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After the Change: Pocket Edition
Diego Conner was at school when his world changed. As soon as his classmates started killing each other, he ran. Then, when he got home, his parents tried to eat him. They weren't zombies though. They were alive and could be killed like any other living thing. He chose to simply call them "the changed."The only people he knew who didn't turn were his friends, Sheena and Wes. With their families gone, the fifteen year olds are forced to look out for each another, constantly moving and hiding in the shadows. Eventually, though, they decided to search for survivors and colonize a local prison. Along the way, they quickly learn that the brainless, flesh-eating monsters that roam the streets are the least of their worries after the change.This series raises the bar for zombie fiction. Arthur Longworth -author of Zek, an American Prison Story.This post-apocalyptic tale transcends its genre, with realistic characters who share a complex relationship. Michael J. Moore is a literary force to be reckoned with. Tom Richey -author of Death Row Scott.Although not my usual genre of choice, I fell in love with Michael J. Moore's writing. Not only did it draw me in like a moth to a flame, but it kept me absolutely entranced and spellbound all the way up to its extremely climactic ending. There's very little doubt in my mind that Michael J. Moore is going to become a powerful figure in the literary world! Percy Levy -author of A Ghetto Love Story.I couldn't put this book down until I read every last word. I've since been strumming my guitar, patiently waiting for the next one in the series to come out. Where is it?! Westin Halvorson, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult.
- GenresHorror
315 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2019
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Moore
9 books15 followersMichael J Moore lives in Washington state. His books include the bestselling post-apocalyptic novel, After the Change (published by MKM Bridge Press), the horror novel placed on the Bram Stoker Preliminary Ballot 2019 for Superior Achievement in a Novel, Highway Twenty (published by HellBound Books) and the psychological thriller Secret Harbor (published by HellBound Books). Using my pen name Cait Moore, Lake City Way – Ninja Girl has been published by Floricanto and Berkeley Press. My work has appeared in Blood Moon Rising Magazine, Horrorzine Magazine, Schlock Magazine, Minutes Before Six, Terror House Magazine, Siren's Call Magazine, Black Petals Horror/Science Fiction Magazine, HellBound Books anthology “Ghosts, Spirits and Specters”, The Electric Press, Brighton University Dissections The Journal of Contemporary Horror, Soteira Press Anthology “What Monsters Do For Love”, The Point Magazine, The Huffington Post, Yes Magazine, Carecovid Art Resource and has been adapted for theater and produced in the Seattle area, is used as curriculum at the University of Washington and has received an Honorable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest. This year I also have short stories being released by Rainfall Books, Horror Tree – Trembling with Fear, Transmundane Press, The University of Chicago Awakenings Review, Scribe Magazine, Fox Hollow Stories, Between These Shores Literary and Art Annual, Dancing of Death Publishing, Cemetry Gates Magazine, Valiant Scribe Literary Journal, Inkquills Press Cryptic Encounters, Harvard Children’s Stories, Stanford University Life in Quarantine, Freedom with Writing and Author.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 15, 2020
This is part walking dead, part Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer- which is probably one of the best apocolyptic fiction books I've ever read and after the change would be a close second. This is Michael Moore's first book in this series and its riveting. Looking forward to reading more. definitely an author to keep on your radar.
November 27, 2020
Original Review at Jaunts & Haunts
3/5
I gave this novel three stars.
I had high hopes for this book, but in the end I felt that it was just okay for me.
In a nutshell, this book is about the zombie apocalypse. Young teenagers Diego, Cali, and Wes traverse the scary landscape six months after the change, trying to figure out what direction they should go in with their new lives. This journey is fraught with action, chills, and heartache as they try to clutch to their humanity and persevere against the odds.
This book had a lot of potential with the elements it started with, but there were some things that detracted from my reading journey.
I think what worked most for me was the concept and general plot. Most of us have seen a number of zombie flicks or The Walking Dead, so we're not strangers to the concept of a zombie apocalypse. Walking into this felt like seeing an old friend. I liked the general world they were living in. It had plenty of zombies/changed, danger, and of course humans make things more complicated when they pair off in groups or factions. That way of life was reflected well here I think, especially from a teenager's point of view.
Our main characters are interesting. Diego, Cali, and Wes were part of a band together, and they had a lot of good dialogue between them. You could tell they had history, even if they didn't have a ton of depth (I mean, they're teenagers so that's understandable). Diego was the obvious favorite for me. He battled with what it meant to be human in this world, and I can see why he struggled to keep his humanity but feels forced to change himself, to become hardened in a way. I did think here and there some of the decisions they made were questionable (around the beginning and less throughout the second half), but again they are teenagers and probably don't know any better. They're just trying to do what they can.
I think the main thing that made this book less great in my eyes was the writing. Throughout the book the writing felt a bit disjointed. Sometimes sentences would cut off for no reason, or I'd have to backtrack a paragraph or two, only to find that something still felt off about the structure of the writing. Dialogue felt a tad too sporadic for me at times. Conversations could tend to get off subject before veering back to the original point. While I understand that is definitely the case in real life, reading it like that makes it a bit difficult to follow.
There was also something about the pacing that made the events of this book drag, especially with the second half. I wanted things to progress more quickly and found myself antsy to hurry forward because I didn't like what was currently happening.
Ultimately, this book was alright for me but I didn't feel wowed or inspired by it. While I can't quite recommend it, it did have plenty of adventure and battles that a zombie lover might go crazy over. If that's you, this may just be the right book for you. Happy reading!
3/5
I gave this novel three stars.
I had high hopes for this book, but in the end I felt that it was just okay for me.
In a nutshell, this book is about the zombie apocalypse. Young teenagers Diego, Cali, and Wes traverse the scary landscape six months after the change, trying to figure out what direction they should go in with their new lives. This journey is fraught with action, chills, and heartache as they try to clutch to their humanity and persevere against the odds.
This book had a lot of potential with the elements it started with, but there were some things that detracted from my reading journey.
I think what worked most for me was the concept and general plot. Most of us have seen a number of zombie flicks or The Walking Dead, so we're not strangers to the concept of a zombie apocalypse. Walking into this felt like seeing an old friend. I liked the general world they were living in. It had plenty of zombies/changed, danger, and of course humans make things more complicated when they pair off in groups or factions. That way of life was reflected well here I think, especially from a teenager's point of view.
Our main characters are interesting. Diego, Cali, and Wes were part of a band together, and they had a lot of good dialogue between them. You could tell they had history, even if they didn't have a ton of depth (I mean, they're teenagers so that's understandable). Diego was the obvious favorite for me. He battled with what it meant to be human in this world, and I can see why he struggled to keep his humanity but feels forced to change himself, to become hardened in a way. I did think here and there some of the decisions they made were questionable (around the beginning and less throughout the second half), but again they are teenagers and probably don't know any better. They're just trying to do what they can.
I think the main thing that made this book less great in my eyes was the writing. Throughout the book the writing felt a bit disjointed. Sometimes sentences would cut off for no reason, or I'd have to backtrack a paragraph or two, only to find that something still felt off about the structure of the writing. Dialogue felt a tad too sporadic for me at times. Conversations could tend to get off subject before veering back to the original point. While I understand that is definitely the case in real life, reading it like that makes it a bit difficult to follow.
There was also something about the pacing that made the events of this book drag, especially with the second half. I wanted things to progress more quickly and found myself antsy to hurry forward because I didn't like what was currently happening.
Ultimately, this book was alright for me but I didn't feel wowed or inspired by it. While I can't quite recommend it, it did have plenty of adventure and battles that a zombie lover might go crazy over. If that's you, this may just be the right book for you. Happy reading!
March 17, 2020
It would be easy to call this magnificent book The Walking Dead x Z Nation x 28 Days Later. If, like me, you love all of those things, that would be high praise indeed. However, this book is so much better than that. Diego, Cali and Wes were in a band before the change, and now they are all they have left in the world to rely on. From the start of the book, there is something about Wes that sets him apart. Some glint of madness that sets you on edge when you read his scenes, which his friends seem too enamored by him to notice. This is the great thing about After The Change. Yes, it’s tense and scary and has great action, but it delves deep into the psychology of the characters and offers something new, or perhaps a better exploration of something old. I couldn’t put this book down. With this book, and Highway Twenty, Michael J Moore has procured himself a place on my favorite authors list.
December 8, 2019
I loved this new take on an apocalypse! This author is very talented and makes the stories seem very real, with awesome characters. This is a page-turner, incredibly compelling. What will happen to these teens in the new world? Excellent story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2019
May be Spoilers...
I loved following Diego narrative. He was only 16 however had a mature personality, which I really enjoyed. His two friends Wes and Cali created a family like atmosphere. However I found it weird when Cali got into Diego’s sleeping bag with only a t-shirt and underwear when Wes was her boyfriend.
The changed were creepy, the description of the changed was great. I loved that Diego thought so much about the name of the soulless “people”.
The Americans had disgusting beliefs. Shooter killed Zeke’s brother Carlo because he didn’t want to shoot someone who didn’t want to join the Americans. This have Zeke’s anger some purpose.
Later Wes gets bite which was soo upsetting due to his natural leadership. He left the group to save Sheena from the herd of changed. This made Cali extremely upset and resulted in Diego and Cali having sex. This was annoying because they assumed Wes had died and didn’t respect his memory.
The safeway kidnapped Sam, Jacki and Cali. They also end up taking the boys. I hated the character Hefe but this was intended by Michael J Moore. However towards the end in the parking lot I did feel a bit of compassion for her.
At the end when the group and the 70 ish people from the Safeway get saved from thousands of changed by Wes, who had changed but also had control of the changed, they travel to the Prison which Wes, Cali and Diego intended to go pretty early on the novel.
Some kid did try to kill Wes with his sword and got thrown into the yard full of thousands of changed. This was hard to read because he was so young however Wes emphasised that the changed had to eat.
Finally I would like to say thank you to MKM_Bridge_Press for sending me the book to review. I am excited to read the next book!
I loved following Diego narrative. He was only 16 however had a mature personality, which I really enjoyed. His two friends Wes and Cali created a family like atmosphere. However I found it weird when Cali got into Diego’s sleeping bag with only a t-shirt and underwear when Wes was her boyfriend.
The changed were creepy, the description of the changed was great. I loved that Diego thought so much about the name of the soulless “people”.
The Americans had disgusting beliefs. Shooter killed Zeke’s brother Carlo because he didn’t want to shoot someone who didn’t want to join the Americans. This have Zeke’s anger some purpose.
Later Wes gets bite which was soo upsetting due to his natural leadership. He left the group to save Sheena from the herd of changed. This made Cali extremely upset and resulted in Diego and Cali having sex. This was annoying because they assumed Wes had died and didn’t respect his memory.
The safeway kidnapped Sam, Jacki and Cali. They also end up taking the boys. I hated the character Hefe but this was intended by Michael J Moore. However towards the end in the parking lot I did feel a bit of compassion for her.
At the end when the group and the 70 ish people from the Safeway get saved from thousands of changed by Wes, who had changed but also had control of the changed, they travel to the Prison which Wes, Cali and Diego intended to go pretty early on the novel.
Some kid did try to kill Wes with his sword and got thrown into the yard full of thousands of changed. This was hard to read because he was so young however Wes emphasised that the changed had to eat.
Finally I would like to say thank you to MKM_Bridge_Press for sending me the book to review. I am excited to read the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
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||Review||
.
Title: After The Change
Author: Michael J Moore
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 308 .
When Diego Conner Runs Away From School After Everyone Starts Killing Each Other He Finds Out Even His Parents Wanted To Kill Him To His Shock.The Only People He Had Were His Friends,They Called The Remaining People "After The Change".Will This Group Of Teenagers Survive In The World Full Of Brainless Flesh Eating Monsters? .
This Book Is A Really Eye Opening Book.It Shows Us How We Can Survive In The Worst Of Situations.It Shows Us How To Pass The Test Of Time! .
.
The Language Used Was Easily Understandable,Narration Was Freely Flowing And The Author's Writing Style Was Really Comfortable To Read.The Cover Of This Book Had An Unique Texture And So Yeah I Loved Everything About The Book! .
.
I Give It An Infinity/10
Thank You So So So Much @michaeljmoorewriting For The Review Copy!!
.
🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋 #bibliophiles #bibliophile #books #bookloverindia #booklove #bookstagramindia #bookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #book #bibliophiles #bookishmerch
||Review||
.
Title: After The Change
Author: Michael J Moore
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 308 .
When Diego Conner Runs Away From School After Everyone Starts Killing Each Other He Finds Out Even His Parents Wanted To Kill Him To His Shock.The Only People He Had Were His Friends,They Called The Remaining People "After The Change".Will This Group Of Teenagers Survive In The World Full Of Brainless Flesh Eating Monsters? .
This Book Is A Really Eye Opening Book.It Shows Us How We Can Survive In The Worst Of Situations.It Shows Us How To Pass The Test Of Time! .
.
The Language Used Was Easily Understandable,Narration Was Freely Flowing And The Author's Writing Style Was Really Comfortable To Read.The Cover Of This Book Had An Unique Texture And So Yeah I Loved Everything About The Book! .
.
I Give It An Infinity/10
Thank You So So So Much @michaeljmoorewriting For The Review Copy!!
.
🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋 #bibliophiles #bibliophile #books #bookloverindia #booklove #bookstagramindia #bookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #book #bibliophiles #bookishmerch
April 16, 2020
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. (I read this as an Audiobook, but didn't see that as an option)
This book explores the world after "The Change" that causes friends and family to become mindless killing machines. After losing his family, Diego and his two surviving friends are forced to navigate a world that is no longer recognizable or safe. With danger at every turn, the author created a book that is action packed and exciting. Although the beginning is similar to others I've read, Moore puts his own unique spin on the typical apocalyptic scenario that kept me engaged and curious. I immediately empathized with and connected to the main characters, and all the others they meet as the plot unfolds. I thought the narrator was great, and brought this book to life. This is a fantastic book, that flows well and is well worth a credit! As a bonus the author included a teaser for the next book in the series!
This book explores the world after "The Change" that causes friends and family to become mindless killing machines. After losing his family, Diego and his two surviving friends are forced to navigate a world that is no longer recognizable or safe. With danger at every turn, the author created a book that is action packed and exciting. Although the beginning is similar to others I've read, Moore puts his own unique spin on the typical apocalyptic scenario that kept me engaged and curious. I immediately empathized with and connected to the main characters, and all the others they meet as the plot unfolds. I thought the narrator was great, and brought this book to life. This is a fantastic book, that flows well and is well worth a credit! As a bonus the author included a teaser for the next book in the series!
June 30, 2020
It should be noted that I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
After the Change by Michael J. Moore will grab you from the beginning and take you for a roller coaster of a ride, as a group of young teens have to grapple with the “change,” what some might call zombies or the walking dead. That is all of the plot I am willing to share, as I do not want to deprive the reader of the terrifying joy of discovering what these young people must endure as they contend with a world changed. Moore is a master at story telling as he takes you on a psychological, action packed, fast paced, and yes at times frightening ride. It will be difficult to put down, as you will not want to stop reading. After the Change is well written and superbly crafted. I know you will enjoy reading After the Change. Michel J. Moore has established himself as one my favorite authors. Five Stars *****
After the Change by Michael J. Moore will grab you from the beginning and take you for a roller coaster of a ride, as a group of young teens have to grapple with the “change,” what some might call zombies or the walking dead. That is all of the plot I am willing to share, as I do not want to deprive the reader of the terrifying joy of discovering what these young people must endure as they contend with a world changed. Moore is a master at story telling as he takes you on a psychological, action packed, fast paced, and yes at times frightening ride. It will be difficult to put down, as you will not want to stop reading. After the Change is well written and superbly crafted. I know you will enjoy reading After the Change. Michel J. Moore has established himself as one my favorite authors. Five Stars *****
June 17, 2020
Michael J Moore hits us with a heart-pounding new take on the zombie apocalypse in After the Change! Fifteen year old Diego Conner is suddenly forced to flee school when his classmates start murdering each other. Arriving home, his parents brutally try to eat him, forcing him and his friends to flee across a rapidly changed world. Moore packs all the thrill and horror of a zombie film into the plot but never loses focus of what’s really important: the characters. I really felt for Diego and his friends through each and every encounter with The Changed, making this a zombie novel worth reading! If you love zombies or YA lit, definitely take a bite out of Moore’s thrill ride!
June 14, 2019
I picked this up because of the blurb. It looked to be an interesting book and I was not disappointed by what I read. Diego and his friends survived the change, bu they're running for their lives. Alone, lost and without any idea of what to do next, they're looking to just survive and find some way to live with this new world and new normal. The story is engaging from the first chapter, you find yourself rooting for the characters and everything they go through. You will get drawn into the story and find yourself reading it in one go. It is amazingly written and I adored it. Recommended!
December 9, 2019
This book is riviting from the get go. Kinda The Walking Dead, 28 Days later kinda rush. 3, 15 yr olds surviving in the zombie world so to speak. They travel, they survive. They meet others. Some good, some not so much. Either way you feel for the characters and their dilema they are going through each and every time. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Michael J. Moore; he has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of his books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2020
This story is in the point of view of a fifteen year old named Diego. In a world ravaged by the changed (could be construed as zombies), this story was an interesting twist in the zombie fan culture. I found the story interesting and engrossing. Lots of twists and turns. I will be reading the next one.
November 29, 2020
This book was well written, and fun to read. The author did a good job projecting the teenagers as intelligent leaders but also showing some of the difficulties they had with maturity and thought process. Had an authentic feel in that sense. The plot was a good pace, and it did well to hold my attention. Though the concept isn't really new, the story is definitely worth reading.
August 1, 2019
Fantastic read! Michael J Moore is an incredible author. I forseen him having a terrific journey ahead of him and cannot wait to see his work promoted. It was refreshing and had me on the edge of my seat!
January 21, 2020
It was an ok book. The plot was intriguing and I loved the journey. However, I felt like there was a lot of 'telling' in the book and not enough 'showing' for the reader to bond with the characters.
February 21, 2019
Awesome book I had a hard time putting it down!
May 20, 2020
I liked the plot and the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It hooked me right from the beginning. Highly recommended and can't wait for the next one!
August 26, 2020
Great book!
A great murder mystery. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to grab a great book. A must read.
A great murder mystery. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to grab a great book. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews