Since the Sirens

Sirens of the Zombie Apocalypse #1

by E.E. Isherwood

The world is ending. Who will save Grandma?

What would you do if a mysterious plague began to devour your city and the dead started banging on your door?

Fifteen-year-old Liam Peters is spending the summer with his great-grandmother (not by choice) when the authorities of St. Louis spin up the tornado sirens to announce a civic emergency. Police robocalls declare mass disturbances throughout the city, suggesting citizens try to escape to safer jurisdictions. Radio offers contradictory instructions: stay inside, hunker down, ride it out. The President tries to convey a message of hope to calm a scared populace, but the tone is interpreted as a goodbye. The mixed messaging sends society--already on the verge of panic--into a tailspin. When the President signs off, half the city hunkers down while the other half dashes for the interstate.

Now Liam is faced with his first dilemma of an increasingly complicated morning. Should he stay with Grandma and attempt to defend her urban home against both the living and the dead, or should he try to get her out of the city to his parents' home in the suburbs? Nothing is ever as simple as it sounds when life and death are on the line.

As an avid reader of zombie literature, Liam realizes you go into the zombie apocalypse with the army you have, not the one you want. He sees himself as an unlikely savior, with an unlikely ally, but he embarks on the hero's journey nonetheless. As the city implodes, they race against the clock to outpace desperate refugees, gang violence, criminal opportunists, overzealous military units, scared civilians, and a growing horde of bloodthirsty zombies. He does it while burdened with a woman who is unable to walk more than ten feet without help.

As they chase the elusive vision of safety, Liam comes to appreciate why there are no atheists in foxholes.

Introducing the Sirens of the Zombie Apocalypse series.

Book 1: Since the Sirens Book 2: Siren Songs Book 3: Stop the Sirens

Author's Notes: Since the Sirens can be read as a standalone story. It doesn't end with a cliffhanger. Books 2 and 3 are optional reading beyond this first volume. I hope you'll enjoy Liam and Grandma's journey enough to follow them further, but as an author and a reader of zombie books, I abhor misleading or otherwise trapping readers.

This cover replaces original edition ASIN B018H82ZYU.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Fiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2016

About the author

E.E. Isherwood has been a storyteller for over 30 years. Initially the muse took the form of childish comic strips. As a teen it manifested itself under the guise of Dungeons and Dragons adventures. In college it culminated with a Master's thesis on Missouri geography—an extremely boring kind of story. Three decades and several careers later he realized that siren song never stopped, so he began to author books. A life-long enthusiast of apocalyptic fiction, writing about zombies was his passion. Future titles in science fiction and fantasy are in the hopper. He lives in the St. Louis, Missouri area, where his series of zombie books takes place.

Reviews

[Jeff Swystun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy post-apocalyptic and zombie fare. They are great escapes that always conjure up our own "what-ifs". What if I was in downtown NY and a plague hit? What if the government told me to barricade my home until further notice? Plots and concepts may vary but I always wonder what I would do. In this first novel in a series I could not insert myself into the action.

It is trying too hard to tick too many boxes. Zombies, young adult (if I knew that I would never have bought it), and somewhat Christian (again, I would not have bought it). I am not anti YA or Christian. I am looking for grit and originality now in this genre because most books are so familiar and repetitive. This entry failed to conjure the horror and tenseness that would occur if our world changed so dramatically overnight. It also has another strike against it ... it is a series ... can't an author put out a strong standalone novel?

[Rebekah Scroggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good zombie book! I liked the main characters a lot. And the idea of a teenager and his 104 year old grandmother trying to survive the zombie apocalypse is so unique! It was a refreshing twist on the whole thing. The addition of the religious aspect is quite intriguing and I am interested to see where the author takes that element of the story!

I can't wait to read the sequel in order to find out more about the origin of the virus! Is the government behind it all? Will Liam's parents be alive and safe? Will they ever find them?

I read this one in about 4.5 hours and would really recommend it to anyone who likes The Walking Dead.

[Kashka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, fast-paced Christian Zombie story

Since the Sirens is a very good first novel. Like another review, Christian zombie novels are not my thing. However, in this story, there was no preaching. If you can suspend your disbelief enough to be okay with the premise that God, heaven and angels are all Christians, you might be able to squeak by with this story. For an indie novel, the quality is pretty good. The spelling, grammar and typographical errors are minimal. considering this is self-published.

The two main characters are at the opposite end of the spectrum. Main character One is *very* elderly, frail, spunky, tires easily, prone to needing frequent naps and adaptable. These qualities make her likable and believable. However, that she lives more or less alone is not believable.

The other main character is a young teenager. Immature, vapid, withdrawn, all believable qualities. When the zombie apocalypse occurs, he doesn't immediately become smarter than all of the adults - also believable. This makes the story more available to adult readers. However, he isn't likable enough early in the story. And authors, please, please, PLEASE, stop making your main characters asocial gamers who live in their parent's or grandparent's basements- or their own small little basement or flat, playing zombie-fighting video games! No zombie video games!!

I love that the story moves along at a great, brisk pace. Not too fast, not too slow. It doesn't get bogged down in tactical or hardware details. The author spends, for my tastes, the perfect amount of time on relationships (which is minimal). The story starts at my favorite place for zombie novels: right before the zombie apocalypse starts. I love watching the apocalypse unfold. The characters are shocked and unbelieving when the dead rise. They fumble through encounters and are nearly caught. *That's* believable.

[BookLoversLife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liam is spending the summer with his great- grandma, not by choice, but he is making the best of a bad situation. When the Zombie outbreak happens, he debates with himself what he must do. Does he try to take this 104 yr old lady out of the city or bunker down. In the end he has no choice, and along with a new friend, Victoria, the 3 set out to leave the city to the dead.

This turned out to be a little different than I expected. I'm still not sure what my feelings are on where the author is taking the story. Grandma's visions were very much out there and I'm a little unsure on whether I like that turn of events or not!! I might have to read book 2 to really see what I think.

Anyway, the overall plot was ok. The Zombie apocalypse happens and catches everyone by surprise and Liam and his grandma have to find a safe haven. Nothing really new there but still enjoyable to read. It wasn't exactly a fast paced, intense read but it played out fairly well. I wasn't bored, which is always good and it held my attention till the end!!

Character wise, I liked Liam and thought he was believable. He is a typical teen!! When the Zombie outbreak happens, it takes him a while to believe it and then his first thoughts are for himself till he finally remembers his great grandma. Even then, while he would never leave her behind, he does plan a "what if" situation and a "could I" situation. "What if" the zombies attack, grandma cant run, "could I" leave her? etc. I think most teenagers would think the same.

In all, this was a good story with likable characters. It's not a gory, action packed zombie read, but enjoyable non the less. It's very much a YA Zombie read!!

*I received this for free via Audiobook boom. This in no way affected or influenced my thoughts.*

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved this story there are so many interesting twists that really keeps you on the edge and holding your breath. Granny was a wonderful lady that keeps you laughing. Even at 104 her mind is sharp, quick, smart and very clever. There are serious scenes that grab you leaving you breathless but at the same time you can’t help but chuckle or laugh. It is a story I could relate to being a teen and not knowing how to talk to the elderly, being bored out of your mind, doing everything you can to relieve that boredom. Zombies are not one of my favorite genre's although I have really enjoyed a few but this one I thought really blow it away from the characters to the story line it was very entertaining.

Ms. Peterson really impressed me with her many different characters and their voices that really fit not only the story line but the characters. She really brings this story to life with her very talented voice you forget you are listening to an audio as she gives very vivid scenes that takes you to another level in your mind as you picture the scenes before your eyes. There is no repeat of wording, no background noise or any place there was a volume change. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. The audio is very crisp, clean with lots of emotion delivered in a way you feel each characters emotion, knowing just what they are going through and what they are feeling. She gives you a smooth listen with a rich voice that leaves you lost in the plot as she takes you away to another time and place. I have listened to a few of her audios and I think I like this one the best. I really hope she does the next book in this series and it will not be long before it is out. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I found this story to be believable, rich and exciting. The author gives a wonderful plot that pulls you in, with a little spiritual in the mix giving you a meaningful listen but isn’t over powering. It was a wonderful clean read with a little romance mixed in. This is a story that would be for all ages and one a family can listen to together and really enjoy discussing it as they go along. It would be great for a long family trip with long hours of driving. Liam is your normal teen but when it comes down to what is important he learns fast and steps up to the plate putting his grandmother first trying his best to get her to safety. There are many paths and road blocks they must get through along with a few lives lost that you feel to your bones. There is a play on the government and what they are willing to do and not do to help the people. So much unknown, excitement and thrills will come your way as you take a wild ride on a train with the zombies on the hunt never far behind and sometimes ahead. Bottom line I was hooked almost from the first page to the last. It was a very enjoyable listen from the plot to the narration.

[Adrian Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't go in for zombie stories, but this one is actually really good. It follows a 15-year-old boy named Liam as he tries to save his 104-year-old great-grandmother, who he has been spending the summer with, from a looming disaster of undead attackers, made that way by an Ebola-like virus. As the unlikely pair attempt to flee from the murderous hordes, they meet many different kinds of people. Some become friends, some allies, and others enemies, but none of that changes Liam's determination to get his elderly charge to some kind of safety.

This not only has the horror of zombies, it also delves a little into faith and mysticism, as the old woman starts having visions of what is apparently a guardian angel, and many of their new acquaintances begin to invite the young hero to find his way of belief as well. The spirit of the older woman that has not been depleted by her age or circumstances, the devotion of her young protector, and the interplay between the two is enough to keep the reader enthralled up to the end. Something of a warning: This is quite a large series of books, and the end of this one comes in what seems like the middle of the action, so be prepared to left hanging. But, if all the installments are as good as this one, it's well worth the time.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zombie fiction - one of my favourite genre reads. This one had some Christian beliefs mixed in, which is different, but I didn't think that they overpowered the main story. Basically, at the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse, teenager Liam decides to make his way back to his family home, with his great-grandmother (104 years old!) in tow. Along the way he meets up with various characters including fellow teen, Victoria.

There was suspense and some tension but very little gore for a zombie book. I did feel things began to get a little repetitive at times but it was always just interesting enough for me to keep reading to find out what happens. I did find myself deploying an eye-roll now and again, mainly at the budding relationship between Liam and Victoria. Granted, I'm no longer a teenager but I would think that during a zombie apocalypse, dating would be the furthest thing from my mind. From anyone's really. Overall, I enjoyed it enough to check out the next book in the series at some point.

[Bridget Keeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely Different & Wonderful Zombie Apocalypse Book

Honestly, I did not like 15 year old Liam in the beginning. A "typical" selfish, self-centered bratty teenager whose life is centered around video games & friends who play them with him.

Liam is sent to live with his 104 year old great-grandmother for a while after he & his parents need a break from one another. During his time with Grandma Marty, he continues his selfish ways until the unimaginable happens, a real-life zombie apocalypse. Liam wants to be the hero, but let's just say it takes time & two amazing women to bring out this potential in him.

This story is remarkably different from other zombie books. It has divine elements & has created a solid launching point for the series. I'm thrilled I gave it a chance. I'm excited for what's to come.

[Scott Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Exciting

I'm generally not a fan of teen coming of age stories. More often than not they are unrealistic and vapid.

When I started reading "Since the Sirens," I was just looking for some zombie-based brain candy without many expectations.

E.E. does an admirable job in writing this first book in his Sirens series. His characters are interesting and somewhat multidimensional. But, it's the first book in a series, that is often the case with characters in that situation.

E.E. also has an interesting storyline and I appreciate the fact that the characters aren't heroes at the get-go.

I am going to keep reading and hope the story just get better.

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

As part of the Dark Humanity book set, Since the Sirens was poorly edited. It had repeated words such as 'three three' and used the word 'metaphorical' where literal applied. Beyond that, the story moved at a slower pace and over referenced Catholicism as humanity's salvation from sickness (zombies) while describing employees of the CDC as bumbling, drunken fools. The protagonist's love interest gets caught with only the clothes on her back yet claims her one wish was that she had brought her Bible with her (rather than any provisions or supplies). I could only get through half of the story.

[Ebony Irby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This read more like a YA romance novel with some zombies and murder thrown in. The romantic feelings between the grandson and Victoria was juvenile to say the least. Plus what’s with all the Bible references?? Suddenly this young girl (who’s fresh out of HS) is so knowledgeable of the world, and religion? Now, don’t get me wrong. I have NOTHING against it, it it seems as the author would just throw in random Bible references as if this is a Biblical read, and Not about the dead wandering the Earth! Sigh…… it just seemed out of place in the story.

Was not able to finish

[Wayne Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I've read dozens of novels about zombies and it's always refreshing when you find a new series that spins the tale in a new way. This is an excellent start to what I hope is a great series! It doesn't hurt that I was born and raised in South St. Louis and then lived in Arnold for 30+ years. Reading about a familiar place but beset with an awful plague makes it even more terrifying.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, fun plot, and unique characters (a teenager and his 104 year old grandma - what a pair for the apocalypse!)
Unfortunately, the iBooks edition that I read had SO many typos that it was hard to navigate. Every sentence had at least one pair of words without spaces in between, and most contractions were missing their apostrophes. Not sure if this was an iBooks flaw or a complete lack of proofreading, but it definitely impaired my enjoyment of the novel.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about 104 year old grandma who has to survive through a zombie apocalypse. She is partnered with her great grandson and a young girl name Victoria. These two youngster will do anything to make sure grandma survive through this while grandma is ready to do just about anything to make sure her great grandson stay alive. In short, it’s a fun packing action novel that will leave you starving for more.

[Wendy McDowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

Good fun zombie apocalypse, but it didn't really meet my expectations. Lots of action, but the old woman having visions seemed like a rip off from "The Stand" by Stephen King. Religious undertones became Religious Overtones and that just sort of lost me. I guess if you are looking for a "clean, Christian zombie apocalypse story" this would be perfect for you.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, fun zombie story! I liked the main characters, a teenager and his 104 year old grandmother. What a twist having them as the mains trying to survive the zombie apocalypse! This is the first of a series in this story. I would like to find out more of the origin of the virus. This book has a Christian element, but what post-apocalyptic zombie abyss doesn't? Good for YA readers. 3 Stars

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

I think anyone who likes the zombie fiction genre will really appreciate the thought and detail that went into it. It has a great pace and I think Grandma is definitely one of my new favorite apocalypse heroes. The next book is definitely at the top of my wishlist!

[Asiaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a very enjoyable book. It has an original theme on Zombies and just a little bit of the mystic.
This is one of those books that you can read and go to sleep and then pick right back up the next night and not lose track of what has happened. There is suspense and enough fighting zombies to keep you interested throughout the book. Looking forward to reading book 2.

[Alice Lunsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Fans of Zombie Apocalypse stories - Read this book, and the next, and the next.... READ THEM ALL, like I'm about to do. This is literally one of the best Zombie Apocalypse books I've read in a long time. Story building and character development are superb. I am 100% a fan of this author now!

[Leslie Erkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook narration done by Nancy Pettersen.
Loved this book! It’s the first in this zombie series. Oh and it’s a Christian book, meaning God and the Christian faith is heavily mentioned. I didn’t know I needed a Christian zombie book until now.
The characters were lovable and I was invested in the outcome!
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Michelle Flores-Herrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling!

I never leave reviews but I had to for this book! What a thriller! Everything about this was different to all the other usual zombie books. I enjoyed all the differences and the imagery. Beautifully written and it kept me captivated following our unusual heroes. I adore this trio!

[The Endless Unread · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced storyline with a relaxed-paced style. This book will engage you and even make you smile at some points too. I loved the characters and the relationships between them. Would highly recommend this to all zombie fans out there.

[Sergio Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining novel

I had an amazing time reading this novel. It's hard to stop reading it because the storyline is captivating. It also conveys a nice message. I really liked it. It is very well written.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth It

I'm not big on zombie apocalypse books but this one was a refreshing take. It was funny and well thought out. The characters had good growth and were interesting. You felt bad when they died. It was pretty religious so just keep that in mind.

[Ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent teen zombie book. Most people say it is young adult, but I would consider this as a teen novel. It is violent, but not awful. There isn't crazy amounts of gore and there isn't anything sexual nor is there major swearing.

[Zombie_Phreak · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s Kinda Boring

I am a big fan of zombie apocalypse stories. But this was really pretty boring. And it’s a little too churchy for me. Plus the characters just aren’t very interesting.

I got the first book for free, I don’t think I’ll be paying for anymore books in this series.

Give this one a pass.

[Cathy Hutsonpillar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Loved the story line new and refreshing, look forward to reading more about Liam , Victoria and his grandma !

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent first book in a series. I liked it more than I expected to.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst books I have read in a LONG time. I don't see how Christianity and zombies go together.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to see how Liam and grandma survive!