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Realm of the Dead #2
Return of the Dead
A violent disaster has caused the dead to rise, but that was only the beginning. Now, society has broken down, the dead control the cities, and what is left for humanity is entangled in a fierce struggle for survival.
Like the zombies she must fight, Scout Johnson has already lost her life. She woke up one morning and everything that ever mattered to her was suddenly gone. Even as the world around her fills with cruel survivors, Scout pushes on in search of a reason to keep fighting to stay alive.
When Scout comes across another group of survivors, she finds herself thrust into the crossfire of a bloody battle between opposing factions. One group seeks to find a cure and restore order, while their enemy is intent on creating their own twisted vision of a new world. Scout must align herself with the lesser of two evils in order to survive and joins their fight to try and save what still remains of humanity.
Like the zombies she must fight, Scout Johnson has already lost her life. She woke up one morning and everything that ever mattered to her was suddenly gone. Even as the world around her fills with cruel survivors, Scout pushes on in search of a reason to keep fighting to stay alive.
When Scout comes across another group of survivors, she finds herself thrust into the crossfire of a bloody battle between opposing factions. One group seeks to find a cure and restore order, while their enemy is intent on creating their own twisted vision of a new world. Scout must align herself with the lesser of two evils in order to survive and joins their fight to try and save what still remains of humanity.
- GenresZombiesPost Apocalyptic
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2017
190 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Dyson
7 books73 followersJeremy Dyson lives for one reason; to kill zombies. Until he gets that chance, he occupies his time drinking beer, writing stories, and teaching his children not to go to the bathroom on the floor. So far he has only succeeded in two of those endeavors.
After studying at the University of Iowa, Jeremy moved back home to Illinois, worked on a farm, built websites, made lattes, wrote how-to articles, and took dogs for walks before deciding he should probably do something different. About a year later, his debut novel, Rise of the Dead, was released. The rest is history.
He currently resides in the cozy town of Crystal Lake, Illinois with his wife, two daughters, a pair of scruffy, stinky dogs, and his best friend, Jason Voorhees.
Okay, I just made that last part up.
After studying at the University of Iowa, Jeremy moved back home to Illinois, worked on a farm, built websites, made lattes, wrote how-to articles, and took dogs for walks before deciding he should probably do something different. About a year later, his debut novel, Rise of the Dead, was released. The rest is history.
He currently resides in the cozy town of Crystal Lake, Illinois with his wife, two daughters, a pair of scruffy, stinky dogs, and his best friend, Jason Voorhees.
Okay, I just made that last part up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 18, 2017
Wow that pretty much sums it up WOW!
May 29, 2017
Must read
Very good read...it is possible that the second book is even better than the first? I truly love Scout. She is a bad ass.
Very good read...it is possible that the second book is even better than the first? I truly love Scout. She is a bad ass.
May 6, 2019
I have never heard of Jeremy Dyson so didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. Rise of the Dead started with a group of survivors and followed their story. I thought Return of the Dead would be a continuation of that but it started out with a completely different narrator. Book 3, Rage of the Dead did the same thing. I found I quite enjoyed this approach and I highly suggest you read this series.
February 4, 2019
Second book in the series and it was even better than the first one. Good strong characters and lots of action.
December 28, 2017
The book starts off a little confusing, with a whole new cast of characters. For awhile I wonder if I missed a book in the series. About halfway through, our trusty cast of characters from the first book unite with our new characters.
First the good: this book won’t disappoint those who enjoy a quick and light read of a traditional zombie book. At over 300 pages ROTD2 is longer than similar books, which I enjoy. The 2nd book in the series also is more realistic than similar books in this genre, with sometimes central characters getting taken out with little ceremony. I think that makes the book more enjoyable. There simply isn’t time to say good-bye or have time to bury fallen friends. Further, I enjoyed what I see as a more realistic portrayal of the constant state of alertness that is required in the new world. There is no safe haven, there is no time to rest and recuperate. Your body is taxed to the limit. ROTD2 didn’t disappoint in these areas, and I look forward to #3!
Now for areas where improvement is recommended: get a good editor to look over the manuscript! In numerous places, words were missing or added, which slowed down the reading. I could figure it out, and there were no traditional typos (thank you!), but a better editing job would improve the readability of the book. Second, while I felt that I got to know Blake and his buddies in ROTD2 and I cared about what happened to them, I didn’t see the same level of character development for Scout and the other new characters in this book. Starting with new characters confused me, and I just didn’t care as much about Scout as I did Blake and his group. All the characters are flawed, which is realistic, but I often didn’t care what happened to Scout. Yes, she cares about Stevie, but she makes poor choices in many portions of the book. Those poor choices affect Stevie, and I find myself not believing that Scout would make some of the decisions she makes. It’s too out of character.....and I just don’t like her that much or care about what happens to her.
Overall, in spite of these issues, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the final book in the trilogy. Hopefully, I’ll find reasons to care more about Scout, and a good editor will be used. Then I can enjoy the fast-paced writing style and constant action that the author uses very effectively!
First the good: this book won’t disappoint those who enjoy a quick and light read of a traditional zombie book. At over 300 pages ROTD2 is longer than similar books, which I enjoy. The 2nd book in the series also is more realistic than similar books in this genre, with sometimes central characters getting taken out with little ceremony. I think that makes the book more enjoyable. There simply isn’t time to say good-bye or have time to bury fallen friends. Further, I enjoyed what I see as a more realistic portrayal of the constant state of alertness that is required in the new world. There is no safe haven, there is no time to rest and recuperate. Your body is taxed to the limit. ROTD2 didn’t disappoint in these areas, and I look forward to #3!
Now for areas where improvement is recommended: get a good editor to look over the manuscript! In numerous places, words were missing or added, which slowed down the reading. I could figure it out, and there were no traditional typos (thank you!), but a better editing job would improve the readability of the book. Second, while I felt that I got to know Blake and his buddies in ROTD2 and I cared about what happened to them, I didn’t see the same level of character development for Scout and the other new characters in this book. Starting with new characters confused me, and I just didn’t care as much about Scout as I did Blake and his group. All the characters are flawed, which is realistic, but I often didn’t care what happened to Scout. Yes, she cares about Stevie, but she makes poor choices in many portions of the book. Those poor choices affect Stevie, and I find myself not believing that Scout would make some of the decisions she makes. It’s too out of character.....and I just don’t like her that much or care about what happens to her.
Overall, in spite of these issues, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the final book in the trilogy. Hopefully, I’ll find reasons to care more about Scout, and a good editor will be used. Then I can enjoy the fast-paced writing style and constant action that the author uses very effectively!
June 18, 2018
I recieved this book as part of a goodreads contest in exchange of a honest review. First off I have not read the first book of this series. But that is not why I am giving it a 3 star review. I felt that certain things were being overused such as the characters rolling their eyes. I believe that almost every other page a character was described to of rolled their eyes in response. It would of been one thing if it was just one characters quirk or reaction to most things. But EVERYONE rolled their eyes. And reading that 150 times is just poor writing and shows a lack of imagination.
Don't get me wrong. I love zombie stories as much as the next person. But so many are cookie cutter shapes of other stories. They need to try something a little different.
There were characters in here that would start off on stories about how "You know what happened to me at such and such a place" and leave it at that. Yet. They were not part of Scout's (the main character) story arc. So I don't know if the first book had all of these secondary characters in them and we got to see what happened with them. But it felt like a lot of loose threads were tied togethor and were still coming undone.
That being said. I did like the characters and the friendship/respect they had formed between each other. That was well written and thought out.
Don't get me wrong. I love zombie stories as much as the next person. But so many are cookie cutter shapes of other stories. They need to try something a little different.
There were characters in here that would start off on stories about how "You know what happened to me at such and such a place" and leave it at that. Yet. They were not part of Scout's (the main character) story arc. So I don't know if the first book had all of these secondary characters in them and we got to see what happened with them. But it felt like a lot of loose threads were tied togethor and were still coming undone.
That being said. I did like the characters and the friendship/respect they had formed between each other. That was well written and thought out.
January 9, 2020
Very well done zombie book, but did not like the main protagonist.
I enjoyed the book, I did not know what was going to happen until I turn the next page. Plenty of action, plenty of gore, good character development. What I did not like was that the main protagonist scout was too naïve in her outlook that everybody deserves to be saved. In my opinion this made her week and caused the death of a few characters. She seemed not to emotionally suffer from her consequences, it was like oh well my bad. In my opinion this book should’ve been about Quentin another character that was lost. I don’t believe a character was such idealistic ideas with survive and apocalypse. The book is worth reading though enjoy it.
I enjoyed the book, I did not know what was going to happen until I turn the next page. Plenty of action, plenty of gore, good character development. What I did not like was that the main protagonist scout was too naïve in her outlook that everybody deserves to be saved. In my opinion this made her week and caused the death of a few characters. She seemed not to emotionally suffer from her consequences, it was like oh well my bad. In my opinion this book should’ve been about Quentin another character that was lost. I don’t believe a character was such idealistic ideas with survive and apocalypse. The book is worth reading though enjoy it.
August 14, 2017
Rise of the dead...
A little confused at first. A whole new set of characters emerge and I'm wondering if I'm reading the same book. But all is well. The author introduces us to Scout, Steven, little Stevie & others who fit nicely with his storyline. Of course we eventually get back to Blake, Quentin & Danielle to continue their story.
Lot of action, tons of zombies & the requisite bad guy. But there's a plan, a captured scientist and a helicopter to take them to area 51 (wonder what's going on there).
I really enjoyed this book & will be waiting for the next..😁
A little confused at first. A whole new set of characters emerge and I'm wondering if I'm reading the same book. But all is well. The author introduces us to Scout, Steven, little Stevie & others who fit nicely with his storyline. Of course we eventually get back to Blake, Quentin & Danielle to continue their story.
Lot of action, tons of zombies & the requisite bad guy. But there's a plan, a captured scientist and a helicopter to take them to area 51 (wonder what's going on there).
I really enjoyed this book & will be waiting for the next..😁
October 12, 2018
White-knuckle zombie action
Book 2 another five stars, I didn't know if he could do better than the first book,it wasn't as good but there was a lot of different things that made it better different twists and a constant threat from humans and zombies. And this book it seems way more realistic than a lot of the zombie books around cuz the people in this book are real and the things that are happening seem more realistic,the action is Non-Stop, another great book by a rising star in the zombie horror game
Book 2 another five stars, I didn't know if he could do better than the first book,it wasn't as good but there was a lot of different things that made it better different twists and a constant threat from humans and zombies. And this book it seems way more realistic than a lot of the zombie books around cuz the people in this book are real and the things that are happening seem more realistic,the action is Non-Stop, another great book by a rising star in the zombie horror game
May 30, 2021
The really exciting page turning sleepless nights
I know we can’t trade it on the female lead this time and it was more excited to see how the resilience of this female character lasted through horrible experiences and still continued on even though things piled against them, even to the last and she still fucked and one, all for the love of a child and freedom away from an evil tyrant, this book is exciting, innovative great character set you’ll love it you may not sleep because you want to know what’s happening, LOL!
I know we can’t trade it on the female lead this time and it was more excited to see how the resilience of this female character lasted through horrible experiences and still continued on even though things piled against them, even to the last and she still fucked and one, all for the love of a child and freedom away from an evil tyrant, this book is exciting, innovative great character set you’ll love it you may not sleep because you want to know what’s happening, LOL!
February 22, 2020
The Return
Book 2 is good. There's a lot going on and new characters are bought in. My favorites are in Book one so I couldn't wait to read more on Blake and his crew. It got better when both groups finally met up. I'm still left wondering about this nutty Dr. and how he can save the world. I also would've liked to know more about Bishop. His story wasn't very clear. Maybe we'll learn more in the next part, which I will be reading. So far, it's a good series.
Book 2 is good. There's a lot going on and new characters are bought in. My favorites are in Book one so I couldn't wait to read more on Blake and his crew. It got better when both groups finally met up. I'm still left wondering about this nutty Dr. and how he can save the world. I also would've liked to know more about Bishop. His story wasn't very clear. Maybe we'll learn more in the next part, which I will be reading. So far, it's a good series.
June 11, 2017
After being introduced to this author and being drawn into his intellectual story-telling in Rise of the Dead, I couldn't wait for Volume 2. Return of the Dead did not disappoint. Tale continues woven from the perspective of Scout and mounts in suspense in the last third of the book, culminating in a way that leaves the reader baited for Volume 3!
June 26, 2017
Awesome Zed book!!
Grabs your attention immediately in the first book, so you can't wait to read the second one. Now, I'll be impatiently waiting for the third book!
Some of the characters you'll love and some you'll love to hate. The books so far have been 'edge of your seat' heart pounding non stop action. Don't miss out on this series or you'll be missing out😎
Grabs your attention immediately in the first book, so you can't wait to read the second one. Now, I'll be impatiently waiting for the third book!
Some of the characters you'll love and some you'll love to hate. The books so far have been 'edge of your seat' heart pounding non stop action. Don't miss out on this series or you'll be missing out😎
October 29, 2017
Needs better proofreading and editing, but a great story
I found the first book in my ' suggested for you ' and gave it a shot and boy am I glad I did.
This second book was also great. Fast paced, believable characters and situations. But the typos were awful and frequent. That's the only complaint I have.
Definitely an author I'll be adding to my list of favorites.
I found the first book in my ' suggested for you ' and gave it a shot and boy am I glad I did.
This second book was also great. Fast paced, believable characters and situations. But the typos were awful and frequent. That's the only complaint I have.
Definitely an author I'll be adding to my list of favorites.
November 12, 2017
Excellent zombie action sequel
Mr. Dyson comes back with a great follow up to his first book. I liked that he finished off one key plot line without making us wait but still set up an anticipatory ending. I will be anxious to find out what happens next to Scout and her band of survivors. This book has great characters and edge of your seat action. I highly recommend it.
Mr. Dyson comes back with a great follow up to his first book. I liked that he finished off one key plot line without making us wait but still set up an anticipatory ending. I will be anxious to find out what happens next to Scout and her band of survivors. This book has great characters and edge of your seat action. I highly recommend it.
March 17, 2018
Lives Up To The Promising Synopsis
I've read at least a hundred zombie books. Both books in this series are top 5 on my list. Sometimes you don't have to try to reinvent something that is successful and works. These books are just good, classic zombie horror and post-apocalyptic adventure.
I've read at least a hundred zombie books. Both books in this series are top 5 on my list. Sometimes you don't have to try to reinvent something that is successful and works. These books are just good, classic zombie horror and post-apocalyptic adventure.
May 4, 2018
Great - Except for the editing issues.
Once again here is a great book that is filled with wording issues and sentences that don't make sense because of extra words. Either there was no editing done or they were not worth the money they were paid.
Otherwise it was a great read and I can't wait for book 3 to come out. I've thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story line.
Once again here is a great book that is filled with wording issues and sentences that don't make sense because of extra words. Either there was no editing done or they were not worth the money they were paid.
Otherwise it was a great read and I can't wait for book 3 to come out. I've thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story line.
June 23, 2020
Like first book this one is filled with gory scenes and even more horrific deaths.
The main characters that survived thus far from book 1 unite with the second group in this story.
Advancement of the series goes at a rapid pace as this book progresses
Unfortunately only have first two to read but nothing invested enough in remaining characters to continue at this point.
The main characters that survived thus far from book 1 unite with the second group in this story.
Advancement of the series goes at a rapid pace as this book progresses
Unfortunately only have first two to read but nothing invested enough in remaining characters to continue at this point.
October 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and action packed, the story progresses seamlessly between books. The characters were enjoyable, some more than others, this series is addictive, I can't wait for book 3, the narration was wonderful. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2017
Every mistake
Made you could see coming. This seemed to be a book on what not to do in case of a zombie apocalypse.
Still a decent fast read. I think the page count may be wrong with how fast I read this.
Made you could see coming. This seemed to be a book on what not to do in case of a zombie apocalypse.
Still a decent fast read. I think the page count may be wrong with how fast I read this.
December 17, 2018
Well done Mr. Dyson
I like the change up character point of view. Took a little time to realize at first but was an interesting addition to the story. On to book 3 now. Keep up the good work man!
I like the change up character point of view. Took a little time to realize at first but was an interesting addition to the story. On to book 3 now. Keep up the good work man!
November 11, 2019
Ive read ALOT of zombie books
And series... but as soon as i was done with the 1st book i bouggt the 2nd that same day i needed 2 know what happened next! I came 2 l ik ke all the characters and was sad when any1 died... cant get book 3 for a coiple days so im sad about that lol
And series... but as soon as i was done with the 1st book i bouggt the 2nd that same day i needed 2 know what happened next! I came 2 l ik ke all the characters and was sad when any1 died... cant get book 3 for a coiple days so im sad about that lol
February 23, 2021
Zombies
A great book following the plight of the living as they attempt to survive the dead. The book is made so much better by Stitch and his cute doggy usefulness. Quick paced with plenty of action and heartache.
A great book following the plight of the living as they attempt to survive the dead. The book is made so much better by Stitch and his cute doggy usefulness. Quick paced with plenty of action and heartache.
April 18, 2021
Very thrilling!
Very good book both books so far in the series have been very good hell my tension lots of action I can't wait to read the rest of the series and find out how it ends but as for now I just finished the second it's like 2:00 AM and I'm fixing to start the 3rd
Very good book both books so far in the series have been very good hell my tension lots of action I can't wait to read the rest of the series and find out how it ends but as for now I just finished the second it's like 2:00 AM and I'm fixing to start the 3rd
May 23, 2017
A great sequel to "Rise of the Dead". It was fast paced and I finished it in a few days. Hope there is a third book!
September 12, 2017
Can't wait for the next one!!! This was excellent!
September 24, 2017
Fantastic
The only bummer in reading this.... Is now waiting for the third book!! Excellent zombie book will for sure buy the 3rd when it comes out
The only bummer in reading this.... Is now waiting for the third book!! Excellent zombie book will for sure buy the 3rd when it comes out
November 20, 2017
Nail biting!
Loved the way the two books lead to both groups hooking up. I’m glad Bishop is dead. Looking forward to next book.
Loved the way the two books lead to both groups hooking up. I’m glad Bishop is dead. Looking forward to next book.
December 3, 2017
Return of the Dead
This was as good as the first. Cannot wait for book 3. Hoping to hear more about when it will be released as it sucks to be left hanging.
This was as good as the first. Cannot wait for book 3. Hoping to hear more about when it will be released as it sucks to be left hanging.
January 24, 2018
Loved this book and absolutely love this author's voice!!! Am awaiting his next book! Read both books in a weekend and was so sad to finish as these are his only books so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews