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Crawlerz #1
Red Sky in the Morning
Are you ready for the end? An ancient tomb is unearthed live on cable TV after months of hype. It's billed as the archeological equivalent of Shark Week. The actual footage takes a turn no one ever expected. Those minutes of footage will be combed over by governments worldwide seeking to understand what horror came out of that tomb.
They watched the news for weeks as an infection spread quickly across the globe. The videos posted online of people ripping into each other like cannibals on PCP were unreal. The support from the authorities was a joke. No one had a plan in place for this. At least not a plan that involved saving everyone...
Join a tight knit family of outcasts who'll do anything for one another as they battle their way through this freak show. A reality where might makes right and the only thing worse than running out of food and water is running out of ammunition.
They watched the news for weeks as an infection spread quickly across the globe. The videos posted online of people ripping into each other like cannibals on PCP were unreal. The support from the authorities was a joke. No one had a plan in place for this. At least not a plan that involved saving everyone...
Join a tight knit family of outcasts who'll do anything for one another as they battle their way through this freak show. A reality where might makes right and the only thing worse than running out of food and water is running out of ammunition.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
701 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Merritt
71 books469 followersLiving in a lighthouse as a child led me early to a love of reading. Despite what you may have been told the life of a lighthouse keeper's son is not all Glamour and Parties. There's a lot of time when there really isn't much to do besides wonder if the fog horn has finally made you deaf or watch your dad pull fishing lures out of different parts of people's bodies. (You'd be amazed!)
Two of my favorite houses growing up!
I read. I read a lot. We had a 'reading caterpillar' around the room at my school where every time you read a book you put your name on your color paper and hung it up. The teacher had to give me two colors because it was looking more like a worm than a caterpillar. I devoured CS Lewis before moving on to Tolkien. Reading has continued to be a big part of my life. I've moved into Alternative Realities by guys like Stirling and my guilty pleasure is Zombie novels. I can't seem to get enough of them!
I like reading about the extremes people will go to to survive. The ones who can rise above the rest and keep their sense of right and wrong. When humanity crumbles around them these flawed heroes stand tall and try to make their way. They go from struggling to pay the phone bill to struggling to keep themselves and others alive. I like to see how this either hardens or breaks them. I think these stories speak at a very primal level. I enjoy the journey greatly as I get to tag along seeing how the survivors manage and how the experience forges them into something more than they were.
I look forward to sharing the journey with you all!
Sincerely,
R S Merritt
Two of my favorite houses growing up!
I read. I read a lot. We had a 'reading caterpillar' around the room at my school where every time you read a book you put your name on your color paper and hung it up. The teacher had to give me two colors because it was looking more like a worm than a caterpillar. I devoured CS Lewis before moving on to Tolkien. Reading has continued to be a big part of my life. I've moved into Alternative Realities by guys like Stirling and my guilty pleasure is Zombie novels. I can't seem to get enough of them!
I like reading about the extremes people will go to to survive. The ones who can rise above the rest and keep their sense of right and wrong. When humanity crumbles around them these flawed heroes stand tall and try to make their way. They go from struggling to pay the phone bill to struggling to keep themselves and others alive. I like to see how this either hardens or breaks them. I think these stories speak at a very primal level. I enjoy the journey greatly as I get to tag along seeing how the survivors manage and how the experience forges them into something more than they were.
I look forward to sharing the journey with you all!
Sincerely,
R S Merritt
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 21, 2022
'Red Sky in the Morning', the first book in R.S. Merritt's Crawlerz series, is terrific. This a a creative new spin on the zombie apocalypse - yet these are crawlerz - extremely vicious, diabolical and fast. The main characters are a family of adopted foster children - as different as night and day - each with their own unique gifts and talents, with unflappable love and fierce protection of each other. The ending is a real cliff hanger and can't wait to find out how (or if) they find a way out of their current situation....
Looking forward to the rest of the series (book #2 would be great) becoming available on audible.
Sending kudos to narrator Elliott Bales for the fantastic job he did voicing all the characters and keeping me on the edge-of-my-seat.
Looking forward to the rest of the series (book #2 would be great) becoming available on audible.
Sending kudos to narrator Elliott Bales for the fantastic job he did voicing all the characters and keeping me on the edge-of-my-seat.
September 29, 2020
What if the apocalypse came on like other pandemics you may be familiar with? Where it started as a small incident in some far off place... You hear about it on the news but don't really think there's a chance it'll impact you. It slowly gathers momentum until the whole world is threatened by it.. What do you do with the time you've been given while the tsunami pulls the water back from the beach you're standing on....
I'm super excited about how this came out and really looking forward to the rest of this journey. I'm holding back here on the spoilers but looking SO FORWARD to hearing what you think of how the story begins. Book 2 is already well under way!
As always THANK YOU ALL so much for coming on this journey with me!!!
I'm super excited about how this came out and really looking forward to the rest of this journey. I'm holding back here on the spoilers but looking SO FORWARD to hearing what you think of how the story begins. Book 2 is already well under way!
As always THANK YOU ALL so much for coming on this journey with me!!!
November 18, 2021
My cousin recommended these books to me. I had them on my list too read for awhile and I am glad I finally read them. I finished all 6 books in a week. I even stayed up till almost 5am reading and going to work on 2 hours sleep. I can't wait for book 7, I just wish it wasn't so far away!
February 16, 2021
We humans are too curious for our own good, but it sure makes for an interesting twist to the zombie apocalypse though.
February 24, 2023
One of the BEST zombie books I have ever read!
July 19, 2021
A pretty stressful read!
July 19, 2021
Great start
This is a great start to a new series. Can't wait for book 2, and since I'm late to the series I don't have to!
This is a great start to a new series. Can't wait for book 2, and since I'm late to the series I don't have to!
April 25, 2021
The secret to a really great horror novel is to get the readers emotionally invested in the survival of the characters. Ms Merritt has created three characters in Crawlerz that are incredible, flawed, and worth reading about. Great book!
July 8, 2021
Crawlerz is a gem and a great find for fans of indy horror. Merritt takes the standard zompoc storyline and turns it up to 11 with excellent character development, good research and a narrative that is both believable and terrifying. The main characters (a family) watch the world slowly unravel around them as the undead plague spread across the globe. The zombies come in several varieties (fast & mean and faster & meaner) so when they finally arrive in the family's quiet suburb its not long before the things are eating their way through the neighborhood. They try to stand and fight but quickly realize that will not work, so they cut and run but there is nowhere to go and they end up running for their lives among the chaos and mayhem of the dying world. Merritt is a master story teller. I listened to the Audible version and Elliott Bales provides the perfect voice for the narration. The only complaint I have is that only book #1 is available on Audible! I hope book 2 is up soon!
September 1, 2021
Seriously Good!
Wasn’t sure about this one in the beginning. Definitely a different take on zombies. They are scary as possible and fasttttt. The 3 teenagers have definitely grown on me. Can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.
Wasn’t sure about this one in the beginning. Definitely a different take on zombies. They are scary as possible and fasttttt. The 3 teenagers have definitely grown on me. Can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.
December 30, 2020
A zombie circus, hmmm
I actually like this book. The characters are well developed and the story is thought out. Only one thing I have a question about.
I actually like this book. The characters are well developed and the story is thought out. Only one thing I have a question about.
January 24, 2021
Kittee Approved
This book has been read, laughed at, gasped at, raged at, cried over, nd is now cherished nd treasured by Kittee. Read It!
This book has been read, laughed at, gasped at, raged at, cried over, nd is now cherished nd treasured by Kittee. Read It!
July 4, 2021
Pretty good zombie book.
April 12, 2021
A new kind of story.
I loved the pre- outbreak story, it shadows what the world has gone through with the COVID pandemic. I enjoyed what real peoples lives were portrayed in a world on the brink.
I loved the pre- outbreak story, it shadows what the world has gone through with the COVID pandemic. I enjoyed what real peoples lives were portrayed in a world on the brink.
May 8, 2021
A different take on an apocalypse
I actually really enjoyed this book. It was a different take on the typical zombie apocalypse theme. The characters for the most part are likeable and engaging. Looking forward to starting book 2.
I actually really enjoyed this book. It was a different take on the typical zombie apocalypse theme. The characters for the most part are likeable and engaging. Looking forward to starting book 2.
January 18, 2024
great concept. Writing and flow needs work. Easy read.
**No spoilers**
I’ll start with the best first. I have read literary hundreds of “creature” books, I’ve probably read 10x more zombie books over monster/creature as well as tons of apocalyptic novels. I am an avid and fast reader.
This is a super unique concept! I have really enjoyed picturing these monsters and I really like the slower descent this book takes into the end of times. I love the new take on a very often done subject, the monsters/creatures/zombies, whatever you feel they are most like to you, are super creative! That in itself is what pulled me in.
I really enjoyed the first chapter with the different characters perspective being in the thick of the beginning of everything going to sh*t. I really liked reading from the perspective when they “turned”. That perspective definitely set up the book well, made understanding everything much easier, and left the reader with suspense of what’s to come while our main characters prepared. I liked that it wasn’t instantaneously effecting the main characters yet we still had an idea of what was coming. The “before” and the preparation is always some of my favorite parts.
That being said, the writing isn’t that great. The story is interesting enough I kept reading this one and I will still read the next one. However, I don’t like when these books get surer unrealistic on the survival aspects and in such tense situations. Every situation and scenario is just written over so fast, there are no deep feelings or thoughts portrayed from any character. The author doesn’t even spend time much time on the big plot points he writes. The characters have no real character arc.
Reading this, it is almost reminiscent of listening to someone telling a story saying “first they did this and then this next thing happened and then this person died and then they were sad so they went here and there. After that they did this next thing. Then they pulled off this amazing stunt that no one else would, over and over and over”.
The writing itself, in addition with the sheer unrealistic feats the “trio” pull off and lack of any real character connection doesn’t make this a great book by any means. The main characters also made some dumb choices and had no real direction which doesn’t at all go with what they were able to accomplish and survive throughout this book.
It’s a very easy read but I wish I was able to connect with any of the characters more. I felt like it started well but went down hill the more I read, the situations felt very rushed through, like you’re reading a summary of what is a great book but because you don’t have the time to actually read it, you got the cliff note version instead.
I will give the next one a chance! Hopefully it gets better!
Giving a “A” for creativity
Giving an “D” for writing
**No spoilers**
I’ll start with the best first. I have read literary hundreds of “creature” books, I’ve probably read 10x more zombie books over monster/creature as well as tons of apocalyptic novels. I am an avid and fast reader.
This is a super unique concept! I have really enjoyed picturing these monsters and I really like the slower descent this book takes into the end of times. I love the new take on a very often done subject, the monsters/creatures/zombies, whatever you feel they are most like to you, are super creative! That in itself is what pulled me in.
I really enjoyed the first chapter with the different characters perspective being in the thick of the beginning of everything going to sh*t. I really liked reading from the perspective when they “turned”. That perspective definitely set up the book well, made understanding everything much easier, and left the reader with suspense of what’s to come while our main characters prepared. I liked that it wasn’t instantaneously effecting the main characters yet we still had an idea of what was coming. The “before” and the preparation is always some of my favorite parts.
That being said, the writing isn’t that great. The story is interesting enough I kept reading this one and I will still read the next one. However, I don’t like when these books get surer unrealistic on the survival aspects and in such tense situations. Every situation and scenario is just written over so fast, there are no deep feelings or thoughts portrayed from any character. The author doesn’t even spend time much time on the big plot points he writes. The characters have no real character arc.
Reading this, it is almost reminiscent of listening to someone telling a story saying “first they did this and then this next thing happened and then this person died and then they were sad so they went here and there. After that they did this next thing. Then they pulled off this amazing stunt that no one else would, over and over and over”.
The writing itself, in addition with the sheer unrealistic feats the “trio” pull off and lack of any real character connection doesn’t make this a great book by any means. The main characters also made some dumb choices and had no real direction which doesn’t at all go with what they were able to accomplish and survive throughout this book.
It’s a very easy read but I wish I was able to connect with any of the characters more. I felt like it started well but went down hill the more I read, the situations felt very rushed through, like you’re reading a summary of what is a great book but because you don’t have the time to actually read it, you got the cliff note version instead.
I will give the next one a chance! Hopefully it gets better!
Giving a “A” for creativity
Giving an “D” for writing
March 15, 2022
Too long!
The story wasn't bad, but I really feel like it dragged on and on. I also was disappointed with the ending.
The story wasn't bad, but I really feel like it dragged on and on. I also was disappointed with the ending.
March 27, 2021
Loved the story behind of this book series. It's so different so I am on book 2 now. Great writing and imagination.
May 31, 2021
This novel was pretty darn good.
The zombie genre has been ravaged by self publishing alt-right doomsday fetishist. As such I always approach novels such as this with trepidation. With Crawlerz my fears were not necessary. R.S Merit writes with no political undertones or deep seated prejudices (right or left) instead he provides the reader with a suspenseful story and likable characters. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next with the Russels.
The zombie genre has been ravaged by self publishing alt-right doomsday fetishist. As such I always approach novels such as this with trepidation. With Crawlerz my fears were not necessary. R.S Merit writes with no political undertones or deep seated prejudices (right or left) instead he provides the reader with a suspenseful story and likable characters. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next with the Russels.
March 3, 2021
For a zombie/not zombie apocalyptical book it was well written and I liked the story. I am looking forward to see what will happen in the second book which I was was available in audio but is not. The fortitude of the 3 adopted children of Burt and Katie is great. I cannot see anyway for the world to continue on unless they find a way to destroy not only the new Crawlerz but more importantly the ancient ones that brought the ruin to our world.
I like the slightly different take on apocalyptical books where the main characters were not preppers but are still surviving. I recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre.
I like the slightly different take on apocalyptical books where the main characters were not preppers but are still surviving. I recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre.
June 7, 2021
R S Merritt surpasses the zombie genre and its awesome
- Very well written, strong plot line
- Shit.comes out of nowhere, I.was not expecting a lot of this
- I took a break from zombie books due to they're similarities, found this and it was a welcome relief. I really look forward to the next book
- This book is heartily recommended by FullMetalSquid
- Very well written, strong plot line
- Shit.comes out of nowhere, I.was not expecting a lot of this
- I took a break from zombie books due to they're similarities, found this and it was a welcome relief. I really look forward to the next book
- This book is heartily recommended by FullMetalSquid
June 9, 2021
Great story line
Unexpected turns from beginning to end. Can’t wait to start on Book two. Well worth the read my friends !
Unexpected turns from beginning to end. Can’t wait to start on Book two. Well worth the read my friends !
January 31, 2023
Wow, this story kept me hooked from page 1.
I was so emotionally invested and couldn’t bear to think what might happen to Yue, Drew or LeBron.
We follow they family as an outbreak unleashed from the Pyramids of Ancient Egypt wipes out the modern world.
The trio of siblings continue to beat the huge odds against them and survive being attacked by monsters and other humans.
Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger, and I wanted to read the second book to see what happens. However, this series is actually huge, like 7 books in length so far; I definitely don’t have the patience to read about the same characters for that long 😵💫😬
I was so emotionally invested and couldn’t bear to think what might happen to Yue, Drew or LeBron.
We follow they family as an outbreak unleashed from the Pyramids of Ancient Egypt wipes out the modern world.
The trio of siblings continue to beat the huge odds against them and survive being attacked by monsters and other humans.
Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger, and I wanted to read the second book to see what happens. However, this series is actually huge, like 7 books in length so far; I definitely don’t have the patience to read about the same characters for that long 😵💫😬
September 20, 2021
Great start to the series! I like that its a little different from your regular zombie books. Completely love the origin of where the zombies started and the characters are fantastic. Completely rooting for the main characters and there's a lot of funny moments and jokes also a lot of serious moments so it's got a good mix of everything you want in a zompoc book including a lot of action!
November 28, 2020
Good first book
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. The author did a great job of fleshing out the story and I started to care about the characters towards the end. Will definitely read book 2, I’m interested to see where this will go.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. The author did a great job of fleshing out the story and I started to care about the characters towards the end. Will definitely read book 2, I’m interested to see where this will go.
December 4, 2021
Interesting story
I enjoyed it. The story was intense and the characters interesting. I will go on to read the next book in the series.
I enjoyed it. The story was intense and the characters interesting. I will go on to read the next book in the series.
January 16, 2022
An ancient tomb is opened on live TV. An infection turns into a pandemic. The infection is turning people into fast moving Zombies. Good Zombie book, very different.
July 1, 2023
Holy Cow
This is an awesome, keep you on the edge of your seat. New slate on zombies. Really well written with great characters.
This is an awesome, keep you on the edge of your seat. New slate on zombies. Really well written with great characters.
July 19, 2024
Zombie film lover 🤝 book series about zombies. I loved this, never knew a book could give me heart palpitations!
August 11, 2021
Third time wasn't a charm. This was the third time in a row I had major trouble connecting with the characters in a book.
Good concept, average execution.
Good concept, average execution.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews