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Z: A Love Story: A wonderfully gory romantic comedy with zombies
When Horror and Romance collide, the world will never be the same again.
Kevin is your normal, everyday kind of guy. An office worker in a multistory tower block in downtown London, he feels like his existence is being swallowed up by the monster metropolis where he lives and works. Ignored, lonely, and lovelorn, he's desperate for a life, a reason to go on.
He has one in mind.
His coworker, Rachael.
She is everything that he has ever wanted.
Four thousand miles away, someone else has other ideas about everything they have ever wanted ...
As hostilities between two superpowers escalate, a new weapon is created.
Agent Z is a super-weapon, capable of delivering a devastating blow to the enemy.
In the wrong hands, however, it can be something else entirely.
Love is a many splendored thing.
Humanity, however … that is fleeting!
Kevin is your normal, everyday kind of guy. An office worker in a multistory tower block in downtown London, he feels like his existence is being swallowed up by the monster metropolis where he lives and works. Ignored, lonely, and lovelorn, he's desperate for a life, a reason to go on.
He has one in mind.
His coworker, Rachael.
She is everything that he has ever wanted.
Four thousand miles away, someone else has other ideas about everything they have ever wanted ...
As hostilities between two superpowers escalate, a new weapon is created.
Agent Z is a super-weapon, capable of delivering a devastating blow to the enemy.
In the wrong hands, however, it can be something else entirely.
Love is a many splendored thing.
Humanity, however … that is fleeting!
264 pages, ebook
Published February 14, 2019
21 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
D.E. McCluskey
49 books465 followersI love horror, and I love Christmas. Some would say that the two are not mutually associated, I would tell you different.
I started writing at Christmas, back in the days of yore. I was reading The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore to my daughter who was too excited to sleep. But, I used my secret weapon, my boring voice she was soon catching the right amount of zzzzz's... As I tiptoed out of the room, giving Santa the space he needed to do his bit, I thought to myself, you know what? I could write something like that...
So I did...
The good Behaviour Act was written, the first story in Interesting Tymes, my very first publication.
I live in sunny Liverpool in the UK with my partner and daughters, I used to work in IT but don't anymore, and am the happier person for it. I love football, music and film... I also enjoy long walks, pretty flowers, and gratuitous violence and nudity...
I can be found mostly on Facebook @demccluskey_author
or on Twitter @dammagedpro @demccluskey1
my website is www.dammaged.com
I started writing at Christmas, back in the days of yore. I was reading The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore to my daughter who was too excited to sleep. But, I used my secret weapon, my boring voice she was soon catching the right amount of zzzzz's... As I tiptoed out of the room, giving Santa the space he needed to do his bit, I thought to myself, you know what? I could write something like that...
So I did...
The good Behaviour Act was written, the first story in Interesting Tymes, my very first publication.
I live in sunny Liverpool in the UK with my partner and daughters, I used to work in IT but don't anymore, and am the happier person for it. I love football, music and film... I also enjoy long walks, pretty flowers, and gratuitous violence and nudity...
I can be found mostly on Facebook @demccluskey_author
or on Twitter @dammagedpro @demccluskey1
my website is www.dammaged.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 14, 2025
Night of the Living Dead meets Hallmark Rom-Com? Well, that’s what we have here. It’s a really unique blend of a pure-blooded horror tale mixed in with a love story. And to be honest, while the zombie contagion spreading was a lot of fun, I was more into the budding romance between Rachael and Kevin. It was so genuine and sweet, and I kept hoping they’d end up together. And in a way, they did. Now I kept asking myself as the local authorities, then defense forces, got destroyed by the zombies…either these guys are lousy shots or these creatures must be doing Matrix-like moves to avoid the gunfire. It just seemed like the best, most well-trained armed forces were taken down awfully quick in these situations where they were directed to contain the issue at hand. But beyond that, the zombie outbreak was awesome to see from the initial accident through the intercontinental spread. But again, that love story in here was the highlight for me. I didn’t love the ending and felt like it flatlined, with both the culmination of our main characters and the actual outbreak. For such a different and well thought out story, I would’ve liked to see some more creativity to wrap everything up.
February 5, 2019
I was lucky enough to proof read the latest offering from the fantastic author. I tried my hardest to concentrate so I didn't veer off track and miss any errors but as much as i I tried i just kept getting dragged into the story line. My advice is, buy this book. Thank me once you've read it. Don't eat and read at the same time. It's properly gross in parts and make me feel utterly sick!
Loved it!
Loved it!
April 9, 2019
Z: a love story by DE McCluskey.
Kevin is your normal, everyday kind of guy. An office worker in a multistory tower block in downtown London, he feels like his existence is being swallowed up by the monster metropolis where he lives and works. Ignored, lonely, and lovelorn, he's desperate for a life, a reason to go on.
He has one in mind.
His coworker, Rachael.
She is everything that he has ever wanted.
Four thousand miles away, someone else has other ideas about everything they have ever wanted ...
As hostilities between two superpowers escalate, a new weapon is created.
Agent Z is a super-weapon, capable of delivering a devastating blow to the enemy.
In the wrong hands, however, it can be something else entirely.
A very enjoyable read with great characters. I do love zombies and I love romance. This had action too. I liked Rachael and Kevin characters. 4*.
Kevin is your normal, everyday kind of guy. An office worker in a multistory tower block in downtown London, he feels like his existence is being swallowed up by the monster metropolis where he lives and works. Ignored, lonely, and lovelorn, he's desperate for a life, a reason to go on.
He has one in mind.
His coworker, Rachael.
She is everything that he has ever wanted.
Four thousand miles away, someone else has other ideas about everything they have ever wanted ...
As hostilities between two superpowers escalate, a new weapon is created.
Agent Z is a super-weapon, capable of delivering a devastating blow to the enemy.
In the wrong hands, however, it can be something else entirely.
A very enjoyable read with great characters. I do love zombies and I love romance. This had action too. I liked Rachael and Kevin characters. 4*.
July 19, 2024
Only a 4 as I'm not a fan of Zombie stuff but this was good. A romance blossoming in London whilst a Zombie virus gets loose in the US!! What could possibly bring the two together!!!
June 5, 2019
There's an overabundance of zombie stories so anything in the genre needs to do something different to stand out. The romantic elements with this book where Kevin and Rachel are totally unaware that the world is going to hell around them are that difference. Tracking the progress as the Z virus makes it way across from America and the grisly details of the transformation are gripping as well.
May 2, 2019
A very different way to start the apocalypse. I enjoyed this very much. Just because its a love story don't expect a happy ending though
April 8, 2019
I have previously read and reviewed The Twelve by D.E. McCluskey, which in it's own way is every bit as twisted as this one. If you enjoy reading horror then this is one writer that you need to be reading.
Z: A Love Story starts off with scientists messing with a virus in America, it's a weapon that has been created to use against another Country. The power of the virus is not entirely known and if it was then it might never have been created.
In London many miles away Kevin is an office worker, who has developed an attraction towards one of his co-workers Rachel.
As their attraction and relationship develops, across the Pond the repercussions of the virus become apparent as anyone who comes into contact with it is changed beyond recognition and then turns on others, as they are gripped by the life changing illness which they then spread.
For the most part this appeared to be a story of two halves. One half being dedicated to the spreading of the virus and the other the developing love story between Kevin and Rachel. As the virus becomes more widespread across the World, it's evident that the two halves might eventually meet.
I did find parts of it as the virus and the description of what happens to each victim a little on the repetitive side, but that's the only negative I have about it. It's quite thought provoking really and as we all know that with the advent of air travel anything that can be spread, will be spread and spread quite easily from person to person contact.
My thanks to TBConFB reviewer group for the opportunity of reading this in exchange for an honest review. I gave this a 4/5 stars or 8/10.
April 5, 2019
Brilliantly written and couldn’t stop reading
Just read this novel within 2 days and once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I am a huge fan of Dave McCluskey’s novels and I have read every novel released by this author to date. This novel explores a blossoming romantic relationship between two people who work for the same company and who are so lost in their own bubble together that they don’t know that a deadly and incurable ‘Z’ virus is slowly killing everyone around them. I recommend this novel to those who love horror, love stories and zombie themed stories.
Just read this novel within 2 days and once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I am a huge fan of Dave McCluskey’s novels and I have read every novel released by this author to date. This novel explores a blossoming romantic relationship between two people who work for the same company and who are so lost in their own bubble together that they don’t know that a deadly and incurable ‘Z’ virus is slowly killing everyone around them. I recommend this novel to those who love horror, love stories and zombie themed stories.
March 21, 2019
As a lover of anything Zombie, I jumped at the chance of reading Z : A love story and was surprised by this is a short, quirky novel.
It follows the story of Kevin, a normal, everyday 'Joe Blogs' who trundles through his mundane existence of work, sleep, work, sleep - longing for something more to life; maybe someone to love. The only highlight in his life is seeing his work colleague Rachel, who after building up a considerable amount of courage; finally asks her out and to his surprise; she says yes!!
Unbeknownst to them, this unfortunately coincides with the Zombie apocalypse and the end of the world as we know it. The story jumps between the virus 'Agent Z' being released and the subsequent spread of the infected 'Zombies' and the love story of Kevin and Rachel and their budding relationship.
Expect violent, gory scenes that make 'The Walking Dead' look tame - the scary thing being that as a reader, you can imagine this sort of contagion being spread in just the way the author describes.
A very different type of Zombie novel; humorous, gory and very well written. I also loved the fact that the author included the poem he wrote that this novel was based on. Definitely worth a read!!
It follows the story of Kevin, a normal, everyday 'Joe Blogs' who trundles through his mundane existence of work, sleep, work, sleep - longing for something more to life; maybe someone to love. The only highlight in his life is seeing his work colleague Rachel, who after building up a considerable amount of courage; finally asks her out and to his surprise; she says yes!!
Unbeknownst to them, this unfortunately coincides with the Zombie apocalypse and the end of the world as we know it. The story jumps between the virus 'Agent Z' being released and the subsequent spread of the infected 'Zombies' and the love story of Kevin and Rachel and their budding relationship.
Expect violent, gory scenes that make 'The Walking Dead' look tame - the scary thing being that as a reader, you can imagine this sort of contagion being spread in just the way the author describes.
A very different type of Zombie novel; humorous, gory and very well written. I also loved the fact that the author included the poem he wrote that this novel was based on. Definitely worth a read!!
March 24, 2019
This book is a rare blend of horror and romantic comedy. The horror is by way of graphic, visceral and detailed descriptions of a burgeoning zombie apocalypse, the romantic comedy follows office worker Kevin as he seeks to start an office romance and ignore the jibes and misogynistic comments of the resident office bellend. The book jumps back and forth between the two parallel storylines and slightly different tones to very enjoyable effect. The author has a dry wit, satirises the current leaders of the USA and North Korea beautifully and even manages to make the zombie parts (though graphic) sometimes tongue-in-cheek (both literally and figuratively!). If you find yourself in the mood for a zom-rom-com, this book would be a very satisfying selection.
March 26, 2019
I don't normally read love stories but as this is one with a difference I was pleasantly surprised, Zombies are always an added benefit.
This is a book with what seems like two stories running concurrent to each other but the subtle blend of the two is great. Kevin is working in an office and has a crush on Rachel but is far too shy to do anything about it, one day however he does pluck up the courage to ask her out after all what is the worst that can happen?. Little do they realise what is happening over in America and how it might impact on their lives. The zombie parts are a little gory but totally necessary for the plot and not enough to put you off reading this great book.
This is a book with what seems like two stories running concurrent to each other but the subtle blend of the two is great. Kevin is working in an office and has a crush on Rachel but is far too shy to do anything about it, one day however he does pluck up the courage to ask her out after all what is the worst that can happen?. Little do they realise what is happening over in America and how it might impact on their lives. The zombie parts are a little gory but totally necessary for the plot and not enough to put you off reading this great book.
March 5, 2019
I felt the book got off to quite a slow start, and found my a little underwhelmed and annoyed with the main character Kevin. However, both the book and the protagonist grew on me. Kevin is a likeable enough sort of bloke, nothing special and nothing out of the ordinary. He goes about his daily life like so many of us, with lost and broken dreams along the way, a job he does not particularly like, and a work colleague whose main job is to wind him up and belittle him. However, the bright spot in his life is Rachel, another co worker. Kevin dreams his days, and nights away thinking of Rachel, and all the things he could have, or should have said to her. He becomes determined to ask her out, face her likely rejection, and move on. To his great surprise she does agree to go out with him. Unfortunately this coincides with the start of the Zombie Apocalypse, and the end of the world as we know it.
From a military research centre in America comes Agent Z, a highly contagious, deadly bio-weapon. Accidentally released into the general population, and with o left to stop it's spread, can Kevin and Rachel enjoy their first day regardless of the scenes of horror around them?
From a military research centre in America comes Agent Z, a highly contagious, deadly bio-weapon. Accidentally released into the general population, and with o left to stop it's spread, can Kevin and Rachel enjoy their first day regardless of the scenes of horror around them?
March 21, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
I need to start by saying it is a zombie love story but honestly not as we know it. I wanted to give the book a chance- zombies are not my cup of teal (I’m much more Walking with Dinosaurs than Walking dead) but I genuinely loved it. A really fresh take on a love story.
The pages kept turning and I had to finish it in one sitting (a little bit of fear is healthy right???)
I need to start by saying it is a zombie love story but honestly not as we know it. I wanted to give the book a chance- zombies are not my cup of teal (I’m much more Walking with Dinosaurs than Walking dead) but I genuinely loved it. A really fresh take on a love story.
The pages kept turning and I had to finish it in one sitting (a little bit of fear is healthy right???)
February 26, 2019
Love is blind is a phrase heard many times but in this case it is true. Kevin and Rachael have been co-workers for many years and Kevin has wanted to ask her out for a long time. Finally he gets up the nerve and she says "yes". Their romance starts to bloom while the world around them is being taken over by the dead yet they notice nothing but each other. Will they finally notice, will they and their love survive? You'll have to read this unique take on zombies to find out. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the zombie genre.
February 18, 2019
An absolutely fantastic read and another gripping book from the talented DE McCluskey. Love the way the storyline goes back and forth between 2 different dramas in 1 book. Both story lines flow well together and keep you gripped the whole way through. Defiantly one you shouldn't start unless you have the time to keep reading as it's hard to put down. Highly recommend and will defiantly be reading more from this fantastic writer.
Read
February 17, 2019This was a really good read, once I started couldn’t put it down. Wanted it to go on. It was gory in parts but the story was gripping. Can’t wait for more.
August 4, 2019
Ooooh I loved this!
Kevin goes to work every day and has a thing for Rachael....a thing he has had for the past 10 years but hasn't been brave enough to let her know! When she shows a bit of interest he finally bites the bullet, and asks her out for a drink....and she says yes! He's delighted and they arrange their date and have a wonderful time....
Meanwhile, in the USA an accident happens with Agent Z....a virus designed to be used in warfare. The accident causes one of the Presidents staff to become infected with the virus.....but will it spread? And how far? And what impact will it have on humanity as we know it. And ultimately, will Kevin get the happy ever after that he's dreaming of?
Z: A Love Story genuinely had me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing! This is one of those books that you just don't want to put down! I absolutely love Kevin - the underdog who doesn't think he's going to get anywhere with the gorgeous Rachael; he's a genuinely nice guy! And I loved Rachael - despite what her colleagues believe, she's also lovely. I was desperately willing for them to get together and to have the life they want.
The outbreak of the virus.....actually quite scary as I'm convinced something like this really could happen (we don't know what's being tested where!). I spent so much time willing people to escape - mentally telling them to run away, don't open the door, stay where you are etc!
As always with Dave's books, this is so well written - with brilliant bits of humour throughout that will have you smirking or chuckling to yourself. And the descriptions of what's happening are fantastic - making it truly easy for you to imagine it playing out in your head like it's a movie....with lots of blood and gore!
Absolutely fantastic, and I love the mix of horror and romance - something a bit different that you can't help but love!! Highly recommended by me!
Kevin goes to work every day and has a thing for Rachael....a thing he has had for the past 10 years but hasn't been brave enough to let her know! When she shows a bit of interest he finally bites the bullet, and asks her out for a drink....and she says yes! He's delighted and they arrange their date and have a wonderful time....
Meanwhile, in the USA an accident happens with Agent Z....a virus designed to be used in warfare. The accident causes one of the Presidents staff to become infected with the virus.....but will it spread? And how far? And what impact will it have on humanity as we know it. And ultimately, will Kevin get the happy ever after that he's dreaming of?
Z: A Love Story genuinely had me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing! This is one of those books that you just don't want to put down! I absolutely love Kevin - the underdog who doesn't think he's going to get anywhere with the gorgeous Rachael; he's a genuinely nice guy! And I loved Rachael - despite what her colleagues believe, she's also lovely. I was desperately willing for them to get together and to have the life they want.
The outbreak of the virus.....actually quite scary as I'm convinced something like this really could happen (we don't know what's being tested where!). I spent so much time willing people to escape - mentally telling them to run away, don't open the door, stay where you are etc!
As always with Dave's books, this is so well written - with brilliant bits of humour throughout that will have you smirking or chuckling to yourself. And the descriptions of what's happening are fantastic - making it truly easy for you to imagine it playing out in your head like it's a movie....with lots of blood and gore!
Absolutely fantastic, and I love the mix of horror and romance - something a bit different that you can't help but love!! Highly recommended by me!
February 20, 2021
Z A love story
I have to be honest if I had read this book a couple of years ago I may have found it a very different read. It is a combination of a comedic love story horror if such a genre exists or maybe best described as a little something for everyone.
Firstly Kevin and Rachael, a couple of years ago I would have been straining every sinew to remember over 30 years ago when I fell in love and had those same inept but amazing feelings.
Feelings on one hand of invincibility of great abilities where you felt so good about yourself and also at the same time of complete ineptness and doomed to fail.
I was lucky enough to be reading this now having only for the second time in my life and in the last 12 months enjoyed the feelings of falling in love and being able to relate to it.
The writer captures it so well that he has either excellent memory recall or is drawing on recent experiences.
This brings me on to the Zombie apocalypse, 2 years ago this would have appeared as far fetched as a bucket of s—t from China however after the last 12 months the writer appears almost prophetic in how he captures how the worlds doom spreads so quickly and so uncontrollably.
Both stories are excellently written and like a dual carriageway merging into a dongle carriageway they meet seamlessly.
Our hero Kevin well the question is would you or wouldn’t you? It’s a question that will always exist understanding our basic instinct to survive but the hearts desire to be forever with the one we love.
Maybe there were alternative endings part of me wanted it to be so but in all of us there is that challenge.
I am a huge fan of the phantom of the opera but always felt I’d rather be the phantom than Raul so maybe just maybe I would have done the same as Kevin.
Another superb effort by this talented author onto another of his works In The Mood for Murder.
I have to be honest if I had read this book a couple of years ago I may have found it a very different read. It is a combination of a comedic love story horror if such a genre exists or maybe best described as a little something for everyone.
Firstly Kevin and Rachael, a couple of years ago I would have been straining every sinew to remember over 30 years ago when I fell in love and had those same inept but amazing feelings.
Feelings on one hand of invincibility of great abilities where you felt so good about yourself and also at the same time of complete ineptness and doomed to fail.
I was lucky enough to be reading this now having only for the second time in my life and in the last 12 months enjoyed the feelings of falling in love and being able to relate to it.
The writer captures it so well that he has either excellent memory recall or is drawing on recent experiences.
This brings me on to the Zombie apocalypse, 2 years ago this would have appeared as far fetched as a bucket of s—t from China however after the last 12 months the writer appears almost prophetic in how he captures how the worlds doom spreads so quickly and so uncontrollably.
Both stories are excellently written and like a dual carriageway merging into a dongle carriageway they meet seamlessly.
Our hero Kevin well the question is would you or wouldn’t you? It’s a question that will always exist understanding our basic instinct to survive but the hearts desire to be forever with the one we love.
Maybe there were alternative endings part of me wanted it to be so but in all of us there is that challenge.
I am a huge fan of the phantom of the opera but always felt I’d rather be the phantom than Raul so maybe just maybe I would have done the same as Kevin.
Another superb effort by this talented author onto another of his works In The Mood for Murder.
August 4, 2019
My personal review on Z:A love story by David McCluskey
So like anything I go in open minded, not knowing what to expect.... And I will only say what I personally think.... For me what is important is a flowing story and characters that you can buy into.
And........
This book has them both. Like the hands of a zombie it had me gripped!!
Z: A love story has it all, it made laugh, feel a little emotional, the story flowed and you can't help but simply pick it up, I fell in love with characters as well as wanting to punch some in the face (yes, the characters are that good you can't help but love or hate them)!!
If we did have an apocalypse, I think this book tells a fair assessment of how it would go/happen...
I genuinely can't find anything that I didn't like about the story!! I can honestly say this book needs to be read by all zombie fans especially if you are looking for your first taste of the Z genera.
If you haven't already, please give it a read! If you have I would love to know your thoughts in the comment's!!
So like anything I go in open minded, not knowing what to expect.... And I will only say what I personally think.... For me what is important is a flowing story and characters that you can buy into.
And........
This book has them both. Like the hands of a zombie it had me gripped!!
Z: A love story has it all, it made laugh, feel a little emotional, the story flowed and you can't help but simply pick it up, I fell in love with characters as well as wanting to punch some in the face (yes, the characters are that good you can't help but love or hate them)!!
If we did have an apocalypse, I think this book tells a fair assessment of how it would go/happen...
I genuinely can't find anything that I didn't like about the story!! I can honestly say this book needs to be read by all zombie fans especially if you are looking for your first taste of the Z genera.
If you haven't already, please give it a read! If you have I would love to know your thoughts in the comment's!!
October 28, 2025
Zombies? No thanks
Love Story? No thanks
Written by DE McCluskey? Ah, go on then!
This has been on my bookshelf for way too long and I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
Boy meets girl at work and finally plucks up the courage to ask her out. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?
The character building is fantastic and the trademark McCluskey humour ever present as we see the world through the eyes of Rachael and Kev, who are too wrapped up in each other to bother about the news - it’s too depressing right?
The scenes at the lab and the restaurant - oh and the morning after - were hilarious. The gristly bits were well played and damn you ‘DE’ for giving me a lump in my throat through the chaos. Not as big a lump as Kev’s right enough!
I kept humming Come on Eileen, but you will only know why once you read this.
Love Story? No thanks
Written by DE McCluskey? Ah, go on then!
This has been on my bookshelf for way too long and I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
Boy meets girl at work and finally plucks up the courage to ask her out. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?
The character building is fantastic and the trademark McCluskey humour ever present as we see the world through the eyes of Rachael and Kev, who are too wrapped up in each other to bother about the news - it’s too depressing right?
The scenes at the lab and the restaurant - oh and the morning after - were hilarious. The gristly bits were well played and damn you ‘DE’ for giving me a lump in my throat through the chaos. Not as big a lump as Kev’s right enough!
I kept humming Come on Eileen, but you will only know why once you read this.
November 25, 2019
The title of this story kind of threw me off. I did not expect it to be something I would enjoy. In truth it fell down my reading list a bit. I am glad I read the book. I was into the story from the start and it turned out to be a very worthwhile read. Kevin has had feelings for Racheal a young lady who works in the same office. He finally works up the nerve to ask her out and his life seems to be in a great place. Until the zombie apocalypse occurs anyway. Interesting characters and good flow make this a great story.
February 1, 2023
Full review available at reelhorrorshow.co.uk
OK, here’s the usual disclaimer part informing you that I received a copy of Z: A Love story from the author in return for an honest review. Now, I have to admit I was a little reluctant to dive in at first. I mean, Romance? Zombies? Not usually things that interest me.
Despite these topics that I’m not particularly drawn to, I was still interested to read the story thanks to it having been written by D E McClusky. I’d previously read his tasty little appetiser Cravings and then went ahead to chew on the more substantial Zola.
And I am glad I gave it a chance because it is surprisingly entertaining. More than that, I found myself invested in the characters - yes, even Kevin and Rachel and their nervous flirtations.
In fact, and I’m almost loathe to admit this and thereby sully my 'angry bloke who hates people' persona, I became invested in their relationship.
Now, you might be thinking, hang about; this is supposed to be a horror novel, you mentioned zombies. What gives? So, to get to the horror, let us leave England and visit America.
And that’s not a derogatory statement about the USA, but rather where the other half of the story takes place, starting where most zombie outbreaks occur, a research lab.
One slight fuck up and an overexcited idiotic child-like president later, and there’s a virus on the loose. A virus that changes people. A virus that kills its host leaving only a shambling, flesh-hungry - you know what? You know what zombies are.
Of course, these two events are inevitably going to collide, and sooner or later, Kevin and Rachael will have to deal with the undead menace. But what happens when they do, isn’t something I’m going to spoil.
Z: A Love Story is a wonderful combination of those awkward steps of asking someone on a date and those first awkward steps of being an undead ghoul with a hankering for fresh meat.
On one side, you have unsure communication that eventually blossoms into romance, and on the other, unsure communication that leads to a virus spreading out of control.
OK, here’s the usual disclaimer part informing you that I received a copy of Z: A Love story from the author in return for an honest review. Now, I have to admit I was a little reluctant to dive in at first. I mean, Romance? Zombies? Not usually things that interest me.
Despite these topics that I’m not particularly drawn to, I was still interested to read the story thanks to it having been written by D E McClusky. I’d previously read his tasty little appetiser Cravings and then went ahead to chew on the more substantial Zola.
And I am glad I gave it a chance because it is surprisingly entertaining. More than that, I found myself invested in the characters - yes, even Kevin and Rachel and their nervous flirtations.
In fact, and I’m almost loathe to admit this and thereby sully my 'angry bloke who hates people' persona, I became invested in their relationship.
Now, you might be thinking, hang about; this is supposed to be a horror novel, you mentioned zombies. What gives? So, to get to the horror, let us leave England and visit America.
And that’s not a derogatory statement about the USA, but rather where the other half of the story takes place, starting where most zombie outbreaks occur, a research lab.
One slight fuck up and an overexcited idiotic child-like president later, and there’s a virus on the loose. A virus that changes people. A virus that kills its host leaving only a shambling, flesh-hungry - you know what? You know what zombies are.
Of course, these two events are inevitably going to collide, and sooner or later, Kevin and Rachael will have to deal with the undead menace. But what happens when they do, isn’t something I’m going to spoil.
Z: A Love Story is a wonderful combination of those awkward steps of asking someone on a date and those first awkward steps of being an undead ghoul with a hankering for fresh meat.
On one side, you have unsure communication that eventually blossoms into romance, and on the other, unsure communication that leads to a virus spreading out of control.
February 9, 2024
If you like dark comedy...
This reminded me of Zom100 (anime and show) as well as Warm Bodies (movie) in all the best ways. What was the most spectacular is that with every zombie transformation scene, McCluskey managed to drive home the points that indicated his zombie description while also making it a unique way to describe said transformation.
This whole book was a damn treat, and I will continue on tearing through McCluskey's bibliography in search of more long-form horror that scratches the gore itch while also definitely being of quality writing.
This reminded me of Zom100 (anime and show) as well as Warm Bodies (movie) in all the best ways. What was the most spectacular is that with every zombie transformation scene, McCluskey managed to drive home the points that indicated his zombie description while also making it a unique way to describe said transformation.
This whole book was a damn treat, and I will continue on tearing through McCluskey's bibliography in search of more long-form horror that scratches the gore itch while also definitely being of quality writing.
October 17, 2024
Got this book for free on a Stuff Your Kindle Day, probably a Terrify Your Tablet
It's not a book I would have picked for myself, but I'm glad i read it. There were times when it read a little like a soap opera, recapping the last 10 minutes every commercial break, but it was good. As an American, I often said to myself "yeah, that tracks". It was funny, it was sweet, and it was spooky. There are some valuable life lessons in there... probably...
It's not a book I would have picked for myself, but I'm glad i read it. There were times when it read a little like a soap opera, recapping the last 10 minutes every commercial break, but it was good. As an American, I often said to myself "yeah, that tracks". It was funny, it was sweet, and it was spooky. There are some valuable life lessons in there... probably...
May 30, 2019
This was a great read. I'm not usually one for romance themes but ended up rooting for the characters- it was refreshing for a zombie story.
I liked how McCluskey referred to certain events & world leaders (no spoilers!). It made the whole thing relatable & I could well imagine how it could happen this way.
I struggled to put this one down.
I liked how McCluskey referred to certain events & world leaders (no spoilers!). It made the whole thing relatable & I could well imagine how it could happen this way.
I struggled to put this one down.
February 17, 2020
Z: A Love Story... gripped me from the start, a zombie outbreak, how could it not? We've all had those thoughts, what if? How would I survive? What would I do? Throw in a office romance, two superpowers and a super-weapon and you've got one hell of a read that leaves you breathless ad emotionally drained. One word of warning... the ending had me in tears.
March 16, 2021
Decent zombie comedy horror
The good: believable and engaging characters, nice touches of social and political comment
The not so good: plot not so original, and some unnecessary repetition of action scenes and the narrator's comments about military tactics
The ugly: quite a bit of graphic gore, so if you like a bit of that, this might be up your street
The good: believable and engaging characters, nice touches of social and political comment
The not so good: plot not so original, and some unnecessary repetition of action scenes and the narrator's comments about military tactics
The ugly: quite a bit of graphic gore, so if you like a bit of that, this might be up your street
July 28, 2019
A strange yet gripping read
As my not normal genre I was quite shocked and delighted to have enjoyed this book very much !
I love the strength of the main two characters and the love felt at the end too so cleverly written with very graphic thought provoking writing.
As my not normal genre I was quite shocked and delighted to have enjoyed this book very much !
I love the strength of the main two characters and the love felt at the end too so cleverly written with very graphic thought provoking writing.
November 9, 2023
This was really great! Everything I could want from a zombie story with a touch of love! Great ideas, really well written, lots of action, high tension & a fair amount of gore! A really enjoyable read! I will look for more by this writer! I do recommend this book!
May 28, 2024
Great story
I loved the mix of a love story in the zombie apocalypse. Kevin and Rachel stole my heart, and this is my favorite type of zombie book with the events unfolding! I wish more books followed characters as the outbreak unfolds. I definitely recommend this one.
I loved the mix of a love story in the zombie apocalypse. Kevin and Rachel stole my heart, and this is my favorite type of zombie book with the events unfolding! I wish more books followed characters as the outbreak unfolds. I definitely recommend this one.
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