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Rise of the Undead #1

Apocalypse Z: Book 1

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Survival is just the beginning...

Dylan, hotheaded and fiery, finds herself on the wrong side of the clock when she's infected with the Vita virus. Doomed to turn into a flesh-eating zombie, she only has 72 hours to find a cure.

The countdown has begun.

In a race against time, she sets off on a desperate journey through the zombie-infested country. But the undead aren't the only dangers she'll face in her bid to find a remedy to the disease that's already begun to eat away at her sanity. Can she save herself before it's too late?

Book 1 of a thrilling new post-apocalyptic series, Apocalypse Z. Hold on to your seat because this is going to be one hell of a ride!

Grab your copy now!

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2019

273 people are currently reading
169 people want to read

About the author

Baileigh Higgins

107 books438 followers

South African writer and coffee addict, Baileigh Higgins, lives in the Free State with hubby and best friend Brendan and loves nothing more than lazing on the couch with pizza and a bad horror movie. Her unhealthy obsession with the end of the world has led to numerous books on the subject and a secret bunker only she knows the location of.
Visit her website at www.baileighhiggins.com for more information on her upcoming projects, new releases, and giveaways. Sign up for her Newsletter and get your Free Ebook, Tales from the Apocalypse, today.

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5 stars
177 (43%)
4 stars
140 (34%)
3 stars
68 (16%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Louie the Mustache Matos.
1,427 reviews140 followers
September 5, 2023
Novels of this type where people are no longer bound by the artificial structures of societal mores and ethical behavior always make me think the same thought: People suck! Apocalypse Z: Book 1 by Baileigh Higgins attempts to posit that idea as a maxim, but on the heels of that maxim is a further clarification that: Not All People Suck.

Sure, most people untethered by society will act in a manner that is more selfish than altruistic, but there would still be humanitarians. In this first book of the series, the reader begins to familiarize with the ensemble characters that are generally inevitable in post-apocalyptic narratives. Dylan is caught in a supermarket when the extinction level event reaches a boiling point. It is mostly through her eyes that the reader is shown the panorama of the cataclysm.

Amy is a 16-year-old daughter of a farmer who loses her two parents and decides to shelter-in-place while she waits for her older brother to join her. Alex, her brother, must overcome numerous obstacles to get to his sister, but it is through their eyes that the apocalyptic events become more real.

Overall, an excellent addition to this zombie apocalypse series.
Profile Image for Leo.
4,986 reviews627 followers
February 28, 2023
This was a very good start on a new series for me. Intrigued to continue on with it. I like the whole "infected people are still people" kind of thing as well as it being an action packed and bit of an exciting read
Profile Image for Joy Perry.
158 reviews49 followers
May 4, 2022
Fresh new take on zombies.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,799 reviews54 followers
July 31, 2020
I listened to the audio on the audiobooks.com app. The narrator, Kristin James, has a nice tone to her voice. She does a good job giving a clear, quality performance. Recommend listening if you have the chance.

This book is a story happening during the beginning stages of a zombie apocalypse. There are 2 different storylines going on; following 3 people, the POVs are Dylan, Amy, and Alex. Entertaining, fun story! Love zombies!

Love how the story gets right into the action! Dylan gets instantly bitten, but finds an improbable clue to a possible cure, so she sets out on a journey to Fort Knox. As you can expect, the danger is high on the road, and not just from the zombies. She’s a tough cookie! Her story goes in some interesting ways.

16 year old Amy’s parents have been bitten and died, so she’s waiting at their farm for her older brother, who is expected to arrive soon. Alex is trying to get back home to help his sister, but he too is finding danger on the road.

All characters are in for a crazy, bloody zombie adventure. I decided to go with a 4 rating because I enjoyed the whole story, but would’ve liked a bit more depth to the characters and maybe some romance. This book has a satisfying end, but there’s more story to be had in the next books. Looking forward to checking those out!
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews106 followers
January 20, 2020
Fast zombies are awful! This was an okay read. I hope book two is better.
Profile Image for J.M. McKenzie.
Author 17 books8 followers
February 7, 2022
Different take on the Zombie Apocalypse
Well written. Easy read. Interesting characters. Great plot. Action packed. Fast paced. Even faster zombies. Blood and gore. Violence.
Different because when the book starts, we are already well into the apocalypse and one of the main characters has already been bitten and is trying to get to a place where she can get the cure. Also interesting as the infected begin to display episodic symptoms before they are dead!
A cut above the average zombie novel and well-worth a read! Although it's the first in a series, it works well as a standalone story too.
Profile Image for Anniek.
436 reviews258 followers
April 12, 2020
The Vita virus makes you turn into a zombie approximately 72 hours after you’ve been infected. Dylan is in the supermarket when things go horribly wrong and she finds herself fighting for her life. With not a second to spare she locks herself into the office space of the supermarket. She’s not the only survivor but she’s left alone fast when it turns out she’s been bitten. With nowhere left to go and walking corpses around every corner, Dylan faces the end of the world all by herself.

Learning about a possible cure gives Dylan new hope and she has to no time to lose to get to her destination. Dylan has had a rough childhood and the skills she learned at an early age to survive help her now. She’s smart, determined and ruthless when she needs to be. I couldn’t read fast enough to find out if Dylan would make it to safety.

Apocalypse Z: Book 1 is another thrilling series by Baileigh Higgins. I absolutely love zombie stories and I’m always looking for new series to read. Baileigh Higgins is a master in writing bone-chilling stories and she knows how to get the readers invested. The characters always feel so real to me and that’s exactly what keeps me on the edge of my seat. If you’re looking for a series to get hooked on then this addictive Rise of the Undead series is a perfect choice. Survival really is just the beginning….
372 reviews
December 17, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

If there is ever someone who could write a zombie memoir, it is Baileigh Higgins. Her zombie books are rich with characters, worlds, and those darn creatures that just won’t die. Ms Higgins knows her way around apocalyptic events crawling with the undead.

When Dylan gets bitten trying to gather groceries and supplies for herself she must find a way to survive as long as she can. Then she has to make a decision about her short-term future. A very difficult decision. Realizing her life was going to be over shortly, Dylan decides to go to her best friend to say goodbye. As she heads out she encounters others who are all just trying to survive. Hiding the fact that she is an infected, Dylan helps a mother and her son by driving them to their home after their vehicle broke down. The horror of the infected, and the breakdown of humanity leave her despondent. But the few people left that are willing to help give her the courage to push on. They say there is a place you can go to get cured. Suddenly, Dylan has a real goal. Maybe she can live a normal life again.

Join Dylan and other survivors as they encounter danger all around them in their efforts to maintain their sanity and their lives. It is a journey well worth taking.
Profile Image for Kit.
1,517 reviews17 followers
January 26, 2021
Read : January 27, 2021
Rating :3,5 Stars

This was pretty cool, I've never read a zombie story almost entirely from the perspective of the infected but not turned yet.

This felt like a YA novel, I'm actually not sure if it is?

I liked this, the characters were likeable and the fact that the zombies were the fast kind didn't bother me.

It was rather short, which made sense for the time frame but still, I would have liked more.

If you're looking for something new and original, this isn't it, it sticks to a lot of tried and true zombie fare.
But it is fun to read and in the end, that's what it's all about.
678 reviews11 followers
June 4, 2020
Baileigh Higgins has the Apocalypse genre mastered. Book 1 is the first book of her new series and it is super. A really good plot but no twist. Great characters are introduced and fleshed out very well. This is going to be a great series so you might want to get the prequel for a starter before getting book 1. Either way you will not have any problems learning the characters.
I have enjoyed all of Baileigh's books and I know you will too. The only requirement is that you like the Apocalypse genre and you will be hooked on this new series.
Profile Image for Sofia.
850 reviews21 followers
April 29, 2021
i read this book as part of the post apocalyptic: beginnings, that i got from free in amazon, and it was the first book that i've read from Baileigh Higgins, and i just need to put out of my chest, hey i have a new favourite zombie books writer <3 your characters are likeable, the story gets sad, impossible at times, but at the same time we hope things will get better, you give the same vibe as one of the good walking dead episodes i just got a bit confused with the names gender or lack of gender, but that comes from english not being my first language.
294 reviews5 followers
July 30, 2020
SO MANY ZOMBIE 📚BOOKS, BUT THIS ONE ☝!😍

I HAVE READ DOZENS OF ZOMBIE STORYLINE BOOKS 📚! AFTER THAT I FOUND OUT ALL OF THEM ARE VERY MUCH THE SAME! THEN MY SON GOT ME THIS AUTHOR'S BOOK!😍 I WAS JUST GOING TO READ A CHAPTER, JUST TO LET HIM KNOW THAT I GAVE THE BOOK A CHANCE! I WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY WILLING TO READ ANOTHER CHAPTER! 😍😊 I WAS CAPTURED BY THE CHARACTERS AND THEIR LIVES! SO I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SAY GO BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀😀
Profile Image for mia.
777 reviews
August 18, 2020
I loved this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat, transfixed through to the end. Dylan was the kind of Heroine that really appeals, she's tough, resilient, and doesn't know the meaning of giving up, she's a fighter and she's in this to the bitter end - others, not hers! I can't wait to start the next book, the narration was fantastic, 5 stars all round. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Arely Ayala.
90 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2020
Loved this book! It is fast paced and nonstop action. You have some great characters. The main characters have you rooting for them. Dylan has had a rough life and now that she is bit she has 72 hours to try to make it where there is a cure. Along the way we also have Alex and Amy (bro and sis) that are also trying to survive the zombies. There is a lot of gore, violence but also some humor. Really hooked me in and now I started the 2nd book in the series.
Profile Image for Nic Roads.
Author 8 books25 followers
February 4, 2022
This was a super fun, well-written read. The opening salvo of the zombie apocalypse seen through three individual POVs, the story is chock-full of action and human drama. Warning: there are some scenes in here that will imprint in your mind for a LONG time. Wow! So many shocking visuals... but it was great, and kept me wanting more! The characters are well-established, and you really want to see where their ordeal will take them. Looking forward to the other books in this series!
476 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2020
Another hit new series!

I recommend that you read all of Mrs. Higgins books. I loved the characters that are introduced in this new series. Everyone should have a friend like Dylan. A brother and sister like Alex and Amy. Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited. Get the book and don’t forget to leave your reviews!


Profile Image for Billy Barfield.
191 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2020
Nicely done

Now that is what I call a Zompoc book. It has everything you need and more to make a zombie book fanatic happy. Read it in one sitting and to be real if it was longer i could have kept on reading. Baileigh Higgins pulled off a great story and deserves big kudos for making it so gripping and yet terrifying at the same time.. five stars is not enough..
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
January 3, 2022
This story is part of the omnibus edition I have of this series and it introduces a number of characters who face the onslaught of the virus and flesh eating zombies who have been infected. I loved the writing style and the way it switches from character to character, if still in third person.

Gory, suspenseful and a great read.

Recommended.
1,034 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2020
Wow

Dylan, Amy, Alex, Fort Knox,beautiful Louisville! This is one action packed start to the zombie apocalypse! I am already in awe of Dylan...she is one kick ass young woman. I can’t wait to see what she runs into next.
Profile Image for Tammy Scibetta.
153 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2021
Palm sweating

This book was so action packed, so many twists and turns. You develop a bond for the main characters in hopes they make it through to safety. Couldn't put the book down.
12.6k reviews189 followers
October 16, 2019
Dylan is affected with the virus. How will it end. Unbelievable story. Loved it
Profile Image for Leslie.
370 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2020
Great read

The characters are well developed and the story has a new twist at the end that aren't in most Zombie books. Can't wait to read #2
Profile Image for Mandi.
35 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were easy to get into and the book was a quick and easy read
Profile Image for Scott Shjefte.
2,217 reviews78 followers
Want to read
December 1, 2023
Dawn of the Apocalypse: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Collection. Purchased this edition on Dec. 1, 2023, from Amazon for $0.99 plus tax. 6 books. Trial by Fire, Book1 in Heroes of the Apocalypse Series.
It's the end of the world. The dead have risen, descending upon the living like a swarm of locusts. A plague released from the bowels of hell. The only thing that stands in their way are the ordinary men and women called upon to survive. Those who find the courage to fight despite their weaknesses and doubts.
They are the heroes of the apocalypse.

Last Another Day, Book 1 in the Children of the Apocalypse Series.
Trapped in the shower by her undead husband, Morgan prays for rescue but quickly realizes she's on her own. She escapes, only to find that the horror has spread and now threatens everything she holds dear. With each passing moment, death becomes more certain.

Apocalypse Z, Book 1 in the Rise of the Undead Series.
Dylan, hotheaded and fiery, finds herself on the wrong side of the clock when she's infected with the Vita virus. Doomed to turn into a flesh-eating zombie, she only has 72 hours to find a cure. The countdown has begun.

Primordial Earth, Book 1 in The Extinction Series.
After an unexplained event shifted entire cities millions of years into the past, life has become a daily struggle for survival. Rogue, tenacious and fierce, has never known anything except a harsh life on the streets of Prime City until she finds herself on the wrong side of the law... and the wall.

The Black Tide - Outbreak, Book 1 in the Tides of Blood Series.
When a worldwide pandemic decimates the population, Ava's life takes a terrifying turn for the worse
567 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2024
This is book 1 of a 7 book series and what a great start to a series it is! I do love anything zombie apocalypse related and this book delivered! I had tears at some points, anger and disgust and others, and I was rooting for Dylan, Amy, and Alex the whole way!

I found it interesting how Dylan became infected because I find it very much in tune with real life how people do stupid things that cause them to get hurt and she is no exception. I find that this kind of thing makes the events more believable.

5 stars!
Profile Image for Hazel Bright.
1,328 reviews35 followers
October 30, 2022
In spite of the atypical circumstance of having a person who has been infected and knows how to obtain a cure, this is pretty standard zombie fare. Well done, but without the fun prepper embellishments I really enjoy in a post-apocalyptic novel. Much credit for believable and likable characters, and for refraining from the tiresome trope of going overboard with evil villains running an invincible army that torments the protagonists at length. Will move on to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Kirby-Faye.
17 reviews
March 9, 2024
It was a good novella - especially for lovers of the more human side of apocalypse action stories! I really liked how there were three characters telling their concurrent stories otherwise it may have got tedious in places.

I must admit though, you never get sucked in to knowing what’s going happen next which is a good thing!

I may just buy the second in the series…
83 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2023
What a great way to read a story

I really enjoyed the episodic way of story telling. I got the feeling was watching a tv show, with guests who come and go except our three protagonists .
Can't wait for the next episode/chapter.
Great read
Profile Image for T.A..
Author 29 books31 followers
May 3, 2024
A good start to the series, setting up the world just after the apocalypse hits full force.

The ending left me interested enough to want to read further.

Your standard zombie fair, good people, bad people, crazies and morally grey areas. What more could you want?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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