A Very Fort Christmas

As the World Dies #2.5

by Rhiannon Frater

As harsh weather descends on the Texas Hill Country, it’s looking nothing like Christmas at the fort in Ashley Oaks. That is, until Jenni decides the children survivors deserve gifts and a holiday celebration.

Christmas during a zombie apocalypse.

What can go wrong?


This novelette takes place during Fighting to Survive (As The World Dies Book 2)

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Christmas

73 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2019

About the author

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor) as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog).

She was born and raised in Texas where she currently resides with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).

She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.

Reviews

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice little novella in the series. And gave some insight on what actually happens with the holidays after the Zombie Apocalypse.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas present, a fort story! really enjoyed spending time with Katie and Jenny again, even just for an hour.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is 3.9 stars.

This novella offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of survivors during the first Christmas after the chaos of a zombie apocalypse has somewhat subsided. Set against the rugged backdrop of Texas Hill Country, the story unfolds within the makeshift fort of Ashley Oaks, a refuge that the characters have painstakingly crafted for safety and community.

The narrative centers around the main female characters, who have evolved since we last encountered them. With the trials they have faced, they display a greater sense of maturity and resilience, while still retaining the core personalities that made them endearing. The supporting characters, many of whom we’ve come to know through previous stories, have also undergone significant development. Their experiences have hardened them, but they remain united in their fight for survival.

As the harsh winter weather sweeps through the Hill Country, the fort takes on a bleak and desolate atmosphere, starkly contrasting with the traditional warmth and joy typically associated with Christmas. Yet, amid the struggles and despair, Jenni, a determined and compassionate leader, feels a calling. She believes that the child survivors—who have endured so much—deserve a glimmer of hope and joy. Inspired by the spirit of the season, she sets out to organize a celebration, determined to procure gifts and create a festive atmosphere.

This Christmas in a world overtaken by the undead, poses its own set of challenges. The looming question remains: what can go wrong? The stakes are high, and every decision holds the potential for both joy and peril.

Kathy Bell Denton skillfully weaves this intricate tale, bringing the world and its characters to life with vivid detail and emotional depth. Her ability to capture the essence of hope amidst despair makes this story a poignant addition to the larger narrative of survival and humanity in extraordinary circumstances.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Christmas decorations are found in the Fort, Peggy's son becomes worried about the fate of Santa in the zombie apocalypse. Jenni decides that the children need reassurance and fun and wants to do another supply run to get presents for all of them, something that could endanger the lives of the volunteers going outside. It turns out to be a lot more dangerous than any of them prepared for. This story comes in just before the end of book 2, Fighting To Survive and I enjoyed seeing the Christmas raid.

[Shellie Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always incredible! It figures i read one Christmas book this year and it's about zombies and very happy it was. I miss this world and the friends in it have been reading them forever over and over! Ready for another book.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story! It completely captures the essence of the other books in the series! Glad I bought it! Thrilling and gory, the As the World Dies books have been some of the best I’ve read so far! Love em!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ( very) short story from the "As The World Dies" series, this falls between "The First Days " and "Fighting to Survive" novels. Cute but doesn't progress plot or character much.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much and I love the little extras that came out.

[Robin Perryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Story

This was a good short holiday story during a time of survival in an apocalypse. Interesting. Everybody needs a break, even during the end of times.

[Anandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Hammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

good short little read

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice enough addition to the series, but not my favorite.

I didn't enjoy the whole girl bonding moment over the fact that the men in their lives are those who taught them the skills that ultimately kept them alive. I find the whole I have 6 brothers or the my dad wanted a boy narrative to be very tired. These are two bad ass women who have survived due to their abilities and that scene just didn't do it for me.

It wasn't as exciting as the other short stories and so it just wasn't as fun. I got it on kindle unlimited so it isn't a big loss. But she has written so much better.

[Mkittysamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very heartwarming Christmas tale with Katie and Jenni!! And lots of zombies!! Loved this piece, thanks Rhiannon I adore your short stories! This really put me in the spirit of the holidays because of the kids in the tale and my own!

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for writing this Rhiannon :) Such a treat for us As the World Dies fans!! 1 of my favorite series everrrr!!