What do you think?
Rate this book
Heaven Before Hell
On the eve of the apocalypse…
Twenty-year-old Lee Walker is struggling to make ends meet in the aftermath of a worldwide flu epidemic. Her life is complicated by a dangerous drug lord who can’t seem to take no for an answer, a sister who can’t keep herself out of jail, a close friend who wants to take things to the next level, and a coworker who’s nasty pranks are no laughing matter. But when people start turning into zombies, Lee realizes the only thing that matters is saving her family from a world rapidly devolving into hell.
This novella is a prequel to the Heaven in Hell series.
Twenty-year-old Lee Walker is struggling to make ends meet in the aftermath of a worldwide flu epidemic. Her life is complicated by a dangerous drug lord who can’t seem to take no for an answer, a sister who can’t keep herself out of jail, a close friend who wants to take things to the next level, and a coworker who’s nasty pranks are no laughing matter. But when people start turning into zombies, Lee realizes the only thing that matters is saving her family from a world rapidly devolving into hell.
This novella is a prequel to the Heaven in Hell series.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2017
67 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Dia Cole
30 books736 followersDia wanted to be a writer from the time she could hold a pencil. A lover of paranormal romance, reverse harem, science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror, she writes action-packed stories featuring kick-butt heroines and the alpha male heroes who fall for them.
www.diacole.com
Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/10829...
Join her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dLmhsY
www.diacole.com
Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/10829...
Join her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dLmhsY
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 1, 2018
My rating 4.7
The book Heaven Before Hell: A Post-Apocalyptic Paranormal Romance Series (Prequel to Heaven in Hell) by Dia Cole is a well-written prequel to a zombie apocalypse. The story is very good at the very beginning and leads us into a world that is in decline. Lovers of the horror genre with zombies will like it. The story is interesting and follows the main figure of Eden who, to feed her brother and sister, works at the striptease bar. But soon its world, which is not very pink, will be found before the total collapse. In this prequel, we only find out what's going to happen in the series.
The book Heaven Before Hell: A Post-Apocalyptic Paranormal Romance Series (Prequel to Heaven in Hell) by Dia Cole is a well-written prequel to a zombie apocalypse. The story is very good at the very beginning and leads us into a world that is in decline. Lovers of the horror genre with zombies will like it. The story is interesting and follows the main figure of Eden who, to feed her brother and sister, works at the striptease bar. But soon its world, which is not very pink, will be found before the total collapse. In this prequel, we only find out what's going to happen in the series.
July 19, 2018
I read this book after finishing the first 4 in the serial. In those first 4 we got glimpses of what Lee’s life was before. But with HEAVEN BEFORE HELL we get the whole story. Who was Reed to Lee before the end? What happened to Lee, Eden, and Reed before Dominic found them with their name on that mysterious “list”? How did the end form their lives at the start of this new world?
I am still happy that I read those before this one. It was like I knew a somewhat happy ending was coming. I didn’t have to hold my breath with worry that things may go wrong. It still surprised me and it ended up being a great addition to this series. 5 Stars!
I am still happy that I read those before this one. It was like I knew a somewhat happy ending was coming. I didn’t have to hold my breath with worry that things may go wrong. It still surprised me and it ended up being a great addition to this series. 5 Stars!
June 6, 2018
This was fun! I started it last night and stayed up way past the break-even point where I won't be cranky today. I enjoyed the characters, as they were so over-the-top characterizations of themselves. Our heroine is Lee, also known as Heaven when she's dancing on stage to pay the bills. She's got two younger siblings, a foster brother who's half in love with her, and a dog-loving, protest-minded sister Eden who needs a good smack across the face. Lee gets caught up in a crazy day (that may not be so unusual for her) to a zombie outbreak in her front living room. The zombies are pretty standard stuff, and Lee has no problem disposing of them with long, blunt objects and television sets. I'm looking forward to more...
May 29, 2018
Fun twist on the apocalypse!
July 7, 2017
After reading the box set of the series I thought it would be interesting to see how Lee's life began. This little novelette really surprised me. As well written and engaging as the first, the reader is plunged into an alternate dystopian society where a zombie outbreak occurs and Lee is struggling to provide for her family. I LOVE her flawed character and her strength, despite her past and hardships. She's a strong heroine with a kick ass attitude and a fighter spirit. Be sure to read this along with the series! You'll enjoy the backstory as it adds to the rest of the books. Just wish there was more Dominic. Highly recommended!!!
May 1, 2018
21 year old Lee Walker 'knows all too well, the pain of losing loved ones.' With a tragic past and equally uncertain future, her chances of surviving a viral outbreak are slim.
The virus specified in the book appears to be a rabies mutation, of canine origin. With it becoming mandatory to 'put down all dogs', there's one less form of companionship to keep our protagonist sane.
I realized early on that Lee had financial troubles, based on casual remarks she makes, her type of employment (high paying, yet she feels disgusted), etc.
'That won't get us far,' or 'Is this what I'd been reduced to? Bartering my virginity?'
It is plain to see that these are desperate times for Lee, and as we know, desperate times call for particularly desperate measures.
If a mutating dog virus isn't scary enough, then came the proposal f rumoured drug lord, Javier, who offers Lee £20,000 for one evening of private dancing. While Javier's proposal would help to solve Lee's financial problems, the implied price (to Lee, at least) feels like too much of an ask.
Lee's strength and determination keep her sanity in check throughout. She stays calm under pressure as she is already far too familiar with death for her own liking. Lee also shows an intense dislike for men, which I came to understand as I delved further into her mysterious past.
While the other characters in the novel sort of faded into the background, one other did not and that was Reed. Reed's character caught my attention from the start. His bold yet reserved personality had me wondering what he was all about. His honesty and loyalty had me warming to him as he fought to keep himself and his oldest friend, Lee, alive.
I really enjoyed this novel and can't wait to see what else Dia Cole writes in the future.
Rated 4/5 stars.
Recommended for lovers of zombie and post apocalyptic novels.
The virus specified in the book appears to be a rabies mutation, of canine origin. With it becoming mandatory to 'put down all dogs', there's one less form of companionship to keep our protagonist sane.
I realized early on that Lee had financial troubles, based on casual remarks she makes, her type of employment (high paying, yet she feels disgusted), etc.
'That won't get us far,' or 'Is this what I'd been reduced to? Bartering my virginity?'
It is plain to see that these are desperate times for Lee, and as we know, desperate times call for particularly desperate measures.
If a mutating dog virus isn't scary enough, then came the proposal f rumoured drug lord, Javier, who offers Lee £20,000 for one evening of private dancing. While Javier's proposal would help to solve Lee's financial problems, the implied price (to Lee, at least) feels like too much of an ask.
Lee's strength and determination keep her sanity in check throughout. She stays calm under pressure as she is already far too familiar with death for her own liking. Lee also shows an intense dislike for men, which I came to understand as I delved further into her mysterious past.
While the other characters in the novel sort of faded into the background, one other did not and that was Reed. Reed's character caught my attention from the start. His bold yet reserved personality had me wondering what he was all about. His honesty and loyalty had me warming to him as he fought to keep himself and his oldest friend, Lee, alive.
I really enjoyed this novel and can't wait to see what else Dia Cole writes in the future.
Rated 4/5 stars.
Recommended for lovers of zombie and post apocalyptic novels.
September 7, 2017
I am usually not a big fan of zombies (although I like other paranormal creatures - zombies just don't do it for me) what stood out in this story was the characterization, so really, any story with Lee in it would have been fantastic. I am looking forward to continuing the story, which is compelling in and of itself. The Amazon description states that it can be read as a standalone, but I guarantee that you'll want to keep going with the next installment in the series. This is Kindle Unlimited, and a 'don't miss' for you KU subscribers, but honestly, for 99 cents you can't beat this for great story value.
January 29, 2018
First know that I never read zombie stories, they're not my thing. But I thought I'd give this one a try. I'm glad I did. I like it & now I want to read more of it. It kinda leaves in a cliffhanger, so you need to read more. :) I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Want to read
March 13, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/13/2020)! 🎁
Want to read
June 4, 2017Dia Cole has this one sale today 6-3-17 for free! Can't wait to give it a try!
Thanks Dia Cole!
Thanks Dia Cole!
May 29, 2017
I've never read anything like this before. Usually, I read fantasy which is normally much longer and steer clear of anything too gore filled or scary. I'm so glad I didn't with this! I can definitely see how someone could get hooked on this style of writing, especially when it is as well done as Dia's story is. I loved the fast pace (I read the entire story in a day), the characters, and how Dia left me wanting more. I think the characters are very believable and you really root for the protag. Lee, and her people. I can't wait to see what comes next. I'm pretty sure it's going to be amazing.
April 23, 2017
Good story, what there is of it
Usually notice and don't buy cliffhanger episodal novels. Loved the characters, but even if all the eps were 99c as this one was, that's still likely way over normal priced, in order to get the whole novel. Especially since this one covered only two chs worth of plot--consider. If it's the usual 25 chs, that would make this a 12 dollar story.
Usually notice and don't buy cliffhanger episodal novels. Loved the characters, but even if all the eps were 99c as this one was, that's still likely way over normal priced, in order to get the whole novel. Especially since this one covered only two chs worth of plot--consider. If it's the usual 25 chs, that would make this a 12 dollar story.
August 10, 2017
I found the story easy to read, but I just didn't care for any of the characters and most of the story was pretty routine for a zombie apocalypse.
June 16, 2017
Just wow!
This story is action packed and comes with a bite! Definitely a page turner that leaves you begging for more! There are some definite twist that will leave you guessing what will happen next!
This story is action packed and comes with a bite! Definitely a page turner that leaves you begging for more! There are some definite twist that will leave you guessing what will happen next!
March 11, 2018
Title: heaven before hell
Author: Dia Cole
➡What was the story about? ⬇
About young family. Lee trying to take care of her sister and foster brother working 2 jobs. One isn't or the best of Job's. Now she trying to keep them alive after the government did something wrong and now dead people trying to eat people.
➡ how I felt about this book. Likes & dislikes and character's⬇
I really liked how we got a look inside Lee's and her siblings life's beforehand and get a feel about the characters personalities. Lee jumped right into action with the zombie's even how scared she was. Reed was okay until he started acting like a wimp. Eden was going to be to girly from how she act but she surprised me big time.
I like how the whole virus started from dog's then the government made vaccine to help but started zombie Apocalypse instead which I can see happening.
⬇Goodreads & Amazon 5 star rating ⬇
(⭐) horrible
(⭐⭐) bad
(⭐⭐⭐) okay
(⭐⭐⭐⭐) good
(⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) great ✔
~{ 1-10 Rating system }~
Quality of the writing. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Reading pace. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Plot development. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Character development. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Enjoyable. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Book cover. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Editing. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
➡Would you recommended this book to other's? ➡ yes
➡Would you read more book's by this Author? ➡ yes
Author: Dia Cole
➡What was the story about? ⬇
About young family. Lee trying to take care of her sister and foster brother working 2 jobs. One isn't or the best of Job's. Now she trying to keep them alive after the government did something wrong and now dead people trying to eat people.
➡ how I felt about this book. Likes & dislikes and character's⬇
I really liked how we got a look inside Lee's and her siblings life's beforehand and get a feel about the characters personalities. Lee jumped right into action with the zombie's even how scared she was. Reed was okay until he started acting like a wimp. Eden was going to be to girly from how she act but she surprised me big time.
I like how the whole virus started from dog's then the government made vaccine to help but started zombie Apocalypse instead which I can see happening.
⬇Goodreads & Amazon 5 star rating ⬇
(⭐) horrible
(⭐⭐) bad
(⭐⭐⭐) okay
(⭐⭐⭐⭐) good
(⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) great ✔
~{ 1-10 Rating system }~
Quality of the writing. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Reading pace. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Plot development. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Character development. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Enjoyable. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Book cover. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Editing. [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
➡Would you recommended this book to other's? ➡ yes
➡Would you read more book's by this Author? ➡ yes
September 27, 2018
Before Hell Broke Open, there was Heaven Lee
Heaven just wants to keep her family safe and together. After losing Grams, it's up to Heaven (Lee) to keep her family safe and together. Working double shifts as a waitress, then as an exotic dancer at a local dive is enough to crush anyone's soul, but Lee perseveres. That is, until she captures the attention of the local drug lord, who won't take no for an answer.
Her best friend, Cami, is complaining of numbness after receiving an injection to combat the canine flu, but Lee hasn't received one as yet. Trying to juggle all the demands on her time and money, Lee doesn't have time for herself or to catch up on current events. Discovering that her little sister Eden was arrested (again) for protesting, Lee is ready to throw in the towel.
Realizing she had forgotten her "brother" Reed's birthday, Lee agreed to unwind and enjoy the impromptu birthday party for Reed. After a shocking confession from Reed, Lee retreats to her room for some much needed sleep.
Screams awaken Lee and Reed... To the realization that the zombie apocalypse has begun! Desperate to spring Eden, Lee and Reed must battle their way to the police station, or die in the attempt. Some things ARE worse than death...
Heaven just wants to keep her family safe and together. After losing Grams, it's up to Heaven (Lee) to keep her family safe and together. Working double shifts as a waitress, then as an exotic dancer at a local dive is enough to crush anyone's soul, but Lee perseveres. That is, until she captures the attention of the local drug lord, who won't take no for an answer.
Her best friend, Cami, is complaining of numbness after receiving an injection to combat the canine flu, but Lee hasn't received one as yet. Trying to juggle all the demands on her time and money, Lee doesn't have time for herself or to catch up on current events. Discovering that her little sister Eden was arrested (again) for protesting, Lee is ready to throw in the towel.
Realizing she had forgotten her "brother" Reed's birthday, Lee agreed to unwind and enjoy the impromptu birthday party for Reed. After a shocking confession from Reed, Lee retreats to her room for some much needed sleep.
Screams awaken Lee and Reed... To the realization that the zombie apocalypse has begun! Desperate to spring Eden, Lee and Reed must battle their way to the police station, or die in the attempt. Some things ARE worse than death...
June 9, 2018
TALK ABOUT LIVING IN THE FAST LANE!!!
If you're looking for a fast paced, action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing read that captivates from the start and holds it till the very last word. Congrats my friends you've just stepped off in it. Talk about a rollercoaster ride through hell backwards. The characters and scenes were realistic, intriguing and complex with an undeniably strong storyline that will rock your world. No kidding, all jokes aside, this is an A list read. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it gives the illusion you were right there in ground zero with them. Following the characters along as their personalities transformed and blended was an experience you can't really explain, you have to live it. Twists, turns and unexpected surprises that will keep you in suspense with a nerve racking, nailbiting, adrenaline pumping run for your life realism that takes on a whole new meaning. Come get you some! Cole did a phenomenal job bringing this read to life. Remarkable job Cole, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
If you're looking for a fast paced, action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing read that captivates from the start and holds it till the very last word. Congrats my friends you've just stepped off in it. Talk about a rollercoaster ride through hell backwards. The characters and scenes were realistic, intriguing and complex with an undeniably strong storyline that will rock your world. No kidding, all jokes aside, this is an A list read. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it gives the illusion you were right there in ground zero with them. Following the characters along as their personalities transformed and blended was an experience you can't really explain, you have to live it. Twists, turns and unexpected surprises that will keep you in suspense with a nerve racking, nailbiting, adrenaline pumping run for your life realism that takes on a whole new meaning. Come get you some! Cole did a phenomenal job bringing this read to life. Remarkable job Cole, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
February 10, 2018
A Man-Made Virus
A virus begins. The government messes up. The cover-up will not end well for the world’s population. In Heaven Before Hell, Lee is still attempting to keep her fragmented family together even when facing the unbelievable zombies in her small home town. Her past comes to haunt her, as well as help her, when everything falls apart in her world. This is a well-written story which zombie apocalypse readers will love to consume!
A virus begins. The government messes up. The cover-up will not end well for the world’s population. In Heaven Before Hell, Lee is still attempting to keep her fragmented family together even when facing the unbelievable zombies in her small home town. Her past comes to haunt her, as well as help her, when everything falls apart in her world. This is a well-written story which zombie apocalypse readers will love to consume!
November 4, 2019
I would like to start out by saying that zombies are definitely not my thing, but I have to admit that Dia Cole can write a fantastic story. It tugs on the heart and makes you sick to your stomach at the same time. Well, if you're like me anyway. Her writing is just that good! I love Lee and her family. Her journey is a hard one and I can only expect that it's about to get even harder as the story progresses and I'll be waiting to see what happens next with anticipation!
February 17, 2020
This story is action packed and comes with a bite! Definitely a page turner that leaves you begging for more! There are some definite twist that will leave you guessing what will happen next!
Captivating, fast paced, extremely well written prequel. I loved Lee and her family. Their trials are only beginning and now I need more of their story. Dia Cole brings originality, humor and emotion to the zombie apocalypse. Not to mention blood and gore!
Captivating, fast paced, extremely well written prequel. I loved Lee and her family. Their trials are only beginning and now I need more of their story. Dia Cole brings originality, humor and emotion to the zombie apocalypse. Not to mention blood and gore!
February 12, 2018
I downloaded Heaven Before Hell as a free 120pg novella from Amazon. Great example of a nice series starter. Some of the zombie apocalypse scenes made me chuckle, it was so over-the-top. The worldbuilding and character development were well done, and detailed enough to involve the reader from the start and leave us wondering what happens next in book two. Well done.
September 9, 2019
Finishes at 90% and I think this prequel is actually a nice addition to the story. I would have definitely tried more if I read this first, but I definitely liked the first one more. It was actually a really good start and showed how it all unfolded/the relationship between her sister and friend before everything.
August 16, 2017
Fast pace
Life went from crazy day to day to scary zombie war in an instant. I liked the characters. Didn't want Duncan to die but now led has anew hero. Like her feisty sister. Want to read more.Loved
Life went from crazy day to day to scary zombie war in an instant. I liked the characters. Didn't want Duncan to die but now led has anew hero. Like her feisty sister. Want to read more.Loved
December 10, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This was a zombie apocalypse and that's not my usual genre. But I found it to be well written with well defined characters and storyline. If you like this type of story, you'll most likely love this book.
March 18, 2018
Captivating, fast paced, extremely well written prequel. I loved Lee and her family. Their trials are only beginning and it’s a must to read on after the end of this story. Dia Cole brings originality, humor and emotion to the zombie apocalypse. Not to mention blood and gore! Lol.
June 17, 2018
I want to let you know how much I liked your writing and just how surprised I was that I did. I normally stay away from the zombie books because I just don't get it but the way that you spin it as a reaction to a vaccine from our government I could actually see it happen. Keep up the great work!
July 9, 2017
Really good workup to a series!
February 26, 2018
"Heaven Before Hell" is the 1st book of a new zombie series.
I hope the rest of the series is as good.
RECOMMENDED
I hope the rest of the series is as good.
RECOMMENDED
March 17, 2018
What an amazing zombie story. This is my first in this genre as I’m not usually into this. Loved Lee as the main character and hope to read many more from this superb author.
May 20, 2018
Great!
Well written zombie apocalypse beginning story. Great fast paced action sequences and gore. Really enjoyed the following episodes as well.
Well written zombie apocalypse beginning story. Great fast paced action sequences and gore. Really enjoyed the following episodes as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews