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Ebb Tide: A Post-Zombie Apocalypse Thriller
Imagine the world ended while you were at sea. A two week blue water passage becomes a journey into an unknown future when a virulent plague wipes out humanity. Where would you go? How would you survive? And what would happen to your children? It's thirteen years after the Great Dying, a vicious plague that wiped out 99% of humanity - and turned many of the survivors into twisted monsters. Matai is the last surviving member of a famous sailing family. Alone, she sails her yacht Voodoo through a shattered world. Battling the elements and vicious survivors, she struggles to keep the failing systems of her boat – her home – going. She uses every ounce of ingenuity and knowledge gleaned from her passed parents to perform the day to day maintenance necessary to stay afloat. She has become a scavenger by necessity; searching deadly shipwrecks for anything that can keep her alive – or that she can trade with other survivors. But all this changes when, while exploring a derelict cargo ship, she discovers an evil greater than any she's ever faced. For the isolated islands of the Pacific are now the last scattered bastions of humanity. And it is on these islands that Matai will face her greatest challenge yet – one that may spell the final end for the human race. What is the Southwind Saga? The Southwind Saga is a series of books with a nautical focus set in a post-apocalyptic world. Think Walking Dead with boats or (as one reviewer put it) The Young Woman and the Zombie instead of The Old Man and the Sea. In the world of the Southwind Saga, no one really knows what caused the end of the world. No one really understands how the disease, that kills most and turns others into mindless monsters, came to be. The plague that wiped out humanity struck so suddenly that the only survivors were those too isolated to be infected - and too isolated to have a proper idea of what is going on. It's a Saga as it's an open ended series, where we follow the lives of the main characters - Matty, a nineteen year old female sailor and Zac, a young introverted translator - as they struggle to rebuild society on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, thirteen years after a zombie apocalypse. Read it if you enjoyed The Passage by Justin Cronin or Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel - or if you want a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic scenario. Fans of kickass - yet realistic - heroines will also love this book. The first two books of the series - EBB TIDE and SLACK WATER - are out now.
- GenresZombies
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2016
85 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 10, 2017
Most books in the post-apocalypse genre have the same basic ideas, and scenarios. What makes them fun to read is how each author approaches their story. One thing you can usually depend on is a lot of action.
What sets this story apart is two things: the main character, Mattie, and the setting.
I know nothing about sailing, or boats, or living on the ocean, which is why I was drawn to this book. I wanted to see how a book in this genre would play out against such an unusual setting. Plus, I like reading books by an expert, and learning new things. The Voodoo and the Black Harvest are fascinating settings, and I was completely drawn in.
Mattie is the other reason I enjoyed this book so much -- above and beyond the breakneck pace of the story. And believe me, two-thirds of the book is non-stop action. Granted, some of it was a bit improbable, but if you just go with it, you'll enjoy the speed.
I loved Mattie. She's a deeply lonely young woman who has been surviving on her own on her sailboat for years. Her story is skillfully woven into the plotline, and you eventually learn why she's the one. The one for what, you'll have to find out for yourself.
I was also impressed with the many twists on the usual zombie tropes. I was just as surprised as Mattie at some of the things she discovers. That's saying a lot considering how many books in the zombie post-apocalypse genre I've read.
What sets this story apart is two things: the main character, Mattie, and the setting.
I know nothing about sailing, or boats, or living on the ocean, which is why I was drawn to this book. I wanted to see how a book in this genre would play out against such an unusual setting. Plus, I like reading books by an expert, and learning new things. The Voodoo and the Black Harvest are fascinating settings, and I was completely drawn in.
Mattie is the other reason I enjoyed this book so much -- above and beyond the breakneck pace of the story. And believe me, two-thirds of the book is non-stop action. Granted, some of it was a bit improbable, but if you just go with it, you'll enjoy the speed.
I loved Mattie. She's a deeply lonely young woman who has been surviving on her own on her sailboat for years. Her story is skillfully woven into the plotline, and you eventually learn why she's the one. The one for what, you'll have to find out for yourself.
I was also impressed with the many twists on the usual zombie tropes. I was just as surprised as Mattie at some of the things she discovers. That's saying a lot considering how many books in the zombie post-apocalypse genre I've read.
January 25, 2018
Description: Alone now for a few years a 19 year old girl named Matai sails the seas looking for scavenge to bring back to her small community of survivors living on an island. She comes across a cargo ship wrecked on a small uncharted island. She finds loads of valuable items, but also an undead with powers unlike the other mindless zombies, and the secret of how the island has remained uncharted.
In Short: I really loved this book and read it quickly! I recommend it to anyone who likes the sound of a character driven zombie survival horror at sea. Also, If you love zombie survival video games as much as I do then you’ll enjoy this book.
Pros: The first thing I noticed while reading this book was the attention to detail. From the ship sailing, to the survival gear/training, to this world’s version of “zombies” everything was well thought out, descriptive and immersive. I’m not knowledgeable about these subjects but it seems well researched. The settings are so well painted, you could definitely see and feel the surroundings. I loved the ending, it was a happy ending, as happy as you can get during the zombie apocalypse. This book had a great solid conclusion and works as a stand alone. But after getting to the end I definitely did want to see what adventure awaits Matty next. I thought she was such a likable character. Strong, smart, meticulous in planning but also quick to improvise and problem solve. She may be a little crazy, talking to her imaginary friend and all, but she is coping with her situation admirably. I thought the monsters were interesting. They are like zombies but with some vampire-like strengths and weaknesses. This book is well written and fast paced; I read it quickly and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
Parent’s Guide: Violence, gore, zombie horror. Some language (infrequent).
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
In Short: I really loved this book and read it quickly! I recommend it to anyone who likes the sound of a character driven zombie survival horror at sea. Also, If you love zombie survival video games as much as I do then you’ll enjoy this book.
Pros: The first thing I noticed while reading this book was the attention to detail. From the ship sailing, to the survival gear/training, to this world’s version of “zombies” everything was well thought out, descriptive and immersive. I’m not knowledgeable about these subjects but it seems well researched. The settings are so well painted, you could definitely see and feel the surroundings. I loved the ending, it was a happy ending, as happy as you can get during the zombie apocalypse. This book had a great solid conclusion and works as a stand alone. But after getting to the end I definitely did want to see what adventure awaits Matty next. I thought she was such a likable character. Strong, smart, meticulous in planning but also quick to improvise and problem solve. She may be a little crazy, talking to her imaginary friend and all, but she is coping with her situation admirably. I thought the monsters were interesting. They are like zombies but with some vampire-like strengths and weaknesses. This book is well written and fast paced; I read it quickly and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
Parent’s Guide: Violence, gore, zombie horror. Some language (infrequent).
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
December 29, 2017
So I picked this up having just finished a series of heavy books, wanting something trashy and terrible I could breeze through. It actually ended up being not half bad, to my great surprise. Likeable and surprisingly believable main character, interesting setting/plot and a feeling of tension that never lets up.
Only things are it needs a bit of editing, and you can tell the guy who wrote it loves cruising, as it goes into a bit [i]too[/i] much detail on various parts of sailing (and I say this as a sailor)
I want to give this 3 and a half stars but I rounded it up to 4 as the author is male, writing about a female character and yet makes no mention of her boobs anywhere in the book which deserves an extra half a star.
I'll pick up the rest of the series I think
Only things are it needs a bit of editing, and you can tell the guy who wrote it loves cruising, as it goes into a bit [i]too[/i] much detail on various parts of sailing (and I say this as a sailor)
I want to give this 3 and a half stars but I rounded it up to 4 as the author is male, writing about a female character and yet makes no mention of her boobs anywhere in the book which deserves an extra half a star.
I'll pick up the rest of the series I think
November 6, 2019
The blurb attracted me to this book. It’s my first time reading a nautical post-apocalyptic thriller and I’m very pleased that I gave it a chance. I found the plot to be very interesting and a bit different to the norm. It’s a definite page turner as it was impossible to put down once I had started reading it. This is a new author to me and I’m looking forward to reading more from them in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2021
Awesome prose!
This is my first read of this author and this late in the apocalyptic era I was skeptical about a virus driven plot. But the story is much more than that. A great read, with only minor editing flaws. The detail of living on the sea, the technicalities of sailing, and the quality of storytelling kept me engaged throughout the book.
This is my first read of this author and this late in the apocalyptic era I was skeptical about a virus driven plot. But the story is much more than that. A great read, with only minor editing flaws. The detail of living on the sea, the technicalities of sailing, and the quality of storytelling kept me engaged throughout the book.
October 9, 2019
This is a zombie apocalypse series that is absolutely awesome. I lovee the story and the twists that make it very unique. The story is fabulous with great characters. I cannot wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2019
This is a great book. The storyline pulls you in and keeps you interested throughout. Very well written and hard to put down. I highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2017
Fast paced
It took me a minute to adjust to the authors writing style. Ultimately I'm glad I stuck with it. It was fast paced, with lots of action and ingenuity.
It took me a minute to adjust to the authors writing style. Ultimately I'm glad I stuck with it. It was fast paced, with lots of action and ingenuity.
January 3, 2017
"DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING U HEAR"
Scary, eerie and more. Infected mind games from an death associated psyche force. A gatherer of cannibalistic wants and needs. The belief and trust you've had instilled in you by your loving family to ALWAYS watch over you; the guidance fulfilled by a strong resistance to have your overtaken by pure evil. Intriguing..
Scary, eerie and more. Infected mind games from an death associated psyche force. A gatherer of cannibalistic wants and needs. The belief and trust you've had instilled in you by your loving family to ALWAYS watch over you; the guidance fulfilled by a strong resistance to have your overtaken by pure evil. Intriguing..
February 12, 2017
Good finish
Aside from needing better editing, the story ended better than I thought when I first started reading. But I've never been a big fan of the zombie stories and it's getting old. Also, I was hoping for more sailing. That said, I'll probably give the next book a chance when it's out.
Aside from needing better editing, the story ended better than I thought when I first started reading. But I've never been a big fan of the zombie stories and it's getting old. Also, I was hoping for more sailing. That said, I'll probably give the next book a chance when it's out.
January 7, 2017
Strong female protagonist in post-apocalyptic shipwreck Zombie-fest
EBB TIDE, is no more or less predictable than other Zombie-filled PA books. The action is fast-paced and relentless. The "by the skin of her teeth" escapes, perfect (gun) shots, last-second solutions to insurmountable problems and "missed (or made) by an inch" death-defying leaps, Zombie swipes or other implausible "how'd she do that's" are why we read PA lit -- Suspend belief, defy the laws of physics, and escape into literary escapism.
What, for this reader, made EBB TIDE a '4' vs. an average '3' reading experience: - A strong female protagonist - The authors obvious love for and expertise in sailing, boats/ships and ocean sea-faring - The protagonist's interesting "You don't wanna do that" sidekick Katie, and - The Zombie horde being referred to as 'marys'.
In a genre filled to overflowing, EBB TIDE is an easy, yet engaging and entertaining read.
EBB TIDE, is no more or less predictable than other Zombie-filled PA books. The action is fast-paced and relentless. The "by the skin of her teeth" escapes, perfect (gun) shots, last-second solutions to insurmountable problems and "missed (or made) by an inch" death-defying leaps, Zombie swipes or other implausible "how'd she do that's" are why we read PA lit -- Suspend belief, defy the laws of physics, and escape into literary escapism.
What, for this reader, made EBB TIDE a '4' vs. an average '3' reading experience: - A strong female protagonist - The authors obvious love for and expertise in sailing, boats/ships and ocean sea-faring - The protagonist's interesting "You don't wanna do that" sidekick Katie, and - The Zombie horde being referred to as 'marys'.
In a genre filled to overflowing, EBB TIDE is an easy, yet engaging and entertaining read.
January 15, 2017
Great read!
The tension is non-stop and the setting is truly unique. I hope this is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to read more!
The tension is non-stop and the setting is truly unique. I hope this is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to read more!
February 21, 2019
did not finish..
zombies!
zombies!
March 27, 2017
Fell short
I usually try to avoid harsh criticism of a writer's efforts. I am not a writer but a reader so I feel criticism should be left to peers. That being said I was honestly underwhelmed by this story. The sailing aspects were well done. The zombie/vampire/whatever critters were way overboard. The explanation of how they came to be was weak. The main character and her heroics didn't make sense. The ending purely cliche. I will be hard pressed to read any other offerings by this author.
I usually try to avoid harsh criticism of a writer's efforts. I am not a writer but a reader so I feel criticism should be left to peers. That being said I was honestly underwhelmed by this story. The sailing aspects were well done. The zombie/vampire/whatever critters were way overboard. The explanation of how they came to be was weak. The main character and her heroics didn't make sense. The ending purely cliche. I will be hard pressed to read any other offerings by this author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews