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The Dying of the Light #3
Beginning
Enjoy the triumphant finale of the series that's been called the "best since World War Z!"
He awoke and, for the first time in twenty-five years, remembered who he was.
Twenty-three years after the zombie apocalypse, humanity faces extinction as a psychotic warlord seizes nuclear weapons and threatens global annihilation. When the President—believed dead since Z-Day—is discovered alive but amnesiac, coalition forces launch desperate assaults against both human monsters and evolved super-zombies. Eden Blake, the immune daughter of heroes, must overcome her guilt to become humanity's defender. In this explosive trilogy finale, sacrifice and redemption determine whether civilization rises from the bunkers or dies in darkness. Victory demands a price not everyone will survive to see.
Heart-pounding action meets moral complexity in this explosive conclusion that fans of The Walking Dead and Maberry's Dead of Night will love! The first book, End was a Top 5 Finalist in Kindle Book Review's “Best Indie Books of 2012” competition. The sequel, Interval , was a Top 5 Finalist in 2013.
He awoke and, for the first time in twenty-five years, remembered who he was.
Twenty-three years after the zombie apocalypse, humanity faces extinction as a psychotic warlord seizes nuclear weapons and threatens global annihilation. When the President—believed dead since Z-Day—is discovered alive but amnesiac, coalition forces launch desperate assaults against both human monsters and evolved super-zombies. Eden Blake, the immune daughter of heroes, must overcome her guilt to become humanity's defender. In this explosive trilogy finale, sacrifice and redemption determine whether civilization rises from the bunkers or dies in darkness. Victory demands a price not everyone will survive to see.
Heart-pounding action meets moral complexity in this explosive conclusion that fans of The Walking Dead and Maberry's Dead of Night will love! The first book, End was a Top 5 Finalist in Kindle Book Review's “Best Indie Books of 2012” competition. The sequel, Interval , was a Top 5 Finalist in 2013.
450 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Jason Kristopher
17 books42 followersJason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in
The Dying of the Light
, thrilling them with 1940s noir in
Loco Moco
, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in
When Iron Wakes
. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.
Read more about Jason on his website and get exclusive early access to snippets, behind-the-scenes cool stuff on Patreon.
Read more about Jason on his website and get exclusive early access to snippets, behind-the-scenes cool stuff on Patreon.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 6, 2016
The Dying of the Light: Beginning is an exceptional interpretation of the Z-Day genre. I've read other novels dealing with zombies of different calibers (i.e. stuff by Jonathan Maberry) and I chalk this up there in terms of quality.
A tale of a zombie post-apocalyptic setting where the remaining population lives in underground bunkers is interesting and has realistic applications. I felt like I could pick up on the emotions the heroine and supporting characters displayed easily, thereby getting wrapped up in the story too. The descriptions of each area were just right, allowing my mind to fill in the gaps and picture the underground bunkers, abandoned towns and so on with ease. Admittedly, as I grew with the characters I even shed a tear or two when there were reunions or losses. Jason did an excellent job with this novel.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants in in-depth, harrowing story about stopping the zombie apocalypse and beginning anew.
A tale of a zombie post-apocalyptic setting where the remaining population lives in underground bunkers is interesting and has realistic applications. I felt like I could pick up on the emotions the heroine and supporting characters displayed easily, thereby getting wrapped up in the story too. The descriptions of each area were just right, allowing my mind to fill in the gaps and picture the underground bunkers, abandoned towns and so on with ease. Admittedly, as I grew with the characters I even shed a tear or two when there were reunions or losses. Jason did an excellent job with this novel.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants in in-depth, harrowing story about stopping the zombie apocalypse and beginning anew.
December 31, 2015
The Dying of the Light book 3 Beginning by Jason Kristopher was definitely worth the wait. It is a look at the world twenty years after a zombie apocalypse and the efforts of several bunker groups of survivors trying to rebuild and restart civilization. The enemy is not just the undead. There are also groups of survivors and plots from within the bunker groups to prevent the rebuilding. I really like the Dreibach zombies which are an altered super zombie created by a madman. The characters are solid and there are enough plot stories going on to keep you guessing. Keep them coming Jason this is an interesting world.
Please read the other books in the series to get the most out of this one.
Please read the other books in the series to get the most out of this one.
January 7, 2016
I can't believe it's over.
I loved this series. I loved how it started, how they prepared for it. The characters were amazing. There were times I was dreading reading the next page because I didn't want to see what happened.
This series is definitely one of my favorite in the zombie genre. Extremely well done.
I loved this series. I loved how it started, how they prepared for it. The characters were amazing. There were times I was dreading reading the next page because I didn't want to see what happened.
This series is definitely one of my favorite in the zombie genre. Extremely well done.
January 1, 2016
A FINE ENDING TO A ZOMBIE TALE IT IS..
Hello, this series is quite enjoyable to read and very well written. Quite better and thought out than some of the stories coming out now. Thanks.
Hello, this series is quite enjoyable to read and very well written. Quite better and thought out than some of the stories coming out now. Thanks.
December 29, 2025
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping novel. The author did a fabulous job of creating a narrative that both allowed new readers into a harrowing world and paid off major storylines and character developments begun throughout the first two books of the series. The wealth of world-building and multiple POVs from various characters showcasing how humanity has divided and evolved in the years since Z-Day was both entertaining and thrilling, allowing readers to visualize the world the author created.
The heart of this narrative was the characters and how they grew. From the first chapter, readers are on the edge of their seats as blasts from the past are revealed before the curtain is pulled back, taking them to a new time period to explore. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style makes both the zombie and human threats the book reveals feel visceral, and the action more tense. The reader will instantly connect emotionally with the characters as they grow throughout the narrative.
The Verdict
Harrowing, enthralling, and compelling, author Jason Kristophers' “Beginning” is a must-read zombie action and adventure thriller and a grand entry in the Dying of the Light series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations, and the emotional endings to many character arcs will stay with readers and leave them wanting more ways to dive into the vast world the author has developed.
This was a compelling and gripping novel. The author did a fabulous job of creating a narrative that both allowed new readers into a harrowing world and paid off major storylines and character developments begun throughout the first two books of the series. The wealth of world-building and multiple POVs from various characters showcasing how humanity has divided and evolved in the years since Z-Day was both entertaining and thrilling, allowing readers to visualize the world the author created.
The heart of this narrative was the characters and how they grew. From the first chapter, readers are on the edge of their seats as blasts from the past are revealed before the curtain is pulled back, taking them to a new time period to explore. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style makes both the zombie and human threats the book reveals feel visceral, and the action more tense. The reader will instantly connect emotionally with the characters as they grow throughout the narrative.
The Verdict
Harrowing, enthralling, and compelling, author Jason Kristophers' “Beginning” is a must-read zombie action and adventure thriller and a grand entry in the Dying of the Light series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations, and the emotional endings to many character arcs will stay with readers and leave them wanting more ways to dive into the vast world the author has developed.
May 21, 2024
Phenomenal
A fitting finale to this fantastically compelling series of books. Every book has been a real page-turner and highly enjoyable.
A fitting finale to this fantastically compelling series of books. Every book has been a real page-turner and highly enjoyable.
May 23, 2023
Enjoyed it more than the middle one, less than the first, and ultimately just glad it’s over. The series is alleged to be the gold standard in the overused Zombie literature trope movement…I think I can safely take a break for the next fifty years.
June 9, 2017
Bunker Ten sends a team to investigate why Bunker 9 is not responding but they find the place full of zombies and struggle to secure the site for the moment until a new plan is thought of. Bunker Four is suffering from an ongoing power struggle between two leaders who both have their own ideas on how to rule. Jim and Mary are finally making progress on a cure and planning how to get supplies to the various bunkers when it is ready. The first submarine is sent to London to establish contact with Europe.
The religious fanatics have heard of the cure and are also determined to stop it from being distributed. They start attacking the transports that are shipping the cure to the various bunkers, leading to a siege situation as one military group are ambushed. It is no safer travelling by plane, with fanatical volunteers stowing away and injecting themselves with zombie blood so that they turn mid flight and attack those on the plane. These tactics are putting the survival of everyone in jeopardy and the military must find a way to stop them.
The likes. I was interested in all the activity in the various bunkers as each had their own troubles to deal with. I liked the power struggle in bunker four, the tension of the assault on bunker nine and the plans to stop Dagger from using his bunker to destroy the others. Dagger v Davies was fun as both were totally mad! It was kept pretty interesting with that and I loved the new tactics from the fanatics to try to stop the cure. It led to quite a few interesting fight scenes which were well written. I liked the developing plans to deal with Dagger and find out why Bunker Five refuses to answer. Something seemed to be happening all the time between the bunkers.
The niggles. All the way through book two Marcie's name was spelt with ie on the end. Now in book three we are seeing a lot of Marcy with a y which is pretty annoying. The continued time jumping format was still somewhat annoying with the book starting 23 years after the zombies took over the world. I explained why I didn't like this concept when I reviewed the last book so I won't go into it all again. I just feel that time jumping disrupts the flow of the story especially in the relationships with the characters.
However the biggest issue I had in this book was the introduction of the whining moron that was Eden. She is the daughter of David and Kim and is completely immune to the zombie virus which makes her want to be a hunter. She continually moans about being treated different because she is immune and because of who her parents are, and that this isn't fair. It doesn't stop her using the 'don't you know who I am?' thing to try and evade quarantine when she returns from a hunt bitten. She is happy to use her fame when it suits her then whines that it's causing people to hate her. No Eden, people hate you because you are whiny, spoiled and don't think the rules should apply to you. She disobeys orders she doesn't like as she feels she is better than anyone else and this attitude leads to the death of a squad member. Does she take her detention punishment? No she escapes and runs away to sulk in the woods. I could not stand her character. I wish somebody has staked her out and let the zombies eat her.
I'm not going to go into too much detail about the plot as it would ruin things for those who want to read it. There was plenty to like about this book with a lot of good action and danger for some of our favourite characters. Overall it was a good zombie series with a few flaws IMHO.
The religious fanatics have heard of the cure and are also determined to stop it from being distributed. They start attacking the transports that are shipping the cure to the various bunkers, leading to a siege situation as one military group are ambushed. It is no safer travelling by plane, with fanatical volunteers stowing away and injecting themselves with zombie blood so that they turn mid flight and attack those on the plane. These tactics are putting the survival of everyone in jeopardy and the military must find a way to stop them.
The likes. I was interested in all the activity in the various bunkers as each had their own troubles to deal with. I liked the power struggle in bunker four, the tension of the assault on bunker nine and the plans to stop Dagger from using his bunker to destroy the others. Dagger v Davies was fun as both were totally mad! It was kept pretty interesting with that and I loved the new tactics from the fanatics to try to stop the cure. It led to quite a few interesting fight scenes which were well written. I liked the developing plans to deal with Dagger and find out why Bunker Five refuses to answer. Something seemed to be happening all the time between the bunkers.
The niggles. All the way through book two Marcie's name was spelt with ie on the end. Now in book three we are seeing a lot of Marcy with a y which is pretty annoying. The continued time jumping format was still somewhat annoying with the book starting 23 years after the zombies took over the world. I explained why I didn't like this concept when I reviewed the last book so I won't go into it all again. I just feel that time jumping disrupts the flow of the story especially in the relationships with the characters.
However the biggest issue I had in this book was the introduction of the whining moron that was Eden. She is the daughter of David and Kim and is completely immune to the zombie virus which makes her want to be a hunter. She continually moans about being treated different because she is immune and because of who her parents are, and that this isn't fair. It doesn't stop her using the 'don't you know who I am?' thing to try and evade quarantine when she returns from a hunt bitten. She is happy to use her fame when it suits her then whines that it's causing people to hate her. No Eden, people hate you because you are whiny, spoiled and don't think the rules should apply to you. She disobeys orders she doesn't like as she feels she is better than anyone else and this attitude leads to the death of a squad member. Does she take her detention punishment? No she escapes and runs away to sulk in the woods. I could not stand her character. I wish somebody has staked her out and let the zombies eat her.
I'm not going to go into too much detail about the plot as it would ruin things for those who want to read it. There was plenty to like about this book with a lot of good action and danger for some of our favourite characters. Overall it was a good zombie series with a few flaws IMHO.
January 16, 2016
I first came across The Dying of the Light series at a Comic Convention in Houston a few years ago when I stumbled upon a table with the books and posters for the series. Sitting at the table was the author Jason Kristopher, who has a personality that is as pleasant as his writing is talented. Seeing the book was about Zombies, I picked it up to peruse. I opened it to the inside, read one stanza, and knew I was hooked by his writing style. After I purchased it, Kristopher graciously signed it and wrote a Zombie related inscription inside. That was the first book, The Dying of the Light: End, and I have awaited each book with anticipation since. The third and final installment has finally arrived and it delivers the same punch as the previous two. The first book was how the world fell to the zombie apocalypse and what the survivors faced. The second book appropriately titled, The Dying of the Light: Interval, chronicles the continuing struggle of the survivors and what they do to ensure the survival of humanity. The third book, "Beginning" is set 23 years into the apocalypse and follows the continuing struggle of humanity to find a cure to the zombie plague, and set itself on top again. The survivors though are impeded by fellow humans who have ambitions of their own, and the emergence of a super-type zombie who doesn't die as easily (The Dreibachs). There are enough plot twist to keep the reader engrossed and guessing as to how it will end. (or begin) Kristopher has continued the exciting quest of the survivors and it was worth the wait. This book can be read individually and enjoyed as the reader is able to discern past events through Kristopher's exposition, but to get a full appreciation of the series, it is worth the readers time to invest in the first two books as well. We can only hope that Kristopher keeps the stories coming in this setting. A great read and guaranteed not to disappoint.
March 23, 2016
***Light Spoilers***
Final volume of the Dying of the Light Trilogy that begins with the the end and ends with a new beginning. A good deal of time has passed since the action of the last book and you are given few details about this time, but that is okay as you are drawn quickly into the intertwining characters from both the older stories and this new set. At first it is a little hard to keep up with the action happening on so many fronts and lots of new character but the author pulls them together into a cohesive story by the end. There was one plot point that felt like it was going to develop into a bigger story with the Driebachs being so different and with Eden's interaction with the group I thought there was more of the story to tell there but then they just got ignored for the rest of the book as the boogie man we had to keep from getting out. I enjoyed this book and if you like zombie stories or post-apocalyptic settings this series is right up your alley.
"This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review."
Final volume of the Dying of the Light Trilogy that begins with the the end and ends with a new beginning. A good deal of time has passed since the action of the last book and you are given few details about this time, but that is okay as you are drawn quickly into the intertwining characters from both the older stories and this new set. At first it is a little hard to keep up with the action happening on so many fronts and lots of new character but the author pulls them together into a cohesive story by the end. There was one plot point that felt like it was going to develop into a bigger story with the Driebachs being so different and with Eden's interaction with the group I thought there was more of the story to tell there but then they just got ignored for the rest of the book as the boogie man we had to keep from getting out. I enjoyed this book and if you like zombie stories or post-apocalyptic settings this series is right up your alley.
"This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2016
Let's start with never a dull moment. The entire series has been a great reading experience for me, book 3 proves my point that Jason Kristopher is a unique writer. The book is well written, edited and different from the usual ZA most indie authors are publishing. The last of the series (sadly) and without a doubt the best. Why do authors do that ;)
I've recommended this and his other works (future works? I hope so) because it is rare now to read a book with an interesting story line, strong character development and thrilling.
I've recommended this and his other works (future works? I hope so) because it is rare now to read a book with an interesting story line, strong character development and thrilling.
January 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The plot pulled in me from the beginning. The main zombie storyline and the personal storylines of the many people in the book will appeal to lovers of post-apocalyptic books as well as lovers of interpersonal relations. Even though this is the third book in the series, it works well as a stand alone novel. Having said that, I can't wait to get the other two books and start reading them. Excellent read!
February 19, 2016
Amazing! I almost lamented finishing the book as it was so well written with characters that you really get to know in depth. The ending is very satisfying; you know exactly what will transpire even after the story ends.
January 15, 2016
Great ending to this series!! Sad that it is over. Good writing and great story that can keep you on your toes.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews