Doomsday's Child

by Pete Aldin, Peter J. Aldin

This is an updated cover edition of B071VCBF6H.

Elliot is alive.

Billions are dead.

Millions more are a little bit of both.

An American private security contractor, Elliot is used to doing things the hard way. In the post-collapse wasteland of Tasmania, the only way to survive is by going it alone. So when Elliot is made responsible for orphaned boy Lewis, the hard way gets even harder.

Hunted by the men who murdered Lewis's family as well as by the teeming undead, Elliot tries to teach the boy what it takes to survive in this harsh new world. He's not sure Lewis has what it takes to make it.

As the body count rises and the undead close in, Elliot's not sure he does either.

Genres: Zombies, Horror

317 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2017

About the author

Pete Aldin is the author of Black Marks (2017), and the Doomsday's Child series (2017-22). As Peter J Aldin, he is the creator of the CUSET-DCHC universe with novels including Eventide and Third Contact (2020).

Get a free scifi ebook at https://petealdin.com/the-cuset-dchc-...

Pete's short fiction has appeared in publications including Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, the acclaimed ABC Anthologies and Niteblade. His non-fiction has appeared in parenting and business magazines.

He is a fan of alcoholic ciders and rum, the FIFA franchise on xBox and board games. He don’t like pina coladas nor taking walks in the rain.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. This is the first piece of work I have read by this author, and it won't be the last.

I loved the cover for starters. It made you look closer into the artwork to enable you to see the detail of the zombies. The guy, Elliot, is a 'normal' guy with handguns...until you read differently. The characterisations are full and very well written. I'm sure if you removed the zombies, this would make a great 'end of the world survival' story on its own, but the gore's good too!

Aldin clearly knows his people well. The interactions and acute observations are real, and the way the characters change through time is true to life. Elliot tries to teach Lewis how to survive in this new world, and Lewis, the boy, gets under Elliot's skin. Just like real life, I'd say, however you can teach an old dog new tricks...

This is an entertaining page-turner full of worldly lessons, but the saying still remains, 'Mankind is the most dangerous species on Earth' and don't you forget it.

[Crystal Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fast paced and great read! I received a free copy of this book as part of a zombie book discussion group I'm in. This didn't influence my opinion of the book in any way.
I was sucked into the action of this book from page one, and I found myself nearly unable to put it down. The characters are flawed and feeling people, and I think that added to my enjoyment. It felt more realistic. This book is gory and graphic and exactly what you would expect in a zombie book. But the true monsters in the story are more often some of the humans Elliot and Lewis encounter on their journey. While they encounter a few decent people, the majority of them seem to embody the US versus Them mentality. I found it believable how quickly humanity is reduced to people looking after number one and ignoring basic human decency and compassion. In times of stress people reveal their true selves. I highly recommend this book to fans of zombie fiction and people who enjoy post apocalyptic novels.

[Tamra Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this awesome book, and I must say that I loved it, could not put it down! Following this American veteran across the zombie ravaged land of Tasmania as he tries to keep a teen alive and to safety was amazing! The author made you feel what they were going through, put the emotions and turmoil down in raw reality and kept me glued to the pages. As with most apocalyptic stories, the zombies aren't enough, the people man, the people! Action packed, evenly paced, full of depravity and violence (but not too graphic) this was a unique take on surviving the zombie apocalypse. You will fall in love with the characters, and of course you will wish the depths of hell on some! I highly recommend this book to all my fellow readers and cannot wait for book two! This book was gifted to me in return for an honest review and I will still buy it as soon as I am able, it is just that good!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great beginning to what I think will be a great series! This book has what you would expect from a zombie novel, including a reluctant hero, loads of action, villainous people preying on the situation and ZOMBIES!

The beginning of the book introduces the reader to Elliot, a private security contractor who is ex-military with obvious PTSD. He arrives in Tasmania just as the zompoc begins and tries to makes his way in an unfamiliar land. He comes upon the predictable biker gang causing murder, rape and mayhem and encounters a young man, Lewis. Even though Elliot is damaged, he cannot leave Lewis behind and determines to get him to safety.

This story was better than the average zombie book, with lots of character development and some very unexpected twists along the way. But, it also has the action and zombie killing that the reader would expect.

I look forward to reading more books by Mr. Aldin.

[Ashleigh Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy apocalyptic scenarios and terrifying realistic tragedies about the end of days from undead you will enjoy this book. It is well written with good pacing throughout. The characters are well thought out. I love the way the word Ute was used to describe a Ute - main character is American so the thought process mentions Aussies call it a Ute. It’s a small detail that to an Aussie reader marks the main character as a foreigner. I love the logic of the method of survival and the reactions to the different scenarios throughout. Overall it took me a bit to start reading but once I got 1/3rd through I accidentally finished it in a few hours.

[Devin Madson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books don't often keep me awake at night, but this one sure did! Between being desperate to know what would happen next and petrified that zombies would eat me if I slept, it is most assuredly a page turner. Doomsday's Child deals wonderfully with the ever fascinating disconnect between physical survival instincts and everything it means to be human, add all the horrific tiny details of what it would truly be like trying to live, to sleep, to eat, to survive in such a brutal world and I was sold from the first page.

[Ellen Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

This was one of the best zombie genre books I've read. The plot was a normative zombie apocalypse "we need to survive" variety...but (and this is a big but) the character development was amazing. I cared about these people and felt compassion. The writing was outstanding. Overall, a big Bravo to Mr. Aldin. The story could continue and I really hope it does. I would love to see the next chapter in Elliott and Lewis' lives.

[LisaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story.
More than just a zombie story, Doomsday's Child by Pete Aldin weaves a tale of survivors trying hard to find their place in this new world. A world where you have to protect yourself from the living as much as the dead.
An orphaned teenager, Lewis, and a reluctant hero, Elliott, are coupled together in their quest to find safe harbour for Lewis so Elliot can be on his way alone.
Steady pace, plenty of action and lots of choices to be made.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one and hope there's another one. I liked the characters and the overall story.

[Sergiu Pobereznic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel offered everything that a Zombie Apocalypse might offer, gore and all, but… and here is the difference and why I enjoyed reading Doomsday’s Child (great title BTW).
There was a little more depth with regards to the crafting of the story. The characters (and characterization of them) remained consistent throughout and believable. You can say so much in a sentence and the author did. The relationships evolved in a natural way given the time frame. The landscape where the action took place – and there was lots of action, the author is skilled at this – was deftly painted. He was to the point without overlabouring. And the vernacular of his characters was well written in the dialogue sections, which added to the realism.
The novel managed to include some surprises that were not to do with Zombies. It was nice to see that a genre can think and even step outside the box. Why be pigeonholed into a corner? Inject some mystery, some love, an interesting backstory, or some horror (other than just decaying corpses). Don’t worry, there is enough of that for the gore lover.
But the thing that I liked most was the pace. The chapters were short, clear, well delineated and the story kept moving – no stagnant moments. And the author made some choices that were not based on clichés with regards to outcomes. This was all the better because it worked a treat.
A final thought: It always surprises me that a modern civilization can so easily turn towards such base behaviour, but it’s hardly a surprise when sociopaths (and psychopaths) abound. If I take the time to watch some people, I can often see glimmers of such base behaviour even without the Apocalyptic, dystopian landscape to trigger them.
This was a great read.
Sergiu Pobereznic (author)

[Livvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

Title: Doomsday's Child
Author: Pete Aldin

⬇how I felt about this book. Likes & dislikes and character's⬇
It was packed full of action with zombie's and running into bad guy's.
This book had that lay back feel to it when reading. Easy flow to it.
Elliot was good and take control type of guy. He didn't pull any punches that's for sure. Type you won't to hate but need at you're side to fight battles and keep you safe. Lewis is good kid. He's starting to he there in their new world after what happen. And I really like angie she kicks butt. She surprise me. Hope they all make it with their little ragtag group they got going and find some other good people along the way. Instead of the setting being here USA we get to view Australia which I can see them kicking butt there with zombie Apocalypse lol.
I do wish there was more on how the infection started and how instead way down the road after it started. More insight I guess would of been nice.


⬇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

[David Goode · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first zombie novel I have ever read. I must admit, it strays pretty far from what I would normally read but after picking up and enjoying Black Marks by Aldin, I gave it a good shot.

I wasn't disappointed. In fact I smashed the book out in 2 days. The combination of an ex US military protagonist stuck in the back blocks and bush of Tassie during a zombie apocalypse makes for very entertaining reading. Elliott, the protag, is a compelling complex character who, through the apocalypse and the people he meets along the way, is coming to terms with his gritty and complicated past. It also helps that Elliott is a beast of a man, so it's great watching him kill the undead (and the living and breathing) that menace and affront his efforts of survival. Elliott's relationship and interaction with Lewis, a teen that he meets early in the story, is the main relationship arch of the novel. The character development between these two personalities is first class and it's a pleasure watching them both develop throughout the novel.

Pete's writing is definitely more mature and refined in this work compared with Black Marks, and he once again asked some tough questions of the reader. The book made me reflect upon my own life in real detail, and for this Aldin taps into one of the joys of literature, making one assess the plight and existence of ones own course and direction in life.

In terms of what I didn't like, not much. There were a couple of scenes where I didn't really know what was going on, lots happening and was hard to keep track of what all the characters were doing, but this may have been due to my impatience rather than the writing itself.
Overall this is a read worthy of anyone's time. Once again, looking forward to Aldin's future work.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apocalyptic survival story... with undeads.
This isn't a stereotype zombie story with slashing and gore (although there is that too) but more of an end of civilisation and will humanity survive story. The characterisation is very good.
Elliot is a 38 year old man with military training, stranded on Tasmania when the world suffers from a disease that turns the people to zombies.
The real threat in this doomsday time is the loss of humanity among the survivers. The undead barely play a part, they are more like annoying flies.
The plot holds the suspense as the character of Elliot is interesting and challenged when he frees a teenager boy from a bad gang, what will he do? He is in constant battle with himself, leaving and making it on his own or helping and showing compassion. And in the middle of all this stands the teenager as a symbole for what options there are for the future: Doomsday's child.

The only minus for me was that sometimes the chapters jumped and it was told in retrospective what just happened, knocking me out of the storyline a bit. And although it's a very good psychiological study of the human personality in an apocalyptic setting, it misses the unique opportunity a zombie story offers: the turning of a friend to foe. (But it's nevertheless a really good book!)

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doomsday’s Child is a rip roaring, flesh rending zombie fest - with class.

Aldin manages to tick all the boxes you’d expect with this well-crafted story. Set in Tasmania, the novel revolves around Elliot, a former special ops soldier suffering PTSD, who was working in private sector security when the zombie apocalypse started and Lewis a 13 year old boy whom he rescues. It is the characterisations that make Aldin’s novel a standout from other novels in this genre that I’ve read. They are complex, with interesting backstories which are slowly unveiled throughout the challenges of their journey and the relationships between them are believable. The dynamic between Elliot and Lewis in this savage world allows Aldin to examine numerous ethical dilemmas.

The bad guys are stereotypical; however they are none the less well done and, let’s face it, the types of villains we encounter in our everyday news bulletins.

The pacing was excellent throughout and I was easily hooked on Doomsday’s Child. The end indicates that there’s more to Elliot’s story and I’ll definitely be reading the next one.

[Rob Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of post-apocalyptic and dystopian books and I would rank Pete Aldrin's Doomsday's Child in the top tier with J.L. Bourne's Day-by-Day Armageddon, Keith Blackmore's Mountain Man, and David Simpson's Zombie Road. Not to detract from the very solid plot and on-spot pacing, but what particularly stood out for me with Pete's book was the relationship between his two protagonists, Elliot and Lewis: It was special, it was genuine, and it surprised the hell out of me with how easily it carried the story along with it. I really enjoyed Doomsday's Child, started it before going to sleep, the Kindle the only light on in the bedroom. Next thing I know, my eyes are super tired and it's 3 am. That's how you know a book rocks, when you don't want it to end. I had to force myself to leave off at 90% so that there would be enough to read later that day. Then I was tired all day because I barely got any sleep, but it was definitely worth it because here I am two days later still thinking about the journey that and Elliot and Lewis took. I highly recommend Doomsday's Child.

[Andre Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not one who normally reads zombie novels, … (a don’t even watch Walking Dead :o) .. but I have read various apololypse-type novels … nevertheless I thought I’d give it a go. I was not disappointed.
Whilst it did have the ‘zombie feel’ – and not ‘over-the-top’ – it also had a depth to the characters, allowing us a perspective to their past lives.
I found it to be a fast-read – but not because it was too easy or simple to follow, but it was action-packed. I guess there’s never a dull moment when it comes to zombies wanting to eat your brains. I started reading the moment it arrived in the mail, reluctantly put it down last night, and the first thing I picked up this morning.

If you’ve not read any zombie books before, I would recommend Doomsday Child by Pete Aldin as your first foray into apololyptic futures. This is the first book I’ve read from Pete Aldin, and it won’t be the last. It looks to be an interesting series, and can’t wait to get into the next book.

As an Australian, I especially like the Tasmanian backdrop and all things ‘Aussie’ it portrayed.

[Johnny Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this story is yes it is a zombie tale, which I love, the end of the world and trying to survive, also love. However what I really like is the human side, end of the world means a lot of people become vile scum.
Elliot a hard, shallow survivor. Brought up hard and cold helps a 13 year old boy who is left alone after bikers kill his family. Both take the best of each other as they grow through the harsh hell of Australia.

[Ian Welke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Australian setting and characters offer a unique take on the apocalyptic zombie story. This is fast paced and original. Plus, much like Aldin's werewolf novel Black Marks, he does a great job of delivering both story and a message.

[Shannon Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh take on the zombie tale, set in Tasmania. As with any zombie novel, it's the characters that make the story, not the monsters, and Pete doesn't disappoint. The human monsters are a bigger concern than the decaying ones, but so are the inner demons of the protagonist.

[Chrystal Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is a very exciting story. I really enjoyed the characters. This was a different locale for me and I liked trying to envision it. There is plenty of action and excitement and I'm really looking forward to the next one coming out.

[Joy Killar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, Compelling, and Unique!
As not only a fan of the zombie genre, but also as one who has fully embraced the survivalist lifestyle, I can attest to the fact that Doomsday’s Child by Pete Aldin captures the very essence of what the end of the civilization will look and feel like. Mr. Aldin writes with such clarity and detail that the reader becomes fully absorbed into Elliot’s world, a world that reflects the last crumbling vestige of human existence. In fact, his detailed descriptions of the flora and fauna of the Australian landscape was so minute and illustrative that at times I felt that I could almost smell the eucalyptus! Additionally, Pete Aldin has created a hero that is unassuming and very relatable. The protagonist’s internal scars are a critical factor in the plot, and in many ways, highlight his humanity in a world that is shrouded with death and decay. From the very first page of Doomsday’s Child, we realize with ice-cold horror that there are things much more terrifying than zombies. Pete Aldin deftly uses the zombie apocalypse to chronicle the basest of human behaviors, and in a genre where many books vie to outdo one another with outrageous weaponry and plots, he offers a unique and refreshingly honest approach to the struggle for survival. Doomsday’s Child is a tale that will remain in your head for days, and one that will leave you hopeful that in world dominated by death, empathy and compassion can prevail. I encourage fans of every genre to pick up a copy of this compelling novel, and see why Pete Aldin is at the top of my list!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when someone you know writes a book in a genre that you generally stay well away from? Well, that was me a couple of weeks ago when I purchased this book from the author (for clarity Pete and I previously worked together). My bookshelf is crowded with historical stories, police procedurals, science fiction and a bit of Jane Austen just to mix it up a bit. So, with some trepidation, I started the book...some hours later a rather exasperated and hungry husband wondered out loud whether he was being fed that night. I was completely engrossed in this story from the first page. This is well thought out, intelligent and compassionate storytelling - with zombies. This is a story with imperfect people dealing with extraordinary situations and (unlike the only other zombie book I've ever read - The Girl With All the Gifts) character development. Yes! Character development - in a zombie book! Pete's work background working with disadvantaged people is evident in his obvious ability to make his characters flawed and for the reader to still be able to empathise with them. I'm not sure that I'm a zombie book reader just yet, but if you are a zombie book reader...Enjoy! If you're trying to convert someone to the zombie side - this is the book to give them. Pete, you'd better not be spending too much time reading this review - back to the pc with you and finish writing that sequel. I'm off to finish his other book Black Marks - and dinner will be late again tonight...

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upon finishing my first thought was what is next as there was a cliffhanger rather than a complete ending.

This book was brutally honest in it's descriptions and sometimes a bit too much so.

However as Zombie reads go it was okay if not one to dwell on once done.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this, I did not expect the character development to be so good throughout this book. The story itself was really engaging and the second half especially, had me hooked until the finish. Can't wait to continue the series.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goid

The beginning of this story was sightly slow but it picked up after chapter 3. Lots of action and suspence.

[Kit]

Read : September 15, 2021
Rating : DNF

Dunno what it is about this but it feels all doom and gloom and I just can't handle that rn.

[Deanne W · Rating 5 out of 5]

To have an Aussie ZomPoc book? Fantastic! My American zombie loving friends could relate to Elliot while I related to the rest of living in Australia.