The Gathering Horde

Zed's World #0.5

by Rich Baker

The most ambitious terrorist plot ever undertaken is about to be put into motion, releasing an unstoppable force against humanity. Ordinary people - a group of students celebrating the end of the semester, suburban and rural families - are about to find themselves in the center of something that threatens the survival of the human species. As they battle the dead - and the living - it's going to take every bit of skill, knowledge and luck for them to survive in Zed's World.

The Gathering Horde introduces readers to Zed's World, the first seven episodes of an online serial saga released for the first time with updated content as a novella. Go to www.zedprep.com to join the mailing list and see exclusive content before it's available to the public!

Genres: Horror, Zombies, Post Apocalyptic

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2015

About the author

One of the things that has drawn Rich to the post-apocalyptic genre is how it resets everything.

"The rules of society get turned on their head. What's important immediately becomes very Maslowian. In the case of the zombie plague, safety even takes precedence over the physiological needs. How people would react to that situation is fascinating to me. I try to weave many different perspectives into my writing because no two people, or two groups of people, will have the same reaction. It makes for some interesting scenarios and unlimited causes of conflict."

The novella The Gathering Horde and the follow up novel Roads Less Traveled explore just such a universe of events. The third book in the Zed's World series is almost done, so now is a great time to get caught up on what happened so far...

Reviews

[Cindy Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is short, but engaging, and offers a novel premise for the origins of the plague that causes the zombie apocalypse. I thought terrorism was a unique and believable (with what is going on in our world right now) scenario for the introduction of the deadly virus. It explains not only its origins, but how it is spread through the population so rapidly. We didn't really have time to get to know the characters very well in this short piece, but I am looking forward to getting to know them better in the later installments of this series. I highly recommend for fans of zombie lit!

[Greg at 2 Book Lovers Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gathering Horde is a whole lot of zombie fun. Let’s be honest, we all know it will never happen, but what if…What would you do? Where would you go? Could you survive? That is the appeal of the zombie apocalypse.

Rich Baker took me on a maniacal ride through the beginning of the end of the world as we know it. In a world filled with pages of the undead, he has kept his story fresh and exciting.

What Rich Baker did exceptionally well was the chase. We follow Ben and Toni as they race to escape “The Gathering Horde” along with Keith and Danielle. I was riveted to my Kindle throughout this part as I devoured the pages. It certainly left me looking for more.

Rich Baker has crafted a great beginning for what should be a fabulous new addition to the zombie literary world. It possesses realistic characters, a believable vector and exhilarating tension.

The only issue that I had was the length. The Gathering Horde is 51 pages and was a perfect length for the origins of the virus and the college kids, but there is another cast of characters, the parents. We are introduced to them, but as a reader, I don’t feel like I had the chance to get to know them. I am certain that this will be taken care of in the second book in this series.

Both books are available on Kindle Unlimited. My suggestion would be to grab both and read them back-to-back. You will have about 200 pages of pure zombie fun.

*3.5 Stars with potential

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable read.

I’m not sure what I expected from this book I was just having a look to see if it was readable and it was actually amazing. It’s a very easy book to get into and it just had me from the start. It’s a good pace and a page-turner. It’s a short story but really worth a read. I haven’t read anything from this author before and so it was an excellent introduction, I love when I find a new author, I am definitely going to read number two, Roads Less Traveled.

[PJ Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚📚📚📚

I really liked this. It shows how the outbreak starts and by who, as well as the outcome. Using the points of view of not just the protagonists, but also the antagonists, made the story more rounded.
Very good, I want to read more from this author!

[Billy Barfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice..

This book is way to short. This author knows how to get you ready to read. The writing is realistic enough that it gives you the shivers. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Dennis Crotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

My came with book 0.5, book 1 and 2
This is a very interesting tell of a terrorists striking the US and the world. I know it could never happen but it gives you a thought to think about from Muslim Terrorists to our own white supremacists and black like matters and do many more. Anyone can be a terrorists in this case it was the next neighbor of Denver.
The beginning was a fit confusing but as soon as the story actually started it takes you on a trip of what could happen and people would act both good and bad.
You take a trip of college kids trying to get a safe place after seeing friends being slaughtered and coming back as zombies and killing those who tried to help the.
It is a well told story and the narrator does an excellent job bringing you into the story and make you one of the characters.

[Kurt Lorenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher/author in exchange for a voluntary honest review.

I'm not a big zombie fan, but I felt that the story was well crafted and entertaining and would interest fans of the genre into continuing the series. The brevity and abrupt ending of the first story also leaves the reader wanting a conclusion.

I wasn't pleased by the narration of the audiobook, but I became used to it after a few chapters and would probably be comfortable listening to him read the remaining books.

[neil surgi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it ! ! !

Good character development, plausible cause of outbreak, and good story line . Will purchase the sequels as they come out.

[Holly Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story for all zombie lovers!

Rich Baker has given life to characters who are like all of us. Very full of action and leaves you wanting more!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a zombie series. This short story is extremely fast pace and the action is almost non-stop as a new virulent plague is unleashed in a small college town. The story follows a few characters and their sons who are just finishing up their year of school.

College parties at the end of the school year? Sure.
Fights breaking out? Maybe.
Cops in full riot gear? Could happen.
People attacking and beginning to eat their victims?.... Uh oh!

The end of this world has happened and a new world is emerging. Who will be safe and who will survive?

Mr. Baker writes in such a realistic manner and successfully thrusts the reader into this developing nightmare situation. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Elizabeth Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love good zombie tales!

And this one does not disappoint! I don't normally read short stories or novellas because I enjoy a meaty book more. I'm so glad I read this one though! I hope the author has expanded on this idea. I'd definitely read it! Makes one shudder to think how close to true this type of situation could be!

[Tracey Mccall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Excellent story excited to read more! Wonderful start to the zombie apocalypse.
Islamic terrorists have developed a serum which they have injected into a group up people then let them loose around a college campus. Mayhem ensues, fast paced defined storyline that leaves you wanting more

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really enjoy this zombie, start of the apocalypse story! A really good prequel, a nice quick read, just enough to peek the appetite for the rest of the series, I hope! Well written, slight different ideas about the end of the world! A good fun read! I will look for more by this writer & if you like zombies, then this is your thing!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Zombies?

I do! This is the first installment of a series that is sure to keep readers excited about the apocalypse. Baker crafts a modern story and characters that readers will find easily relatable. You won't want to stop reading!

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Aww....it's over already? Yep I just finished the book. It was a smooth read, interesting characters and well written. Baker knew what he was doing when he ended it in just the right place to leave readers begging for more! Must.....have....more....books!!

[Joyce Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story line

Very interesting story line very believable that it could happen this way and in a college town at graduation the large parties I loved it but it is a short read

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I really liked how the zombies came to life. The author made it seem real and very scary. Call me a wimp, but the thought of zombies chasing me is not appealing. Lol

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent little book, not too complicated and easy enough to follow along while listening to it. I was miffed by who the writer chose as the bad guys that got the whole plague started. IMO I think it would have been better to not write some many days into the whole surviving thing then reader whiplash into how it all got started.

So first things first: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Now that that is out of the way time to get on with the review.

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝? 𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨, 𝐰𝐡𝐲? While I liked the story and everything, this audio book would not be one of my first recommendations simply because the narrator irked me a little and the group of people the author chose to be the bad guys that got everything started.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠? It was more of the fact that it was a little confusing starting with "The Gathering Horde" and then going to "Roads Less Traveled". It felt like "The Gathering Horde" was more like an idea written out before the author forgot it. Once "Roads Less Traveled" got started and got through basically everything that was in "The Gathering Horde" I really enjoyed the book.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲? I thought that the story was the usually zombie apocalypse story with just enough different to keep it from being the same old same. For me personally I did not like how much time was spent on the bad guys and why they were and such but I am one of those people that the how/why never really appealed to me.

𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠? Not so much, maybe if I was driving to visit family in another state I would listen to this audiobook. However even then I would more than likely listen to some music at different points.

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞/ 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝" 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧? 𝐖𝐡𝐲? I might depending on my mood and if I'm in a zombie mood or not. It was a good listen so there is a higher chance of me doing another listen through.

𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬? Overall I loved this book. I did not like the narrator at first because it sound like he was speaking a little fast and this voice sounded like he had just smoked a full pack of smokes before recording. It took a couple of chapters for me to get used to him. I did like how he would change this voice in small amounts when different people were talking.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

NB: This title is the seco
first of two books included in the single audiobook, ZEDS WORLD : THE GATHERING HORDES and ROADS LESS TRAVELLED.

( Format : Audiobook )
"We're on our own out here."
This Audio book includes the first two episodes of an ongoing serial. As such, further books will be required to complete the story.
Having said that, the first of the two books, Gathering Hordes, could be read alone as it reads like a short story covering the redistribution of the virus which will cause such worldwide devistation. Book two moves on to the first hours, the release points, chaos and reaction from authorities, and introduces the reader to those characters likely to be playing a part in the books to come.

An interesting feature of these opening chapters is that the distribution of the virus released was a deliberately devised scheme, and that the Zeds were very fast moving and actively aggressive.

Early days yet but the desperate groups of survivors trying to find a safe location seem to be growing in charactdr and this is ably assisted by the narration of S.W.Salzman. His slightly gruff voice is pleasant to hear and his reading is well paced and clear.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the rights ho?der, via Audiobook Boom. My thanks for that. I did enjoy listening and there were certainly some novel approaches which promise to make this slightly different to other zombie apocalypse books. But was I sufficiently involved to continue with the serial? Probably not.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all this is a zombie book. If you don't like zombie books you won't like this one. I like zombies and enjoy reading new books on the subject. As the title hints at, I loved the easter eggs hidden in the pages of this book and hey, this book was fun but it did not really break any new ground on the topic. I have to read the third book now because I hate leaving a series unfinished (hope you are listening G.R.R.M.) ;o)
This was the audio book version. I didn't take to the reading by S.W. Salzman until the second book. I am still not completely enamored with his performance, but that is me. I think I will read the next book in the series on ebook. On a side note, I did like his presidential performance.

I read both the first and second together as that is how I got them for my review.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first part of the trilogy set's up the terrorist attach that launches the zombie apocalypse and introduces the survivors (and the not so lucky) we will follow through the rest of the story.
I liked the story because, for the most part these are just ordinary people; college kids, suburbanites, farmers and others who never intended to be heroes or to be struggling to survive when most of the world has gone insane.
Definitely not for those who think a 6 week trial subscription is a long term commitment, because we're talking about a serialized story here, but if you've stuck with all those seasons of The Walking Dead you're probably good for this one.

[Shanna Tidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wanted to give the narrator a cough drop or a glass of water I did get use to his scratchy voice. I wasn’t sure if this was his natural voice or a conscience decision for the voice work. All in all it was a great listen. I look forward to the continuation of the series.
D-Day is a bad ass & I can’t wait to see what happens to him & all of he characters in the various story lines.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher/author but voluntarily give my honest review.

[Erin Rogoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Underrated, Good Book!

At first, I was iffy on whether I liked the book or didn't. It's a zombie novel. 1 star. It has an interesting plot. 1 star. It's a series I can continue with a whole lot more to come. 1 star. And if references "Invasion of the Body-Snatchers," which is a favorite movie. In total, 4 stars. Would have given it 5 stars, but remembering the names of the terrorists and relations un the book was more difficult than I expected. If you're looking for a quick read with lots of action and more promised, here's the book for you.

[Hazel Bright · Rating 2 out of 5]

The source of the outbreak really stretched my suspension of disbelief muscle. Super short. Like so many zombie books, it ends with a cliffhanger. Got this as part of a set of three so read on, more because I was too lazy to find something else to read than because I was interested. The second two were just variations of the theme. Very derivative of Walking Dead, but not the great early seasons, more like the later seasons where they spend the whole time fighting some really bad guy. Ho hum.

[Jessa Fae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent storyline but badly written

This novella (it's not long enough to be called a full book) has an ok storyline, but is very badly written. It's full of spelling and grammatical errors, and is written in third person present tense, which is awkward and hard to read ("He lays the keys on the table. She jumps into the car" etc). This style is hardly ever used and this is exactly why.

[RJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrorists release the most disastrous virus in history. Around the globe millions of citizens fall dead only to stand once again as the insanely hungry undead. The first book is short and outlines the beginning of the virus outbreak and the players involved. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

[Misty Auld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

A lot of books don't let you follow the ZPOC while it is happening; most start weeks, years, or decades later. I thought this was going to be one such book, but Rich tricked me and let's us go back to the events leading up to, and during, the initial spread. Well written and a great use of the zombies and how it all started. ~ C.F. Auld

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gathering Horde (Zed's World, Book One) was a good read by Rich Baker. An unstoppable force against humanity is about to be put into motion in a very ambitious terrorist plot. We see a group of students must battle the dead as well as some of the living. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Bobbie Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair read

I guess I'm getting jaded by all the Z books I've read. This is a descent book but it didn't pull me in and get me locked into the characters as I feel a great book will. Well edited however.

[Cigdem Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decent read.

Not bad, considering this is the first book. I'm looking forward to more. It is a bit short for a book though.