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In the End #2
Before the End: The Truth Must Be Told Whatever the Cost
Book 2 of the 'In The End' Series! Jess Carmichael longs to break a news feature that will change the world. But the TV reporter never expects a mysterious telephone call from her ex to be the source. Rushing to a shady government facility, Jess struggles to believe the outrageous reports… With her loyal camera crew by her side, the intrepid journalist arrives in Cornwall at her partner’s last known location. But when Jess pushes for access, she gets more than she bargained for. Still kept in the dark, she’s about to play a starring role in a twisted and grisly exclusive… Can Jess expose a sinister cover up before millions fall prey to a zombie outbreak? Before The End is the second and standalone book in the thrilling post-apocalyptic series In The End. If you like dark horror, fast-paced action, and bloodthirsty zombies, then you’ll love GJ Stevens’ high-stakes tale.
412 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2019
90 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
G.J. Stevens
35 books49 followersTo stay up to date with all the very latest news, and to get two FREE books, head to gjstevens.com
GJ Stevens started writing fiction at the age of thirty. His fast-paced thrillers are the culmination of many years of finding time from nowhere to learn the craft.
His fiction is often referred to as a refreshing break from the norm, whether it’s his apocalyptic creations, spy-thrillers or his twist on everyday life with just one difference, there’s something for everyone who likes to be kept on the edge of their seat.
Whilst working to independently publish and make a success of his novels, Gareth lays bare his publishing journey through his blog (gjstevens.com), drawing together advice and knowledge from those already in the industry.
As a lover of the outdoors, every year he spends weekends out in the desolate countryside of the UK hiking and camping with his long-time friends which he uses as inspiration for both his creative fiction works and the subject of many a blog post.
Why not check out his website where you can join his mailing list to keep in touch or grab yourself a little more than you expected.
GJ Stevens started writing fiction at the age of thirty. His fast-paced thrillers are the culmination of many years of finding time from nowhere to learn the craft.
His fiction is often referred to as a refreshing break from the norm, whether it’s his apocalyptic creations, spy-thrillers or his twist on everyday life with just one difference, there’s something for everyone who likes to be kept on the edge of their seat.
Whilst working to independently publish and make a success of his novels, Gareth lays bare his publishing journey through his blog (gjstevens.com), drawing together advice and knowledge from those already in the industry.
As a lover of the outdoors, every year he spends weekends out in the desolate countryside of the UK hiking and camping with his long-time friends which he uses as inspiration for both his creative fiction works and the subject of many a blog post.
Why not check out his website where you can join his mailing list to keep in touch or grab yourself a little more than you expected.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 8, 2019
Jess Carmichael longs to break a news feature that will change the world. But the TV reporter never expects a mysterious telephone call from her ex to be the source. Rushing to a shady government facility, Jess struggles to believe the outrageous reports…
With her loyal camera crew by her side, the intrepid journalist arrives in Cornwall at her partner’s last known location. But when Jess pushes for access, she gets more than she bargained for. Still kept in the dark, she’s about to play a starring role in a twisted and grisly exclusive…
Can Jess expose a sinister cover up before millions fall prey to a zombie outbreak?
I loved this novel. Having read In The End already I couldn't wait to read this one to tell me how things came to be in the first one. This can be read as a standalone even if you have not read the other one.
Wonderful well written plot with suspense, twists and turns to keep you gripped til the end of the story.
Love how well the characters were fleshed out and believable they were.
Really hope the author does more in this series if not will be looking for his next novel anyway as love his writing.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
With her loyal camera crew by her side, the intrepid journalist arrives in Cornwall at her partner’s last known location. But when Jess pushes for access, she gets more than she bargained for. Still kept in the dark, she’s about to play a starring role in a twisted and grisly exclusive…
Can Jess expose a sinister cover up before millions fall prey to a zombie outbreak?
I loved this novel. Having read In The End already I couldn't wait to read this one to tell me how things came to be in the first one. This can be read as a standalone even if you have not read the other one.
Wonderful well written plot with suspense, twists and turns to keep you gripped til the end of the story.
Love how well the characters were fleshed out and believable they were.
Really hope the author does more in this series if not will be looking for his next novel anyway as love his writing.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 14, 2020
Excellent 2nd book
Excellent continuation of the series. I loved the point of view of the reporter, called by an old friend/lover for help. Betrayed and uncertain Jess needs to get the story out to the public, but first she must survive the hoards of zombies.
Excellent continuation of the series. I loved the point of view of the reporter, called by an old friend/lover for help. Betrayed and uncertain Jess needs to get the story out to the public, but first she must survive the hoards of zombies.
January 31, 2021
Second in the trilogy. Fast paced. Good plot. Some nice twists. Interesting characters. Gore galore!
Writing style better, but still an issue. Overwritten in respect to action. It seems to take forever for the characters to get from A to B sometimes with them literally going round and round the houses.
I can’t work out if the style is intentional or not but it is barrier for me to fully engage with the characters,
For example;
“Thankful the stench had calmed as they covered with water, with our feet pumping we watched ahead as over the drop the river bore to the right. We stared onward as it swept away from the village, gaining width.”
Does a stench “calm”?
Should it read ‘were” covered with water and who was covered? Does “feet pumping” mean running?
Can you “watch” and “stare onward” while running.
I get very distracted by frequent paragraphs like this and have to keep re-reading to work out what is going on but end up skimming over them with little clue about what is happening. Frustrating.
Writing style better, but still an issue. Overwritten in respect to action. It seems to take forever for the characters to get from A to B sometimes with them literally going round and round the houses.
I can’t work out if the style is intentional or not but it is barrier for me to fully engage with the characters,
For example;
“Thankful the stench had calmed as they covered with water, with our feet pumping we watched ahead as over the drop the river bore to the right. We stared onward as it swept away from the village, gaining width.”
Does a stench “calm”?
Should it read ‘were” covered with water and who was covered? Does “feet pumping” mean running?
Can you “watch” and “stare onward” while running.
I get very distracted by frequent paragraphs like this and have to keep re-reading to work out what is going on but end up skimming over them with little clue about what is happening. Frustrating.
November 8, 2019
An excellent exciting story, second in the series but is enjoyable as a story all in it's self! I strongly recommend to anyone that loves end of the world stories! Gripping! & a little worrying! Great read!
November 2, 2020
I received this book via a promo code and this is my honest voluntary review. Answering seasonal Christmas phone calls from your Ex never ends well but for prize winning journalist Jessica, this is more than just a regret-fuelled hangover. There's limited information that I can share regarding how that distressed call from Toni ended without giving out spoilers but I can assure you that this book can be enjoyed as a standalone as it follows a different set of survivors and runs parallel to the events happening with Logan, Cassie and their group in book one. If I had been impressed with this saga in book one, then book two has completely blown it out of the zombie infested waters. I am now eagerly awaiting the release of Book 3- After the End to see what next becomes of Jessica and Alex after successfully completing their mission to get the news out as we observed from Logan's POV at the end of book one. November 27th can't come soon enough!
November 27, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. Although this is a zombie book there is a zombie that is a creature that can inhabit another body and is almost impossible to kill. It was a book that told the story back to front. I just picked them up and read them in order and didn’t think about the layout. Both In The End and Before The End were slightly difficult to get into but please stay with them because in the end lol, they are worth it. I loved the characters Jess takes us on a journey that I had no idea what and where we were going to end up. I highly recommend the first and second book. I have the third and last book After The End ready to be read.
August 25, 2025
Audiobook: I thought this second book was even more thrilling than the first book in the series. Almost from the opening paragraphs, my attention was gripped by this story where the twists were always surprising and speeding at the reader like a run-away train. I admired Jess Carmichael's' determination to break the scoop of a lifetime. I appreciated her courage. I felt for Jess as she worked to overcome the obstacles to reporting what was happening in Cornwall. I enjoyed Sarah Kempton's narration as her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
October 2, 2020
I really enjoyed how the story was written in the POV of a reporter and took us back to "Before The End".
Although the story is book 2, it's actually a prequel and can be read as a stand alone.
Jess is a great character, she's hardcore with heart. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to punch her partner in the throat!!
Thank you for writing a book that pulled me in from the first page and wouldn't let go until the very last word. Descriptive without being too wordy, I love a book I can imagine in my head as I read and this one played like a movie!
Although the story is book 2, it's actually a prequel and can be read as a stand alone.
Jess is a great character, she's hardcore with heart. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to punch her partner in the throat!!
Thank you for writing a book that pulled me in from the first page and wouldn't let go until the very last word. Descriptive without being too wordy, I love a book I can imagine in my head as I read and this one played like a movie!
July 26, 2023
Exciting second book. Lots of action and intense situations. The writing style seems…hectic, which takes time to get used too but if you picture yourself in the middle of the situation the characters are in, wouldn’t your thoughts be rushed and erratic? It adds to the chaos.
Overall enjoyable read with interesting characters and voracious zombies.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good zombie apocalypse story.
Overall enjoyable read with interesting characters and voracious zombies.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good zombie apocalypse story.
August 2, 2020
Amazing story! Jess is a fighter but she is blind where her ex is concerned. Alex is a pleasant surprise to the story and I love her! Can’t wait for the next one.
Narration by Sarah Kempton was perfect!
I totally wish I had a British accent!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Narration by Sarah Kempton was perfect!
I totally wish I had a British accent!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
October 12, 2020
The story continues with the addition of reporter Jess chasing the story of a lifetime, only to discover betrayal at the heart of it. An interesting and action packed read with great narration. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
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January 9, 2021
A wonderful series.
I have no choice but to highly recommend That you read this series. The characters have wonderful dimension and the story just flows wonderfully. You need to read this series.
I have no choice but to highly recommend That you read this series. The characters have wonderful dimension and the story just flows wonderfully. You need to read this series.
August 3, 2021
Loved it
August 26, 2021
Love the twist
I really enjoyed this book. Heading right to the next book. Great series, you will not regret reading. New author found.
I really enjoyed this book. Heading right to the next book. Great series, you will not regret reading. New author found.
November 13, 2021
This was a good zompoc story. Has a good flow and keeps your interest throughout.
August 6, 2024
Second in the series bloody brilliant! I’m not good at reviews so I’ll just say if you like the zom poc genre you’ll love this series believe me!
10/10 yet again! 👏👏👏
10/10 yet again! 👏👏👏
November 19, 2019
Great storytelling! This novel is a prologue/sequel to the first book, In the End, but is definitely a stand-alone story. I really liked how the two novels were quite different. Nowadays when you read a series, you often can't distinguish between the books. Not the case with this series so far; which I really appreciate. This book focuses on one main character, and it follows her the entire story. The energy is different in this story, as compared to the first one, too. Jess, the mc, goes from one danger to another, which I usually find quite irritating in a story because there's no down time and it's not realistic. For Jess, though, her purpose for being in danger is very different from purposes of characters in other books. This one's action-packed for a reason! The author is an excellent writer, and includes descriptions that are very interesting; ones I wouldn't expect, but lend a hand in making everything happening seem real. I really enjoyed this story and am eagerly waiting book three!
October 29, 2019
I wasn't real impressed with this book. I had a hard time following the characters and what was going on. Really, I couldn't figure out the lingo. Just because I didn't like it may not mean some one else may not find it interesting. It just was not for me.
November 16, 2019
I found this book very interesting and easy to read, kept me captivated, a must read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews