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Dead Hunger #9

The Cleansing

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THE CLEANSING HAS BEGUN.

Since 2011, Flex, Gem, Hemp, Charlie and their families have struggled to survive in a world gone dead. Nearly twenty years later, at the dawning of 2029, they are under siege yet again.

After more than a decade of relative calm in the fortified city of Kingman, Kansas, A new onslaught of the walking dead has our heroes struggling to understand the reasons behind it.

There is no time to come up with a plan. The fences appear inadequate and the Mothers and Hungerers are dead set on getting to the nourishment within . . .

Everyone must band together and use their skills if they are to defeat the hordes of walking dead.

Join them as they give it their all ... one last time.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2016

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About the author

Eric A. Shelman

65 books167 followers
The Scabs Trilogy in my rearview mirror, and Dead Hunger long finished, I introduce Emma's Rose: The Cave! It's my new ZOMBIE series.

It has been a while since I delved into the zombie world. I really enjoyed writing the Scabs Series, but something was pulling me . Perhaps they were dead arms, peeling and gray, reaching for flesh. My flesh.

As usual my stories are character driven. Emma's Rose is no exception. I hope you enjoy the whole new cast of characters, and the new adventure, along with the new zombies.

A HUGE thanks to all of you who have read any of my work.

Now ... about me.

Eric A. Shelman was born in 1960 in Fort Worth, Texas. He now lives in Cape Coral, Florida with his wife of thirty years, Linda.

Life is good. But it takes hard work.

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105 (82%)
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16 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy  P. .
1,227 reviews12 followers
September 11, 2021
'The Cleansing' (Dead Hunger, #IX) was the perfect conclusion to a perfect zombie apocalypse series. So much happened! Lots of intense gore filled action, tender moments between years long comrades, and sad deaths of some very strong characters.
Excellent job Mr. Shelman! BTW: I have found very few authors who can pull off narrating their own books decently. Well, you, my sir are an amazing narrator, & it is more than impressive how well you can do so many dialects, cultures etcetera. Cannot wait to dive into your next project! Many Thanks for all the hours of sheer enjoyment and escapism this series provided. = o )
Profile Image for Giles.
29 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2016
It was with trepidation I started to read this book. Knowing it was to be the final installment in the tale of Flex, Gem and Co. Had me worried; had the author tired of these characters? Would their end be their demise? Would they go out with a bang or a whimper? I know I don't have any right to question the author on how he runs his series, but I feel connected to these characters and this world; I have given many hours of my life to their adventures so these worries were real.

I'm happy to report that no matter what reservations I had when I picked the book up, my fears were unfounded. The adventure within these pages is if anything more action packed than the previous eight books, every single plot point was well thought through and contributed to the overall arc of the story. As I have come to expect from the books in this series the action is interspersed with great humorous interplay between the characters and their interaction always feels so real.

I'm not going to tell you what happens in this book, I'm not even going to hint any more than I have. Sufficed to say it is a fitting end to the journey we've been on and I recommend you read it now.

If you're reading this review and haven't read numbers 1 to 8 go and do that now, then come back and read the one I've reviewed I promise you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Thomas Jr..
Author 17 books9 followers
February 25, 2016
A fitting final to an amazing series

The ride is over. While sad to know this was the last hurah for the group. It couldn't have ended on a better note. Thank you for the amazing series Mr. Shelman and bringing us along for the ride.
Profile Image for Joan.
1,160 reviews6 followers
February 10, 2016
I started this book with a feeling of sadness and dread knowing this was the last book in the awesome Dead Hunger series by Eric A. Shelman. I knew that it would be action packed with many tense, heartbreaking and horror filled moments as the residents of Kingman, Kansas fought for survival among the many hordes of Hungerers and Mothers. I was not disappointed and this journey with Flex, Gem, Hemp, Charlie, Nelson, Dave, Isis, Max and too many others to name came to a bittersweet but fitting conclusion. Thank you for taking me on this wild ride with such great characters that I felt like they were friends and I was on the almost two decade long journey with them. A huge thumbs up.
Profile Image for Maria E. Diffenderfer.
3 reviews
August 18, 2019
Fanatastic

I usually know from reading the first few pages of a book if it is going to be good or not. When I started yours, I went back to amazon and got the other 8 books. I was not disappointed!! The books keep you wanting to read and are hard to put down. I really enjoyed all of the books and did not have one moment of boredom. I loved all the characters and foot like I knew them personally. I appreciated the ending and feel the same way you do. If you want to read books that make you happy,sad and hopefully. You have found them. I hated for the series t come to the end. read these books, you will love them!!!!!!!.
Keep them coming, I will read them. Best of luck and happiness. a happy reader. MED.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2019
Outstanding series

And outstanding Series. The zombie apocalypse. A great cast of characters written with plenty of emotion and depth in every character. Follow along as each character writes a chronicle of the zombie apocalypse. In a sequence they tell their beginning story and then further the story along until the next one. A unique and intriguing Journey from beginning to end. Plenty of people and characters that you like will die plenty of characters and people that you hate will die. No one is ever safe in the zombie apocalypse. One fun fact I noticed. Throughout the books there were several different author names used as characters and I found that entertaining. Check them all out you will not be disappointed.
147 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2020
A fitting end to a great series

I'm old, and I've gotten lazy in my old age, so I'll keep it short (and hopefully sweet). I have read the whole series, and enjoyed each book. Read them yourself, and you'll find that you will agree with me. I'm not going to spoil the experience by telling you everything in advance. Read them yourself. Enjoy!!
Profile Image for Mary.
157 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2019
This was such a fantastic series of books! The characters were easy to love and fun getting to know them all! Hated for the series to end!
Profile Image for Walker.
423 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2024
Excellent series!!!!! I miss yall already!
Profile Image for Shannon.
23 reviews
February 8, 2016
Well, the ride is over. Not without a finale' worthy of diving off the biggest cliff, or riding the fastest roller coaster. Pure Adrenalin to the climax and the feeling of satisfaction after.. I am SO happy to have been a part of this journey. Mr. Shelman is a very unique writer. His work is very in depth and he actually "gets" what the reader wants! His prose is one that you long for in many writers. From "being" Hemp with the highest of medical information, to the everyday mundane simple life of how to fend for yourself and help a child, He is able to grab you from the beginning and keep you with him for the duration. You want to be that person that meets Charlie, Gem, Hemp, Bug, Dave, Nelson and so many more. You WANT to be with the "in" crowd or family as they are you and I..Or people we know that makes you want to be with them. I Loved the way the ending, ended. And while I did feel sad/happy/mad for many things at times as so many emotions run through you as you are watching this movie unfold in your head, this whole series has actually taught me a great many lessons. There are good people in the world. Even though it is a fictional book I know that he took lots of stories from his real life and incorporated them. Characters, places, situations etc. I guess what it boils down to is if a book has made you cry, laugh,play out like a movie in your head, or even think about them long after the book is closed,..It will be one you will remember for years to come. Maybe a building, a karaoke bar, a town, a person will remind you of someone from the stories. You will think of it because he humanized them. And that my friend, is a wonderful thing. You form friendships, albeit they are characters sure (but also in real life.) I have met wonderful people who have spoken about these books. I hope to eventually make my way with others and have a shindig worthy of what the gang would do!..But to have that and know that they would be your kind of "people" just goes to show the versatility as a writer he is. I loved the Chronicles and am so happy that the people behind the chronicles are as worthy as the words on the page. That is what it is all about. He let them speak to him and told their story. They may be just words on a page, but those words have touched many people, and will continue to do so. Let them speak to you....And just enjoy it! That you do not find a lot. Thank You for a wonderful journey Eric Shelman. Looking forward to more in the future...Sleep well Kingsman and welcome home Flex, Gem and crew..Even the dogs I know are somewhere about and waiting.. ;)
Profile Image for Amanda Felix.
99 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2016
Sorry it had to end

It's several years later and all our old friends are now living better after defeating the Maestro and introducing several other hybrids into their growing group. The walls are up and Gem, Flex, Hemp Charlie are older and still full of fire. The kids are grown and thriving as is their community which has increased over the years. They have not had a real push from either the dead or the Mothers or much of a problem with muaraders. The world has changed but for this group, they have thrived; rebuilding not only their community but their lives. But suddenly something is making the Hybrids ill; voices in their heads, screaming they can't control or block out. For their sanity they have to be put to sleep and Max and Isis arguably the strongest but still affected, are trying to understand the siren call that is bombarding their senses. (Possible Spoilers) It soon becomes evident that a horde of dead are coming for them but complacency over the years has made some of their defenses weak. The hordes are coming in numbers never before seen and the Mothers are more aggressive in their directing of the horde. Amidst the turmoil, heartbreak of loss and the fighting for survival, they make an unexpected discovery that can change the course of all future battles with the dead and the Mothers. The ensuing battles around the town are intense and frightening. There will be loss and heartbreak because a battle of this magnitude will never be death free especially a battle with the dead and the Mothers but there is good news in the end. I did have one small issue with the epilogue but that is my opinion only, it does not detract from the great story and.....ending? For now it is goodbye to old friends, those that survived and those lost.
Profile Image for Julie Greig.
39 reviews
February 26, 2016
I didn't want it to end - An outstanding final chapter to an amazing series

An outstanding end chapter to an amazing series.
Eric A Shelman is an incredible artist. He uses words as his paint, paper ( or magic if you're reading an e-book ) as his canvas.
This again can be read as a stand alone but don't cheat yourself of the full enjoyment knowing these people will bring. They're all a bit older - who isn't - not always wiser, but still together and The Gang take us on another adventure. It may be our last together but it certainly doesn't disappoint.
Whether or not you've read apocalyptic or zombie stories before these are a must. Adventure, terror, fun, love, loss and to lighten the mood, Nelson. Everyone seems to have a favourite player in this adventure, start now and find yours.
Profile Image for Laurie Mault.
98 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2016
A perfect ending

Eric Shelman's series "Dead Hunger" was an amazing series. I loved all of his characters and felt I was with them through all their trials and tribulations so when I heard the last of the series was coming out I was sad to say the least. I have read the series more than a couple times-yes, it is that good. I couldn't imagine my life without Flex and Gem Hemp and Charlie. These are my friends. What is going to happen to them? Well I read the book in one sitting because it was non-stop action that kept me hanging onto my seat. I'm happy to say that Mr. Shelman wrote the perfect ending. When I finished the book I was relieved. Although some characters met their demise others survived and I will always remember them with love.
Profile Image for Kristie hunter.
94 reviews
May 30, 2016
Sad that it's the last of the best zompoc fiction series out there

I have read and re-read this series, I bonded with these characters like no others. This series had a profound impact on my life and outlook on life after a tragedy in mine. These characters fought every day to live and rebuild their new normal. These characters taught me how that through the pain and wreckage there is hope and a will to survive. It won't be the same but with loved ones and perseverance you can come out different and stronger. This is not just fiction, it is fiction with heart. Bravo, Eric A Shelman, Bravo.
2 reviews
March 29, 2016
I will miss them all


This my first review. Reading this series, I have been continually amazed by Eric Shelman's use of characterization. Each and every person feels different. The characters are so full and well known especially after reading of them in both the third and first person perspectives. I was also constantly pleased by his intelligent insight answering all my questions about the disease and zombie lore. You know it has to be difficult to write as a epidemiologist with a mechanical engineering background. You really need all the answers. Plainly spoken it has been a fantastic ride. Thank you Eric A. Sherman.
Profile Image for Joan.
1,160 reviews6 followers
May 3, 2016
I started this book with a feeling of sadness and dread knowing this was the last book in the awesome Dead Hunger series by Eric A. Shelman. I knew that it would be action packed with many tense, heartbreaking and horror filled moments as the residents of Kingman, Kansas fought for survival among the many hordes of Hungerers and Mothers. I was not disappointed and this journey with Flex, Gem, Hemp, Charlie, Nelson, Dave, Isis, Max and too many others to name came to a bittersweet but fitting conclusion. Thank you for taking me on this wild ride with such great characters that I felt like they were friends and I was on the almost two decade long journey with them. A huge thumbs up.
Profile Image for Nichola Lines.
1 review1 follower
March 24, 2016
The last in a fantastic series of books. By the time you reach this book you will be extremely attached to Gem, Flex and their friends and family. The series ends as it should with everything wrapped up. However don't expect a completely happy ending because the town suffers losses In this their final battle. As usual Eric adds humour to a terrible situation, so it's not all doom and gloom. A brilliant read and like all Eric's books it's difficult to put down.
Profile Image for Chrystal Roe.
1,317 reviews15 followers
December 12, 2017
OMG

I believe this is the most action packed installment of the whole series. The zombies are feeling weakened by the diminishing zombie gas and are desperate to regain their strength. So they seek out the only thing they understand, food, people. What follows is a war to end all wars. The residents of Kingman must fight like never before if they want to survive.
Profile Image for Mary Lee.
499 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2016
Good ending

The ending was good. Despite that, it was my least favorite of the series. I had a hard time staying interested and focused. I felt like the book consisted of people making stupid decisions and then trying to survive it, while making more stupid decisions. The last few chapters were what redeemed it.
Profile Image for Karen Mccollin.
832 reviews8 followers
March 3, 2016
Let me start by saying I love this book and I am so sad to see my favorite characters at the end of there journey, I must say I love how this book ended but sad to see it go, from the beginning the story was great love love love this series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
13 reviews
March 9, 2016
This series was excellent...I'm so sad that it's over. I fell in love with the Sheridans and Chatsworths and hate to see them go.

If you're into the zombie genre and haven't read any of this series, go back to the beginning and get started!
29 reviews
March 11, 2016
Great series

This was a great series! There's usually doom and gloom at the end of zombie books but this book awesome and a happy ending means no tears which makes me happy I read this series! Great ending!!!
80 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2016
Good series

Really enjoyed, grew attached to the characters. Loved ending, hated to see series end, but glad also. Well worth the read
35 reviews
April 4, 2016
Review

I have really enjoyed this series through the years. I have enjoyed the author's style also. It is a little sad for it to end but I'm really glad he ended it the way he did.
Profile Image for Maria Farber.
12 reviews
March 30, 2017
Great finally

The last of the hunger series, it will not disappoint the reader. The characters came full circle, and ended where they started.
Profile Image for Billie Lang.
96 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2017
WOW! What a ride. Have enjoyed each and every one of these chronicles, a couple stood out as favorites. The use of chronicles was a great way introduce new people, endear us to ones we were just familiar with, and allow us to see how far and wide the country was forever changed, when the hungry dead started walking.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews