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Aftermath #0.5
The Collapse
What else could the dead rising be other than a sick joke?
Karen Gallagher is a mother, a wife, and a scientist, and her past is catching up to her. As the world falls victim to a viral pandemic, Karen struggles to keep her daughter safe, forced to turn to the people who burned her all while harboring an awful secret.
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Modern science is meant to progress humanity, and scientists dare to cross boundaries seemingly impassable, but when Anne White's unethical and immoral experiment to cure the incurable goes awry and is shut down, Clinical Pathologist Frank Eastman secretly takes the project into his own hands, accidentally releasing a bioengineered chimera virus that not only spreads like wildfire and kills its victims, it reanimates them, turning them into voracious flesh-eating husks of their former selves.
Karen Gallagher only wants to do right by her family, and when horrible news and videos air of crazed people attacking others, her husband convinces her they have nothing to worry about, but what else is she supposed to think when a man who was shot multiple times gets up, unfazed by his wounds, to attack the officers who gunned him down? Karen knows all too well there's more to this story, and her only goal now is to keep her seven-year-old daughter safe.
Told from dual perspectives, The Collapse follows the how of a zombie outbreak, taking you on a heart-wrenching journey of familial love.
Karen Gallagher is a mother, a wife, and a scientist, and her past is catching up to her. As the world falls victim to a viral pandemic, Karen struggles to keep her daughter safe, forced to turn to the people who burned her all while harboring an awful secret.
-----
Modern science is meant to progress humanity, and scientists dare to cross boundaries seemingly impassable, but when Anne White's unethical and immoral experiment to cure the incurable goes awry and is shut down, Clinical Pathologist Frank Eastman secretly takes the project into his own hands, accidentally releasing a bioengineered chimera virus that not only spreads like wildfire and kills its victims, it reanimates them, turning them into voracious flesh-eating husks of their former selves.
Karen Gallagher only wants to do right by her family, and when horrible news and videos air of crazed people attacking others, her husband convinces her they have nothing to worry about, but what else is she supposed to think when a man who was shot multiple times gets up, unfazed by his wounds, to attack the officers who gunned him down? Karen knows all too well there's more to this story, and her only goal now is to keep her seven-year-old daughter safe.
Told from dual perspectives, The Collapse follows the how of a zombie outbreak, taking you on a heart-wrenching journey of familial love.
- GenresZombiesHorrorApocalyptic
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2021
43 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 4, 2021
This story grabbed me just like a zombie would!!
Lots of Zombie books start years into things and we see how people are struggling to survive. The Collapse is the origin of Aftermath. A novella giving us just enough to hook us into how Alice writes and have us checking her social media for updates for when Book 1 comes out.
Scientists and Pharmaceuticals playing with peoples livelihood and well being. One has a change of heart (? maybe, I am still not 100% what his endgame was), but in his attempt to flee with the goodies, he loses one and that's when the sh*t hits the fan.
Karen and Gerald only want to keep their daughter, Sadie, safe and live a normal, happy, family life. That is until the world starts to crumble and the choices of their past start to catch up to them.
Sadie, an innocent child, is the future. Something tells me she holds the key to all that is happening and I, for one, cannot wait to find out.
Having been my first read by Alice, I was not disappointed at all. I really enjoyed how the it was set up. We are in the present and getting different POVs but we are also getting a glimpse of the past by way of correspondences. Very unique way of delivering the story.
I definitely recommend to those who love a great Zombie read, although it's just a snippet, I feel like this is going to be one heck of a story.
Lots of Zombie books start years into things and we see how people are struggling to survive. The Collapse is the origin of Aftermath. A novella giving us just enough to hook us into how Alice writes and have us checking her social media for updates for when Book 1 comes out.
Scientists and Pharmaceuticals playing with peoples livelihood and well being. One has a change of heart (? maybe, I am still not 100% what his endgame was), but in his attempt to flee with the goodies, he loses one and that's when the sh*t hits the fan.
Karen and Gerald only want to keep their daughter, Sadie, safe and live a normal, happy, family life. That is until the world starts to crumble and the choices of their past start to catch up to them.
Sadie, an innocent child, is the future. Something tells me she holds the key to all that is happening and I, for one, cannot wait to find out.
Having been my first read by Alice, I was not disappointed at all. I really enjoyed how the it was set up. We are in the present and getting different POVs but we are also getting a glimpse of the past by way of correspondences. Very unique way of delivering the story.
I definitely recommend to those who love a great Zombie read, although it's just a snippet, I feel like this is going to be one heck of a story.
September 30, 2022
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this, since zombie apocolypse stories aren't always my cup of tea. The Collapse was a real page turner for me, though. It had me captivated and made me feel a whole range of emotions in such a short amount of pages. This is definitely a world I want to see more of.
July 6, 2022
(I'm updating this review almost a year later because my first one was written in a sleep deprived tear-filled initial stupor and quite frankly, this book deserves so much better)
This Book Destroyed Me In The Best of Ways
The Collapse encapsulates everything I enjoy about horror. It perfectly conveys the bleakness and hopelessness of an outbreak while also telling a heart wrenching, human story. The writing injects dread on the reader and builds tension throughout the narrative in such a way you'll find yourself unable to set it down or leave the edge of your seat until the very end. Thankfully it's a short read and will only consume a few hours of your life at a time.
I wasn’t a fan of apocalyptic or zombie fiction prior to reading this novella and it’s since become one of my favorite books, worthy of multiple tear-filled rereads. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a tragic tale with compelling characters you can’t help but root for. Zombie fan or not.
I have been patiently and eagerly awaiting the next book in this series and looking forward to anything else Alice releases from now on.
This Book Destroyed Me In The Best of Ways
The Collapse encapsulates everything I enjoy about horror. It perfectly conveys the bleakness and hopelessness of an outbreak while also telling a heart wrenching, human story. The writing injects dread on the reader and builds tension throughout the narrative in such a way you'll find yourself unable to set it down or leave the edge of your seat until the very end. Thankfully it's a short read and will only consume a few hours of your life at a time.
I wasn’t a fan of apocalyptic or zombie fiction prior to reading this novella and it’s since become one of my favorite books, worthy of multiple tear-filled rereads. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a tragic tale with compelling characters you can’t help but root for. Zombie fan or not.
I have been patiently and eagerly awaiting the next book in this series and looking forward to anything else Alice releases from now on.
August 16, 2021
I am not a zombie person, or horror person in general by any stretch of the imagination but I had absolutely no issues reading this novella! It was one of those "can't put down because I absolutely need to know what happens next" sort of stories, and it sets up for the next book perfectly. Can't wait ti read about what happens with Sadie and Trooper.
October 21, 2021
author asked me to check it out on Reddit, so I did.
I can say this was a very good world building with enough give and take with the plot that it felt like you were watching a movie stuffing pop corn in you face yelling at the idiots on the tv to run. Loved it and want more..
I can say this was a very good world building with enough give and take with the plot that it felt like you were watching a movie stuffing pop corn in you face yelling at the idiots on the tv to run. Loved it and want more..
August 12, 2021
As someone who usually divides books into segments and then takes multiple days to read a story, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I completed reading The Collapse the day that I first picked it up. It's very easy to read seeing as it is a novella capping around 100 pages; my total time spent reading the story was only a few hours. It is a good book to select for rainy afternoons.
I enjoyed many of the tense portions of the book (I will abstain from posting what exactly due to spoilers); there are heartbreaking sections that Alice handled with grace and power. While there are many questions that are left open-ended, knowing that this is a prequel to a following series leaves much to be excited for!
The only thing that was left to be desired for me personally, was the lack of a poignant prose at the conclusion of the novella. There were certain places within the final few pages where I felt stronger detail would've made the book an absolute treasure. It was also difficult for me to become sympathetic to Karen at first, if only because I had a hard time envisioning who she was exactly... but Alice completely changed my perspective after certain events in the story! Karen's values and desires become super clear when push comes to shove; even better than that, I could absolutely relate to her in the tense moments! Before I knew it, I was fully attached to her characters Karen and Gerald when the undead crisis inevitably came in their direction.
Overall, Alice does a great job in setting up for the following series, and I enjoyed the story! I would recommend reading if you ever have a free afternoon and a cup of tea. :)
I enjoyed many of the tense portions of the book (I will abstain from posting what exactly due to spoilers); there are heartbreaking sections that Alice handled with grace and power. While there are many questions that are left open-ended, knowing that this is a prequel to a following series leaves much to be excited for!
The only thing that was left to be desired for me personally, was the lack of a poignant prose at the conclusion of the novella. There were certain places within the final few pages where I felt stronger detail would've made the book an absolute treasure. It was also difficult for me to become sympathetic to Karen at first, if only because I had a hard time envisioning who she was exactly... but Alice completely changed my perspective after certain events in the story! Karen's values and desires become super clear when push comes to shove; even better than that, I could absolutely relate to her in the tense moments! Before I knew it, I was fully attached to her characters Karen and Gerald when the undead crisis inevitably came in their direction.
Overall, Alice does a great job in setting up for the following series, and I enjoyed the story! I would recommend reading if you ever have a free afternoon and a cup of tea. :)
August 13, 2021
A compelling beginning to the upcoming "Aftermath" series, where I found myself eager to know what happens to each character (spoiler alert: zombies, so be ready for some tragedy!). One of the better page turners I've picked up recently, too, and as someone who A: hasn't been into reading much lately, and B: not too interested in zombie apocalypse fiction, I was rapt by Sullivan's compelling main characters, seasoned with complexity, and a core focus on family. I've at least found it hard to find accurate depictions of family dynamics--particularly the behavior of children--and they often present as stilted, corny, or heinously saccharine. But Sullivan proves you can present an imperfect, happy family that reacts just about as badly as you'd expect knock knock knock of the apocalypse.
I definitely got frustrated at some characters and their choices, but it's completely warranted as you have to imagine the lengths people go to to assure themselves that "everything is going to be okay...it has to be."
Sullivan's premiere work doesn't shy away from gore and tear-jerking scenes, and while it shows in a few places that this is a freshman foray into the genre, I couldn't be more excited to see what things are like during the "Aftermath".
I definitely got frustrated at some characters and their choices, but it's completely warranted as you have to imagine the lengths people go to to assure themselves that "everything is going to be okay...it has to be."
Sullivan's premiere work doesn't shy away from gore and tear-jerking scenes, and while it shows in a few places that this is a freshman foray into the genre, I couldn't be more excited to see what things are like during the "Aftermath".
August 15, 2021
This novella blew my expectations away! I approach this story with the initial expectations of a generic zombie movie. But I was dead wrong. This novella describes perfectly how our world will react when there is a zombie outbreak. Its so realistic and mirrors exactly how we are living now in thr pandemic. It chills my bones that I believe this is truly how the scenario will be like if we have a real zombie outbreak.
What is the real standout is how Sullivan writes her characters. They are realistic and the conflicts they feel hurts you too. It challenges you to think in their shoes.. will you do the same?
I highly recommend anyone to read this and I I definitely looking forward to her next installation!
** I receive this copy as an arc and has been part of her beta reader team, which means I have read her work twice. And both times I am blown away by the quality**
What is the real standout is how Sullivan writes her characters. They are realistic and the conflicts they feel hurts you too. It challenges you to think in their shoes.. will you do the same?
I highly recommend anyone to read this and I I definitely looking forward to her next installation!
** I receive this copy as an arc and has been part of her beta reader team, which means I have read her work twice. And both times I am blown away by the quality**
August 12, 2021
I must say, Alice B. Sullivan has created a masterpiece. I’ll be honest… I’ve never been a huge fan of zombies BUT I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this beautiful piece of work. I especially appreciated how Sullivan starts off with events leading up to the outbreak to show how it started and how it slowly spread. It was a very refreshing perspective to read instead of the typical post-outbreak take I’m used to with zombie fiction. I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers but I will say, my heart was racing for a majority of this novella and I was definitely surprised by some of the unexpected twists and turns it took. The Collapse is a must read and I look forward to the next installment!
August 12, 2021
A nail-biting trip on an undead butterfly effect that leads to the event so rightfully called by its author, The Collapse. This collapse is a tale of tales that represents the different perspectives of people during an experience that will shake their worlds forever. So many stories tell of the zombie apocalypse in its prime, but what good is an aftermath if we never understand what it was like before? What was lost, and what challenges characters faced that made who they are today.
If you enjoy zombies, the importance of family, and a world looking for answers in the midst of chaos, then you'll love this. I certainly did.
-James Michael Anderson (ARC)
If you enjoy zombies, the importance of family, and a world looking for answers in the midst of chaos, then you'll love this. I certainly did.
-James Michael Anderson (ARC)
September 5, 2022
Oh, wow. This was GOOD.
Apocalypse novels aren't my typical go-to choice, but after hearing nothing but praise for THE COLLAPSE from some trusted friends, I wanted to see what the hype was all about. I was warned it would hurt me. It did.
Don't let this book's length fool you; in just 90-something pages Sullivan manages to connect you to the characters, catch your attention with a wealth of secrets, and unfurl an escalating disaster. Perfectly paced and truly heart-wrenching, this is a book that'll stick with me for a while.
Apocalypse novels aren't my typical go-to choice, but after hearing nothing but praise for THE COLLAPSE from some trusted friends, I wanted to see what the hype was all about. I was warned it would hurt me. It did.
Don't let this book's length fool you; in just 90-something pages Sullivan manages to connect you to the characters, catch your attention with a wealth of secrets, and unfurl an escalating disaster. Perfectly paced and truly heart-wrenching, this is a book that'll stick with me for a while.
October 1, 2022
A fun read!
I used to read all kinds of zombie fiction back in the late 2000's/early 2010's and this took me right back to those times. The Collapse has some great build up, and it was like a familiar horror blanket I could sit down with. I'm also really interested in seeing where Sadie goes and how the deal with her father develops. Really looking forward to the next one!
I used to read all kinds of zombie fiction back in the late 2000's/early 2010's and this took me right back to those times. The Collapse has some great build up, and it was like a familiar horror blanket I could sit down with. I'm also really interested in seeing where Sadie goes and how the deal with her father develops. Really looking forward to the next one!
February 1, 2024
"The Collapse" is an attention grabber for sure!! I absolutely adore post-apocalyptic/zombie films and literature. This book reminds me of an advanced version of 'The Walking Dead" series. If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, mixed with a bit of suspense thriller, then don't hesitate to get your copy today. In summary, the recklessness and apathy of one scientist propels the storyline into a series of horrific events, which result in a global pandemic claiming the lives of its victims. To intensify matters, the deceased don't remain dead. They return as vicious, re-animated corpses that destroy everything in their path. Karen's only ambitions are to keep her family...her daughter in particular....safe during this catastrophic outbreak.
All in all, this book exceeded my initial expectations beyond measure. It does a remarkable job of depicting how we as human beings will respond in the event of an occurrence of this magnitude. It realistically and perfectly captures our instinctive behaviors. Originally, I thought it would be a cliché version of a contemporary zombie film, but after reading the first 10 pages, I realized that I was completely mistaken. The plot feels completely authentic. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The character development is outstanding and brilliantly done. I place myself in the characters' shoes and often ask myself what I would do if I am in their situation. Maybe, to a lesser extent, I might have made decisions similar to theirs.
Overall, I like the fact that Sullivan utilizes the pre-outbreak circumstances to illustrate how the outbreak began, and how it gradually progresses from there. Additionally, reading the book from different viewpoints adds more context to the characters and their different worlds. The additional insight heightens my appreciation of this book. Generally speaking, this novel is a quick-read. I finished it in less than four hours. Honestly speaking, I wish there was an extended version of it. The journey ended too soon. Hopefully, the writer will make the sequel lengthier. I'm looking forward to it.
All in all, this book exceeded my initial expectations beyond measure. It does a remarkable job of depicting how we as human beings will respond in the event of an occurrence of this magnitude. It realistically and perfectly captures our instinctive behaviors. Originally, I thought it would be a cliché version of a contemporary zombie film, but after reading the first 10 pages, I realized that I was completely mistaken. The plot feels completely authentic. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The character development is outstanding and brilliantly done. I place myself in the characters' shoes and often ask myself what I would do if I am in their situation. Maybe, to a lesser extent, I might have made decisions similar to theirs.
Overall, I like the fact that Sullivan utilizes the pre-outbreak circumstances to illustrate how the outbreak began, and how it gradually progresses from there. Additionally, reading the book from different viewpoints adds more context to the characters and their different worlds. The additional insight heightens my appreciation of this book. Generally speaking, this novel is a quick-read. I finished it in less than four hours. Honestly speaking, I wish there was an extended version of it. The journey ended too soon. Hopefully, the writer will make the sequel lengthier. I'm looking forward to it.
October 8, 2022
A stolen test vial accidentally exposes the world to a deadly—or rather, undeadly—virus. After becoming violently ill, its carriers seemingly overcome the illness and just become violent, attacking and even feasting on the flesh of other people. It doesn’t take long for the virus to spread and soon, the world has a full blown disaster of epidemic proportions on its hands. The limits of which knows no bounds.
To call “The Collapse” from Alice B. Sullivan just another zombie novella is an understatement. Rather, it is an intimate telling of a global apocalyptic event, told mostly through the eyes of a small family as the virus and violence draws closer and closer to their front door before kicking it down completely. The realism was chilling and gave me shades of the early days of mass hysteria and uncertainty of the pandemic. Sullivan does an incredible job of building suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and I actually read this whole thing in one sitting. Although it wasn’t a long read, the character development isn’t lacking at all, making their story arcs seem wholly deserved. I will definitely be checking out whatever comes next in this series.
To call “The Collapse” from Alice B. Sullivan just another zombie novella is an understatement. Rather, it is an intimate telling of a global apocalyptic event, told mostly through the eyes of a small family as the virus and violence draws closer and closer to their front door before kicking it down completely. The realism was chilling and gave me shades of the early days of mass hysteria and uncertainty of the pandemic. Sullivan does an incredible job of building suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and I actually read this whole thing in one sitting. Although it wasn’t a long read, the character development isn’t lacking at all, making their story arcs seem wholly deserved. I will definitely be checking out whatever comes next in this series.
March 11, 2025
I like getting a glimpse into how the zombie apocalypse starts. I don't need it all laid out just enough to know people messed around with stuff they maybe shouldn't have and they caused a chain reaction they didn't expect.
I really enjoyed this book. The way the government and people reacted felt real enough. I know enough people who think they would be prepared for zombies and think they can see the signs but how prepared are you when your husband decides to take a chunk out of you.
I like the realness. The chaos and the sirens are things we know would happen and unless you have a reinforced door your not prepared for what happens when the monsters find you.
I really enjoyed this book. The way the government and people reacted felt real enough. I know enough people who think they would be prepared for zombies and think they can see the signs but how prepared are you when your husband decides to take a chunk out of you.
I like the realness. The chaos and the sirens are things we know would happen and unless you have a reinforced door your not prepared for what happens when the monsters find you.
February 23, 2023
Great book for zombie lovers
It follows a dual perspective of a zombie outbreak; one POV is the outbreak itself, and the other is a mother trying desperately to keep her daughter safe.
It follows a dual perspective of a zombie outbreak; one POV is the outbreak itself, and the other is a mother trying desperately to keep her daughter safe.
November 4, 2023
This was a really good prequel story! A good apocalyptic, zombie adventure, the how & why of what happened, so a good set up for the next book in the series! I do like the start of the nightmare part of these kind of stories! A really good read! I will look for more by this writer! I do recommend!
January 18, 2025
This book is exactly what I would imagine the collapse of society/human race would look like. This was fast paced and all over the place, but that oddly worked for this book and I can't wait to see the next book in this series.
January 31, 2023
i need more zombie books rn
January 16, 2024
Good read
I enjoyed this book. Kept me turning the pages for sure! Ready to read the next one in this series.
I enjoyed this book. Kept me turning the pages for sure! Ready to read the next one in this series.
August 31, 2023
This was actually so much better than I was expecting. It started off a bit slow, but I was undoubtedly hooked by the end of it and struggling to put it down. Even though I knew this was a zombie story, so of course bad stuff will happen, I wasn't expecting the way it came to an end.
October 18, 2023
This short novella shows the beginning of a virus outbreak turning humans into violent people. Showing how it starts and even with all the inside information, people still don't get out in time.
April 23, 2024
See this and other reviews at https://www.thebookdragondotblog.word...
Content Warning for Novel: Graphic blood, gore, and death.
The prequel to Sullivan’s Aftermath series, it shows the beginnings of a zombie apocalypse. Dark and gruesome, a family simply tries to do the best they can to survive as shit starts to hit the fan. They don’t know who to trust, and their lives–as well as everyone else’s–are on the line. Even more worrisome? There’s some horrible secret that Karen and her husband are holding onto… Something in their past doesn’t quite add up.
This is a nice jumpstart into a zombie series, as we get to see exactly how the dominoes were stacked and what pushed the first one over. The plot was quick, although not as zombie-esque as I was expecting. It was more the build-up to the apocalypse, rather than the surviving part. But there ARE plenty of zombies as we get to see firsthand how they’re turned. Lots of blood and gore. Not for the weak of stomach.
If you’re looking for some short and sweet story all wrapped up in a nice bow, this is not the book. This is the book to get you hyped to figure out MORE. This is the book to give you a taste of human flesh that you can never put down again. You’ll be left with more questions than you started with.
Overall, a quick and fun read. It’s not super unique as far as zombie stories go, but it is fun. Lots of action and tension interspersed through the plot and character building, plenty of mystery that Sullivan teases us at answering, and all in less than 200 pages. I admit that I read this whole book in a couple hours. I love zombies.
Content Warning for Novel: Graphic blood, gore, and death.
The prequel to Sullivan’s Aftermath series, it shows the beginnings of a zombie apocalypse. Dark and gruesome, a family simply tries to do the best they can to survive as shit starts to hit the fan. They don’t know who to trust, and their lives–as well as everyone else’s–are on the line. Even more worrisome? There’s some horrible secret that Karen and her husband are holding onto… Something in their past doesn’t quite add up.
This is a nice jumpstart into a zombie series, as we get to see exactly how the dominoes were stacked and what pushed the first one over. The plot was quick, although not as zombie-esque as I was expecting. It was more the build-up to the apocalypse, rather than the surviving part. But there ARE plenty of zombies as we get to see firsthand how they’re turned. Lots of blood and gore. Not for the weak of stomach.
If you’re looking for some short and sweet story all wrapped up in a nice bow, this is not the book. This is the book to get you hyped to figure out MORE. This is the book to give you a taste of human flesh that you can never put down again. You’ll be left with more questions than you started with.
Overall, a quick and fun read. It’s not super unique as far as zombie stories go, but it is fun. Lots of action and tension interspersed through the plot and character building, plenty of mystery that Sullivan teases us at answering, and all in less than 200 pages. I admit that I read this whole book in a couple hours. I love zombies.
January 30, 2024
If you woke up one morning to discover that the entire world is being overrun by zombies, what would be your initial reaction? Some of us might actually return to bed. Others might participate in a series of neighborhood lootings. Others might genuinely be grateful that they got the day off. But for Karen (a devoted mother, wife, and scientist), her main priority is the well-being of her family. As depicted in most post-apocalyptic/ zombie movies that I've watched, most zombie outbreaks are due to some scientific, freak-accident going horribly wrong; leaving the rest of mankind to pay for the incompetence of one or more scientist(s). "The Collapse" follows suit. Fortunately, this book is narrated using multiple points of views. This writing technique suits the storyline well.
What shocks me the most is the characters' responses to the chaos surging around them. The split-second decisions of some of the characters left me dumbfounded and speechless. The startling reality is this---if there's ever a real-life zombie outbreak, the main threat might not necessarily be the undead, but the living as well. Overall, Alice Sullivan introduces us (the readers) to very strong, convincing characters--all of them are authentic and compelling in their own way. The fact that Sullivan focuses primarily on Karen's family, gives the book much more strength. All in all, it is well-written and engaging. I was actually emotional when it ended. Great book! I recommend it to everyone, not just fans of the genre.
What shocks me the most is the characters' responses to the chaos surging around them. The split-second decisions of some of the characters left me dumbfounded and speechless. The startling reality is this---if there's ever a real-life zombie outbreak, the main threat might not necessarily be the undead, but the living as well. Overall, Alice Sullivan introduces us (the readers) to very strong, convincing characters--all of them are authentic and compelling in their own way. The fact that Sullivan focuses primarily on Karen's family, gives the book much more strength. All in all, it is well-written and engaging. I was actually emotional when it ended. Great book! I recommend it to everyone, not just fans of the genre.
November 30, 2023
The Collapse: Book 0 in AFTERMATH, A Zombie Apocalypse Series is a scifi by Alice B. Sullivan that tells us about the significance and repercussions of scientific exploration.
Dr. Karen Gallagher is spending the time with her family in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Meanwhile, things at Houston Pathology Laboratories are not quite going as planned. Houston Police came to arrest Dr. Eastman for larceny while Dr. White moved on to the sister project.
There's a commotion in New York and so it is in four days quarantine. Dr. Gallagher and family are leaving, telling Dr. White something crucial about their daughter Sadie.
It seems like a collapse in the scientific research.
There's a strong emphasis about the limitations and that there is, and not only the importance of human knowledge and science, for the most important of all, and that is life. It also reminds us of caution and discipline in the proper utilization and allocation of scientific and technological advances. Hence, I give this book a five-star rate for its themes. Aside from that is the shocking and thrilling plot of the story. It's a page turner even this genre is not my cup of tea. Therefore I recommend this book to all types of readers but mostly for the scifi lovers.
Dr. Karen Gallagher is spending the time with her family in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Meanwhile, things at Houston Pathology Laboratories are not quite going as planned. Houston Police came to arrest Dr. Eastman for larceny while Dr. White moved on to the sister project.
There's a commotion in New York and so it is in four days quarantine. Dr. Gallagher and family are leaving, telling Dr. White something crucial about their daughter Sadie.
It seems like a collapse in the scientific research.
There's a strong emphasis about the limitations and that there is, and not only the importance of human knowledge and science, for the most important of all, and that is life. It also reminds us of caution and discipline in the proper utilization and allocation of scientific and technological advances. Hence, I give this book a five-star rate for its themes. Aside from that is the shocking and thrilling plot of the story. It's a page turner even this genre is not my cup of tea. Therefore I recommend this book to all types of readers but mostly for the scifi lovers.
August 23, 2024
The Collapse was a quick but very satisfying read.
Sullivan writes in a way that is very familiar and comforting, making the narration feel as if coming from someone I know. And when the scenes get tense... they get tense!
The story follows a family in the perspective of Karen, the mother/wife, and scientist. In Between her story we get to follow the chain of events starting with a scientist smuggling research from a lab leading into contamination. I really enjoyed watching how the contents of a vial contaminates a rat who then bites an unassuming busboy before he gets on a plane...
As we watch the virus spread, Karen remains indoors with her family. This part was very parralle to the covid pandemic, government officials calming the masses with misinformation while more and more become infected. It made this story very believable as well as relatable. All the while it is eluded that the family has not only some idea what is going on, but they might have been apart of it? Very intriguing!
The climax got me to the edge of my seat! I was very absorbed into this story. If you are a fan of the zombie genre or outbreak stories, I highly recommend reading this.
Sullivan writes in a way that is very familiar and comforting, making the narration feel as if coming from someone I know. And when the scenes get tense... they get tense!
The story follows a family in the perspective of Karen, the mother/wife, and scientist. In Between her story we get to follow the chain of events starting with a scientist smuggling research from a lab leading into contamination. I really enjoyed watching how the contents of a vial contaminates a rat who then bites an unassuming busboy before he gets on a plane...
As we watch the virus spread, Karen remains indoors with her family. This part was very parralle to the covid pandemic, government officials calming the masses with misinformation while more and more become infected. It made this story very believable as well as relatable. All the while it is eluded that the family has not only some idea what is going on, but they might have been apart of it? Very intriguing!
The climax got me to the edge of my seat! I was very absorbed into this story. If you are a fan of the zombie genre or outbreak stories, I highly recommend reading this.
July 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this! There are a few different POVs, and while I enjoyed Karen's the most... the other bits really added to the world. I liked the chapters of how people slowly started turning and spreading the virus further. The email chapters really added to the suspense and wanting to keep reading to find out what was going on. Seemed to be lots of mystery there. It was fascinating reading all the scientific stuff. Really awesome that was all included so we could find out how the virus started!
I also thought it was fun how the apocalypse was a slow. While zombies caused their chaos, we did see people attempting to live normally (almost a bit like our own experiences with covid) until a point they no longer could. I didn't expect the ending but I really liked it and I can't wait to read the next one and follow this particular characters journey.
This is a zombie novella packed with action and character development, while providing us with some of the answers we desire about the cause of what could be the end of the world as we know it!
I also thought it was fun how the apocalypse was a slow. While zombies caused their chaos, we did see people attempting to live normally (almost a bit like our own experiences with covid) until a point they no longer could. I didn't expect the ending but I really liked it and I can't wait to read the next one and follow this particular characters journey.
This is a zombie novella packed with action and character development, while providing us with some of the answers we desire about the cause of what could be the end of the world as we know it!
December 21, 2022
Thank you to the author for sending a copy of The Collapse my way!
Who needs some zombie fiction in their life?! 🧟♀️
The Collapse by Alice B. Sullivan is a novella/prequel to the Aftermath series! This is the first one I’ve read & it definitely feels prequel-y; there’s a bit of a set-up to the action, but even while it’s setting up things are happening that keep you turning the pages.
One thing that really shines in this one is the family aspect & the question, “what would you do to keep your loved ones safe?” I’m a sucker for a really strong family dynamic & I love being sad! So!
I think The Collapse is a very solid start/prequel to a series and if you enjoy zombie fiction I definitely recommend putting this on your radar!
Who needs some zombie fiction in their life?! 🧟♀️
The Collapse by Alice B. Sullivan is a novella/prequel to the Aftermath series! This is the first one I’ve read & it definitely feels prequel-y; there’s a bit of a set-up to the action, but even while it’s setting up things are happening that keep you turning the pages.
One thing that really shines in this one is the family aspect & the question, “what would you do to keep your loved ones safe?” I’m a sucker for a really strong family dynamic & I love being sad! So!
I think The Collapse is a very solid start/prequel to a series and if you enjoy zombie fiction I definitely recommend putting this on your radar!
April 7, 2025
A little short, but not bad at all!
The Collapse: Book 0 of the Aftermath zombie outbreak thriller. The book is good, its well constructed and the plot, pacing, characters and dialog are all good. I really like the way the story is told, with 2 timelines getting closer and closer together. My only complaint is that the book is a bit short, but for many, that's more beneficial than detrimental. Its a zombie book, so you might want to avoid it if you're squeamish, but most will enjoy this survival thriller!
The Collapse: Book 0 of the Aftermath zombie outbreak thriller. The book is good, its well constructed and the plot, pacing, characters and dialog are all good. I really like the way the story is told, with 2 timelines getting closer and closer together. My only complaint is that the book is a bit short, but for many, that's more beneficial than detrimental. Its a zombie book, so you might want to avoid it if you're squeamish, but most will enjoy this survival thriller!
November 25, 2025
Loved it!
And this is how it will begin. Some big pharmaceutical company doing clandestine research, supposedly for the greater good of humanity will turn loose something that will spread like wildfire and reduce the human population to a mere shadow of what it once was.
This one starts out fast and doesn’t let up. I hope we get to see what happens with Sadie.
Great work Alice!!
And this is how it will begin. Some big pharmaceutical company doing clandestine research, supposedly for the greater good of humanity will turn loose something that will spread like wildfire and reduce the human population to a mere shadow of what it once was.
This one starts out fast and doesn’t let up. I hope we get to see what happens with Sadie.
Great work Alice!!
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