I absolutely love this series. I saw it advertised on Facebook a year or so ago and started reading and they have yet to disappoint. Great for any end of the world fan. This edition was on Kindle Unlimited for free and I read the others in the series the same way (not sure if they are still on Kindle Unlimited). Highly recommend.
Binged my way through the series in a matter of days. Fantastic world building, incredible characters and superb writing. Their entwined stories, spanning a decade of events, are fascinating. Surprising and remarkably capable of keeping its secrets.
I started reading The Scattered and the Dead 2.5 last night before bed, thinking I'd just dip my toes in the post-apocalyptic water a little before going to sleep. You would think by now I'd know better than to assume that's possible with a Vargus-McBain book. 2.5 is too captivating to put down. I finally finished it just after three a.m. having laughed, cried, shuddered with disgust, raged internally, and been sufficiently creeped out that I wasn't sure I'd be able to fall asleep at all. In other words, 150% worth the morning-after book hangover.
Written as a series of letters from three of my favorite apocalypse-survivors, this Scattered and the Dead follows Erin's time in the refugee camp Before and a few days After. We learn how she met Izzy, what happened to Erin's family, It might be a cliche, but the apocalypse really brings out the best and the worst in people. In a true embodiment of art imitating life, we find out (along with Erin) that the worst isn't the dictatorial a-holes who gleefully perpetrate crimes against the weak and innocent at the drop of a hat, the worst is the supposedly good people who turn out to be too selfish or cowardly to stand up to the a-holes. We also get to read some of Delfino's background, written by the man himself, which is as charming and fun as huffing gas and them-or-me killing can ever be. Which is actually pretty darn charming. Our humble narrators, Delfino and Erin have such endearing voices; I could read a thousand-page knitting manual if either of them had written it. But add in the fact that The Scattered and the Dead 2.5 is riddled with thrills, heart punches, and creep-fests, and you can see why starting it before bed is a guaranteed late night.
You wouldn't think an ending like this one could be life-affirming, but it was. The story shined a spotlight on all of the ugliness and evil and unexplainable horrors that are everywhere in the world, but ultimately reminded us that people like Erin and Delfino are still out there, too. They can still tell right from wrong, and they still protect the people who need to be protected. It's awesome.
In short, this book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. I dare you to try. Once you pop, the post-apocalyptic thrill ride won't stop.
I've been a fan of this series since I happened across book 0.5. Out of pure luck, I happened across Mr. McBain and Miss Vargus' Twitter pages and they were promoting the book. I thought it sounded intriguing, so they sent me a link for the book, and I was hooked. This is not your typical walking zombie book series. This series follows a group of survivors in their separate stories and how they've managed to survive the disease that decimated the world, and their daily struggle with survival. Along the way, there have been some tears, lots of screaming and anger, and alot of fingernails digging into flesh, and that's just from me reading the series. The .5 books follow only a couple of characters, telling backstories, and 2.5 is definitely the best yet! The book follows Erin and Izzy from when they meet right after everything falls apart and they're in the refugee camp, and also follows my other favorite, Delfino with one of his back stories. It, by far, is the best book of the series so far, giving us an insider's view on how things fell apart and really tugs at your heartstrings. Plus, with the surprise ending, you'll see why this is my favorite book series, not only now, but ever. I encourage you to pick up the series and give it a try. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for reading!
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review.
Letters from the Apocalypse
The Scattered and The Dead 2.5 continues the pre- and post-apocalyptic events in the previous installments and unlike the earlier books, I would not suggest attempting to read this one until you have read TSaTD 1 and 2 at the very least. (Or if you're like me and want the entire story you can always go for their newly released box set of all of the novels to date.)
Continuing the previous themes for the “half numbers” The Scattered and The Dead 2.5 provides more back story and world building around the central group of characters. This time Erin’s life in the evacuation camp prior to and shortly after the chain of events that decimate over 99% of the population is told in great detail in the form of letters to her BFF, Kelly. Here, we also see the inception of her sisterly bond with 8-year-old Izzy, as well as the series of gruesome events that results in the pair striking out on their own.
The other main story line is the journey of Delfino and Baghead. As Baghead is recovering from an intense physical trauma, Delfino is on his own in search of supplies and medication for his mysteriously shrouded traveling companion. While he is out, he decides to keep a running journal to chronicle his experience. Through the reading of this journal, we learn that this isn’t the first time Delfino has attempted to keep a diary of sorts. The narrative eventually shifts approximately five years in the past as the prior journal’s contents and events unfold.
This is not the first time that the dynamic duo of McBain and Vargus have used the first person, diary technique during this series and I find it quite effective. Particularly in Erin’s case; her letters Kelly are peppered with humor, sarcasm, rambling and raw emotion in typical sixteen-year-old fashion. While it is not revealed what relation the “Rita” in Delfino’s flashback entries is to our humble narrator, it is clear from the tone and the familiarity that she must have been a person who held an important place in his life. In the ending chapter, we also catch up with “Father” briefly as he, too, is putting thoughts to paper. So apparently, writing in the post apocalypse is a thing. Who knew!
All told, The Scattered and The Dead 2.5 is an excellent installment in this series. Hopefully the pattern will continue and in The Scattered and The Dead 3 we will see forward motion in our main character’s story lines. I am eager to see where they all end up and how many nasty surprises from their pasts come back to haunt them.
In this installment of The Scattered and the Dead, we learn about Erin, Izzy & Delfino's pasts. We get to travel back in time to see where they're from, and what they went through to get here.
I think I may have underestimated them before I read this book.
More than anything else, this book reminded me that there are bigger evils than zombies in this world that has fallen apart. Some of them we try not to think about, because it hurts too much. Like the things we have to do to survive. We try not to think about those too much. And some of them we don't even understand, as Delfino knows. Some of them are beyond our understanding.
I think the reason this book and this series is so good is because it isn't just about the apocalypse, or zombies...it's about betrayal, and loss. It's about survival and wishing you were dead. It's about the choices we make that define us, that permanently change us and the people close to us. It's about the things we do that can't be undone, the things we regret...and it's about the things that save us - that save the people who depend on us.
My favorite writers are people like Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Shirley Jackson, Ramsey Campbell, Dan Simmons, T.E.D. Klein...the best writers of the genre. And I put these books right next to them on my bookshelf. I feel so fortunate to have discovered these authors before they became famous, because I have no doubt they will. They have created a world I want to get lost in, a world that I care about. I'm very happy to see how this story is unfolding. It's been well worth the ride.
This is the latest installment in the "Scattered and the Dead" series from Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus, and as usual, it was written very well, and difficult to put down.
The series is written as a collection of letters, notes, and memoirs of the survivors of a zombie apocalypse. The zombie apocalypse has become a popular genre, but this series of books focuses more upon the individuals and their feelings rather than trying to explain WHY there was a zombie apocalypse, or going into detail about the guns and weapons used to fight the zombies. In some ways, it reminds me of the Walking Dead, especially when contrasted to series like John Ringo's "Dark Tide Rising" series. I am a big John Ringo fan as well, but for different reasons.
The stories skip around chronologically, which sounds confusing, but isn't. The stories are labeled with a time delta, such as "6 days before," or "9 years, 133 days after."
In particular, this book focuses a lot on the characters Delfino and Erin, who were both first introduced in Book One. This book tells more of their story, and helps you understand WHY they are the way they are. I love the way McBain and Vargus describe scenes vividly, and this book is no exception.
I would recommend reading the other books in the series before reading this one, but it's not essential. You are supposed to be sort of lost with this type of book, and part of the fun comes from finding out the story in bits in pieces over time. If you enjoyed their other books, you will almost certainly enjoy this one as well.
I really loved this installment of TSATD, it gave background on two of my favorite characters, Izzy and Erin, and resumed the story of Delfino and Baghead right where it left off in the previous novel. Very cool. This series has been an ongoing addiction for me for a couple of years now and I'm always thrilled to get another fix, but like any really great reality bending venue the ride was over much too soon. This story is just outstanding and I never want it to end, I get so immersed in the world that has been created and can feel what the characters are feeling so much so that when I get to the end of the installment I have to take a minute to reacclimate myself to my current reality. THAT is the mark of a truly well crafted tale, and authors Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus are wonderful storytellers. I highly recommended The Scattered And The Dead series to anyone who loves really great character driven drama with zombies. Not many zombies, they're sort of scattered lol, but enough. This book is the best one yet in the series, but I have a feeling that this story has a lot left to tell and it's only going to get better, so if you're reading this and haven't read the previous books do so immediately. Not only because you kinda need to read them to get the whole picture, but because they're awesome. Kudos to Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus, you guys are amazing authors, and I cannot wait for the next installment to The Scattered And The Dead!!!
Another fantastic instalment in the TSATD series of books, this one again is written as though the characters are writing letters or a journal of their experiences. My two favourite characters Erin and Izzy's story is written by Erin and tells their story just prior to, during and immediately after the "big event" to which all the books relate. We hear how they meet up and how, as two young orphans, they find themselves alone in the world. The other main character in this book is telling his story from four years after the event and the horrors associated with living in a post apocalyptic world with crazy people and the walking dead. We also hear very briefly from father who, at nine years post event, just begins his journal. This is a very emotional visit to the characters of TSATD and, in the case of the two main storylines, we have some back information which answers some questions from the other books about how the survived the apocalypse and arrived to the point where we met them in previous books. If you haven't read the previous books (at least 1 &2) then, although still a readable book, it won't mean as much to you. So my suggestion to you would be, don't miss out! Go read all the previous books 0.5, 1, 1.5 & 2 then give this one a go to get the full understanding from it. NB I was given this book by the authors to read pre publication but this review is totally mine and is my honest review of the book.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book. I flew through it, and not because it was short. This is Book 2.5 in the series, but don't let its "half" value fool you; it's a full-length novel with all sorts of goodies. As opposed to the broader foci of Books 1 and 2, this story follows only Erin, Delfino, and the enticing characters floating around in their circles. While both of the main characters have merit, I was most drawn in by Erin and the suspicious happenings at her camp. I enjoyed Erin's stubbornness and smarts from the other Scattered and the Dead novels, but I fell in love with her here. The backstories of both Erin and Delfino are explored, giving each character more depth, sympathy, and motivation.
In true Vargus and McBain fashion, the (relatively small amounts of) gore does not disappoint, and there's a kickass ending! This book is a true gem in the world of apocalyptic fiction. I look forward to reading whatever else these authors bless us with in the future.
This series is so good this is my second time reading it!
I'm horrible at leaving reviews! I've no idea what to write and generally just leave stuff meant for the author not other readers. I'm weird that way. Being disabled reading is my one great pleasure and outlet to escape pain. I just NEED to get to the next great escape that takes from reality so skip this part. This leads me to not take the time to review which is completely unfair to the amazing authors but I try when I'm blown away. I don't read reviews (to many spoilers) so it's only exceptional series or books I WANT to tell people HEY READ THIS! So what are you waiting for people? If you are reading this then get the book if you like the genre. I did review the omnibus of the first 4 book when I read it a while back so yeah I love the series that much! LOL!
Yet another great volume in The Scattered and Dead series. 2.5 provides some great backstory for Erin and Izzy and Delfino. This one pulled at my heart strings learning more about what everyone has experienced in their pre and post apocalyptic world and how it differs for each person and how they learn to cope with what has happened and try to keep moving forward not knowing what will happen in their world next. Great writing once again by the authors who have this time told the story by the characters writing the events unfolding in the form of letters to a bff and a journal. To me it gives the story an even more personal level. Can't wait for the next installment to see where the authors go next in this series.
Once you start reading this book, putting it down will take an inordinate amount of will power! Volume 2.5 is focused on Erin and Delfino's back stories. Like the previous 4 Scattered and The Dead volumes this is full of action, well developed characters and answers to many of the questions I had regarding Erin, Izzy and Delfino. If you have read the previous four books, this is a must read, well worth devoting a afternoon to being entertained by L.T. and Tim.
If you haven't read the previous books, now is the time to get busy and start! I received an advance reader copy of this book and voluntarily chose to write a review.
An awesome adventure continues. I am wickedly fond of this recent installment. If you haven’t read this or the previous Scattered And Dead books I so recommend them if you love a great detailed book, a book that you feel you just can’t put down, zombies, bizarre twisted characters, endearing personalities, a bit of gore, suspense, and some laughs along the way. In this book we went inside two of the ongoing characters. Swapping back and forth Erin and Delfino write letters and the insight into their back life stories is at times heart wrenching and so engaging, it makes for some awesome thought provoking moments. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
This is a fast-paced zombie series book which will suck you in from page 1. This is the continuing story of Izzy, Erin, Baghead, and Delfino as they are on the trip from hell. Trouble will soon find them as they are being followed. Delfino keeps a journal and he tells this terrific story as they arrive in Missouri. Baghead is injured and needs rest and healing. There are still three assassins still trying to kill Baghead. And Erin has her story, too. She and her mom get a little reprieve while in a military guarded safe area. But just how long will the safety last? This is a great read, relaxing at times with also a little humor.
Another excellent installment that gives answers to certain pieces of the story, while also causing new questions to develop, leaving the storyline open to continue. Hopefully the next book will check in with some characters who we don't fully know or understand yet. All-in-all a great read that continues the story along with some certainly unexpected twists in the plot, and leaves the reader anxiously waiting for the next installment, to curb that suspense and fit more clues together.
Book 2.5 gives the reader, information on previous characters before we met them in the other books. And new ones, on how they got thru or died during the Zombie Apocalypse. Definately not for the faint of heart!!
Dear Authors....New Bern isn't on the ocean. There are 2 rivers, The Neuse and The Trent that are around New Bern. I actually lived there for a while.
We learn important pieces of backstory about Delfino and Erin. This really was important because now so many more things make sense. No wonder Erin can't trust people!! And Delfino, well just add more to the weird stuff he's seen and been through. It was great and I can't wait for the next book to get back into this world.
Another great read from Tim McBain and L. T. Vargas. This installment gives us more before information especially about Erin, Izzy and Delfino. These authors bring their characters to life as so few authors can do. I think this series would be a great movie or mini series. Read these books, they are addicting! Tapping toes waiting on Book 3.
Amazing addition to the series! Through diary entries and dead letters, this book provides a bunch of back-story for two of the major characters, Delfino and Erin. Can't wait for the next installment!
Back and forth in time, the stories keep building, brick by brick. The anticipation builds to see if the various characters intersect in this world, or stand alone, as well told pieces on their own.
At some point you have to have a conclusion to the story and these books kind of give me the feeling that they never will. Story itself was good and scary but just didn’t do enough to move along the plot imo.
I hope there are future books in this series, because it just ended with no real resolution, I’d read them! Does not compare to King and The Stand as so many have implied.
This is an incredible series following several wonderful characters after not only the plague killing 98% of people but also an EMP. Strong storyline and quite believable characters.
The authors have a annoying method to makes you want more! The story splits, you don't know what happens to Baghead in this book but we still can follow Erin, whose characters gets more profound and better! I'm now hooked on that series!
The saga continues, giving us how Erin and Izzy came together, and some of Delfino's history. From a gentle tale we are transported into a bloody, horrific climax, part of which ties in with an earlier segment. This series is seriously well written and beyond addictive
Interesting enough to keep reading. Can almost see some parts coming together. The backstory of Erin filled in many blanks, but created some other with Bennett, Rip, Jimbo, and the boys.
I finally realized I don't have to read chapters about characters I care little or nothing about. So this book became the novel about Erin and Izzy that I was wishing for. I really love the characters and it was this to read their origin story.