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Alone: The Dead Flash Series
A bright flash spread across the night sky, taking most of the life in the world with it. Now the dead walk the earth, and the living try to survive.Emily is a young woman discovering her inner strength. Her life has been turned upside down, and she was just beginning to piece it back together. Nothing could have prepared her for how everything was about to get worse. A bright light in the sky changed everything in an instant. Now, she is alone, only with her dog Marley to help her navigate the world ruled by the dead. Emily must find a strength she never knew she possessed to survive and protect those she loves. Can Emily and Marley survive this impossible new world?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 16, 2026
Emily is a BADASS!
Without spoilers — cause, not cool — I loved listening/reading Emily’s journey of self discovery, strength, and will power. Most people would not be as selfless as her. The world — especially during an apocalypse — will definitely need more people like Emily. I know this is the first book and I love how it ended with a new beginning! T. Lupa Carver - your country accent — ACES ma’am! Thank you JD for the listen/read!
Without spoilers — cause, not cool — I loved listening/reading Emily’s journey of self discovery, strength, and will power. Most people would not be as selfless as her. The world — especially during an apocalypse — will definitely need more people like Emily. I know this is the first book and I love how it ended with a new beginning! T. Lupa Carver - your country accent — ACES ma’am! Thank you JD for the listen/read!
June 12, 2025
Great book! Love the story, the world, and the characters! Fantastic plot and super nice author!!
June 6, 2025
This book had a lot of interesting twist and turns but I do feel like it started a bit early for my taste. I like to jump right into the action and the heart of the story. The beginning definitely built up a STRONG emotional connection with Emily and Marley, so with that being said, the heart of the story had me rooting for the dog to make it out alive (He does). Emily turns into a major badass and genius surviving by sheer will. I love that for her
Disclaimer: this book was part of my indie support reading challenge and isn’t my typical genre, but it’s definitely great for folks that enjoy zombie stories. I’m not a fan of zombies, unfortunately.
Disclaimer: this book was part of my indie support reading challenge and isn’t my typical genre, but it’s definitely great for folks that enjoy zombie stories. I’m not a fan of zombies, unfortunately.
September 2, 2021
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I hope there is a sequel because there is so much more to tell about Emily and Hope and Mallory. Surviving in a Zombie apocalypse is tough as an adult but having and raising a baby during that time is incomprehensible but Emily has proven that if any one can do it. She can.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I hope there is a sequel because there is so much more to tell about Emily and Hope and Mallory. Surviving in a Zombie apocalypse is tough as an adult but having and raising a baby during that time is incomprehensible but Emily has proven that if any one can do it. She can.
June 24, 2026
Alone by J.D. Crist was a fantastic zombie apocalypse novel that was much more emotional than I expected. Going into it, I thought I was getting a survival story filled with action and zombies, but what I found was a story about grief, loss, resilience, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when everything around you is falling apart.
There were several moments that were difficult to read because the emotions felt so real. The characters weren’t just fighting zombies they were fighting loneliness, heartbreak, fear, and impossible choices. I became attached to the characters and genuinely cared about what happened to them, which made the emotional scenes hit even harder.
The zombie elements kept the story exciting and suspenseful, but it was the character development and emotional depth that made this book stand out for me. It broke my heart more than once, but I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what happened next.
If you enjoy zombie apocalypse stories with strong characters, emotional storytelling, and plenty of suspense, I highly recommend Alone. It was heartbreaking, intense, and unforgettable.
100/100 stars A powerful zombie survival story that delivers both action and emotion.
There were several moments that were difficult to read because the emotions felt so real. The characters weren’t just fighting zombies they were fighting loneliness, heartbreak, fear, and impossible choices. I became attached to the characters and genuinely cared about what happened to them, which made the emotional scenes hit even harder.
The zombie elements kept the story exciting and suspenseful, but it was the character development and emotional depth that made this book stand out for me. It broke my heart more than once, but I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what happened next.
If you enjoy zombie apocalypse stories with strong characters, emotional storytelling, and plenty of suspense, I highly recommend Alone. It was heartbreaking, intense, and unforgettable.
100/100 stars A powerful zombie survival story that delivers both action and emotion.
December 30, 2025
Alone by J.D. Crist hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. I didn’t just read this book, I felt it. From the very first pages, it felt like the author was sitting across from me, quietly sharing thoughts most people are too afraid to say out loud. The kind of thoughts you have late at night when the world is quiet and your mind won’t slow down.
This book understands loneliness in a way that feels deeply personal. Not the dramatic, obvious kind, but the subtle kind. The kind where you can be surrounded by people and still feel completely on your own. There were moments where I had to pause because the words felt a little too familiar, like they were pulling from places in my own life I hadn’t meant to revisit.
What I loved most about Alone is how honest it is even though it is mostly a fiction setting. It doesn’t try to fix loneliness or wrap it up with easy answers. It simply acknowledges it, sits with it, and lets it be real. And somehow, that honesty makes the book comforting instead of heavy. It reminded me that feeling alone doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means you’re still human and not one of the dead.
This book understands loneliness in a way that feels deeply personal. Not the dramatic, obvious kind, but the subtle kind. The kind where you can be surrounded by people and still feel completely on your own. There were moments where I had to pause because the words felt a little too familiar, like they were pulling from places in my own life I hadn’t meant to revisit.
What I loved most about Alone is how honest it is even though it is mostly a fiction setting. It doesn’t try to fix loneliness or wrap it up with easy answers. It simply acknowledges it, sits with it, and lets it be real. And somehow, that honesty makes the book comforting instead of heavy. It reminded me that feeling alone doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means you’re still human and not one of the dead.
January 6, 2026
Dark, Emotional, and Hard to Put Down
This book pulled me in faster than I expected. While the cover didn’t really sell me on the story at first, I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me. Alone is bleak, emotional, and intensely focused on survival, and I found myself genuinely invested in the main character’s journey from the start.
The atmosphere is heavy in the best way. The world considers broken and dangerous, but never so overwhelming that it distracts from the story being told. What stood out most for me was the emotional core. This isn’t just about surviving the apocalypse, it’s about loneliness, resilience, and finding a reason to keep going when everything familiar is gone.
The pacing stays tight and kept me turning pages, though a few moments felt familiar if you’ve read a lot in this genre. That said, the character work and emotional weight helped balance out those more predictable beats.
Overall, this was a strong start to the series and absolutely worth the read. I’m definitely curious enough to continue and see where the story goes next.
This book pulled me in faster than I expected. While the cover didn’t really sell me on the story at first, I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me. Alone is bleak, emotional, and intensely focused on survival, and I found myself genuinely invested in the main character’s journey from the start.
The atmosphere is heavy in the best way. The world considers broken and dangerous, but never so overwhelming that it distracts from the story being told. What stood out most for me was the emotional core. This isn’t just about surviving the apocalypse, it’s about loneliness, resilience, and finding a reason to keep going when everything familiar is gone.
The pacing stays tight and kept me turning pages, though a few moments felt familiar if you’ve read a lot in this genre. That said, the character work and emotional weight helped balance out those more predictable beats.
Overall, this was a strong start to the series and absolutely worth the read. I’m definitely curious enough to continue and see where the story goes next.
February 16, 2026
This book offers more than just a post-apocalyptic thriller it’s a story about resilience, courage, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable loss. The opening catastrophe immediately pulls you into a chilling new reality, and the tension never lets up.
Emily is a relatable and compelling protagonist whose growth feels genuine as she learns to survive in a world ruled by the dead. Her bond with her dog Marley adds heart and warmth, reminding readers that loyalty and connection still matter even in the darkest times.
With strong pacing, emotional depth, and a gripping atmosphere, this is an engaging read for anyone who enjoys character-driven survival stories. A memorable journey of hope, determination, and endurance.
Emily is a relatable and compelling protagonist whose growth feels genuine as she learns to survive in a world ruled by the dead. Her bond with her dog Marley adds heart and warmth, reminding readers that loyalty and connection still matter even in the darkest times.
With strong pacing, emotional depth, and a gripping atmosphere, this is an engaging read for anyone who enjoys character-driven survival stories. A memorable journey of hope, determination, and endurance.
July 2, 2026
“I’d Rather Fight Zombies Than Live With Him”
A controversial BookTok review of Alone by J.D. Crist
Here’s my controversial opinion.
I’d rather survive a zombie apocalypse…
than spend another day married to an abusive husband.
At least zombies are honest.
They don’t pretend to love you before they try to consume you.
They don’t apologize after they hurt you.
They don’t tell you the bite was your fault.
They don’t slowly convince you that you’re too weak to survive without them.
The undead simply chase.
Some people do far worse while smiling.
That’s what Alone made me think about.
It isn’t just a story where civilization collapses.
It’s a story that quietly asks:
What if your first apocalypse happened long before the zombies arrived?
What if the scariest thing wasn’t hearing a growl outside your window…
but hearing a key turn in the front door?
This novel understands something many survival stories overlook.
Freedom can be terrifying when you’ve spent years being told you’re incapable of living without someone else.
Then suddenly…
the world ends.
Roads empty.
Cities crumble.
Every rule disappears.
And somehow the woman everyone underestimated keeps finding reasons to keep moving.
Not because she’s fearless.
Because she has no choice.
That’s resilience—not cinematic heroics, but the quiet courage of taking one more step when every reason says stop.
One of my favorite ideas in the book is that survival doesn’t look glamorous.
Sometimes it looks like sharing food when there isn’t enough.
Accepting help when pride tells you not to.
Learning that strangers can become safer than people who once called themselves family.
And then there’s the dog.
Every apocalypse story should come with a loyal dog.
Because while humans debate trust, loyalty simply walks beside you.
The dog becomes more than a companion.
It becomes proof that unconditional love still exists in a world where almost everything else has fallen apart.
What surprised me most wasn’t the zombies.
It was the humanity.
The moments where kindness feels almost rebellious.
Where protecting life matters more than protecting pride.
Where hope survives in the smallest gestures instead of the biggest battles.
This isn’t just a book about escaping monsters.
It’s about escaping the stories we tell ourselves after surviving one.
It’s about discovering that strength isn’t something another person gives you.
It’s something they failed to take away.
So yes…
Here’s my controversial take.
If I had to choose between a street full of zombies…
or a house full of manipulation, fear, and control…
Give me the zombies.
Every.
Single.
Time.
Because eventually you’ll know where the zombies are.
The hardest monsters to escape…
are the ones who convince you they’re home.
⭐ My verdict: Alone isn’t simply a zombie survival novel. It’s a thoughtful exploration of resilience, healing, trust, and the extraordinary courage it takes to build a future after someone tried to convince you that you didn’t deserve one.
A controversial BookTok review of Alone by J.D. Crist
Here’s my controversial opinion.
I’d rather survive a zombie apocalypse…
than spend another day married to an abusive husband.
At least zombies are honest.
They don’t pretend to love you before they try to consume you.
They don’t apologize after they hurt you.
They don’t tell you the bite was your fault.
They don’t slowly convince you that you’re too weak to survive without them.
The undead simply chase.
Some people do far worse while smiling.
That’s what Alone made me think about.
It isn’t just a story where civilization collapses.
It’s a story that quietly asks:
What if your first apocalypse happened long before the zombies arrived?
What if the scariest thing wasn’t hearing a growl outside your window…
but hearing a key turn in the front door?
This novel understands something many survival stories overlook.
Freedom can be terrifying when you’ve spent years being told you’re incapable of living without someone else.
Then suddenly…
the world ends.
Roads empty.
Cities crumble.
Every rule disappears.
And somehow the woman everyone underestimated keeps finding reasons to keep moving.
Not because she’s fearless.
Because she has no choice.
That’s resilience—not cinematic heroics, but the quiet courage of taking one more step when every reason says stop.
One of my favorite ideas in the book is that survival doesn’t look glamorous.
Sometimes it looks like sharing food when there isn’t enough.
Accepting help when pride tells you not to.
Learning that strangers can become safer than people who once called themselves family.
And then there’s the dog.
Every apocalypse story should come with a loyal dog.
Because while humans debate trust, loyalty simply walks beside you.
The dog becomes more than a companion.
It becomes proof that unconditional love still exists in a world where almost everything else has fallen apart.
What surprised me most wasn’t the zombies.
It was the humanity.
The moments where kindness feels almost rebellious.
Where protecting life matters more than protecting pride.
Where hope survives in the smallest gestures instead of the biggest battles.
This isn’t just a book about escaping monsters.
It’s about escaping the stories we tell ourselves after surviving one.
It’s about discovering that strength isn’t something another person gives you.
It’s something they failed to take away.
So yes…
Here’s my controversial take.
If I had to choose between a street full of zombies…
or a house full of manipulation, fear, and control…
Give me the zombies.
Every.
Single.
Time.
Because eventually you’ll know where the zombies are.
The hardest monsters to escape…
are the ones who convince you they’re home.
⭐ My verdict: Alone isn’t simply a zombie survival novel. It’s a thoughtful exploration of resilience, healing, trust, and the extraordinary courage it takes to build a future after someone tried to convince you that you didn’t deserve one.
October 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this audio book Emily is a great character and my favorite character I felt like Thier was times in the story that she underestimated her self and j.d Crist definitely pulls of a fantastic zombie apocalypse I would recommend this book to lovers of zombies and post apocalyptic dystopian stories this one I highly recommend really great story and I enjoyed it a lot
January 24, 2026
This isn’t a book I would normally reach for, but it completely surprised me. From the very first page, it pulled me in and refused to let go. The pacing was sharp, the tension constant, and I found myself unable to put it down. I finished it wanting more and can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.
January 31, 2026
A strong female protagonist, her dog & zombies!
An engaging post apocalyptic thriller with a compelling female protagonist. Alone delivers great character development, strong tension, vivid atmosphere, and a believable survival journey in a brutal world. A standout zombie novel and an excellent start to the Dead Flash series.
An engaging post apocalyptic thriller with a compelling female protagonist. Alone delivers great character development, strong tension, vivid atmosphere, and a believable survival journey in a brutal world. A standout zombie novel and an excellent start to the Dead Flash series.
September 26, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. Emily trying to survive her struggles and then faced with an apocalypse on top of it with her faithful companion by her side. This book left me wanting to know where she was headed and what she will face ahead.
April 12, 2026
Great story. It was engaging as you follow the main female character and her dog. With every up and down along their way to survive not only the zombies but humanity itself.
July 10, 2026
I loved this book. Going with Emily has she grows was amazing. She doesn’t take any crap! Also loved the accent being a southerner lol
July 15, 2026
THIS BOOK WAS SUCH A GREAT BOOK ABOUT A GIRL WHO GETS STRANDED ALONE DURING THE APOCOLYPSE. SHE MUST LEARN TO BE STRONG AND DEPEND ON HERSELF AS THERE ARE MANY TWISTS AND TURNS.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews