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NOLA Zombie #0.5
SHTF
An action-packed prequel to the Amazon bestselling NOLA Zombie series. This isn't a romance...there aren't any happily-ever-afters, this is just Romeo's fight for survival and how he became a NOLA Survivor.
It's Friday night in New Orleans and Tim "Romeo" Voiter has the night off. A night of rest and relaxation is something new for the former Marine, and he's looking forward to enjoying a fun night out with his buddy, Lucas Martinez. The two men try to ignore the emergency broadcasts and news about the spreading iKPV virus and just enjoy the evening. Romeo, true to his name, even hooks up with a hot redhead and plans on ending the evening at her place.
Plans come crashing down, though, as he comes face to face with what the iKPV infected really looks like–and it is not like any infection he's encountered before. Knowing the media is sugarcoating the virus and things are about to get a lot worse in his city, Romeo talks his family into leaving their urban home and bugging out to a more secluded and secure area; the compound his employers own at the edge of the city, deep in the marsh that surrounds New Orleans. But, as the infection spreads and New Orleans begins to fall under the chaos of victims gone made with the virus, Romeo begins to realize that the "stuff" has hit the fan in New Orleans and things will never be the same for the Voiters.
It's Friday night in New Orleans and Tim "Romeo" Voiter has the night off. A night of rest and relaxation is something new for the former Marine, and he's looking forward to enjoying a fun night out with his buddy, Lucas Martinez. The two men try to ignore the emergency broadcasts and news about the spreading iKPV virus and just enjoy the evening. Romeo, true to his name, even hooks up with a hot redhead and plans on ending the evening at her place.
Plans come crashing down, though, as he comes face to face with what the iKPV infected really looks like–and it is not like any infection he's encountered before. Knowing the media is sugarcoating the virus and things are about to get a lot worse in his city, Romeo talks his family into leaving their urban home and bugging out to a more secluded and secure area; the compound his employers own at the edge of the city, deep in the marsh that surrounds New Orleans. But, as the infection spreads and New Orleans begins to fall under the chaos of victims gone made with the virus, Romeo begins to realize that the "stuff" has hit the fan in New Orleans and things will never be the same for the Voiters.
Unknown Binding
Published December 22, 2015
19 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Zane
29 books181 followersGillian Zane is an Amazon bestselling author that specializes in dark genre fiction for adults. Gillian defines herself by the city she was raised in, New Orleans. She’s tried moving away a few times but always comes back. At the age of ten, she decided she would be a writer and has been determined ever since. Between that decision and when she actually finished a book that she believed was good enough to publish, she’s served in the military, worked as a bartender, became a cog in the corporate marketing wheel as a person “that makes things pretty” and has since been laid off too many times to count. She currently writes full-time, but still, continues to “make things pretty” by designing book covers and websites for her fellow authors and bloggers. Gillian lives in New Orleans with her husband, her daughter, and a fat cat named Sushi. A prepper at heart, she also recently added chickens to the mix in her efforts to progress toward self-sufficiency.
You can find Gillian Zane on twitter & Instagram as @GillianZane.
Sign up for her newsletter to be the first to learn about new releases and sneak peeks: http://eepurl.com/bmCzWf
You can find Gillian Zane on twitter & Instagram as @GillianZane.
Sign up for her newsletter to be the first to learn about new releases and sneak peeks: http://eepurl.com/bmCzWf
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 13, 2015
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SHTF by Gillian Zane
I received this novella for an honest review.
Romeo!! Oh man. You totally caught my eye in the series but now my heart is fully attached to you after your novella. This book is a look at what happened before the infection hit. We meet Romeo and see him putting his skills to the test. He is living life and keeping his trained eye on the news about this virus that is lose.
He is having a great time when the virus is front and center in his face. His good time turns out to be not so great. Romeo is very concerned for Lena and his family. His alpha heart tells him Lena needs to be with him buuuut he lets her go to help protect his sister, brother and sister in law.
This story is short but let me tell you, it is action packed. My heart was beating super fast. I was yelling “shut up and listen to the military man already” plus hoping like hell what I feared wouldn’t come true……
It is really hard for me to rate novella’s 5 stars but this book is a 5 star read for me. I couldn’t put the story down and I am sooo invested in these character that when the next book comes out I will dive right in. I am hoping that Romeo will get an HEA because he defo deserves it!!
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SHTF by Gillian Zane
I received this novella for an honest review.
Romeo!! Oh man. You totally caught my eye in the series but now my heart is fully attached to you after your novella. This book is a look at what happened before the infection hit. We meet Romeo and see him putting his skills to the test. He is living life and keeping his trained eye on the news about this virus that is lose.
He is having a great time when the virus is front and center in his face. His good time turns out to be not so great. Romeo is very concerned for Lena and his family. His alpha heart tells him Lena needs to be with him buuuut he lets her go to help protect his sister, brother and sister in law.
This story is short but let me tell you, it is action packed. My heart was beating super fast. I was yelling “shut up and listen to the military man already” plus hoping like hell what I feared wouldn’t come true……
It is really hard for me to rate novella’s 5 stars but this book is a 5 star read for me. I couldn’t put the story down and I am sooo invested in these character that when the next book comes out I will dive right in. I am hoping that Romeo will get an HEA because he defo deserves it!!
December 11, 2015
Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! I just knew there was so very much to you! I love the peek into pre-apocalypse! I'm so very glad to get my hands on more NOLA zombie series! More, Romeo please!
May 15, 2016
This was a great set up to start the series. The writing was great and so were the characters. I can't wait to start on Book 1 now.
October 31, 2021
So few pages and it took me almost a month to read the book, but not because of how bad it was, but because zombies scare me so much and it is so well narrated, it was like watching a movie. I died of fear every time I read it. I would like to continue with the series, but I don't know if my inner hen will let me jajajajaja.
December 22, 2015
Gillian Zane is one of those writers that can spin gold out of anything. SHTF was an insider's look into Tim "Romeo's" life and how things came to be.
I have to say I'm an Army girl that's fallen in love with a bunch of Marine's, and any Army girl will tell you that's hard as hell to do (no offense to my Marine's I love all of my military men!) Gillian Zane has this incredible talent for wielding emotions, so much so that she makes you feel each and every gut wrenching emotion as it happens in the story. SHTF brought me to my knees, ripped out my heart, and shattered my insides so many times I don't think I have any tears left to cry.
Romeo's character is so complex and so incredibly deep there are truly not any words to describe the level of emotion that Gillian Zane evokes in a reader as she brings this honest to god "Hero" to life. And if I had to choose a hero out of any of the characters she has written Romeo definitely has my vote. Gillian really broke the emotional mold in this book we get a glimpse of Martinez again seeing him will bring the water works back all over again and make you miss him all over!
The fact that we get to see what started our little apocalypse from the beginning is something that I'm loving. Incredible thought and detail went into it and the Costco scene...wow...literary genius! Lookout World Gillian Zane is here and she's taking over. You want to know what the next big thing is don't look any further she's arrived.
I have to say I'm an Army girl that's fallen in love with a bunch of Marine's, and any Army girl will tell you that's hard as hell to do (no offense to my Marine's I love all of my military men!) Gillian Zane has this incredible talent for wielding emotions, so much so that she makes you feel each and every gut wrenching emotion as it happens in the story. SHTF brought me to my knees, ripped out my heart, and shattered my insides so many times I don't think I have any tears left to cry.
Romeo's character is so complex and so incredibly deep there are truly not any words to describe the level of emotion that Gillian Zane evokes in a reader as she brings this honest to god "Hero" to life. And if I had to choose a hero out of any of the characters she has written Romeo definitely has my vote. Gillian really broke the emotional mold in this book we get a glimpse of Martinez again seeing him will bring the water works back all over again and make you miss him all over!
The fact that we get to see what started our little apocalypse from the beginning is something that I'm loving. Incredible thought and detail went into it and the Costco scene...wow...literary genius! Lookout World Gillian Zane is here and she's taking over. You want to know what the next big thing is don't look any further she's arrived.
May 22, 2016
Romeo......Oh Romeo......I want so much more of you!!
September 24, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on May 10, 2016 (currently 99¢ at Amazon as of writing this post)
SHTF is a prequel of sorts for the NOLA Zombie series. It is short, 130 pages, but more realistic than the next book, RUN, in the series. The shortness of the books mean there are less pages for developing the world or characters. It was written later than the next book and has different main characters.
"Romeo" is the main character, an ex-military man, who works for the security company. He obviously has some security skills and experience. However, he lets his judgement get clouded by entertainments or family guilt. When the hot redhead's roommate comes home infected, he sees how bad this is going to be.
He goes to gather up his siblings and head out to the compound. Here is where things get unrealistic. They grudgingly agree to go with him, but even when they see how things bad are, they don't seem to be in enough of a hurry to get to the compound to me.
There are some open plot threads like what happens to Lena? The next book, RUN, covers more of the team getting to the compound.
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These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on May 10, 2016 (currently 99¢ at Amazon as of writing this post)
SHTF is a prequel of sorts for the NOLA Zombie series. It is short, 130 pages, but more realistic than the next book, RUN, in the series. The shortness of the books mean there are less pages for developing the world or characters. It was written later than the next book and has different main characters.
"Romeo" is the main character, an ex-military man, who works for the security company. He obviously has some security skills and experience. However, he lets his judgement get clouded by entertainments or family guilt. When the hot redhead's roommate comes home infected, he sees how bad this is going to be.
He goes to gather up his siblings and head out to the compound. Here is where things get unrealistic. They grudgingly agree to go with him, but even when they see how things bad are, they don't seem to be in enough of a hurry to get to the compound to me.
There are some open plot threads like what happens to Lena? The next book, RUN, covers more of the team getting to the compound.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
July 9, 2017
No se puede considerar una historia independiente en absoluto.
De hecho, casi me da algo cuando me di cuenta que Romeo no es el protagonista de las siguientes novelas (estoy por saltarme la serie entera solo por saber qué ha sido de él, ya que al parecer es el prota de la novela final, la 5ª). Sin duda la autora ha sido capaz de plantear una situación imposible y dar a los personajes una reacción muy realista. Creí que me desesperaba con la adolescente, ya que parecía incapaz de darse cuenta de lo que pasaba, pero en realidad no era la única, los adultos eran iguales y hasta Romeo, que sí sabía de primera mano lo que realmente estaba pasando, trataba de negar la realidad y transigir cuando no debería haberlo hecho.
De ahí que me haya parecido tan bueno el final y quiera saber más de Romeo y cómo va a superar ese primer día del Apocalipsis Zombie.
Por cierto, SHTF significa "Shirt Hit The Fan".
De hecho, casi me da algo cuando me di cuenta que Romeo no es el protagonista de las siguientes novelas (estoy por saltarme la serie entera solo por saber qué ha sido de él, ya que al parecer es el prota de la novela final, la 5ª). Sin duda la autora ha sido capaz de plantear una situación imposible y dar a los personajes una reacción muy realista. Creí que me desesperaba con la adolescente, ya que parecía incapaz de darse cuenta de lo que pasaba, pero en realidad no era la única, los adultos eran iguales y hasta Romeo, que sí sabía de primera mano lo que realmente estaba pasando, trataba de negar la realidad y transigir cuando no debería haberlo hecho.
De ahí que me haya parecido tan bueno el final y quiera saber más de Romeo y cómo va a superar ese primer día del Apocalipsis Zombie.
Por cierto, SHTF significa "Shirt Hit The Fan".
January 7, 2025
This is a prequel to the NOLA Zombies series. There is minimal spice in it (there is one interrupted spicy scene), and isn’t necessary before reading the first 3 books in the series, although it may be helpful before reading Romeo’s book (book 5), I have not finished the series, so don’t know.
The story is well written and the author includes a lot of details about the city and culture which add to the richness of the plot.
The novella focuses on Romeo’s experiences the first days of the outbreak and the trauma’s he faces to get to safety. While I expected the outcome having read part of the story the losses were still heartbreaking.
One of the things I like about this story is I found the reactions of the characters to be very realistic from my own experiences. While they did not always make good choices, I understood their reasoning behind the choices they made.
The story is well written and the author includes a lot of details about the city and culture which add to the richness of the plot.
The novella focuses on Romeo’s experiences the first days of the outbreak and the trauma’s he faces to get to safety. While I expected the outcome having read part of the story the losses were still heartbreaking.
One of the things I like about this story is I found the reactions of the characters to be very realistic from my own experiences. While they did not always make good choices, I understood their reasoning behind the choices they made.
March 17, 2018
Amazing prequel
Unlike the other books in this series, this book is not a romance. This is the story of the first encounters as the SHTF for a zombie apocalypse. This book is gritty and amazing. This story isn't just set in New Orleans, as a NOLA girl at heart, I can assure that the author really does know the city. Absolutely amazing, edge if you're seat, rapid page turner, well it is if you aren't pausing to check out of your window that it is still fiction. ;)
Unlike the other books in this series, this book is not a romance. This is the story of the first encounters as the SHTF for a zombie apocalypse. This book is gritty and amazing. This story isn't just set in New Orleans, as a NOLA girl at heart, I can assure that the author really does know the city. Absolutely amazing, edge if you're seat, rapid page turner, well it is if you aren't pausing to check out of your window that it is still fiction. ;)
May 24, 2017
Zombies and Romance....Absolutely!
I bought this book because the author was going to be at a signing I went to recently. Best. Decision. Ever.
Starts off action packed and doesn't stop during the whole book!! I can't wait to find out what happens with Romeo and Lena...and the rest of the crew.
This is a new MUST READ series for me!!
I bought this book because the author was going to be at a signing I went to recently. Best. Decision. Ever.
Starts off action packed and doesn't stop during the whole book!! I can't wait to find out what happens with Romeo and Lena...and the rest of the crew.
This is a new MUST READ series for me!!
January 14, 2018
Hated Alicia, the annoying little sister.
January 3, 2023
super interesting
Somehow I missed this book and read it last! It didn’t matter! Still good! I liked hearing how it all unfolded!!
Somehow I missed this book and read it last! It didn’t matter! Still good! I liked hearing how it all unfolded!!
May 18, 2024
La verdad me encantó mucho😍😍😍
August 14, 2018
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review.This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was surprised when I got an email from Gillian with her latest book in it before Christmas time. Unfortunately, I was extremely busy and couldn't get it done by release day, but I did read it and now the review.
Romeo is one of he survivors we have gotten to know in the three books that came out first. This one rewinds to the time right before the zombie outbreak. The story opens up with Romeo and Lucas Martinez finishing their shift protecting a young actress, Selena Devay. A Friday off in the Big Easy and the guys want a drink and a good time, but they catch Lena trying to leave the hotel alone. Turning things around, they accompany her to the bar where she is meeting someone. Thus they get their beers when a woman approaches Romeo for a good time. All during this there are news reports about a virus taking over a few cities. The men know the news and government isn't telling the truth, but it's not there yet.
So let's just say this isn't a romance at all, but it is in the series where I just finished a romantic triangle. This is Romeo's story of how he connects with his family and makes his way to the rendevous with the team he works. This isn't a romantic story, but there is love for a younger sister, an older brother and his wife: family. What would you do for them to protect them.?
It's not terribly long and you know Romeo's story from this and the other stories. I am hoping get more of his story. Someone died in the last book, but I will totally admit I can't remember the name of who, so I am desperately hoping it wasn't Romeo. I don't think it was. So I can only hope he finds love in the not to far future and can find comfort.
A sad story with some adrenaline rushes to keep you guessing what will be next. It's a good pre-story for the NOLA Zombie series.
September 18, 2016
Review originally published at love literature art and reason book review blog.
Gillian Zane is also a prominent book blogger that I respect. I knew if I was going read any indie book, one by her wouldn’t be riddled with errors and plot holes because she frequently speaks out about those kinds of issues. I started with the prequel so that I could hit my category in the 2016 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge for reading a book and it’s prequel.
SHTF (Shit Hit the Fan) featured a male protagonist and former Marine, Tim “Romeo” Voiter at the beginning of what appears to be the zombie apocalypse. The book was short and sweet, with Romeo meeting a woman, protecting an actress as part of his job as a bodyguard, and attempting to get the people he cares about to safety while the government tries to play down the whole zombie apocalypse thing.
Aside from Tim’s little sister grating on my nerves, the book was great. It was fun and full of suspense as the characters dealt with impending doom and a packed Costco full of infected. It was fast paced and I certainly picked up the next book. I’m glad not all of the books are from Romeo’s perspective as I would prefer to be in a girl’s head for whatever reason, but he was likable and a bit fun as a narrator.
Gillian Zane is also a prominent book blogger that I respect. I knew if I was going read any indie book, one by her wouldn’t be riddled with errors and plot holes because she frequently speaks out about those kinds of issues. I started with the prequel so that I could hit my category in the 2016 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge for reading a book and it’s prequel.
SHTF (Shit Hit the Fan) featured a male protagonist and former Marine, Tim “Romeo” Voiter at the beginning of what appears to be the zombie apocalypse. The book was short and sweet, with Romeo meeting a woman, protecting an actress as part of his job as a bodyguard, and attempting to get the people he cares about to safety while the government tries to play down the whole zombie apocalypse thing.
Aside from Tim’s little sister grating on my nerves, the book was great. It was fun and full of suspense as the characters dealt with impending doom and a packed Costco full of infected. It was fast paced and I certainly picked up the next book. I’m glad not all of the books are from Romeo’s perspective as I would prefer to be in a girl’s head for whatever reason, but he was likable and a bit fun as a narrator.
April 5, 2016
Skip it
Not sure where all these 5 star reviews came from. I gave it three stars just for being able to see how Romeo was before the zpoc, even if he wasn't real likable. His sister was an awful person. Wow, can't stress enough that she made spoiled rotten brats look like angels. Then add in her acting completely stupid during aa virus outbreak and you get a girl who thankfully got what she asked for. Sounds harsh, but man did I hate that character. I never saw a single redeeming trait in her. This story really was a bunch of people acting like idiots. It was the start of the zpoc in this universe, but you won't miss anything by skipping this. My guess is the next book will have Lena, but again, you really won't miss anything by not reading their tiny bit of interaction. In fact, you may like it better not reading that she saw him ducking out for a quicky with a chick he just met. They had a few small conversations which were just cordial and she went her own way. No passion or heated looks. Not at all what I would write for a set up to a future romance, unless they hit it off because he changed so much from the guy she met. I spent the read railing against all the characters I disliked, which was most of them. Really, save yourself the angst!
Not sure where all these 5 star reviews came from. I gave it three stars just for being able to see how Romeo was before the zpoc, even if he wasn't real likable. His sister was an awful person. Wow, can't stress enough that she made spoiled rotten brats look like angels. Then add in her acting completely stupid during aa virus outbreak and you get a girl who thankfully got what she asked for. Sounds harsh, but man did I hate that character. I never saw a single redeeming trait in her. This story really was a bunch of people acting like idiots. It was the start of the zpoc in this universe, but you won't miss anything by skipping this. My guess is the next book will have Lena, but again, you really won't miss anything by not reading their tiny bit of interaction. In fact, you may like it better not reading that she saw him ducking out for a quicky with a chick he just met. They had a few small conversations which were just cordial and she went her own way. No passion or heated looks. Not at all what I would write for a set up to a future romance, unless they hit it off because he changed so much from the guy she met. I spent the read railing against all the characters I disliked, which was most of them. Really, save yourself the angst!
February 15, 2016
I just finished all five books in four days! Not since, Rhiannon Frater's 'As the World Dies' trilogy have I been this captivated by a series. I, recently read a series by M. Lauryl Lewis, and at the end of the first four books I was gravely disappointed. So much so, that I voiced that opinion here on Goodreads. Afterward, I felt guilty. Writing a series of this magnitude requires an imagination and level of determination that I cannot match in any aspect of my life outside of being a parent.
Your series. This series has restored my faith. Each story had a purpose. You left no unanswered questions outside of the heart wrenching cliffhangers. Every character was given depth, and pulled me in. I cannot wait for 'Honor'. I can, but it will be a bitch, lol.
I can honestly see, and I hope that this series continues on... Almost, in the same fashion as The Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Your series. This series has restored my faith. Each story had a purpose. You left no unanswered questions outside of the heart wrenching cliffhangers. Every character was given depth, and pulled me in. I cannot wait for 'Honor'. I can, but it will be a bitch, lol.
I can honestly see, and I hope that this series continues on... Almost, in the same fashion as The Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
January 11, 2016
Great read
I read this after reading the other 3 books in the series. It's a great place to start the series and it was great to read after. I'm am loving the world the author has created and I find myself wanting to get to know all of the characters within the series instead of just the leads. I can easily see this turning into a multiple book series and I couldn't be more excited! The books are on the shorter side, but the is no shortage of excitement and detail to keep you deeply intrigued. Eagerly awaiting book 4 of the series!
I read this after reading the other 3 books in the series. It's a great place to start the series and it was great to read after. I'm am loving the world the author has created and I find myself wanting to get to know all of the characters within the series instead of just the leads. I can easily see this turning into a multiple book series and I couldn't be more excited! The books are on the shorter side, but the is no shortage of excitement and detail to keep you deeply intrigued. Eagerly awaiting book 4 of the series!
January 25, 2016
Great prequel to the start of another good zombie series.
This is a great start to another great zombie series. Romeo is n ex military turned security who gathers his family and head to the security compound. Along the way their is trouble and he loses one of his family members. I recommend starting with this book before moving on the the next in the series and if you like zombie books then I highly recommend reading this series.
This is a great start to another great zombie series. Romeo is n ex military turned security who gathers his family and head to the security compound. Along the way their is trouble and he loses one of his family members. I recommend starting with this book before moving on the the next in the series and if you like zombie books then I highly recommend reading this series.
Read
December 28, 2016It was a normal security detail until suddenly it wasn't.
A quickie turns wrong when the roommate attacks Romeo and doesn't stop until his bedroom date is dead...only she isn't completely dead.
A missing niece, and a movie star that isn't very helpful are just a few of the obstacles Romeo faces as these sick people take over New Orleans. Can he collect his family and get them safely to the compound? Will a simple to trip to the super-center be the end of his family?
A quickie turns wrong when the roommate attacks Romeo and doesn't stop until his bedroom date is dead...only she isn't completely dead.
A missing niece, and a movie star that isn't very helpful are just a few of the obstacles Romeo faces as these sick people take over New Orleans. Can he collect his family and get them safely to the compound? Will a simple to trip to the super-center be the end of his family?
May 27, 2016
This book
June 20, 2016
A fun debut for a zombie series!
Thank you Gilliam Zane for a great debut series. I'm going to read them all as I'm hooked into the action.
Thank you Gilliam Zane for a great debut series. I'm going to read them all as I'm hooked into the action.
July 30, 2017
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews