What do you think?
Rate this book
Project Dodge
A deadly virus. One little girl. The world isn't ready for what happens next.
Eight-year-old Caitlyn is a rambunctious girl who finds herself at the end of a dirt driveway, watching her mother speed away. Her antics land her at an old farmhouse in a quiet, rural area with her grandmother.
The old woman sends her to the kitchen to make cookies, and when Caitlyn needs her help, she discovers her grandmother in a dark room, staring at the television. Footage shows people frantically evacuating the cities and fleeing for their lives.
Danger lurks around every corner and this little girl learns, firsthand, what happens when you die.
Eight-year-old Caitlyn is a rambunctious girl who finds herself at the end of a dirt driveway, watching her mother speed away. Her antics land her at an old farmhouse in a quiet, rural area with her grandmother.
The old woman sends her to the kitchen to make cookies, and when Caitlyn needs her help, she discovers her grandmother in a dark room, staring at the television. Footage shows people frantically evacuating the cities and fleeing for their lives.
Danger lurks around every corner and this little girl learns, firsthand, what happens when you die.
102 pages, ebook
Published February 22, 2016
9 people are currently reading
1411 people want to read
About the author
J. Lynne
4 books49 followersJ. Lynne was born in Central NY and completed her B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Computer Game Programming in 2012. Her passion for writing started as a young child in the fifth grade, where she and a friend wrote a short play about a haunted house. The first line starts: Have you heard of the house with the blinking lights on top of the hill? Laughter ensued from the classroom as she and her friend read the play aloud.
Horror and dark themes hold a special place in her heart. She grew up reading Christopher Pike and, later in her early teens, Stephen King. Her first published short story 'Everlasting Apple' is a young adult dark fantasy with a dash of suspense.
Horror and dark themes hold a special place in her heart. She grew up reading Christopher Pike and, later in her early teens, Stephen King. Her first published short story 'Everlasting Apple' is a young adult dark fantasy with a dash of suspense.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 25, 2016
Zombelina – my rotten girlfriend is going to pieces
J. Lynne’s latest is a pretty good effort for her third book. The language style is pretty simple and I felt it was aimed squarely at the young adult market – which I am not. These days, every time I start a horror book and realise it’s another zombie story, I cringe a little. No offense meant to the author, but I think the zomboid genre is well and truly in its twilight – but don’t worry, it will “rise again” in the future. Speaking of Twilight, the vampire genre is well and truly past its twinkly-skinned prime too methinks: Is that a collective sigh of relief I hear? I wonder what the next Big Thing in horror will be? Possession by naughty spirits? Nah – too 70s. Dinosaurs on the street? Nope – that era is almost extinct. Sharks? Oh Hell no! I long for something new and original. Flesh eating donuts, killer earthworms...anything pleeeeze.
In this story, our main character is a zombette named Caitlyn/The Creature, who recovers her feelings and emotions – but that’s all; the rest of her is heading the way of compost. She still has her zombie half, speaking evil in her ear – her split personality becomes a problem – Schizozombia if you will. Somewhat similar to the movie Warm Bodies, she develops a relationship with twin boys (not zombies), and we follow their story to its sad ending. I have to confess admiration for Lucas, one of the twins, who becomes Caitlyn's boyfriend. Even though she has all the looks of a dropped pie, he stands by her. Now that's what I call chutzpah!
It’s not too bad in the action department and I found the reading pretty easy. Big kudos to Lynne for the lack of annoying typos, although there was one I found a little humorous: Screeching, the subject slammed into the sliding glass door and left a trail of dead skin and puss on the glass. Yes those cats make a mess when you squish them into a glass door.
It’s early days for this author and I expect we’ll be seeing great things from her.
J. Lynne’s latest is a pretty good effort for her third book. The language style is pretty simple and I felt it was aimed squarely at the young adult market – which I am not. These days, every time I start a horror book and realise it’s another zombie story, I cringe a little. No offense meant to the author, but I think the zomboid genre is well and truly in its twilight – but don’t worry, it will “rise again” in the future. Speaking of Twilight, the vampire genre is well and truly past its twinkly-skinned prime too methinks: Is that a collective sigh of relief I hear? I wonder what the next Big Thing in horror will be? Possession by naughty spirits? Nah – too 70s. Dinosaurs on the street? Nope – that era is almost extinct. Sharks? Oh Hell no! I long for something new and original. Flesh eating donuts, killer earthworms...anything pleeeeze.
In this story, our main character is a zombette named Caitlyn/The Creature, who recovers her feelings and emotions – but that’s all; the rest of her is heading the way of compost. She still has her zombie half, speaking evil in her ear – her split personality becomes a problem – Schizozombia if you will. Somewhat similar to the movie Warm Bodies, she develops a relationship with twin boys (not zombies), and we follow their story to its sad ending. I have to confess admiration for Lucas, one of the twins, who becomes Caitlyn's boyfriend. Even though she has all the looks of a dropped pie, he stands by her. Now that's what I call chutzpah!
It’s not too bad in the action department and I found the reading pretty easy. Big kudos to Lynne for the lack of annoying typos, although there was one I found a little humorous: Screeching, the subject slammed into the sliding glass door and left a trail of dead skin and puss on the glass. Yes those cats make a mess when you squish them into a glass door.
It’s early days for this author and I expect we’ll be seeing great things from her.
April 17, 2016
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was very unsure what to expect from this novella as I was not familiar with the author. But I was very pleasantly surprised. It was a novella so it was fairly short, around 100 pages. It was easy to get into and a quick read. the story was broke into four parts in my mind as I read it. I will try to explain how I felt about each part without giving anything away.(I hate reviews that are just summaries of books). I got into the story very quickly in the beginning but hated Caitlyn. Once I got past the opening things really started moving and I was loving the feel of the story. There was one part I didn't really love and was concerned about where the plot was going. My concerns were short lived and everything was great in my head again. But the twist towards the end was amazing and then the actual ending was fantastic. I had originally rated this 3 stars but now that I am thinking about the ending again I have to upgrade it to a 4.
I was very unsure what to expect from this novella as I was not familiar with the author. But I was very pleasantly surprised. It was a novella so it was fairly short, around 100 pages. It was easy to get into and a quick read. the story was broke into four parts in my mind as I read it. I will try to explain how I felt about each part without giving anything away.(I hate reviews that are just summaries of books). I got into the story very quickly in the beginning but hated Caitlyn. Once I got past the opening things really started moving and I was loving the feel of the story. There was one part I didn't really love and was concerned about where the plot was going. My concerns were short lived and everything was great in my head again. But the twist towards the end was amazing and then the actual ending was fantastic. I had originally rated this 3 stars but now that I am thinking about the ending again I have to upgrade it to a 4.
October 21, 2022
This is a good short story! A little graphic perhaps, not wanting to give away the plot, but good ideas, I liked the style & overall feel even if a little darker than other zombie reads!
December 28, 2016
This review is featured on my blog, Writerly Bookish Stuff
The zombie apocalypse hits the world whilst Caitlyn and her Gran are alone at the farmhouse. It doesn't take long for the undead to get inside. Caitlyn dies, but by chance, she finds her way to a research facility where people are attempting to find some sort of cure.
The action starts pretty much straight away, and the premise draws you in. I wanted to be included in how the mind of a zombie works as there are not a lot of undead perspective books out there. Caitlyn acts pretty much how you'd expect, but the slight thought processes described were interesting.
The writing style is simplistic and this does lend itself to the 'creature's' perspective, but not so much to the rest. As Caitlyn regains some sort of emotional footing, you see the split personality between the human and the zombie in her- another interesting dimension. I wonder if this novella would have benefitted from being in Caitlyn's perspective throughout. The ending is sad *no spoilers*, but I think I was expecting more. I was never fully shocked and surprised, and I don't necessarily mean in the gore sense. With so many zombie books available, and being a huge fan of the genre, I believe there has to be something more to offer, whether it be unique plot twists or a fresh writing style that stands out from the crowd.
In summary, if you can't get enough of the zombie genre, this is one to try. Caitlyn's perspective is interesting, but I wanted a little more surprise.
The zombie apocalypse hits the world whilst Caitlyn and her Gran are alone at the farmhouse. It doesn't take long for the undead to get inside. Caitlyn dies, but by chance, she finds her way to a research facility where people are attempting to find some sort of cure.
The action starts pretty much straight away, and the premise draws you in. I wanted to be included in how the mind of a zombie works as there are not a lot of undead perspective books out there. Caitlyn acts pretty much how you'd expect, but the slight thought processes described were interesting.
The writing style is simplistic and this does lend itself to the 'creature's' perspective, but not so much to the rest. As Caitlyn regains some sort of emotional footing, you see the split personality between the human and the zombie in her- another interesting dimension. I wonder if this novella would have benefitted from being in Caitlyn's perspective throughout. The ending is sad *no spoilers*, but I think I was expecting more. I was never fully shocked and surprised, and I don't necessarily mean in the gore sense. With so many zombie books available, and being a huge fan of the genre, I believe there has to be something more to offer, whether it be unique plot twists or a fresh writing style that stands out from the crowd.
In summary, if you can't get enough of the zombie genre, this is one to try. Caitlyn's perspective is interesting, but I wanted a little more surprise.
September 13, 2022
I love zombie novels and this was no exception. The character development of little Caitlyn was beautifully written. Young adventurous little girl, turned zombie and then a "cure" that makes her more human even as a zombie. I was enthralled from beginning to end. The author even gives you a zombie perspective. I love that there could be more to come in her story.
January 11, 2021
I won this book in the giveaways and I'm very glad that I did. I love apocalyptic and end of the world type books but when I'm shopping I don't usually go for the smaller books like this. Although I don't usually go for these small of books I enjoy the quick read that I can bust out in a few hours. As for the plot I will just say I enjoyed this book and the character development without going too in depth as to not ruin anything. Zombie type books are always about the characters and I feel like Lynne did a good job with them.
March 10, 2016
I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review. I'm thankful to the author. Wow! It feels like watching a movie! Caitlyn is at her grandma's house and the news shows about something wrong going on everywhere. I'm not a great fan of zombie novels but this one is really interesting. I liked how the author showed Caitlyn's innocence earlier and then the emotionless behaviour of the undead. I found the ending was quite sad but still the book was worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2016
A deadly virus hits the nation and the dead begin to rise. Follow Caitlyn's journey and discover what happens when you die!
June 24, 2016
Interesting
This book tells a zombie apocalypse story from an interesting perspective. I enjoyed the different stages of the protagonists life in the new world.
This book tells a zombie apocalypse story from an interesting perspective. I enjoyed the different stages of the protagonists life in the new world.
December 3, 2020
Really liked this novella. Gory and creepy.
November 8, 2022
*Goodreads First Reads copy*
Overall I would give this story a 3 1/2-star review. It was a quick read. The atmosphere definitely fits within the horror genre. There certainly were parts where I found myself uncomfortable, and thinking about deeper truths to the story. However, I found most of the characters to be somewhat underdeveloped. I couldn't really connect with their motivations, desires, and quirks. In several instances, I was unable to even rationalize the relationships they developed with other characters. Having some of these questions answered may have improved the story.
I also did not really enjoy the epilogue. It really did not seem to fit into the progression of the rest of the story. There was no hint as to why this occurred, or how.
Overall I would give this story a 3 1/2-star review. It was a quick read. The atmosphere definitely fits within the horror genre. There certainly were parts where I found myself uncomfortable, and thinking about deeper truths to the story. However, I found most of the characters to be somewhat underdeveloped. I couldn't really connect with their motivations, desires, and quirks. In several instances, I was unable to even rationalize the relationships they developed with other characters. Having some of these questions answered may have improved the story.
I also did not really enjoy the epilogue. It really did not seem to fit into the progression of the rest of the story. There was no hint as to why this occurred, or how.
November 22, 2022
Unique Twist On Classic Zombie Tale
Zombies are cool and all, but the storyline can get a little redundant—zombie outbreak happens, survivors try and fight them off, main characters get bitten, and the number of survivors continues to dwindle.
Refreshingly, this story brought something new to the table by allowing the reader inside the mind of the monster. For me, the second half of this novella really started to pick up, as the reader was able to understand and empathize with the main zombie, Caitlin.
If you’ve watched “We Are All Dead,” and you enjoyed it, I think you’d also enjoy this novella.
All in all, is was a pretty solid story.
Zombies are cool and all, but the storyline can get a little redundant—zombie outbreak happens, survivors try and fight them off, main characters get bitten, and the number of survivors continues to dwindle.
Refreshingly, this story brought something new to the table by allowing the reader inside the mind of the monster. For me, the second half of this novella really started to pick up, as the reader was able to understand and empathize with the main zombie, Caitlin.
If you’ve watched “We Are All Dead,” and you enjoyed it, I think you’d also enjoy this novella.
All in all, is was a pretty solid story.
January 14, 2024
Has a few editing errors. A great shorter story. Follows the perspective of a "cured" zombie, has a small twist ending. Would be 4 stars if it had stayed consistent. The last chapter has 2 paragraphs that are very crude\lewd and it's not good, and not relevant to the plot even a little bit. Honestly those paragraphs would probably shorten it enough to be considered a true short story rather than novella. This was a goodreads giveaway. I do enjoy this genre and I lived this point of view, it was very unique and I look forward to more from this author.
November 18, 2022
*Received a digital copy through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.*
This was a quick read and I didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either. It was okay, but not something I’d likely read again or think much about.
This was a quick read and I didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either. It was okay, but not something I’d likely read again or think much about.
March 27, 2023
Interesting.
Another giveaway I won. It’s definitely an interesting thought: what would happen if you turned into a zombie. I haven’t seen that perspective before. It was good, if not a bit choppy. Poor Caitlyn, though. The ending was rough for her.
Another giveaway I won. It’s definitely an interesting thought: what would happen if you turned into a zombie. I haven’t seen that perspective before. It was good, if not a bit choppy. Poor Caitlyn, though. The ending was rough for her.
January 16, 2023
Variation on the walking dead
Story told through the eyes of one of the zombies, different story. Not really my type of story but was a quick read.
Story told through the eyes of one of the zombies, different story. Not really my type of story but was a quick read.
July 23, 2023
This book will appeal to a very particular reader. It is very graphic in a gross way with a scary premise. Because it was a novella, it was a quick read.
April 24, 2016
First impressions: From the length, this looks like a kid's chapter book, but the bloody hand print on the cover and a quick read of the back tell me it is really not meant for most kids.
Review: This would make a very good horror movie. The descriptions were vivid enough to let me picture the action in my mind easily and also good enough to give me the creeps, in a good way. This is a book to read with as many lights on as possible.
This is a zombie story, reminiscent of “Night of the Living Dead,” but from a unique viewpoint and following its own plot. I usually prefer longer books, but this one was satisfying and did not leave me wanting to know where the rest of it went (an issue I tend to have with shorter stories).
As for not being for kids, it would probably be appreciated by a teenager who is into horror. Any younger than that and they may have nightmares.
I plan on reading more by this author.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through the Goodreads Giveaway program and it is part of my Reading Rut project (readingrut.wordpress.com). Thank you to the author.
Review: This would make a very good horror movie. The descriptions were vivid enough to let me picture the action in my mind easily and also good enough to give me the creeps, in a good way. This is a book to read with as many lights on as possible.
This is a zombie story, reminiscent of “Night of the Living Dead,” but from a unique viewpoint and following its own plot. I usually prefer longer books, but this one was satisfying and did not leave me wanting to know where the rest of it went (an issue I tend to have with shorter stories).
As for not being for kids, it would probably be appreciated by a teenager who is into horror. Any younger than that and they may have nightmares.
I plan on reading more by this author.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through the Goodreads Giveaway program and it is part of my Reading Rut project (readingrut.wordpress.com). Thank you to the author.
April 16, 2016
Another creepy, scary, haunting, bone chilling book from J. Lynne! I thought this book was extremely gripping, and it hooks the audience right away! It's a very popular concept- what happens after you die, but the writing approach is very unique which made me like it a lot. Probably my favourite of her books.
January 26, 2018
Here is a storyteller who grabs you by the throat and isn't afraid to squeeze. If you plan to read this book (and I highly suggest you do if you love horror) prepare yourself. It is like nothing you've ever read.
August 10, 2016
I have just started to read stories about the living dead so I am not an expert but there were things I didn't understand in this one. Maybe it's just me...
December 27, 2016
Zombies. The Rotting Little Girl is "saved" by a new family. Everyone dies. [Heavy sigh.] Why do I even bother with Zombie books?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews