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Strain of Resistance #1
Strain of Resistance
I was twelve years old when the world ended.
For eight years I’ve survived this hellhole of a planet, fighting the parasites that mutated most of earth’s population into blood-thirsty freaks, while the rest of us became the lunch special on their human-filled menu. And that’s only one of our problems as we try to survive everyday life in this new reality.
Enough food and water? If we’re lucky.
Leaving the safety of our high walls? Only if we want to face the vicious cannibals and leeches haunting the streets searching for prey.
Living any sort of normalcy? Yeah, right.
If it wasn’t for my fellow hunters and Luke, I would have given up long ago. Luke. My friend. My leader. My rock. The man whose arms held me as my world shattered when the invaders took everything I had left. And he wants more. More time. More... commitment. But these walls I’ve built up are the only thing keeping me together. If I let him in, if I let myself love him, it’ll only hurt worse when the inevitable happens.
Because in our world, no one is safe, since the only end to this suffering is death. And our war is just beginning.
They’ve already stolen so much from me. It’s time for things to change.
My name is Bixby and I’m the resistance.
Mature themes and explicit language. 17+ Rating.
For eight years I’ve survived this hellhole of a planet, fighting the parasites that mutated most of earth’s population into blood-thirsty freaks, while the rest of us became the lunch special on their human-filled menu. And that’s only one of our problems as we try to survive everyday life in this new reality.
Enough food and water? If we’re lucky.
Leaving the safety of our high walls? Only if we want to face the vicious cannibals and leeches haunting the streets searching for prey.
Living any sort of normalcy? Yeah, right.
If it wasn’t for my fellow hunters and Luke, I would have given up long ago. Luke. My friend. My leader. My rock. The man whose arms held me as my world shattered when the invaders took everything I had left. And he wants more. More time. More... commitment. But these walls I’ve built up are the only thing keeping me together. If I let him in, if I let myself love him, it’ll only hurt worse when the inevitable happens.
Because in our world, no one is safe, since the only end to this suffering is death. And our war is just beginning.
They’ve already stolen so much from me. It’s time for things to change.
My name is Bixby and I’m the resistance.
Mature themes and explicit language. 17+ Rating.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 6, 2018
An exciting, intoxicating story bursting with adventure and daring thrills, Strain of Resistance is a sci-fi survival heavy tale with a brutal opening, that brings together gore, despair, hope and life, melding them all into a new and exciting story bursting with energy.
When I started this book I expected it to deliver the normal virus/end of the world events a lot of these books offer. But I'm happy to say that this was a refreshingly different take on the genre.
The start was brutal and gave such a good description of the 'monsters' that I could (unfortunately) picture them perfectly in my head. There were a few gory scenes, that put me right off my dinner, but they helped set the scene really well.
And (for a change), you won't find a romance heavy story here; in fact, there is very little romance in the whole book. Instead, you get a very well written tale about people trying to survive in a hopeless world full of disgusting alien things.
This was packed with action and my fingers are crossed there's more coming after that ending.
July 18, 2016
Post-apocalyptic and zombie books are a dime a dozen these days, and I'm always hesitant to pick them up in fear of the story being something that's already been done before. Most times, that's certainly the case, but I managed to strike gold with Strain of Resistance. Author Michelle Bryan managed to take themes and ideas that have been used before and impart her own ideas and loads of creativity, really giving a fresh new spin on those ideas and making them feel brand new.
Her idea of the apocalypse, while oftentimes gruesome and bleak, didn't have the typical feeling of hopelessness and desperation. Her characters managed to take away most of the bleakness, infusing the story with both humor and heart. Don't get me wrong - these are desperate times in Strain of Resistance, but there's a little bit of hope left in this dark world. That, along with the catalyst that brought about the apocalypse, were such original elements and that's what really made this story stand out for me.
Any time I think of post-apocalyptic world-building, I always want to call it "world-destroying" because really, that's what the authors are doing: tearing apart the world as we know it and making it as bleak as possible. Bryan did a phenomenal job with that as well, and inserted just the right amount of necessary gore and violence to top it all off with. The infected (or the monsters, or zombies. Take your pick), were pretty much the requisite kind of undead, but the way they actually became that way was quite interesting.
Bottom line - Strain of Resistance gave me hope that maybe, finally, the old ideas and themes for post-apocalyptic stories are breaking away from the same old song and dance, that maybe now authors will start infusing their own ideas instead of recycling old ones. Such was the case for this book, and I'm eager to read the sequel, whenever that may be.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4. There were quite a number of editing errors and improper word usage, but the story was so good that I rounded up. Recommended for fans of the genre who want a fresh spin on the apocalypse, you'll certainly get it with this book.
*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Her idea of the apocalypse, while oftentimes gruesome and bleak, didn't have the typical feeling of hopelessness and desperation. Her characters managed to take away most of the bleakness, infusing the story with both humor and heart. Don't get me wrong - these are desperate times in Strain of Resistance, but there's a little bit of hope left in this dark world. That, along with the catalyst that brought about the apocalypse, were such original elements and that's what really made this story stand out for me.
Any time I think of post-apocalyptic world-building, I always want to call it "world-destroying" because really, that's what the authors are doing: tearing apart the world as we know it and making it as bleak as possible. Bryan did a phenomenal job with that as well, and inserted just the right amount of necessary gore and violence to top it all off with. The infected (or the monsters, or zombies. Take your pick), were pretty much the requisite kind of undead, but the way they actually became that way was quite interesting.
Bottom line - Strain of Resistance gave me hope that maybe, finally, the old ideas and themes for post-apocalyptic stories are breaking away from the same old song and dance, that maybe now authors will start infusing their own ideas instead of recycling old ones. Such was the case for this book, and I'm eager to read the sequel, whenever that may be.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4. There were quite a number of editing errors and improper word usage, but the story was so good that I rounded up. Recommended for fans of the genre who want a fresh spin on the apocalypse, you'll certainly get it with this book.
*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 25, 2016
My God this woman can write! As to what I have to back up this bold assertion, try the opening lines of her book:
“I was twelve years old when the world ended.
Not by any nuclear weapon, or asteroid strike, or series of natural disasters like so many doomsday soothsayers had prophesied. No, nothing so dramatic. In fact, it didn’t end with a bang at all. It ended with a whimper. A deceivingly harmless, crystalized mist had covered our world in a day, leaving total devastation in its wake. Maybe if we had known then what the mist had concealed, we would have taken more precaution. Maybe if we had any kind of advanced warning, more of us would have survived. Maybe.”
It’s hard to stand out from the heaps of apocalyptic sci-fi fare out there these days. I don’t know what that says about us as a people that such literature has become run of the mill. I can’t imagine anything good. Suffice to say you have to work extra hard to tease me to read one more of these things. If the author applied any effort to this end, she made it seem seamless by how easily I got lost in the story. Craft of writing was the least of it; craft alone will not sustain interest. The characters were painted so vividly, I either instantly loved them or hated them, but either way, they were suddenly a part of my life, as real as anyone actually living with me or whom I’ve known for years. The explosive tension in every scene was milked to the max, every emotional drop squeezed out. Most authors have cliff hangers at the end of their chapters; I felt like every line was a cliff-hanger for the next one. I may actually have to start reading more in this genre, or at least more by this author.
Sci-fi? Thriller? Horror? Each genre has very specific demands that have to be met, so to meet them all flawlessly is just about impossible, and yet the author did. In some ways, it was damn irritating reading this book. I ignored my exercise regimen, I ended up foregoing eating, I could feel my feet swelling because I was refusing to shift body position, consider perhaps sitting a while instead of standing at my computer (I was reading the book on the cloud). It’s not unfair to say I experienced some great discomfort reading this book having nothing to do with the story itself for inability to pull myself away; that’s something, for all the hyperbole, I can say about very few of even my favorite books. Maybe some of it wasn’t the author; it was just the amazement to find this genre could rise to this level.
More good news: The rest of the book lived up to the opening chapter. Often, writers, knowing full well that readers will decide whether or not to buy a book based on the free sample, will spend more time on their first few chapters than they will spend on anything else. And once you’ve dropped your dime, surprise, the rest of the book weighs in at 3 or 4 stars, not 5. I’ve been stung more than once that way. So I was delighted to find that for however long the author took to craft this book, she gave the same attention to detail to each part of the story.
Some of the more refreshing elements of this author’s take on the genre were the fact that in this world there is also compassion, love, and tenderness. The kind of things that give one the strength to push on but that are so often omitted from apocalyptic fare. When the captain pulls our heroine out of the clutches of seeing her family massacred before her, he’s the Ben Casey whose arms we all want to walk into after a tragedy, to store up their strength as if using them as a battery. The author has either truly suffered great tragedy herself or has researched the hell out of it. Because seeing what her heroine undergoes with abuse at home from the father, and the effects it has on her, how she endures the PTSD recovery symptoms after being subject to an alien attack—or perhaps the beast is just the result of some sick genetic cocktail cooked up in a human lab—you still don’t know at this point… you can’t fake this stuff. It was the emotional roller coaster our heroine goes through that lent horror and terror to the story but also authenticity to the writer’s voice.
The author’s deft handling of sexual material should make this book a hit with the new adult/college crowd and above. It’s not easy being both explicit and tasteful; I adore her style when it comes to handling this difficult subject matter. The group dynamics between the heroine and her fellow hunters who guard their compound against the beasts outside are punchy, vividly drawn, and a great source of additional conflict to the story beyond battling the alien creatures on the other side of the wall. We can’t always choose our friends, and so it turns out, we can’t always choose who we’re stuck in life and death survival games with. The group dynamics help to squeeze other surprising emotions out of this post-apocalyptic world, in both the characters and the reader, that lead to romance, dark humor, playfulness, even brief moments of true joy. The character arc between our heroine and her love interest starts off with no shortage of tension as he is able to express his love for her openly, but she’s too damaged emotionally to receive that love. It gives us something to look forward to in the rest of the story: will she or won’t she be able to mend herself enough to experience the full range of human emotions, or will this dead land continue to echo its lifelessness in the depths of her soul?
The world-building proceeds hand in hand with fast-paced action. We’re no sooner getting our bearings of the post-apocalyptic world our heroine and her cohorts have inherited than we find out one of the two surviving compounds within the city, the one at the St. Joseph hospital, is under attack. As if surviving day to day wasn’t rough enough, something is going on that’s managing to scare the most seasoned veteran, and the one with ice in his veins, which sends chills up our heroine’s back. And so it goes throughout the story, the author having a sixth sense for what should go where.
Even if you’re not a huge reader of this genre, you owe it to yourself to give this one a try.
“I was twelve years old when the world ended.
Not by any nuclear weapon, or asteroid strike, or series of natural disasters like so many doomsday soothsayers had prophesied. No, nothing so dramatic. In fact, it didn’t end with a bang at all. It ended with a whimper. A deceivingly harmless, crystalized mist had covered our world in a day, leaving total devastation in its wake. Maybe if we had known then what the mist had concealed, we would have taken more precaution. Maybe if we had any kind of advanced warning, more of us would have survived. Maybe.”
It’s hard to stand out from the heaps of apocalyptic sci-fi fare out there these days. I don’t know what that says about us as a people that such literature has become run of the mill. I can’t imagine anything good. Suffice to say you have to work extra hard to tease me to read one more of these things. If the author applied any effort to this end, she made it seem seamless by how easily I got lost in the story. Craft of writing was the least of it; craft alone will not sustain interest. The characters were painted so vividly, I either instantly loved them or hated them, but either way, they were suddenly a part of my life, as real as anyone actually living with me or whom I’ve known for years. The explosive tension in every scene was milked to the max, every emotional drop squeezed out. Most authors have cliff hangers at the end of their chapters; I felt like every line was a cliff-hanger for the next one. I may actually have to start reading more in this genre, or at least more by this author.
Sci-fi? Thriller? Horror? Each genre has very specific demands that have to be met, so to meet them all flawlessly is just about impossible, and yet the author did. In some ways, it was damn irritating reading this book. I ignored my exercise regimen, I ended up foregoing eating, I could feel my feet swelling because I was refusing to shift body position, consider perhaps sitting a while instead of standing at my computer (I was reading the book on the cloud). It’s not unfair to say I experienced some great discomfort reading this book having nothing to do with the story itself for inability to pull myself away; that’s something, for all the hyperbole, I can say about very few of even my favorite books. Maybe some of it wasn’t the author; it was just the amazement to find this genre could rise to this level.
More good news: The rest of the book lived up to the opening chapter. Often, writers, knowing full well that readers will decide whether or not to buy a book based on the free sample, will spend more time on their first few chapters than they will spend on anything else. And once you’ve dropped your dime, surprise, the rest of the book weighs in at 3 or 4 stars, not 5. I’ve been stung more than once that way. So I was delighted to find that for however long the author took to craft this book, she gave the same attention to detail to each part of the story.
Some of the more refreshing elements of this author’s take on the genre were the fact that in this world there is also compassion, love, and tenderness. The kind of things that give one the strength to push on but that are so often omitted from apocalyptic fare. When the captain pulls our heroine out of the clutches of seeing her family massacred before her, he’s the Ben Casey whose arms we all want to walk into after a tragedy, to store up their strength as if using them as a battery. The author has either truly suffered great tragedy herself or has researched the hell out of it. Because seeing what her heroine undergoes with abuse at home from the father, and the effects it has on her, how she endures the PTSD recovery symptoms after being subject to an alien attack—or perhaps the beast is just the result of some sick genetic cocktail cooked up in a human lab—you still don’t know at this point… you can’t fake this stuff. It was the emotional roller coaster our heroine goes through that lent horror and terror to the story but also authenticity to the writer’s voice.
The author’s deft handling of sexual material should make this book a hit with the new adult/college crowd and above. It’s not easy being both explicit and tasteful; I adore her style when it comes to handling this difficult subject matter. The group dynamics between the heroine and her fellow hunters who guard their compound against the beasts outside are punchy, vividly drawn, and a great source of additional conflict to the story beyond battling the alien creatures on the other side of the wall. We can’t always choose our friends, and so it turns out, we can’t always choose who we’re stuck in life and death survival games with. The group dynamics help to squeeze other surprising emotions out of this post-apocalyptic world, in both the characters and the reader, that lead to romance, dark humor, playfulness, even brief moments of true joy. The character arc between our heroine and her love interest starts off with no shortage of tension as he is able to express his love for her openly, but she’s too damaged emotionally to receive that love. It gives us something to look forward to in the rest of the story: will she or won’t she be able to mend herself enough to experience the full range of human emotions, or will this dead land continue to echo its lifelessness in the depths of her soul?
The world-building proceeds hand in hand with fast-paced action. We’re no sooner getting our bearings of the post-apocalyptic world our heroine and her cohorts have inherited than we find out one of the two surviving compounds within the city, the one at the St. Joseph hospital, is under attack. As if surviving day to day wasn’t rough enough, something is going on that’s managing to scare the most seasoned veteran, and the one with ice in his veins, which sends chills up our heroine’s back. And so it goes throughout the story, the author having a sixth sense for what should go where.
Even if you’re not a huge reader of this genre, you owe it to yourself to give this one a try.
May 13, 2025
Strain of Resistance was something that had a spectacular intro. Then it lulled into so much profanity that it actually started to detract from the story, and the pace rapidly slowed. I found myself losing interest. I wanted there to be more descriptions of the appearance of places and people. There were small details, but nothing that really made me feel like I was actually inside of the story
Luckily, I had gotten this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review, so I had to push through it. I am pleasantly happy that I did. Although there were definitely echoes of past alien and zombie stories in this book, it ties the two together in a new morph.
By the end, the book actually felt fairly short and ended with me wanting to read more. Many of my predictions were right, but it was still enjoyable. Scruff is definitely my favorite character, and I hope we see more of him. Once the action picks up, it takes you for a ride. It was nice to see more of Bixby's human side. 4 stars, and I can't wait to read book 2.
Luckily, I had gotten this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review, so I had to push through it. I am pleasantly happy that I did. Although there were definitely echoes of past alien and zombie stories in this book, it ties the two together in a new morph.
By the end, the book actually felt fairly short and ended with me wanting to read more. Many of my predictions were right, but it was still enjoyable. Scruff is definitely my favorite character, and I hope we see more of him. Once the action picks up, it takes you for a ride. It was nice to see more of Bixby's human side. 4 stars, and I can't wait to read book 2.
March 16, 2016
Oh my goodness, what a book! I'm a little sleep-deprived as I write this so forgive the ramblings. But I'm simply ‘wowed’ by the happenings in this book and wanted to write a review while my emotions were so raw..
Right away I was drawn into the story. Strain of Resistance begins with Bixby’s less than stellar home life but doesn't drone on and on. It jumps right into the alien invasion. And BAM, I was hooked.
Bixby’s character is charming and so sweet. Not really, she's a total badass, but I loved her all the same. I couldn't get enough of her wit. And refreshing. Yeah, so cool. But I also liked Luke...he turned out to be a nice surprise and balanced out Bixby’s character perfectly.
There's so much happening in the book that I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I will say the world building was fantastic because I imagined these creepy things attacking and my heart was literally racing as if they were coming after me personally.
And then that ending. Oh, my! Yeah, I definitely want more and cannot wait to see if another one will be coming out soon.
I definitely recommend this book. I loved loved loved it.
Right away I was drawn into the story. Strain of Resistance begins with Bixby’s less than stellar home life but doesn't drone on and on. It jumps right into the alien invasion. And BAM, I was hooked.
Bixby’s character is charming and so sweet. Not really, she's a total badass, but I loved her all the same. I couldn't get enough of her wit. And refreshing. Yeah, so cool. But I also liked Luke...he turned out to be a nice surprise and balanced out Bixby’s character perfectly.
There's so much happening in the book that I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I will say the world building was fantastic because I imagined these creepy things attacking and my heart was literally racing as if they were coming after me personally.
And then that ending. Oh, my! Yeah, I definitely want more and cannot wait to see if another one will be coming out soon.
I definitely recommend this book. I loved loved loved it.
July 23, 2016
Title: Strain of Resistance (Book One)
Author: Michelle Bryan
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016
Genre: NA Dystopia, NA Science Fiction
**I received a copy of this book free from the Author in exchange for an honest review**
This review can also be found at http://teacherofya.wordpress.com and http://teacherofya.blogspot.com
My Review:
Whoa. That was a crazy ride. Like, for real. I was expecting a little more YA, but that book is definitely a New Adult book. I guess it just took me by surprise.
The book centers around Emma Bixby, or just Bixby as she prefers to be called. She comes from an alcoholic father and an enabling mother. We are introduced to her at the age of 12, and one night a strange crystallized dust scatters over the town. Bixby is attacked by it but skipped over, and when she runs home, her father has killed her mother...but it's no longer her father. Some sort of alien-like worm protrudes from his mouth, and Bixby is forced to kill him. She is found days later by other survivors who are immune to the alien plague.
We see her again eight years later, now a complete badass. The cover image is supposed to be her: the tattoos disguise a face-long scar from the night when her dad attacked her. She cusses like a sailor and refuses to get close to anybody...because the last boy she loved disappeared on a run. She casually sleeps with Luke, but she runs from his declarations of love. She, along with so,w other survivors, live in an old hotel called the Grand, and she fights what they call "the leeches" to protect themselves. Other bands of people called Ravagers are cannibals that seek out fresh meat. The world has become a dangerous place.
One day they get a distress call from their fellow traders at St. Joseph's hospital. The first wave of people to go check out the situation don't come back. This forces Bixby and others to see what is going on: the radio message last said that there were monsters, not leeches or Ravagers. What they come up against is a new evolution of the infected...a new "strain" of alien AND human DNA. They can reason. And speak. And all they want is to feed off the survivors of the first wave of infection.
It's pretty creepy and scary. It would make one hell of a horror movie. I'm still a little shook up by it.
Is it Classroom-Appropriate?
Oh, hell no. There's so much swearing, and not just "shit." Full on "F-word" status here, along with some creative uses of other swear words. There's even an instance of a word that sounds like "wussy." I'll leave it up to that to convey the level of language. Then there's the sex. Not as explicit as an adult erotica novel, but one scene we get blow-by-blow coverage. Yeah...this book would never enter a classroom of mine. So I must say the NA tag on it is appropriate. Do not confuse this for YA like I did, and like some NA can be. This is strictly for adults.
Age Range:
Um....18 and up? I guess that's a little too conservative of me. Probably at least 16 and up. Not for the young ones. Be prepared when reading this: this is NOT YA. If you remember that, you should be good to go. I did not, so I was surprised suddenly by it all.
End Result:
I enjoyed it. It ends with a painful cliffhanger that leads you to want to know what's going to happen next, so I couldn't put this series down now if I tried. I don't see a release date on the next installment, so it's a waiting game. It was hard for me to rate this one. I wanted to keep reading it, but I was left with a lot of questions about the aliens and the rest of civilization. Maybe that will be addressed in book two...maybe not at all. Bixby's character was pretty interesting: she's devastated by a loss, so she refuses to get close again. A little bitchy for me. But apparently it's part of her harm in Luke's eyes. The amount of crap she dishes out to him, and he just takes it....well, it just boggles my mind. I'm going to go with 3.5/5. On Goodreads,chat means I'll have to round up and do four stars. So for star rating systems: ★★★★☆. For all other intents and purposes: ★★★ and a half.
I will say this for the book, though...stunning cover. Absolutely stunning.
Author: Michelle Bryan
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016
Genre: NA Dystopia, NA Science Fiction
**I received a copy of this book free from the Author in exchange for an honest review**
This review can also be found at http://teacherofya.wordpress.com and http://teacherofya.blogspot.com
My Review:
Whoa. That was a crazy ride. Like, for real. I was expecting a little more YA, but that book is definitely a New Adult book. I guess it just took me by surprise.
The book centers around Emma Bixby, or just Bixby as she prefers to be called. She comes from an alcoholic father and an enabling mother. We are introduced to her at the age of 12, and one night a strange crystallized dust scatters over the town. Bixby is attacked by it but skipped over, and when she runs home, her father has killed her mother...but it's no longer her father. Some sort of alien-like worm protrudes from his mouth, and Bixby is forced to kill him. She is found days later by other survivors who are immune to the alien plague.
We see her again eight years later, now a complete badass. The cover image is supposed to be her: the tattoos disguise a face-long scar from the night when her dad attacked her. She cusses like a sailor and refuses to get close to anybody...because the last boy she loved disappeared on a run. She casually sleeps with Luke, but she runs from his declarations of love. She, along with so,w other survivors, live in an old hotel called the Grand, and she fights what they call "the leeches" to protect themselves. Other bands of people called Ravagers are cannibals that seek out fresh meat. The world has become a dangerous place.
One day they get a distress call from their fellow traders at St. Joseph's hospital. The first wave of people to go check out the situation don't come back. This forces Bixby and others to see what is going on: the radio message last said that there were monsters, not leeches or Ravagers. What they come up against is a new evolution of the infected...a new "strain" of alien AND human DNA. They can reason. And speak. And all they want is to feed off the survivors of the first wave of infection.
It's pretty creepy and scary. It would make one hell of a horror movie. I'm still a little shook up by it.
Is it Classroom-Appropriate?
Oh, hell no. There's so much swearing, and not just "shit." Full on "F-word" status here, along with some creative uses of other swear words. There's even an instance of a word that sounds like "wussy." I'll leave it up to that to convey the level of language. Then there's the sex. Not as explicit as an adult erotica novel, but one scene we get blow-by-blow coverage. Yeah...this book would never enter a classroom of mine. So I must say the NA tag on it is appropriate. Do not confuse this for YA like I did, and like some NA can be. This is strictly for adults.
Age Range:
Um....18 and up? I guess that's a little too conservative of me. Probably at least 16 and up. Not for the young ones. Be prepared when reading this: this is NOT YA. If you remember that, you should be good to go. I did not, so I was surprised suddenly by it all.
End Result:
I enjoyed it. It ends with a painful cliffhanger that leads you to want to know what's going to happen next, so I couldn't put this series down now if I tried. I don't see a release date on the next installment, so it's a waiting game. It was hard for me to rate this one. I wanted to keep reading it, but I was left with a lot of questions about the aliens and the rest of civilization. Maybe that will be addressed in book two...maybe not at all. Bixby's character was pretty interesting: she's devastated by a loss, so she refuses to get close again. A little bitchy for me. But apparently it's part of her harm in Luke's eyes. The amount of crap she dishes out to him, and he just takes it....well, it just boggles my mind. I'm going to go with 3.5/5. On Goodreads,chat means I'll have to round up and do four stars. So for star rating systems: ★★★★☆. For all other intents and purposes: ★★★ and a half.
I will say this for the book, though...stunning cover. Absolutely stunning.
February 13, 2017
Finally, a book that has a solid story and action that isn't a monstrous tome or a crock of buttered shit. A friend who's into horror and gore recommended this and there were some sections that I couldn't get through without texting her, acknowledging the love she must have had reading it herself. The languaging (did I make that up?) flowed well and it was very easy to read (as I make the sentencing lauding that difficult to read). I think there was only one sentence that I had to reread thinking it should have been clearer. I'm coming off the Red Rising trilogy which I found distractingly clunky at times. In fact, I hadn't planned to read this next but after the first few pages, I was hooked. Character development was thankfully on the light side, a relief for me as too many books get bogged down in that unnecessarily. (When I say character development, what I really mean is that endless, repetitive internal dialogue.) And there weren't so many players or weird names that I had to take notes to keep track. I like to have visuals for my characters and for Cookie, I instantly pictured Gloria from Orange is the New Black and it worked perfectly. I didn't know whether Kelly was male or female until 74% so my head-picture was blank (not that he/she is an important character, but it's my name so it had my attention).
I didn't realize it was a series and thought I was reading a stand-alone and I was getting very anxious when I was at 97%, 98%, 99%, until the very end . . . Now I'm mad at my friend who knows I don't start series until they're complete because I can't stand the wait. And I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE GURGLING SOUND IS!
I didn't realize it was a series and thought I was reading a stand-alone and I was getting very anxious when I was at 97%, 98%, 99%, until the very end . . . Now I'm mad at my friend who knows I don't start series until they're complete because I can't stand the wait. And I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE GURGLING SOUND IS!
April 8, 2018
In a genre that is flooded with tons of books, it's wonderfully refreshing to find one that is unique!
Bixby is orphaned at the age of 12 when the world as we know it comes to an end. Are the people becoming zombies or victims of an alien race of parasites? Whatever is happening, it ain't good!
Bixby is rescued by a group of survivors and she becomes part of the resistance, tasked with killing the "leeches" that are threatening our world. I love the character of Bixby....foul-mouthed, irreverent but with a good heart.
She is still mourning the disappearance of her boyfriend, Sam, but has a new man in her life. Luke truly cares for her, but she won't let him in. In her heart, she thinks Sam is dead, but a small part of her expects to find him somewhere.
The book has plenty of action, plenty of snark and plenty of pathos. Just the right blend for a post-apocalyptic book. The characters are well-developed, there are plenty of low-lifes out for their own agenda and a touch of romance.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable book. I look forward to continuing this series!
Bixby is orphaned at the age of 12 when the world as we know it comes to an end. Are the people becoming zombies or victims of an alien race of parasites? Whatever is happening, it ain't good!
Bixby is rescued by a group of survivors and she becomes part of the resistance, tasked with killing the "leeches" that are threatening our world. I love the character of Bixby....foul-mouthed, irreverent but with a good heart.
She is still mourning the disappearance of her boyfriend, Sam, but has a new man in her life. Luke truly cares for her, but she won't let him in. In her heart, she thinks Sam is dead, but a small part of her expects to find him somewhere.
The book has plenty of action, plenty of snark and plenty of pathos. Just the right blend for a post-apocalyptic book. The characters are well-developed, there are plenty of low-lifes out for their own agenda and a touch of romance.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable book. I look forward to continuing this series!
July 8, 2016
Bix was only twelve years old when the world as she knew it ended. Bix lived in an abusive home. She learned real quickly with the help of her mother when to “go play” because her father was in one of his moods. Bix’s mom took real good care of her and always tried to make sure Bix was out of the way or out of her father’s sight when he became a different person.
It was on one of these nights that Bix just happened to be in the park when the world ended. It was one of the places she went to hide out until her father passed out and she could safety return home. It was almost dark when she looked up and saw a mist was coming toward her. She didn’t have time to run away before it was upon her and it covered her mouth and nose cutting off her air way. She kept trying to draw in more air but it was not happening. Something was stopping the air from coming in. She was laying there thinking this is it I am going to die. But just as she was thinking that this is the end it was all over and she could breathe again.
She ran home to find her mother and to make sure she was ok. But when she got home she found that she had lost both of her parents that night. Bix was lucky in that she was soon rescued and was taken the Grand hotel along with other survivors.
Now eight years later Bix and her crew are fighting these alien monsters and trying to stay alive and keep all of the other survivors alive as well. Bix on one of the crews that goes out and scavenges for food and other things they may want or need. They go out in the daytime hopefully they won’t run into the leeches, the alien/human monsters. The alien/humans usually only come out at night and you don’t want to be around when they come out. No way no how. They are fast and they are mean. They are at the top of the food chain now.
There is another group of survivors across town at St. Joseph’s hospital. Bix and her group trade with the people the hospital for supplies and meds on occasion. So when they hear that they are under attack Bix and her crew is sent out to help them. But when they arrive they run into another mutation of the alien/human and they are way badder than the monsters that took over the world eight years ago. Can they survive this new stain of monsters? Will they make it out alive? Will they ever see their home at the Grand again? Well I am not going to spoil it for you. You will just have to read the book for yourself to find out.
But I will say that I was hooked from page one. I didn’t want to put it down. Strain of Resistance was a very fast read. I loved Bix’s sense of humor and all the witty comebacks that she was never in short supply of. I had to highlight a few of them and share them with my husband so we both could have a good laugh. Bix was one tough chic, I don’t think she was ever left speechless. I would very much love to see the Strain of Resistance on the big screen. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out what kind of monsters that Bix and her crew find themselves up against human or alien. I know it will be just as amazing.
It was on one of these nights that Bix just happened to be in the park when the world ended. It was one of the places she went to hide out until her father passed out and she could safety return home. It was almost dark when she looked up and saw a mist was coming toward her. She didn’t have time to run away before it was upon her and it covered her mouth and nose cutting off her air way. She kept trying to draw in more air but it was not happening. Something was stopping the air from coming in. She was laying there thinking this is it I am going to die. But just as she was thinking that this is the end it was all over and she could breathe again.
She ran home to find her mother and to make sure she was ok. But when she got home she found that she had lost both of her parents that night. Bix was lucky in that she was soon rescued and was taken the Grand hotel along with other survivors.
Now eight years later Bix and her crew are fighting these alien monsters and trying to stay alive and keep all of the other survivors alive as well. Bix on one of the crews that goes out and scavenges for food and other things they may want or need. They go out in the daytime hopefully they won’t run into the leeches, the alien/human monsters. The alien/humans usually only come out at night and you don’t want to be around when they come out. No way no how. They are fast and they are mean. They are at the top of the food chain now.
There is another group of survivors across town at St. Joseph’s hospital. Bix and her group trade with the people the hospital for supplies and meds on occasion. So when they hear that they are under attack Bix and her crew is sent out to help them. But when they arrive they run into another mutation of the alien/human and they are way badder than the monsters that took over the world eight years ago. Can they survive this new stain of monsters? Will they make it out alive? Will they ever see their home at the Grand again? Well I am not going to spoil it for you. You will just have to read the book for yourself to find out.
But I will say that I was hooked from page one. I didn’t want to put it down. Strain of Resistance was a very fast read. I loved Bix’s sense of humor and all the witty comebacks that she was never in short supply of. I had to highlight a few of them and share them with my husband so we both could have a good laugh. Bix was one tough chic, I don’t think she was ever left speechless. I would very much love to see the Strain of Resistance on the big screen. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out what kind of monsters that Bix and her crew find themselves up against human or alien. I know it will be just as amazing.
March 2, 2016
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Initial Reaction
This was a seriously awesome read!!!! Strain of Resistance by Michelle Bryan is the first in her new adult, sci-fi dystopian series and it is a MUST READ for fans of those genres. The author does a fantastic job of combining the elements and making a unique, snarky adventure that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I skipped meals and sleep because I just couldn’t sit it down!!! The book begins and ends on the same note of dread and suspense, leaving me begging for more! The story begins with a 12 year old Bixby, witnessing the beginning of the end. I love this line:
Bixby….Just Bixby
Bixby is one screwed-up chick. The first half of her life sucked. She had an abusive father and knew what monsters were before these worms took over. Now at 18, she’s with a group of survivors at the Grand Hotel, going out on hunts, looking for supplies, other survivors, and killing the infected. She’s got a hard shell, few emotions, and the mouth of a sailor. She makes no apologies for herself, she’s just surviving. But it’s quick to see that she’s grieving. The boy she loved didn’t come back and now she refuses to feel those emotions again. Why would she? Everyone leaves eventually.
In addition to Bixby, there’s the guys she runs with. Luke is their “unofficial” leader. He’s kind, just a year older than Bixby, and her lover. According to her, he’s a “gentle giant” and after reading the book, the description is perfect. He makes me swoon! Dom is the dick of the group (to put it nicely). He doesn’t like Bixby or her antics and doesn’t care who knows it. Gordon is the youngest and my favorite. He’s brave and brings a levity to the group, reminding them what it was like to be that age.
Surviving the Fight
In addition to Bixby being a kick-ass character, the story itself is amazing. Told entirely from Bixby’s POV, the story focuses on what it takes to survive. I love the world-building. It’s ominous and horrific! These alien beings that have taken over host bodies and are feeding on the survivors are something straight out of your worst nightmare. Then there’s the other survivors that they are fighting, the cannibals. *shudders* When a group goes missing, Bixby’s crew is sent to find them and what they find changes everything they thought they knew about this new world they live in.
But it isn’t all fighting and surviving. There’s a little time for some steamy romance as well. Luke loves Bixby, no question about it. Bixby runs at the mention of love though. Her heart just isn’t ready for it after her guy disappeared without so much as a trace. I like their relationship. The author does a great job of conveying not only the feelings Bixby has but Luke’s as well. Needless to say I rooted for him from his first entrance into the book.
Conclusion
Overall (if you haven’t guessed from my gushing), I loved this book! Bixby has just the right amount of snark to balance her kindness. And Luke *swoon* But really it’s the horrific world created by Michelle Bryan that sells this book. The worm things, the fight for survival, and the little band of survivors really got me. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read, look no further! I highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys new adult dystopians.
PSST….the author has a prequel novella out as well which is AMAZING and gives you a little insight into Bixby’s Sam. It can be read before or after the book without spoiling anything.
Initial Reaction
This was a seriously awesome read!!!! Strain of Resistance by Michelle Bryan is the first in her new adult, sci-fi dystopian series and it is a MUST READ for fans of those genres. The author does a fantastic job of combining the elements and making a unique, snarky adventure that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I skipped meals and sleep because I just couldn’t sit it down!!! The book begins and ends on the same note of dread and suspense, leaving me begging for more! The story begins with a 12 year old Bixby, witnessing the beginning of the end. I love this line:
It didn’t end with a bang at all. It ended with a whimper.Haunting, right?! It sets the tone for the entire book as a 12 year old Bixby witnesses the beginning of the end. A mysterious fog with crystals appears. The crystals are breathed in and infects a majority of the population with a parasite. This zombie-like being takes over the body and erupts through the mouth. Honestly, it’s horrific and I’m doing a poor job of describing it! These parasites feed on the ones not infected and the story of survival and fighting begins.
Bixby….Just Bixby
Bixby is one screwed-up chick. The first half of her life sucked. She had an abusive father and knew what monsters were before these worms took over. Now at 18, she’s with a group of survivors at the Grand Hotel, going out on hunts, looking for supplies, other survivors, and killing the infected. She’s got a hard shell, few emotions, and the mouth of a sailor. She makes no apologies for herself, she’s just surviving. But it’s quick to see that she’s grieving. The boy she loved didn’t come back and now she refuses to feel those emotions again. Why would she? Everyone leaves eventually.
In addition to Bixby, there’s the guys she runs with. Luke is their “unofficial” leader. He’s kind, just a year older than Bixby, and her lover. According to her, he’s a “gentle giant” and after reading the book, the description is perfect. He makes me swoon! Dom is the dick of the group (to put it nicely). He doesn’t like Bixby or her antics and doesn’t care who knows it. Gordon is the youngest and my favorite. He’s brave and brings a levity to the group, reminding them what it was like to be that age.
Surviving the Fight
In addition to Bixby being a kick-ass character, the story itself is amazing. Told entirely from Bixby’s POV, the story focuses on what it takes to survive. I love the world-building. It’s ominous and horrific! These alien beings that have taken over host bodies and are feeding on the survivors are something straight out of your worst nightmare. Then there’s the other survivors that they are fighting, the cannibals. *shudders* When a group goes missing, Bixby’s crew is sent to find them and what they find changes everything they thought they knew about this new world they live in.
But it isn’t all fighting and surviving. There’s a little time for some steamy romance as well. Luke loves Bixby, no question about it. Bixby runs at the mention of love though. Her heart just isn’t ready for it after her guy disappeared without so much as a trace. I like their relationship. The author does a great job of conveying not only the feelings Bixby has but Luke’s as well. Needless to say I rooted for him from his first entrance into the book.
Conclusion
Overall (if you haven’t guessed from my gushing), I loved this book! Bixby has just the right amount of snark to balance her kindness. And Luke *swoon* But really it’s the horrific world created by Michelle Bryan that sells this book. The worm things, the fight for survival, and the little band of survivors really got me. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read, look no further! I highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys new adult dystopians.
PSST….the author has a prequel novella out as well which is AMAZING and gives you a little insight into Bixby’s Sam. It can be read before or after the book without spoiling anything.
June 12, 2016
Strain of Resistance is a cool post-apocalyptic story, full of action and creepy creatures, kick-ass heroes, all with a side of romance. Eight years after an alien invasion, Bixby is just trying to survive. Still receovering from the loss of the love of her life, she finds refuge in Luke's arms, and killing the leeches that destroyed her world. When the creatures evolve, she sets out with a group of survivors to stop the aliens before they can wipe out the rest of humanity.
I sailed through this book in a matter of hours. The plot and world building were great, the action non-stop, and the creatures bone-chilling. Bixby is a tough young woman whose struggles throughout the book are something we can all easily relate to, and her need to seem tough understandable in the midst of danger. Luke was the perfect contrast to her fiery temper, and the perfect hero to balance out the book.
There was so much to like about this novel, but the lack of editing almost made me miss it. While the occasional editing error is understandable, it was evident from the first page that the author hadn't hired an editor. Constant shifting from present to past tense, misplaced or missing commas, and illogical sentence structures almost made me quit reading. Fortunately, the story held my attention enough to keep me turning the page, because this was a phenomenal story. Had an editor berm hired, this would easily be a five star read for me, but the fact that I constantly found myself editing as I read really took away from the story. Fortunately, it got better the further into the book I got. Whether it was the fact that I was sucked into the story, or the second half was given more attention, I'm not sure. I just know I loved this novel.
Verdict: If you're a grammar snob, try to power through the lack of editing for this one. There are very few books I will say that about, but this is one. Fingers crossed the author decides to get an editor for book two. And that it comes soon!!
***I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I sailed through this book in a matter of hours. The plot and world building were great, the action non-stop, and the creatures bone-chilling. Bixby is a tough young woman whose struggles throughout the book are something we can all easily relate to, and her need to seem tough understandable in the midst of danger. Luke was the perfect contrast to her fiery temper, and the perfect hero to balance out the book.
There was so much to like about this novel, but the lack of editing almost made me miss it. While the occasional editing error is understandable, it was evident from the first page that the author hadn't hired an editor. Constant shifting from present to past tense, misplaced or missing commas, and illogical sentence structures almost made me quit reading. Fortunately, the story held my attention enough to keep me turning the page, because this was a phenomenal story. Had an editor berm hired, this would easily be a five star read for me, but the fact that I constantly found myself editing as I read really took away from the story. Fortunately, it got better the further into the book I got. Whether it was the fact that I was sucked into the story, or the second half was given more attention, I'm not sure. I just know I loved this novel.
Verdict: If you're a grammar snob, try to power through the lack of editing for this one. There are very few books I will say that about, but this is one. Fingers crossed the author decides to get an editor for book two. And that it comes soon!!
***I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2016
A refreshing twist on the post-apocalypse tale full of delightful snark
The cover really drew me in at first glace. I so want stars tattoos on my face just like Bixby’s. (Preferably the kind that washes off because I’m way too old to get away with that for more than a day.)
I really enjoyed Michelle Bryan’s first series, New Bloods, but I have to say she’s really grown as an author in this new series. She gets better and better with each book and I really can’t wait for the next Strain of Resistance book!
I loved the main character, Bixby! She’s had a hard life and she’s tough—almost to the point that I really didn’t care for her at first. But she also has a softer side, which you get little glimpses of here and there. Her hard façade has a few cracks in it and I think she’ll show some tremendous growth throughout the series.
The storyline seems familiar in a lot of little ways, like I’ve seen it before, but the author definitely gives it her own unique and creative twist. The characters are what really make the story work. Bixby and Luke are great together and I love their flirtatious banter, but at the same time their romance doesn’t eclipse the story, it’s just part of it. The snarky interaction among all the characters, and the fast paced action scenes were my favorite things about the book.
The story came to an exciting and satisfying ending that leaves me wanting more, but most of my questions were answered in this book so I’m excited to see where Bixby’s story will go next.
Great read for anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi or post-apocalypse story (with a side of romance)
The cover really drew me in at first glace. I so want stars tattoos on my face just like Bixby’s. (Preferably the kind that washes off because I’m way too old to get away with that for more than a day.)
I really enjoyed Michelle Bryan’s first series, New Bloods, but I have to say she’s really grown as an author in this new series. She gets better and better with each book and I really can’t wait for the next Strain of Resistance book!
I loved the main character, Bixby! She’s had a hard life and she’s tough—almost to the point that I really didn’t care for her at first. But she also has a softer side, which you get little glimpses of here and there. Her hard façade has a few cracks in it and I think she’ll show some tremendous growth throughout the series.
The storyline seems familiar in a lot of little ways, like I’ve seen it before, but the author definitely gives it her own unique and creative twist. The characters are what really make the story work. Bixby and Luke are great together and I love their flirtatious banter, but at the same time their romance doesn’t eclipse the story, it’s just part of it. The snarky interaction among all the characters, and the fast paced action scenes were my favorite things about the book.
The story came to an exciting and satisfying ending that leaves me wanting more, but most of my questions were answered in this book so I’m excited to see where Bixby’s story will go next.
Great read for anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi or post-apocalypse story (with a side of romance)
March 23, 2016
It's one thing to grow up in a devastated world. It's another to be a child and watch it happen.
Emma Bixby is a child of eleven when her already-broken home is shattered by the appearance of a menacing mist that covers the Earth, bringing with it an invasion force of leeches that use many human beings for hosts and slaughter the rest. Bixby is saved just in time.
Fast forward to eight years later. Bix has set up residence in a disused hotel with a community of other survivors. She has become a full-fledged warrior, hiding her vulnerability and the loss of a previous love with a mask of toughness. And a LOT of swear words.
A mission into an unexplored part of the city reveals that not only are the leeches still present, but they are mutating into a more intelligent form of themselves, and it is up to Bix and their small band to destroy their "hatchery" before an unstoppable force is unleashed.
Just as much as her "New Bloods" books, I enjoyed the easy, flowing style of Ms. Bryan's writing. I was immediately pulled into this broken, scary world, and I didn't want to stop reading until I'd finished. She populates her stories with many colorful and well-developed characters, tense moments and action, which is pretty much what you need in a dystopian novel.
I would highly recommend this book - or any from Ms. Bryan's library!
Emma Bixby is a child of eleven when her already-broken home is shattered by the appearance of a menacing mist that covers the Earth, bringing with it an invasion force of leeches that use many human beings for hosts and slaughter the rest. Bixby is saved just in time.
Fast forward to eight years later. Bix has set up residence in a disused hotel with a community of other survivors. She has become a full-fledged warrior, hiding her vulnerability and the loss of a previous love with a mask of toughness. And a LOT of swear words.
A mission into an unexplored part of the city reveals that not only are the leeches still present, but they are mutating into a more intelligent form of themselves, and it is up to Bix and their small band to destroy their "hatchery" before an unstoppable force is unleashed.
Just as much as her "New Bloods" books, I enjoyed the easy, flowing style of Ms. Bryan's writing. I was immediately pulled into this broken, scary world, and I didn't want to stop reading until I'd finished. She populates her stories with many colorful and well-developed characters, tense moments and action, which is pretty much what you need in a dystopian novel.
I would highly recommend this book - or any from Ms. Bryan's library!
March 3, 2016
Here we have a book that's topic would normally be put into the YA category. It's dystopian, but with more of an adult spin. I absolutely loved that. I mean, come on, if the world was really going to hell - being destroyed and all that - people would talk and act in a way that was less than clean. I understand why most dystopian stories need to stay pg-13 in regards to language and violence. It's a know your audience type of thing. But, Michelle Bryan has taken the older part of that audience with her into a new realm of what's allow. Genre rules are a bitch. She breaks them.
Bixby, our bad-ass heroine, is crass and violent. She was a kid when her life was ripped away by the parasite that wiped out most of the population. Now she lives in a community of survivors. No longer innocent, she has seen her fair share. The man she loved was taken from her, leaving her with a major chip on her shoulder.
It's time to step up. The parasite is evolving. It's no longer okay just to sit back and protect your corner of the world. They have to go out there and figure out what these evil things are up to. It's more dangerous than any of them could have imagined. Not all of them will make it.
Bixby, our bad-ass heroine, is crass and violent. She was a kid when her life was ripped away by the parasite that wiped out most of the population. Now she lives in a community of survivors. No longer innocent, she has seen her fair share. The man she loved was taken from her, leaving her with a major chip on her shoulder.
It's time to step up. The parasite is evolving. It's no longer okay just to sit back and protect your corner of the world. They have to go out there and figure out what these evil things are up to. It's more dangerous than any of them could have imagined. Not all of them will make it.
March 23, 2016
Strain of Resistance takes a flooded genre and puts an original spin on it. Leeches, as they’re called in the book, take on quite a few similarities to zombies. They aren’t the undead like zombies, but have alien hosts take over their body who have a thirst for flesh.
There are small groups of survivors who seem immune to the parasite that have been living in this post-apocalyptic world for eight years.
We follow one of these groups as they struggle for survival in a dog-eat-dog world… Not only do they have to fight the leeches but other groups with more sinister morals. Everyone’s out for themselves.
Except our foul mouthed heroine, Bixby. I LOOOOOVED HER. She’d give me a run for my money in snark and F-bomb dropping. Even though she has a tough exterior, she seems to have no regard for herself when someone’s in trouble—doing anything she can to help others in need.
Even though it’s a pretty gory tale, I found the actions of some of the remaining humans more disgusting than the leeches. Realistic? Yes. But it was still hard to stomach.
There are small groups of survivors who seem immune to the parasite that have been living in this post-apocalyptic world for eight years.
We follow one of these groups as they struggle for survival in a dog-eat-dog world… Not only do they have to fight the leeches but other groups with more sinister morals. Everyone’s out for themselves.
Except our foul mouthed heroine, Bixby. I LOOOOOVED HER. She’d give me a run for my money in snark and F-bomb dropping. Even though she has a tough exterior, she seems to have no regard for herself when someone’s in trouble—doing anything she can to help others in need.
Even though it’s a pretty gory tale, I found the actions of some of the remaining humans more disgusting than the leeches. Realistic? Yes. But it was still hard to stomach.
March 10, 2016
Strain of Resistance is an excellent novel full of lots of action and great character building. The title applies to two different situations in the book: The new strain of monster which has appeared in this scary world as well as the strains inflicted mentally and physically while resisting the monsters and resisting the pain of lost loved ones. There is plenty of action throughout the book and the story moves at a fast pace. The monsters in the book are a unique combination of zombies and aliens and are legitimately scary. They remain imbedded in my brain. The characters are very well created and all have their flaws. Thankfully none are killing machines. It is always great to have Everyman characters you can root for. The ending is well done and I definitely look forward to future stories. I am very glad I read this great story and I highly recommend it.
July 26, 2016
**I received this book from the author for exchange of an honest review**
Okay, so I normally update my progress for books, but this one I read so quickly. I haven't read a Dystopian book in a long time. It was strange, but I really enjoyed it. I also liked that this book went quickly, and explained things thoroughly in smaller paragraphs other than those long ass paragraphs. Sometimes, I thought I was reading a YA book, but whenever it got to YA the characters brought me back to the NA genre.
This was also my first alien/zombie book, and I was thrilled to notice that there was details to the characters. They weren't just people taken over by an alien host, but almost humanized. This just made the read more realistic.
Over all this book was a good read, and I'm excited that I got to read such an interesting novel.
Okay, so I normally update my progress for books, but this one I read so quickly. I haven't read a Dystopian book in a long time. It was strange, but I really enjoyed it. I also liked that this book went quickly, and explained things thoroughly in smaller paragraphs other than those long ass paragraphs. Sometimes, I thought I was reading a YA book, but whenever it got to YA the characters brought me back to the NA genre.
This was also my first alien/zombie book, and I was thrilled to notice that there was details to the characters. They weren't just people taken over by an alien host, but almost humanized. This just made the read more realistic.
Over all this book was a good read, and I'm excited that I got to read such an interesting novel.
March 1, 2021
This book had me from the first sentence. “I was 12 years old when the world ended.” Might be the best opening line of a book ever! From then on we are taken on a wild ride into the new world with Bixby, Luke and co. I loved every word, felt like I lived through each moment with these characters. An absolute stand out in this genre, you will not be disappointed. My only caution if you are a parent screen the book before letting your teen read, it can be a bit graphic at times. Otherwise fantastic read, get your copy today.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
June 21, 2018
Strain of Resistance was such a fun read. There is a lot of action and I don’t even know how many times I laughed out loud. I couldn’t put it down and flew through it in a day.
June 11, 2016
Excellent. Funny, heart-warming, sexy, with plenty of action. The cover haunted me until I read it.
Read
August 28, 20163.5/5.0
Read full review in the 2016 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 22, 2017
Bix was 12 when the world as she knew it ended! Her mother sent her "to play" because her father was in one of his "moods". He was abusive and her mother did all she could to shield Bixby, so that day, Bix went to the park. While there something strange happened, a mist started creeping in. This mist made it impossible to breathe, and Bixby thought that this was the end, but she eventually was able to breathe again. When she got up, she saw a homeless man becoming..... something. Running home, she realised both her parents were dead. Devastated, she had no idea what to do, but someone came to her rescue and now 8 years later, Bix is still with the group and still fighting to survive.
This was a solid 5 star read, even though one thing really, really annoyed me with it!! Usually when a book has something annoying in it, it loses a star right away, but this was too good to lose one!! I loved everything about it except the part with Sam. I feel like I missed a book because something obviously happened and I don't know what!!! Apart from the feeling of missing a big part of Bixbys life, this book was amazing.
Bixby was a kick ass character. Gosh, she didn't take any s**t from anyone!!! She has a heart of gold but only a very few people see it. She isn't afraid to do what's needed and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. She was awesome even when she was obnoxious!! The author wrote her in such a way where you can see how and why she is the way she is, though the bit with Sam would make me understand her more I think ;) Anyway, every character is extremely well written and developed and memorable, which is important.
I also loved the plot of this!! How the mist came about is believable, the way it changes the people is well developed and also the way they are advancing and adapting was well done!! It's so refreshing to have a new and unique post apoc book filled with strong female characters. I applaud the author for this and am really looking forward to more from her!!!
In all, this was an action packed, edge of your seat, scary read. I flew through it and actually jumped a few times while listening. It's bleak and gruesome at parts, but it was captivating and amazing. I also have to applaud the author for the fact that the female lead isn't in a love triangle, nor is she reliant on a man!! She sleeps with one of the group and while she has feelings for him, it's not a major part of the story. Bix is well able to handle herself and I loved that!! Brilliantly written and perfectly executed, this is a must read!!!
Marnye Young was also amazing. The level of emotion she showed during scenes really made the performance pop. She gave her all and it showed. She also had plenty of tones and voices for the different characters and gave each of them their own personalities.
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
This was a solid 5 star read, even though one thing really, really annoyed me with it!! Usually when a book has something annoying in it, it loses a star right away, but this was too good to lose one!! I loved everything about it except the part with Sam. I feel like I missed a book because something obviously happened and I don't know what!!! Apart from the feeling of missing a big part of Bixbys life, this book was amazing.
Bixby was a kick ass character. Gosh, she didn't take any s**t from anyone!!! She has a heart of gold but only a very few people see it. She isn't afraid to do what's needed and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. She was awesome even when she was obnoxious!! The author wrote her in such a way where you can see how and why she is the way she is, though the bit with Sam would make me understand her more I think ;) Anyway, every character is extremely well written and developed and memorable, which is important.
I also loved the plot of this!! How the mist came about is believable, the way it changes the people is well developed and also the way they are advancing and adapting was well done!! It's so refreshing to have a new and unique post apoc book filled with strong female characters. I applaud the author for this and am really looking forward to more from her!!!
In all, this was an action packed, edge of your seat, scary read. I flew through it and actually jumped a few times while listening. It's bleak and gruesome at parts, but it was captivating and amazing. I also have to applaud the author for the fact that the female lead isn't in a love triangle, nor is she reliant on a man!! She sleeps with one of the group and while she has feelings for him, it's not a major part of the story. Bix is well able to handle herself and I loved that!! Brilliantly written and perfectly executed, this is a must read!!!
Marnye Young was also amazing. The level of emotion she showed during scenes really made the performance pop. She gave her all and it showed. She also had plenty of tones and voices for the different characters and gave each of them their own personalities.
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
February 14, 2017
Gritty, gorey, and bleak, with touches of dark humor, biting sarcasm, and the indomitable spark of hope and fortitude that makes up the human spirit. I loved the h, with her walls and wounds and flaws. The secondary characters were interesting, and the world-building was really good. The creatures were terrifying, as were the groups humans that turned to violence and cannibalism. The twist at the end was something that I called pretty damn early on, but it was set up in a way that has me chomping at the bit to read the next installment. My only two complaints are about the format editing and the length. I think this book was somewhere around the 150-page mark (and I would have LOVED for this to be a full-length novel), but it was impossible to tell because the damn thing jumped lines like it was starting a new paragraph ALL THE TIME. Like, halfway through a sentence, or after the completion of one thought, but before the paragraph or line of dialogue was actually complete. Seriously, it jumped/started a new "paragraph" basically every other line of text. It was obnoxious. I can only hope that this next book doesn't have that issue. Really great read, otherwise!
March 7, 2018
Aliens are embodied inside the humans they've killed. Survivors do their best to stay alive. The stor revolves around Bixby, the wise-mouthed heroine whose decision-making skills are questionable. Although she has an extremely high opinion of herself, her rash behavior gets her comrades into skirmishes with the aliens and other menacing groups that don't always end happily.
The story is fast-paced, one chapter flowing into the next. Other characters besides Bixby emerge and begin to take shape. The group lives inside an abandoned hotel but must venture out for food and other supplies. It's during those missions that trouble erupts.
Toss in some romance between Bixby and the group's most muscular male and you've got a dystopian story that works on several levels. Strain of Resistance is entertaining and worth the read.
The story is fast-paced, one chapter flowing into the next. Other characters besides Bixby emerge and begin to take shape. The group lives inside an abandoned hotel but must venture out for food and other supplies. It's during those missions that trouble erupts.
Toss in some romance between Bixby and the group's most muscular male and you've got a dystopian story that works on several levels. Strain of Resistance is entertaining and worth the read.
December 11, 2023
"Strain of Resistance" really managed to fascinate me... I love a good post-apocalyptic series, and I stumbled upon this one by accident, but I'm really glad I found it. This series has a fascinating take on the zombie apocalypse, with some sci fi vibes included in the origin of the disaster, and a badass fmc whose past is haunting her. After eight years, the remaining people thought they knew the new rules of the world they're living in. Until some unexpected discoveries throw all the rules overboard, with new threats looming for those who are still alive.
While this series has a romantic subplot, I believe the author has made the decision to put the apocalypse and how these characters are dealing with it first. I'm not sure how the romantic relationships will develop, and whether this will be MF, MFM or even (the horror!) a love triangle. But for once, I don't really care. I'm way too fascinated with the worldbuilding, the constant danger, the suspense and all the action that's happening in these people's lives. I'm definitely going to be checking out the rest of this series.
While this series has a romantic subplot, I believe the author has made the decision to put the apocalypse and how these characters are dealing with it first. I'm not sure how the romantic relationships will develop, and whether this will be MF, MFM or even (the horror!) a love triangle. But for once, I don't really care. I'm way too fascinated with the worldbuilding, the constant danger, the suspense and all the action that's happening in these people's lives. I'm definitely going to be checking out the rest of this series.
November 9, 2017
This is a unique book and that's one thing I love so much about it. Most horror and supernatural now days are all the same they don't have anything that makes them different, and this book is the exception to all that. I love how it has a zombie element to it but it's not zombies instead this book tells a story of these alien parasites that infect people. They are unimaginably intelligent and fast and it is definitely a type of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat for sure. Bixby is a girl in this book who has been through hell and back but that didn't stop her. The ending had me begging for more. Can't wait to read book 2.
November 26, 2017
This dystopian story is set 8 years after parasitic aliens arrived on Earth and infected the majority of the population, ever since it's been a fight for survival. And if the aliens aren't bad enough some of the surviving humans are preying on other humans, yep it's bad!
The whole concept behind the story is pretty horrific, but it's creative and really well written. The lead character Bixby is easy to relate to and I couldn't help but want to cheer her on. Just when I thought I'd been shown the worst of it something would happen to show there is more, it's very skillfully done and I really enjoyed the book.
The narration is good, the character voices were mostly well done, I occasionally had trouble telling who was speaking but most of the time it was clear. The pace and tone of the delivery were both good and it was easy to listen to.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The whole concept behind the story is pretty horrific, but it's creative and really well written. The lead character Bixby is easy to relate to and I couldn't help but want to cheer her on. Just when I thought I'd been shown the worst of it something would happen to show there is more, it's very skillfully done and I really enjoyed the book.
The narration is good, the character voices were mostly well done, I occasionally had trouble telling who was speaking but most of the time it was clear. The pace and tone of the delivery were both good and it was easy to listen to.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2020
So this book started out really interesting. There was loads of action and intrigue. Sure, I had some issue with the characters - especially the MC being the only female Hunter and all rage and no other emotion - and there were too many of them. I had no idea who was who for the longest time.
Then, I got to about halfway into the book, and I got bored. Like really bored. I don't know what it was, but it didn't work anymore, and I didn't feel like I had a reason to stick around to learn how things went. I know I won't be reading on in this series, unfortunatly.
Writing was good, tho.
Then, I got to about halfway into the book, and I got bored. Like really bored. I don't know what it was, but it didn't work anymore, and I didn't feel like I had a reason to stick around to learn how things went. I know I won't be reading on in this series, unfortunatly.
Writing was good, tho.
May 31, 2017
Best opening line.... ever. Wow. Even better... the story lives up to its sales copy/description. Could not stop until The End. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a kick-ass woman with zero intentions of letting all the twists and turns the dystopian world throws at her, get in her way. Well done Ms Michelle Bryan. I received this book from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review, which I voluntarily post here.
August 12, 2018
The first book was so good I had to read the second immediately.
Great books, LOVE Bixby she is a solid female lead for once with a great narrative.
Interesting plots and twists, keeps you guessing.
As someone who likes dystopian/post-apocalyptic books but who’s not usually into science fiction or thriller type reads - it’s a great story and an interesting world but man it can get gruesome/scary/tense and you will be on edge!
Only niggling thing is the grammar and spelling can be a bit iffy.
Great books, LOVE Bixby she is a solid female lead for once with a great narrative.
Interesting plots and twists, keeps you guessing.
As someone who likes dystopian/post-apocalyptic books but who’s not usually into science fiction or thriller type reads - it’s a great story and an interesting world but man it can get gruesome/scary/tense and you will be on edge!
Only niggling thing is the grammar and spelling can be a bit iffy.
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