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Zombies Are Human #0.5
Germination
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jamie Thornton comes a stunning survival series that has readers raving about its dark and gritty thrills. Powerful enemies, twisted memories, a government willing to do anything for control. Find out how it all began…
ONCE UPON A TIME A PLAGUE ENDED THE WORLD.
Mary knows how to thrive on the street. She makes it her mission to keep other kids away from everyday monsters. But when she’s attacked by a crazed man clutching a bloody heart she realizes—there’s a new kind of monster in town.
A single drop of blood, and now Mary’s one of the infected. Unless she can stop the virus and save her friends, the new monster in town might just be her.
"Thrilling...keeps you reading and wanting more."
"I couldn't put this down."
"This left me hungry for the next book."
Q - What makes the Zombies are Human series special?
An epidemic ravaging the human population. A world spiraling into chaos. People doing whatever it takes to survive. I wanted to write something I would love to read. I've always been drawn to the post-apocalyptic genre and thought about end-of-the-world books I’ve loved--Stephen King's The Stand, Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. But also recent stories like The Girl With All the Gifts, The Passage, and even Stranger Things. I’ve always found stories with big epidemics/events that reinvent the world so thrilling. I also love getting into some of the science, like the genetic engineering, that would make the situations plausible.
Zombies are Human gives you some of that classic Walking Dead zombie fare, but...without giving too much away...I guarantee you've never read a zombie series like Zombies are Human before.
Even though my cast of characters are teenagers I’ve definitely had plenty of adults write me about how much they’ve enjoyed the series. I think Zombies are Human hits the sweet spot of older Young Adult that will appeal to plenty of adults too.
No matter what your age, the Zombies are Human series is designed to keep you furiously turning those pages.
Q - What order should I read the books in?
I think the complete series would be most enjoyable in the following sequence:
--Germination (prequel short novel)
--Contamination
--Infestation
--Eradication
Q - Why should readers give these books a try?
The prequel hit #5 on the New York Times and #8 on the USA Today bestseller lists. I've gotten tons of emails from readers letting me know how much they loved Zombies are Human (stay-up-all-night-even-with-work-the-next-day love). But more than that, as a reader myself, I am always looking for the next Stranger Things, The Passage, The Girl With All The Gifts. THAT'S the kind of story I hope you'll find in Zombies are Human. Smart. Dangerous. Gritty. With rip-your-heart-out intensity (literally and figuratively in some cases).
Zombies are Human is a fast, dark apocalyptic ride. Just remember...nothing is what it seems.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2015
79 people are currently reading
1996 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Thornton
43 books121 followersI am a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels. I like my characters strong and wounded, and my adventures thrilling and dark.
Try out one of my books for free when you sign up at JamieThornton.com
I'm a voracious reader in many genres. I do sometimes judge a book by its cover art. Life is too short to spend time reading or reviewing bad books so you'll see my library, ratings, and reviews represent books I believe are worth sharing.
I live in Northern California with my husband, two dogs, a garden, lots of chickens, a viola, and a bicycle. My anthropology degree shapes my fiction. I write dark adventures (science fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, coming-of-age) with a hint of romance. Follow me at JamieThornton.com
Try out one of my books for free when you sign up at JamieThornton.com
I'm a voracious reader in many genres. I do sometimes judge a book by its cover art. Life is too short to spend time reading or reviewing bad books so you'll see my library, ratings, and reviews represent books I believe are worth sharing.
I live in Northern California with my husband, two dogs, a garden, lots of chickens, a viola, and a bicycle. My anthropology degree shapes my fiction. I write dark adventures (science fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, coming-of-age) with a hint of romance. Follow me at JamieThornton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 3, 2017
If you run away, all your demons go with you.
Just saying this because I know. But I’m not telling you not to run. I did it after all, which is why I’m writing about it— to maybe help those like me who are going to run no matter what. If you’re still fed up and it’s time to go, then this blog is for you.
---
The phone had been free, someone’s discard. We loaded it when there was extra cash. I liked posting more than the public library allowed, plus it kept us in touch with the rest of the group. But he wouldn’t understand. None of them ever did. “We’re good people. We just need some help,” I said.
“You stole that.”
“A first generation iPhone?” I said, not being able to stop myself. “Please. I would have stolen something newer than that.”
Just saying this because I know. But I’m not telling you not to run. I did it after all, which is why I’m writing about it— to maybe help those like me who are going to run no matter what. If you’re still fed up and it’s time to go, then this blog is for you.
---
The phone had been free, someone’s discard. We loaded it when there was extra cash. I liked posting more than the public library allowed, plus it kept us in touch with the rest of the group. But he wouldn’t understand. None of them ever did. “We’re good people. We just need some help,” I said.
“You stole that.”
“A first generation iPhone?” I said, not being able to stop myself. “Please. I would have stolen something newer than that.”
May 19, 2017
I received a free copy from the author's email newsletter.
This was good. I would have found it rather interesting if it were the size of a novel.
This was good. I would have found it rather interesting if it were the size of a novel.
October 14, 2017
This was a thrilling introduction to the Feast of Weeds series. It begins, normally and slowly enough, with Mary’s blog on How to THRIVE as a Runaway, in which she gives advice – based on her experience of four years living as a teenager on the streets. Mary is fortunate to be part of a very close-knit group of street kids, who look out for each other, travel around together (sometimes in a van) and revel in their freedom. As Mary puts it, she ran TO her family.
This is a very well written book that draws you in. The street kid characters are skilfully portrayed. Each is a distinct and believable individual. The contempt sometimes shown to the kids hits you viscerally – even though previously, in another life, you may have looked down on their ilk yourself. But, these kids are different, you know them. You immediately empathise with them, and will them to escape authority and thrive as runaways.
The actual action starts with Mary and Gabbi begging on a street corner, and getting into a heated discussion with a potential donor. He leaves without giving them any money. Nothing unusual there. But then, they spot a filthy, limping, bloodstained man heading towards them – and suddenly, nothing is normal anymore, and the pace is anything but slow.
They flag down Officer Hanley, who tells them to run and to avoid any contact with the blood. The CDC start to show far too much interest in them, and all too quickly Mary and Gabbi are fleeing for their lives – pursued by the officials, and yet more blood-soaked horrors. Meeting up with the rest of the team, they decide to leave town. But, blood from the first man had splashed on Mary, and she starts to act extremely out of character, and endangers everyone.
Mary narrates the story, so everything is seen from her point of view. As she starts to change, her confusion becomes your confusion. What is happening to her? What exactly has she done? And to whom? Why? Can anyone survive this chaos? Before she loses all sense of herself, she needs to make an important decision – one that may either condemn or save all her friends.
The pace of this book increases exponentially as you progress through. I could not put it down, and practically read it in one sitting. I am now very much looking forward to the rest of this series.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
This is a very well written book that draws you in. The street kid characters are skilfully portrayed. Each is a distinct and believable individual. The contempt sometimes shown to the kids hits you viscerally – even though previously, in another life, you may have looked down on their ilk yourself. But, these kids are different, you know them. You immediately empathise with them, and will them to escape authority and thrive as runaways.
The actual action starts with Mary and Gabbi begging on a street corner, and getting into a heated discussion with a potential donor. He leaves without giving them any money. Nothing unusual there. But then, they spot a filthy, limping, bloodstained man heading towards them – and suddenly, nothing is normal anymore, and the pace is anything but slow.
They flag down Officer Hanley, who tells them to run and to avoid any contact with the blood. The CDC start to show far too much interest in them, and all too quickly Mary and Gabbi are fleeing for their lives – pursued by the officials, and yet more blood-soaked horrors. Meeting up with the rest of the team, they decide to leave town. But, blood from the first man had splashed on Mary, and she starts to act extremely out of character, and endangers everyone.
Mary narrates the story, so everything is seen from her point of view. As she starts to change, her confusion becomes your confusion. What is happening to her? What exactly has she done? And to whom? Why? Can anyone survive this chaos? Before she loses all sense of herself, she needs to make an important decision – one that may either condemn or save all her friends.
The pace of this book increases exponentially as you progress through. I could not put it down, and practically read it in one sitting. I am now very much looking forward to the rest of this series.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
April 14, 2015
(
I received this book free from the author in exchange for my honest review.
)
Where to start? A short read of only 92 pages, I was drawn in right away, and before I knew it, I had this novella read and wanting more.
The story opens with our protagonist (Mary) begging for money. Different from normal YA read, she's a street kid, a long time street kid. She ran away to escape her abusive set-father and a mother who didn’t help, only pushed the matter aside, (people like that should be shot). Feeling trapped and cornered, she fled to the streets, just to have some peace.
Right away you get a sense of who Mary is, where she stands and where her loyalties lie. I like her; she’s hardened from years on the streets but doesn’t complain about it. She has taken her lot in life as is, and focuses her abilities on her street family. She’s determined to protect her new family, at any cost, even her freedom.
There is a sort of split to this book. Between every chapter is a blog post. It starts out as tips and tricks for surviving on the streets, a street -kid survival guide you could say. All for the last post, the ending post, it’s a plea to return, and cry of hope.
As I said this is a fast read. The story moves quickly but smooth and before you know it, it's over. Left with a cliff-hanger and a sense of dread, I didn't want the story to end. So much is left opened, so many unanswered questions.
This is a perfect set up for the installments to come. In its sort length the story/plot hooks you, captures your attention right until the last word and then, you’re let feeling unsatisfied. You just have to/need to, read the next book just to know how it ends. How it ends for the family Mary had to leave, but most off all, how it ends for Mary.
I'm invested now.
I highly recommend this short. It's fast, unique, and it captures you in such a way that you don’t even notice it's over, just when you feel like you only just begun.
The world building is solid, the plot strong and the beginning of what looks to be the end of the human mind, is daunting.
Thank you Jamie Thornton for creating such a vivid terrifying world, with just enough truth to have you thinking, yes this could possibility happen one day, and the streets will be the ones to suffer fist.
Happy Reading
-Emily
Where to start? A short read of only 92 pages, I was drawn in right away, and before I knew it, I had this novella read and wanting more.
The story opens with our protagonist (Mary) begging for money. Different from normal YA read, she's a street kid, a long time street kid. She ran away to escape her abusive set-father and a mother who didn’t help, only pushed the matter aside, (people like that should be shot). Feeling trapped and cornered, she fled to the streets, just to have some peace.
Right away you get a sense of who Mary is, where she stands and where her loyalties lie. I like her; she’s hardened from years on the streets but doesn’t complain about it. She has taken her lot in life as is, and focuses her abilities on her street family. She’s determined to protect her new family, at any cost, even her freedom.
There is a sort of split to this book. Between every chapter is a blog post. It starts out as tips and tricks for surviving on the streets, a street -kid survival guide you could say. All for the last post, the ending post, it’s a plea to return, and cry of hope.
As I said this is a fast read. The story moves quickly but smooth and before you know it, it's over. Left with a cliff-hanger and a sense of dread, I didn't want the story to end. So much is left opened, so many unanswered questions.
This is a perfect set up for the installments to come. In its sort length the story/plot hooks you, captures your attention right until the last word and then, you’re let feeling unsatisfied. You just have to/need to, read the next book just to know how it ends. How it ends for the family Mary had to leave, but most off all, how it ends for Mary.
I'm invested now.
I highly recommend this short. It's fast, unique, and it captures you in such a way that you don’t even notice it's over, just when you feel like you only just begun.
The world building is solid, the plot strong and the beginning of what looks to be the end of the human mind, is daunting.
Thank you Jamie Thornton for creating such a vivid terrifying world, with just enough truth to have you thinking, yes this could possibility happen one day, and the streets will be the ones to suffer fist.
Happy Reading
-Emily
June 18, 2021
In a fit of whimsy, I hereby announce I will give everyone five stars, but the reviews may not reflect it.
A short but intriguing intro to a longer zombie series. A group of runaways, led by Mary, struggle through life as they reside on the streets. When a mysterious virus strikes, things go from bad to worse. This is definitely not your average zombie story, and it's worth a read/listen for those looking for a different twist. It focuses on Mary as she tells the story, and approaches it from the Day Zero angle, which is relatively refreshing. There are occasional blog posts, in which Mary offers advice to survive on the streets, but they tie in nicely with the story, which is a nice touch. If I had a quibble, the narrator sounded somewhat flat. Great job otherwise though.
A short but intriguing intro to a longer zombie series. A group of runaways, led by Mary, struggle through life as they reside on the streets. When a mysterious virus strikes, things go from bad to worse. This is definitely not your average zombie story, and it's worth a read/listen for those looking for a different twist. It focuses on Mary as she tells the story, and approaches it from the Day Zero angle, which is relatively refreshing. There are occasional blog posts, in which Mary offers advice to survive on the streets, but they tie in nicely with the story, which is a nice touch. If I had a quibble, the narrator sounded somewhat flat. Great job otherwise though.
June 7, 2015
Yes I know it's a novella but I expected it to be a bit longer. And the ending had me reeling...
Let me start from the beginning.
The book cover is kind of grungy and there's not much of the story elements in it to make sense but it grabs attention easily. The blurb just gives the bare outline of the story as it should. It doesn't say anything about the emotions involved in the book.
Now having runaways as the main characters, that's a first. I have not read any book focused on them. I loved reading from a runaway's point of view. The protagonist, Mary seems to be a level headed person who always looks out for her friends. The way she has to get away to keep them safe was heart-rending. The other characters play their roles well with Ano and Gabbi making the most impression on me. The way they have each other's back points at their close friendship. I find that an enviable trait in their street life.
The plot is not yet clear except for the infection of Mary and her friends. So far, it isn't anything original. It raises more questions about the cause of the virus and the starting point and I am very eager to read the sequel to know the back story and also the continuation of their plight. The story is very fast paced and I didn't have time take a breath between the scenes. The dialogue is realistic and it creates a reel of images easily.
After a very short time, I was at the end and the climax of the book had me blinking in shock. I certainly didn't expect that kind of ending. I was expecting Mary to find a solution but then that would have been contrived. I sure hope the next book can answer all my questions and doubts.
To conclude, I would tell you to read it to decide if you want to give the series a go. For me, I am adding it to my To-Read list of series now and I am on the lookout for the future books.
My one line review : A short dystopian story to pique your interest in the series about a group of runaways.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
Let me start from the beginning.
The book cover is kind of grungy and there's not much of the story elements in it to make sense but it grabs attention easily. The blurb just gives the bare outline of the story as it should. It doesn't say anything about the emotions involved in the book.
Now having runaways as the main characters, that's a first. I have not read any book focused on them. I loved reading from a runaway's point of view. The protagonist, Mary seems to be a level headed person who always looks out for her friends. The way she has to get away to keep them safe was heart-rending. The other characters play their roles well with Ano and Gabbi making the most impression on me. The way they have each other's back points at their close friendship. I find that an enviable trait in their street life.
The plot is not yet clear except for the infection of Mary and her friends. So far, it isn't anything original. It raises more questions about the cause of the virus and the starting point and I am very eager to read the sequel to know the back story and also the continuation of their plight. The story is very fast paced and I didn't have time take a breath between the scenes. The dialogue is realistic and it creates a reel of images easily.
After a very short time, I was at the end and the climax of the book had me blinking in shock. I certainly didn't expect that kind of ending. I was expecting Mary to find a solution but then that would have been contrived. I sure hope the next book can answer all my questions and doubts.
To conclude, I would tell you to read it to decide if you want to give the series a go. For me, I am adding it to my To-Read list of series now and I am on the lookout for the future books.
My one line review : A short dystopian story to pique your interest in the series about a group of runaways.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
July 26, 2015
I won this book in a group contest*
This book is a great take on zombies. It's completely different from anything I've ever read, and that kept me wanting to continue reading. I didn't really attach to the main characters, but hopefully in the next book I will. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the Feast of Weeds series!
This book is a great take on zombies. It's completely different from anything I've ever read, and that kept me wanting to continue reading. I didn't really attach to the main characters, but hopefully in the next book I will. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the Feast of Weeds series!
October 25, 2015
What an awesome story! Fell across this by accident and truly enjoyed these young characters. Easy read. Characters are catchy and real. Story line is very "it could happen".
October 4, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Mary has been on the streets ever since her dangerously abusive family situation forced her to either run or suffer. She knows how to survive, and has met a few other kids along the way. Together, they have the tools in order to stay on the streets without having to put themselves in excessive danger daily. Heck, they have even been interviewed about it, not that any of the questions were worth answering.
But one day, when Mary and Gabbi are begging for money to pay for their monthly gym membership, a man holding something bloody in his hands comes on the street. Once they are scooped up by the police, who are terrified of the man, the girls and their friends are swept into the world of infection, unknown territory.
This prequel to the Feast of Weeds series is short, sweet, and to the point. I enjoyed it because it gave me insight on the lives of almost every single character, before and after the conflict of the story occurred. It has me very interested in the world in which they live, as I want to know where these infected people are coming from. I only wish that I had more books in the series, so that I could continue the story and find out what happens to Mary and her friends. Overall, it is a very well-written novella, which I have discovered is sometimes hard to find. Many people overdo it for a short prequel, confusing me and turning me off from the rest of the series, but I am very excited to read the rest of the Feast of Weeds series due to the world-building of this novella. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a new adventure series with characters who aren’t born heroes, but instead made heroes.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Mary has been on the streets ever since her dangerously abusive family situation forced her to either run or suffer. She knows how to survive, and has met a few other kids along the way. Together, they have the tools in order to stay on the streets without having to put themselves in excessive danger daily. Heck, they have even been interviewed about it, not that any of the questions were worth answering.
But one day, when Mary and Gabbi are begging for money to pay for their monthly gym membership, a man holding something bloody in his hands comes on the street. Once they are scooped up by the police, who are terrified of the man, the girls and their friends are swept into the world of infection, unknown territory.
This prequel to the Feast of Weeds series is short, sweet, and to the point. I enjoyed it because it gave me insight on the lives of almost every single character, before and after the conflict of the story occurred. It has me very interested in the world in which they live, as I want to know where these infected people are coming from. I only wish that I had more books in the series, so that I could continue the story and find out what happens to Mary and her friends. Overall, it is a very well-written novella, which I have discovered is sometimes hard to find. Many people overdo it for a short prequel, confusing me and turning me off from the rest of the series, but I am very excited to read the rest of the Feast of Weeds series due to the world-building of this novella. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a new adventure series with characters who aren’t born heroes, but instead made heroes.
Overall Rating: 5/5
May 13, 2017
Zombies. Believe it or not, there was a time that I once enjoted stories centered around the ghoulish, mindless undead. As of late, that isn't the case. Most stories that have zombies in them seem to be pale imitations of one another, with only slight changes here and there. But for the most part, the zombies in most stories are the same. I saw this trend change in Jamie Thorton's Germination.
In Germination, we have a group of runways who live on the streets, making money however they can in order to not only survive, but thrive. That's easier said than done for our ragtag group of runaways. Not only do they have to deal with the pressures of having to live on the streets, but also the sudden emergence of overly aggressive and outright violent individual (you guessed it, zombies). Not mindless drones hankering for brains, but zombies nonetheless. This is what I mean about the trend in zombie fiction changing.
Thornton presents us with runways that seem as close as family, hinting at relationship dynamics without going into too much detail. Got to have something to expand on in other books (if they follow the same characters at least). And while we learn that much about the characters in this one, enough is shown to allow one to get the gist of who these characters are... but not much more.
That said, Thornton created an interesting world with zombies that thankfully go against the grain, and make you want to read, if for no other reason than to see more of her take on the "undead." I'll be heading into book 2 pretty soon, and I'm hoping it doesn't fall into the tired trends of the genre.
In Germination, we have a group of runways who live on the streets, making money however they can in order to not only survive, but thrive. That's easier said than done for our ragtag group of runaways. Not only do they have to deal with the pressures of having to live on the streets, but also the sudden emergence of overly aggressive and outright violent individual (you guessed it, zombies). Not mindless drones hankering for brains, but zombies nonetheless. This is what I mean about the trend in zombie fiction changing.
Thornton presents us with runways that seem as close as family, hinting at relationship dynamics without going into too much detail. Got to have something to expand on in other books (if they follow the same characters at least). And while we learn that much about the characters in this one, enough is shown to allow one to get the gist of who these characters are... but not much more.
That said, Thornton created an interesting world with zombies that thankfully go against the grain, and make you want to read, if for no other reason than to see more of her take on the "undead." I'll be heading into book 2 pretty soon, and I'm hoping it doesn't fall into the tired trends of the genre.
December 17, 2020
This review is based off the audio version of the book. There wasn't an edition for that here on Goodreads.
I'm a huge zombie fan. Always have been. So when I saw that Hoopla had all the books in this series, I was really excited and instantly started this one while I was cleaning.
The premise for the story is actually pretty good. Now, I'm not sure if it was because I was listening to it, but it seemed to jump around a bit. It went from blog posts the characters posted back to the main storyline.
As I said, the actual story part is pretty interesting and was what kept me listening. It focuses on Mary, a street kid that lives with a particular group of other street kids. It starts off explaining what life was like on the street, how they ended up on the street, etc. Then it showed how easily they were infected by this strange, zombie virus. It showed how even though she was infected, her friends banded together to protect her from the 'Moon suits'. Which, in hindsight, was a bad idea.
Anyway, it wasn't until she actually started attacking her friends that both she and they realized what a danger she was.
The narrator of this audiobook left something to be desired. She kind of read it in a monotone, which probably didn't help hype up the story much. Even the action scenes seemed kind of bland because of how she read them.
One problem I had was that the word 'said' was way over used. He said, she said, he said, she said. There are so many other words that can be used for the word 'said'.
Because it was still a decent story, and because it did end on a cliff hanger, I will be listening to the next book in the series.
I'm a huge zombie fan. Always have been. So when I saw that Hoopla had all the books in this series, I was really excited and instantly started this one while I was cleaning.
The premise for the story is actually pretty good. Now, I'm not sure if it was because I was listening to it, but it seemed to jump around a bit. It went from blog posts the characters posted back to the main storyline.
As I said, the actual story part is pretty interesting and was what kept me listening. It focuses on Mary, a street kid that lives with a particular group of other street kids. It starts off explaining what life was like on the street, how they ended up on the street, etc. Then it showed how easily they were infected by this strange, zombie virus. It showed how even though she was infected, her friends banded together to protect her from the 'Moon suits'. Which, in hindsight, was a bad idea.
Anyway, it wasn't until she actually started attacking her friends that both she and they realized what a danger she was.
The narrator of this audiobook left something to be desired. She kind of read it in a monotone, which probably didn't help hype up the story much. Even the action scenes seemed kind of bland because of how she read them.
One problem I had was that the word 'said' was way over used. He said, she said, he said, she said. There are so many other words that can be used for the word 'said'.
Because it was still a decent story, and because it did end on a cliff hanger, I will be listening to the next book in the series.
October 14, 2018
Living on the street provides enough challenges, but when you're the monster destroying your friends, do you run as far as you possibly can or stick beside them knowing you will kill them all? Mary, seventeen discovers this for herself, after being bitten by a lunatic of a man running the streets, saliva dripping in ribbons from his tongue. Posting to this blog with Gabbi's phone, she tries and updates, all the while the infection is leaving a dark red haze before her very eyes. As she disassociates reality from the hell she is enduring with every painful pounding in her head, she bites and claws each of her friends in turn, turning and twisting her further into the insanity she knows is plaguing her. With no cure to save her, and her friends lives a ticking clock, she gives them away, aiding in their survival as she flees form the billowing white tents and doctors in Moon Suits, jumping in fornt of a train and ultimately deleting the madness that was destroying her with every beat of her plagued heart.
April 15, 2018
It is hard enough living on the streets without this new threat. Mary & her friends are caught up in a virus outbreak and she has been effected and she has started losing moments in time. Mary is just trying to survive but she might have just signed her friends death warrant. As she has bitten them and now they will also change into a rabid monster. But will she be able to be saved or is it too late for her? A good read.
September 15, 2018
A very quick and exciting read with an interesting premise. It's about a group of runaway kids trying to survive on the streets, but apparently, there is a virus outbreak that turns people into something like zombies. I liked this book because for as short as it is, there is so much emotion and action in it. It was a really great read after experiencing something completely soul draining and boring. I definitely want to check out the next book.
May 15, 2017
For a novella, this certainly packs a punch and has left me definitely wanting to read more. The story focuses on a group of runaway teenagers who live on the street and, when one of them becomes infected by a strange virus, they realise that actual monsters may be real. I thought it was a really good start and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
June 25, 2017
This is a great introduction to what should be a very interesting series for readers. A quick and engrossing read, this is a gripping tale narrated by one of seven runaways, Mary. In her narrative, and in her advice blog for potential runaways, Mary gives us a look at a time when a disaster in the making begins to spread.
March 13, 2018
An excellent take on zombie type creatures. I wasn’t expecting this novel concept. Seeing how the virus affects the mind of someone infected was an amazing way to show the differences from your average zombie book. This was very well written, and I’d recommend it to fans of dystopian worlds or zombies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
I found this first book in the Zombie Are Human series very original (which is a big thing for me) and also a little challenging given the perspective it is written from. There is a level of grittiness about the writing that drew me in and just made things feel more real - because characters and circumstances were messy and what could be more real than that.
March 15, 2018
Such a sad book, kids homeless and on the street. No place to live, eat, clean up and just do regular everyday things. Chased by other people and monsters, you learn to live by your wits. Then comes disease and more people chasing you. Interesting storyline and writing.
January 30, 2020
The beginning of a great series.
I have always loved the Zombie genre. Even starting as far back as the Zombies of Haiti and the Island of Dr. Moreau.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Very interesting and well written.
I have always loved the Zombie genre. Even starting as far back as the Zombies of Haiti and the Island of Dr. Moreau.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Very interesting and well written.
November 16, 2020
It was interesting though nothing, at least so far, that brings a new spin in the post-apocalypse/zombie genre. It is a good introduction to the series, though, and does open up to wonder what happened to the other runaways.
May 10, 2023
Set aside two hours for this PG short contemporary procedural read that introduces the Zombies Are Human series, alternating internet posts with what happened to a set of teenage runaways. The review copy has been in my queue for a while and this is my voluntary review.
July 14, 2017
A quick little read, but really good!
November 19, 2017
interesting read but something was missing for me that woukd have made this spectacular. very well done
November 25, 2017
Good teaser for the main books!
This sets it all up for you. You will understand the characters so much better! I felt so bad for the main character at the end.
This sets it all up for you. You will understand the characters so much better! I felt so bad for the main character at the end.
March 10, 2018
Loved that it was a quick read. got involved in the story and didn't want to put it down. can't wait to read more from Jamie Thornton.
February 2, 2019
Brilliant, thoroughly enjoyable, really looking forward to the rest of the series! Great! Good story, characters & ideas! Liked it!
April 4, 2019
Received as a giveaway, possibly an ARC as my copy is titled as book zero. Enjoyed this as a short story occurring at the beginnings of a viral/biological zombie outbreak.
April 18, 2021
It may be surprising that learning how to thrive as a runaway might in some way apply to being able to survive the odd infection spreading in Jamie Thornton’s Germination: Feast of Weeds Book One.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
As a seasoned teenaged runaway, Mary knows how to thrive while living on the streets, even going so far as to craft some blog posts with her tips on how to stay safe if you choose to do so. With her mission to help keep other kids away from threats of typical predatory monsters as they embark on their runaway lives, Mary is a leader for her found family. But when she’s attacked by a man behaving viciously strange and a drop of blood hits her eye, she’s suddenly become one of the infected that people fear. While fighting the virus coursing through her veins, she’s determined to save her friends from her fate no matter the cost. After briefly losing control of herself and attacking them, a choice she makes to speak up when she’d normal remain quiet might prove to save her friends and keep her from fully becoming a monster.
A curious introduction to characters and world of this zombie story, the premise offers a version of a commonly rehashed tale with some new elements in its cast of characters to intrigue readers to continue to see how the story develops. The cast of teenage runaways are decently established in their character traits and the dynamics between one another helps provide a sense of their relationships despite not being developed much in this brief narrative. Written in a manner that provides snippets from Mary’s blog and more traditional narrative, the story evoke a sense of being choppy at times, particularly around the more action-focused portions, as this expository information is established to set the grander scene for subsequent installments.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
As a seasoned teenaged runaway, Mary knows how to thrive while living on the streets, even going so far as to craft some blog posts with her tips on how to stay safe if you choose to do so. With her mission to help keep other kids away from threats of typical predatory monsters as they embark on their runaway lives, Mary is a leader for her found family. But when she’s attacked by a man behaving viciously strange and a drop of blood hits her eye, she’s suddenly become one of the infected that people fear. While fighting the virus coursing through her veins, she’s determined to save her friends from her fate no matter the cost. After briefly losing control of herself and attacking them, a choice she makes to speak up when she’d normal remain quiet might prove to save her friends and keep her from fully becoming a monster.
A curious introduction to characters and world of this zombie story, the premise offers a version of a commonly rehashed tale with some new elements in its cast of characters to intrigue readers to continue to see how the story develops. The cast of teenage runaways are decently established in their character traits and the dynamics between one another helps provide a sense of their relationships despite not being developed much in this brief narrative. Written in a manner that provides snippets from Mary’s blog and more traditional narrative, the story evoke a sense of being choppy at times, particularly around the more action-focused portions, as this expository information is established to set the grander scene for subsequent installments.
July 16, 2020
The story is not bad but the characters didn't grow on me. They feel okay as characters but i don't care enough for them.
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