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The Scattered and the Dead #1.5
The Scattered and the Dead
The Scattered and the Dead saga continues in this short volume featuring four returning point of view characters and two new ones.
Survival. Murder. Snow.
Winter is here. The cold spreads over the land, shriveling and choking out all the plant life. Harsh. Unforgiving. The first winter without electricity will surely claim more human lives as well.
The isolation may do more damage than the cold, however. Too much time alone drives people to unthinkable acts.
Survival. Murder. Snow.
Winter is here. The cold spreads over the land, shriveling and choking out all the plant life. Harsh. Unforgiving. The first winter without electricity will surely claim more human lives as well.
The isolation may do more damage than the cold, however. Too much time alone drives people to unthinkable acts.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2016
142 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 15, 2021
In the cold winter aftermath of zombie outbreak, one woman is struggling with her sanity and humanity. A few months before, one mother is putting on stake everything to rush her dying child to the hospital. There are a few other scattered and isolated individual characters, still alive, but for how long?
The Scattered and the Dead (Book 1.5): Post Apocalyptic Fiction is yet another beautifully written volume of Tim McBain's and L.T. Vargus' zombie saga which leaves you holding your breath as you slide through its snow and silence encrusted pages. Its scariest part is not what the walking dead can do to you but how solitude and loneliness can affect your mind and the ability of survival in the world that has forcefully gone to sleep.
Bj
www.bernardjan.com
Bernard Jan
The Scattered and the Dead (Book 1.5): Post Apocalyptic Fiction is yet another beautifully written volume of Tim McBain's and L.T. Vargus' zombie saga which leaves you holding your breath as you slide through its snow and silence encrusted pages. Its scariest part is not what the walking dead can do to you but how solitude and loneliness can affect your mind and the ability of survival in the world that has forcefully gone to sleep.
Bj
www.bernardjan.com
Bernard Jan
May 27, 2016
Like the Scattered and the Dead 0.5, I read 1.5 in one sitting because I couldn't stop. I had to see what would happen. The authors know how to write a story that won't let you go. I'm still thinking about everything that went down, turning over how it could all too easily become reality for mankind—just add apocalypse.
The creepiest parts of this story was the isolated characters' slow slide into dark superstitions. Weird little ideas that might have been easily dismissed Before with the distractions of technology start to take on a life of their own After, where there's nothing but cold and dark and time to think. Suspicions grow and twist into obsessions, and those morph into horrific actions. It was inevitable and awful, and McBain and Vargus never give the reader a chance to look away. The writing is stark, almost painfully clear, and serves to reinforce that this new world is a one without the same brand of hope as the old world, even as one of the characters is offered a fresh start.
The Scattered and the Dead 1.5 is also a volume of Postcards from an Empty World, the collections Baghead has become famous (or infamous) for publishing, and it offers us clues as to why Father wants Baghead dead. When viewed from that angle, it's not just an awesome read, it's an awesome piece of world-building metafiction. Unlike other works of metafiction, though, it isn't alienating or sarcastic. As the reader, you're both completely enmeshed in the characters' accounts and aware of the stories stretching across the Scattered and the Dead series. It's brilliant.
The creepiest parts of this story was the isolated characters' slow slide into dark superstitions. Weird little ideas that might have been easily dismissed Before with the distractions of technology start to take on a life of their own After, where there's nothing but cold and dark and time to think. Suspicions grow and twist into obsessions, and those morph into horrific actions. It was inevitable and awful, and McBain and Vargus never give the reader a chance to look away. The writing is stark, almost painfully clear, and serves to reinforce that this new world is a one without the same brand of hope as the old world, even as one of the characters is offered a fresh start.
The Scattered and the Dead 1.5 is also a volume of Postcards from an Empty World, the collections Baghead has become famous (or infamous) for publishing, and it offers us clues as to why Father wants Baghead dead. When viewed from that angle, it's not just an awesome read, it's an awesome piece of world-building metafiction. Unlike other works of metafiction, though, it isn't alienating or sarcastic. As the reader, you're both completely enmeshed in the characters' accounts and aware of the stories stretching across the Scattered and the Dead series. It's brilliant.
March 26, 2019
Book 1's most irritating character, Mitch, got righteously cacked at the end (spoiler alert I guess, but if you haven't read book one, why are you reading reviews for book 1.5 anyway?), the authors needed someone else so unlikable that every other character looks better by comparison.
Enter Fiona, a semi-religious nut who has convinced herself that her helpful neighbor is the anti-Christ because....just because! Fiona's narrative is paradoxically bland and repellant at the same time. I spent most of book 1.5 really hoping that Fiona would get a visit from mildly retarded psychopath and fellow West Virginian (ah, but I repeat myself) Teddy, but such was tragically not to be.
Enter Fiona, a semi-religious nut who has convinced herself that her helpful neighbor is the anti-Christ because....just because! Fiona's narrative is paradoxically bland and repellant at the same time. I spent most of book 1.5 really hoping that Fiona would get a visit from mildly retarded psychopath and fellow West Virginian (ah, but I repeat myself) Teddy, but such was tragically not to be.
July 6, 2016
I finished book 1.5 today and I have to say I enjoyed this book MUCH more than than book 1. I think I enjoyed it more because there were only two stories (well three but that was at the end). There was less jumping around and a lot less "filler" to me. It felt more focused I guess is the best way to put it.
I also felt the writing style was less...the best way to put it is wordy. I said in my review of book one that it felt like they were trying to be Stephen King by using twenty words to say what five could have. I didn't feel that way here.
Not a lot more to say. It is enough to keep me interested in the series and I'll be looking for book two if/when it comes out
I also felt the writing style was less...the best way to put it is wordy. I said in my review of book one that it felt like they were trying to be Stephen King by using twenty words to say what five could have. I didn't feel that way here.
Not a lot more to say. It is enough to keep me interested in the series and I'll be looking for book two if/when it comes out
September 29, 2017
...and it's going to be a hell of a winter, if this novella is any indication. This installment is a hard, cold read. There is a lot of character development in this one. Death has claimed most of the world as far as we know, and the survivors are left struggling with who they have become in it's wake. I was surprised by what we learn about Ray; somehow his mistakes make him more sympathetic, more human. In book 1 I saw him as a villain, but now I feel kind of worried for him and Lorraine. Fiona is terrifying. Her descent into madness is a stark contrast to Ray's growing humanity. He seemed like such a calculating opportunist before, but now I see him more as a vulnerable man who is just trying to make it. But Fiona. The struggle between the forces of good and evil, between belief and simple survival are not so clearly predictable in this story. We sometimes assume that holding to a belief in God, or some spiritual meaning to events will make us more compassionate, or more noble. And for some people this is true. But for some people, that web of meaning can turn malignant, can turn and feed on the host, and give birth to dark offspring. What happens when the seeds of madness gestate in the cold winter of humanity?
Probably my favorite thing about these books is that no matter how you think events are going to turn out, you would be wrong. I love how these authors veer away from satisfying our assumptions about people, and how they manage to craft a story that is satisfying in a visceral, exciting way, but also a story that lingers after you're done reading it, like the burn of whiskey, or the sting of the cold on chapped hands. It hurts, but it's the kind of hurt that makes you pay attention. It's the kind of hurt that makes you think.
Probably my favorite thing about these books is that no matter how you think events are going to turn out, you would be wrong. I love how these authors veer away from satisfying our assumptions about people, and how they manage to craft a story that is satisfying in a visceral, exciting way, but also a story that lingers after you're done reading it, like the burn of whiskey, or the sting of the cold on chapped hands. It hurts, but it's the kind of hurt that makes you pay attention. It's the kind of hurt that makes you think.
November 30, 2016
The third installment from a mostly dead world
This installment focuses on four people and their survival in the post apocalyptic world the authors have created. Their stories are told through a series of journal entries.
Of the three Scattered and Dead installments, this is by far the darkest. I was left wondering if any of those souls journaling would retain any sense of humanity.
This is a must read for The Scattered and the Dead fans.
This installment focuses on four people and their survival in the post apocalyptic world the authors have created. Their stories are told through a series of journal entries.
Of the three Scattered and Dead installments, this is by far the darkest. I was left wondering if any of those souls journaling would retain any sense of humanity.
This is a must read for The Scattered and the Dead fans.
May 24, 2017
I am not sure..
I am not sure how I feel about this series. The entire first books are journel entries. 1 and 1.5... I felt a little attached to Erin and Izzy And Baghead from the first book and was disappointed when the next book(this one) had no mention of them. So if ypu are looking for a real story than this is not for you...
I am not sure how I feel about this series. The entire first books are journel entries. 1 and 1.5... I felt a little attached to Erin and Izzy And Baghead from the first book and was disappointed when the next book(this one) had no mention of them. So if ypu are looking for a real story than this is not for you...
September 17, 2017
Bravo!!!
Awesome read! I want more!! The characters are so likable even with the authors detailed description of there unattractive personalities. My friend Mary would love this book. Five star rating because of the gripping story line and likable characters.
Awesome read! I want more!! The characters are so likable even with the authors detailed description of there unattractive personalities. My friend Mary would love this book. Five star rating because of the gripping story line and likable characters.
December 22, 2020
Solitude Drives You Crazy
As the survivors are alone and struggle to keep sane. Fighting demons in their minds. It will lead one to murder a innocent man. Will you lose you mind? Only time will tell.
As the survivors are alone and struggle to keep sane. Fighting demons in their minds. It will lead one to murder a innocent man. Will you lose you mind? Only time will tell.
July 30, 2019
Really enjoyed this. Looking forward to book 2.
December 1, 2019
Great authors
This book and series are 0ut of NY usual genre. End of world scenarios are difficult for me to read.... but I have to know what happens.....
This book and series are 0ut of NY usual genre. End of world scenarios are difficult for me to read.... but I have to know what happens.....
September 22, 2020
Nothing to like
I kept hoping if I read on, I'd find a character that I'd like a little bit. No such luck. Why write such unlikable characters?
I kept hoping if I read on, I'd find a character that I'd like a little bit. No such luck. Why write such unlikable characters?
May 25, 2021
Bored me to tears
Read 26 pages and it was pure disappointment. I expected the 2nd book to take off where the first one left off. Beyond boring.
Read 26 pages and it was pure disappointment. I expected the 2nd book to take off where the first one left off. Beyond boring.
March 22, 2017
In the last book I was hoping to hear more of L. T. Vargus. This book was almost all her! Tim McBain does an excellent job as well! I rarely enjoy self narrated books, but these two are great! This series so far is a collection of individual experiences through the apocalypse. Each story has been great. It looks like a few of them may finally start to intertwine. Great book, great narration, 5 stars!!!
October 12, 2016
Absolutely a 5 star read.
If you love zombie and end of the world as we know it books, then this is a MUST READ book for you!
Short book follows the story line of several characters in the beginning of the end.
If you love zombie and end of the world as we know it books, then this is a MUST READ book for you!
Short book follows the story line of several characters in the beginning of the end.
July 21, 2016
Cabin Fever
The Scattered and The Dead Book 1.5 is the third book in the series by Tim McBain and LT Vargus. Continuing the story of the survivors of a series of apocalyptic events that wiped out over 99% of the population, this installment focuses mainly on a handful of survivors as they brave the first winter after the mass extinction events took place.
Ex- Televangelist Ray and Lorraine’s story continues in the form of letters written to each other while Ray is out attempting to locate and recruit survivors to their compound. There is also a “pre cataclysmic event” story-line set in Hialeah, Florida which focuses on nurse Marissa and her 8 year old son Tony (possibly the proverbial patient zero in this series) , who has fallen deathly ill and her rush to get him to the hospital before it’s too late.
The bulk of this book centers around Fiona and Doyle who are living in separate cabins in a remote area of West Virginia. With Autumn turning to Winter, Doyle, a widower who lives nearby, brings Fiona wood and other items to help the younger woman make it through the harsh winter months. As the days turn to weeks, a madness sets in that may quite possibly be the demise of the pair.
This was definitely a quick read but it was packed with action. With the focus centering mainly on Fiona and Doyle, I almost found the other story-lines being interspersed as a distraction, but not really because they served to break the tension and build suspense for what was definitely the main story-line. The desolation of being trapped in a cabin in the woods, snowed in with no one else to talk to or no other distractions from the events of the day can quite possibly serve to have a detrimental effect on a person. Fiona’s story illustrates that beautifully. Also with the interspersing of Ray and Lorraine into the mix there is an opening for this story to continue… and continue I am sure it will. It will be interesting to see how Fiona adapts in her new situation going forward after the events of her winter in exile.
The Scattered and The Dead Book 1.5 is the third book in the series by Tim McBain and LT Vargus. Continuing the story of the survivors of a series of apocalyptic events that wiped out over 99% of the population, this installment focuses mainly on a handful of survivors as they brave the first winter after the mass extinction events took place.
Ex- Televangelist Ray and Lorraine’s story continues in the form of letters written to each other while Ray is out attempting to locate and recruit survivors to their compound. There is also a “pre cataclysmic event” story-line set in Hialeah, Florida which focuses on nurse Marissa and her 8 year old son Tony (possibly the proverbial patient zero in this series) , who has fallen deathly ill and her rush to get him to the hospital before it’s too late.
The bulk of this book centers around Fiona and Doyle who are living in separate cabins in a remote area of West Virginia. With Autumn turning to Winter, Doyle, a widower who lives nearby, brings Fiona wood and other items to help the younger woman make it through the harsh winter months. As the days turn to weeks, a madness sets in that may quite possibly be the demise of the pair.
This was definitely a quick read but it was packed with action. With the focus centering mainly on Fiona and Doyle, I almost found the other story-lines being interspersed as a distraction, but not really because they served to break the tension and build suspense for what was definitely the main story-line. The desolation of being trapped in a cabin in the woods, snowed in with no one else to talk to or no other distractions from the events of the day can quite possibly serve to have a detrimental effect on a person. Fiona’s story illustrates that beautifully. Also with the interspersing of Ray and Lorraine into the mix there is an opening for this story to continue… and continue I am sure it will. It will be interesting to see how Fiona adapts in her new situation going forward after the events of her winter in exile.
June 6, 2016
Book 1.5 is told in the same way the others are--telling the stories of people in various timeframes, switching chapters between people often, but keeping a common theme among the stories being told. I think the first chapter, which is told by Bags, really defines the course of this book. He talks about how difficult it is for people to change, to give up their hopes and dreams, and to accept a "new normal". Maybe that's why children always seem to do better accepting a vastly changed world. They haven't yet finalized their hopes and dreams, so they can adapt more easily. For adults, it's much more difficult because they not only have to give up all the conveniences of modern life; they also have to give up their ways of thinking of their own roles and places in the new world. That isn't easy to do, even when the world is screaming at you that it has changed and you have to change along with it.
I'm not going to go into the characters in the book because I can't do just to their stories. We can recognize some of them from the other books and their transformations from the time of this book to the others. Some of the people I didn't like in the other books didn't start out that way. Whatever they had to do to adapt to the new world changed them for the worse.
This book tells us there is no "normal". Even if we don't realize it, normal changes all the time. It doesn't take the apocalypse for us to know that. In the book, as in life, we either adapt or we die. That's been true since life appeared on the planet, but we don't like to think about change because it's difficult and it hurts. There can be terrible loss involved. Just because humans have adapted and evolved in the past, doesn't mean we will do so in the future because maybe we've lost the ability along the way.
I'm not going to go into the characters in the book because I can't do just to their stories. We can recognize some of them from the other books and their transformations from the time of this book to the others. Some of the people I didn't like in the other books didn't start out that way. Whatever they had to do to adapt to the new world changed them for the worse.
This book tells us there is no "normal". Even if we don't realize it, normal changes all the time. It doesn't take the apocalypse for us to know that. In the book, as in life, we either adapt or we die. That's been true since life appeared on the planet, but we don't like to think about change because it's difficult and it hurts. There can be terrible loss involved. Just because humans have adapted and evolved in the past, doesn't mean we will do so in the future because maybe we've lost the ability along the way.
February 21, 2022
Simple review. But well now! It's quite good to be back. After over a year since I read the last entry in this series (longer than I wanted), I figured it was time to return. And now that I have, I legit wish I didn't stop when I did. Because this thing was quite entertaining. QUITE. Unfortunately, the amount of time that had gone by had caused me to forget nearly everything and I had to skim the previous entry to refresh. I didn't realize some of the characters would carry over, so it was necessary to remind myself who they are.
Anyway, here I've returned. This a shorter entry this go around, the perfect length to ween me back into things. In the same fashion as the previous book, there is more than one perspective in this thing. Only this time, there's LESS of them to contend with, which is probably why I enjoyed this entry a bit more than its predecessor: not many various circumstances to grapple with and keep straight. It's easier to follow. Still, now that I've come to know what to expect in this series, I feel like I'm ready to embrace them all in all their complexities. Bring on the chaos.
This little entry sucked me right in. Great writing style, namely dialogue, which read so realistically. The minimal perspectives were definitely addictive, mainly that of Fiona. No spoilers but, good GRIEF, that Fiona. What a stressful read her viewpoint was. She absolutely stirred my feisty side with her tale, got me all kinds of upset. But this is the apocalyptic world after all. Things aren't all gonna be pretty. And it's so fantastic when an author/s can pull out ANY kind of emotional response out of me in regards to their characters and/or story. Well done, I say.
I can now confidently say that I look forward to the remainder of this series, complete in all its multiple perspective glory.
Anyway, here I've returned. This a shorter entry this go around, the perfect length to ween me back into things. In the same fashion as the previous book, there is more than one perspective in this thing. Only this time, there's LESS of them to contend with, which is probably why I enjoyed this entry a bit more than its predecessor: not many various circumstances to grapple with and keep straight. It's easier to follow. Still, now that I've come to know what to expect in this series, I feel like I'm ready to embrace them all in all their complexities. Bring on the chaos.
This little entry sucked me right in. Great writing style, namely dialogue, which read so realistically. The minimal perspectives were definitely addictive, mainly that of Fiona. No spoilers but, good GRIEF, that Fiona. What a stressful read her viewpoint was. She absolutely stirred my feisty side with her tale, got me all kinds of upset. But this is the apocalyptic world after all. Things aren't all gonna be pretty. And it's so fantastic when an author/s can pull out ANY kind of emotional response out of me in regards to their characters and/or story. Well done, I say.
I can now confidently say that I look forward to the remainder of this series, complete in all its multiple perspective glory.
March 8, 2017
This is the third book in The Scattered and the Dead series. I enjoyed this one as much as the last two. It advances the story lines of several characters. It follows Fiona, Lorriane, Ray and Marissa. There are very brief sections with Baghead and Decker. Ray, Lorriane, Baghead and Decker are all characters from previous books.
As with previous books, the story is told through journal entries. The time line is fluid. One section may take place before the event while others take place weeks or months after the event. As you come to know the characters, it is not hard to follow.
Book 0.5 and Book 1.5 are much shorter compared to Book 1. They are not bridge books by any means. Each book is a contribution to the series, just as much as the larger Book 1. As I mentioned in earlier reviews, the universe is unique in a way I have yet to be able to define. The Scattered and the Dead universe is more real. Possibly because it is told from many points view, possibly because the characters are from such different backgrounds and personalities.
I highly recommend The Scattered and the Dead series. If you have not started it yet, now is the perfect time.
As with previous books, the story is told through journal entries. The time line is fluid. One section may take place before the event while others take place weeks or months after the event. As you come to know the characters, it is not hard to follow.
Book 0.5 and Book 1.5 are much shorter compared to Book 1. They are not bridge books by any means. Each book is a contribution to the series, just as much as the larger Book 1. As I mentioned in earlier reviews, the universe is unique in a way I have yet to be able to define. The Scattered and the Dead universe is more real. Possibly because it is told from many points view, possibly because the characters are from such different backgrounds and personalities.
I highly recommend The Scattered and the Dead series. If you have not started it yet, now is the perfect time.
May 29, 2016
There is a point - a moment in time - when a writer works their way into your top five, and in this case, it's a duo. It's become natural that when I'm passed a book by McBain and Vargus that I get a little giddy and fuzzy inside, knowing that inside the cover, there is a dark and wonderful place I will soon be engrossed in. A world of realistic characters that will push the boundaries.
In this case, it was the next installment of The Scattered and the Dead series, Book 1.5. For those who have followed the rest of the series, you will already know that this is the second of the 'in between' books - the second of a collection that exists within the world of the survivors - just one of the remarkable twists in this series. This time, we follow the lives of some recurring characters as well as some new characters that so wonderfully intertwine with the story we already know.
Read my full review here: http://www.gcmacquarie.com/reviews/th...
In this case, it was the next installment of The Scattered and the Dead series, Book 1.5. For those who have followed the rest of the series, you will already know that this is the second of the 'in between' books - the second of a collection that exists within the world of the survivors - just one of the remarkable twists in this series. This time, we follow the lives of some recurring characters as well as some new characters that so wonderfully intertwine with the story we already know.
Read my full review here: http://www.gcmacquarie.com/reviews/th...
May 22, 2016
This is the third book in the series and another very insightful, thought provoking ( but not in a holy crap I gotta think kinda way) read. While reading the thoughts of the few left alive, you get a clear picture of what it would take to survive...at any cost. These books are about so much more than zombies....(and this recent installment really had very little to say, if any, mention of the dead.....yet, you get a glimpse of when it may have all started). So freakin intriguing. The characters nearly jump off the pages into your life and you see inside their souls. I think one reason these books can resonate so well are the writers. Everything they do is so down to earth and realistic, almost frighteningly realistic. I highly recommend this book and each and every book they've done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2016
The Scattered and the Dead (Book 1.5) is the third book of the series. It follows Fiona, Lorraine , Ray and Marissa. Some brief sections about Bag head and Decker. All of the characters except Fiona we have read about in the previous books. As with the other books the story is told through journal entries.
The world goes on there are a few more survivors and we read about their struggles. I highly recommend The Scattered series especially if your a Walking Dead or Fear the walking Dead fan.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The world goes on there are a few more survivors and we read about their struggles. I highly recommend The Scattered series especially if your a Walking Dead or Fear the walking Dead fan.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 3, 2016
In the post apocalyptic world of zombie life, Baghead finds the writings of people and their stories. In this book we hear from Ray, Lorraine, Fiona, Marissa and Decker. Each story gives us a peek into the bleak dismal life and what each person has done to survive. "We did things to survive. All of us. We all crossed lines we didn't think we'd cross". Well written, able to pull you in and make you feel like you are right next to the person and experiencing their pain. Enjoy!
May 26, 2016
I'd really been looking forward to reading the next book in this series, and the authors did not disappoint. Book 1.5 introduces us to new characters while keeping us in the loop with some of the old. Prepare yourself for heart palpitations from beginning to end, and expect to delve into an intimate look at what humans will do when faced with impossible situations.
May 28, 2016
A Wild Ride!
Holy Moly! The twisted meanderings of a person's thoughts and actions, when left alone too long or thinking you could be the last person left on Earth. I could see this happening, both the good and the bad.
That last chapter though...
Holy Moly! The twisted meanderings of a person's thoughts and actions, when left alone too long or thinking you could be the last person left on Earth. I could see this happening, both the good and the bad.
That last chapter though...
June 4, 2016
4.5 Stars!
Very well written post-apocalyptic horror. This installment introduced us to a few new characters as well as one of the most horrific death scenes I've ever read. I want to know what happens next, and I'm looking forward to reading The Scattered and the Dead Book 2.0!
Very well written post-apocalyptic horror. This installment introduced us to a few new characters as well as one of the most horrific death scenes I've ever read. I want to know what happens next, and I'm looking forward to reading The Scattered and the Dead Book 2.0!
October 15, 2016
These authors are so so clever. I love their writing, their sense of humor and their talent. They used epiglottis in a sentence and made it scary! These are excerpts from journals that Baghead collected. Useful info/background on some characters. More insights.
June 12, 2016
This was definitely a no value added novella to an already predictable series.
July 30, 2016
Fun read. Not what I was expecting but nice twist for a zombie apocalypse. Trilogy was definitely worth a read. I preferred the first two books but was intrigued by the last book in the series.
October 26, 2016
As I've said before about this series, the post-apocalyptic genre isn't my normal 'cup of tea', but these books have compelling stories and are well-written. I look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews