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Releasing the Magic #1
Infected
**COMPLETE SERIES**
What's the worst that could happen? Sit down and let me tell you.
The Void Virus has been let loose on the Earth. Caused by experiments gone wrong, an outbreak has ravaged the world. Anyone infected has turned into a decaying empty shell, void of their former selves. The animate decomposing bodies have become known as Rotters, stumbling around for the scent of the living.
Alone in the dark new world where even the dead don’t die, I must fight to survive. Not only against the Rotters, but the remaining uninfected who have turned savage in their plight of survival; the scavers.
As the world I once knew is lost, a new one emerges. Strange things begin to happen. Some are able to wield power over the elements. I develop a strange healing ability. It is unknown if this is a rogue symptom of the virus, or if the solitude is driving me crazy.
Puppy, my German Shepherd, and I have been on our own until four guys enter my life and refuse to leave. Strangely enough, they’re just as broken as I am.
My name is Blyss and we will set this world on fire if necessary. After all… What’s the worst that could happen?
18+ Reverse Harem Romance
*NOTE* if you're interested in the dog by the end of the series, then scroll. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... The dog ends up perfectly fine, no worries there.
What's the worst that could happen? Sit down and let me tell you.
The Void Virus has been let loose on the Earth. Caused by experiments gone wrong, an outbreak has ravaged the world. Anyone infected has turned into a decaying empty shell, void of their former selves. The animate decomposing bodies have become known as Rotters, stumbling around for the scent of the living.
Alone in the dark new world where even the dead don’t die, I must fight to survive. Not only against the Rotters, but the remaining uninfected who have turned savage in their plight of survival; the scavers.
As the world I once knew is lost, a new one emerges. Strange things begin to happen. Some are able to wield power over the elements. I develop a strange healing ability. It is unknown if this is a rogue symptom of the virus, or if the solitude is driving me crazy.
Puppy, my German Shepherd, and I have been on our own until four guys enter my life and refuse to leave. Strangely enough, they’re just as broken as I am.
My name is Blyss and we will set this world on fire if necessary. After all… What’s the worst that could happen?
18+ Reverse Harem Romance
*NOTE* if you're interested in the dog by the end of the series, then scroll. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... The dog ends up perfectly fine, no worries there.
226 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2019
791 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 22, 2021
DNF 67%. No, just no.
This is the most off-topic book I’ve ever read. There is a global ‘walking dead’ situation going on. Like exactly like the walking dead: slow decomposing corpses walking aimlessly in search of a health body to bite. The only difference being that the virus was started by people looking for magic and there are some fast zombies out there as well (but very rare). Not very original but Okay.
Now for the off topic part. The conversations the MCs have in this book are so out of left field that it was almost funny. It was just the last thing I would think people would talk about when the world is slowly falling apart around you. Keep in Mind this is 6 months into the pandemic. So everything is still pretty new. Also, the romance is just weird. I mean it started out kind off sweet and that was the reason I kept going originally but when she has sex with one of the guys for the first time it’s a little confounding. They get it on next to the river after killing a couple of undead while covered in undead gunk. He literally puts his fingers in her body after killing undead decomposing bodies.... and then they ask about STDs... Yeah, I don’t think so. Also, they are alone and where just ambushed and they decide it’s a good idea to drop down and get naked while they could be attacked at any second. These people get surprised by the slow walking undead when they are alert and on the lookout and have 5 pairs of eyes watching out! ... Then a single undead is slowly approaching them when they race to finish. When the undead is almost upon them they both have a happy ending and kill the creature with seconds to spare...Call me crazy but that is not my idea of steamy!
Lastly, the way the magic part was introduced was so clumsy that I could hear my eyes hitting the ground after rolling out of my head. It was an insult to many PNR, magic based romances.
Okay one last thing, this book needs editing. There were a lot of inconsistencies.
No, just no. This book makes no sense at all. Sorry, I just realized I went on a bit of a rant.
This is the most off-topic book I’ve ever read. There is a global ‘walking dead’ situation going on. Like exactly like the walking dead: slow decomposing corpses walking aimlessly in search of a health body to bite. The only difference being that the virus was started by people looking for magic and there are some fast zombies out there as well (but very rare). Not very original but Okay.
Now for the off topic part. The conversations the MCs have in this book are so out of left field that it was almost funny. It was just the last thing I would think people would talk about when the world is slowly falling apart around you. Keep in Mind this is 6 months into the pandemic. So everything is still pretty new. Also, the romance is just weird. I mean it started out kind off sweet and that was the reason I kept going originally but when she has sex with one of the guys for the first time it’s a little confounding. They get it on next to the river after killing a couple of undead while covered in undead gunk. He literally puts his fingers in her body after killing undead decomposing bodies.... and then they ask about STDs... Yeah, I don’t think so. Also, they are alone and where just ambushed and they decide it’s a good idea to drop down and get naked while they could be attacked at any second. These people get surprised by the slow walking undead when they are alert and on the lookout and have 5 pairs of eyes watching out! ... Then a single undead is slowly approaching them when they race to finish. When the undead is almost upon them they both have a happy ending and kill the creature with seconds to spare...Call me crazy but that is not my idea of steamy!
Lastly, the way the magic part was introduced was so clumsy that I could hear my eyes hitting the ground after rolling out of my head. It was an insult to many PNR, magic based romances.
Okay one last thing, this book needs editing. There were a lot of inconsistencies.
No, just no. This book makes no sense at all. Sorry, I just realized I went on a bit of a rant.
June 16, 2019
Dystopian, zombies and reverse harem? Um, yes please! It's like The Passage had a baby with reverse harem
And replaced vampires with zombies. A sassy and more than capable FMC, a gorgeous and fierce dog oh and 4 guys who all have issues and baggage. Pretty much the perfect combination in my opinion. I loved this book, fast paced and thoughtful yet sexy and great crackling tension too. Bring on more please!
And replaced vampires with zombies. A sassy and more than capable FMC, a gorgeous and fierce dog oh and 4 guys who all have issues and baggage. Pretty much the perfect combination in my opinion. I loved this book, fast paced and thoughtful yet sexy and great crackling tension too. Bring on more please!
October 24, 2023
INFECTED started out strong for me with a badass FMC living on her own 6 months after the zombie apocalypse but as the book went on it started to fall apart. The plot became inconsistent with continuity errors and character actions that just didn't make sense; it felt like the author had an idea of what she wanted to happen but didn't know how to weave it all together in a logical way.
Characters went from being tough and smart to making silly mistakes, Blyss learns to communicate perfectly with Jonah through sign language in like 3 days, and Maura goes from a scared 14 year old girl to suddenly winning in knife fights against grown men after only training for a day. Everything was either too easy and convenient or strangely difficult for no reason. Additionally, the romance felt very stilted and the one sex scene didn't seem to have any real emotion behind it.
I thought the overall set up of the apocalypse was unique and an interesting idea but the execution of the story wasn't working very well.
Content Warning: flashbacks to past child abuse; brief mention of MMC being tortured; past bullying after hearing loss; medical experimentation on children and adults
Characters went from being tough and smart to making silly mistakes, Blyss learns to communicate perfectly with Jonah through sign language in like 3 days, and Maura goes from a scared 14 year old girl to suddenly winning in knife fights against grown men after only training for a day. Everything was either too easy and convenient or strangely difficult for no reason. Additionally, the romance felt very stilted and the one sex scene didn't seem to have any real emotion behind it.
I thought the overall set up of the apocalypse was unique and an interesting idea but the execution of the story wasn't working very well.
Content Warning: flashbacks to past child abuse; brief mention of MMC being tortured; past bullying after hearing loss; medical experimentation on children and adults
July 18, 2019
This was kinda fun. I'm leery of any book that has lovable animals in them and apocalypses but so far it's alright. The romance felt a little off, maybe because there wasn't a lot of build up to it, it just sort of happened. Not quite insta-love but there wasn't much evidence to show the build up of the relationships. Other than that though, the plot is good. Reminds me a little of Debbie Cassidy's For The Blood series, but this one has more breathing room and isn't set at such an intense pace.
Enjoying the plot though for sure. There's lot's of intrigue about the world and i'm curious to know more.
Also. I hate it when animals die. No more dead dogs in books and movies please. If you're anything like me and just have to know whether or not the dog is okay before potentially getting into heartbreak, I'll post the status here as a spoiler and in future reviews as the series comes out.
Dog Status:
Enjoying the plot though for sure. There's lot's of intrigue about the world and i'm curious to know more.
Also. I hate it when animals die. No more dead dogs in books and movies please. If you're anything like me and just have to know whether or not the dog is okay before potentially getting into heartbreak, I'll post the status here as a spoiler and in future reviews as the series comes out.
Dog Status:
December 29, 2022
So far so good for this RH zombie apocalypse series. I’m left with so many questions and perhaps a little resentment at the characters ignorance and stupidity. With so many of them I’d like to think they had half a brain between them but aside from being kickass fighters I’m leaning more into the fact the dog is the brainiest of them all. And by ‘all’ there are more than a few guys though to be honest I’m not exactly sure how many of them there were, so I’m really hoping the next book will help work to differentiate them a bit more. I got the grumpy (Matteo) down and for now, he’s very much lived up to the surly demeanor/brutish role often found in a harems lately. He has some OW issues that arise but given it’s the end of the world and the two of them were never an item and only introduced in the span of 24 hours makes their drama more about her crazy than their ‘relationship.’ I did find there to be a few unbelievable coincidences that take throughout the book. While I understand fate is fickle and does as she pleases, too many details lining up just feels forced and unnatural. I could use some more information in the next book so we’ll see how it goes 🤓
July 23, 2019
Has potential
The first half of this book was intriguing and downright awesome. I couldn't wait to get through it to find out the outcome and I was going to give it 4.5 stars. However, I got to the last half and I was honestly disappointed and bored and just wanted to finish. I do believe that the series has potential and I might purchase the second one but I'm not exactly excited for it.
The first half of this book was intriguing and downright awesome. I couldn't wait to get through it to find out the outcome and I was going to give it 4.5 stars. However, I got to the last half and I was honestly disappointed and bored and just wanted to finish. I do believe that the series has potential and I might purchase the second one but I'm not exactly excited for it.
June 16, 2019
Awesome
I am not really into zombie apocalypse books but for some reason this book's cover and blurb intrigued me. I am so glad I read it. The storyline and world building were top notch. I also really enjoyed each of the characters too. Each one is flawed and perfect because of it. I will definitely be continuing this series.
I am not really into zombie apocalypse books but for some reason this book's cover and blurb intrigued me. I am so glad I read it. The storyline and world building were top notch. I also really enjoyed each of the characters too. Each one is flawed and perfect because of it. I will definitely be continuing this series.
December 12, 2019
When will you learn?
So far a typical start to a “ zombie apocalypse “. Nothing new or interesting. The MFC is giving me TSTL vibes early on and that’s not good. She continues on that track for the rest of the book. And where are they? Is it a town that they know? Is there a destination in mind? Also who just zones out during inappropriate times... i.e. fighting for your life. You save that mess for when you get behind reinforced walls!! I guess I was just expecting more surviving and meaningful moments and less cutesy romantic daydreaming... in the middle of an APOCALYPSE!!
So far a typical start to a “ zombie apocalypse “. Nothing new or interesting. The MFC is giving me TSTL vibes early on and that’s not good. She continues on that track for the rest of the book. And where are they? Is it a town that they know? Is there a destination in mind? Also who just zones out during inappropriate times... i.e. fighting for your life. You save that mess for when you get behind reinforced walls!! I guess I was just expecting more surviving and meaningful moments and less cutesy romantic daydreaming... in the middle of an APOCALYPSE!!
June 14, 2019
Nice Spin
What a fantastic start to this new series! We get a world that has fallen apart after a man-made virus gets loose taking out most of the population. Blyss has managed to survive along with her dog Puppy. She stumbles across a group of guys that are actually semi nice for a change and circumstances throw them together. What follows kept me captivated all the way until the end that leaves so many questions. Great writing full of characters that lead them perfect yet still lovable dodging danger at every turn. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
What a fantastic start to this new series! We get a world that has fallen apart after a man-made virus gets loose taking out most of the population. Blyss has managed to survive along with her dog Puppy. She stumbles across a group of guys that are actually semi nice for a change and circumstances throw them together. What follows kept me captivated all the way until the end that leaves so many questions. Great writing full of characters that lead them perfect yet still lovable dodging danger at every turn. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
July 21, 2019
It was just ok for me... no new or original ideas ...will not be continuing series
March 22, 2021
Reads like a YA novel. Has lots of potential, but didn't grab my attention as much as I wished.
March 18, 2022
3/5 stars
You know... honestly at this point I'm not even surprised anymore.
I'm in the middle of two different books, and I literally have a whole BOOKSHELF filled with books that I need to read, and you want to know what I do? I get a book online and read that one.
I honestly have a problem, I just can't help myself. But you know what? I honestly don't regret it. YOLO. (Yes. I have stooped this low...)
Now to the actual book. I think I've read too many books like this and it just doesn't surprise me anymore. There were parts of this book that I have never read before, but there was also a lot of stuff that I have read many times. I won't lie though, there were parts that I squealed, or gasped out loud, but I'm starting to think that's just me.
Man, I feel like I am being brutal about this book, but I did enjoy it! It was just under 200 pages, and I was able to read it in a couple hours, but it's really late and I feel I may be a little delirious while writing this.
The ending did leave on a cliff hanger, but I'm not sure if it was good enough for me to want to continue reading the next book. I kind of wish I had read a standalone book, but it's too late now so, *shrug*
I don't really know what else to say. I obviously liked all the guys, Jonah was my favorite *kiss*, and I really did like her sister (Maurine? That is so wrong, and I'm so sorry). The MC was pretty cool, but I think she's been through a lot, and bottles it up, and it's going to come back to bite her at some point.
Any way, yeah. Short read, but Puppy was the best :)
You know... honestly at this point I'm not even surprised anymore.
I'm in the middle of two different books, and I literally have a whole BOOKSHELF filled with books that I need to read, and you want to know what I do? I get a book online and read that one.
I honestly have a problem, I just can't help myself. But you know what? I honestly don't regret it. YOLO. (Yes. I have stooped this low...)
Now to the actual book. I think I've read too many books like this and it just doesn't surprise me anymore. There were parts of this book that I have never read before, but there was also a lot of stuff that I have read many times. I won't lie though, there were parts that I squealed, or gasped out loud, but I'm starting to think that's just me.
Man, I feel like I am being brutal about this book, but I did enjoy it! It was just under 200 pages, and I was able to read it in a couple hours, but it's really late and I feel I may be a little delirious while writing this.
The ending did leave on a cliff hanger, but I'm not sure if it was good enough for me to want to continue reading the next book. I kind of wish I had read a standalone book, but it's too late now so, *shrug*
I don't really know what else to say. I obviously liked all the guys, Jonah was my favorite *kiss*, and I really did like her sister (Maurine? That is so wrong, and I'm so sorry). The MC was pretty cool, but I think she's been through a lot, and bottles it up, and it's going to come back to bite her at some point.
Any way, yeah. Short read, but Puppy was the best :)
October 25, 2023
The story started out strong but got boring about chapter 3. I liked that the story was unique since the zombie outbreak happened because of a failed experiment to release magic into the world. I probably should have dnfed, but I was hoping it would get better, and it never did. The spicy scene was gross because it happened right after her, and one of the guys killed a zombie, and they were covered in zombie gunk 🤮. I will not be continuing the series.
June 4, 2021
Different
I liked Blyss. She was tough and had been in foster care. This switches pov a few times. The origins of the infection was something a little different. It ends on a cliffhanger.
I liked Blyss. She was tough and had been in foster care. This switches pov a few times. The origins of the infection was something a little different. It ends on a cliffhanger.
June 14, 2019
This was awesome!
I love a good zombie story and this ine was pretty great. Blood and gore and a little romance too. Kick around some supernatural type stuff and this book has you entranced! Well done!
I love a good zombie story and this ine was pretty great. Blood and gore and a little romance too. Kick around some supernatural type stuff and this book has you entranced! Well done!
July 14, 2019
Okay
It was okay kind of loss its momentum towards the end. The POV should be told from the MC if the only thing the other characters have to offer is monologues about feelings and such.
It was okay kind of loss its momentum towards the end. The POV should be told from the MC if the only thing the other characters have to offer is monologues about feelings and such.
May 30, 2019
Maya Riley where have you been my whole life? I knew from the kickass cover and the blurb that I was going to love this book.
Zombies ✔
Kickass heroine ✔
Swoonworthy guys ✔
Magic ✔
A dog ✔
I was completely lost in these pages. I would kill to see this as a movie. Maya Riley's writing will paint this horrid new world in your head perfectly. I felt like I was there with Blyss going through all this with her.
Blyss is amazing. I have a huge crush on her. Her and her dog have been surviving. Scavenge. Hide. Kill zombies. Eat. Drink. That was her life for awhile, then she gets help from a stranger. While she's completely untrusting of him, she can't stop thinking about him. Then when in need, two more guys show. One hostile, the other willing to help. Once she meets Jonah, Mateo, Adam, and Lincoln she's a goner. Each guy gives a little piece of themselves. Jonah with his sweet personality. Adam with his funny and loyal personality. Lincoln with his caring personality. And my favorite, Mateo, with his vulnerable and untrusting personality.
I LOVE that Blyss didn't flip flop with her feelings on all these lovely guys. She knew she liked them all and made sure she stated that. No shame in her game.
I NEED more of Blyss and these guys. I love the feeling of getting completely lost in a book, and that's what Infected did for me. At one point my dog made a noise and I jumped thinking it was a rotter 😂. So my only question now is, when is the next one?
Zombies ✔
Kickass heroine ✔
Swoonworthy guys ✔
Magic ✔
A dog ✔
I was completely lost in these pages. I would kill to see this as a movie. Maya Riley's writing will paint this horrid new world in your head perfectly. I felt like I was there with Blyss going through all this with her.
Blyss is amazing. I have a huge crush on her. Her and her dog have been surviving. Scavenge. Hide. Kill zombies. Eat. Drink. That was her life for awhile, then she gets help from a stranger. While she's completely untrusting of him, she can't stop thinking about him. Then when in need, two more guys show. One hostile, the other willing to help. Once she meets Jonah, Mateo, Adam, and Lincoln she's a goner. Each guy gives a little piece of themselves. Jonah with his sweet personality. Adam with his funny and loyal personality. Lincoln with his caring personality. And my favorite, Mateo, with his vulnerable and untrusting personality.
I LOVE that Blyss didn't flip flop with her feelings on all these lovely guys. She knew she liked them all and made sure she stated that. No shame in her game.
I NEED more of Blyss and these guys. I love the feeling of getting completely lost in a book, and that's what Infected did for me. At one point my dog made a noise and I jumped thinking it was a rotter 😂. So my only question now is, when is the next one?
April 3, 2021
Seriously bad timeline
The story is interesting and I like the characters but the author is rushing through time so fast that things are getting ridiculous. The entire apocalyptic event until now has bee 6 months. In that time she learns to decapitate people with swords, throw knives, and survive in the wilderness. If it were just her learning at that rate I'd attribute it to her being paranormal but she meets a 14 year old girl and in 2 days she is fighting like a pro... again with a sword. Does this author have any idea what it takes to learn to even HOLD a weapon?
On a more serious note there are some pretty intense moments that she passes off as just "messed up" instead of truly horrible. Example: She has sex in a clearing where they just killed more then 10 zombies, they are covered in gore and during they get excited because of the danger of a zombie walking towards them.
Other things that were irritating were that she constantly goes out without weapons or coats in a zombie apocalypse, insta-lust doesn't mean insta-trust, you can't learn sign language in 2 days, things like this.
The story is interesting and I like the characters but the author is rushing through time so fast that things are getting ridiculous. The entire apocalyptic event until now has bee 6 months. In that time she learns to decapitate people with swords, throw knives, and survive in the wilderness. If it were just her learning at that rate I'd attribute it to her being paranormal but she meets a 14 year old girl and in 2 days she is fighting like a pro... again with a sword. Does this author have any idea what it takes to learn to even HOLD a weapon?
On a more serious note there are some pretty intense moments that she passes off as just "messed up" instead of truly horrible. Example: She has sex in a clearing where they just killed more then 10 zombies, they are covered in gore and during they get excited because of the danger of a zombie walking towards them.
Other things that were irritating were that she constantly goes out without weapons or coats in a zombie apocalypse, insta-lust doesn't mean insta-trust, you can't learn sign language in 2 days, things like this.
July 24, 2019
I'll start of with saying that the cover and title totally drew me in. It reminded me of the Will Smith movie I am Legend, and come on it has a dog on the cover!!!
So back to the actual story, it is quite slow up until she meets the guys but we get to know how the new world is going now that the Void virus has taken over.
Blyss is as a MC is interesting. She's grown alot in the 6 months by herself and can be a "zombie" fighting machine.
The guys as a whole doesnt really standout from other RH males They've all been friends since they were young.
Romance wise she's gotten together with only one of the guys It's a bit insta-lust but i guess living in an apocalyptic world waiting around can be a bit pointless.
The plot is actually very intriguing with the mixture of magic and science, and the big bad is pretty fucking nuts.
Overall i'll continue in this series, if only just for the dog
So back to the actual story, it is quite slow up until she meets the guys but we get to know how the new world is going now that the Void virus has taken over.
Blyss is as a MC is interesting. She's grown alot in the 6 months by herself and can be a "zombie" fighting machine.
The guys as a whole doesnt really standout from other RH males They've all been friends since they were young.
Romance wise she's gotten together with only one of the guys It's a bit insta-lust but i guess living in an apocalyptic world waiting around can be a bit pointless.
The plot is actually very intriguing with the mixture of magic and science, and the big bad is pretty fucking nuts.
Overall i'll continue in this series, if only just for the dog
June 20, 2019
I'm not sure what to give this. I liked the concept but the editing was terrible. Many errors on each page that really were annoying. As an example, I can understand (sort of) getting too and to wrong but using two in place of too??? It deserves a 1 for the poor writing but I did like the.story.
March 8, 2020
This book could have done with an experienced editor. Not only the odd switching of tenses, but also cringey dialogue, fast jumps that had me wonder how did they get from a to b, and too much relying on telling, not showing. This should not have such a high rating, IMHO. Kudos on making good chemistry between the characters.
October 30, 2021
I wanted so much more 😔. Everything was just kinda shallow, nothing developed fully. This could have been dripping with emotion and feels but it missed the mark for me which sucks because I was really excited about these characters who are all slightly damaged.
February 5, 2020
Do you know the feeling of sitting at the end of a good movie when it first came out in theaters or you watch it for the first time at home? Maybe it was Avatar, Avengers, Hunger Games, or X-Men. When the movie ended and the credits begin rolling, you just have to sit there a minute to take it all in? That's how I felt finishing the this book. I was skeptical over the expertise these people have over their survival skills and their expert fighting techniques, but it's imaginary. I can roll with it. Then the development of super powers? I roll my eyes, not really looking forward to the boring, hyped up, killer job she does saving the day in all her bad *ssery, but I kept reading. I'm glad I did. It really was a unique take on where it all came from. It was kind of weird for a lab to focus on such an opposite subject, but it worked. The evil intentions of the bad guy was a bit over-dramatized, but okay.
Blyss begins by mental monologue how she finally got away from the abusive foster home she was raise in, though we don't fully understand the extent of the abuse until later. When she meets the guys, there's not an instant trust between everyone, which was a relief, and each person carries scars from their past, they pretty well must fight to survive.
Cons (and spoilers)
•There are a few errors here and there, though few.
•Everyone is in shape and good looking. Bathing is not an everyday occurrence, no one has a tooth brush, and there is always fresh meat or canned goods.
•Blyss was on her own for 6 months, but turns out she learned how to fight from a firefighter. You cannot learn everything about fighting and become an expert in moves with every sword, dagger, throwing star, and throwing knives in 6 months. That's a ridiculous time frame. Marines learn hand-to-hand in that time frame, but all their conditioning is strict. I cannot see a girl and a firefighter being that disciplined with food being scarce, always moving to keep scavers and rotters off their back, and be so dedicated.
•They make note not to drink the water directly from the stream, but they have no problem pushing dismembered rotters in.
•She has these dreams remembering her past, and one from a when she was a baby in a nursery, but she cannot seem to remember the blue sparks that she tends to collect, or ever mentions what it does.
•She is in the bathroom after her "ordeal" checking over her injuries, she sees distinctive bite marks, but that seems to be non-existent or forgotten after discovery. No need to mention being bitten in a world full of zombies.
Overall, it's a good read, and I enjoyed it, but the plot holes, and the ease of the characters learning how to survive and fight is over the top.
Blyss begins by mental monologue how she finally got away from the abusive foster home she was raise in, though we don't fully understand the extent of the abuse until later. When she meets the guys, there's not an instant trust between everyone, which was a relief, and each person carries scars from their past, they pretty well must fight to survive.
Cons (and spoilers)
•There are a few errors here and there, though few.
•Everyone is in shape and good looking. Bathing is not an everyday occurrence, no one has a tooth brush, and there is always fresh meat or canned goods.
•Blyss was on her own for 6 months, but turns out she learned how to fight from a firefighter. You cannot learn everything about fighting and become an expert in moves with every sword, dagger, throwing star, and throwing knives in 6 months. That's a ridiculous time frame. Marines learn hand-to-hand in that time frame, but all their conditioning is strict. I cannot see a girl and a firefighter being that disciplined with food being scarce, always moving to keep scavers and rotters off their back, and be so dedicated.
•They make note not to drink the water directly from the stream, but they have no problem pushing dismembered rotters in.
•She has these dreams remembering her past, and one from a when she was a baby in a nursery, but she cannot seem to remember the blue sparks that she tends to collect, or ever mentions what it does.
•She is in the bathroom after her "ordeal" checking over her injuries, she sees distinctive bite marks, but that seems to be non-existent or forgotten after discovery. No need to mention being bitten in a world full of zombies.
Overall, it's a good read, and I enjoyed it, but the plot holes, and the ease of the characters learning how to survive and fight is over the top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2019
The Void Virus has been let out in the world. This experiment has caused people that have been infected to crave human flesh. They also rot at an accelerated rate. These have become to be known as the Rotters. Blyss has been living alone, on the run ever since the outbreak. Surviving with only her companion Puppy, her German Shepherd. Until one day, cornered by some Rotters she is saved by a man. Usually its not just the dead you have to worry about but the living. So when this stranger helps her, she is on the defensive. Thanking him for helping her, she never expects to see him again. Until she is saved again, this time by his companions. Hurt, and needing their help Blyss is strangely drawn to these four men. Fighting to stay alive this small group become close. But there is more out there to be afraid of than Rotters, and Scavers. And someone is waiting for Blyss to reappear. For Blyss is someone very special.
Okay guys, this story just consumed me. From the beginning, you get a glimpse into what caused the outbreak. We get to follow Blyss as she learns of it. That caught my attention, getting to see the before and we jump to current. Blyss is such a strong character, I mean growing up in the system, suffering physical abuse while there. Made her strong. She is a survivor, and you see that. Loved her relationship with Puppy.
The Guys, Jonah, Adam, Mateo and Lincoln are all hot, alpha guys that even though may be rough around the edges, are total sweethearts in a time when you shouldn't be. They all take an instant like to each other. Even though some may not want to show it. What I loved about these guys, besides their protectiveness and their brotherhood. Was that they were flawed in some way. I do not want to give anything away, but I really loved this. Not everyone is perfect, and but these guys still managed to survive and kick a@@ while they did it. Freaking hot!!
Not to give much away on the story, I can say that this is not like any that you have read before. There is more to the story than the obvious. Some will be revealed, but honestly we are left with a heck a of a cliffhanger. But the read itself is so worth it. Be prepared to get engrossed on this new world that Maya has created. You are not going to want to miss this!
Okay guys, this story just consumed me. From the beginning, you get a glimpse into what caused the outbreak. We get to follow Blyss as she learns of it. That caught my attention, getting to see the before and we jump to current. Blyss is such a strong character, I mean growing up in the system, suffering physical abuse while there. Made her strong. She is a survivor, and you see that. Loved her relationship with Puppy.
The Guys, Jonah, Adam, Mateo and Lincoln are all hot, alpha guys that even though may be rough around the edges, are total sweethearts in a time when you shouldn't be. They all take an instant like to each other. Even though some may not want to show it. What I loved about these guys, besides their protectiveness and their brotherhood. Was that they were flawed in some way. I do not want to give anything away, but I really loved this. Not everyone is perfect, and but these guys still managed to survive and kick a@@ while they did it. Freaking hot!!
Not to give much away on the story, I can say that this is not like any that you have read before. There is more to the story than the obvious. Some will be revealed, but honestly we are left with a heck a of a cliffhanger. But the read itself is so worth it. Be prepared to get engrossed on this new world that Maya has created. You are not going to want to miss this!
February 4, 2022
I'll start off with saying I went in blind with this one. Saw the title and the word zombies and i thought 'Heck, why not?'
The world has fallen apart at the hands of a man-made virus, wreaking havoc onto every living human.
As the world is in shambles, Blyss the orphan and her dog, Puppy (creative name i know) stumbles upon a group of 4 guys.
Blyss as individual is an amazing person with a terrible sense of humour. Like, downright terrible humour. God, her jokes really kept me in tune with myself cus i have that myself. That and the fact that she is very secure with herself. As in, stripped to her underwear in front of them to bathe secure.
No shame in her game and I love it. Only downside towards her is that the author took extra measures in making her "The Main Character", in which she is but it went a little over the top. What with glamourising her whole zombie slashing.
The guys as a whole don't really standout from other RH stories. Plus, there are a few holes here and there about their friendship. Like how they say they've been friends since young. Like when? How?
Now, what she has with these guys felt a little off in the romance aspect as there wasn't much of a build up towards it. It was all moving pretty fast and not in a good way. Sadly.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical over all their expertise in the whole zombie survival thing, but it's fiction so oh well, let's just roll with it. Despite the fact that it was ridiculous. Cough. Anyway....
What kept me hooked on this story is the mystery of the virus and how Blyss seems to be at the centre of it.
This story sadly lost it's fun momentum in the second half. However, the crazy doctor really took part in keeping me from DNFing.
This ended on a cliffhanger. Now I gotta read the second book. Not that I'm complaining... the plot is nice.
Overall, it's an okay read and I enjoyed spending my time with this.
The world has fallen apart at the hands of a man-made virus, wreaking havoc onto every living human.
As the world is in shambles, Blyss the orphan and her dog, Puppy (creative name i know) stumbles upon a group of 4 guys.
Blyss as individual is an amazing person with a terrible sense of humour. Like, downright terrible humour. God, her jokes really kept me in tune with myself cus i have that myself. That and the fact that she is very secure with herself. As in, stripped to her underwear in front of them to bathe secure.
No shame in her game and I love it. Only downside towards her is that the author took extra measures in making her "The Main Character", in which she is but it went a little over the top. What with glamourising her whole zombie slashing.
The guys as a whole don't really standout from other RH stories. Plus, there are a few holes here and there about their friendship. Like how they say they've been friends since young. Like when? How?
Now, what she has with these guys felt a little off in the romance aspect as there wasn't much of a build up towards it. It was all moving pretty fast and not in a good way. Sadly.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical over all their expertise in the whole zombie survival thing, but it's fiction so oh well, let's just roll with it. Despite the fact that it was ridiculous. Cough. Anyway....
What kept me hooked on this story is the mystery of the virus and how Blyss seems to be at the centre of it.
This story sadly lost it's fun momentum in the second half. However, the crazy doctor really took part in keeping me from DNFing.
This ended on a cliffhanger. Now I gotta read the second book. Not that I'm complaining... the plot is nice.
Overall, it's an okay read and I enjoyed spending my time with this.
March 10, 2024
Boring. Honestly the book was fine, the premise was intriguing, the characters while shallow and not fleshed out were fine. It just was boring overall. I struggled to finish the book because I simply didn’t care what happened. I appreciate that this book had MMC’s with disabilities (one deaf, one missing an eye and one missing a leg). That was an interesting twist and the inclusion of sign language was great to see. It had so many elements that could have made a great story but somehow it was so incredibly boring. The timeline was also all over the place with the flashbacks of the FMC’s youth. There were a few inconsistencies in the story (ex: sprained ankle and complaining there is no ice in the apocalypse and that sadly snow season was over and she would need to wait a year for snow to ice it in only for snow to be covering the ground a few pages later). While minor they took away from the story. This book also suffers from a BA FMC becoming a complete damsel in distress once she meets the men. She has to be saved constantly to the point where it is exhausting. She also flaked on her foster siblings which goes against everything we are supposed to believe about the main character.
Overall it was fine but wasn’t for me. I looked at reviews for the following books and this is supposed to be the best one in the series which is mind boggling to me. If you like zombies, apocalypse scenarios, elemental magic, morally corrupt scientists, government conspiracies with a dash of RH this might be the series for you. Based on other reviews though I would warn you to lower your expectations. To be completely fair I will say that I generally hate zombie stories but I gave it a shot. In the end it wasn’t worth my time and I won’t be continuing the series.
Overall it was fine but wasn’t for me. I looked at reviews for the following books and this is supposed to be the best one in the series which is mind boggling to me. If you like zombies, apocalypse scenarios, elemental magic, morally corrupt scientists, government conspiracies with a dash of RH this might be the series for you. Based on other reviews though I would warn you to lower your expectations. To be completely fair I will say that I generally hate zombie stories but I gave it a shot. In the end it wasn’t worth my time and I won’t be continuing the series.
June 13, 2019
What an amazing debut! I loved everything about this book, the story, the characters, the idea, the setting, the crazy cliffhanger ending, and of course the dog. Puppy is the best dog anyone could wish for. I'm totally in love with Puppy, and this addictive story I couldn't stop reading.
The story was action packed, romantic, and completely unexpected at times. It is a well written zombie apocalypse with a touch of magic, featuring several wonderful and lovable characters who kill zombies and take care of each other. I could describe Blyss, Lincoln, Adam, Mateo, Jonah, and Maura separately, but they all have so much in common, it would be pointless. All of them have been through hell and back, each one of them carrying various scars from their torrid experiences, and although a bit broken, all of them remained strong, determined, loyal and full of love for each other. And Puppy is a special bonus.
The world the author has created here is harsh, lacking basic necessities due to the breakdown of the infrastructure, yet quite beautiful, if you forget about rotters, as the nature thrives with the decline of humanity. Although remaining humanity is nothing to be proud of, as it mostly consists of evil humans preying on the weaker and more innocent ones. It is a world without rules. The author did an amazing job here, as the feeling of dread and beauty mixed together paints a painfully realistic picture.
The suspense at times was nerve wrecking, and the ending left me craving for more. This is an amazing debut and a great beginning of the series. It is no wonder that the author instantly became on of my favourites. Can't wait for the next book!
The story was action packed, romantic, and completely unexpected at times. It is a well written zombie apocalypse with a touch of magic, featuring several wonderful and lovable characters who kill zombies and take care of each other. I could describe Blyss, Lincoln, Adam, Mateo, Jonah, and Maura separately, but they all have so much in common, it would be pointless. All of them have been through hell and back, each one of them carrying various scars from their torrid experiences, and although a bit broken, all of them remained strong, determined, loyal and full of love for each other. And Puppy is a special bonus.
The world the author has created here is harsh, lacking basic necessities due to the breakdown of the infrastructure, yet quite beautiful, if you forget about rotters, as the nature thrives with the decline of humanity. Although remaining humanity is nothing to be proud of, as it mostly consists of evil humans preying on the weaker and more innocent ones. It is a world without rules. The author did an amazing job here, as the feeling of dread and beauty mixed together paints a painfully realistic picture.
The suspense at times was nerve wrecking, and the ending left me craving for more. This is an amazing debut and a great beginning of the series. It is no wonder that the author instantly became on of my favourites. Can't wait for the next book!
December 1, 2023
DNF- Finished 100% of book 1 & 2 - 69% of book 3
**Review Shared for Series**
**Some very light spoilers ahead.. mostly things you wouldn't really understand unless you read it anyway**
My biggest reason for not finishing is because the amount of enemies kept piling on, and they were all after the group. The scientists would have been enough but then they had the scavers, rotters (obviously), psycho rotters, the reclaimed... And with each of them come questions that continuously don't get answered... you have to give us SOMETHING so that we can keep up. Things just keep going right for the antagonists. Only the antagonists. Otherwise it just feels like it's them against the world to the extreme and just gets tedious to read.
Also the amount of time someone was on duty to "keep watch" and then ended up leaving everyone and going out which left the sleeping people in their group vulnerable was soooo annoying. What's the point of having someone "keep watch" if they are just going to leave and do their own thing anyway.
Blyss ends up doing some crazy sh*t in book three and finally has someone around that she can ask questions to, and yet she doesn't make it a priority to seek him out and get answers that are pretty freaking important all things considered. Another annoying thing that happened one too many times.
Needless to say there were one too many annoying things in the series so I gave up. Especially consider there was two more books to get through. The whole series is just going soooooo slow with absolutely NO resolutions to the 900 problems the main characters face.
- deaf mmc
**Review Shared for Series**
**Some very light spoilers ahead.. mostly things you wouldn't really understand unless you read it anyway**
My biggest reason for not finishing is because the amount of enemies kept piling on, and they were all after the group. The scientists would have been enough but then they had the scavers, rotters (obviously), psycho rotters, the reclaimed... And with each of them come questions that continuously don't get answered... you have to give us SOMETHING so that we can keep up. Things just keep going right for the antagonists. Only the antagonists. Otherwise it just feels like it's them against the world to the extreme and just gets tedious to read.
Also the amount of time someone was on duty to "keep watch" and then ended up leaving everyone and going out which left the sleeping people in their group vulnerable was soooo annoying. What's the point of having someone "keep watch" if they are just going to leave and do their own thing anyway.
Blyss ends up doing some crazy sh*t in book three and finally has someone around that she can ask questions to, and yet she doesn't make it a priority to seek him out and get answers that are pretty freaking important all things considered. Another annoying thing that happened one too many times.
Needless to say there were one too many annoying things in the series so I gave up. Especially consider there was two more books to get through. The whole series is just going soooooo slow with absolutely NO resolutions to the 900 problems the main characters face.
- deaf mmc
June 3, 2021
Let me let y’all in on a secret of mine. I LOVE trashy YA fantasy novels that come on kindle unlimited. The problem with these trashy novels though? Most of them are-well-trash. But this? THIS?!
Let me put this in the simplest way possible. MAGICAL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!!!! Can you think of anything better?!
This checks allll my boxes:
-Zombies!!( I have planned out this apocalypse scenario so many times! My entire friend group already has their assignment and a base picked out)
-Magic!!(Gotta love a good fantasy book, nothing more to it. But unlike the classic academy fantasy, this is actually good XD)
-DOGS. Enough said.
-Bada$$ FMC who uses swords and daggers!!
-ACTION. Legit every chapter had a fight scene. Characters mean very little to me, I’m all about the blood and gore.
Honestly, this book actually freaked me out. Rationally I know there isn’t a rotter under my bed, BUT I DON’T KNOW THAT!!!! And all the abandoned buildings...chillllllls.
Now, I can’t speak on any of this being done well, but I can say that this had some really good and basically never seen representation. This book had am amputee character, and a deaf character. And the best part was that neither was added as a token, they were proper, well rounded characters with their own arcs!
Also, this is completely unrelated to this book specifically, but is there some kind of patent on the word zombie? This book they are the rotters, and I’ve seen the craven, the bitten, the zombie-but-not-called-zombie. Is this a thing? Not that I kind because this was AWESOMEEEEEE.
Let me put this in the simplest way possible. MAGICAL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!!!! Can you think of anything better?!
This checks allll my boxes:
-Zombies!!( I have planned out this apocalypse scenario so many times! My entire friend group already has their assignment and a base picked out)
-Magic!!(Gotta love a good fantasy book, nothing more to it. But unlike the classic academy fantasy, this is actually good XD)
-DOGS. Enough said.
-Bada$$ FMC who uses swords and daggers!!
-ACTION. Legit every chapter had a fight scene. Characters mean very little to me, I’m all about the blood and gore.
Honestly, this book actually freaked me out. Rationally I know there isn’t a rotter under my bed, BUT I DON’T KNOW THAT!!!! And all the abandoned buildings...chillllllls.
Now, I can’t speak on any of this being done well, but I can say that this had some really good and basically never seen representation. This book had am amputee character, and a deaf character. And the best part was that neither was added as a token, they were proper, well rounded characters with their own arcs!
Also, this is completely unrelated to this book specifically, but is there some kind of patent on the word zombie? This book they are the rotters, and I’ve seen the craven, the bitten, the zombie-but-not-called-zombie. Is this a thing? Not that I kind because this was AWESOMEEEEEE.
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