitten in the line of duty, he survived and now is what's known as white eyes. The survivors that lose their iris colors and are stronger and have somewhat heightened senses. Also they can't be reinfected.
Micah is part of the population that believes the survivors are dangerous.
When eaters start showing up in the streets Alex knows something's wrong. When he sees a victim turn after 10 mins he knows they're in a losing battle.
Through a turn of events him and Micah team up to try to survive getting home. Along the way they encounter people just as dangerous as the eaters and learn there is more to this new outbreak than they could have imagined.
I absolutely loved this amazing writing. I was sucked into the story almost immediately and hated that I had to keep putting the book done for such things as cooking and sleeping (you know, life). I was so worried that all the characters wasn't going to make it and when some didn't it wasn't quite what I had imagined. The relationship between Alex and Micah was so believable. It went from I don't trust you but there's noone else to there's noone else I'd rather have with me. Plus their banter is hilarious, especially the argument over who has saved who more.
This author is an awesome storyteller and I believe will go far in this genre.
I was given an eArc from the author in exchange for a honest review.
This review can also be found on my page The Fiction Fanatics
4 yrs ago Alex was bitten in the line of duty, he survived and now is what's known as white eyes. The survivors that lose their iris colors and are stronger and have somewhat heightened senses. Also they can't be reinfected.
Micah is part of the population that believes the survivors are dangerous.
When eaters start showing up in the streets Alex knows something's wrong. When he sees a victim turn after 10 mins he knows they're in a losing battle.
Through a turn of events him and Micah team up to try to survive getting home. Along the way they encounter people just as dangerous as the eaters and learn there is more to this new outbreak than they could have imagined.
I absolutely loved this amazing writing. I was sucked into the story almost immediately and hated that I had to keep putting the book done for such things as cooking and sleeping (you know, life). I was so worried that all the characters wasn't going to make it and when some didn't it wasn't quite what I had imagined. The relationship between Alex and Micah was so believable. It went from I don't trust you but there's noone else to there's noone else I'd rather have with me. Plus their banter is hilarious, especially the argument over who has saved who more.
This author is an awesome storyteller and I believe will go far in this genre.
I was given an eArc from the author in exchange for a honest review.
This review can also be found on my page The Fiction Fanatics
February 12, 2017
Bloody fantastic
This is the creme de la creme of zombie books,funny,dark and highly enjoyable,can't wait to read book two of Alex and Micah's journey.
This is the creme de la creme of zombie books,funny,dark and highly enjoyable,can't wait to read book two of Alex and Micah's journey.
May 27, 2015
I can't say enough good things about this book. One of the BEST zombie books I have ever read ( and I have read loads ). This has it all, gross factor,suspense,yelling at the characters like they can hear you and humor. The humor works so well in this story. Lightens the suspense ànd makes the main characters more human. A wonderful twist on this zombie story is what the author calls the Survivors or "white eyes". When the virus makes its appearance, some humans survive with white eyes. And enhanced abilities. They are not well liked. Alex is a white eye and Micah a person he rescues. That is all I will say about that. I love love the characters. Nerys Wheatley makes you love them and care for them. Which is huge for me. I want to love the characters,to feel what they feel. I was sad when it was the last page. But there will be more as it ends on a cliffhanger. And I am so happy I will get to walk with these characters again. Buy this, grab a drink and snuggle down and begin.
July 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. Zombie apocalyptic books are not my favorite reads since they seem to be a repeat of what someone else has already written. However, I found Mutation fresh and engaging. The writing was tight and I really connected with the two main characters. I was surprised at how much their friendship grew on me. Nicely done. This story was also filled with action that kept me interested. One life or death scene after another. The only subplot that I did not care for at all was Kerry and her desire to have a Survivor baby. It was weird and was the only part in the story when I didn't want to keep reading. I was more interested in the mystery of discovering how the virus broke out, etc. I also really enjoyed having the story be told from the POV of someone who had been infected and cured. That was a clever plot device that really added to character development and plot development. Interesting read.
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