Despite sweltering heat, Saturday night is in full swing at the local campus watering holes. Thumping techno bass competes against raucous voices and laughter until screams shatter the party atmosphere. A half-naked man charges through the crowd, savaging his peers. Zoe Clark witnesses the bloody attack and the unnatural behavior of the assailant and knows something horrible is happening in her quiet college town. Zoe opens her home and her heart to a mysterious newcomer who claims to have an explanation for the grisly attacks. Elliott Carter needs any help he can find as he struggles to discover a cure for the virus that can turn ordinary students into mindless, violent attackers. Attraction and dedication collide as the two are drawn into a high stakes race against a government gone awry and a menace invisible to the naked eye. As they fight to stop the spread of the deadly microbe, secrets and bloodshed threaten to destroy any hope they might hold for a happily ever after. When the world teeters on the brink of a deadly pandemic, how much will they sacrifice to save it?
Contemporary fantasy author Erin McFadden lives in Indiana with her two daughters. They love reading and watching movies together, as well as camping and hiking in the great outdoors. Erin dreams of packing up and visiting all the magical, historical spots in Europe she has read about. An unabashed geek, Erin loves science fiction, all things paranormal, and anything involving a conspiracy theory. She firmly believes that everything is better with chocolate and a healthy dose of caffeine.
Initial thoughts: I will never look at drunk people the same way again, think this story will stay with me, oh my gosh this COULD happen.
You will love this story if: you like a good story, you like to read, ok seriously it's great if you love apocalyptic or tense books. This book takes 2 of my favourite genres and perfectly merges them which is not easy when the genres are apocalyptic and romance, well it's not easy to do it well and keep it realistic. This book manages without even breaking a sweat.
My favourite thing about this book: it's realism and ability to completely wrap the reader up in the story and sweep them away. I noticed I started checking around while out at night for zombies, well more than I normally do.
What I liked about this book: the characters were all perfectly imperfect humans, not in an omg why are you an idiot kind of way but rather in a flawed and relatable way. The different characters worked well together perfectly capturing the many facets of humanity. The use of a dual POV helped me see the thoughts and emotions of the two main characters which helped temper down the occasional murderous or distrustful thoughts. The author has a clear mastery of language using many tools to advance and enhance the story, the use of pathetic fallacy (use of weather to portray mood/emotion) to increase the tension really added to the story and had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The title made me think of the famous quote "the world will end not on a bang but on a whimper". This once again adds to the multi layered feel of this novel that the more you read think and study this book the more you find. I liked that the book wasn't predictable or at least not overly so, The book had my heart racing, left me gasping and had me so tense at points that I think it should come with a health warning.
What could be better: well not a lot really. I don't think the cover does the book justice and the name of the book doesn't give any clues either (though I love the title) It's unclear whether there will be a sequel or thats it, if that is it then it would be nice to have an epilogue to give me closure on the book, basically what I'm saying is the only thing wrong with this book is I want more of this book haha
Final thoughts: I can't recommend this book enough a great tense read that will have all zombie fans excited (sorry infected!!! They are not zombies they are infected!!! There is a difference my bad)
There is no apocalypse, this story brings you in as the virus begins & is really well written. I couldn't stop reading it. Interesting characters & a more believable progression than most Zombie stories. Even has a proper ending not a cliffhanger :)
Whimper is a hell of a story! The characters seem to be as real as I and the plot of the story well let’s just say you must read it truly an amazing story .
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.
5/5 (Exceptional)
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
I had to finish this book in one setting. Waiting until the next day was not an option. So with extremely tired eyes, I tell you, that this book ROCKED!!!! I absolutely loved the author’s take on zombies. The flesh rotting zombies are over done in my opinion and it was a fresh surprise that these were not that way. The story line that was written for this story was so detailed and well written it felt like it could be something that we could go through in society today (yes, kind of a scary thought). It was such an easy read as in it was incredibly easy to immerse yourself into the story and read it as if it were life you were going through day to day.
I loved the characters in the story. They were intelligent, witty, and funny. They were a great group of characters and the author did a great job writing them and setting the stage for them to have a great relationship amongst them all.
This is a suspenseful story from the start to the finish. You don’t quite know what’s going to happen with the disease and for a brief period you don’t know what is even making anyone crazy. The theory presented at first seems a little offhand but the more you read the story the more believable it all becomes. There are a few heart breaking times but they happen so fast and the scene moves on you don’t really dwell on it so the mood doesn’t break down nor does it affect the story.
Okay, let’s talk detail. As I said above, these zombies were not the rotten flesh zombies. The author presented the scene in an easy to visualize manner but also set it in a way you knew that something was wrong with the people that had the virus. I think with a story like this there is a fine line the author must walk with detail and description to really get the picture across to the reader and I think that the author did an INCREDIBLE job!
This was a great read and I’m kind of sad it had to end, although I desperately needed sleep. It’s a book I would definitely recommend even if you aren’t sure if you will read a zombie story. There is so much more to this story.
To be totally honest, I had no clue what was in store for me when I began to read Whimper of Erin McFadden. I was on the fence to read it or not since I am not a fan of Zombie stories at all. Having read the first instalment of the Muse series and already knowing that Erin McFadden has talents, I decided to go ahead and read that book. I have been provided this book free in exchange on an honest review. Let’s begin, shall we?
One of the strongest qualities of Erin McFadden writing is the pace of the story, always a lot of action and the rhythm is fast, we are on an action roll… and it is a good one. She masters the delicate balance between too much action and not enough with a touch of her own. The plot in this story had me captivated and I was always wanting to know more about the story. I had a hard time putting down this book. She managed to brought me into this universe and I am absolutely grateful for that. I really enjoyed Zack and Zoe family story, it was pretty imaginative and added richness to the overall story. Suspense elements were present all the way and the story as a whole was excellent!!!
I was hesitant for a while between giving four or five stars, mainly because of the characters. While I think that Zack, Elliott and Briana are well executed, I had a toughest time buying into Zoe. This was bugging me since she is the main character of the book. In my opinion, Zoe was lacking of introspection, she fell flat to me. I would have loved to see her more psychologically complex/built and a little warmer, but that is just my opinion. This being said, it was my only point that was less positive, however that does not override the overall execution of this book. As you can see, I have decided to give 5 stars to this book. I had such a great time and was so eager to continue this book reading that it was a no brainer in the end!
I strongly recommend this book, if you are looking for action, romance and an a great story, it will be worth your investment!
I know it is meant to be a standalone novel, but I would love to know what will be happening next to Elliott findings and Zoe evolution…
* I received an ebook from the author, but that in no way influences my review or opinion of the book. *
This is my first book by author Erin McFadden and it will not be my last!! She grabs the readers attention from the very start and never lets it go! I lost a bit of sleep over this book, and by a bit I mean a lot...I couldn't stop reading it - every time I said that I was going to stop reading I continued to tell myself one more chapter....just one more....Yep, it's that compelling, that original, that good....
The location of the book is a typical college town, but the residents are anything but typical once the virus invades. Zach and Zoe are twins that are living in the only "zombie" proof house in the town, but they didn't know that....they also have a bit of an immunity to the virus...but that doesn't mean they are immune to death....
Elliott and his sister Bri are kind-of responsible for the virus and they are working to contain it....until they can't do it alone anymore. They run into Zach and Zoe and there is some type of instant connection....can the 4 of them stop the invasion? Can they survive? This book answers a lot of the readers questions, but it also raises some as well....be prepared to have to wait for book 2 to find out the answers to everything that we have been wondering...
The plot is unique, the author's writing style is fun, fast and very detailed. I enjoyed everything about this book, from the relationships, to the location, to the small details that the author throws in to make the reader feel like they are actually in the story with the characters. It is a fast paced, zoom through the pages read that you will instantly want to start reading again to see what you missed the first time through.
Be prepared to give up sleep, family time, and work so that you can devote your time to this book - it is that good!! Add this one and her others to your TBR list as you have just found a new favorite author! Enjoy!
I received a digital copy from the author for an honest review.
First I want to start off with the cover. I just think its so beautifully done. Looks just like a movie poster and it is was what immediately intrigued me. I was also drawn to the tagline "The is the way the world ends." Seriously, sign me up for some apocalypse reading. Whimper is a mix of romance and the zombie genre which happens to be two of my favorites. As for the romance, I was really drawn to the characters of Zoe and Elliot and thought they were a good pairing. Although, I thought their "relationship" happen really fast for my taste. It was one of those where they meet and they were already kind of in a relationship. But its understandable because the world might end so I let it slide. I couldn't help but root for them throughout the whole novel. Really liked them a lot. As for a zombie book I felt the pacing in the beginning was a tad slow and everything fell into place too easily. Ex: The safety of the house, the family history and few other things that I don't want to spoil. I just didn't feel they were in immediate danger. But that all changed during the second half of the novel and the action picked up. I liked the whole government conspiracy and the direction the story took. Overall, I did enjoy Whimper and thought it was well written.
Can't stop, won't stop, not going to stop...LOVING this book! From the very first page I was hooked, and couldn't read the words fast enough to get to the next part. Zoe and Zack live in a college town. Their family has been there for generations. I was completely enamoured with the details of the house, if they make a movie it'll be my favorite part ;) Zoe runs her late Uncle's bar while Zack good off and plays the field with the ladies. After some odd occurrences and a strange man and woman coming into the bar, she meets Elliott and his Sister. Elliott has a secret that he is forced to share with Zoe and Zack after a terrible accident erupts. The action is a go from that point on. A terrible virus is taking over this college town and they just be the only ones who can stop them. Zoe and Zack might hold the key to solving the problem. Until a tragic incident takes one of them away. Will they be able to help their community? Is this the beginning of the end? Guess you need to read it to figure it out! I promise you won't be disappointed! =^~.~^=
I am a reader of all types of books but I had honestly never read a book about “Zombies” I was leery to say the least once I realized what the book was about. Me being me I am willing to give anything a chance! I was maybe 10% into this book and was like I just don’t know……However I will give a book to 30% to catch me needless to say I was hooked before 30%!!! I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars but that is only due to the slow start….. The story line is well thought out and the entire book is well written! I absolutely love the characters especially Zoe and her determination to see it through and save them all!!! I hope to be able to read the next book very soon! I would recommend this book to anyone with a great imagination anyone who loves to read and anyone who loves “zombies” or apocalyptic type books….. ~Tabbie
I am so thankful for getting this book gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. If you love zombies and an adrenaline rush then this book is for you. This really keeps your mind working. Knowing good and well that this could be a crazy possibility. Well without the zombies. Zoe and her brother live in a crazy stilted house. Thinking it was made to protect them from the elements and not ever what it was truly ment for. Zoe meets an attractive guy at the bar she owns and soon becomes very close to him and his sister. When a sudden virus overtakes their college town, they need to kick their survival instincts into high gear. Learning that someone they know may be involved only keeps you on the edge of your seat and flipping thru the pages of this incredibly well written book. I so hope there is a follow up to this in the future. Absolutely amazing. 5/5 stars
Ink Angels Book Blog received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
McFadden truly has a gift for science fiction and makes it well-known with her thorough character dialogue. This Ink Angel appreciates a great zombie suspense and I especially enjoyed the construction of Zoe's home and the attention to detail McFadden utilizes. It captivates the audience and gives the reader a wicked visual.
While this book was a quick read, it was very well-written with an interesting plot. Unfortunately, the virus seemed to overwhelm any romantic connection I crave in these stories of apocalyptic adversity and triumph. I look forward to reading more from McFadden in the future and would be interested to find out more about the relationship developed between Elliot and Zoe.
I loved this action packed romance book!! It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The storyline was very believable. It made me stop and think about how easily it would be for something like this to happen in real life. I really liked all the characters, especially Elliott and Zoey....I was a little disappointed though about Zack and Brianna, but with the way the story ended maybe Zack will make a comeback in the next book?? **hint **hint The way the book ended makes me think this will be a series, but it did end in a good place without a cliff hanger. I can’t wait to read more from this promising new Indie author!! I recommend this book to everyone...men & women will both enjoy this book!!
I received an arc of this book for an honest review. I fell in love with Erin's storytelling in Muse and Whimper is even better. Zoe and Elliott meet on an anything but ordinary Saturday night in a small college town. As they share a look across the bar things start to unravel and the world starts to fall apart around them. Zoe and her twin brother are trying to make sense of the world that seems to be coming apart at the seams when Elliot reappears and joins forces with the twins but he knows more than he's telling. Whimper is a love story/adventure that will keep you on pins and needles until the very end. Good job Erin!
This was one of those books that you want to read in one sitting. You know the kind, you are racing to the end to find out how it all works out.
While the plot was a bit predictable, I really enjoyed this book. I was rooting for Elliott and Zoe all the way. I would like to have heard more about Zoe's house and gotten a bit more backstory though. There were some interesting and unexpected developments as they raced against the clock. I never once lost interest in this book and look forward to more from McFadden.
Four out of five stars.
Full disclaimer: I was given this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book I've read by this author and what a read it was. It has a great storyline which it jumps straight into, the characters are likeable and at times had me on the edge of my seat. The only little niggle for me was that Elliot and Zoe went from being total strangers to sharing a closeness and complete trust practically overnight, although the timeline for the plot needs to be quite fast paced, it would have been nice to see their relationship develop a little first. All in all this was an exciting and action packed story and from the ending, I'd say there's still more to tell, I'll certainly be keeping an eye out.
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.***
I'm still slightly confused with this book. I absolutely LOVED Muse and was expecting something along the lines of that for this second book by Erin McFadden...but there was no similarities at all.
Instead, I had a zombie story. I tend to stay away from zombie-genres, since I find them very upsetting...and like all that I've read yet, this was pretty upsetting.
The characters were good, so that was a positive, it just wasn't really my style of genre, so I didn't connect with it like I did with Muse.
It was just okay for me, but that is just my opinion based on the genre. 3 stars.
I received this story from the author in exchange for an honest review. I chose this book from a review group because the title and blurb reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper." I opened the book and that quote was in the front pages of it, which made me even more certain that I'd chosen wisely. This book was very well written. The characters are easy to love, the story kept me intrigued from the very beginning, and there is plenty of excitement with just the right amount of romance. This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work!
I love romance that starts under intense survival skills needed situations, this book has that. Two people living life and then bam it all changes in an instant. Both in the world they live in but also for the two of them, attraction ensues and it is all fast pace because in this new world for Zoe and Elliott they do not know how much time they have left. Any moment could be their last and that is what makes the connection between the characters so much more passionate for me. Maybe in their everyday life things would be different but in this post apocalypse world Zoe and Elliott are fantastic together and i love their battle for their lives and the connection they have.
My major problem with this book is I feel that the blurb/synopsis misrepresents the story. Nowhere in the description does it mention zombies. It talks about a pandemic -- which is exactly why I signed up to review. I don't read zombie books. I just don't. The book is interesting, and well written... aside from the insta-love relationship. That aspect of the story line moved entirely too fast for my liking. I don't think most people invite members of the opposite sex into their beds after just meeting them. In spite of my concerns, the book did receive some very high reviews, and if you are a fan of zombie books, I suggest you give it a try.
I received this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Erin's storytelling in Muse and Whimper is even better.
"This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper" what a quote to start the book with !!
The characters are Fantastic and loveable. Zoe's personality had me laughing and crying and i just wanted to pull Elliott out of the book. there is plenty of excitement and it kept me on the edge of my seat and i wanted to rush forward and find out what happens. I cant wait to read more.
This was my first zombie book so I am not sure if it is representative of the genre but if it is I may read some more. I really like this authors style and I enjoyed this even more than her Muse book. The characters of Zoe and Elliot were really well developed and on the whole I found the plot plausible and the action realistic. All though there is a romance element this is kept well and truly in the B plot arena and is not the main focus of the story. I would reccomend this book to YA, NA and adult readers. A good clean story and well written.
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I thought this was well written and captivating. The characters were engaging, and I really liked seeing the relationships. There were a few things that felt just a little too convenient for my taste, but overall I really loved this zombie story wrapped up in a conspiracy theory, and recommend it for pretty much everyone.
For me it falls between 3 and 4 stars. As its closer to 4, that's what I'll go with.
Different take on the zombie craze. The writing was good and for the most part I liked the story and characters, it was the ending that made this a 3 star for me.