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His Name Was Zach #1
His Name Was Zach
One day at a time, that is how Zach lives. It has been two years since The Crisis, the day when people contracted a mysterious disease that renders the host a flesh-eating feral. Both Zach and his daughter Abby are doing all they can to survive in this world where most creatures, living or undead, want to kill them. Moving from one oasis of solace to another, they journey in search of a true home. A place where they can finally live together in peace. But out in the Wild, friends are few, psychotic enemies abound, and Zach and Abby will be forced to confront demons from their pasts. Will their familial bond hold long enough to reach safety? Or will they lose themselves to the surrounding madness?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2019
20 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Peter Martuneac
12 books53 followersHusband, father of two, Boilermaker alum, and former United States Marine. Ever since reading The Lord of the Rings at a young age, Peter has wanted to be an author, and writing stories continues to bring him no small amount of joy.
Peter's writings tend to share a theme that focuses on PTSD and the different ways people cope with trauma, some healthy and others not. He also writes about redemption, and not being chained to your former self.
P.S. Martuneac is a Romanian name, and is pronounced "Mar-TOO-knee-ack", for all those wondering.
Peter's writings tend to share a theme that focuses on PTSD and the different ways people cope with trauma, some healthy and others not. He also writes about redemption, and not being chained to your former self.
P.S. Martuneac is a Romanian name, and is pronounced "Mar-TOO-knee-ack", for all those wondering.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 12, 2025
Two years ago the unthinkable happened - the world collapsed and what's left of it quickly became overrun with zombies.
He froze in place and cocked his good ear towards her...
Wasn’t this one of those things that always happened to ‘somebody else’?Sergeant Zach Davidson always knew he would survive - he has had plenty of experience as a former Marine but what he didn't count on was finding Abby.
Abby was barely a teenager when she lost her home and her mom.
Wandering around in a daze, she stumbled upon Zach and the two have been inseparable ever since. Fighting lessons, ballet lessons - the two of them were thick as thieves.
This adoptive father-daughter duo weathered through two years of the apocalypse but their little bit of happiness could not last forever.
Kicked from their home, Zach and Abby must find somewhere new - and fast.
"This place looks harmless!”It's a whole new world out there - are they ready for it?
“I’ve seen a lot of bad places that looked harmless.”
Everyone looked back behind them, towards some trees not far away, just in time to see a large group of zombies break out into the open.Overall this was a rather fun book! I really enjoyed this unique take on the zombie apocalypse.
I LOVE the dynamic between Zach (the "dad") and Abby (his "kid"). There's something so refreshing about a father-daughter duo teaming up against the zombie apocalypse!
I thought that their personalities really brought the story to a whole different level for me - gruff but doting father for Zach, bubbly and innocent for Abby.
I especially loved the beginning when it was just the two of them in their little cottage in the woods - I think I would have loved the story equally so if that was the whole plot (just two people surviving together).
That being said, I was really invested in their adventures - I was really hooked from page one and was surprised by the twists and turns.
However, I do think the emotions of the book swung from one extreme to another. I don't mind it happening a couple of times - to really ramp up the intensity of the book but it started to give me whiplash.
In addition, there were times that Abby felt too innocent and trusting (and Zach, by extension). I'm all for a little bit of innocence but Abby, honey, you've been living in the zombie apocalypse for two years now. Get those blinders off!
That being said - I ended up having a lot of fun between these pages! Huge thank you to Julia Ash who suggested I pick this one up!!
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January 4, 2020
This action/adventure dystopian earned 3.5 stars from me!
My “tease” for HIS NAME WAS ZACH…
Two years ago, an infection swept across civilization, turning humans into flesh-eating zombies.
Good thing Sergeant Zach Davidson has had plenty of experience desperately fighting to survive. After all, the decorated Marine was once the squad leader of his platoon in Afghanistan. So when he encountered an orphaned teenager at the onset of The Crisis, Abby naturally became his adopted “squad.” And he vowed to protect her as if she were his own daughter.
Zach and Abby are living in an abandoned cottage in the woods, attempting to create a new normal. But when armed bandits approach their refuge, they escape and are on the run again. Wanting to head toward the Mississippi River in search of a community of friendly survivors, they cross paths with humans that are everything but. Not only that, Zach battles flashbacks from the war.
Will the pair survive and find what they’re looking for, if a safe haven even exists? Or will the living turn out to be as savage as the undead?
Thoughts…
This story included several positive hooks and only a few light sinkers.
POSITIVE HOOKS
• I love the plot of an ex-Marine learning to be a father and traversing dangerous territory in an attempt to find a new, safe frontier for him and his “daughter.” It is an instant hook!
• Zach’s flashbacks of combat are vivid and intense, reminding us that even when our service men and women return home, physical and emotional scars can still haunt them. (My opinion: support for our vets needs to continue beyond the battlefield!) The author is a former Marine and his expertise and authenticity stand out in his writing. Also, I want to thank the author for his service!
• I really appreciated how the story began. It was instantly about survival instead of backstory regarding the original outbreak. Well done :)
• The author utilized some unique writing-style choices. Although they do not reflect my style preferences, I do appreciate the risks he took!
LIGHT SINKERS
• I’m not a fan of the third-person omniscient point of view—the God-like narrator who knows all and sees all. I prefer third-person close or first-person, so this “light sinker” is really just a style preference. Not to mention, this POV is rarely used today, so its application was bold. For me, though, this POV lends itself to telling versus showing.
• The story swings to and from extremes, like from the innocent sweetness of a bird’s thoughts—"Why, it was humans! Two of them! The bird did not see many humans these days, so to see two of them together was a rare treat.”—to the mouth-opening shock of attempted rape and cannibalism—“After I take what I want from your daughter, we’re going to bring her into the garage and cut her up into tiny pieces while she’s still alive. Then, I’m gonna eat her!” I was like….Whaaat? The author’s storytelling definitely had me swinging from emotional extremes!
• Breaking from an omniscient POV to the author’s actual voice didn’t work for me in this book, though it is a unique technique. For example, the author wrote before the last 20% of the book: “My dear reader, I wish that I could follow that paragraph with ‘The End’ and be done with it. Nothing would please me more than to leave you here and pretend that nothing further of note happened in the lives of our protagonists.”
Overall, if you are looking for an action/adventure dystopian with military intrigue, written in a unique style, this is the perfect book. Prepare to be shocked around every corner and in every chapter!
My “tease” for HIS NAME WAS ZACH…
Two years ago, an infection swept across civilization, turning humans into flesh-eating zombies.
Good thing Sergeant Zach Davidson has had plenty of experience desperately fighting to survive. After all, the decorated Marine was once the squad leader of his platoon in Afghanistan. So when he encountered an orphaned teenager at the onset of The Crisis, Abby naturally became his adopted “squad.” And he vowed to protect her as if she were his own daughter.
Zach and Abby are living in an abandoned cottage in the woods, attempting to create a new normal. But when armed bandits approach their refuge, they escape and are on the run again. Wanting to head toward the Mississippi River in search of a community of friendly survivors, they cross paths with humans that are everything but. Not only that, Zach battles flashbacks from the war.
Will the pair survive and find what they’re looking for, if a safe haven even exists? Or will the living turn out to be as savage as the undead?
Thoughts…
This story included several positive hooks and only a few light sinkers.
POSITIVE HOOKS
• I love the plot of an ex-Marine learning to be a father and traversing dangerous territory in an attempt to find a new, safe frontier for him and his “daughter.” It is an instant hook!
• Zach’s flashbacks of combat are vivid and intense, reminding us that even when our service men and women return home, physical and emotional scars can still haunt them. (My opinion: support for our vets needs to continue beyond the battlefield!) The author is a former Marine and his expertise and authenticity stand out in his writing. Also, I want to thank the author for his service!
• I really appreciated how the story began. It was instantly about survival instead of backstory regarding the original outbreak. Well done :)
• The author utilized some unique writing-style choices. Although they do not reflect my style preferences, I do appreciate the risks he took!
LIGHT SINKERS
• I’m not a fan of the third-person omniscient point of view—the God-like narrator who knows all and sees all. I prefer third-person close or first-person, so this “light sinker” is really just a style preference. Not to mention, this POV is rarely used today, so its application was bold. For me, though, this POV lends itself to telling versus showing.
• The story swings to and from extremes, like from the innocent sweetness of a bird’s thoughts—"Why, it was humans! Two of them! The bird did not see many humans these days, so to see two of them together was a rare treat.”—to the mouth-opening shock of attempted rape and cannibalism—“After I take what I want from your daughter, we’re going to bring her into the garage and cut her up into tiny pieces while she’s still alive. Then, I’m gonna eat her!” I was like….Whaaat? The author’s storytelling definitely had me swinging from emotional extremes!
• Breaking from an omniscient POV to the author’s actual voice didn’t work for me in this book, though it is a unique technique. For example, the author wrote before the last 20% of the book: “My dear reader, I wish that I could follow that paragraph with ‘The End’ and be done with it. Nothing would please me more than to leave you here and pretend that nothing further of note happened in the lives of our protagonists.”
Overall, if you are looking for an action/adventure dystopian with military intrigue, written in a unique style, this is the perfect book. Prepare to be shocked around every corner and in every chapter!
February 4, 2021
His Name Was Zach by Peter Martuneac is a thrilling and horrific zombie novel.
In the last year or so I've been reading more zombie books. It's kind of amusing because I'm not the biggest zombie apocalypse fan, yet I just kept picking them up. People lent me zombie books, I accidentally stumbled upon them or I would randomly pick a book off my shelf and BAM zombies. Then in walks His Name Was Zach with more zombies to fill up my shelf.
This book is big and long, but totally worth it if you dig zombie apocalypse books. We follow Zach (shocker, I know - the title definitely doesn't give that away), who is an ex-Marine surviving a couple years into the insane zombie apocalypse that took his wife away from him. He has a surrogate daughter Abby along for the ride with him. She lost her family during the craziness years ago, but when her and Zach found each other it was the family they both didn't know they needed.
This duo has a cute Father-Daughter relationship that will make you smile. Of course, that's when they're not both kicking butt. Both of these characters are strong but have flaws that make them feel real. Abby isn't just a damsel in distress - she's smart and strong (and sometimes innocent, but she's a young teenager). Zach has demons to face but is also capable of holding himself up. It's a nice mix that I don't see too often in books like this. Bonus points for Peter Martuneac. Also, the nickname Bug is pretty cute.
Some of the back story of this book is kept safe like a secret - hidden away until just the right moment. Slowly, some of these mysteries unfurl and we get to see some of the brutality of the past. At the beginning it frustrated me, but once I got going I really appreciated the slow build and slow burn of the lack of information. Luckily, this book isn't slow on the action so you don't think too much about that once you get going. Zombie fights, potential cannibals, abduction plots, murder and wilderness survival all come at you pretty fast. It's kind of hard to believe the book was almost 500 pages!
If you like thrills and horror mashed together then this book is for you. I applaud Peter for making an engaging zombie book that is definitely R rated. There's lots of triggers for death and an almost rape scene, so reader beware.
I didn't like the ending, but that's no surprise if you know me personally. It's not a hit against the book, but it made me sad.
Overall, it's a great zombie book and I highly recommend it!
Four out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, Peter Martuneac, in exchange of an honest review.
In the last year or so I've been reading more zombie books. It's kind of amusing because I'm not the biggest zombie apocalypse fan, yet I just kept picking them up. People lent me zombie books, I accidentally stumbled upon them or I would randomly pick a book off my shelf and BAM zombies. Then in walks His Name Was Zach with more zombies to fill up my shelf.
This book is big and long, but totally worth it if you dig zombie apocalypse books. We follow Zach (shocker, I know - the title definitely doesn't give that away), who is an ex-Marine surviving a couple years into the insane zombie apocalypse that took his wife away from him. He has a surrogate daughter Abby along for the ride with him. She lost her family during the craziness years ago, but when her and Zach found each other it was the family they both didn't know they needed.
This duo has a cute Father-Daughter relationship that will make you smile. Of course, that's when they're not both kicking butt. Both of these characters are strong but have flaws that make them feel real. Abby isn't just a damsel in distress - she's smart and strong (and sometimes innocent, but she's a young teenager). Zach has demons to face but is also capable of holding himself up. It's a nice mix that I don't see too often in books like this. Bonus points for Peter Martuneac. Also, the nickname Bug is pretty cute.
Some of the back story of this book is kept safe like a secret - hidden away until just the right moment. Slowly, some of these mysteries unfurl and we get to see some of the brutality of the past. At the beginning it frustrated me, but once I got going I really appreciated the slow build and slow burn of the lack of information. Luckily, this book isn't slow on the action so you don't think too much about that once you get going. Zombie fights, potential cannibals, abduction plots, murder and wilderness survival all come at you pretty fast. It's kind of hard to believe the book was almost 500 pages!
If you like thrills and horror mashed together then this book is for you. I applaud Peter for making an engaging zombie book that is definitely R rated. There's lots of triggers for death and an almost rape scene, so reader beware.
I didn't like the ending, but that's no surprise if you know me personally. It's not a hit against the book, but it made me sad.
Overall, it's a great zombie book and I highly recommend it!
Four out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, Peter Martuneac, in exchange of an honest review.
February 2, 2020
I'm going to preface this entire review with the explanation that zombie fiction is really not my thing. I chose to read this book to support a fellow self-published author, and I want to make sure that anyone reading this review knows up front that my thoughts on it are likely tainted by the fact that I just don't care for zombie stories. It's not just the zombies themselves, or the gore & violence, but the hopelessness and despair, and the fact that they're so often the same basic story. That being said, on with the review.
Zach and Abby found each other during the worst possible circumstances--a zombie apocalypse. Zach is a former marine, and Abby is a 14-year-old whose parents are gone. They decide to stick together, forming a father-daughter relationship to rival those with blood connections. Through many different kinds of threats, from zombies to dangerous humans, imminent starvation, and even overwhelming loneliness, they take care of each other. Will they ever find the rest they're longing for?
Zombie apocalypse or not, I didn't hate this book. But I didn't exactly love it either, and that's not just because of the genre. The book has two main things going for it--a lot of heart and the realism regarding the main character's marine background, due to the author being a former marine himself. However, there were many things that detracted from the book for me; in the end, I wasn't the best audience for this book.
The book probably could have been cut down at least 25%, if not close to half, and told the same story. There was a lot of repetition, including many flashbacks that showed something we'd already been told, with nothing new to add, not to mention the pages-long Rev War daydream. There was unnecessary recap of past events, and a lot of repetition of dialog.
Some other issues I had were pockets of narration styles that didn't fit with the rest (like a few paragraphs from a bird's perspective and one time when the author/narrator informally addressed the reader); two female characters whose names started with A, which caused me to be confused about who was doing what, who was in peril, etc. during fast-paced scenes; grammatical issues and typos often enough to pull me out of the story.
I'll pause here for a quick warning for those who are like me when it comes to content that makes them uncomfortable: the book is very graphic. There is more language than any book I've read (if it had been a movie, I would have had to turn it off...apparently it bothers me more to hear it out loud than to read it), and there is one particularly gory scene that made me very uncomfortable. Sexual situations (both consensual and non--and let that be a trigger warning for those who need it) were handled much more tastefully by comparison.
I think, though, that what bothered me the most was how the writing has a very YA feel, which I am certain was not the intention. And even with that, Abby talks like someone way beyond her years much of the time, while other times acting like a child. (This may have been intentional, given the traumatic experiences she'd gone through and the super-smart characterization given to her, but I didn't get that impression.) Abby was probably my least favorite non-villain character, which is sad, since the (not-yet-released) sequel is titled Her Name Was Abby. I don't know that I'll have an desire to read it, though I'm not committing to that yet. There are a lot of ways the sequel could improve on the original.
For someone who doesn't take in a lot of zombie apocalypse fiction, I felt like I'd seen many of the events from this book done before. Common tropes certainly can be used and feel fresh and unique, but they didn't in this case. Though to be fair, there were plenty of things that happened that didn't seem so cliche too. Overall, I think what I saw in this book was a lack of experience with writing. With more revision and feedback from other experienced writers, I think it would have been a better overall read. And I know that plenty of what I mention in this review is personal preference. If it seems interesting to you, please be sure to check out others' reviews for this book.
Zach and Abby found each other during the worst possible circumstances--a zombie apocalypse. Zach is a former marine, and Abby is a 14-year-old whose parents are gone. They decide to stick together, forming a father-daughter relationship to rival those with blood connections. Through many different kinds of threats, from zombies to dangerous humans, imminent starvation, and even overwhelming loneliness, they take care of each other. Will they ever find the rest they're longing for?
Zombie apocalypse or not, I didn't hate this book. But I didn't exactly love it either, and that's not just because of the genre. The book has two main things going for it--a lot of heart and the realism regarding the main character's marine background, due to the author being a former marine himself. However, there were many things that detracted from the book for me; in the end, I wasn't the best audience for this book.
The book probably could have been cut down at least 25%, if not close to half, and told the same story. There was a lot of repetition, including many flashbacks that showed something we'd already been told, with nothing new to add, not to mention the pages-long Rev War daydream. There was unnecessary recap of past events, and a lot of repetition of dialog.
Some other issues I had were pockets of narration styles that didn't fit with the rest (like a few paragraphs from a bird's perspective and one time when the author/narrator informally addressed the reader); two female characters whose names started with A, which caused me to be confused about who was doing what, who was in peril, etc. during fast-paced scenes; grammatical issues and typos often enough to pull me out of the story.
I'll pause here for a quick warning for those who are like me when it comes to content that makes them uncomfortable: the book is very graphic. There is more language than any book I've read (if it had been a movie, I would have had to turn it off...apparently it bothers me more to hear it out loud than to read it), and there is one particularly gory scene that made me very uncomfortable. Sexual situations (both consensual and non--and let that be a trigger warning for those who need it) were handled much more tastefully by comparison.
I think, though, that what bothered me the most was how the writing has a very YA feel, which I am certain was not the intention. And even with that, Abby talks like someone way beyond her years much of the time, while other times acting like a child. (This may have been intentional, given the traumatic experiences she'd gone through and the super-smart characterization given to her, but I didn't get that impression.) Abby was probably my least favorite non-villain character, which is sad, since the (not-yet-released) sequel is titled Her Name Was Abby. I don't know that I'll have an desire to read it, though I'm not committing to that yet. There are a lot of ways the sequel could improve on the original.
For someone who doesn't take in a lot of zombie apocalypse fiction, I felt like I'd seen many of the events from this book done before. Common tropes certainly can be used and feel fresh and unique, but they didn't in this case. Though to be fair, there were plenty of things that happened that didn't seem so cliche too. Overall, I think what I saw in this book was a lack of experience with writing. With more revision and feedback from other experienced writers, I think it would have been a better overall read. And I know that plenty of what I mention in this review is personal preference. If it seems interesting to you, please be sure to check out others' reviews for this book.
April 23, 2020
‘His Name Was Zach’ looks, on the outside, to follow the now very overdone formula (overdone since long before things like ‘The Walking Dead’) of a standard dystopian zombie apocalypse. And yes, related tropes are present. But the reason something becomes a ‘trope’ to begin with is that the formula generally works, and such stories attract people who are not bothered by that expectation – that’s exactly the kind of story they’re looking for. To that end, if this is the kind of story you’re looking for, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I will admit that this isn’t the most ideal setup for my interest in zombie stories, but that’s a personal matter. I prefer zombie movies to zombie TV shows, because to me it’s all about the shock of the undead hordes as they mow society down (movies don’t typically have the run time to go beyond that part of the story). This book is more like a zombie TV show, due to being set two years after the outbreak. Post-apocalyptic, as opposed to apocalyptic. His Name Was Zach is closer to TWD, or possibly The Last of Us, than it is to a Romero flick. I just wanted a few more scarifying zombie encounters and not as many scarifying people encounters (perhaps I, too, like my tropes).
There’s a lot to appreciate in this lengthy tale. Our two main characters, that we are introduced to immediately on the very first page, have a lot of time to grow as people and in their familial relationship to one another. We, in turn, are given ample reason to become involved in their story – to appreciate their challenges, their emotions, and generally root for them. What happens to them matters to us, and to me that’s a key tenant of good writing. Don’t just show me a bunch of characters, invest me in them. Make me care about them. I won’t give away the ending of course, but I will say that it’s worth the journey that takes you there, so stick with it. Points for all of the above, good show.
The longer a story is, the more difficulty arises from maintaining the audience’s attention, and I did run into a few instances where I felt mine wavering. There are a few scenes that appear to go on far longer than they need to in order to be effective (a certain game of Texas Hold ‘em comes to mind). Also, not being a firearms or military hobbyist/enthusiast, the excessive attention to detail on these things made the story feel a little more distant to me. It’s enough to tell me that the pants are camouflage, the knife is a combat knife, and the handgun is of the 9mm style. I really didn’t need the production years, manufacturer names, what that particular camo pattern is officially called, and so forth, although to someone specifically interested in these topics, such information might be desirable. Detail is good, but this sort of detail didn’t feel relevant to the story. As a writer I know firsthand that it’s hard to cut up your baby. But some scraps just have to end up on the cutting room floor, in order to fit the runtime.
Beyond the above and a few technical issues here and there (a bit heavy on ‘tell’ at some points and some instances of more than one character speaking in the same paragraph), there’s a worthwhile post-apocalyptic zombie tale here, with enough going on between characters and plotline events to keep you reading. If you’re daunted by the length, all I can say is just dive in to the pond and wait for that hook to dig into your desiccated, decaying flesh. It doesn’t take long!
I will admit that this isn’t the most ideal setup for my interest in zombie stories, but that’s a personal matter. I prefer zombie movies to zombie TV shows, because to me it’s all about the shock of the undead hordes as they mow society down (movies don’t typically have the run time to go beyond that part of the story). This book is more like a zombie TV show, due to being set two years after the outbreak. Post-apocalyptic, as opposed to apocalyptic. His Name Was Zach is closer to TWD, or possibly The Last of Us, than it is to a Romero flick. I just wanted a few more scarifying zombie encounters and not as many scarifying people encounters (perhaps I, too, like my tropes).
There’s a lot to appreciate in this lengthy tale. Our two main characters, that we are introduced to immediately on the very first page, have a lot of time to grow as people and in their familial relationship to one another. We, in turn, are given ample reason to become involved in their story – to appreciate their challenges, their emotions, and generally root for them. What happens to them matters to us, and to me that’s a key tenant of good writing. Don’t just show me a bunch of characters, invest me in them. Make me care about them. I won’t give away the ending of course, but I will say that it’s worth the journey that takes you there, so stick with it. Points for all of the above, good show.
The longer a story is, the more difficulty arises from maintaining the audience’s attention, and I did run into a few instances where I felt mine wavering. There are a few scenes that appear to go on far longer than they need to in order to be effective (a certain game of Texas Hold ‘em comes to mind). Also, not being a firearms or military hobbyist/enthusiast, the excessive attention to detail on these things made the story feel a little more distant to me. It’s enough to tell me that the pants are camouflage, the knife is a combat knife, and the handgun is of the 9mm style. I really didn’t need the production years, manufacturer names, what that particular camo pattern is officially called, and so forth, although to someone specifically interested in these topics, such information might be desirable. Detail is good, but this sort of detail didn’t feel relevant to the story. As a writer I know firsthand that it’s hard to cut up your baby. But some scraps just have to end up on the cutting room floor, in order to fit the runtime.
Beyond the above and a few technical issues here and there (a bit heavy on ‘tell’ at some points and some instances of more than one character speaking in the same paragraph), there’s a worthwhile post-apocalyptic zombie tale here, with enough going on between characters and plotline events to keep you reading. If you’re daunted by the length, all I can say is just dive in to the pond and wait for that hook to dig into your desiccated, decaying flesh. It doesn’t take long!
October 25, 2019
His Name Was Zach is an outstanding piece of literature that will charm a wealth of emotions from every reader. Peter Martuneac has created a simple story, by its structure, but by doing so he has allowed the character development to shine through; truly a beacon in the darkened story world. This truly makes the novel stand out from the crowd as rather than focusing on the action and bloodshed that often becomes the main focus in zombie themed books he generally pulls focus back to the human side and the overall character development.
The reader sees the titular transform in so many different ways, from the gruff ex-marine, to a caring and protective father; all while he battles insurmountable odds and his own demons. To see the progress this character makes when thrown from surviving in the Wild and defending his daughter against horrors, human and zombie, to finding love and peace only to have chaos rain down on his life once again, is a serious delight to read. Every emotion driven word is etched into the reader’s mind making them feel every single one as they delve deeper into this fictional world.
While Zach is the main character his daughter Abby steals practically every scene she is in, and pretty much the entire show. Due to Peter Martuneac’s expert character portrayal readers young or old will adore Abby, her optimism and kind-heartedness even when faced with severe hardships and horrors no child should see.
Now while the character development and human interactions of the novel are certainly one of the highlights from chapter to chapter, Martuneac hasn’t forgotten about the expected tropes that come with a zombie filled literary world. The exceptional use detail within the nail-biting action scenes throughout the story will have readers on the edge of their seat in bated breath hoping beyond a hope that their favorite characters will survive. The level of realism within these scenes is refreshingly inescapable and a true testament to Martuneac’s skillful creative story telling.
While most would have settled with the zombies as the main villain in the novel the author has gone one step further in creating a human villain for the characters and readers alike to both despise and fear. The level of detail within certain scenes can make them an uncomfortable read because of the detail and craftsmanship gone into each and every page; the reader truly is zapped into the mind of the characters. His Name Was Zach utilizes this main villain throughout the narrative, always keeping the reader on their toes that he could be around the next corner set to destroy the lives of Zach, Abby and their friends. It’s not often that such a despicable character is created leaving the reader with no questions as to whether he is the villain. Peter Martuneac has his audience hooked from chapter to chapter waiting, hoping and wishing that the character will finally meet his demise.
His Name Was Zach by Peter Martuneac is a gripping nail-biting read from beginning to end and a true testament to his creative craft. While the title hints at certain aspects of the novel, due to its use of past tense, nothing will prepare the reader for the rollercoaster of action and emotion that is contained within each chapter. Literal tears will be shed as every loss is felt and mourned not only by the characters but the reader too.
The reader sees the titular transform in so many different ways, from the gruff ex-marine, to a caring and protective father; all while he battles insurmountable odds and his own demons. To see the progress this character makes when thrown from surviving in the Wild and defending his daughter against horrors, human and zombie, to finding love and peace only to have chaos rain down on his life once again, is a serious delight to read. Every emotion driven word is etched into the reader’s mind making them feel every single one as they delve deeper into this fictional world.
While Zach is the main character his daughter Abby steals practically every scene she is in, and pretty much the entire show. Due to Peter Martuneac’s expert character portrayal readers young or old will adore Abby, her optimism and kind-heartedness even when faced with severe hardships and horrors no child should see.
Now while the character development and human interactions of the novel are certainly one of the highlights from chapter to chapter, Martuneac hasn’t forgotten about the expected tropes that come with a zombie filled literary world. The exceptional use detail within the nail-biting action scenes throughout the story will have readers on the edge of their seat in bated breath hoping beyond a hope that their favorite characters will survive. The level of realism within these scenes is refreshingly inescapable and a true testament to Martuneac’s skillful creative story telling.
While most would have settled with the zombies as the main villain in the novel the author has gone one step further in creating a human villain for the characters and readers alike to both despise and fear. The level of detail within certain scenes can make them an uncomfortable read because of the detail and craftsmanship gone into each and every page; the reader truly is zapped into the mind of the characters. His Name Was Zach utilizes this main villain throughout the narrative, always keeping the reader on their toes that he could be around the next corner set to destroy the lives of Zach, Abby and their friends. It’s not often that such a despicable character is created leaving the reader with no questions as to whether he is the villain. Peter Martuneac has his audience hooked from chapter to chapter waiting, hoping and wishing that the character will finally meet his demise.
His Name Was Zach by Peter Martuneac is a gripping nail-biting read from beginning to end and a true testament to his creative craft. While the title hints at certain aspects of the novel, due to its use of past tense, nothing will prepare the reader for the rollercoaster of action and emotion that is contained within each chapter. Literal tears will be shed as every loss is felt and mourned not only by the characters but the reader too.
January 11, 2020
His Name Was Zach is a book that I highly recommend. Peter Martuneac weaves human stories into an otherwise inhuman world that is fraught with disease, greed, violence, and the undead.
Zach is a former Marine who fights for survival in the post-apocalyptic United States; however, he fight for survival is multi-faceted, encompassing demons that attach from the outside and inside. His story is one full of emotion, regret, guilt, and extreme strength. He is a very likable character, one who gains the reader's sympathy and empathy.
His companion is his adopted daughter, Abby, who, at such a young age (she is fifteen at book's end), has shown strength and wisdom far beyond her years. She worships Zach and learns from him but, at the same time, grounds Zach and teaches him what it's like to navigate his moral compass.
Throughout the narrative, Zach and Abby encounter friends and foe but never lose sight of each other. Their love is the most powerful relationship of the book and Martuneac weaves their story in a way that allows the reader to really ponder individual strengths and the strength of human relationships. I couldn't help wondering how I'd react if I was thrust into a world of zombies, disease, and violence. I admit that, although I'm forty years old, I don't know if I'd have the same strength as Abby.
His Name Was Zach is a refreshing zombie narrative in that it focuses on the relationship between two individuals rather than multiple relationships between a whole cast of characters. I enjoy this because, when too many characters are involved, I tend to get confused with the plethora of story lines and personalities. Furthermore, by focusing primarily on Zach and Abby, the reader is able to delve more into their individual personalities and who they grow to become.
Martuneac takes an overdone literary and film genre (let's face it, there are about as many zombie narratives as there are the amount of zombies in the books/movies/tv shows) and gives it a refreshing twist. The zombies are even humanized to an extent as some are given back stories. Throughout the story, Martuneac tells about the past through flashbacks and it all just makes perfect sense.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in which Abby holds her own story. In my opinion, Zach's story was cut too short; I feel like he still had so much to give to the story and I wanted to see him overcome his inner demons completely; in short, I wanted him to find redemption for his past, to find a life with Abby after settling somewhere in which they could permanently reside. Then again, that's just me as a reader who grew to really love the characters.
Overall, His Name Was Zach is a book I highly recommend if one is looking for an easy-to-follow, character-rich, suspenseful, and highly emotional post-apocalyptic novel. I cannot wait for the second part of the story to come out and to see how Abby matures in an unforgiving and cruel world.
Rating: 10/10
Zach is a former Marine who fights for survival in the post-apocalyptic United States; however, he fight for survival is multi-faceted, encompassing demons that attach from the outside and inside. His story is one full of emotion, regret, guilt, and extreme strength. He is a very likable character, one who gains the reader's sympathy and empathy.
His companion is his adopted daughter, Abby, who, at such a young age (she is fifteen at book's end), has shown strength and wisdom far beyond her years. She worships Zach and learns from him but, at the same time, grounds Zach and teaches him what it's like to navigate his moral compass.
Throughout the narrative, Zach and Abby encounter friends and foe but never lose sight of each other. Their love is the most powerful relationship of the book and Martuneac weaves their story in a way that allows the reader to really ponder individual strengths and the strength of human relationships. I couldn't help wondering how I'd react if I was thrust into a world of zombies, disease, and violence. I admit that, although I'm forty years old, I don't know if I'd have the same strength as Abby.
His Name Was Zach is a refreshing zombie narrative in that it focuses on the relationship between two individuals rather than multiple relationships between a whole cast of characters. I enjoy this because, when too many characters are involved, I tend to get confused with the plethora of story lines and personalities. Furthermore, by focusing primarily on Zach and Abby, the reader is able to delve more into their individual personalities and who they grow to become.
Martuneac takes an overdone literary and film genre (let's face it, there are about as many zombie narratives as there are the amount of zombies in the books/movies/tv shows) and gives it a refreshing twist. The zombies are even humanized to an extent as some are given back stories. Throughout the story, Martuneac tells about the past through flashbacks and it all just makes perfect sense.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in which Abby holds her own story. In my opinion, Zach's story was cut too short; I feel like he still had so much to give to the story and I wanted to see him overcome his inner demons completely; in short, I wanted him to find redemption for his past, to find a life with Abby after settling somewhere in which they could permanently reside. Then again, that's just me as a reader who grew to really love the characters.
Overall, His Name Was Zach is a book I highly recommend if one is looking for an easy-to-follow, character-rich, suspenseful, and highly emotional post-apocalyptic novel. I cannot wait for the second part of the story to come out and to see how Abby matures in an unforgiving and cruel world.
Rating: 10/10
June 10, 2020
I came into this from a different perspective, as I read things a bit out of order, starting at part two and then reading the prequel short before this. That means I already loved Abby with my whole heart. It was really insightful to get to read about the things that had been mentioned in part two that had shaped her into such a survivor. They were certainly brutal and Zach! OMG Zach, he is a wonderfully rich and deep character. You see so much of his influence in Abby. There is a lot of exploration about the evil of mankind and how they might devolve in situations like this, but in contrast there is a true beauty to be found in Zach and Abby and the purity of their relationship. No matter what they face, and what they have to do, I found they handled it realistically, not being too good or evil, flawed and yet perfectly human.
May 27, 2019
This book is way deeper than average post-apocalyptic novel. Strong and extremely brave characters (liked witty and cool girl Abby!) Creative writing and surprisingly easy to read.
I don’t read zombie novels tho, because everything revolves around the same idea (situation) = nothing new. Anyway, good level of language & enjoyed writing style. Keep on writing!
I don’t read zombie novels tho, because everything revolves around the same idea (situation) = nothing new. Anyway, good level of language & enjoyed writing style. Keep on writing!
May 9, 2019
I'm a fan of zombie stories, but there are certain tropes I love and those I despise. Unfortunately, the author seemed to universally pick the wrong option (for me) every time. I can't stand sprinting zombies that can cling to walls. They're here. I don't like child sidekicks who are able to outsmart adults. Her name is Abby. I don't like zombie stories that don't have many zombies. I can remember only three or four instances where zombies were present. In short, this wasn't my kind of zombie story. The book was descriptive, well edited/formatted, and hit the crucial arcs from the Walking Dead comics (alone, traveling, community, prison, evil humans), but it never connected with me. The rest of my review will contain spoilers, though you may move to the technical section at the bottom.
The Good.
The author clearly knew military jargon and equipment. I suspect he's a marine. It was refreshing to have someone write about military service members without selecting all the clichés from 80s action movies.
Early in the book is a huge error in judgment around the Marshall family. Zach and Abby have a strong bond, so both blamed themselves. It was a realistic approach to the ramifications of their actions. (Though Abby should have just kept her yap shut. Many characters would have appreciated it later).
I liked the conversation about basketball dynasties between Ross, Matt, and Pat. Just because zombies and bandits terrorize America, doesn't mean people wouldn't talk about trivial things.
The way Zach reacts to Vicky's actions. This was perfect. Too bad the other characters didn't react to Zach's actions with the same level of realism.
For once, the whole planet hadn't universally fallen to the Great Zombie Horde. There's an actual working government (and it isn't even evil). I would have loved to have seen more of the real world, not just Little America.
The scene descriptions and action descriptions were detailed and painted the picture nicely.
I liked the take on Russian Roulette using a die. Once again, the ultimate result was eye gouging annoying. Too much luck.
I'm glad Ross threw Vicky's demise in Zach's face when Abby could hear. Zach was a tool for most of the book. Why the others put up with him never made sense.
The concept of training zombies like pack animals was neat.
The Sophie's choice at Little America. The way Al and Amber finish their story.
The Bad.
Calling the pre-zombie days as the "Before Times" has got to be the tropiest caveman talk possible. "Back in the day," "before this crap," "in your past life;" all of these would have been believable. "Before Times" just can't be taken seriously.
Zach talks about nine years in the Marines and six deployments. That seems like a lot (though when Zach first trains the guard in Little America, he only claims five deployments). Marines have shorter deployments than soldiers, but when you factor in training, leave, and stateside work, it felt a bit extreme. A minor nuisance.
The Marshal family were obviously cannibals. That's a big problem with much of the book. The obvious constantly happens. Abby's fate with Henry (all three times), Zach and Amber's relationship, the list goes on. The title of the book is one giant spoiler. Nothing surprised me in this story.
Zach constantly beats Henry, but not only does he not die, he isn't even injured beyond a day's rest. The same can be said about Zach after fighting Edmund and Abby fighting Henry. The types of blows of a man twice a 15-year-old girl's size isn't to be brushed off. Named characters have superpower level durability. Zach should have finished off Henry, then they could have used the Marshall farm for the food. At least float this idea as an option, before remembering what took place there.
Meeting Amber and crew was too early. I doubt trust would be high the day after a Marshall encounter. It was too happy-go-lucky for my tastes. When Vicky's story takes center stage, I scoffed again. Nobody heard the truck she took start up? Nobody heard a scuffle. Zach was a light sleeper. It didn't seem likely.
Vicky also takes a beating and continues to talk trash. Couldn't at least one character cry and beg when being smacked around?
The airmen are supposed to be professionals, but they abuse prisoners just like bandits.
Zach is a threat. Al, Amber, Ross, and Diane probably would have found a reason to leave him. MG Savage gave them the perfect opportunity. They knew Vicky a lot longer than they knew Zach, but apparently her sickness made Zach's actions understandable.
Abby is a teenage girl. She is small. Martial arts techniques are useful to a point, but strength can trump them. You can have the best headlock in the world, but a stronger opponent can (and will) pry your arms free. I guess what I'm saying is: Abby fights outside what could reasonably be called her league. Many times throughout the book. For such a pacifist, she can conveniently turn her aggression off and on. She could have killed a man with her slingshot, but never once considers this.
Zach is a tool. I can't say it enough. For all his posturing about his bond with Abby, he had no problem having her deliver a message to MG Savage. A giant of a man with guns, and he sent her alone. That is not the actions of a caring father. I will never believe otherwise.
Apparently Little America gets resupplied with modern conveniences, but a Playboy is still worth $10? Another minor issue, but it stood out.
What the hell did the Red Coat daydream have to do with anything? This is the most obvious example of "kill your darlings."
Did the zombie apocalypse also make everyone speak truthfully at all time? When Edmond interrogates Zach, our hero answers everything completely truthfully. Not one lie is uttered. Again, not the actions of a caring father.
Even as they're sneaking in to save captured people, Abby is still hung up on swearing? This kid's priorities are completely warped. It's no wonder that several named characters indirectly die due to her actions.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the telling over showing. So much of the book is the author telling us what everyone is thinking or feeling. Many times great scenes are skipped in favor of a paragraph summary. A zombie book needs the zombie scenes, not a summary. Don't tell me Zach is angry at Vicky. His hands around her throat is description enough.
The Technical.
This book is third person omniscient. If you don't like head hopping (including into animals), stay away.
Italics are used for large flashback passages. If the text style bothers you after a few words, this will give you seizures.
There is violence, profanity, and rape galore. It's not for the faint of heart.
The Good.
The author clearly knew military jargon and equipment. I suspect he's a marine. It was refreshing to have someone write about military service members without selecting all the clichés from 80s action movies.
Early in the book is a huge error in judgment around the Marshall family. Zach and Abby have a strong bond, so both blamed themselves. It was a realistic approach to the ramifications of their actions. (Though Abby should have just kept her yap shut. Many characters would have appreciated it later).
I liked the conversation about basketball dynasties between Ross, Matt, and Pat. Just because zombies and bandits terrorize America, doesn't mean people wouldn't talk about trivial things.
The way Zach reacts to Vicky's actions. This was perfect. Too bad the other characters didn't react to Zach's actions with the same level of realism.
For once, the whole planet hadn't universally fallen to the Great Zombie Horde. There's an actual working government (and it isn't even evil). I would have loved to have seen more of the real world, not just Little America.
The scene descriptions and action descriptions were detailed and painted the picture nicely.
I liked the take on Russian Roulette using a die. Once again, the ultimate result was eye gouging annoying. Too much luck.
I'm glad Ross threw Vicky's demise in Zach's face when Abby could hear. Zach was a tool for most of the book. Why the others put up with him never made sense.
The concept of training zombies like pack animals was neat.
The Sophie's choice at Little America. The way Al and Amber finish their story.
The Bad.
Calling the pre-zombie days as the "Before Times" has got to be the tropiest caveman talk possible. "Back in the day," "before this crap," "in your past life;" all of these would have been believable. "Before Times" just can't be taken seriously.
Zach talks about nine years in the Marines and six deployments. That seems like a lot (though when Zach first trains the guard in Little America, he only claims five deployments). Marines have shorter deployments than soldiers, but when you factor in training, leave, and stateside work, it felt a bit extreme. A minor nuisance.
The Marshal family were obviously cannibals. That's a big problem with much of the book. The obvious constantly happens. Abby's fate with Henry (all three times), Zach and Amber's relationship, the list goes on. The title of the book is one giant spoiler. Nothing surprised me in this story.
Zach constantly beats Henry, but not only does he not die, he isn't even injured beyond a day's rest. The same can be said about Zach after fighting Edmund and Abby fighting Henry. The types of blows of a man twice a 15-year-old girl's size isn't to be brushed off. Named characters have superpower level durability. Zach should have finished off Henry, then they could have used the Marshall farm for the food. At least float this idea as an option, before remembering what took place there.
Meeting Amber and crew was too early. I doubt trust would be high the day after a Marshall encounter. It was too happy-go-lucky for my tastes. When Vicky's story takes center stage, I scoffed again. Nobody heard the truck she took start up? Nobody heard a scuffle. Zach was a light sleeper. It didn't seem likely.
Vicky also takes a beating and continues to talk trash. Couldn't at least one character cry and beg when being smacked around?
The airmen are supposed to be professionals, but they abuse prisoners just like bandits.
Zach is a threat. Al, Amber, Ross, and Diane probably would have found a reason to leave him. MG Savage gave them the perfect opportunity. They knew Vicky a lot longer than they knew Zach, but apparently her sickness made Zach's actions understandable.
Abby is a teenage girl. She is small. Martial arts techniques are useful to a point, but strength can trump them. You can have the best headlock in the world, but a stronger opponent can (and will) pry your arms free. I guess what I'm saying is: Abby fights outside what could reasonably be called her league. Many times throughout the book. For such a pacifist, she can conveniently turn her aggression off and on. She could have killed a man with her slingshot, but never once considers this.
Zach is a tool. I can't say it enough. For all his posturing about his bond with Abby, he had no problem having her deliver a message to MG Savage. A giant of a man with guns, and he sent her alone. That is not the actions of a caring father. I will never believe otherwise.
Apparently Little America gets resupplied with modern conveniences, but a Playboy is still worth $10? Another minor issue, but it stood out.
What the hell did the Red Coat daydream have to do with anything? This is the most obvious example of "kill your darlings."
Did the zombie apocalypse also make everyone speak truthfully at all time? When Edmond interrogates Zach, our hero answers everything completely truthfully. Not one lie is uttered. Again, not the actions of a caring father.
Even as they're sneaking in to save captured people, Abby is still hung up on swearing? This kid's priorities are completely warped. It's no wonder that several named characters indirectly die due to her actions.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the telling over showing. So much of the book is the author telling us what everyone is thinking or feeling. Many times great scenes are skipped in favor of a paragraph summary. A zombie book needs the zombie scenes, not a summary. Don't tell me Zach is angry at Vicky. His hands around her throat is description enough.
The Technical.
This book is third person omniscient. If you don't like head hopping (including into animals), stay away.
Italics are used for large flashback passages. If the text style bothers you after a few words, this will give you seizures.
There is violence, profanity, and rape galore. It's not for the faint of heart.
February 27, 2021
This is a character-driven post-apocalyptic zombie book. Zach is a former marine who lost his wife early in the outbreak of the zombie apocalypse. Shortly after that, he rescued a young girl named Abby from a zombie attack, and took her under his protection. Zach and Abby make a decent home for themselves in a cabin, but it soon comes under attack, forcing them to flee.
The first quarter of the book was tough going for me, but I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did, because I enjoyed what followed: first comes an extremely tense and well-paced episode at a military base, followed by Zach, Abby, and some new comrades they've met along the way discovering a town called "Little America," which is seemingly a safe haven from the zombies and the gangs roving the wilderness.
Life is almost normal in Little America, and Zach and Abby find themselves living in near-peace. Abby starts going to school and making friends her own age, Zach makes a living as leader of the town militia. And both of them even find time for a little bit of romance--a boy from school for Abby, and for Zach, a woman named Amber, one of the people they met while trekking across the zombie-haunted wilds.
Up until Little America, His Name Was Zach is mostly a straightforward zombie story, but then there are three moments that stick out as unusual.
The first is a scene where Zach sees a statue of George Washington and finds himself imagining a whole Revolutionary War battle going on around him. Some readers might find this passage a bit odd, but personally I loved it. First, because it's offbeat and unexpected, which automatically makes it interesting, and second because I think it gives us a window into both Zach's deep immersion in a timeless warrior ethos and his PTSD. It's like it triggers a flashback to a war he wasn't even in, but he feels a bond with those who fought in it all the same.
Actually, that's something worth noting about this book: there's a strange dissonance produced by the episodes of horrific violence--some of which is committed by Zach himself--and the serene, almost Andy Griffith-like wholesomeness of Little America, and Zach and Abby's father-daughter relationship. It's downright uncanny to conceive of a world that can contain sweet, beautiful things as well as disturbing, monstrous things. Yet, we know that the world--the actual, real-world, I mean--does in fact contain both, but our minds can't really reconcile the two.
This mirrors the personality of Zach himself. He describes it as a demon chained up within him, and when he is angered, that demon yanks at its chains and is capable of pushing him to terrifying extremes--but the rest of the time, he seems like any other normal guy, just trying to provide for his loved ones and do his duty.
Speaking of which: eventually, Zach is sent outside town on a mission, along with a group of the militia, in which they encounter one of the gangs, led by one of the most fascinating characters in the book--a drug-addled psychopath named Edmund, who is something of a cross between the Joker and Anton Chigurh.
The third moment that stood out from a typical zombie story comes about three-quarters in, when the authorial tone briefly changes to directly address the reader. The entire story is in third-person, but only once does it actually turn into the voice of someone conscious that they are telling a story. The omniscient narrator tells us not only that this is a story, but, broadly, what's going to happen next.
I found this interesting, because it's a call-back to a much older, and currently unfashionable, form of storytelling. Readers may love or hate it. I wouldn't say I loved it, but it was different, and I like that.
This is the first book in a series, and the ending does a good job at simultaneously being a satisfying ending point while also setting up the next book. It's probably not a book for everyone, in particular not the squeamish. Then again, it may be that there are no readers more squeamish than I am, and even I made it through. But if you feel you can handle some fairly intense violence, it's worth a look, and Martuneac is a promising author. I'll definitely be reading more of his work.
The first quarter of the book was tough going for me, but I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did, because I enjoyed what followed: first comes an extremely tense and well-paced episode at a military base, followed by Zach, Abby, and some new comrades they've met along the way discovering a town called "Little America," which is seemingly a safe haven from the zombies and the gangs roving the wilderness.
Life is almost normal in Little America, and Zach and Abby find themselves living in near-peace. Abby starts going to school and making friends her own age, Zach makes a living as leader of the town militia. And both of them even find time for a little bit of romance--a boy from school for Abby, and for Zach, a woman named Amber, one of the people they met while trekking across the zombie-haunted wilds.
Up until Little America, His Name Was Zach is mostly a straightforward zombie story, but then there are three moments that stick out as unusual.
The first is a scene where Zach sees a statue of George Washington and finds himself imagining a whole Revolutionary War battle going on around him. Some readers might find this passage a bit odd, but personally I loved it. First, because it's offbeat and unexpected, which automatically makes it interesting, and second because I think it gives us a window into both Zach's deep immersion in a timeless warrior ethos and his PTSD. It's like it triggers a flashback to a war he wasn't even in, but he feels a bond with those who fought in it all the same.
Actually, that's something worth noting about this book: there's a strange dissonance produced by the episodes of horrific violence--some of which is committed by Zach himself--and the serene, almost Andy Griffith-like wholesomeness of Little America, and Zach and Abby's father-daughter relationship. It's downright uncanny to conceive of a world that can contain sweet, beautiful things as well as disturbing, monstrous things. Yet, we know that the world--the actual, real-world, I mean--does in fact contain both, but our minds can't really reconcile the two.
This mirrors the personality of Zach himself. He describes it as a demon chained up within him, and when he is angered, that demon yanks at its chains and is capable of pushing him to terrifying extremes--but the rest of the time, he seems like any other normal guy, just trying to provide for his loved ones and do his duty.
Speaking of which: eventually, Zach is sent outside town on a mission, along with a group of the militia, in which they encounter one of the gangs, led by one of the most fascinating characters in the book--a drug-addled psychopath named Edmund, who is something of a cross between the Joker and Anton Chigurh.
The third moment that stood out from a typical zombie story comes about three-quarters in, when the authorial tone briefly changes to directly address the reader. The entire story is in third-person, but only once does it actually turn into the voice of someone conscious that they are telling a story. The omniscient narrator tells us not only that this is a story, but, broadly, what's going to happen next.
I found this interesting, because it's a call-back to a much older, and currently unfashionable, form of storytelling. Readers may love or hate it. I wouldn't say I loved it, but it was different, and I like that.
This is the first book in a series, and the ending does a good job at simultaneously being a satisfying ending point while also setting up the next book. It's probably not a book for everyone, in particular not the squeamish. Then again, it may be that there are no readers more squeamish than I am, and even I made it through. But if you feel you can handle some fairly intense violence, it's worth a look, and Martuneac is a promising author. I'll definitely be reading more of his work.
July 12, 2019
I had mixed feelings going into this because I love anything to do with zombies but I am always hesitant. I do not want anything to ruin zombies for me because the Walking Dead has sort of done that already. I liked it though and it is up high on my list for zombie books.
Abby was awesome and that whole relationship was fun to witness. I liked that they chose each other because that type of relationship is a very deep relationship that not many people experience. It was also not such a favorite part of this book because I am not the biggest fan of child sidekicks when it comes to the end of the world. If there ever comes a book solely about Abby, I will probably read it.
Also, I like the classic zombies that are slow and everything. Again, there was some aspects that were not my cup of tea but that's alright because I still enjoyed it.
Abby was awesome and that whole relationship was fun to witness. I liked that they chose each other because that type of relationship is a very deep relationship that not many people experience. It was also not such a favorite part of this book because I am not the biggest fan of child sidekicks when it comes to the end of the world. If there ever comes a book solely about Abby, I will probably read it.
Also, I like the classic zombies that are slow and everything. Again, there was some aspects that were not my cup of tea but that's alright because I still enjoyed it.
October 5, 2020
Though I had read the 2nd novel in the series before this one, I still loved it. This is a book about dystopian zombie apocalypse but it so much more. Zach and Abby have a made life for themselves after the zombie apocalypse. The relationship between the two main characters is the pillar of this book and it made me cry.
The hard choices both Zach and Abby had to make gives the story a very human touch and are realistic.
It was an emotional, action packed ride and I highly recommend this one for readers who are into dystopian stories with a great plot.
The hard choices both Zach and Abby had to make gives the story a very human touch and are realistic.
It was an emotional, action packed ride and I highly recommend this one for readers who are into dystopian stories with a great plot.
April 28, 2019
At first glance, this is a story about survival post zombie apocalypse.
When you dig deeper, it is a tale of love between a father and his chosen daughter. It is also an exploration of how the true character of a person is shown when no body is looking.
I loved the relationship between Zach and his daughter Abby. It was a treat to watch her grow from a timid young girl into a formidable young woman. I look forward to hearing of her further adventures.
When you dig deeper, it is a tale of love between a father and his chosen daughter. It is also an exploration of how the true character of a person is shown when no body is looking.
I loved the relationship between Zach and his daughter Abby. It was a treat to watch her grow from a timid young girl into a formidable young woman. I look forward to hearing of her further adventures.
April 10, 2020
Zombies walk the world.
I'm this look into an apocalyptic future we see Zach try his very best to save Abby. This is a story of a father's love and his willingness to fight to the death for his daughter. It's a surprisingly touching and heartfelt book that made me cry at the end.
I'm this look into an apocalyptic future we see Zach try his very best to save Abby. This is a story of a father's love and his willingness to fight to the death for his daughter. It's a surprisingly touching and heartfelt book that made me cry at the end.
January 10, 2021
Super action-packed, fast-paced, and contains ups and downs in tension that keep the story interesting throughout. The chapters and mini-storylines are somewhat episodic, but they build to a "season finale" at the end of the book that's worth sticking around for.
At first, I was a little worried about how useless Abby seemed to be, but there was a huge turning point early in the book where she made the decision to "grow up". Martuneac, who is great at metaphor and symbolism, excellently coupled this change with hints and foreshadowing with what was to come. Even though Abby shared a smaller portion of the narrator's attention with Zach, paying attention to her gives a better sense of what's coming.
Speaking of Martuneac's inherent artfulness in writing, he continues an amazing spree of American history allusions. I don't think it was as fully developed in this volume as in the second book, but it's still got this post-reconstruction, going-out-west sort of feel. It's filled with the ideas of individualism, struggle against the wild (the zombie-infested landscape is known as The Wild), and dealing with those people who are fleeing civilization in order to fulfill their own sick ideas of pleasure.
For better or worse, the villains were truly villainous. It doesn't take a long time to meet Henry, so I think it's not a spoiler to say that guy was REALLY terrible. You'll hate him, and you'll love to hate him. Genuinely terrible person.
Perhaps it's because I read the second book first, but I'm a terrible person and will compare it a little bit to Her Name was Abby. This book was genuinely enjoyable, but I must admit Abby was better composed, written, and complex. Like I said above, Henry was really, really bad, and he posed a good villain because you just wanted him to die. His presence and activities in that early piece of the book did serve to better define main characters Zach and Abby, but he was a bit on the "moustache twirling evil" side. Later villains introduced in different "episodes" within the book were a bit more complex (Vicky, the Irishman, to some extent Mayor Calvin), but they didn't have the political and emotional complexity of the villains in book 2.
Ultimately, part of what this book does is prepare you for the end. It's a building experience, and then that ending is like "OMG." You kind of know it's coming since Martuneac uses foreshadowing like an absolute boss, but it still hits like a truck.
Anyway, long story short, these human-focused, post zombie-apocalypse books are really good. Zach has a few more awkward tell-instead-of-show moments, but as a whole I would recommend it, especially so you can enjoy book 2 to its fullest.
At first, I was a little worried about how useless Abby seemed to be, but there was a huge turning point early in the book where she made the decision to "grow up". Martuneac, who is great at metaphor and symbolism, excellently coupled this change with hints and foreshadowing with what was to come. Even though Abby shared a smaller portion of the narrator's attention with Zach, paying attention to her gives a better sense of what's coming.
Speaking of Martuneac's inherent artfulness in writing, he continues an amazing spree of American history allusions. I don't think it was as fully developed in this volume as in the second book, but it's still got this post-reconstruction, going-out-west sort of feel. It's filled with the ideas of individualism, struggle against the wild (the zombie-infested landscape is known as The Wild), and dealing with those people who are fleeing civilization in order to fulfill their own sick ideas of pleasure.
For better or worse, the villains were truly villainous. It doesn't take a long time to meet Henry, so I think it's not a spoiler to say that guy was REALLY terrible. You'll hate him, and you'll love to hate him. Genuinely terrible person.
Perhaps it's because I read the second book first, but I'm a terrible person and will compare it a little bit to Her Name was Abby. This book was genuinely enjoyable, but I must admit Abby was better composed, written, and complex. Like I said above, Henry was really, really bad, and he posed a good villain because you just wanted him to die. His presence and activities in that early piece of the book did serve to better define main characters Zach and Abby, but he was a bit on the "moustache twirling evil" side. Later villains introduced in different "episodes" within the book were a bit more complex (Vicky, the Irishman, to some extent Mayor Calvin), but they didn't have the political and emotional complexity of the villains in book 2.
Ultimately, part of what this book does is prepare you for the end. It's a building experience, and then that ending is like "OMG." You kind of know it's coming since Martuneac uses foreshadowing like an absolute boss, but it still hits like a truck.
Anyway, long story short, these human-focused, post zombie-apocalypse books are really good. Zach has a few more awkward tell-instead-of-show moments, but as a whole I would recommend it, especially so you can enjoy book 2 to its fullest.
January 9, 2021
I think this is a book if you are curious about Zombie stories but this is not your genre, it is a good starter book. It deals more with human nature, healing after trauma and strength. When the book focused on the story line, I liked it, with relationships it was a little choppy. I will read the 2nd book and see what I think.
August 21, 2019
It's been two years since the Crisis. Zach and his daughter Abby attempt to survive in a violent world. Moving from one place to another, they search for a place where they can live in peace.
I was drawn into the story from the start. Danger followed and searched for Zach and Abby. Both are great characters, ones I grew to care about. They meet other characters along the way. Some are good, many are bad. Who could they trust? That's where the suspense comes in.
I would give this story five-stars had it not been for the curse words sprinkled throughout the book. There were tense parts as Zach and Abby sought to stay alive.
Rating: PG for Language, Violence, and Sexual Scenes.
I was drawn into the story from the start. Danger followed and searched for Zach and Abby. Both are great characters, ones I grew to care about. They meet other characters along the way. Some are good, many are bad. Who could they trust? That's where the suspense comes in.
I would give this story five-stars had it not been for the curse words sprinkled throughout the book. There were tense parts as Zach and Abby sought to stay alive.
Rating: PG for Language, Violence, and Sexual Scenes.
August 1, 2019
A well done premiere novel by indie author Peter Martuneac.
This story does not follow the traditional route when it comes to its conclusion. It was almost as if the story ended and the epilogue is another hundred pages. It was an interesting way to choose to tell the story and while I initially didn't like it, I'm coming around to the idea that one of the bonuses of being an indie author is being able to tell your story however you would like.
I enjoyed both the main characters they were well written and each had their own arc's. Definitely worth a read.
This story does not follow the traditional route when it comes to its conclusion. It was almost as if the story ended and the epilogue is another hundred pages. It was an interesting way to choose to tell the story and while I initially didn't like it, I'm coming around to the idea that one of the bonuses of being an indie author is being able to tell your story however you would like.
I enjoyed both the main characters they were well written and each had their own arc's. Definitely worth a read.
July 17, 2019
This is a great book and was sad when it came to an end.
This book was well written and had both funny and sad parts. It was full of action and showed how hard living was when facing both zombies and murderous gangs. It shared how o knob e day you find love and the next you lose it. Cannot wait for the follow-up story of Abby's survival.
This book was well written and had both funny and sad parts. It was full of action and showed how hard living was when facing both zombies and murderous gangs. It shared how o knob e day you find love and the next you lose it. Cannot wait for the follow-up story of Abby's survival.
February 4, 2020
A rip roaring read
This book has a little bit of everything. Afghan war scenes, incredible post apocalyptic adventure, but at the heart a touching and skilfully crafted story of a father's all consuming love for his teenage daughter. Oh, and not forgetting the zombie hordes. A great book by a talented author.
This book has a little bit of everything. Afghan war scenes, incredible post apocalyptic adventure, but at the heart a touching and skilfully crafted story of a father's all consuming love for his teenage daughter. Oh, and not forgetting the zombie hordes. A great book by a talented author.
May 5, 2019
Amazing!
This book had me hooked at page 1. It made me smile, laugh, cringe, and cry. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrills and chills. One of the best zombie books I have read and I cannot wait for the next one!
This book had me hooked at page 1. It made me smile, laugh, cringe, and cry. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrills and chills. One of the best zombie books I have read and I cannot wait for the next one!
July 7, 2021
Wow
This is one exciting story. It is one of the best I have read about the post apocalyptic world. Zach and Abby have made a life for themselves, but will they make it? Can't wait for the next book in the series.
This is one exciting story. It is one of the best I have read about the post apocalyptic world. Zach and Abby have made a life for themselves, but will they make it? Can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 23, 2020
Definitely not a genre I read, but what a good book.
Very descriptive, entertaining, and also heart wrenching at times.
Very descriptive, entertaining, and also heart wrenching at times.
April 18, 2022
Why, oh why, oh why—in the ever-loving name of the Lord—did I try to read a zombie novel?
Why?
I know better. I KNOW BETTER.
And you know what makes matters even worse? I realized around p58 how much I didn’t like this book, but still kept reading…..until p162. Because I kept thinking, “Surely this will get better. Surely someone will edit this author.”
I think it was yet another sighting this year of no comma preceding the word too that finally did my head in.
Gonna have to watch Shaun of the Dead again, rinse this poorly written and gratuitously violent (yes, even for a zombie novel) bit of mess out of my head.
Shaun of the Dead: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/
Why?
I know better. I KNOW BETTER.
And you know what makes matters even worse? I realized around p58 how much I didn’t like this book, but still kept reading…..until p162. Because I kept thinking, “Surely this will get better. Surely someone will edit this author.”
I think it was yet another sighting this year of no comma preceding the word too that finally did my head in.
Gonna have to watch Shaun of the Dead again, rinse this poorly written and gratuitously violent (yes, even for a zombie novel) bit of mess out of my head.
Shaun of the Dead: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/
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