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The Best Dark Rain: A Post-Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love
Seattle is dead. Almost dead. Liz and Pat are the last couple standing. Survival is only half the battle. Living is hard, trusting is harder.
There is precious little room for love in a dead city, a dead world. For not quite everyone died. Better if they had. Armed bands stalk the streets. In the shadows worse enemies prowl, horrible enemies. At the center of this bleak urban waste lies a makeshift fort. It is the refuge of Liz Walker and Pat O’Shea. They are the last living couple in the shell of what was once Seattle.
Here on these dead streets a woman and a man must learn to love and fight. They bear weapons scavenged from the dead. Each of them carries the shadow of a past that could threaten their future. Amid murderous survivors and unlikely allies, the threat of hunters, and the danger of trusting, Liz and Pat must battle for their lives. The stakes are high. They must protect their new-found love as well as their lives. To lose either means to face alone this horrific world.
Follow the adventure of Liz and Pat in "The Best Dark Rain: A Post-Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love." This epic novel is available in Paperback and eBook editions. Look for it on Amazon Kindle, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and more. Order your copy today!
There is precious little room for love in a dead city, a dead world. For not quite everyone died. Better if they had. Armed bands stalk the streets. In the shadows worse enemies prowl, horrible enemies. At the center of this bleak urban waste lies a makeshift fort. It is the refuge of Liz Walker and Pat O’Shea. They are the last living couple in the shell of what was once Seattle.
Here on these dead streets a woman and a man must learn to love and fight. They bear weapons scavenged from the dead. Each of them carries the shadow of a past that could threaten their future. Amid murderous survivors and unlikely allies, the threat of hunters, and the danger of trusting, Liz and Pat must battle for their lives. The stakes are high. They must protect their new-found love as well as their lives. To lose either means to face alone this horrific world.
Follow the adventure of Liz and Pat in "The Best Dark Rain: A Post-Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love." This epic novel is available in Paperback and eBook editions. Look for it on Amazon Kindle, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and more. Order your copy today!
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2017
10 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Marco Etheridge
20 books34 followersMarco Etheridge is a writer of prose, an occasional playwright, and a part-time poet. He lives and writes in Vienna, Austria. His work has been featured in more than seventy reviews and journals across Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA. “Power Tools” is Marco’s latest collection of short fiction. When he isn’t crafting stories, Marco is a contributing editor and layout grunt for a new ‘Zine called Hotch Potch.
He is the author of The Dark Rain Series, a riveting and original tale of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. This post-apocalyptic saga opens with the novella "Clouds Before Rain" and continues in the full-length novel "The Best Dark Rain: A Post Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love." Marco's second novel, "Blood Rust Chains," is a stand-alone novel set in Portland, Oregon. Marco's third novel, “Breaking the Bundles,” is an absurdist political thriller set across two continents. All of these fine volumes are available at online booksellers world-wide.
Marco's fiction takes the reader on an intricate literary journey through different genres. With attention to detail and thoughtful prose, Marco builds immersive worlds crafted to house distinct and diverse characters. Always character and dialogue driven, Marco's novels captivate the readers with dark charm and unforeseen plot hooks.
For more on Marco's work, visit his Author website at:
https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/
Though born in the USA, Marco considers himself a citizen of the world. Love carried him across the Atlantic Ocean to Vienna, Austria; and love holds him there. The long and winding pathway that has led to writing novels is one of varied experience. Marco has been a soldier, a commercial fisherman, a wanderer, and a jack-of-all-trades. His feet have happily trod the soil of over thirty countries spread over four continents and the odd sub-continent. The world is his playground and his fellow citizens are his playmates.
Marco's antidote for everything is to throw some gear in his faithful Deuter backpack and disappear. An avid traveler and a complete street-food junkie, there is nothing he won't try. Munching wok-roasted spiders in Cambodia? Absolutely! How about a four-course meal in Bangkok’s Chinatown, with each course from a different street stall? He is there! If you are interested in tall tales of travel, please check out Marco's travel blog at:
https://newland-newtale.blogspot.com/
He is the author of The Dark Rain Series, a riveting and original tale of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. This post-apocalyptic saga opens with the novella "Clouds Before Rain" and continues in the full-length novel "The Best Dark Rain: A Post Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love." Marco's second novel, "Blood Rust Chains," is a stand-alone novel set in Portland, Oregon. Marco's third novel, “Breaking the Bundles,” is an absurdist political thriller set across two continents. All of these fine volumes are available at online booksellers world-wide.
Marco's fiction takes the reader on an intricate literary journey through different genres. With attention to detail and thoughtful prose, Marco builds immersive worlds crafted to house distinct and diverse characters. Always character and dialogue driven, Marco's novels captivate the readers with dark charm and unforeseen plot hooks.
For more on Marco's work, visit his Author website at:
https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/
Though born in the USA, Marco considers himself a citizen of the world. Love carried him across the Atlantic Ocean to Vienna, Austria; and love holds him there. The long and winding pathway that has led to writing novels is one of varied experience. Marco has been a soldier, a commercial fisherman, a wanderer, and a jack-of-all-trades. His feet have happily trod the soil of over thirty countries spread over four continents and the odd sub-continent. The world is his playground and his fellow citizens are his playmates.
Marco's antidote for everything is to throw some gear in his faithful Deuter backpack and disappear. An avid traveler and a complete street-food junkie, there is nothing he won't try. Munching wok-roasted spiders in Cambodia? Absolutely! How about a four-course meal in Bangkok’s Chinatown, with each course from a different street stall? He is there! If you are interested in tall tales of travel, please check out Marco's travel blog at:
https://newland-newtale.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 30, 2022
As a voracious reader, I sometimes find myself in a bit of a slump and need to test out a new genre, author, or writing style. When I came across The Best Dark Rain: A Post-Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love by Marco Etheridge, I thought to myself... you don't read much science-fiction, you haven't seen many zombie films, and you haven't sampled much from a writer living in Austria. Let's give it a chance! I liked the 'Resident Evil' and "The Day After Tomorrow" movies, and this kinda felt like a combination of those two flicks, except I think I'm not allowed to say the word 'zombie' as they are clearly named 'Re-Ams' by Mr. Etheridge -- which I think is a fantastic idea! Let's chat about my new experience...
Seattle. Some sorta apocalypse has occurred. There are corpses coming back to life. There are hunters and prey. Lots of guns. A couple of characters wandering the streets in search of food and supplies. How will they survive? What caused everything to happen? What's still yet to come? Lots of questions start forming in my head in the first few chapters. Etheridge is smart. He doesn't answer them for a long time. Instead, this newbie reader is investing in the characters as people rather than trying to attribute 'former lives' to them, as it's all gone, so what does that matter, right? By mid-book, you begin to understand what likely happened and how the world succumbed to something unexpected. By then, you want to know what happens to the 5 or 6 main characters... of course there is lots of bashing and blood, a death or two, some light romance, and lots of comedy / witty commentary on life.
I am really glad I read the book. It pushed me out of my normal comfort zone (in a good way) in some parts, but in others, it was like a very typical fiction read for me. It was just a different world or setting, which made me wonder am I missing out by reading more science fiction and fantasy books. Time will tell... just like time will tell in Seattle if Liz and Pat, the main focus of the book, will get their answers and push forward in life despite the walking dead / not-so-dead coming after them. As they began meeting a few other survivors, knowing all along it's hard to tell the difference anymore between who is dead and who is alive, you feel that suspense of who should they trust. I was kinda excited to see a variety of character types in the story (no spoilers, read it on your own please!) and Etheridge ingests lots of humor into them and their relationships. One of my faves is Formerly Rachel. Seriously... you have to wonder what that means, but it's a fantastic play on words.
That said... what kept me reading was the extreme detail that is offered whether describing a setting, life choices, options, or emotions. There's a lot going on in terms of plot and story, but the world-building is what made me turn the pages. I wanted to see descriptions of how life played out, where the food came from, who beat up who, what kind of turmoil they lived in. So... if you read in this genre, you'll be pleased. If it's new to you, take a chance like me. There's a lot of reality coming forward and well, if the world ever does go this way, maybe we'll know how to survive now, right? Thanks for pushing my reading boundaries, Mr. Etheridge. I look forward to reading more from you.
Seattle. Some sorta apocalypse has occurred. There are corpses coming back to life. There are hunters and prey. Lots of guns. A couple of characters wandering the streets in search of food and supplies. How will they survive? What caused everything to happen? What's still yet to come? Lots of questions start forming in my head in the first few chapters. Etheridge is smart. He doesn't answer them for a long time. Instead, this newbie reader is investing in the characters as people rather than trying to attribute 'former lives' to them, as it's all gone, so what does that matter, right? By mid-book, you begin to understand what likely happened and how the world succumbed to something unexpected. By then, you want to know what happens to the 5 or 6 main characters... of course there is lots of bashing and blood, a death or two, some light romance, and lots of comedy / witty commentary on life.
I am really glad I read the book. It pushed me out of my normal comfort zone (in a good way) in some parts, but in others, it was like a very typical fiction read for me. It was just a different world or setting, which made me wonder am I missing out by reading more science fiction and fantasy books. Time will tell... just like time will tell in Seattle if Liz and Pat, the main focus of the book, will get their answers and push forward in life despite the walking dead / not-so-dead coming after them. As they began meeting a few other survivors, knowing all along it's hard to tell the difference anymore between who is dead and who is alive, you feel that suspense of who should they trust. I was kinda excited to see a variety of character types in the story (no spoilers, read it on your own please!) and Etheridge ingests lots of humor into them and their relationships. One of my faves is Formerly Rachel. Seriously... you have to wonder what that means, but it's a fantastic play on words.
That said... what kept me reading was the extreme detail that is offered whether describing a setting, life choices, options, or emotions. There's a lot going on in terms of plot and story, but the world-building is what made me turn the pages. I wanted to see descriptions of how life played out, where the food came from, who beat up who, what kind of turmoil they lived in. So... if you read in this genre, you'll be pleased. If it's new to you, take a chance like me. There's a lot of reality coming forward and well, if the world ever does go this way, maybe we'll know how to survive now, right? Thanks for pushing my reading boundaries, Mr. Etheridge. I look forward to reading more from you.
December 17, 2017
Welcome to life after the apocalypse.
What would happen if science tweaked our food sources just a little too far in order to answer the demand humanity places on the earth? Would Mother Nature fight back with a deadly virus that will kill billions, re-animating many into flesh and blood eating monsters, leaving the only a resistant few alive to fend for themselves? Would the survivors band together or would what is left of humanity degrade into their own form of monster in the name of survival? The cause was only speculation, but to two lovers, surviving on the edge in Seattle, hiding from marauding humans and the monsters that live in the shadows, always thinking, always preparing for the worst was how they stayed alive.
Liz and Pat thought they could be the last couple alive and their fortress was their home, the time foraging for supplies could mean their death. When they discover they are not alone, they will become part of an unlikely alliance, with fellow survivors that would never have bleeped on their radar back in the before times. Would they all survive as a family of sorts? Would the relationship between lovers survive now that the romantic dinners and flowers are gone, replaced with bats, guns and foraging?
THE BEST DARK RAIN by Marco Etheridge is a raw and rather human take on survival in a world gone mad. There are no over-the-top, unrealistic heroics, no heroes larger than life itself, there are real humans forced to dig deep and re-learn what is important to life.
Much of the book involves dialogue as we get to know each character, liking some more than others as they build cautious and honest relationships they would risk their lives for. It is learning to value the whole as much as oneself. Mr. Etheridge does not dwell on the gore, the re-animated humans are not the focal point, they do not come out in droves. They are not always mindless, but they are deadly, just as deadly as the gangs who see an opportunity to become kings over hell.
There is a constant feeling of the unknown just out of reach as we are invited into the tiny piece of the world these characters inhabit as if we are there. This isn’t a fast-paced read, but it is tense and thought-provoking and terrifying. It is also highly recommended!
I received a complimentary Review copy from Marco Etheridge.
Publisher: Marco Etheridge Fiction (November 22, 2017)
Publication Date: November 22, 2017
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic
Print Length: 347 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
What would happen if science tweaked our food sources just a little too far in order to answer the demand humanity places on the earth? Would Mother Nature fight back with a deadly virus that will kill billions, re-animating many into flesh and blood eating monsters, leaving the only a resistant few alive to fend for themselves? Would the survivors band together or would what is left of humanity degrade into their own form of monster in the name of survival? The cause was only speculation, but to two lovers, surviving on the edge in Seattle, hiding from marauding humans and the monsters that live in the shadows, always thinking, always preparing for the worst was how they stayed alive.
Liz and Pat thought they could be the last couple alive and their fortress was their home, the time foraging for supplies could mean their death. When they discover they are not alone, they will become part of an unlikely alliance, with fellow survivors that would never have bleeped on their radar back in the before times. Would they all survive as a family of sorts? Would the relationship between lovers survive now that the romantic dinners and flowers are gone, replaced with bats, guns and foraging?
THE BEST DARK RAIN by Marco Etheridge is a raw and rather human take on survival in a world gone mad. There are no over-the-top, unrealistic heroics, no heroes larger than life itself, there are real humans forced to dig deep and re-learn what is important to life.
Much of the book involves dialogue as we get to know each character, liking some more than others as they build cautious and honest relationships they would risk their lives for. It is learning to value the whole as much as oneself. Mr. Etheridge does not dwell on the gore, the re-animated humans are not the focal point, they do not come out in droves. They are not always mindless, but they are deadly, just as deadly as the gangs who see an opportunity to become kings over hell.
There is a constant feeling of the unknown just out of reach as we are invited into the tiny piece of the world these characters inhabit as if we are there. This isn’t a fast-paced read, but it is tense and thought-provoking and terrifying. It is also highly recommended!
I received a complimentary Review copy from Marco Etheridge.
Publisher: Marco Etheridge Fiction (November 22, 2017)
Publication Date: November 22, 2017
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic
Print Length: 347 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 18, 2018
An enjoyable book, I hope more is written about these folks. Being from Washington, it was fun to read a post-apocalypse and zombie book based in Seattle. Characters are interesting and rich. The plot is usual but not 100% predictable. Great easy read for anyone looking for a well-written zombie book.
December 22, 2017
This is a great read! Edge of the seat story telling and a great cast of quirky characters
April 7, 2018
A great world-building story set in Seattle after the apocalypse. Only a few unique characters remain, holed up and having to learn to survive (zombies for example) in this dead world.
This is a well plotted, roller-coaster of a story that is not just about violence and gore, but includes sweeter tones of love and trust, bringing a much lighter touch to the Noir genre. The characters are well-rounded and I found myself rooting for them. None of them are Hollywood-esque heroes: they’re normal – albeit pretty quirky and likeable – characters living on hope and their wits.
A recommended read for anyone – even if you’re not a fan of zombies.
This is a well plotted, roller-coaster of a story that is not just about violence and gore, but includes sweeter tones of love and trust, bringing a much lighter touch to the Noir genre. The characters are well-rounded and I found myself rooting for them. None of them are Hollywood-esque heroes: they’re normal – albeit pretty quirky and likeable – characters living on hope and their wits.
A recommended read for anyone – even if you’re not a fan of zombies.
February 3, 2018
The Best Dark Rain by Marco Etheridge was a very engaging tale right from the beginning. We are thrust into a post-apocalyptic world via the story's heroine Liz and her working through the frustration of deceit by her beau, Pat. He has lied to her about something and it is plaguing her as she walks the desolate streets. Though she believes herself to be aware of her surroundings she is being stalked, hunted, and from that point on the reader is driven head-first into the dangers of this new world and the survivors within it.
One of the many things that I enjoyed about this novel were the different perspectives that it provided. Of course you follow Liz in the beginning but then you have Pat, whom I'd all too easily written off, who was a much more dynamic character than what I expected him to be. In my eyes he was the leading character not just the leading man. It morphed from being a story about his and Liz's survival to one of allowing another human being into their world and into their hearts and expanding their family against all odds. I found myself, as the reader, having their very same concerns about trust and not allowing others close to them.
As in many of the stories, TV, and films that we see about this type of survivalist world we always want to know HOW they got to this. How did the world as we know it fall apart? I like that it was always theories of the survivors. If the world ever fell apart in this way perhaps that's really all we would have anyway, facts so diluted with conspiracy theories that we can't tell fact from fiction.
The Best Dark Rain was definitely a great read and once I finally was able to incorporate the time in my busy schedule I flew right through it in two days. This is highly recommended for those into an action-packed adventure with heart!
One of the many things that I enjoyed about this novel were the different perspectives that it provided. Of course you follow Liz in the beginning but then you have Pat, whom I'd all too easily written off, who was a much more dynamic character than what I expected him to be. In my eyes he was the leading character not just the leading man. It morphed from being a story about his and Liz's survival to one of allowing another human being into their world and into their hearts and expanding their family against all odds. I found myself, as the reader, having their very same concerns about trust and not allowing others close to them.
As in many of the stories, TV, and films that we see about this type of survivalist world we always want to know HOW they got to this. How did the world as we know it fall apart? I like that it was always theories of the survivors. If the world ever fell apart in this way perhaps that's really all we would have anyway, facts so diluted with conspiracy theories that we can't tell fact from fiction.
The Best Dark Rain was definitely a great read and once I finally was able to incorporate the time in my busy schedule I flew right through it in two days. This is highly recommended for those into an action-packed adventure with heart!
December 26, 2017
Some stories leave you thinking long after you have read them. The Best Dark Rain is one such book. This post apocalyptic story brings out a tiny ray of hope that is hidden within. I know I sound crazy but then the truth is this story actually didnot turn out the way I expected.
I am not a fan of zombie stories or any other post apocalypse genre. Inspite of that this story made me cast aside my stereotypical thoughts with regards to such stories. Yes, there are zombies, the world is facing an era pist apocalypse. However, what sets tjis story apart from others in this genre is the storyline. Trust me when I say this, do read this book because the story is so different.
Marco has a unique style of writing. If I say that his writings shatter stereotypes then I will not be wrong in saying so. I must also compliment the narration. It is fast paced, smooth and definitely keeps the reader engaged. Every scene triggers off an imagery and I do wish this story gets converted into a motion picture so that it has a wider reach. And though I do not watch such movies due to the obvious fear of nightmares, this story would be an exception.
The protagonists have been well crafted snd the other characters amply justify their existence in this story. What is appealing is the fact that the story characters are as real as possible. The humans resemble people alive in the present world.
To sum up, this story is a must read. Please read it for the way the storyline flows, for the different treatment. This story celebrates love and friendship in a very different scenario. After reading thd story in one sitting I real8sed that these two universal bonds can exist in any situation. Also, when hope is given importance things turn out for the good. No wonder then that this is an excellently amazing or amazingly excellent story.
P.S - Thank you Marco for a story that changed my perspective. This review is my honest opinion after reading the story.
I am not a fan of zombie stories or any other post apocalypse genre. Inspite of that this story made me cast aside my stereotypical thoughts with regards to such stories. Yes, there are zombies, the world is facing an era pist apocalypse. However, what sets tjis story apart from others in this genre is the storyline. Trust me when I say this, do read this book because the story is so different.
Marco has a unique style of writing. If I say that his writings shatter stereotypes then I will not be wrong in saying so. I must also compliment the narration. It is fast paced, smooth and definitely keeps the reader engaged. Every scene triggers off an imagery and I do wish this story gets converted into a motion picture so that it has a wider reach. And though I do not watch such movies due to the obvious fear of nightmares, this story would be an exception.
The protagonists have been well crafted snd the other characters amply justify their existence in this story. What is appealing is the fact that the story characters are as real as possible. The humans resemble people alive in the present world.
To sum up, this story is a must read. Please read it for the way the storyline flows, for the different treatment. This story celebrates love and friendship in a very different scenario. After reading thd story in one sitting I real8sed that these two universal bonds can exist in any situation. Also, when hope is given importance things turn out for the good. No wonder then that this is an excellently amazing or amazingly excellent story.
P.S - Thank you Marco for a story that changed my perspective. This review is my honest opinion after reading the story.
April 3, 2018
I am very choosy with apocalyptic fiction. See I'm a bit of a conspiracy theorist and I believe some of the things that are in these books can actually come true. So I want more in a book from this genre than just the world has ended and it's horrible and the author wants to show the brutalness in every finite detail. If you've read any of my reviews, you'll know that characters mean a lot to me. I want to connect with the characters and walk in their shoes. I'm glad to say that this author does that and does both of these things and does it well. This book creates a living portrait of the human condition as they all struggle to make sense of this new world. It's not just a blood and gore story like some in this genre are. I felt for these characters. I wanted them to succeed and make the world better. I was moved when things didn't go well. I saw myself not as just an observer, but almost as if I could have been a character myself. The storyline pushed me to the end of the story and I never once felt like I had to trudge through the story. If you like this genre, I believe you will like this nice twist of the repetitive tropes that get annoying after awhile.
December 5, 2017
All the smart-assery of hard bitten Noir characters, but with more introspection and a great sense of groundedness that comes from the author's thorough research of the Seattle setting. Oh, and of course some zombies.
The main character is refreshingly distinct from the typical Rambo-esque hero. More like the real-life special forces guys I've met who have moved on with their lives, combined with a cigar smoking Buddhist.
The supporting characters are fully developed, realistic, and yet pretty unique.
The plot is tense and there is a serial-esque quality between chapters, and there is an obvious intent to react to the hackneyed conventions of the genre and give the reader a fresher and more wry back-story. There are many painterly little gems throughout the writing that leave you skipping back to evoke a mental snapshot one more time before moving on.
Fresh, enjoyable, entertaining but thoughtful. 3 thumbs up.
The main character is refreshingly distinct from the typical Rambo-esque hero. More like the real-life special forces guys I've met who have moved on with their lives, combined with a cigar smoking Buddhist.
The supporting characters are fully developed, realistic, and yet pretty unique.
The plot is tense and there is a serial-esque quality between chapters, and there is an obvious intent to react to the hackneyed conventions of the genre and give the reader a fresher and more wry back-story. There are many painterly little gems throughout the writing that leave you skipping back to evoke a mental snapshot one more time before moving on.
Fresh, enjoyable, entertaining but thoughtful. 3 thumbs up.
December 2, 2017
Bends the Genre in new and exciting ways
This is NOT your standard post apocalyptic book. Set aside some time to read and enjoy this great story. Marco takes the genre and bends the edges into wings and gives flight to a great story. Well thought out with characters that leap off the page...you will enjoy this book!
This is NOT your standard post apocalyptic book. Set aside some time to read and enjoy this great story. Marco takes the genre and bends the edges into wings and gives flight to a great story. Well thought out with characters that leap off the page...you will enjoy this book!
November 11, 2018
Enjoyed the book very much. A little outside my usual genre, but now I look forwards to more.
January 10, 2018
Have now read it twice through. It has the added bonus on the apocalyptic genre of being staged in Seattle which I know well so geographically relateable. A nice easy to read book that ties up nice but leaves some room still if the author feels the need to do a round two continuation. Characters are described well enough to feel like you have a good idea how this can develop. Very enjoyable even the 2nd time. Runs you though a gamut of emotions and even makes you think a little... what if....
June 10, 2021
For a random book that the library search coughed up, this was a darn good version of "after". Nice character development. Different take on the zombie issues.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews