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Alone
For the past two years, Jules has floated through life.
When the virus was released it changed everything about the world. Jules lost her mom and her home, forcing her to live with the father she barely knows. Now, even as society works to rebuild, Jules still feels like she doesn’t quite fit in.
Then she meets Roman.
Even before the zombies, he only had himself to depend on. Brooding and rebellious, Roman isn’t anyone Jules would have pictured herself with before the zombies came. But now she finds herself willing to give up everything to be with him.
The attraction is too strong for either one of them to ignore, but Roman and Jules soon discover that the uncertainty of their new world extends much farther than just the zombies. When disaster strikes, Roman must race against the most terrifying clock imaginable to save Jules, or once again end up alone.
When the virus was released it changed everything about the world. Jules lost her mom and her home, forcing her to live with the father she barely knows. Now, even as society works to rebuild, Jules still feels like she doesn’t quite fit in.
Then she meets Roman.
Even before the zombies, he only had himself to depend on. Brooding and rebellious, Roman isn’t anyone Jules would have pictured herself with before the zombies came. But now she finds herself willing to give up everything to be with him.
The attraction is too strong for either one of them to ignore, but Roman and Jules soon discover that the uncertainty of their new world extends much farther than just the zombies. When disaster strikes, Roman must race against the most terrifying clock imaginable to save Jules, or once again end up alone.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2016
97 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Kate L. Mary
88 books794 followersI'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!
Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.
When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!
Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.
Awards:
Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine
When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction
Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateLMaryauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-...
Website: http://KateLMary.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieautho...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-L.-Mary/e...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kate-L.-Mary...
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.
When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!
Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.
Awards:
Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine
When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction
Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateLMaryauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-...
Website: http://KateLMary.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieautho...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-L.-Mary/e...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kate-L.-Mary...
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 30, 2016
This is an incredibly hard book to review without giving away its epic ending. Anyone who has read Ms. Mary's zombie books knows she likes to weave a tale that is realistic and gritty without apologies. This book is no exception and will have you turning page after page with anticipation of what is to come next. "Alone" will have you running the gamut of emotions and in the end you'll feel gutted, but pleased you went along for the ride on this twisted adventure.
September 11, 2021
Maybe I’ve been reading/listening to too many books one after another by Kate L. Mary, but I’ve picked up that “My scalp prickles” or something similarly worded is a common phrase in her stories.
Anyways, I loved this story…until the end. Per the original ending, I was left wondering “What was she thinking? Why would she have ended it like that?” It made me wonder if the author had been going for a Romeo and Juliet-esque type of story. I don’t know. While it was much different than what one would expect to happen–of course you want the main characters to make it to the end in one piece–it seemed too much. Like what was the moral of the story? Don’t even try? I’m not good when it comes to “reading into” a story, so I have no clue what the moral was with the original ending. I understand some authors like to surprise their readers but it was like all this drama and action was going on, Roman made it back to Jules and BAM! I won’t say what happened but it just made me want to leave a less than perfect review. The fact there wasn’t much said about Jules’ father or their friends after the situation didn’t work for me. Thankfully, there was an alternate ending, which was pretty much what I was expecting to have happened. But I couldn’t help but think of the readers who read the original ending and that was it.
I wasn’t too sure how I felt about the narrator. Her Canadian accent came through loud and clear (tell me that was Canadian? Lol). The word “against” stood out like a red flag to me every time it was said…differently from what’s common in the US. I couldn’t help but chuckle when she pronounced the state “Maryland” as “Mary-land.” While I typically don’t mind a narrator having an accent, there was something off this time, no offense to the narrator. I was thinking it had to do with the fact the story was taking place in the States. I’ve listened to plenty of stories in which the narrator has an accent and it doesn’t fit with the setting/characters. Overall, she did okay. She doesn’t have a natural flow to her reading and it sounded like she was sitting there just reading, which was what she was doing, but the reader shouldn’t be focused on what the narrator was doing per se. She did do good with the voices though. I’d recommend more practice in the end.
Questions/Comments:
Inconsistency Alerts! 1. At one point, Jules was said to have light brown hair – this was when they skipped school after her arrival. Then after she and Roman go for the bike ride to the beach, it was suddenly blonde. 2. Every time the beginning of the zombie outbreak was mentioned, it was two years. Yet, when Roman goes to the vaccine guy’s house, he ended up saying it had been three years.
I don’t like overly stupid character moments, whether they repeatedly did or said stupid things or had stupid thoughts or it was just a moment in their lives in which they brain farted and didn’t know what was going on. Jules had a moment like that. It took place when Roman showed up at her balcony and she acted clueless as to why he was starring at her chest area. It was pouring outside and she wore a tank top. Did she look down after noticing his starring? Of course not. I just felt that part was dragged out.
I found it strange that when Roman was taken away for his week-long punishment, Jules hadn’t been worried his father would beat him. There was no mention of the idea of that taking place at all.
Again, I’ve been listening to a lot of books by this author pretty much one after another. A common trait between the female characters, at least some of them I’ve encountered, involved the fact when something major was taking place, the female basically just stood there. They might “cry out” in some way, but it was so minor of an action that they might as well of not said or did anything. In this case, it took place when Jules’ father arrested Roman. She could have said or done more than what she did. But she didn’t.
I came across a big inconsistency (in my opinion). I’m not sure how it was missed… When Carmen and Mac were taking Jules to the clubhouse or wherever Roman was locked up, Jules declared that she hadn’t known Carmen and Roman had known each other that well. Huh? Some time prior, Roman had told Jules that he’d grown up with Carmen. That he’d been best friends with her younger brother. Was that poor communication on Roman and Jules part? Had she not been paying attention to what he told her? How rude!
Prior to locking up Roman, he was in only his boxers. I couldn’t help but wonder if all of his injuries and old wounds were already healed over? Hence, his father was always beating him, but there was no mention of him having any injuries on his torso. Had the bruises from the last beating healed already? Plus, where had Rick been when Roman was released? I just imagined his father fighting the charges even though he had nothing to do with them.
Another area I came across involved a good example of repetition. Jules had decided she was ready to leave with Roman for good. Jules: “If we don’t leave now we’re gonna get caught in the storm.” Jules then wondered what she should write on the letter that she planned to leave for her father. Roman: “A storms coming. If we don’t leave soon, we’ll probably get stuck in it.” Really? That was two lines of repeated dialogue. Again, mistakes like that seem big to me, as in I can never understand how they get missed.
When Roman and Jules head out, how could Roman just leave? He had no thoughts of Mac or saying goodbye? Weren’t they best friends? It wasn’t like they could call each other or write letters to stay in contact. Also, when they ride out of town, how had they been able to leave? Weren’t you supposed to get permission first? Who had let them out?
Did anyone else feel Roman wasted an exorbitant amount of time prior to leaving for Atlanta? They didn’t know how long it would take before Jules changed, yet he was doing so much as though he didn’t want to leave or like he had plenty of time. When Jules was in the tub, she was already delirious and suddenly Roman pops in. Why hadn’t he already left? What had he been doing?
One of the worst sentences I came across: “I shut the door shut.”
So, Roman, had his hands clenched as tightly as one could imagine. He then unclenched them. “A second longer and they would have turned black.” What? Black from what?
I found it strange that there always seemed to be someone around the townhall/clubhouse area. Yet, when Roman came back with the vaccine, it was like a “Teacher’s Workday” and everyone was at home still.
If the town knew Jules was on the verge of becoming a zombie, why was no one standing guard outside her room? Why was her door not locked? Obviously some of the zombies can open doors, hence when they’d been at the abandoned house, the one zombie got in.
I received a free audiobook version of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Anyways, I loved this story…until the end. Per the original ending, I was left wondering “What was she thinking? Why would she have ended it like that?” It made me wonder if the author had been going for a Romeo and Juliet-esque type of story. I don’t know. While it was much different than what one would expect to happen–of course you want the main characters to make it to the end in one piece–it seemed too much. Like what was the moral of the story? Don’t even try? I’m not good when it comes to “reading into” a story, so I have no clue what the moral was with the original ending. I understand some authors like to surprise their readers but it was like all this drama and action was going on, Roman made it back to Jules and BAM! I won’t say what happened but it just made me want to leave a less than perfect review. The fact there wasn’t much said about Jules’ father or their friends after the situation didn’t work for me. Thankfully, there was an alternate ending, which was pretty much what I was expecting to have happened. But I couldn’t help but think of the readers who read the original ending and that was it.
I wasn’t too sure how I felt about the narrator. Her Canadian accent came through loud and clear (tell me that was Canadian? Lol). The word “against” stood out like a red flag to me every time it was said…differently from what’s common in the US. I couldn’t help but chuckle when she pronounced the state “Maryland” as “Mary-land.” While I typically don’t mind a narrator having an accent, there was something off this time, no offense to the narrator. I was thinking it had to do with the fact the story was taking place in the States. I’ve listened to plenty of stories in which the narrator has an accent and it doesn’t fit with the setting/characters. Overall, she did okay. She doesn’t have a natural flow to her reading and it sounded like she was sitting there just reading, which was what she was doing, but the reader shouldn’t be focused on what the narrator was doing per se. She did do good with the voices though. I’d recommend more practice in the end.
Questions/Comments:
Inconsistency Alerts! 1. At one point, Jules was said to have light brown hair – this was when they skipped school after her arrival. Then after she and Roman go for the bike ride to the beach, it was suddenly blonde. 2. Every time the beginning of the zombie outbreak was mentioned, it was two years. Yet, when Roman goes to the vaccine guy’s house, he ended up saying it had been three years.
I don’t like overly stupid character moments, whether they repeatedly did or said stupid things or had stupid thoughts or it was just a moment in their lives in which they brain farted and didn’t know what was going on. Jules had a moment like that. It took place when Roman showed up at her balcony and she acted clueless as to why he was starring at her chest area. It was pouring outside and she wore a tank top. Did she look down after noticing his starring? Of course not. I just felt that part was dragged out.
I found it strange that when Roman was taken away for his week-long punishment, Jules hadn’t been worried his father would beat him. There was no mention of the idea of that taking place at all.
Again, I’ve been listening to a lot of books by this author pretty much one after another. A common trait between the female characters, at least some of them I’ve encountered, involved the fact when something major was taking place, the female basically just stood there. They might “cry out” in some way, but it was so minor of an action that they might as well of not said or did anything. In this case, it took place when Jules’ father arrested Roman. She could have said or done more than what she did. But she didn’t.
I came across a big inconsistency (in my opinion). I’m not sure how it was missed… When Carmen and Mac were taking Jules to the clubhouse or wherever Roman was locked up, Jules declared that she hadn’t known Carmen and Roman had known each other that well. Huh? Some time prior, Roman had told Jules that he’d grown up with Carmen. That he’d been best friends with her younger brother. Was that poor communication on Roman and Jules part? Had she not been paying attention to what he told her? How rude!
Prior to locking up Roman, he was in only his boxers. I couldn’t help but wonder if all of his injuries and old wounds were already healed over? Hence, his father was always beating him, but there was no mention of him having any injuries on his torso. Had the bruises from the last beating healed already? Plus, where had Rick been when Roman was released? I just imagined his father fighting the charges even though he had nothing to do with them.
Another area I came across involved a good example of repetition. Jules had decided she was ready to leave with Roman for good. Jules: “If we don’t leave now we’re gonna get caught in the storm.” Jules then wondered what she should write on the letter that she planned to leave for her father. Roman: “A storms coming. If we don’t leave soon, we’ll probably get stuck in it.” Really? That was two lines of repeated dialogue. Again, mistakes like that seem big to me, as in I can never understand how they get missed.
When Roman and Jules head out, how could Roman just leave? He had no thoughts of Mac or saying goodbye? Weren’t they best friends? It wasn’t like they could call each other or write letters to stay in contact. Also, when they ride out of town, how had they been able to leave? Weren’t you supposed to get permission first? Who had let them out?
Did anyone else feel Roman wasted an exorbitant amount of time prior to leaving for Atlanta? They didn’t know how long it would take before Jules changed, yet he was doing so much as though he didn’t want to leave or like he had plenty of time. When Jules was in the tub, she was already delirious and suddenly Roman pops in. Why hadn’t he already left? What had he been doing?
One of the worst sentences I came across: “I shut the door shut.”
So, Roman, had his hands clenched as tightly as one could imagine. He then unclenched them. “A second longer and they would have turned black.” What? Black from what?
I found it strange that there always seemed to be someone around the townhall/clubhouse area. Yet, when Roman came back with the vaccine, it was like a “Teacher’s Workday” and everyone was at home still.
If the town knew Jules was on the verge of becoming a zombie, why was no one standing guard outside her room? Why was her door not locked? Obviously some of the zombies can open doors, hence when they’d been at the abandoned house, the one zombie got in.
I received a free audiobook version of this story in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2016
I really enjoyed this latest entry into the authors zombie infested world.The new characters and setting are engaging.The characters were really well rounded and relatable.The glimpses of characters from the Broken World Series was also a nice little treat.I love when an author creates new scenarios in a world you already love.I would recommend this book to any fan of the zombie genre.I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2018
I'm dangerously close to burning alive. And I will love it.
***
On the heels of reading one of Mary’s other books, I was back in need of a zombie read to whet my appetite. And this one absolutely delivered.
The relationship between Roman and Jules is instantaneous. Some might find it a little too quick. I, however, loved it and could not get enough of these two. It reminded me of a great YA read when the characters are falling in love for the first time. And all the feels that go along with it.
It was sweet and perfect until it was real and deadly. My heart was in my throat in the end. I couldn’t read fast enough. I had to know what was going to happen. I had to know if they would make it. I needed to know if they would survive the hand that this zombie infested life had dealt them. Too much emotions all at once.
Some may also have a problem with the ending. But in the zombie apocalypse not everything is beautiful and happy endings. In fact, neither of those things come to mind when you are staring down a rotted corpse. So for those that don’t care for how Mary ended the story, there is an alternate ending. I am one of those that loved the alternate ending more. I am a romantic though. So I am glad she gave us that. 5 Stars!
***
On the heels of reading one of Mary’s other books, I was back in need of a zombie read to whet my appetite. And this one absolutely delivered.
The relationship between Roman and Jules is instantaneous. Some might find it a little too quick. I, however, loved it and could not get enough of these two. It reminded me of a great YA read when the characters are falling in love for the first time. And all the feels that go along with it.
It was sweet and perfect until it was real and deadly. My heart was in my throat in the end. I couldn’t read fast enough. I had to know what was going to happen. I had to know if they would make it. I needed to know if they would survive the hand that this zombie infested life had dealt them. Too much emotions all at once.
Some may also have a problem with the ending. But in the zombie apocalypse not everything is beautiful and happy endings. In fact, neither of those things come to mind when you are staring down a rotted corpse. So for those that don’t care for how Mary ended the story, there is an alternate ending. I am one of those that loved the alternate ending more. I am a romantic though. So I am glad she gave us that. 5 Stars!
February 21, 2018
Well, I didn't see that end coming.
Bravo to the Author for being brave enough to stick with the original ending. I liked the Alternate ending but I have to agree not everyone will get an HEA, not in a Zombie apocalypse, stay true to your characters and I am glad you stuck with the ending you did.
I loved this book the writing hooked me from the start and just loved the story.
Bravo to the Author for being brave enough to stick with the original ending. I liked the Alternate ending but I have to agree not everyone will get an HEA, not in a Zombie apocalypse, stay true to your characters and I am glad you stuck with the ending you did.
I loved this book the writing hooked me from the start and just loved the story.
September 24, 2021
Great easy read
Kate L. Mary is a new favorite of mine. I’ve been reading her Broken series and this novel fell in the middle. The ending of this book is definitely a shocker! I’ll leave this review at that.
Kate L. Mary is a new favorite of mine. I’ve been reading her Broken series and this novel fell in the middle. The ending of this book is definitely a shocker! I’ll leave this review at that.
April 14, 2016
Set in the same world as the Broken World Series but this one goes along with the story of a young girl and the boy she meets when coming to a new town.
Jules and her father never really saw eye to eye before the virus and afterwards him trying to be a parental figure was at times too ridiculous for her. But when he gets a new position in a new town she finds life she never really expected.
Roman is the bad boy everyone warned you to stay away from but Jules sees behind the mask and the two fall fast and hard.
In a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is certain these two try to find a way to etch out at least some happiness. They may be young but when things go sideways will they be able to find their way through?
Jules is a sweetie just now finally starting to figure out life but when she decide something she goes all in.
Roman may look tough on the outside and he certainly is but once you see beyond the exterior you see just how much love he has to give.
This story may not be all sunshine and roses but it takes you on one heck of a ride! Giving you the feeling like this could be real life you get sucked into the characters lives and go along with them as they try to live in a world after it all ended.
Jules and her father never really saw eye to eye before the virus and afterwards him trying to be a parental figure was at times too ridiculous for her. But when he gets a new position in a new town she finds life she never really expected.
Roman is the bad boy everyone warned you to stay away from but Jules sees behind the mask and the two fall fast and hard.
In a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is certain these two try to find a way to etch out at least some happiness. They may be young but when things go sideways will they be able to find their way through?
Jules is a sweetie just now finally starting to figure out life but when she decide something she goes all in.
Roman may look tough on the outside and he certainly is but once you see beyond the exterior you see just how much love he has to give.
This story may not be all sunshine and roses but it takes you on one heck of a ride! Giving you the feeling like this could be real life you get sucked into the characters lives and go along with them as they try to live in a world after it all ended.
June 27, 2016
It took guts
Ok I'm giving my 5 stars to a gutsy author who wrote an ending based on her story telling. I liked the characters they made me want to devour the story. I liked the way the virus spread and how the government adopted a new way. I also liked the way the towns were developed. Overall the emotions came pouring out of this story and I can't really blame the author for the way it ended. However I can say that as a reader we read books for the endings to be different than real life. Living life could be sometimes monotonous. I'm just saying!
Ok I'm giving my 5 stars to a gutsy author who wrote an ending based on her story telling. I liked the characters they made me want to devour the story. I liked the way the virus spread and how the government adopted a new way. I also liked the way the towns were developed. Overall the emotions came pouring out of this story and I can't really blame the author for the way it ended. However I can say that as a reader we read books for the endings to be different than real life. Living life could be sometimes monotonous. I'm just saying!
April 21, 2016
Didn't see that ending coming!
I love all of this author's books! Zombie books are a favorite and add romance and I am hooked! This book had it all and the ending....I won't spoil it but was glad she stuck with her original version as opposed to the alternate ending.
I love all of this author's books! Zombie books are a favorite and add romance and I am hooked! This book had it all and the ending....I won't spoil it but was glad she stuck with her original version as opposed to the alternate ending.
March 31, 2016
I enjoyed this book, but........
Read my full take here: Alone: A Zombie Novel
Read my full take here: Alone: A Zombie Novel
April 25, 2016
Omg I loved this book! Kate L. Mary has an amazing talent writing fantastic zombie apocalypse books. If she writes it I'll read it.
February 18, 2020
Narrator did a good job; her male voice could use some work, but overall, she did a good job. I enjoyed listening.
This is teenage angst during the zombie apocalypse. Jules is 17 and has daddy issues. They move to a new zombie stronghold type place; her dad has ties to the government that’s in place, so he has a bit of a powerful position. It’s been about 2 years since the zombies started happening. In the new place, Jules meets 18 year old bad boy with daddy issues Roman. There’s a connection there, but Roman is already having a no strings thing with some other chick. Of course, that chick isn’t loving the no strings part of their arrangement, but Roman is being a moron and not seeing it. Loved how perceptive Jules is, but she’s still young, so she doesn’t really think things through. The romance has its sweet moments, but I do wish Roman knew sooner that he wanted Jules and that there was more time between his relationships. They do have a heartfelt connection though. Overall, I really enjoyed their romance and ended up feeling the depth of emotion between them. Of course, I loved all the zombie action and reading more about what different groups are doing during the apocalypse. There’s a major event that happens towards the middle of the book that added some suspense to the story, but the events after did slow the story down a bit too much for me; the Jules chapters during this time felt too repetitive at times. Also, I hate when people are in a hurry, but take all this time to get anything done; you don’t need to be have long conversations about the same things. You are on a time limit people! Get moving! It may be that I just hated waiting to see what was going to happen. I loved the dual POV’s by the way; I appreciate reading from both character’s perspectives so I understand them more. I’m super glad the author did what she did with the ending because I would’ve been so disappointed with it if the author didn’t work it out the way she did. I do wish there was a bit more content to the ending though. Overall, an entertaining read with some cool ideas.
This is teenage angst during the zombie apocalypse. Jules is 17 and has daddy issues. They move to a new zombie stronghold type place; her dad has ties to the government that’s in place, so he has a bit of a powerful position. It’s been about 2 years since the zombies started happening. In the new place, Jules meets 18 year old bad boy with daddy issues Roman. There’s a connection there, but Roman is already having a no strings thing with some other chick. Of course, that chick isn’t loving the no strings part of their arrangement, but Roman is being a moron and not seeing it. Loved how perceptive Jules is, but she’s still young, so she doesn’t really think things through. The romance has its sweet moments, but I do wish Roman knew sooner that he wanted Jules and that there was more time between his relationships. They do have a heartfelt connection though. Overall, I really enjoyed their romance and ended up feeling the depth of emotion between them. Of course, I loved all the zombie action and reading more about what different groups are doing during the apocalypse. There’s a major event that happens towards the middle of the book that added some suspense to the story, but the events after did slow the story down a bit too much for me; the Jules chapters during this time felt too repetitive at times. Also, I hate when people are in a hurry, but take all this time to get anything done; you don’t need to be have long conversations about the same things. You are on a time limit people! Get moving! It may be that I just hated waiting to see what was going to happen. I loved the dual POV’s by the way; I appreciate reading from both character’s perspectives so I understand them more. I’m super glad the author did what she did with the ending because I would’ve been so disappointed with it if the author didn’t work it out the way she did. I do wish there was a bit more content to the ending though. Overall, an entertaining read with some cool ideas.
November 2, 2020
I received this book via a promo code and this is my voluntary review. This is a side story to the Broken World, Oklahoma Wasteland and Twisted World series. A zombie virus has pretty much destroyed the world. Jules is a teenager and it's been about 2-3 years since the end of everything. Dragged into a new community where her father has been given a new role as judicial officer. She hasn't gotten used to leaving the teen eye-roll at the gates, I guess being a raging hormonal teen attitude happens regardless of circumstances. Even in Coastal Manor, where the New Atlanta government has sent her family there to whip this place into shape. A lot of Jules persona is that of a bitchy teen. It's here in this new place, with its strict rules that she meets Roman. A juvenile delinquent with an abusive father. He's involved in a situationship with a girl called Rauze that only works as a distraction from his perspective, so I did dislike Roman with his cavalier attitude towards her... its a zombie apocalypse, for a girl to share her body with someone could be a death sentence, like it was for {Spoiler will not be mentioned} I want justice for Rauze.. she deserved better. Roman forgets all about Rauze when he meets Jules, they fall for one another, a sweet beautiful connection in an ugly world, its all very shakespearian and tragedy strikes when Jules gets injured and getting to New Atlanta for the vaccine is her only hope. The story is done in dual POV which was good but I would have liked a male narrator for Roman's perspective... personal taste, Amber C Morton still did an amazing job. This tale has a very daring ending for a something that demanded 9 hours of your time. I've come to expect that kind of tone for this World (Still haven't forgiven Kate for what happened to Joshua, Amira and Hadley...) but if you do get to the end and find it not to your liking, do listen to the alternative, and choose whichever version you prefer.
November 8, 2019
Teenage love & struggles in the zompoc world...
Alone (A Zombie Novel) by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Amber C. Morton is a fabulous YA zombie story! Recommend if you enjoy teen romance stories mixed with the zompoc.
What’s it about? During the zombie apocalypse, Jules and her father go to an established safe town for her father’s job. While there she meets Roman and his father, Rick, who is the town regulator. The town is set up to protect those within the walls and maintains the facade that all is well, but Jules learns that’s far from the truth. The beginning is heavy on the romance/setting up the story, while the second half is more about zombies/surviving. The views alternate between Roman and Jules and the story moves forward at a quick pace. There are two endings and I appreciate Kate did this as it makes me love the story all the more.
The narrator, Amber C. Morton, did an OK job. I hate to write this but need to note there’s a noticeable breathing noise taken before speaking and it’s distracting. With that being said, the more you listen to the story without interruptions, the more you get use to it. If this wasn’t there, it’d be a five star narration in my opinion. I hope Amber continues narrating as she has a lot of potential.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: This takes place in the zompoc, so think of things relative to this- death, violence, guns, father is physically abusive to son, absentee father, rape accusation (didn’t happen), sex.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book! Loved that the story had two endings.
Alone (A Zombie Novel) by Kate L. Mary and narrated by Amber C. Morton is a fabulous YA zombie story! Recommend if you enjoy teen romance stories mixed with the zompoc.
What’s it about? During the zombie apocalypse, Jules and her father go to an established safe town for her father’s job. While there she meets Roman and his father, Rick, who is the town regulator. The town is set up to protect those within the walls and maintains the facade that all is well, but Jules learns that’s far from the truth. The beginning is heavy on the romance/setting up the story, while the second half is more about zombies/surviving. The views alternate between Roman and Jules and the story moves forward at a quick pace. There are two endings and I appreciate Kate did this as it makes me love the story all the more.
The narrator, Amber C. Morton, did an OK job. I hate to write this but need to note there’s a noticeable breathing noise taken before speaking and it’s distracting. With that being said, the more you listen to the story without interruptions, the more you get use to it. If this wasn’t there, it’d be a five star narration in my opinion. I hope Amber continues narrating as she has a lot of potential.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: This takes place in the zompoc, so think of things relative to this- death, violence, guns, father is physically abusive to son, absentee father, rape accusation (didn’t happen), sex.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book! Loved that the story had two endings.
December 29, 2024
Alone is not the first book by Kate L. Mary that I have read and I am certain it won’t be the last. I fell in love with Kate’s writing/storytelling with the first book of hers I read. And now I can’t wait to dive into one of her books I don’t even have to read the summary to know that it will be a good book or that I will love it.
Kate can create worlds that once you start reading you are lost within a few words. Every time I start a new book by Kate I am pulled deep into its world from the first page. There is never a dull moment in one of Kate’s books. The action and suspense will keep you hanging on every word from beginning to end.
Alone was definitely no different. It kept me hooked page after page. I was pulled into Jules and Roman’s world the moment I started reading their story. Jules and Roman are two very different people but have similar home lives. Both live with their dads after the zombie virus ripped its way across the world. I think they may have been drawn to each other because their lives were so similar.
Jules's father doesn’t want her to be with Roman but she cares about Roman very much and will not let anyone or anything keep them apart. Jules and Roman are just like any other teenager wanting the same things and wanting to do the same things as any teenager before the zombie virus hit.
I love the world that was created for Alone. I love the world that was created while living with zombies as the normal kind of thing. I guess as the saying goes life goes on even with zombies roaming the earth.
I highly recommend Alone and any other book Kate L. Mary has written. Grab a copy of Alone today!
Kate can create worlds that once you start reading you are lost within a few words. Every time I start a new book by Kate I am pulled deep into its world from the first page. There is never a dull moment in one of Kate’s books. The action and suspense will keep you hanging on every word from beginning to end.
Alone was definitely no different. It kept me hooked page after page. I was pulled into Jules and Roman’s world the moment I started reading their story. Jules and Roman are two very different people but have similar home lives. Both live with their dads after the zombie virus ripped its way across the world. I think they may have been drawn to each other because their lives were so similar.
Jules's father doesn’t want her to be with Roman but she cares about Roman very much and will not let anyone or anything keep them apart. Jules and Roman are just like any other teenager wanting the same things and wanting to do the same things as any teenager before the zombie virus hit.
I love the world that was created for Alone. I love the world that was created while living with zombies as the normal kind of thing. I guess as the saying goes life goes on even with zombies roaming the earth.
I highly recommend Alone and any other book Kate L. Mary has written. Grab a copy of Alone today!
October 19, 2020
So.. I've been on a Kate L Mary binge read since March. I love her zombie apocalypse world filled with drama, intensity and of course the undead. However, I have to say this one reads more like a new adult romance than a zombie read. Of course, there are zombies, intense situations and drama on the road and community, but I'd say this is more romance than anything.
With that being said, it's a great romance between the town's "sheriff's" daughter and the bad boy. Sneaking in and out of houses, running off to be alone, all that you can think of a teenage heart wanting to do and willing to do are within the pages of this book.
So, that goes to show Mary's ability to tell a great story regardless of the world she depicts it in. I enjoyed Alone. Not as much as Broken World or Tribe of Daughter's, however I can say this was a good read that gave you yet another glimmer of this author's creativity and ability to continue to develop interesting and imaginative storylines that drag you down another rabbit hole of reading.
With that being said, it's a great romance between the town's "sheriff's" daughter and the bad boy. Sneaking in and out of houses, running off to be alone, all that you can think of a teenage heart wanting to do and willing to do are within the pages of this book.
So, that goes to show Mary's ability to tell a great story regardless of the world she depicts it in. I enjoyed Alone. Not as much as Broken World or Tribe of Daughter's, however I can say this was a good read that gave you yet another glimmer of this author's creativity and ability to continue to develop interesting and imaginative storylines that drag you down another rabbit hole of reading.
May 29, 2024
I read the authors note before beginning this book and the notes at the end.
I enjoyed this story, but I understand where people are upset. It's more a love story than a zombie story. But the author makes it clear before you read the intentions and how it's not going to be the same as the previous series.
The author wrote an alternate ending for those who are looking for a happily ever after, which I'm okay with. I enjoyed both, BUT I couldn't help but think about how the author could have ended the story:
So in the story where Roman feels like he is making a choice between Mac or Jules. I was thinking the endings could have been either Mac or Jules.
Ex: Keep the original ending with Jules dying and Mac surviving. But then the alternate ending since Jules survived the alternate epilog could have been Mac not making it back. It's kind of playing on Roman's thought of choosing who to save.
Maybe it's a little twisted, but just my opinion and thoughts on how the story could have ended. The author did a great job telling the story.
I enjoyed this story, but I understand where people are upset. It's more a love story than a zombie story. But the author makes it clear before you read the intentions and how it's not going to be the same as the previous series.
The author wrote an alternate ending for those who are looking for a happily ever after, which I'm okay with. I enjoyed both, BUT I couldn't help but think about how the author could have ended the story:
So in the story where Roman feels like he is making a choice between Mac or Jules. I was thinking the endings could have been either Mac or Jules.
Ex: Keep the original ending with Jules dying and Mac surviving. But then the alternate ending since Jules survived the alternate epilog could have been Mac not making it back. It's kind of playing on Roman's thought of choosing who to save.
Maybe it's a little twisted, but just my opinion and thoughts on how the story could have ended. The author did a great job telling the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2019
What a wonderful story! I have not been a huge fan of “growing up/relationship” tales, but Kate L. Mary has a talent for getting straight to your heart. The two characters of interest, Roman and Jules, were both sort of loners by the environment they grew up in. Roman, described as a juvenile delinquent with daddy issues and a smart ass. Jules, more of an introvert, few friends and lacking confidence. Both had lost their mothers being raised primarily by their fathers. Roman’s father was abusive, Jules’ father indifferent. When these two lost souls found each other, it spawned a romance fierce enough to die for. Reminded me a little of Romeo and Juliet. This is their story, and it’s a great one! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 30, 2017
Eye roll, eye roll, eye roll... sums up my thoughts throughout the entire book.
Until the first ending, which I was surprisingly impressed with, and found so unexpected given the teen angst/love predictable plot. I felt the book was redeemed and planned on a much higher review. But unfortunately the author didn't commit, and turned around with an alternative ending of which would be expected.
Shame on you Kate Mary... as an author you need to be true to your characters and writing. Not worry about readers getting upset; unless of course you are writing strictly for commercialism (considering this books plot I would say that probably the goal). Whatever your reason for writing, in the future, please pick an ending that you think is best for your story and stick with it.
Until the first ending, which I was surprisingly impressed with, and found so unexpected given the teen angst/love predictable plot. I felt the book was redeemed and planned on a much higher review. But unfortunately the author didn't commit, and turned around with an alternative ending of which would be expected.
Shame on you Kate Mary... as an author you need to be true to your characters and writing. Not worry about readers getting upset; unless of course you are writing strictly for commercialism (considering this books plot I would say that probably the goal). Whatever your reason for writing, in the future, please pick an ending that you think is best for your story and stick with it.
May 27, 2021
Alone was a good read by Kate L. Mary. Jules has been floating through life for the past two years. Jules lost her mom and her home when the virus was released. Because of this, she was forced to live with the father she barely knows. Jules meets Roman and feels like everything changes. Roman always only had himself to depend on, even before the zombies. Roman and Jules feel a strong attraction although they can't explain it. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
April 24, 2024
Alone: A Zombie Novel
After zombies change the world as they know it Jules and Roman, who never would have talked to each other in the old world, develop a budding romance. You can tell it's a YA novel just by the way it flows. There are a few slow sections in the beginning where we are in the head of our teen Jules and her swooning after Roman. Things pick up and get exciting with drama and danger. The two endings gave the option to really think about which one you prefer and why.
After zombies change the world as they know it Jules and Roman, who never would have talked to each other in the old world, develop a budding romance. You can tell it's a YA novel just by the way it flows. There are a few slow sections in the beginning where we are in the head of our teen Jules and her swooning after Roman. Things pick up and get exciting with drama and danger. The two endings gave the option to really think about which one you prefer and why.
November 4, 2021
I did really enjoy this end of the world adventure with zombies! A great read! I really loved the ending! I was a little surprised by it, but hey the title states Alone so... Brilliant idea to have an alternative ending for those that want a less real story ending! Not my style a happy ever after but hey we are all different! I do strongly recommend for all that love a good dystopian experience. You will not be disappointed!
January 7, 2022
Ugh! Didn't even make it through the first chapter.
VERY angsty.
Female MC was uninteresting and very depressing.
"Poor me. No one notices me. No one cares about me. No one sees me. Everyone looks right through me" Jules constant reference to this was ad nauseam. At the end of chapter one I was irritatingly annoyed that I didn't even care about the Male MC. What was his name?.....nvm I dont care.
VERY angsty.
Female MC was uninteresting and very depressing.
"Poor me. No one notices me. No one cares about me. No one sees me. Everyone looks right through me" Jules constant reference to this was ad nauseam. At the end of chapter one I was irritatingly annoyed that I didn't even care about the Male MC. What was his name?.....nvm I dont care.
November 27, 2024
Wow
Before I read the note from the author and the alternate ending, I felt so many emotions and had planned on giving 5 stars. In my opinion the emotions felt by the ending is part of what makes a book a good book. Good books make you feel things. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will leave my review at that. I know some folks aren’t fans and while I had strong emotions tied to how it ended, they are why I loved it and I’ll leave it at that.
Before I read the note from the author and the alternate ending, I felt so many emotions and had planned on giving 5 stars. In my opinion the emotions felt by the ending is part of what makes a book a good book. Good books make you feel things. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will leave my review at that. I know some folks aren’t fans and while I had strong emotions tied to how it ended, they are why I loved it and I’ll leave it at that.
April 29, 2025
Not what I was expecting
This book was excellent.. I was taken aback by the note left by the author at the end, and I want to say two things. 1) If you were one of those people, shame on you. And, 2) I stopped with that since that's was where the book should've ended. Not to bully the author to create an alternate ending for people who cant handle a non HEA. ITS THE END OF THE WORLD! Kate, it was a phenominal book. Haters are gonna hate.
This book was excellent.. I was taken aback by the note left by the author at the end, and I want to say two things. 1) If you were one of those people, shame on you. And, 2) I stopped with that since that's was where the book should've ended. Not to bully the author to create an alternate ending for people who cant handle a non HEA. ITS THE END OF THE WORLD! Kate, it was a phenominal book. Haters are gonna hate.
September 3, 2019
While this book does tie in (to a degree) to Kate L Mary's Broken World series, you CAN read it as a standalone. Cameo appearances by several characters in Broken (fun!), but it's not about them. It's about Roman & Jules, 2 years after the virus was released and zombies started walking the earth. Oh - and daddy issues. LOL
Fantastic!
Fantastic!
May 14, 2020
Ok so spoiler alert. Don’t get upset and stop reading the book at the end. There is an alternate ending. I am glad I didn’t just stop reading.
Overall the book was good. The right amount of romance versus the right amount of zombie. I would recommend reading her Broken World Series in order. I would not start with this book.
Overall the book was good. The right amount of romance versus the right amount of zombie. I would recommend reading her Broken World Series in order. I would not start with this book.
July 12, 2020
Actually liked it....
This book is not Like the World Series but I still liked it. I read both the endings and actually liked the 1stone better than the 2nd . Try it you will like it is what I say thank Ms Mary for stepping out of your comfort zone don’t let anyone bad mouth this book I will keep reading anything you write and enjoy each book....
This book is not Like the World Series but I still liked it. I read both the endings and actually liked the 1stone better than the 2nd . Try it you will like it is what I say thank Ms Mary for stepping out of your comfort zone don’t let anyone bad mouth this book I will keep reading anything you write and enjoy each book....
March 14, 2021
Gut wrenching
This novel had my nerves on edge. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the under developed characters. I felt more time could have been given to Jules and Roman versus his previous relationship with Roz. I appreciated the two endings. You can pick your own ending.
This novel had my nerves on edge. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the under developed characters. I felt more time could have been given to Jules and Roman versus his previous relationship with Roz. I appreciated the two endings. You can pick your own ending.
May 22, 2017
After buying the book, I was disappointed to discover that this is more of a YA romance than a zombie story. I read the book anyway, but never connected with the characters and found much of the plot to be unrealistic.
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