More than Survival

A Zombie Apocalypse Love Story #1

by Kate L. Mary

Lucy was just nine years old when a deadly virus swept the country, killing most of the population and turning them into zombies. For the past eleven years she’s lived in seclusion with her Uncle Seamus, a prepper who was more than ready for the end of the world.

But all of Lucy’s skills are put to the test when Seamus disappears, leaving her to face the harsh winter on her own.

Sawyer went into the mountains to escape his past, and when stumbles upon Lucy in the middle of a blizzard, he doesn’t think he’s ready for the responsibility having another person in his life will bring.

Only, Lucy isn’t as helpless as she first appeared, and as they brave the long winter together, Sawyer will soon come to learn that even at the end of the world, there’s more to life than just survival.

Novella
46,000 words

Genres: Zombies, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic, Romance, Survival, Apocalyptic, Horror

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2016

About the author

I'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!

Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.

When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!

Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.

Awards:

Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine

When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction

Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards

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Reviews

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

More than Survival was not for me, it's too short that I was left feeling that it was unfinished. There is no Epilogue or resolution to anything. Lucy and Sawyer were cute as a couple but when they finally get together at the end it was completely lacking in heat. Another thing that was really annoying was that there were no Zombies. They were discussed but made no appearances which was a total let down. Overall it needed more work and since these books are a collection of Novellas I don't plan to read anymore in this series.

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo, are there going to be any actual zombies in this "zombie apocalypse" story? A decent beginning, but missing some key elements...like zombies. The other downside is it reads like the first half of a book, missing the second half and ending abruptly. Thinking it was only book one in a series is a mistake, as the others books are all about different characters in different locations.

I'm surprised that there is absolutely no mention of this young girl going through puberty. Only nine when her uncle begins to care for her and twenty for the majority or the story, yet what happened when her period started? Her only education is reading romance novels her uncle finds for her?

This author seems to skim right on the edge of a good story. With just a little more digging, the characters would have more depth, the tension would be believable, and the romance would be fully developed. Really would have appreciated an actual ending.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying it was a great book, I would have given it a way better rating if it wasn't for how it ended... It felt like there were many questions still unanswered and I felt like the place where it was cut off wasn't the best. It was really good the description of the place, the circumstances, their relationship, but there were a few plot lines that were thrown in, but weren't followed and I felt disappointed by this.

So zombie apocalypse, Lucy's parents die, uncle takes her in, uncle is a prepper and they are able to survive for eleven years without problem, until one day uncle goes to town and disappears. Lucy does her best to survive, but she is overwhelmed and forgets to collect wood, and when she goes out she falls and hurt herself. She is rescued by Sawyer, a guy that also went out before the storm and was caught by it, he hears her scream and goes to help her, he helps her, but she is afraid, she is a beautiful woman and her uncle warned her again and again that most men would prey on her if they find out about her (the reason why she never leaves the cabin). So at first she is afraid, but after some time and Sawyer proving himself over and over, she trusts him, and also feels attracted by him.

He had a bad experience, with a girl that could do nothing and depended on him for everything, she was kidnapped by some men, and after that was never the same, until she killed herself. He doesn't want that responsibility again, but then he realizes that Lucy is more than capable to take care of herself, especially when she is attacked by two men and manages to kill them. So after that he finally lets himself be with her and they decide to stay together and build a new life for them.

So far everything was perfect, and the book ends up with them being together and deciding to build a life for the two of them, but there are a few things that don't get closed. For example: The two men that she kills were looking for her, they even hint that they killed/kidnapped her missing uncle, and that they weren't alone, but we don't get to know if they keep being a problem or if she is really "safe". Also, her fear of Sawyer going to the settlement, the story finishes before he has a chance to go and we don't know what happened with that. I was ok with not knowing what happened to her uncle, until we got the clue that someone knew about it, after that and all they talk about it, I felt cheated not knowing about it.

[Celestine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Kate L. Mary, despite my affinity for post-apocalyptic books and her prolific publishing in this genre. I ended up liking this book fine, but felt some things were under-developed.

The fine things:
* The story of how Lucy lands with Uncle Seamus was touching and detailed.
* Snippets of isolated life in the winter were interesting and realistic.
* The gradual relationship between Lucy and Sawyer was appropriate. They both had reasons, good ones, for holding back.
* Lucy seemed very innocent and young, which I would expect of a girl outside civilization for 11 years. She is also quiet and capable, two gigantic aphrodisiacs for Sawyer.
* Lonely, attractive people who have to play doctor....yeah, carnal thoughts certainly help to pass the time.

The underdeveloped things:
* The zombies. You can't put the words "zombie apocalypse" in the title and then relegate them to a place less than the firewood in the story.
* So where are we exactly? My guess is the Boundary Waters area in Minnesota. I think?
* The abrupt ending. Is there more? Why not an epilogue?

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kate Mary's zombie apocalypse books, and this one is every bit as good as my favourites in the Broken World series.

Lucy was nine when the virus hit, and has spent the past eleven years in relative safety in a mountain cabin with her uncle. During that time, she's grown from child to woman without having experienced any of the 'normal' growing up stuff that girls do. Then she meets Sawyer....

I knew this was a zombie apocalypse book (favourite genre) crossed with romance (one of my least favourite genres), and feared there might be too much emphasis on the latter, with not enough to satisfy my devastated world/survival cravings, but this was not the case. It's a terrific story and so well written, I read it over the space of three or four hours, and found it completely unputdownable. The relationship between Lucy and Sawyer was totally believable, and there was lots of info about what the world is like eleven years on - fascinating, and all possible.

There's no indication that there will be more about Lucy and Sawyer, but they make a great team, and there is some unresolved stuff going on in the settlement down the mountain, so I hope Kate M is going to tell us what happened next! Great stuff, and nothing to do with the Broken World series, so you can read this without having read any of her other books.

[Mary Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfinished

This book felt really unfinished. They were one moment debating on how they would handle the trip to town and he had yet to search for the Uncle, so no idea what happened there. It could have used another couple chapters to tie up loose ends and an actual zombie encounter or even seeing one would have been nice. Not one single zombie showed its decaying face in this entire novella. So yeah, it needs MORE desperately.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Kate’s other books about Zombies but this one fell short for me. I enjoyed the characters I really liked Lucy she is so sweet and innocent. I really like Sawyer. I am left with questions though. So I am hoping there might be answered in the next books. Onto the next.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent. But ... I don’t know. You never see a zombie at all. That wasn’t a huge deal for me but does seem odd. And you don’t really get an ending. I’m not sure if it continues or if the others are unrelated novellas. There’s nothing about it that’s compelling me to read more though.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew I couldn't expect much based on the page count. But this still didn't offer much at all. It was more of a barely beginning relationship... but it left me with more questions than anything else.

I don't know if I will continue this series, because since they are all this short, I don't see me connecting with any of the characters much.

3 stars
1 on the spice scale

CW: threat of rape, death of loved ones, rape of a side character, mention of suicide.

[Catheryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet love story and pretty mild spice...all the angst.

After all the build up, the steamy scene in this novel was very tame. But the love story was so sweet!

I wish the novella was just a tad longer. Just until Sawyer got back from town. But overall, I liked the story and I would love to read a full length novel of their story!

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened with Audible. Narrator does a good job. She's a little stiff at times, but gives a clear performance. It was a good listen.

Love the setup for this story. Lucy lives with her uncle in a the middle of nowhere up on a mountain because there's zombies on the loose. Lucy has lived in seclusion for 11 years; she's 20 now. She hasn't gone anywhere or seen anyone besides her uncle in all this time. When her uncle doesn't come back when he's supposed to, Lucy needs to survive on her own during a horrible snow storm. Sawyer is a 31 year old man, who lives a secluded life in the mountains as well. He ends up stranded with Lucy after he finds her needing some help. Lucy is naïve and sheltered about a lot of things; especially dealing with a man. There's a bit of a slow burn romance going on, while these two learn more about each other and surviving. I love this type of scenario; I find it lots of fun. I liked both characters, and the connection between the two was great. I wanted more zombie action; this story deals more with the dangers from the men that can't control their urges. It's a tough world for all, but there's that extra danger added for women. A fully entertaining story, but the ending was too abrupt. I'm not sure if there's going to be more story with these characters, but I'd like if there was. I still enjoyed the sweet, sexy connection between Sawyer and Lucy. Love the post apocalyptic world the story is set in. Looking forward to checking out more from this author.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to love this story. Because zombies and romance. My two favorite things. But there wasn't no zombies. No walkers, no biters, no nothing. There was romance however. And it was really well done. But it still wasn't enough to make me fall in love with the story.

In fact, as we are nearing the end...it just ends. Like one second they are talking about what they were going to do in the future and then...nothing. I would find this ok had it been a cliffhanger and more was to come in the next one. But the next book seems to be about someone else. Now if I do end up reading the next book and I see that they do resurface, I may change my rating. But I am not sure I want to start the next one. I invested my time wanting to know about these folks and feel a bit jipped.

MORE THAN SURVIVAL is a well written book and had promise to be even amazing, but in the end it fell short for me. I rated this book 3.5 stars, but I always round up to the next highest star.

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sweet love story, yet no zombies in this one.....but they are out there! Lucy has lived a sheltered life since her mother died from the deadly virus that swept over the country at age 9 years.......now many years later she still lives in isolation with her Uncle Seamus. Now alone Lucy must except the fact she is truly on her own. Yet she is no helpless female.

Sawyer has been living alone, by his choice, for a long time. Then one day he gets lost during a snow storm, and what he finds changes his life for the better. Can two strangers find happiness in the wake of an apocalyptic nightmare?

I loved how independent & strong willed our heroine was in this short story.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful little quick read to fulfill that burning, late night need for zombies and romance.

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

’Estaba sobreviviendo, pero estar con Lucy en ese momento me recordaba lo que se sentía vivir.’





•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



More than Survival de Kate L. Mary Serie Zombie Apocalypse Love Story libro 1

Argumento:

¿Te apetece un poco de calor con tu apocalipsis? Repletas de supervivencia al fin del mundo y romance apasionado, ¡las novelas cortas de amor de apocalipsis zombi son justo lo que necesitas!

Lucy tenía solo nueve años cuando un virus mortal azotó el país, matando a la mayoría de la población y convirtiéndola en zombis. Durante los últimos once años, ha vivido aislada con su tío Seamus, un prepper que estaba más que listo para el fin del mundo.

Pero todas las habilidades de Lucy se ponen a prueba cuando Seamus desaparece, dejándola sola para afrontar el duro invierno.

Sawyer se fue a las montañas para escapar de su pasado, y cuando se topa con Lucy en medio de una ventisca, no cree estar listo para la responsabilidad que conlleva tener a otra persona en su vida.

Pero Lucy no está tan indefensa como parecía al principio, y mientras afrontan juntos el largo invierno, Sawyer aprende que incluso en el fin del mundo, la vida es más que sobrevivir.



Mi humilde opinión:

Romance postapocalíptico, después de un virus, diferencia de edad, él 31 y ella 20, proximidad forzada, cabaña nevada, de desconocidos a amantes.

Lucy me gustó mucho, su tenacidad, corazón e inocencia. Me partió el corazón cuando perdió a sus padres y tuvo que irse con su tío, quien le enseñó todo lo que sabia para sobrevivir en la montaña y la preparó por si algo le sucedía.

Sawyer era un tipo decente, se notaba que estaba marcado por las muertes de primero su esposa Mollie y, luego cuando se involucró con Lisa y todo terminó trágicamente con su muerte. Por esa razón, cuando conoce a Lucy piensa que sucederá lo mismo, no quiere ser responsable de nadie más ya que falló en el pasado. A pesar de que se siente fuertemente atraído por Lucy e intenta ignorarlo, pronto se da cuenta lo diferente que es Lucy, no es dependiente, ella es capaz de valerse por sí misma y hace cosas que lo dejan azorado.

Me pareció lógico que Lucy al principio, al ser el único hombre que vio desde niña, viera a Sawyer asombrada, curiosa y que no entendiera lo que estaba sintiendo por él, que pensara que estaba confundida pero después al pasar tiempo con él su amistad se volviera algo más. Me gustó que pensara: no necesito un hombre para vivir pero lo quiero porque lo deseo. No quiero estar sola, quiero un compañero a mi lado. Había una fuerte atracción entre ellos y se complementaban y trabajaban en equipo.

Cuando ellos aclaran sus sentimientos por el otro y se vuelven pareja, eso fue todo, terminó el libro en un felices por ahora… qué paso después? Sawyer fue a buscar al tío pero lo encontró? Regresó? Había mas hombres que estaban buscando la cabaña y a ella? Me dejó con ganas de más y un final que me deje tranquila!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Zombie Apocalypse Love Story series

This was short and sweet. The only reason I detracted a star was for lack of steam. There was yearning and for a novella, I would consider this a "slow burn romance." But, I just wished we got more of them together. And no, I don't always have to have steam in a book to love it (I have rated a couple books 5 stars that are clean). But, being a survival romance.... after reading Claire Kent's Kindled series... this felt lacking... even though I loved the couple.

Lucy was taken in at the age of 9 by her uncle, an end of the world prepper, after her parents died. 11 years goes by, and Lucy learns how to live and survive in this world. They live in a small cabin (of sorts) pretty remote on a mountain in Minnesota. After Lucy's uncle doesn't return from the nearby town she has to shoulder all of the responsibilities and chores. Going out in a snowstorm for firewood (that she forgot to replenish) she gets injured and a (lost) traveler, Sawyer, comes across her, saves her, and tends to her wounds at her cabin. Lucy is on edge for a good bit of it as she's never talked to another man other than her uncle before. Sawyer is 31 to Lucy's 20... but they are both attractive (of course), and are attracted to each other. However, they slowly get to know each other and become friends before Lucy initiates anything more. There are no zombies in this book, just talk about them. I do believe this is a set-up for the rest of the series, so I wasn't disappointed. I will continue this series sometime... just hoping for more steam.

[Scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book via a free promo code and this is my voluntary review. Lucy is only 9 years old when the world ends. A virus has taken both of her parents, killed 75% of the world population and changed the dead into Zombies. It hasn't been an easy transition, but her Uncle Seamus, a hardcore prepper, has kept her safe for the last 11 years. Mostly she's been okay but one day he goes out for supplies and doesn't make it home. A fierce snow storm has her lost and injured, shes saved by a strange man called Sawyer. He was a 20 year old marine when the world ended and 31 years old surviving in a post-apocalyptic world has left him reluctant to take on responsibility for her... not after he failed someone else years ago. As careful as her Uncle had been, people in the nearby settlement have noticed she's up the mountain... alone and unprotected. Sawyer finds himself unable to turn his back on the scarlet-haired beauty. It's been a month since her Uncle was last seen, and the weather has the two of them end up snowed in for the winter together. Slow burn, zero-zombies in this book but the snow has them frozen in the winter months.

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are treated to a delightful, sweet love story. Kate L. Mary once again performs a linguistic spa treatment to our troubled hearts and minds. I’ve been a solid fan of Ms. Mary since my first introduction to her endless talent. Every book hits home for me. As I listen, I recall past friendships and relationships. Half the time I sit with a silly grin on my face, my mind picturing the scene, and more often than not, feeling the emotion of the moment. That’s an extraordinary talent for a writer to possess, no doubt enhanced by Amber Morton’s stunning narration. Contrary to the gushing, Ms. Mary may have stumbled slightly this time around. Cliff hangers, abrupt endings, and loose ends have left a little sour taste in fan’s mouths. Although this does seem a bit unusual for this author. The stories in this series did seem to be stand-alone novellas, so I’m unsure if there will be a sequel to this tale. It certainly deserves one. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Olguish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes
- Dystopian
- Novella
- zombie apocalypse (but without mentions of the zombies lol)
- forced proximity
- age gap (11 years)
- Virgin h
- No OW/OM
- No explicit spicy


This is a really short book that is mainly focus on the couple rather than the apocalypse zombie’s. Lucy has been living isolated in a cabin with his uncle since the virus started. One day his uncle leave to the town looking for supplements but never comeback. Sawyer was passing near her cabin and help her because she got injured. He decided stayed with her in her cabin until the storm calm. They start developing feelings to each other.

There’s few things that i dislike:
- the whole book scenario is the cabin
- there’s not a real closure at the end
- Sawyer mentions a lot his previous wife’s and compare them with Lucy
- i didn’t care the inexistente of the zombies despite this is an apocalypse zombie book but if your into that this book is not for you.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Survival: A Zombie Apocalypse Love Story, Book One was another great read by Kate L. Mary. When the deadly zombie virus swept the country, Lucy was only nine years old. The virus killed most of the population and turned them into zombies. Her parents both died during the outbreak and she has lived in seclusion with her Uncle Seamus. Seamus is a prepare who was ready for the end of the world. Eleven years after moving with Seamus, he goes missing and Lucy must put her skills to test. Sawyer stumbles upon Lucy while she gets stuck in a blizzard. Sawyer and Lucy end up braving the cold winter together and grow closer because of it. I really enjoyed reading Lucy and Sawyer’s story and I can’t wait to read more by Kate L. Mary.

[Jai Rahim · Rating 2 out of 5]

First time reading this author.
I’m okay with novellas, but it’s shitty when an author abruptly ends said novella with a friggin cliffhanger, instead of an epilogue. To add insult to injury, I expected the second book to be a continuation, hopefully picking up the story in a full novel. My mistake—the next book is yet another novella, but about a different couple. According to other reviews, Kate L. Mary pulls the same BS in subsequent novellas in this series. Which is why my readership of this new-to-me author, has come to a screeching disappointing halt. I had been planning to binge through her backlist, but after this first unsatisfying debacle, it ain’t gonna happen.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great quick read

More than survival is a post-apocalyptic romance about two people who find love and a reason to survive in the loneliness of living in a world destroyed by a virus and plagued by zombies. Sawyer and Lucy are sweet and complement each other well. Lucy, though inexperienced and mild mannered, is kind of a badass. I loved her character. I was hoping for a bit more resolution at the end but overall, it’s a really good book!

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a 5 star read if it hadn’t abruptly ended at freaking 68%!!! They didn’t even get together fully and express their feelings until 67%. So frustrating. The rest of the book were just first chapters of other books. And there was no resolve for the Uncle Seamus issue and finding out what happened to him like they were going to do when spring came. Ugh 😑 There was so much more to this beautiful story and it did not need to end so soon.

[TP · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is easily one of the worst short stories I have ever read.
So many inconsistencies, bad to none knowledge of the author on how to live in a cabin off the grit, even I noticed that as a city girl, unrealistic insta love, no sparks whatsoever, an outdated view on women, a disastrous world building and the plot I had to search for, if you discount the given one that our heroine needs a man to survive, which is annoying as duck.

[Stella N · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enjoyed the set up of the world but the romance was lacking, didn't feel the connection. There was too much description and not enough dialogue. I also knew going into it that others said it ended abruptly, I would agree but I also didn't feel connected enough to the characters to want to read more about them. Skimmed through the last 50% and only reason I finished was because it was only 120 pages. Won't continue the series

[Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved 99% of it....

Loved this book right up until the last page....did the author forget she had to do the school run? Needed to go grocery shopping...forget her deadline till the last minute???
WHAT HAPPENED TO UNCLE SEAMUS? Did the settlement monsters get their comeuppance? Did the get more tea???

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happened next?

I loved this book, and the only thing that is keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that there are so many unanswered questions. I'm missing an ending that wraps up the loose ends and completes the story. I would still recommend people to read this book, but just be prepared to end the book with a few loose ends.

[Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed but feels incomplete

I really enjoyed this book. The only problems I have with it is it fill like it’s not done. I still have questions. What happen to her uncle? Is he dead? Alive? Felt there there more to this story. But as usual I enjoyed the writing and the characters.

[CMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a touching book at times, and a nice addition to the romantic dystopian genre. But it ended so abruptly I thought for sure there must have been a mistake! I guess this is supposed to hook me into the rest of the series, but it left me without that satisfying/warm feel you want at the end of a book.

[Erica Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining if vastly unrealistic

The characters are fairly decent, the story line entertaining but there are too many unanswered questions, too many unbelievable components that interfere with the pleasure of the story. She’s never seen anyone in 11 years and suddenly they’re popping up right and left. That’s just one of several examples that didn’t work for me.